Appendix B –
Natural Environment Assessment
APPENDIX B
MUNICIPAL CLASS EA PHASES 3 AND 4 PARKSIDE DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS FINAL Natural Environment Study Project Location: Parkside Drive Waterdown, ON
Prepared for: Delcan Corporation 4342 Queen Street, Suite 407 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 7J7
May 7, 2013
MTE File No.: 36025-100
Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................ 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................... 3 1.1 Scope of Work.................................................................................................... 4 1.2 Policy Setting ..................................................................................................... 4 2.0 METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................. 8 2.1 Sources of Background Information ................................................................... 8 2.2 Background Information Review ........................................................................ 9 2.2.1 Geological and Physiographic Features ...................................................... 9 2.2.2 Hydrogeology and Surface Water................................................................ 9 2.2.3 NHIC Rare, Threatened, Endangered and Special Concern Species ....... 10 2.2.4 Vegetation ................................................................................................. 14 2.2.5 Avifauna..................................................................................................... 14 2.2.6 Herpetofauna ............................................................................................. 16 2.2.7 Mammals ................................................................................................... 16 2.3 Biological Surveys ............................................................................................ 17 2.3.1 Vegetation ................................................................................................. 18 2.3.2 Birds .......................................................................................................... 19 2.3.3 Herpetozoa ................................................................................................ 19 2.3.4 Mammals ................................................................................................... 20 2.3.5 Lepidoptera and Odonata .......................................................................... 20 2.3.6 Fish and Aquatic Habitat............................................................................ 20 2.3.7 Significant Wildlife Habitat ......................................................................... 20 3.0 BIOPHYSICAL INVENTORY .............................................................................. 21 3.1 Vegetation Communities .................................................................................. 21 3.2 Tree Inventory and Assessment....................................................................... 26 3.3 Wildlife ............................................................................................................. 27 3.3.1 Birds .......................................................................................................... 27 3.3.2 Herpetozoa ................................................................................................ 27 3.3.3 Mammals ................................................................................................... 28 3.3.4 Lepidoptera and Odonata .......................................................................... 29 3.3.5 Fish and Aquatic Habitat............................................................................ 29 3.3.6 Significant Wildlife Habitat ......................................................................... 32 4.0
TERRAIN STRUCTURE ...................................................................................... 35
5.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT ..................................................................................... 35 5.1 Terrestrial Habitat and Wildlife ......................................................................... 37 5.2 Aquatic Habitat and Wildlife ............................................................................. 37 5.3 Core Areas ....................................................................................................... 38 5.4 Linkages ........................................................................................................... 38 5.5 Summary of Impacts ........................................................................................ 39
Parkside Drive Class EA
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6.0 BUFFERS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ........................................................ 41 6.1 Core Area Habitat Protection Measures........................................................... 41 6.2 Linkage Habitat Protection Measures .............................................................. 42 6.3 Surface Water Quality and Quantity Protection Measures ............................... 42 6.4 Tree Protection Measures ................................................................................ 43 6.5 Wildlife Protection Measures ............................................................................ 44 7.0 RE-VEGETATION PLAN/LANDSCAPE DESIGN ............................................... 44 7.1 Proposed Landscape Plan ............................................................................... 44 8.0
Monitoring .......................................................................................................... 46
9.0
RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSIONS ...................................................... 46
10.0 LIMITATIONS ...................................................................................................... 49 11.0 REFERENCES .................................................................................................... 50
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Appendix B - Page 3
FIGURES FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7
SITE LOCATION MAP SITE BOUNDARY AND STUDY AREA LAND USE DESIGNATIONS SPECIES AT RISK LOCATIONS (SOURCE: GENIVAR) EXISTING NATURAL FEATURES NATURAL FEATURE SENSITIVITY RANKINGS TREE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT A: BLOCK 1 B: BLOCK 2 C: BLOCK 3 D: BLOCK 4 E: BLOCK 5 F: BLOCK 6
TABLES (IN TEXT) TABLE 1 TABLE 2 TABLE 3 TABLE 4 TABLE 5
NHIC RARE, THREATENED, ENDANGERED AND SPECIAL CONCERN SPECIES FIELD INVENTORY SUMMARY HCA FISHERIES DATA – BORER’S CREEK AQUATIC HABITAT ASSESSMENT TREE REPLACEMENT CRITERIA
APPENDICES APPENDIX A APPENDIX B APPENDIX C APPENDIX D APPENDIX E APPENDIX F
Parkside Drive Class EA
WORK PLAN WILDLIFE REFERENCE LISTS SITE PHOTOGRAPHS VEGETATION SPECIES LIST TREE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT WILDLIFE SURVEY RESULTS
Appendix B - Page 4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY MTE Consultants Inc. (MTE) was retained by the City of Hamilton to prepare a Natural Environment Study (NES) as a component of the Environmental Study Report that will fulfill the requirements of a Schedule C (Phases 3 and 4) Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA). This report is prepared in support of proposed improvements to Parkside Drive in Waterdown, Ontario (Figure 1). A portion of Parkside Drive, from Highway 6 to 500 metres east of Churchill Avenue (the “Site”) was identified as requiring improvements, and land within approximately 120 m north and south of the Site was investigated for the purpose of this report (Figure 2).The preferred alternative includes the addition of a 4 m wide left turn lane in portions of the Site, with 1.8 m to 2.0 m wide sidewalks along both sides of the Site from the proposed Sadieloud Boulevard to the east end of the Site. Bike lanes on both sides of the road have also been proposed along the entire 3.72 km length of the Site. The project is scheduled to commence in the year 2014. The length of the proposed improvements is such that the Site falls within both the Hamilton Conservation Authority and Conservation Halton regulation limits (see Figure 2). MTE completed a review of background information provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC), City of Hamilton, Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) and Conservation Halton (CH) which included all available agency mapping. Additionally, multiple site investigations were conducted between September 2011 and August 2012 to carry out biological inventories. MTE provides the following conclusions for the Site: • • • • • • •
Parkside Drive Class EA
The majority of the surrounding landscape is comprised of residential lands, with lesser extents of culturally influenced meadow, thicket, agricultural, woodland and forest communities; Breeding Bird Surveys completed for an area just north of the Site in 2011 by GENIVAR, indicated the presence of four bird species at risk (SAR); Electrofishing efforts performed by HCA staff in Borer’s Creek, 275m upstream of Parkside Drive sampled a total of 12 species, none of which are considered SAR within Ontario; MTE performed an aquatic habitat assessment for the reaches of Borer’s Creek immediately upstream and downstream of Parkside Drive, and observed suitable habitat conditions for fish species; No significant wildlife species were observed during MTE field investigations; Core Areas, as identified through the City of Hamilton’s Official Plan, exist along Borer’s Creek, upstream of the Parkside Drive culvert and downstream of the Parkside Drive bridge at Grindstone Creek; Linkage features are located at the Site, identified through the City of Hamilton’s Official Plan;
Appendix B - Page 5
• • • •
A loss in vegetation from communities, Core Areas and Linkages within the Site will occur; however, this loss is minimal and is not anticipated to have significant adverse impacts on the overall health and function of the features; The replacement of the culvert at the Borer’s Creek crossing has the potential to result in negative impacts to the fish species and habitat within the watercourse, unless appropriate mitigation measures are undertaken; Grindstone Creek may be subject to a number of indirect effects as a result of road improvements on adjacent lands, and may experience direct impacts due to the proposed stormwater outfall into Grindstone Creek Valley; and A large number of roadside trees must be removed as they pose development constraints.
MTE makes the following recommendations: • • • • • •
• • • •
Parkside Drive Class EA
Tree preservation measures such as signage, fencing and root protection should be applied to all trees to be retained adjacent to the Site and should be maintained until construction activities are complete. Trees that pose developmental constraints should be removed in accordance with the City’s active Tree By-law and replaced as per the recommended criteria provided in Table 5 of the Natural Environment Study. Restoration efforts within and along the edges of the forest Linkage and Core Area associated with Borer’s Creek should be implemented in order to maintain the ecological function of these features. All new plantings should consist of non-invasive species that are indigenous to the Halton and Hamilton area watersheds, and should comply with the City’s and Conservation Authority’s landscaping and planting guidelines. All construction activities should occur outside of the general Breeding Bird Season timeframe of May to August. All construction-related activities should be controlled to prevent the entry of petroleum products, debris or other deleterious substances and sediment into the watercourses or significant natural features. For instance, silt fencing should be installed along the eastern extent of the construction area during road works to prevent the movement of debris into Grindstone Creek. In-stream works must be completed outside of the fish spawning timeframe of September 15th to July 15th in accordance with applicable permits and regulations, with all potential HADD addressed. Water quality and tree protection measures should be installed at the location of the proposed stormwater outfall into Grindstone Creek Valley. The removal of contaminants from surface runoff prior to entering the watercourses should be facilitated by the use of oil/grit separators (location and size details to be determined during detail design stages). Monitoring is required for implementation of tree protection and silt fencing during construction activities.
Appendix B - Page 6
1.0
INTRODUCTION
MTE Consultants Inc. (MTE) was retained by the City of Hamilton to prepare a Natural Environment Study (NES) as a component of the Environmental Study Report that will fulfill the requirements of a Schedule C (Phases 3 and 4) Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA). This report is prepared in support of proposed improvements to Parkside Drive in Waterdown, Ontario (Figure 1). A portion of Parkside Drive, from Highway 6 to 500 metres east of Churchill Avenue (the “Site”) was identified as requiring improvements, and land within approximately 120 m north and south of the Site was investigated for the purpose of this report (Figure 2).The preferred alternative includes the addition of a 4 m wide left turn lane in portions of the Site, with 1.8 m to 2.0 m wide sidewalks along both sides of the Site from the proposed Sadielou Boulevard to the east end of the Site. Bike lanes on both sides have also been proposed along the entire 3.72 kilometer length of the Site. The project is scheduled to commence in the year 2014. The length of the proposed improvements is such that the Site falls within both the Hamilton Conservation Authority and Conservation Halton regulation limits (see Figure 2). The majority of the Site is shown in the City of Hamilton Official Plan as being within urban boundaries. The Urban Hamilton Official Plan (2009) shows lands north of the Site, between Highway 6 and Hollybush Drive classified as Countryside. Schedule E-1 of the Urban Hamilton Official Plan shows lands adjacent to the Site consist predominantly of residential neighbourhoods. Land designated as Open Space are present along Borer's Creek and adjacent to the Hamilton Street and Parkside Drive intersection. Other land use designations along the Site include Institutional and Mixed Use-Medium Density. Agricultural properties are also present. The Greenbelt Plan (MAH, 2005) shows the Site as being within the designated Greenbelt lands. Those lands north of the Site, between Highway 6 and Hollybush Drive, are designated in the Greenbelt Plan as "Protected Countryside". The portion of the Site within the City of Hamilton Urban boundaries (Waterdown) is classified within the Greenbelt Plan as "Towns and Villages" within the Protected Countryside. The Plan identifies that modest growth of Towns and Villages within the Greenbelt is possible as long as water production capacities of local environment are not exceeded, plans are consistent with watershed plans, no encroachment into Natural Heritage System or Specialty Crop Areas occurs, and if all other necessary policies and requirements are met. All existing uses within the Protected Countryside are permitted, and any expansion of existing structures within these lands is permitted as long as it is demonstrated that no other suitable alternatives exist.
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Appendix B - Page 7
1.1
Scope of Work
Preparation of this NES consisted of three distinct parts; 1) background information review, 2) biological surveys, and 3) data interpretation and reporting. Work Plan MTE prepared the Work Plan for a Natural Environment Study in support of a Schedule C Class EA, (Phases 3 and 4) in accordance with the Terms of Reference provided by the City of Hamilton Planning and Economic Development Department. The Work Plan was originally submitted for approval to the City of Hamilton on August 10, 2011. Adjustments were made to the Work Plan throughout the course of the project and the final Work Plan was submitted and approved in July, 2012. A copy of the Work Plan is provided in Appendix A. 1.2
Policy Setting
Fisheries Act The Fisheries Act (DFO, 2010) defines fish habitat as: "Spawning grounds and nursery, rearing, food supply and migration areas on which fish depend directly or indirectly in order to carry out their life processes" (Section 34(1)). Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) overall objective is to obtain a Net Gain in the productive capacity of fish habitat. In order to do this, they work with organizations and other government agencies to ensure that all proposed projects are designed in such a way that the productive capacity of fish habitat is maintained. Activities such as obstruction of fish habitat via the installation of any material that may impede fish movement, destruction of fish, deposition of deleterious or harmful substances into fish habitat, or harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat (HADD) are all prohibited under the Fisheries Act (DFO, 2010). If, upon DFO’s review of the project proposal, a HADD is expected to occur as a result of proposed project work, a permit must be obtained from DFO prior to project commencement. Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) The policies provided in Section 1.6: Infrastructure and Public Services Facilities of the PPS are applicable due to the proposed public road improvements comprising the scope of the overall project at hand. To adhere to Policy 1.6.5, it must be ensured that the preferred alternative chosen for the project provides a transportation system that is safe, energy efficient and aims to minimize the number and length of vehicle trips using the system. The proposed improvements must not compromise the connectivity between transportation systems, and must integrate transportation and land-use considerations at each stage of the planning process. To adhere to Policy 1.6.6: Transportation and Infrastructure Corridors it must be ensured that all new corridors and right-of-ways meet current and projected needs, and that the integrity and function of existing corridors (active or abandoned) are maintained. In addition, in compliance with
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Appendix B - Page 8
Policy 1.6.6.4 all new corridors and right-of-way planning must consider surrounding natural heritage, cultural, water, agricultural and mineral resources, as discussed below and in Section 2.0 of the PPS. Provincial interests within the study area include natural features, water quantity and quality, and protecting public health and safety from natural hazards. Sections 2.1 (Natural Heritage), 2.2 (Water), and 3.1 (Natural Hazards) of the PPS are applicable. Additional information and assistance with the Natural Heritage polices provided in the above sections of the PPS is provided within the Natural Heritage Reference Manual (MNR, 2010). In accordance with Section 2.1 of the PPS, this report will consider the protection of natural features and areas at the Site including the maintenance of ecological function and biodiversity of Natural Heritage Systems. To adhere to the PPS, any Site modification should not negatively impact areas of significant habitat of endangered/threatened species, Significant Wetlands, Significant Woodlands, Significant Valleylands, SWH or Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSIs) on or adjacent to the Site. In accordance with Section 2.2 of the PPS, this report will identify/propose methods to protect, improve or restore the quality and quantity of water associated with surface water features at the Site. To adhere to the PPS, development shall be restricted in or near sensitive surface and groundwater features and their related hydrologic functions will be protected, improved or restored. Section 2.3 of the PPS defines wildlife habitat as “areas where plants, animals, and other organisms live, and find adequate amounts of food, water, shelter, and spaces needed to sustain their populations.” According to the PPS, habitat is considered significant where it is “ecologically important in terms of features, functions, representation or amount and contributing to the quality and diversity of an identifiable geographic area or Natural Heritage System’. (MAH, 2005) In accordance with Section 3.1 of the PPS, this report will consider hazardous lands adjacent to rivers and streams which are impacted by flooding and erosion. To adhere to the PPS, development shall generally be directed outside areas of hazardous lands adjacent to rivers and streams which are impacted by flooding and erosion hazards. Greenbelt Plan The Greenbelt Plan (2005) protects 1.8 million acres of land within the Golden Horseshoe. Under the authority of the Greenbelt Act (2005), the overall goals of the plan are to protect agricultural lands and environmental features, promote culture, recreation and tourism, maintain the character of the countryside and rural settlements, protect all natural resources and promote sustainable development. Section 2 of the Plan describes the lands receiving protection. These lands include those within the Niagara Escarpment Plan, the Oak Ridges Moraine Area, Parkway Belt West Plan Area and Protected Countryside. The spatial extent, function and connection of agricultural
Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 9
and environmentally protected lands within the Protected Countryside is promoted by the Greenbelt Plan. The Plan also identified “Towns and Villages” which include settlement areas located throughout the Protected Countryside. As portions of the Site are designated “Protected Countryside” within the Greenbelt Plan, the policy framework within Section 4.2.1 will apply. To adhere to Policy 4.2.1.1 all existing, expanding and proposed infrastructure that falls under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and the Environmental Assessment Act will be permitted only if one of the two following conditions are met: • •
The proposed project supports agriculture, recreation and tourism, rural settlement areas, resource use or the rural economic activity that exists and is permitted within the Greenbelt; or The proposed project serves the significant growth and economic development expected in southern Ontario beyond the Greenbelt by providing for the appropriate infrastructure connections among urban growth centres and between these centres and Ontario’s borders.
In accordance with Policy 4.2.1.2 of the Greenbelt Plan all proposed expansions, extensions, maintenance and operations of existing infrastructure must be completed with minimal negative impacts to Natural Heritage System features. Wherever possible, the crossing and loss of Key Natural Heritage and Hydrological Features must be avoided and connectivity between features maintained. Conservation Authorities Act Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act, requires all Conservation Authorities (CAs) to regulate wetlands, shorelines and inter-connecting channels within their respective watersheds. This Act requires each CA to have their own Development, Interference with Wetlands, and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses policy in place in order to assist in such regulations. As outlined in Hamilton Conservation Authority’s (HCA) Regulation 161/06 and Conservation Halton’s (CH) Regulation 162/06 any construction or development is regulated in areas that are adjacent to or containing watercourses (including any river, creek, stream, floodplain or adjacent land). Pursuant to HCA Regulation 161/06, development is prohibited within a watercourse, within 15 m of the stable top of bank of a major watercourse and within 7.5 m of a greater floodplain limit or predicted meander belt width of a watercourse associated with a minor valley system. CH’s Regulation 162/06 regulates watercourses, as well as lands located within 15 m of the greatest hazard associated with a major watercourse and 7.5 m from the limit of the greatest hazard associated with a minor watercourse. Such hazardous lands include valleylands, floodplains and hazards associated with meander belt erosion. Exceptions exist in areas where existing development already occurs and where the proposed works will not encroach any further than the existing development already does and where no other reasonable alternative exists. In addition, exceptions for works related to public infrastructure (i.e. roads crossing watercourse) may be possible if the need for the
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project is clearly outlined, if the disturbance is kept to a minimum, stream erosion hazards are properly addressed, and if it can be shown that the function of ecological linkages will be maintained or, if possible, enhanced. Mapping indicates that a watercourse, Borer's Creek, is present on Site within Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) regulated lands, crossing Parkside Drive. A section of a major watercourse, Grindstone Creek, is present within Conservation Halton regulated lands, at the eastern extent of the Study Area. In general, these regulations require that all activities resulting in any kind of alteration to a watercourse (straighten, divert, change or interference) will require written approval from HCA or CH prior to project commencement. City of Hamilton Urban Hamilton Official Plan (2009) The majority of the Site is within lands designated as “Urban Hamilton” The Ministry Approved Urban Hamilton Official Plan (2011) is under appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board and is thus not currently in effect. Chapter C, and Schedule B within the Council Adopted Urban Hamilton Official Plan (July 9, 2009) identifies a matrix of locally and provincially significant natural areas and the lands between them (including Core Areas and Linkages) that comprise the Natural Heritage System. Through the protection, restoration and enhancement of these features, the goal of the Natural Heritage System is to maintain connectivity of natural areas across the landscape and ultimately preserve the biodiversity and long-term health and viability of the system. Schedule B: Natural Heritage System in the Urban Hamilton Official Plan indicates that Core Area and Linkage features are present within the Site. Section 2.2.3 of Chapter C states that Core Areas and Linkages are generally mapped and minor refinements to those boundaries may occur through an Environmental Impact Study (EIS), watershed studies or other appropriate studies. In order to remove or add Core Areas an amendment to the City’s Official Plan is required. The Urban Hamilton official plan further states natural features and ecological functions of Core Areas shall be protected and enhanced, by restricting vegetation removal and encroachment into these areas. Appropriate vegetation protection zones should be applied to all Core Areas. Linkages are smaller and less significant features than Core Areas, but as remnant natural features serve to connect Core Areas and therefore shall be protected and enhanced in order to sustain the Natural Heritage System where possible. In areas where new development or site alterations are proposed within a linkage, applicants should prepare a Linkage Assessment, which can be incorporated into an EIS. The Linkage Assessment is to be completed in accordance with Policy F.3.2.1.11. The Urban Hamilton Official Plan indicates that components of the Key Natural Heritage Feature (KNHF) system are located within and adjacent to the Site. Significant
Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 11
Woodland has been identified adjacent to the Site due to its proximity (within 30 m) to Borer’s Creek. The wooded lands immediately surrounding Grindstone Creek, on the north side of Parkside Drive, have also been identified as Significant Woodland. Development or site alteration is not permitted within Significant Woodlands, unless it can be demonstrated that no negative impacts to the feature or its natural functions will occur as a result. Rural Hamilton Official Plan A small portion of the Site along the north side of Parkside Drive from Highway 6 to Chatsworth Crescent is located within lands designated as “Rural Hamilton”. The formerly appealed Rural Hamilton Official Plan was approved and came into effect on March 7, 2012. This plan provides a policy framework for the rural areas of Hamilton, not included within the Urban Hamilton Official Plan (2011). Like the Urban Hamilton Official Plan, a Natural Heritage System has been identified that is comprised of a matrix of locally and provincially significant natural areas and the lands between them (including Core Areas and Linkages). Schedule B: Natural Heritage System in the Rural Hamilton Official Plan indicates that the rural lands of the Site are within the Greenbelt Protected Countryside, and as such will comply with the policy framework of the Greenbelt Plan (2005). No Core Areas or Linkages are present within this portion of the Site. Tree By-Law The City's Tree By-Law No. 06-151 (2006) has been developed through the Forestry Division of the City's Public Works Department. It regulates the planting, maintenance and preservation of trees in or affecting public property. This by-law applies to all trees on City of Hamilton property as well as trees located on privately-owned land that may pose a threat or hazard to persons or property on public lands. The City's Public Tree Removal Policy is an addition to By-Law No. 06-151, and applies to all trees on public property under the jurisdiction of the City of Hamilton. Upon determination of the necessity for removal of public trees (greater than 25 in total) for proposed Planning and Development projects, a letter of intent including landscape and tree management plans must be sent to the Forestry and Horticulture Section. Subsequent approval from the Council is required prior to all work commencement. Land use designations within the Site are illustrated on Figure 3.
2.0
METHODOLOGY
2.1
Sources of Background Information
Background data collection for the Site included a literature and database search as well as requests for information. The following information was reviewed in preparation of this report:
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Appendix B - Page 12
• • • • • • • • • 2.2
A review of topographic and survey maps, soil maps, geology maps, aerial photographs, Ontario base maps and any other available relevant maps; A review of land use of the Site and surrounding properties, including the location of buildings, residential land use and the location of surface water; A review of applicable policies and regulations including the City of Hamilton Official Plan and the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS); A review of the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA), Conservation Halton (CH), City of Hamilton and Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) information on the Site; A review of the MNR Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) file of the Site and adjacent lands; A review of the Halton Natural Areas Inventory (2006), and Nature Counts Project: Hamilton Natural Areas Inventory (2003); A review of the Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide (MNR, 2000); A review of Breeding Bird Atlas, Atlas of Mammals in Ontario and Herpetofaunal Atlas data of the area (Cadman et al. 2005, Dobbyn 1994 and Oldham 2000, respectively); and A review of reports and correspondence provided to MTE by the client. Background Information Review 2.2.1 Geological and Physiographic Features
The Property is located within the physiographic region known as the Flamborough Plain. This region consists of an isolated limestone plain approximately 150 square miles, on the Niagara cruesta northwest of Hamilton, spanning Flamborough Township and extending north to Acton. Overall, the plain consists of shallow and poor soil. However, a small number of drumlins are present in the plain and it is in these areas that good cultivated soil exists. Swamps are plentiful in this plain (Chapman and Putnam, 1984). 2.2.2 Hydrogeology and Surface Water Groundwater is interpreted to be flowing in a southerly direction towards Lake Ontario. A watercourse, Borer's Creek, is located between Duncan Avenue and Braihead Avenue, and is a sub-watershed within the Spencer Creek watershed. It flows in a southerly direction, perpendicular to Parkside Drive. The watercourse is directed via a concrete box culvert underneath Parkside Drive, where it emerges and continues south of the road where it eventually drains into Hamilton Harbour/Lake Ontario. The temperature regime of the watercourse has not been classified. Lands adjacent to Borer's Creek within the Study Area boundaries consist of lowland deciduous forest. A portion of Grindstone Creek is located at the eastern extent of the Site, approximately 500 m east of Churchill Avenue. Like Borer’s Creek, it flows in a southerly direction, and bisects Parkside Drive underneath a concrete bridge. South of the Site, bounded by
Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 13
Snake Road and Dundas Street (to the north), Waterdown Road (to the east), Spring Gardens Road (to the south) and Highway 6 (to the west) is the location of the Grindstone Creek Valley. The northern portion of this area has designations as both a Provincial Earth Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) and a Life Science ANSI. Within this area, Grindstone Creek deeply dissects the Niagara Escarpment, creating a valleyland. Within the southern portion of the Grindstone Creek Valley, the area widens into a floodplain which extends to the Hamilton Harbour. Within this area exists the Hendrie Valley-Lambs Hollow Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) and the Hendrie Valley Regional Life Science ANSI. A review of the HNAI (2006) indicates that Clappison Escarpment Woods has been designated as an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) by Halton Region as well as the City of Hamilton. It is located outside of the Study Area boundaries, northwest of Grindstone Creek Valley, south of Dundas Street between Highway 6 and Mountainbrow Road. It is within this ESA that three tributaries of Grindstone Creek arise. Four tributaries then flow out of a southern extension Clappison Escarpment Woods and into the northern portion of Bridgeview Valley, a Halton Region-designated ESA. According to the Halton NAI (2006), Grindstone Creek has a role as a major groundwater discharge area, and its well vegetated banks provides erosion prevention, thus helping to maintain overall surface water quality of the system. (HNAI. 2006) Roadside drainage ditches exist in portions of the Site that have yet to receive sewers. 2.2.3 NHIC Rare, Threatened, Endangered and Special Concern Species A search of the NHIC database was completed to obtain updated records of species-atrisk within the vicinity of the Site. According to the MNR’s NHIC there are significant, threatened and endangered species of animals and plants located on and/or in the vicinity of the Site which are presented in Table 1. Some of these species have the potential to occur at the site, but due to the scope of the project and the absence of any observations of these species during field investigations, it is presumed that no impact to them will occur.
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Table 1: NHIC Rare, Threatened, Endangered and Species of Special Concern SRank
COSEWIC
SARO
G5
S3
SC
SC
Last Observed 1986
Timber Rattlesnake
G4
SX
EXP
EXP
1950
Cordulegaster obliqua
Arrowhead Spiketail
G4
S2
-
-
1931
Erynnis martialis
Mottled Duskywing
G3
S2
-
-
2006
Aplectrum hyemale
Puttyroot
G5
S2
-
-
1889
Asclepias variegata
White Milkweed
G5
SX
-
-
1870
Aureolaria pedicularia
Fern-leaved Yellow False Foxglove
G5
S2?
-
-
1888
Aureolaria virginica
Downy Yellow False Foxglove
G5
S1
-
-
1857
Carex albicans var. albicans
White-tinged Sedge
G5T4T5
S3
-
-
1980
Carya glabra
Pignut Hickory
G5
S3
-
-
1980
Castanea dentata
American Chestnut
G4
S2
END
END
1993
Chimaphila maculata
Spotted Wintergreen
G5
S1
END
END
1886
Crataegus brainerdii
Brainerd's Hawthorn
G5
S2
-
-
1981
Crataegus dissona
Northern Hawthorn
G4G5
S3
-
-
1981
Dichanthelium dichotomum
Forked Panic Grass
G5
S2
-
-
1854
Scientific Name
Common Name
Lampropeltis triangulum
Milksnake
Crotalus horridus
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GRank
Appendix B - Page 15
SRank
COSEWIC
SARO
Last Observed
G5T5?
S3
-
-
1956
Burning Bush
G5
S3
-
-
1973
Frasera caroliniensis
American Columbo
G5
S2
END
END
2001
Hieracium paniculatum
Panicled Hawkweed
G5
S2?
-
-
1956
Hypoxis hirsuta
Yellow Stargrass
G5
S3
-
-
1898
Monarda didyma
Scarlet Beebalm
G5
S3
-
-
1950
Morus rubra
Red Mulberry
G5
S2
END
END
2004
Nuphar advena
Large Yellow Pond-lily
G5T5
S3
-
-
1952
Oenothera pilosella
Pillose Evening Primrose
G5
S2
-
-
1977
G4G5T4
S2
-
-
n/a
G4
S2
-
-
1978
G4G5
SX
-
-
n/a
Pterospora andromedea Woodland Pinedrops
G5
S2
-
-
1902
Sabatia angularis
Square-stemmed Rose Pink
G5
SX
-
-
n/a
Sphenopholis nitida
Shiny Wedge Grass
G5
S1
-
-
1988
Trichophorum clintonii
Clinton's Clubrush
G4
S2S3
-
-
1954
Scientific Name
Common Name
Dichanthelium ovale ssp. praecocius
White-haired Panic Grass
Euonymus atropurpureus
Onosmodium molle ssp. Soft-hairy False Gromwell hispidissimum Platanthera macrophylla Large Round-leaved Orchid Porteranthus trifoliatus
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Bowman's-root
GRank
Appendix B - Page 16
Scientific Name
Common Name
Uvularia perfoliata
Perfoliate Bellwort
GRank G5
SRank
COSEWIC
SARO
Last Observed
S1
-
-
2001
Source: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC, 2012) Legend: COSEWIC SARO SC END EXP “-“ GRank G3 G4 G5 G#G# SRank S1 S2 S3 SX T# “?”
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Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada Species at Risk in Ontario Special Concern Endangered Extirpated No status available Global Rank Rare to Uncommon Common Very Common Range in Rank Provincial Rank Critically Imperiled Imperiled Vulnerable Presumed Extirpated Infraspecific Taxon (refers to subspecies or variety) Inexact Numeric Rank
Appendix B - Page 17
Butternut (Juglans cinerea) is not noted within the NHIC search however it was noted in New East-West and Waterdown Road Corridor by GENIVAR (2011). Locations of the Butternut trees recorded by GENIVAR are shown on Figure 4; an additional Butternut was noted along Borer’s Creek during a Natural Heritage Assessment completed by Dillon Consulting Limited in 2010. As improvements to Parkside Drive are not proposed within the area of Butternut observations, no implications are expected. Any overlap between observations within the NHIC, HNAI and wildlife atlases is discussed in Section 3.0. 2.2.4 Vegetation During the first phase of the investigation, background information was obtained from the MNR and NHIC. Prior to field visits the vegetation communities, linkages and corridors were delineated in aerial photographs. Community boundaries and descriptions delineated in the aerial photographs were confirmed during Site visits. A search through the MNR’s NHIC database did not reveal any significant vegetation communities including Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSW), Significant Woodlands and Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSIs) within the Study Area boundaries. However, a review of the Urban Hamilton Official Plan identifies a Core Area (Significant Woodland) within the Study Area boundaries, comprised of the lands surrounding reaches of Grindstone Creek. A Core Area has also been identified within the Plan as existing along reaches of Borer’s Creek, just upstream of Parkside Drive, although the Significant Woodland portion of this feature is located further upstream, outside of the Study Area. The Logies Creek-Parkside Drive PSW has also been identified as being located in lands north of the Study Area, associated with the Significant Woodland feature and Borer’s Creek (Dillon, 2009); however, due to the distance of this feature from the Site, no impacts to it are anticipated. 2.2.5 Avifauna A breeding bird species list was generated from the Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario (Cadmen et al., 2005) for the 10km X 10km atlas squares that contain the Site. The Atlas identifies that observations of SAR have been recorded within the vicinity of the Site. Species designated as Endangered under both SARO and the Species at Risk Act (SARA) include Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), Barn Owl (Tyto alba), Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens), Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) and Henslow’s Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii). Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis), Chimney Swift and Whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferous) are designated as Threatened both provincially and federally. Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens virens) is designated as a species of Special Concern provincially and federally. A number of species are designated Special Concern in Ontario, but are considered Threatened federally including Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), Goldenwinged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera), Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrine), and Canada Warbler (Wilsonia canadensis). Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and
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Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) are species of Special Concern within Ontario but are considered Not at Risk federally. Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark are considered Not at Risk federally, yet received protection provincially (Threatened). Peregrine Falcon and Barn Swallow are Threatened in Ontario, yet only Special Concern and not listed, respectively, within Canada. The species list generated from the Atlas is presented in Appendix B. Of the species identified within the Atlas, a total of 27 were identified within the Region of Halton and Hamilton as “Rare” (McIlveen, 2006 and Dwyer, 2003). One species, Barn Owl (Tyto alba), was identified as “Extirpated” within Halton. Rare species identified include: Aegolius acadicus Anas acuta Asio otus Botaurus lentiginosus Buteo platypterus Caprimulgus vociferus Cardellina canadensis Chordelies minor Coccyzus americanus Dendroica caerulescens Dendroica coronata Dendroica magnolia Falco peregrinus Haliaeetus leucocephalus Ixobrychus exilis Melanerpes erythrocephalus Pandion haliaetus Phasianus colchicus Seiurus motacilla Thryothorus ludovicianus Vermivora chrysoptera Vermivora chrysoptera Vermivora pinus x Vermivora chrysoptera Vermivora ruficapilla Vireo flavifrons Wilsonia citrina
Northern Saw-whet Owl Northern Pintail Long-eared Owl American Bittern Broad-winged Hawk Whip-poor-will Canada Warbler Common Nighthawk Yellow-bellied Cuckoo Black-throated Blue Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Magnolia Warbler Peregrine Falcon Bald Eagle Least Bittern Red-headed Woodpecker Osprey Ring-necked Pheasant Luoisiana Waterthrush Carolina Wren Lawrence’s Warbler Golden-winged Warbler Brewster’s Warbler Nashville Warbler Yellow-throated Vireo Hooded Warbler
Although being identified as rare, due to the scope of the project no implications or negative impacts to these species are anticipated, and an abundance in suitable habitat is available off-Site. The list of priority bird species for the Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth compiled by Bird Studies Canada (Couturier, 1999) is also provided in Appendix B; it includes those species with the designations endangered, threatened and special
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concern on the Provincial level. The priority levels are listed from highest (level 1) to lowest (level 4) for the Municipality. 2.2.6 Herpetofauna A herpetofaunal species list was generated from the Ontario Herpetofaunal Atlas (Oldham, 2000) for the approximate 10km X 10km atlas squares that contain the Site. The Atlas identifies the presence of SAR within the vicinity of the Site. Eastern Milksnake (species of Special Concern) was identified in both the NHIC database (see Table 1) and the Herpetofaunal Atlas. The species list generated from the Atlas is presented in Appendix B. Of the species identified within the Atlas, a total of nine were identified within the Region of Halton and Hamilton as “Rare” (Curry, 2006 and Dwyer, 2003). Salamanders Ambystoma laterale Blue-spotted Salamander Hemidactylium scutatum Four-toed Salamander Necturus maculosus Common Mudpuppy Snakes Diadophis punctatus edwardsi Northern Ringneck Snake Liochlorophis vernalis Smooth Green Snake Turtles Apalone spinifera spinifera Eastern Spiny Softshell Emydoidea blandingi Blanding’s Turtle Graptemys geographica Map Turtle Sternotherus odoratus Common Musk Turtle
Although these species were identified as rare, due to the scope of the project no implications or negative impacts to the species are anticipated, and an abundance in suitable habitat is available off-Site. 2.2.7 Mammals A mammal species list was generated from the Atlas of the Mammals of Ontario (Dobbyn, 1994) for the 10km X 10km atlas squares that contain the Site. Observations of SAR within the vicinity of the Site are identified within the Atlas. This species list is presented in Appendix B.
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Of the species identified within the Atlas, a total of six were identified within the Region of Halton and Hamilton as “Rare” (Dwyer et al., 2006). Glaucomys sabrinus Lepus americanus Microtus pinetorum Mustela ermine Sorex palustris Ursus americanus
Northern Flying Squirrel Snowshoe Hare Woodland Vole Short-tailed Weasel Water Shrew Black Bear
Although being identified as rare, due to the scope of the project no implications or negative impacts to these species are anticipated, and an abundance in suitable habitat is available off-Site. 2.3
Biological Surveys
To verify and supplement information regarding the biophysical inventory for the Site, field inventories were conducted using the following methods and protocols. Field inventories were carried out on the Site from September 2011 to August 2012 and included amphibian surveys, vegetation surveys, Ecological Land Classification, tree inventory and health assessment survey, incidental wildlife surveys, and a fish habitat assessment. Table 2 provides a summary of field inventories conducted as part of the study. All Site photographs are included in Appendix C. Table 2: Field Inventory Summary Site Visit (date and time) September 9, 2011
Personnel on Site Barbara Hard
May 1, 2012 10:2910:45pm
Erin Donkers Steve Russell
May 15, 2012 9 am – 12pm
Barbara Hard Erin Donkers
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Feature(s) completed Significant species/habitat; vegetation community condition assessment; general flora inventory (fall season); incidental observations* Amphibian survey
Significant species/habitat; vegetation community condition assessment; general flora inventory (spring ephemerals); incidental observations*
Weather conditions
Other notes/ comments
Clear- partly cloudy Wind: 0-5 km/hr ~ 9 degrees C ~ 22 degrees C
Calls recorded
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Table 2: Field Inventory Summary (cont’d…) Site Visit (date and time) May 24, 2012 10 – 11pm July 18, 2012 12:00 – 12:33 pm August 16, 2012 8am – 4pm
August 21, 2012 8am – 2:45pm
Personnel on Site
Feature(s) completed
Erin Donkers Steve Marion
Amphibian Survey
Linette Keller Steve Russell
Amphibian Survey
Kim Logan Erin Donkers
Significant species/habitat; vegetation community condition assessment; general flora inventory (summer observations* Significant species/habitat; vegetation community condition assessment; general flora inventory (summer season); tree assessment; fish habitat assessment; incidental observations*
Kim Logan Erin Donkers
Weather conditions
Other notes/ comments
Overcast Wind: 0-5 km/hr ~ 22 degrees C Clear Wind: 5-10 km/hr ~ 20 degrees C Sunny, clear Wind: 0-5 km/hr ~ 26 degrees C
Calls recorded
Sunny, clear Wind: 0-5 km/hour ~ 23 degrees C
Site walked from Braeheid St. to southwest end of Site.
Calls recorded
Site walked from northeast end to Braeheid St.
* Incidental observations of wildlife include mammals, Herpetezoa, Odonata and Lepidoptera. 2.3.1
Vegetation
A three-season vegetation inventory was completed on September 9, 2011 (fall season), May 15 and August 16 and 21, 2012 (spring and summer seasons, respectively). Vegetation communities found were described in accordance with Ecological Land Classification (ELC) for Southern Ontario (Lee et al., 1998) which includes general notes on disturbance, topography and state of the vegetation community. Where plant species could not be identified in the field, specimens were collected for verification and/or photos were taken. Species significance or rarity on a national, provincial, regional and local level was based on published literature and standard status lists. These included COSEWIC (2012), COSSARO (2012), NHIC (2012), Hamilton NAI (Dwyer, 2003) and the Vascular Plants of Halton Region, Ontario checklist provided within the HNAI (Crins et al. 2006). An inventory and assessment of City-planted trees and shrubs located adjacent to the Site was completed on August 16th and 21st, 2012. The assessment included identification of species, measurements of diameter-at-breast-height (DBH) as well as an assessment of the general health of the tree (poor, fair or good). A re-vegetation
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and landscape plan has been developed in order to replace those species for which removal is necessary to accommodate the proposed road improvements. This plan is further discussed in Section 7.1, below. 2.3.2
Birds
MTE did not complete Breeding Bird Surveys as part of this study. As approved through the City of Hamilton’s Work Plan (Appendix A) the previously completed breeding bird surveys for the proposed New East-West and Waterdown Road Corridor were to be used (the surveys were completed by GENIVAR in 2011 as part of their Class EA Phase 2/3 SAR Survey report). This protocol requires a minimum of two surveys to be completed during the breeding season between May and July. Surveys are to be completed between half an hour before sunrise until midday. Surveys were completed by GENIVAR by using a combination of established breeding bird point count stations as well as walking the entirety of the study area and recording all audio and visual observations of breeding birds. The first set of breeding bird surveys was completed between May 22 and 29, 2011. The second set of surveys was completed between June 11 and June 18, 2011. The third set of surveys was completed between June 25 and July 3, 2011. There were at least 13 days between all sets. In addition to the breeding bird surveys, surveys specifically completed to target avian SAR were completed. These inventories occurred between May 21 – June 12, 2011 and June 18 – July 10, 2012 and were in accordance with OBBA protocols. Bird species significance on a national, provincial, regional and local level was based on published literature and current status lists. These included COSEWIC (2012), COSSARO (2012), OBBA (2012), Hamilton NAI (Dwyer, 2003) and the Birds of Halton Region, Ontario species checklist provided within the HNAI (McIlveen, 2006). 2.3.3
Herpetozoa
Incidental observations of reptiles and amphibians were recorded during Site visits. An amphibian survey was completed according to the Marsh Monitoring Program (MMP) for Bird Studies Canada. This protocol requires a total of three surveys to be completed between April and July. As per protocol requirements, surveys were completed at least 15 days apart, and took place between one half hour after sunset and midnight. Minimum air temperatures requirements were followed (5°C first visit, 10°C second visit and 17°C third visit). The species and direction of any amphibians heard within a 100m radius semi-circle from the established monitoring station will be recorded. Species significance on a national, provincial, regional and local level were based on COSEWIC (2012), COSSARO (2012), NHIC (2012), Hamilton NAI (Dwyer, 2003) and the Herpetofauna of Halton Region, Ontario checklist provided within the HNAI (Curry, 2006). The locations of amphibian monitoring stations are shown on Figure 5.
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2.3.4
Mammals
Incidental observations of mammal species was based on visual evidence including indirect evidence such as tracks, scat, burrows, dens and browse. Species significance on a national, provincial, regional and local level were based on COSEWIC (2012), COSSARO (2012), NHIC (2012)), Hamilton NAI (Dwyer, 2003) and the Mammals of Halton Region, Ontario checklist provided within the HNAI (Dwyer et al., 2006). 2.3.5 Lepidoptera and Odonata Incidental observations of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) and Odonata (dragonfly) species were recorded during each Site visit. Species significance on a national, provincial, regional and local level was based on COSEWIC (2012), COSSARO (2012), NHIC (2012), Hamilton NAI (Dwyer, 2003) and the Butterflies of Halton Region, Ontario: a Preliminary List and the Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonota) of Halton Region, Ontario provided within the HNAI (Wormington 2006 and Rothfels 2006, respectively). 2.3.6
Fish and Aquatic Habitat
The original approved City of Hamilton Work Plan outlined use of the DFO/MTO Protocols however, due to the qualifications of MTE staff that completed the assessment; the methodology instead followed the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (Stanfield, 2010). Assessments were completed for sections of Borer’s Creek and Grindstone Creek located just north and south of where they cross Parkside Drive. The assessment involved looking at upstream, midstream and downstream reaches of the watercourse, assessing and noting watercourse characteristics such as the presence of pools and riffles, depth, substrate, cover, bank conditions and type of riparian vegetation. Background information related to fish and fish habitat was completed as part of the update. Fish sampling was not required by the Conservation Authorities (Hamilton and Halton) and as such was not completed as part of the scope of this study. The locations of the aquatic habitat assessment are shown on Figure 5. 2.3.7 Significant Wildlife Habitat Observations made during field investigations formed the basis of the identification of significant wildlife habitat at the Site. Criteria provided in the Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide (MNR, 2000) were utilized in order to determine the potential for significant wildlife habitat to be present at the Site. Significant wildlife habitats are separated into the following categories: Seasonal Concentration Areas: areas where species occur in aggregations at certain times of the year. Rare Vegetation Communities: areas with vegetation communities considered rare on a provincial level or within the planning area.
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Specialized Wildlife Habitats: areas that support species with very specific habitat requirements. Species/Habitats of Conservation Concern: areas that support species that have been identified as endangered or threatened by COSEWIC (but not protected in regulation under Ontario’s Species at Risk Act), rare species, or ones that are currently experiencing substantial declines; and Animal Movement Corridors: naturally-vegetated areas of the landscape in which animals use to move from one habitat to another. These can consist of a variety of features such as riparian zones, river valleys, woodlands, and anthropogenic features such as fencerows and hydro corridors.
3.0
BIOPHYSICAL INVENTORY
3.1
Vegetation Communities
A three season field inventory was conducted in September 2011, May and August 2012. In addition, an inventory and health assessment of all trees located on Cityowned property that may be impacted by the proposed road widening was completed. The tree assessment is discussed in more detail in Section 6.1 of this report. Field inventories of the plant species present at the Site were compiled and are presented in Appendix D. A total of 179 plant species were recorded during the site visits; 45.8% of the species found on-site are non-native. This high proportion of non-native species is typical of such a highly anthropogenically-influenced Site. The majority of the Site consists of residential and commercial properties, as well as institutional uses (i.e. schools, recreational centres, churches). Vegetation communities in non-residential/commercial/institutional lands were described in accordance with the ELC for Southern Ontario protocol (Lee et al., 1998). General notes on disturbance, topography and state of each vegetation community were also documented. ELC mapping for the vegetation communities on-Site are illustrated on Figure 5. The following vegetation communities were identified at the Site: Agricultural (AG) Active agricultural lands are located predominantly within the southwestern end of the Site, as well as a small area at the northeastern end. These agricultural properties consisted mainly of hayfields and have associated residential dwellings on each property. Dry-Moist Old Field Meadow Type (CUM1-1) The majority of this community is located within the southwestern side of the Site. This community is dominated by common meadow species such as Queen Anne’s Lace
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(Daucus corota), Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Goldenrod species (Solidago spp.), Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) and pasture grass species such as Timothy (Phleum pretense). This community is open (less than 25% tree and shrub cover) and has a large proportion of non-native species, indicative of a disturbed area, subject to anthropogenic impacts. Evidence of anthropogenic disturbance exists as bike tracks, trails and walking paths and are present within many parts of these areas. Mineral Cultural Woodland Ecosite (CUW1) This ecosite is located between Mill Street North and Main Street North and is surrounded by residential properties. The majority of this community is comprised of woodland with mineral soil and tree cover between 35% and 60%. Smaller proportions of open areas are present throughout the community and are classified as CUM1-1 inclusions. Woody plant species within the CUW1 community include Norway and Manitoba Maples (Acer platanoides and Acer negundo, respectively), Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides), Red-Osier Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera), Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Virginia Creeper (Pathenocissus quinquefolia) and Wild Grape (Vitis riparia). Common herbaceous species within this community include Goldenrod, Smooth Bromegrass (Bromus inermis) and Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata). The meadow inclusions contain a plant composition similar to the one described above for CUM1-1. Evidence of early stages of woodland succession is evident within the meadow inclusions. The close proximity of this community to residential neighbourhoods suggests that it is a disturbed and athropogenically-influenced area. Fresh-Moist Lowland Deciduous Forest Ecosite (FOD7) Two features were identified within the Study Area as possessing features characteristic of a Fresh-Moist Lowland Deciduous Forest Ecosite (FOD7). FOD7 Area 1 One of these FOD7 ecosite areas is located approximately 470m northeast of Highway 6, on the south side of Parkside Drive. This is a small forested area, representing one of the few remaining natural communities at the Site, and comprising a portion of a Linkage feature (as identified within the City of Hamilton’s Official Plan). It is located at a lower elevation than the immediate adjacent lands, and has fresh-moist soil moisture. A higher proportion of plant species were observed within the subcanopy and understory than that seen within the canopy, indicating that this is a young-aged forest. Tree cover in this area is greater than 60% and is comprised of deciduous species such as American Basswood (Tilia americana), Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), White Elm (Ulmus Americana), Black Walnut, and Trembling Aspen. Shrub species such as dogwoods, and Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), as well as an abundance of vine species including Virginia Creeper, Wild Grape and Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) are also present.
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Small depressions in the forest floor were present throughout the ecosite and evidence of occasional pooling of water within these areas was observed. A mixture of upland herbaceous species such as Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum) and Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum) were observed among species common to wet sites (associated with the wet depressions) including Sensitive Fern (Onaclea sensibilis), Brown Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea), and Dark Green Bulrush (Scirpus atrovirens). FOD7 Area 2 The lands adjacent to Borer’s Creek, immediately upstream of the culvert at Parkside Drive have also been identified as an FOD7 ecosite. Very typical of many of the community types within the FOD7 ecosite, this area is associated with the low-lying riparian zone and banks of a watercourse (Borer’s Creek). Herbaceous ground cover vegetation consisted of upland species such as Tall Meadowrue (Thalictrum pubescens), Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), White Sweet Clover (Melilotus alba), goldenrods and Garlic Mustard, intermixed with species common in moist conditions such as Spotted Joe-pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum), Jewelweed and Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea). The vine species Riverbank Grape (Vitis riparia) is also abundant in the understory and ground layer. Aquatic in-stream vegetation is present within this reach of Borer’s Creek and includes duckweed as well as the regionally rare emergent species Floating Arrowhead (Sagittaria cuneata). Due to its location upstream and outside of the proposed road works, no impact to the Arrowhead is anticipated. The canopy within this area is open in some portions, providing less than 60% cover. Black Walnut was identified as being abundant within the canopy of this community. Other canopy associated includes Norway Maple, Freeman Maple, Silver Maple and White Elm; however these species were recorded as having rare abundances. The observation of abundant Black Walnut within the canopy layer initially suggested the identification of this community as the provincially rare-uncommon Fresh-Moist Black Walnut Lowland Deciduous Forest Type, FOD7-4 (S2S3 provincial conservation ranking). It should be noted, that although rare, this community type was identified in three locations within the general region (outside of the Study Area) along the EastWest Road Corridor by Dillon Consulting in 2009. However, upon further investigation it has been determined that the tree species associates typically present with Black Walnut in this community type include Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), Bitternut Hickory (Carya cordiformis), Black Maple (Acer nigrum), Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) (as per information provided in the draft Second Approximation of ELC for Southern Ontario Manual). None of these species were recorded within the community during MTE field investigations. White Elm, another common associate, was identified; however it was recorded as having a rare abundance, with only a small few individuals observed. Although no direct evidence of planting was observed, it is possible that the Black Walnuts recorded within the community have established due to their proximity to adjacent planted specimens. The close proximity to City of Hamilton planted Black
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Walnut specimens along Parkside Drive identified by MTE during the Tree Inventory and Assessment, provides a potential source from which the individuals observed within the FOD7 community have spread naturally from. Therefore, the low-lying location of the community associated with the riparian zone and floodplain of Borer’s Creek, the mixture of wet and dry habitat herbaceous species and soils typical of Fresh- Moist Lowland Deciduous Forests provides evidence for the classification of the area to the Ecosite level of FOD7. However, a canopy structure representative of the specific vegetation community type options described within the FOD7 ecosite of the ELC manual was not observed; as such, the area has been classified to the more general ecosite level of FOD7. The location of this community is within lands identified within the City of Hamilton’s Official Plan as a Core Area. This area continues upstream of the Study Area, where it has been designated as Significant Woodland. Due to the significance of this feature as a Core Area, measures to mitigate the potential impacts to this feature from the proposed road works are discussed in Section 6.1: Core Area Habitat Protection Measures. Fresh-Moist Willow Lowland Deciduous Forest Type (FOD7-3) (with inclusions of Mineral Meadow Marsh, MAM2) This community is located within the lands surrounding the reaches of Grindstone Creek immediately upstream and downstream of the bridge at Parkside Drive, within the eastern extent of the Site. This community is typically associated with riparian zones, stream banks and floodplains in bottomlands. Overall, tree cover within this community is greater than 60% and is dominated by Willow species. Other tree species observed within this community included White Ash, Sugar and Norway Maples, and Largetooth Aspen (Populus grandidentata). Herbaceous species observed included a mixture of upland species such as Goldenrod as well as species common to wet sites such as Common Evening Primrose (Oenethera biennis) and Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) Inclusions of meadow marsh-like habitat exist towards the eastern extent of the Site. Canopy cover in this area is low and it is in these locations that wet species such as Eastern Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidum) and Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) were observed. Eastern Skunk Cabbage has been identified as “uncommon” within the Region of Halton (HNAI, 2006). Due to its presence within the eastern-most extent of the Site and away from the actual road widening activities, no removal of vegetation within this area will occur. Prickly Wild Rose (Rosa acicularis) was recorded as occurring within this community. This species is identified within the Region of Halton as “rare” (HNAI, 2006). Road widening is not proposed is this area and as such adverse impacts to this species is not anticipated.
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Anthropogenic influence on this community is evident in the presence of abundant Periwinkle (Vinca sp.); a common non-native garden plant that often spreads into adjacent natural areas. In addition, Dog-strangling Vine (Cynanchum rossicum), Garlic Mustard and Buckthorn are all non-native and invasive species that are present within this community. This community has been identified within the City of Hamilton’s Official Plan as a Core Area (Significant Woodland). A Linkage feature has also been identified extending east from the Core Feature, to outside of the Site. Although not observed during MTE’s Site visits, a SAR survey completed by GENIVAR in 2011 recorded three observations of Butternut (Juglans cinerea) within this community, alongside Grindstone Creek. The locations of these observations are shown on Figure 5.
Mineral Cultural Thicket Ecosite (CUT1) This ecosite is present in a few areas within the Site. These ecosites have mineral soil, and a tree cover less than 25% and a higher proportion of understory with a shrub cover greater than 25%. One area of CUT1 is present between Duncan Avenue and Hollybush Drive, on the north side of Parkside Drive, adjacent to an agricultural field and a residential property. Shrub species dominate this area and include species such as Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa), Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina), Hawthorn (Cretaegus sp.), Common Blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis) and Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). Vine species including Wild Grape and Virginia Creeper are also abundant within this ecosite. Herbaceous species include a mixture of escaped garden plants and common meadow species. Escaped garden plants include Iris (Iris sp.) and Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis), and the presence of old garden beds suggests that this is a former residential property. Abundant downed woody debris is present throughout this area. Two areas of CUT1 are present at the northeastern extent of the Site, on opposite sides of Parkside Drive. Virginia Creeper and Wild Grape dominate the thicket ecosite on the south side of Parkside Drive. Staghorn Sumac and the invasive Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) are also present in high abundance. The thicket ecosite on the north side of Parkside Drive has dense understory comprised primarily of Staghorn Sumac, Virginia Creeper, Wild Grape, Honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.), Alternate-leaved Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) and Buckthorn. Common herbaceous meadow species comprise the ground layer. The regionally rare species Prickly Wild Rose is also present within this community, although in a very low and insignificant abundance (1-2 inidviduals).
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Other Communities Observed: Hedgerows (HR) In addition to the above described vegetation communities, several hedgerows are present within the southwestern end of the Site. These are comprised of a mixture of deciduous and coniferous woody species, and act as dividers between agricultural fields. Non-native shrub species such as Common Buckthorn are abundant within these communities. Hedgerows within the study boundaries were delineated in Figure 5. Parkland (CGL-2) An open park area is present between Hamilton Street and Main Street North. This area is composed of manicured grass and a baseball field. Due to the inclusion of constructed greenlands within the new draft edition of ELC, it was used to classify the park. Several areas that during fall and spring inventories were comprised of meadow or agricultural lands have since been cleared of vegetation (as observed during the fall inventory). These areas have been cleared for future development purposes (i.e. additional residential lands). A total of four Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) individuals were identified during the Tree Inventory as being planted within public lands (see tree numbers 3-6 on Figure 5D). This species is identified within the Region of Halton as “rare” (HNAI, 2006). Due to their location outside of the development limits, these individuals are not anticipated to require removal or face any other adverse impacts as a result of the road work. 3.2
Tree Inventory and Assessment
An inventory of all City of Hamilton planted trees along the length of the Site was completed by MTE on August 16th and 21st, 2012. Parameters assessed included species identification, diameter-at-breast-height (DBH) and overall health of the species (Good, Fair, Poor). General notes pertaining to the health and condition of the tree were also noted. A total of 524 trees were assessed. Dense groupings of trees in which individual species were not able to be distinguished within the provided survey were assessed as one unit. The locations of assessed trees are shown on Figure 7 and the results of the inventory are provided in Appendix E. It is recommended that of the assessed trees, ones that do not pose a development constraint are to be retained and appropriate signage, fencing and root protection measures are to be applied during the construction phase. A total of 152 trees will need protection based on the preferred alternative. A re-vegetation and landscape plan (including the development of tree replacement criteria) has been developed in order to replace those species for which removal is necessary to accommodate the proposed road improvements. This plan is discussed in further detail in Section 7.1.
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3.3
Wildlife
The meadow, thickets, forests, Borer’s Creek and Grindstone Creek provide habitats for wildlife on the Site despite the current on and off Site land use. Wildlife on the Site consists of common species of birds and mammals which are abundant, highly adaptable and tolerate close proximity to human activities. These species are commonly found in natural habitat as well as artificially created habitats such as gardens, yards, parks and habitats close to residential and agricultural areas.
3.3.1 Birds Breeding bird and SAR inventory surveys were completed for the New East-West and Waterdown Road Corridor by GENIVAR (2011) in accordance with the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (OBBA) protocol. This project is located in close vicinity of the Site and was considered representative of the species located within the Site. A total of 85 bird species were recorded during the breeding bird and SAR surveys conducted by GENIVAR. Of these species, four are considered Species at Risk (SAR) within Ontario: Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna), Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) and Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica). A complete species list is provided in Appendix F. The locations of SAR observations made by GENIVAR are shown on Figure 4. Magnolia Warbler (Dendroica magnolia) was recorded, and is designated “Rare” within Halton Region (McIlveen, 2006) 3.3.2 Herpetozoa An amphibian study was carried out on May 1, May 24 and July 18, 2012. Although outside of the standardized date of July 5, the final survey was completed on July 18 in accordance with the temperature requirements of the Marsh Monitoring Protocol. Three monitoring stations were selected based on locations of potentially suitable breeding habitat condistions at the Site: AMP1, AMP2 and AMP3. The locations of amphibian monitoring stations (AMP) are shown in Figure 5. AMP1 is located adjacent to vegetation community FOD7. This community consists of a lowland deciduous forest. Moisture regimes within this community range from fresh to moist, and depressions with evidence of occasionally standing water were observed throughout. In addition to its moist environment, this community was chosen as a monitoring station due to its existence as the largest remaining natural community within the western side of Parkside Drive. AMP2 is located along Borer’s Creek, just north of where it bisects Parkside Drive. The vegetation community surrounding the creek in this area is FOD7 and consists of lowland deciduous forest dominated by Black Walnut and fresh-to-moist soil moisture regimes. It is due to the moist conditions provided by the creek and the adjacent community that this was chosen as a location for AMP2.
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AMP3 is located along Grindstone Creek, just south of where it bisects Parkside Drive. The vegetation community surrounding the creek in this area is FOD7-3, and consists of a lowland deciduous forest dominated by willow species and has a fresh-moist soil moisture regime. This location was chosen as a monitoring station due to the moist wooded riparian and meadow marsh-like conditions in this area. No calls were heard within 100 meters of the monitoring stations during surveys conducted on May 1 and 24, 2012. However, during monitoring on May 1st, a full chorus of Spring Peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) was heard southeast of AMP1, outside of the 100m monitoring radius. These calls were presumed to likely be coming from roadside drainage ditches along Highway 6. During monitoring activities conducted at AMP2 on May 24th, an American Toad (Bufo americanus) individual was heard northeast of the station, outside of the 100m monitoring radius. Numerous Gray Treefrogs (Hyla versicolor) were heard calling northeast of AMP3 on May 24th; however, these were heard outside of the 100 m radius. Two calls from an unknown species were heard at AMP1 on July 18th. The calls were unable to be distinguished upon later playback of audio recordings. Observations made at AMP2 on July 18th included occasional sounds of what was presumed to be amphibians jumping into the Borer’s Creek. A single call of what was presumed to belong to a Bullfrog was heard within the 100m monitoring radius. A few American Toad calls were heard at AMP3 on July 18th. Results of amphibian monitoring events are provided in Appendix F. No incidental observations of reptiles or amphibians were recorded during other Site visits. No species observed by MTE are considered rare, special concern, threatened or endangered. However, observations of Snapping Turtle (designated Special Concern in Canada) north of the Site were made by GENIVAR in 2011. These observations were made in upstream tributaries connected to Borer’s Creek. In addition, a study of adjacent lands by Dillon Consulting Limited in 2009 identified Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata, designated Threatened in Canada) as occurring within the vicinity of the Grindstone Creek and Parkside Drive intersection. Measures to mitigate the potential impact to Borer’s Creek and Grindstone Creek as a result of the proposed development are discussed in Section 6.3. 3.3.3 Mammals An Eastern Chipmunk (Tamias striatus) individual as well as a burrow presumably belonging to a Muskrat (Ondatra zibethica) were observed within the deciduous forest community adjacent to Borer’s Creek. Although no other evidence of mammals were observed during Site visits, it is assumed that species typical of urban areas are also present. None of the species observed are considered endangered or threatened.
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3.3.4 Lepidoptera and Odonata No incidental observations of Lepidoptera or Odonata were recorded during Site visits. However, it is assumed that species common to culturally-influenced areas are present. 3.3.5 Fish and Aquatic Habitat Fish sampling was not required by the Conservation Authorities (Hamilton and Halton) and as such was not completed as part of the scope of this study. Electrofishing efforts were performed on August 17, 1999 and August 5, 2005 in Borer’s Creek, 275 m upstream of Parkside Drive by Hamilton Conservation Authority staff. A total of nine fish species were sampled during these events. None of the observed species are considered SAR within Ontario. A complete species list is provided in Table 3. Table 3: HCA Fisheries Data – Borer’s Creek Sampling Date
Scientific Name
Rhinichthys atratulus Umbra limi Semotilus atromaculatus August 17, 1999 Micropterus salmoides Esox lucius Lepomis gibbosus Centrarchidae Ameiurus nebulosus Cyprinus carpio August 5, 2005 Semotilus atromaculatus Micropterus salmoides Esox lucius
Common Name Blacknose Dace Central Mudminnow Creek Chub Largemouth Bass Northern Pike Pumpkinseed Sunfishes Brown Bullhead Common Carp Creek Chub Largemouth Bass Northern Pike
Total # of Fish Sampled 4 45 26 37 1 46 64 3 6 10 5 1
The Halton NAI (2006) indicates that tributaries of Grindstone Creek are present within adjacent natural areas north of the Site. Tributaries of Grindstone Creek arising within the Clappison Escarpment Woods ESA flow through steep ravines, contain many artificial and natural movement barriers and are comprised of intermittent flows. No fish sampling has been completed within this ESA; however, it is presumed that Fathead Minnow, Blacknose Dace and Creek Chub have the potential to seasonally access the downstream reaches of the ESA. (HNAI, 2006) Four tributaries of Grindstone Creek continue from Clappison into the northern portion of the Bridegeview Valley ESA. Tributaries of Grindstone Creek within this ESA support a baitfish fishery of warmwater species such as Fathead Minnow, Blacknose Dace and Creek Chub. (HNAI, 2006) According to the HNAI (2006), the Grindstone Creek watershed provides habitat to a wide variety of fish. Although no sampling has been conducted within the reaches immediately within the Site, sampling efforts conducted within the Grindstone Creek
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Valley (downstream of the Site) indicate that over 35 species of fish are present within the system and this area has been known to support coldwater salmonids such as Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) (HNAI, 2006). A complete list of fish species recorded between the years of 1972 and 2005 within sampling stations located along Grindstone Creek is provided in Appendix F. Distribution was determined utilizing a grid methodology overlain over species distribution maps. The proportion of grid squares within the Grindstone Creek watershed in which each species was found was then noted. Abundance was determined by calculating the proportion of stations along Grindstone Creek at which each species was recorded. Species other than those provided in Appendix F were recorded within Grindstone Creek. Those noted as occurring only within the lower reaches of the Creek were not included as the Niagara Escarpment is considered a barrier to upstream migration, and it is presumed that these species would not be able to reach upstream portions of the Creek and vicinity of the Site. Fish species were not observed in Borer’s Creek and Grindstone Creek during Site visits conducted by MTE. Current NHIC searches did not reveal any significant aquatic wildlife species within the vicinity of the Site. A review of the Hamilton Conservation Authority Species at Risk Distribution Map indicated that the Site is not within an area of critical aquatic Species at Risk habitat (DFO, 2012). On August 21, 2012 MTE performed an aquatic habitat assessment for the reaches of Borer’s Creek and Grindstone Creek immediately upstream and downstream of Parkside Drive. As previously stated the original City of Hamilton Approved Work Plan included an assessment of fish habitat using the DFO/MTO protocol however due to the qualifications of MTE staff completing the assessment, the methodology of the fish habitat assessment followed the Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol (Stanfield, 2010). The findings of the aquatic habitat assessment are provided in Table 4. Table 4: Aquatic Habitat Assessment Feature Borer’s Creek Substrate Cobble dominated – upstream and downstream reaches. Larger boulders were noted in Borer’s Creek immediately downstream of the culvert at Parkside Drive. Cover In-stream: overhanging trees, shrubs and herbaceous plant species. Little in-stream vegetation is present, with the exception of occasional areas of duckweed, and rare occurrences of Floating Arrowhead. Undercut banks are also evident in sections. Tree cover is much thinner in areas immediately adjacent to Parkside
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Grindstone Creek Cobble dominated – upstream and downstream reaches
In-stream: Little in-stream vegetation is present within the Study Area reaches of Grindstone Creek. Out-stream/riparian: mature and well-established forest willowdominated community that comprises the riparian areas (identified as Significant
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Feature
Base Flow
Water Quality
Borer’s Creek Drive, and become denser further upstream. The channel banks are also less clearly defined in these upstream areas. Out-stream/riparian: vegetated banks and canopy cover. Herbaceous species such as Spotted Jewelweed, Joe Pye Weed, Goldenrod, various pasture grass species, as well as woody species such as Common Blackberry, Black Walnut and Silver Maple comprise these riparian areas. The upstream portion of the creek was comprised of denser riparian vegetation, compared to the areas immediately upstream of Parkside Drive, providing greater shading potential of canopy cover to help regulate and cool the water temperature. At the time of the assessment the creek was within a low flow period. However, based on the assessment, the creeks are not considered intermittent, but permanent.
The clarity of the water within the system was overall quite clear. Duckweed was noted within the upstream portions, north of Parkside Drive. Channel Riffles are evident in portions Characteristics adjacent to the culvert at Parkside Drive; however riffles and pools are not as easily defined within the remainder of the assessed portions of the creek. This is likely due to the low flow resulting from the dry summer season. There is ample riparian vegetation on both sides of the creek. There is a slightly defined floodplain throughout the
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Grindstone Creek Woodland within the Hamilton OP) provides abundant canopy cover over the watercourse. This abundant cover is present within riparian areas immediately adjacent to Parkside Drive.
At the time of the assessment the creek was within a low flow period. However, based on the assessment, the creeks are not considered intermittent, but permanent. The clarity of the water within the system was overall quite clear.
Channel banks immediately upstream and downstream of the Parkside Drive crossing are highly stabilized with engineered structures such as rock-filled gabian baskets and concrete bridge supports. Due to these structures, a riffle-pool sequence within these immediate areas was not easily defined. However, although observed during a
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Feature
Borer’s Creek assessed portions of the watercourse north of Parkside Drive. Properties located east and west of the creek and surrounding lowland forest are at higher elevations. This is not as evident in portions of the creek downstream of Parkside Drive, where adjacent properties appear to be more at equal elevation.
Grindstone Creek particularly dry summer season, sediment and cobble deposition along the banks indicates that a regular riffle-pool sequence is present during higher-flows.
Food Sources
The cobble substrate provides suitable habitat for benthic invertebrate species. The abundance in vegetation along the banks suggests that sufficient food sources are available to fish species within the system.
The cobble substrate provides suitable habitat for benthic invertebrate species. The abundance in vegetation along the banks suggests that sufficient food sources are available to fish species within the system.
Barriers
The presence of large boulders immediately downstream of the Parkside Drive culvert may restrict or limit upstream or downstream migration of fish.
No obvious structures which could prevent fish movement were observed within the assessed reached of Grindstone Creek.
Summary Based on previous sampling efforts and the findings of the present fish habitat assessment the Site does contain suitable habitat to positively contribute to the overall potential to downstream fish habitat in both Borer’s Creek and Grindstone Creek. Both systems possess cobble-dominated substrates, suitable for a variety of life cycles. Both watercourses have abundant vegetation cover, thus providing protection for fish from predators and adverse environmental conditions (DFO, 2010). This abundance of riparian vegetation also contributes to the filtration of non-soluble particles from surface runoff, before reaching the watercourse, thus reducing turbidity and improving water clarity and quality. Due to its important connection to significant downstream habitats (Grindstone Creek Valley), its cobble-dominated substrate and well-established riparian zones, Grindstone Creek is believed to provide much more significant habitat to aquatic species. 3.3.6 Significant Wildlife Habitat In accordance with criteria provided in the Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide (MNR, 2000), the potential for a number of habitats to exist at the Site are discussed below.
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Seasonal Concentration Areas Raptor winter feeding and roosting areas are located within landscapes that support large populations of small mammals (i.e. mice). Such areas include open fields such as hayfields, pastures and meadows, and provide a valuable source of food to raptors during the winter season. Suitable adjacent roosting sites in woodlands are necessary (MNR, 2000). A number of open agricultural fields and meadows are present within the vicinity of the Site. Scattered trees and fence posts may also provide perching sites for raptors. The Fresh-Moist Lowland Deciduous Forest (FOD7) along Borer’s Creek described in Section 3.1, as well as the abundant woodland located north of the Site has the potential to provide suitable roosting habitat. Migratory butterfly stopover areas are used by butterflies to feed or rest prior to crossing Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and Lake Huron. Site may provide suitable stopover habitat for migratory butterflies due to their proximity to Lake Ontario (within 5km). Although just within the required distance to Lake Ontario, the Dry-Moist Old Field Meadow communities (CUM1-1) within the southwestern extent of the Site may provide suitable stopover habitat for migratory butterflies. Specialized Wildlife Habitats Woodlands supporting amphibian breeding ponds are important to sustaining healthy local amphibian populations and often represent the only remaining habitat for breeding within the immediate landscape. The breeding ponds may be permanent, ephemeral or seasonal in nature and may occur in a variety of woodland habitats including coniferous, deciduous or mixed forests or swamps (MNR, 2000). Although no amphibian observations were made at this location during survey efforts completed by MTE, the Fresh-Moist Lowland Deciduous Forest (FOD7) Linkage feature located within the southwestern end of the Site (south side of Parkside Drive) has potential to support ephemeral breeding ponds. Wet depressions in the ground were observed throughout the surveyed boundaries of the forest. Habitat of Species of Conservation Concern A number of rare plant, dragonfly and butterfly species were listed as previously observed within the vicinity of the Site, as indicated upon review of the NHIC database (Section 3.5). The potential for the presence of several of these species has been determined to be very low due to the last observations of each occurring in the early 1800’s and 1900’s (Woodland Pinedrops, Puttyroot, Fern-leaved False Foxglove, Downy Yellow False Foxglove, Forked Panic Grass and Yellow Stargrass). The potential for all other listed species to naturally occur was based on the availability of habitat requirements of each within the Site. Arrowhead Spiketail – This dragonfly species is usually observed around, and oviposits within, habitats comprising small streams and seeps with soft or rocky bottoms within forested areas (NYNHP, 2011). Potential habitat for this species is available within the FOD7 vegetation community surrounding Borer’s Creek.
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White-tinged Sedge – This species inhabits wooded slopes, woodland clearings and prefers partial shade. Potential for this species exists within the Cultural Woodland (CUW1) community and clearings within the Willow Lowland Deciduous Forest (FOD7-3) community. Brainerd’s Hawthorn – This shrub inhabits a variety of sites with varying soil textures and moisture regimes. It can tolerate environments with partial shade to full sun, and is very wind and pollutant tolerant making it well suited to urban settings (USDA, 2006). Habitat potential for this species is available throughout the entire Site. Burning Bush – This shrub is usually observed in low habitats, often within thickets adjacent to streams (Soper and Heimburger, 1994). There is potential for this species to occur at the Site within the FOD7commmunity adjacent to Borer’s Creek. Scarlet Beebalm – Habitat includes stream banks, ditches and thickets. Potential habitat for this species is present at the Site. A few Cultural Thickets (CUT1) exist at the Site, as well as the potential habitat provided by the banks of Borer’s Creek. The potential for this species to occur is low due to the last observation of this species within the vicinity of the Site being in 1950. Large Yellow Pond Lily – This emergent plant species, also known as Spatterdock, is typically observed in swamps, ponds and shallow zones of slow-moving rivers (Illinois Wildflowers, 2012). Due to the small-scale of Borer’s Creek and the last known observation occurring in 1952, potential for this species to occur on the Site is low. Pillose Evening Primrose – This species is often observed on the moist edges of woods. Potential for this species to occur on Site is within the edges of the lowland forest habitats (FOD7 and FOD7-3). Clinton’s Clubrush – This species can be observed in dry to mesic open habitats such as meadows and riverbanks (FNA, 2012). Potential for this species to occur on the Site exists within the cultural meadow habitats present throughout the Site; however this potential is low due to the last observation of this species occurring in 1954. Perfoliate Bellwort – This species inhabits upland thickets and deciduous woodlands (EOL, 2012). There is potential for this species to exist at the Site within the cultural woodland and thickets (CUW1 and CUT1, respectively). Animal Movement Corridors These habitats are naturally-vegetated areas of the landscape in which animals use to move from one habitat to another. The City of Hamilton’s OP (adopted 2009) identifies two Linkage areas within the Site boundaries. Linkages are natural areas that provide a connection to Core Areas. These Linkages are located on the south side of Parkside Drive within the southwest side of the Site, and are further described in Section 4.0.
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4.0
TERRAIN STRUCTURE
Wildlife Linkage features are also located at the Site as identified within the City of Hamilton’s Urban Official Plan (2009). These areas are shown on Figure 5. The Fresh-Moist Lowland Deciduous Forest Ecosite (FOD7) located at the southwestern end of the Site (on the south side of Parkside Drive) is identified as a Linkage. This is a young-aged forest, dominated by deciduous tree and shrub species such as American Basswood, Sugar Maple, White Elm, Virginia Creeper and Wild Grape. A mixture of wet and upland herbaceous species is also present within this community. No amphibian species were observed within this area during field surveys, nor were any incidental wildlife observations made. Overall, vegetation within the Linkage is continuous. Significant gaps within the vegetation do not exist. This area is connected via a series of wooded tracts to a Core Area located southeast of the Linkage, outside of the Site boundaries. A tract of Dry-Moist Old Field Meadow (CUM1-1) located approximately 400m northeast of the FOD7 Linkage (oil pipeline corridor) is also classified as Linkage. This community is comprised of common weedy meadow species such as Queen Anne’s Lace, Birdsfoot Trefoil, and goldenrod. No wildlife observations were made in this community during field investigations. Overall, vegetation within this Linkage is continuous and significant gaps within the vegetation do not exist. Like the Linkage within the FOD7 ecosite, this feature is also connected to a wooded Core Area present southeast of the Site boundaries. This linkage feature (CUM1-1) is located immediately adjacent to a heavy residential area and main roadway, and there is evidence of bike and walking trails within this feature and adjacent meadow communities. The eastern extent of the lowland deciduous forest adjacent to Grindstone Creek has been identified as a Linkage area. A small portion of it exists within the Site, and extends off-Site towards its termination at Boulding Avenue. The portion of the Linkage within the Site consists predominantly of the meadow marsh community, present as inclusions within the lowland forest, and is continuous, without significant gaps.
5.0
IMPACT ASSESSMENT
As discussed in Section 1.0, the proposed works will occur along a portion of Parkside Drive that has been identified as requiring improvements, from Highway 6 to 500 m east of Churchill Avenue. The proposed road improvements will include the addition of a 4 m wide left turn lane in portions of the Site, with 1.8 m to 2.0 m wide sidewalks along both sides of the Site from the proposed Sadielou Boulevard to the east end of the Site. Bike lanes on both the north and south sides of Parkside Drive have also been proposed along the entire 3.72 km length of the Site.
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To assist in the analysis of the impacts that the above described road improvements may have on the surrounding natural environment, the sensitivity to disturbance and overall significance of each natural feature has been assessed. For the purpose of this Environmental Study Report, the significance of a feature is based on either: a) it being identified as significant by a regulatory agency or ministry; or b) it being identified through field investigations and subsequent evaluation, as having the potential to be a significant feature or play a significant role in the ecology of the site or its adjacent lands by experienced ecologists according to published resources (i.e. supports significant wildlife or plant species). The main sources of information consulted for the presence of significant features in the vicinity of the site were MNR, HCA, HC, and the City of Hamilton. MTE ecologists also assigned relative levels of significance to the environmental features or units based on local representation, age, and likely habitat potential. Sensitivity of an ecological system or feature is measured by its resistance to change when exposed to a disturbance. The degree to which an ecological feature can withstand or recuperate from a disturbance is termed its “resilience”. The lower the resilience of a feature to a disturbance, the higher it’s sensitivity. Identification of the sensitivity of ecological features and functions aids in the prediction of potential loss of a significant feature or function given the proposed land use and if identified to be retained, to ensure that adequate protection/mitigation for its maintenance is prescribed. It should be noted that features that are sensitive to disturbance are not necessarily significant and that sensitivity ratings (high, medium and low) have been applied in the following discussion. For the purpose of this study, the potential disturbances or stressors are related to the proposed intended land use, primarily residential lands, and all statements related to sensitivity refer to the relative ability of a feature or function to withstand such a disturbance. Most of the Site consists of residential properties, and to a lesser extent institutional, commercial and agricultural lands. Natural features include cultural meadows, cultural thickets, deciduous forests and watercourses. Other than the Core Areas (adjacent to Borer’s Creek and Grindstone Creek) and Linkage features, the vegetation communities identified within the Site boundaries have been identified as being of low sensitivity to disturbance (due to heavy anthropogenic influences) and low significance as they were not identified as significant by associated regulatory agencies, were not observed by MTE to support significant species of wildlife or vegetation, nor were they observed to provide significant ecological functions. As discussed in Section 3.1, the regionally rare plant species Prickly Wild Rose, Floating Arrowhead and Common Hackberry have been identified within the Study Area. However, due to their locations (i.e. outside of the immediate area of proposed road improvements), no impacts to these species are anticipated. The sensitivity rankings of natural features within the Site are illustrated in Figure 6.
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5.1
Terrestrial Habitat and Wildlife
Although SAR were observed within the eastern-most extent of the Site and north of the Study Area boundaries during field surveys conducted by GENIVAR for the New EastWest and Waterdown Road Corridor project, no significant wildlife species were observed within the Study Area during field investigations by MTE. Although the proposed works will result in the minor loss of terrestrial habitat within the Site boundaries, the majority of the available habitat (non Core Area and Linkage areas) is not considered as high sensitivity or significance, due to its proximity to and anthropogenic influence from urban areas and residential lands. Additionally it is presumed that any wildlife inhabiting the area includes species commonly associated with urban land use. Habitat requirements of potential SAR identified within the study are such that needs would be met off-Site and are not significant within the boundaries of the Site. Due to the anthropogenically-influenced features on Site the habitat is considered to have low sensitivity to disturbance, and is not anticipated to support or maintain life cycles of significant bird or wildlife species. Although the minor removal of planted tree species and vegetation is proposed, significant adverse direct impacts to wildlife and habitat within the Site are not anticipated. Minor indirect impacts to the health of the surrounding terrestrial habitats may be expected due to an increase in dust and debris during construction phases, as well as noise and sensory disturbance during construction and may occur due to an increase in vehicle volume along the Site. In addition, an increase in traffic volume along Parkside Drive may also result in secondary impacts such as heightening the risk of injury or mortality of wildlife species attempting to cross Parkside Drive. 5.2
Aquatic Habitat and Wildlife
Suitable habitat for aquatic wildlife is present within both Borer’s and Grindstone Creek systems that transverse the Site. The habitat assessment previously discussed in Section 3.3.5 identifies Grindstone Creek as providing more ecologically significant habitat than Borer’s Creek. As such, Grindstone Creek is identified as having high sensitivity to disturbance. Although containing suitable fish habitat, the closer proximity of Borer’s Creek to surrounding anthropogenic influences such as existing residential lands and future development indicates that this system has a moderate sensitivity to disturbances. Due to the high and moderate sensitivity rankings applied, the potential for negative impacts as a result of the proposed project construction to these aquatic systems exists unless the appropriate mitigation measures are applied. Such measures are discussed further in Section 6.0. Activities that may directly impact the watercourses include the potential replacement of the culverts at Parkside Drive and Borer’s Creek as well as the implementation of stormwater outfalls into the Grindstone Creek Valley. Construction activities adjacent to both watercourses may also have the potential to result in a variety of indirect impacts to water quality and health due to an increase in sedimentation during construction activities.
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5.3
Core Areas
As identified within the City of Hamilton’s Urban Official Plan (Schedule B Natural Heritage System, 2009), a Core Area exists adjacent to Borer’s Creek, upstream of the culvert at Parkside Drive. A small portion of this area is present directly adjacent to Parkside Drive within the Study Area and comprises the lowland deciduous forest community FOD7. This feature continues to the northwest where it expands outside of the Study Area boundaries into an area identified as Significant Woodland and PSW. Although the portion of the Core Area within the Site boundaries is in close proximity to a variety of anthropogenic influences, its identification as a significant natural feature by the City of Hamilton and its association with Borer’s Creek results in the feature receiving a high sensitivity ranking. Although the proposed road improvements are not anticipated to result in a significant direct loss of the FOD7 Core Area vegetation, opportunities for compensation and restoration exist within portions of the feature located outside of the Site boundaries. Such opportunities will maintain the ecological function of the feature and are discussed in Section 6.1. A Core Area is also identified within the City’s Official Plan as existing within the Lowland Willow Forest (FOD7-3) adjacent to Grindstone Creek, downstream of the bridge at Parkside Drive. This Area within the Site has also been identified as containing Significant Woodland, and as such has a high sensitivity to disturbances. Although this feature is located within the Study Area boundaries, widening of Parkside Drive in this area is not expected to occur, and as such significant adverse direct impacts to this system are not anticipated. The locations of these Core Areas are shown on Figure 5. 5.4
Linkages
The proposed widening of Parkside Drive will result in the loss of some edge habitat (immediately adjacent to the road) within the identified Linkage associated with the FOD7 vegetation community. Although being a natural feature identified within the Urban Hamilton Official Plan (2009), the anthropogenically-influenced nature of the Linkage (as a result of increasing development in the surrounding landscape and its location adjacent to a main roadway) makes the feature that of moderate sensitivity. Although being moderately sensitive, an abundance of this feature is present off-Site and as such the scope of the proposed project is not presumed to have a significant negative impact to this community or to the overall function of the Linkage. However, opportunities exist to compensate for the minor loss in Linkage habitat and are discussed further in Section 6.2. As expected with the FOD7 Linkage, the Linkage associated with the oil pipeline corridor and comprised of CUM1-1 vegetation community, is not anticipated to experience significant adverse impacts. This community is comprised of an abundance
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of common and weedy meadow species and evidence of frequent anthropogenic disturbance also exists throughout the community. Although comprised of an insignificant vegetation community, the identification of this feature as a component of the Natural Heritage System within the Urban Hamilton Official Plan (2009), indicates that this Linkage is of moderate sensitivity. However, due to the abundance in this community which extends off-Site, as well as evidence of frequent anthropogenic disturbance, the direct loss of some of this community directly adjacent to Parkside Drive due to proposed road widening is anticipated to have negligible impacts to the overall function of the Linkage. Adverse direct impacts to the small area of Linkage identified just adjacent to the eastern extent of the Site, associated with the FOD7-3 vegetation community is not anticipated, as widening of Parkside Drive is not proposed for this area. According to the assessment of the existing conditions of the Linkages, there are significant habitat features noted off-Site (refer to Section 4.0); the features on-Site are anthropogenically-influenced, of low sensitivity, or not located within the immediate vicinity of the proposed widening. The proposed road widening is not expected to have significant adverse impacts to the overall function of the Linkages as the area of vegetation to be removed will be small and consist of the portions of the features directly adjacent to and influenced by anthropogenic effects (adjacent to existing road). Opportunities for restoration and compensation for the portion of the FOD7 Linkage removed as a result of the proposed road improvements have been provided in Section 6.2, and should be considered during final landscape design stages. As discussed in Section 5.1., indirect impacts to the health of the terrestrial Linkage habitats may be expected due to an increase in dust and debris during construction phases, as well as noise and sensory disturbance during construction and may occur due to an increase in vehicle volume along the Site. In addition, an increase in traffic volume along Parkside Drive may also result in secondary impacts to the wildlife inhabiting these features such as an increase in risk of injury or mortality of wildlife species attempting to cross Parkside Drive. The locations of these Linkage areas are shown on Figure 5.
5.5
Summary of Impacts
Direct Impacts The widening of Parkside Drive as part of the proposed road improvements will result in a loss of vegetation and potential wildlife habitat from natural communities (including Linkages and the Core Area associated with Borer’s Creek) identified within the Site. Although a loss in vegetation is expected, the amount is low and is not anticipated to have adverse impacts to the overall health and integrity of the features. Abundance in available habitat for wildlife is available off-Site.
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The removal of previously planted trees along the current configuration of Parkside Drive will be required in order to accommodate the proposed improvements. An inventory and assessment of all planted trees was completed by MTE in which parameters including species identification, DBH and overall health and condition were recorded in order to provide appropriate recommendations for the removal and replacement of trees. This is further discussed in Section 7.1. Although widening of Parkside Drive is proposed to terminate prior to the Grindstone Creek crossing, direct impacts to the watercourse may occur through associated stormwater outfalls proposed downstream of the Site. A stormwater outfall associated with the Parkside Drive improvements has been proposed within the Grindstone Creek Valley. Appropriate measures must be applied in order to mitigate the potential adverse impacts to the water quality and wildlife habitat within Grindstone Creek. Such mitigation measures are discussed in Section 6.3. The widening of Parkside Drive at the location of the Borer’s Creek crossing will require the replacement of the current culverts resulting in direct impacts to the system and as such appropriate mitigation measures must be applied. The failure to implement sufficient mitigation measures during construction may result in direct adverse impacts to the watercourse system. Such impacts may include direct harm to fish species inhabiting the watercourse and damage and alteration to the stream bed and banks (disruption of bed substrate, removal of and disruption of riparian and bank vegetation, etc). Such alteration to the physical state of the watercourse (banks and bed), may consequently result in adverse effects on natural processes of the fish species within the watercourse such as spawning and feeding. Construction occurring within areas of the adjacent lands may also cause an increase in non-soluble particles into the water column, increasing turbidity and thus impacting the quality and clarity of the water. Mitigation measures are discussed in Section 6.3. Indirect Impacts Any alteration and impacts to the health and function of Borer’s Creek as a result of road improvements and culvert replacement can effect reaches located downstream of the Site. Although no road improvements are proposed within the immediate area of Grindstone Creek, the system may be subject to indirect impacts from adjacent works. For instance, surface runoff from adjacent areas during construction phases may result in an increase in non-soluble particles and sediment within the system, thus negatively effecting the clarity and overall quality of the watercourse. In addition to impacts to the overall health and function of the aquatic systems located within the Study Area, there is potential for indirect impacts to the surrounding terrestrial habitats as a result of the proposed road improvements. For instance, impacts to the health of adjacent terrestrial communities may be caused by an increase in dust and
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debris generated during the construction phases. An increase in ambient noise due to construction and a future increase in vehicle traffic along Parkside Drive may result in sensory disturbance for surrounding wildlife. Secondary Impacts Due to the prior and current anthropogenic influences along the Site, an increase in vehicle traffic that may result from the proposed road improvements is not expected to have significant impacts to the function of the surrounding natural vegetation communities. However, the risk of injury or mortality of wildlife species attempting to access natural communities along Parkside Drive by crossing the newly improved roadway, is likely to increase as a result of higher traffic volume.
6.0
BUFFERS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
Areas noted as having low or moderate sensitivity do not require a buffer from development. These areas show signs of high disturbance and/or anthropogenic influence. They currently do not demonstrate significant habitat, or in the case of the Linkage areas will not experience a significant negative impact to overall ecological function. In general, all construction-related activities should be controlled in order to prevent the entry of petroleum products, debris or other deleterious substances and sediment into the watercourses and other sensitive features. Mitigation measures specific to the various natural areas identified within the Study Area are described in Sections 6.1 to 6.5. 6.1
Core Area Habitat Protection Measures
In accordance with Greenbelt Plan policies (MAH, 2005), Core Areas are to be identified as containing key natural heritage features. The Core Areas that exist within the Study Area contain lands designated within the Urban Hamilton Official Plan (2009) as Significant Woodland. As indicated in Section 2.5.4 of the Urban Hamilton Official Plan, no development or site alteration is permitted within Significant Woodlands unless otherwise demonstrated that no adverse impacts to the features or their ecological functions are anticipated. Additionally, in accordance with HCA policies, development/Site alteration is not permitted within lands 50 m from such features unless it can be demonstrated through a submission of an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) that negative impacts to the feature will not occur. Parkside Drive is currently approximately 130 m from the southern extent of the Significant Woodland located adjacent to Borer’s Creek, and the proposed area of impact/road widening width will only be approximately 5-10 m. Therefore, the proposed work will not occur within 50 m of the Significant Woodland. In addition, it is not expected that road widening will occur within 50 m of Grindstone Creek; therefore an EIS would not be required. It is understood that lands designated as Core Areas are present immediately adjacent to Parkside Drive, along Borer’s Creek. As discussed in Section 5.3, significant adverse impacts to the overall ecological function of this feature are not anticipated from the
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proposed project works. However, due to the designation of this feature as a Core Area measures should be taken to ensure that any loss in vegetation is compensated, thus maintaining the ecological function of the feature. For example, all trees within the Core Area that pose constraints to the proposed road improvements (thus requiring removal), should be replaced as per the criteria described in Section 7.1. In addition, the minor loss of vegetation that may result from the road works can be compensated through plantings of native species within the northern portions of the Core Area (outside of the Site boundaries). 6.2
Linkage Habitat Protection Measures
Although the Linkage feature associated with the FOD7 vegetation community is not anticipated to experience significant negative impacts to its overall functionality, opportunities for compensation for the minor loss of habitat due to the proposed road widening exist within the remaining southern portions of the Linkage. All trees within the Core Area that pose constraints to the proposed road improvements (thus requiring removal), should be replaced as per the criteria described in Section 7.1. Restoration efforts within the remaining portions of the Linkage could include invasive species removal and native species plantings. Additionally, restoration efforts along the newly created edge of the FOD7 Linkage should be considered during final design stages and detailed landscape design planning. For example, dense and layered plantings of common and native tree, shrub, and herbaceous species along the new edge can be completed in order to preserve the edge’s function as a protective barrier for the inside microclimate against various adverse factors (e.g. sunlight exposure, drying winds, etc.). 6.3
Surface Water Quality and Quantity Protection Measures
It is recommended that silt fencing be installed during construction activities to reduce impact to Borer’s Creek and prevent adverse effects to wildlife inhabiting the system (i.e. Snapping Turtle and fish species, as discussed in Sections 3.3.2 and 3.3.5, respectively) within reaches of the watercourse upstream of Parkside Drive (within the Core Area) as well as downstream. The replacement of the culvert beneath Parkside Drive at the Borer’s Creek crossing is proposed. During project work it must be ensured that the footprint of in-stream work is kept to a minimum and the culvert remains as per the proposed open-bottom design. This will maintain base flow, enable fish movement and prevent perching conditions of the watercourse. In addition, as per the recommendations within the Functional Drainage and Stormwater Management Final Report by Aquafor Beech Ltd. (2013), water quality management control measures will include the installation of permanent oil/grit separators at storm sewer system outlets. Any in-stream works must be completed in accordance with all applicable permits and regulations. Any potential HADD must be addressed. Due to HCA’s Level 2 Agreement with DFO and in accordance with the Ontario InWater Construction Timing Window Guidelines for the Protection of Fish and Fish Habitat (2010b), all works proposed in and around Borer’s Creek must be performed
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outside of fish spawning and migration periods, and must ensure no interference with other critical life history stages. As indicated by the species present during HCA surveys in 1999 and 2005, the proposed culvert replacement should not occur during a timing window of September 15th – July 15th, in order to prevent interference with any potential spring and fall spawning events. As previously discussed, widening of Parkside Drive will terminate prior to the Grindstone Creek crossing; however, due to the topography within the vicinity of the Grindstone Creek and Parkside Drive crossing, it is anticipated that road improvements to the west have the potential to indirectly impact the watercourse through surface water movement. As such, silt fencing along the eastern extent of the construction area must be installed to prevent the movement of any sediment from adjacent nearby road construction into Grindstone Creek. It is anticipated that all potential impacts to Grindstone Creek as a result of adjacent road improvements will be mitigated through the implementation of appropriate stormwater management techniques. Such techniques are discussed in the Functional Drainage and Stormwater Management Final Report by Aquafor Beech Ltd. (2013). Stormwater will be conveyed to Grindstone Creek via storm sewers (in a 5-year storm event) and overland within the Parkside Drive right-of-way (during a 100-year storm event). The existing drainage area into Grindstone Creek is approximately 0.7 hectares. An area of approximately 1.4 hectares is expected to drain into Grindstone Creek as a result of the proposed widening of Parkside Drive which will increase in width from 8 m to 17 m. This proposed drainage area is less than MOE’s 2 hectare stormwater management pond area requirement. As such, the quantity of water expected to drain into Grindstone Creek is low enough that a stormwater management pond is not required. Erosion control measures within Grindstone Creek will be addressed in detailed design stages. The installation of oil/grit separators are recommended to prevent the contamination of surface runoff. The location and size of the separators will be determined during detail design stages (Aquafor Beech, 2013). Furthermore, due to Grindstone Creek’s function as habitat to significant species (i.e. Butternut and Western Chorus Frog, as discussed in Sections 2.2.3 and 3.3.2, respectively), it is recommended that additional field work be completed during detailed design stages in order to address potential impacts to SAR and determine appropriate mitigation measures. 6.4
Tree Protection Measures
Protection measures should be implemented for all trees that are to be retained within the Core Area along Borer’s Creek adjacent to construction, within the FOD7 Linkage area, and within the immediate vicinity of the proposed stormwater outfall in Grindstone Creek Valley. Protection measures will be implemented in order to ensure the survival of all retained trees adjacent to the Site. Recommended measures include the prevention of soil and root compaction of trees adjacent to road and stormwater outfall construction via installation of highly visible signage and fencing around the
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dripline + 1 m for retained trees (in accordance with City of Hamilton’s Tree Protection Guidelines, 2010). Tree protection fencing should stay in place until the completion of all construction activities. Additional tree protection measures for newly planted trees are discussed within the Re-vegetation Plan and Landscape Design Section of the NES (Section 6.0). 6.5
Wildlife Protection Measures
Although few wildlife observations were recorded by MTE during field investigations, any wildlife that is observed at the Site during construction activities should be relocated by a qualified professional to one of the many, more suitable, habitats available off-Site. Although a limited availability of suitable habitat for SAR has been identified within the Study Area, in the circumstance that a SAR is encountered during construction, the Contractor should advise the City of Hamilton and the MNR in order to determine appropriate mitigation procedures. In addition, pursuant to the Migratory Birds Convention Act (1994), all proposed construction activities (including vegetation clearings and tree removals) must occur outside of the breeding bird season (generally between May and August) and the removal or disturbance of active nests containing eggs or young birds is prohibited.
7.0
RE-VEGETATION PLAN/LANDSCAPE DESIGN
The proposed widening of Parkside Drive and replacement or addition of sidewalks and boulevards will require trees that currently pose constraints to the work be removed. The results of the tree inventory and health assessment of these trees as well as landscape plan recommendations (to be taken into consideration during detailed design stages) are described in Section 7.1, below. 7.1
Proposed Landscape Plan
Based on the preferred alternative there are trees which will require removal in order to accommodate sidewalks, boulevards and road widening. There will also be utility relocation which may interfere with tree locations. Based on the current preferred alternative plans a total of 73 trees are anticipated for removal. Trees must be removed in accordance with the City’s removal policies and by-laws. The City's Tree By-Law No. 06-151 (2006) has been developed through the Forestry Division of the City's Public Works Department. It regulates the planting, maintenance and preservation of trees in or affecting public property. Upon determination of the necessity for removal of public trees (greater than 25 in total) for proposed Planning and Development projects, a letter of intent including landscape and tree management plans must be sent to the Forestry and Horticulture Section. Subsequent approval from the Council is required prior to all work commencement.
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A tree replacement ratio of 1:1, as indicated within the City of Hamilton’s Tree Protection Guidelines (2010), was used as a basis for the development of Site-specific replacement criteria by MTE. Higher replacement ratios have been recommended and tailored to this project in order to provide greater compensation of mature native species. Tree replacement criteria for those trees that pose development constraints and thus require removal were developed on the basis of general health, size and whether the species is indigenous or not and are provided in Table 5. A replacement ratio from 1:1 to 1:4 has been assigned to each species. A total of 121 trees are anticipated to be planted based on the number of trees requiring removal and the developed tree replacement ratios. Table 5: Tree Replacement Criteria Rationale Development Constraint
Health
DBH
*No
Poor
NA
Native vs. Non-Native Non-native
Yes
Poor
NA
NA
Ratio
1:1 Yes
Fair to good
>10
Non-native
Yes
Fair to good
<10
NA
*No
Poor
>40
Native
Yes
Fair to good
>10
Native
*No
Poor
>80
Native
Yes
Fair to good
>40
Native
*No
Poor
>100
Native
Yes
Fair to good
>80
Native
2:1
3:1
4:1
NA – not applicable *Public trees only Those trees anticipated to be impacted are noted in Appendix F and Figure 7A to 7F. All final landscape plans within the Site must comply with the City of Hamilton’s Tree Protection Guidelines (2010) and Conservation Halton’s Landscaping and Tree Preservation Guidelines, 2010 (lands within CH regulation limits). In order to enhance the ecological integrity of the surrounding landscape, all new plantings should only consist of non-invasive species that are indigenous and common to the Hamilton and
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Halton regions and associated watersheds. In addition to the measures recommended for all retained tree species discussed in Section 6.4, protection measures should also be implemented for new stock including the use of rodent guards and moisture-retaining mulch saucers around the bases of newly planted trees, as well as the staking and tying of caliper trees to prevent uprooting. These measures should be implemented immediately following the installation of new trees. Specific planting locations and protection measures should be outlined in detail in the final landscape design plans. As discussed in Sections 6.1 and 6.2, the removal of vegetation within the FOD7 Linkage and Borer’s Creek Core Area features is anticipated in order to accommodate the proposed road widening. In order to maintain their ecological functions, it is recommended that these features be two of the key locations for the planting of the replacement trees. Specifically, plantings along the newly created edges (immediately adjacent to the road) will ensure that the function of the edges as protective barriers to the interiors of these forest communities is maintained. Opportunities for planting a portion of the 121 replacement trees also exist within the Grindstone Creek Valley to compensate for any tree removal which results from the construction of the proposed stormwater outfall. Further specifics regarding the exact planting locations of the replacement trees should be included in a landscape plan during detailed design stages.
8.0
Monitoring
Monitoring efforts and post-planting care (including a regular watering schedule) are recommended for newly installed trees to ensure that they are in good health (free of disease, vandalism, etc). Newly planted trees should also be monitored for maintenance of tree rings, T-bars, etc., in order to prevent damage to the tree as it grows. In accordance with CH’s Landscaping and Tree Preservation Guidelines (2010), monitoring should occur for a period of 2 years following planting in order to ensure the survival of new trees, and an adaptive management framework in the event that tree deficiencies are observed. Such post-planting monitoring and maintenance plans are to be described in detail during final landscape design stages. Monitoring will be necessary during the construction phase to ensure proper silt fencing and watercourse and tree protection measures are implemented and the function of them is being maintained.
9.0
RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSIONS
MTE provides the following conclusions for the Site: •
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The majority of the surrounding landscape is comprised of residential lands, with lesser extents of culturally influenced meadow, thicket, agricultural, woodland and forest communities;
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• • • • • • • • • •
Breeding Bird Surveys completed for an area just north of the Site in 2011 by GENIVAR, indicated the presence of four bird SAR; Electrofishing efforts performed by HCA staff in Borer’s Creek, 275m upstream of Parkside Drive sampled a total of 12 species, none of which are considered SAR within Ontario; MTE performed an aquatic habitat assessment for the reaches of Borer’s Creek immediately upstream and downstream of Parkside Drive, and observed suitable habitat conditions for fish species; No significant wildlife species were observed during MTE field investigations; Core Areas, as identified through the City of Hamilton’s Official Plan, exist along Borer’s Creek, upstream of the Parkside Drive culvert and downstream of the Parkside Drive bridge at Grindstone Creek; Linkage features are located at the Site, identified through the City of Hamilton’s Official Plan; A loss in vegetation from communities, Core Areas and Linkages within the Site will occur; however, this loss is minimal and is not anticipated to have significant adverse impacts on the overall health and function of the features; The replacement of the culvert at the Borer’s Creek crossing has the potential to result in negative impacts to the fish species and habitat within the watercourse, unless appropriate mitigation measures are undertaken; Grindstone Creek may be subject to a number of indirect effects as a result of road improvements on adjacent lands, and may experience direct impacts due to the proposed stormwater outfall into Grindstone Creek Valley; and A large number of roadside trees must be removed as they pose development constraints.
MTE makes the following recommendations: • • • • •
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Tree preservation measures such as signage, fencing and root protection should be applied to all trees to be retained adjacent to the Site and should be maintained until construction activities are complete; Trees that pose developmental constraints should be removed in accordance with the City’s active Tree By-law and replaced as per the recommended criteria provided in Table 5 of the Natural Environment Study; Restoration efforts within and along the edges of the forest Linkage and Core Area associated with Borer’s Creek should be implemented in order to maintain the ecological function of these features; All new plantings should consist of non-invasive species that are indigenous to the Halton and Hamilton area watersheds, and should comply with the City’s and Conservation Authority’s landscaping and planting guidelines; All construction activities should occur outside of the general Breeding Bird Season timeframe of May to August;
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•
• • • •
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All construction-related activities should be controlled to prevent the entry of petroleum products, debris or other deleterious substances and sediment into the watercourses or significant natural features. For instance, silt fencing should be installed along the eastern extent of the construction area during road works to prevent the movement of debris into Grindstone Creek; In-stream works must be completed outside of the fish spawning timeframe of September 15th to July 15th in accordance with applicable permits and regulations, with all potential HADD addressed; Water quality and tree protection measures should be installed at the location of the proposed stormwater outfall into Grindstone Creek Valley; The removal of contaminants from surface runoff prior to entering the watercourses should be facilitated by the use of oil/grit separators (location and size details to be determined during detail design stages); and Monitoring is required for implementation of tree protection and silt fencing during construction activities.
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11.0
REFERENCES
Aquafor Beech Ltd. (2013) Municipal Class EA Phases 3 and 4 for Parkside Drive Road Improvement, Functional Drainage and Stormwater Management Final Report. Aquafor Beech Limited. BSC and EC (2004) Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program. Bird Studies Canada and Environment Canada. Cadman, M.E., Eagles, P.F.J. and Helleiner, F.M. (2005) Atlas of the breeding birds of Ontario. University of Waterloo Press, Waterloo, Ontario. CH (2006) Policies for the Administration of the Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation. Ontario Regulation 150/06. Hamilton Conservation Authority. www.conservationhalton.on.ca CH (2010) Landscaping and Tree Preservation Guidelines. Conservation Halton. www.conservationhalton.on.ca Chapman, L.J. and Putnam, D.F. 1984. Physiography of southern Ontario. Ontario Geological Survey, Third edition. City of Hamilton (2006) Tree By-Law No. 06-151: To Regulate the Planting, Maintenance, and Preservation of Trees on or Affecting Public Property. Public Works, Infrastructure and Environment Committee. City of Hamilton www.hamilton.ca
(2009) Urban
Hamilton
Official Plan – Council Adopted.
City of Hamilton (2010) Tree Protection Guidelines – City Wide. Planning and Design Section, Planning Division, Planning and Economic Development. www.Hamilton.ca City of Hamilton (2012) Rural Hamilton Official Plan. www.Hamilton.ca COSEWIC (2012) Canadian species at risk. Committee On the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. www.cosewic.gc.ca/ COSSARO (2012) List of vulnerable, threatened, endangered, extirpated and extinct species in Ontario. Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario, MNR. www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Species/2ColumnSubPage/244543.html Couturier, A. (1999) Conservation Priorities for the birds of Southern Ontario: Region of Hamilton-Wentworth. Bird Studies Canada, Environment Canada and Ministry of Natural Resources.
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Curry, R. (2006) The Herpetofauna of Halton Region, Ontario. Halton Natural Areas Inventory. DFO (2010a) Fisheries Act. http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/acts-loi-eng.htm and http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/F-14/index.html . DFO (2010b) Ontario In-Water Construction Timing Window Guidelines for the Protection of Fish and Fish Habitat. http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/regions/central/habitat/oseo/provinces-territories-territoires/on/os-eo21-eng.htm DFO (2012) Distribution of Fish Species at Risk, Hamilton Conservation. www.conservationontario.ca/projects/DFO.html Dillon Consulting Limited (2009) East-West Road Corridor & Waterdown Road Corridor Municipal Road Class Environmental Assessments Natural Environment Report. Dobbyn, J.S. (1994) Atlas of mammals of Ontario. Federation of Ontario Naturalists, 120 pp. Dwyer, J.K. (ed.) (2003) Nature Counts Project: Hamilton Natural Areas Inventory. Vol. 1 (maps). Dwyer, J., Axon, B.K., Attack, P., and Barrett, K.A. (2006) The Mammals of Halton Region, Ontario. Halton Natural Areas Inventory. EOL (2012) Facts about Perfoliate Bellwort (Uvularia perfoliata). Encyclopedia of Life. http://eol.org/pages/1083293/details#habitat FNA (2012) Volume 23: Magnoliophyta: Commelinidae (in part): Cyperaceae. Flora of North America. http://www.efloras.org/flora_page.aspx?flora_id=1 GENIVAR (2011) New East-West Road Corridor, Waterdown Road Corridor – Class Environmental Assessment, Phase 2/3 SAR Survey DRAFT. GENIVAR Inc. HCA (2006) Policies for the Administration of the Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation. Ontario Regulation 150/06. Hamilton Conservation Authority. www.conservationhamilton.ca HNAI (2006) Halton Natural Areas Inventory, compiled by CH, Halton, South Peel Naturalists’ Club and Hamilton Naturalists Club. Volume 1 (Site Summaries), Volume 2 (Species Checklists) and Ecological Land Classification Mapping. Illinois Wildflowers (2012) Spatterdock Nuphar advena. http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/spatterdock.htm
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Lee, H.T., Bakowsky, W.D., Riley, J., Bowles, J., Puddister, M., Uhlig, P. and McMurray, S. (1998) Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: First approximation and its application. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, OMNR#51146. MAH (2005) Greenbelt Plan. Publications Ontario Bookstore. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Asset1277.aspx MAH (2005) Provincial Policy Statement. Publications Ontario Bookstore. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. www.mah.gov.on.ca/Asset1421.aspx McIlveen, W.D. (2006) The Birds of Halton Region, Ontario. Halton Natural Areas Inventory. Migratory Birds Convention Act (1994). http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/M-7.01/ MNR (2010) Natural Heritage Reference Manual for Natural Heritage Policies of the Provincial Policy Statement, 2005. Second Edition. Toronto: Queen’s Printer for Ontario. 248 pp. NHIC (2012) Information on rare, threatened and endangered species. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Natural Heritage Information Centre. www.biodiversityexplorer.mnr.gov.on.ca/nhicWEB/mainSubmit.do NYNHP (2011) Online Conservation Guide for Cordulegaster obliqua. New York Natural Heritage Program. http://www.acris.nynhp.org/guide.php?id=8181 OBBA (2012) Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. http://www.birdsontario.org/atlas/index.jsp?lang=en Oldham, M.J. and W.F. Weller (2000) Ontario Herpetofaunal Atlas. Natural Heritage Information Centre, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. http://nhic.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/nhic/herps/ohs.html (updated 15-01-2010). Soper, H.S and Hemiburger, M.L. (1994) Shrubs of Ontario. The Royal Ontario Museum. Stanfield, L. (2005) Ontario Stream Assessment Protocol, Version 8. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. USDA (2006) Plant Guide – Brainerd’s Hawthorn Cretaegus brainerdii Sarg. United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_crbr3.pdf
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FIGURES
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APPENDIX A
WORK PLAN
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August 10, 2011 MTE File No.: 36025-100 Ms. Diana Morreale, MCIP, RPP Senior Project Manager, Growth Management Division City of Hamilton 77 James Street North Hamilton, ON L8R 2K3 Dear Ms. Morreale: Re: Work Plan for Natural Environment Study Class Environmental Assessment, Phases 3&4 Parkside Drive Road Improvements, Waterdown, Ontario
MTE Consultants Inc. (MTE) is pleased to provide the following work plan to complete a Natural Environment Study for Parkside Drive Municipal Environmental Assessment (EA) Phases 3 & 4, located in Waterdown. MTE understands the Natural Environment Study will be completed for road improvements of Parkside Drive.
1.0 WORK PLAN MTE’s proposed scope of services for this assignment is provided in three phases. Phase one will consist of a background review, Phase two will be field surveys and to determination and confirmation of boundaries of existing Natural Heritage Features and Phase three will be a compilation of data and information from the first two phases with submission of a report for the Municipal EA. 1.1
Background Review
MTE will consult with relevant agencies and stakeholders and review available literature and background information from the following sources:
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A review of topographic and survey maps, soil maps, geology maps, aerial photographs, Ontario base maps and any other available relevant maps; A review of land use in the study area, including the location of buildings, residential land use and the location of surface water; A review of applicable policies and regulations including the City of Hamilton Official Plan and the Provincial Policy Statement; A review of the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA), Conservation Halton (CH), City of Hamilton and Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) information on the study area;
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Ms. Morreale, City of Hamilton August 10, 2011 MTE File No.: 36025-100 Page 2
1.2
A review of the MNR Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) file of the study area and adjacent lands, including information on Species at Risk; and A review of Breeding Bird Atlas, Atlas of Mammals in Ontario and Herpetofaunal Atlas data of the area; and A review of previous studies and species inventories, such as may be provided by special interest groups, e.g. local naturalist clubs or bird watchers. Field Inventories and Site Characterization
Field inventories will include animal and plant surveys and assessment of Natural Heritage features within 100 m of the Parkside Drive alignment. The field components will include:
Biological Communities and Wildlife I.
Vegetation
Background information will be obtained from the MNR NHIC, HCA, CH and previous studies where available. The location of rare, threatened or endangered species will be recorded and marked on a plan of the study area. Vegetation community boundary mapping and community descriptions within 100 m of the alignment will be completed in accordance with Ecological Land Classification (ELC) for southern Ontario (Lee et al., 1998). Specimens will be collected of the plant species requiring verification and/or photos will be taken. The vascular plant inventory will provide details on the number of native and invasive species. Vegetation species significance or rarity will be identified on a national, provincial, regional and local level based on published literature and standard status lists including Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) (2011), Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO) (2011), NHIC (2011). II.
Birds
All birds seen or heard during Site visits will be recorded. Breeding bird surveys will be conducted in accordance with the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas protocols (two surveys). In addition to bird species observed during site visits, a bird species list will be generated from the Atlas of Breeding Birds of Ontario (OBBA, 2007) for the 10 km x 10 km atlas squares that contain the study area. Records of any vulnerable, rare, threatened or endangered bird species will be solicited from MNR and NHIC. Bird species significance on a national, provincial, regional and local level will be based on published literature and current status lists including COSEWIC (2011), COSSARO (2011), NHIC (2011), OBBA (2007) and Couturier (1999). III.
Herpetozoa
Amphibian surveys will be carried out following the Ontario Marsh Monitoring Protocol (3 surveys). Specific surveys for other amphibians such as salamanders and reptiles are not proposed, but incidental observations of reptiles and amphibians during the Site visits will be recorded.
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Ms. Morreale, City of Hamilton August 10, 2011 MTE File No.: 36025-100 Page 3 Reptile and amphibian species significance on a national, provincial, regional and local level will be based on information provided in COSEWIC (2011), COSSARO (2011) and NHIC (2011). IV.
Mammals
Observations of mammals during the Sites visit will be recorded. Observations will include direct sightings and indirect evidence such as calls, tracks, scat, burrows, dens and browse. Mammalian species significance will be classified based on a national, provincial, regional and local level based on the information provided by Dobbyn (1994), Sutherland (1994), COSEWIC (2011), COSSARO (2011) and NHIC (2011). V.
Lepidoptera
Observations of butterflies and moths during site visits will be recorded. Species significance on a national, provincial, regional and local level will be based on information provided in COSEWIC (2011), COSSARO (2011) and NHIC (2011). VI.
Fish and Aquatic Habitat
The description of aquatic habitats such as surface drainage features, creeks and wetlands will be included in the study, as well as aquatic flora and fauna observed on, or in the vicinity of the Site, if present. Assessment of fish habitat will be based on DFO/MTO protocols. If identified as necessary in consultation with the Conservation Authorities fish surveys will be carried out using electrofishing, if appropriate for the study area and data from other studies is not available. VII.
Significant Wildlife Habitat
Significant wildlife habitat, if present in the study area will be identified and characterized in accordance with the MNR Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide (2000). 1.3
Terrain Structure
General notes on topography, surface drainage features, disturbance, erosion, tracks, trails and fill placement will be compiled. Potential wildlife linkages and corridors between natural features on and off Site will also be considered in the study. 1.4
Impact Assessment
Road improvement projects can have a number of effects on the natural environment, for example, they can:
Affect wildlife or fish habitats; Affect wildlife or fish breeding and spawning activities; Result in changes in vegetation and animal community composition; and Cause mortality or stress of plants and animals.
The Impact Assessment will assess direct, indirect, and secondary effects on- and off-site from planned activities and will determine if the effects are long term, short term or have a cumulative impact on ecosystem components and the natural environment.
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Appendix B - Page 77
Ms. Morreale, City of Hamilton August 10, 2011 MTE File No.: 36025-100 Page 4 The significance of natural environment features and ecological communities as well as their sensitivity will be determined. There are a number of effective mitigation measures that can be used to minimize any impact a project may have on the natural environment. These measures include re-vegetation using native species, tree protection, tree saving, erosion control through restoration planting, replacement of soils, restoration of woodlot edges, timing of construction with respect to breeding and spawning seasons, restoration of wetlands and stream substrates as well as buffers and setbacks. If potential effects to the natural environment are identified as a result of the road improvement, mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the anticipated effects will be discussed. Terrestrial and Aquatic Habitat Impacts of the proposed project on terrestrial and aquatic habitats and ecosystem components will be assessed. The literature review and field inventories will provide information on animal and plant species present on the Site. The impact of future activities in connection with the road improvements on vegetation and wildlife in the study area and in the vicinity will be evaluated. Mitigation measures will be provided and discussed; mitigation will be recommended to minimize the impact of planned activities on existing species, breeding cycles, habitats and communities. Recommendations on buffers, tree saving and re-planting of native species will be made where appropriate. Linkages The impact of the proposed activities on wildlife linkages and corridors will be considered and any additional appropriate recommendations will be made to minimize disturbance and negative effects on wildlife. Mitigation Plan and Buffers Buffers will be recommended and discussed; a mitigation plan will be developed, if needed, to minimize impact of planned activities on the natural environment. This plan will protect rare, threatened and endangered species as well as sensitive and significant natural features and habitats.
1.5
Re-vegetation Plan/Landscape Design
Where removal of vegetation is necessary to accommodate road improvements such as widening or additional lanes or replacement of culverts, a re-vegetation plan will be developed which will incorporate the planting of native species. Where appropriate, restoration and enhancement of natural features will be recommended. 1.6
Meetings and Presentations
Project meetings with staff from the City, Delcan and the conservation Authorities will be scheduled on a regular basis, five meetings are suggested. MTE staff is available to take part in Piblic Information Centres/Open Houses.
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Appendix B - Page 78
Ms. Morreale, City of Hamilton August 10, 2011 MTE File No.: 36025-100 Page 5 1.7
Reporting
Information obtained from the literature and background data review, field studies, sensitivity and impact assessment and proposed mitigation measures such as buffers will be compiled in a consolidated draft report. Following comments by agencies and City staff on the draft report, revisions will be made within 2 weeks of receiving all comments. A final report will then be issued. 1.8
Additional Work
Additional meetings, additional rounds of comments and responses from the agencies, other work outside the scope of work such as wetland evaluation, benthic sampling and identification and arborist surveys will be billed as additional service using the staff rates provided.
We hope this Scope of Work meets your needs. Please call if you have any questions. Regards, MTE Consultants Inc.
Barbara Hard, Ph.D., QPRA Manager, Ecological Services and Senior Risk Assessment Specialist
Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 79
APPENDIX B
WILDLIFE REFERENCE LISTS
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Appendix B - Page 80
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Appendix B - Page 81
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Appendix B - Page 82
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Appendix B - Page 83
Atlas of the Mammals of Ontario (Dobbyn, 1994) – Species List Scientific Name Bats Eptesicus fuscus Lasionycteris noctivagans Lasiurus borealis Lasiurus cinereus Myotis leibii Myotis lucifugus Myotis septentrionalis Perimyotis subflavus Carnivores Canis latranus Mephitis mephitis Mustela erminea Mustela frenata Mustela vison Procyon lotor Taxidea taxus Ursus americanus Vulpes vulpes Deer and Bison Odocoileus virginianus Opossums Didelphis virginiana Rabbits and Hares Lepus americanus Lepus europaeus Sylvilagus floridanus Rodents Castor Canadensis
Parkside Drive Class EA
Common Name
Regional Rarity
COSEWIC
SARO
Common Migrant Common Common Common Common -
-
-
Common Common Rare-Uncommon Common Common Common Rare Common
END NAR -
-
White-tailed Deer
Common
-
-
Virginia Opossum
Common
-
-
Snowshoe Hare European Hare Eastern Cottontail
Rare Common Common
-
-
Beaver
Common
-
-
Big Brown Bat Silver-haired Bat Eastern Red Bat Hoary Bat Eastern Small-footed Bat Little Brown Bat Northern Long-eared Bat Eastern Pipistrelle Coyote Striped Skunk Short-tailed Weasel Long-tailed Weasel Mink Raccoon Badger Black Bear Red Fox
Appendix B - Page 84
Scientific Name Erethizon dorsatum Glaucomys sabrinus Glaucomys volans Tamias striatus Marmota monax Sciurus carolinensis Tamiasciurus hudsonicus Microtus pennsylvanicus Microtus pinetorum Mus musculus Napaeozapus insignis Ondatra zibethica Peromyscus leucopus Peromyscus maniculatus Rattus norvegicus Synaptomys cooperi Zapus hudsonius Shrews and Moles Blarina brevicauda Condylura cristata Parascalops breweri
Common Name Porcupine Northern Flying Squirrel Southern Flying Squirrel Eastern Chipmunk Groundhog Gray Squirrel Red Squirrel Meadow Vole Woodland Vole House Mouse Woodland Jumping Mouse Muskrat White-footed Mouse Deer Mouse Norway Rat Southern Bog Lemming Meadow Jumping Mouse
Regional Rarity Common Rare Common Common Common Common Common Common Rare Common-Introduced Uncommon Common Common Common Common-Introduced Common
COSEWIC NAR SC -
SARO SC -
Northern Short-tailed Shrew Star-nosed Mole Hairy-tailed Mole Common Shrew Smoky Shrew Water shrew
Common Common Uncommon Common Common Rare
-
-
Sorex araneus Sorex fumeus Sorex palustris Legend: COSEWIC = Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada SARO = Species at Risk in Ontario END = Endangered NAR = Not at Risk SC = Special Concern “-“ = No status available
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Appendix B - Page 85
Southern Ontario Conservation Priorities, Page 15
MUNICIPAL LIST OF PRIORITY SPECIES Table 3. Municipal list of priority species for the Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth. Please note that forest birds, marsh birds and open country birds are listed separately and that the list is sorted alphabetically within each priority category (level one to four): thus, there is no difference in importance among species within a given category. It should be noted that all species on the list are deemed priority species and that the designation of level one, level two, level three, and level four is a relative ranking within the overall group. Non-VTE species that rely on human structures such as buildings, bridges, etc., should be deemed a priority only when found nesting in natural habitats. These species include: Barn Swallow, Chimney Swift, Cliff Swallow, Common Nighthawk, Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Phoebe and Purple Martin. Symbols: (++) denotes “endangered” or “threatened” status at the provincial or federal level; (*) denotes “vulnerable” status at the provincial or federal level. Please refer to Table 2 to determine precise designations. At a minimum, municipalities must protect the habitat of endangered and threatened species. Contact OMNR staff for additional advice. Nesting habitat information for all species breeding within southern Ontario is provided in Appendix F. Appendix G provides the rationale for the inclusion of each species on the list.
FOREST
MARSH
OPEN COUNTRY
LEVEL ONE
LEVEL ONE
LEVEL ONE
Species Name Acadian Flycatcher++ Blue-winged Warbler Cerulean Warbler* Chestnut-sided Warbler Golden-winged Warbler Hooded Warbler++ Long-eared Owl Louisiana Waterthrush* Northern Saw-whet Owl Prothonotary Warbler++ Red-bellied Woodpecker Red-headed Woodpecker* Red-shouldered Hawk* Yellow-breasted Chat*
Species Name American Bittern American Coot Black Tern* Black-crowned Night-Heron Least Bittern* Sedge Wren Short-eared Owl* Sora Virginia Rail
Species Name Barn Owl++ Brown Thrasher Clay-colored Sparrow Eastern Bluebird Henslow’s Sparrow++ Loggerhead Shrike++ Northern Bobwhite++ Northern Mockingbird Savannah Sparrow Western Meadowlark
LEVEL TWO
LEVEL TWO
LEVEL TWO
Species Name American Redstart Barred Owl Black-billed Cuckoo Black-throated Green Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Broad-winged Hawk Brown Creeper Canada Warbler Eastern Towhee Golden-crowned Kinglet Magnolia Warbler Mourning Warbler Nashville Warbler Northern Waterthrush Pileated Woodpecker
Species Name American Black Duck Blue-winged Teal Common Snipe Gadwall Marsh Wren Pied-billed Grebe Purple Martin Swamp Sparrow
Species Name American Kestrel Bank Swallow Bobolink Common Nighthawk Northern Rough-winged Swallow Upland Sandpiper
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Appendix B - Page 86
Southern Ontario Conservation Priorities, Page 16 Scarlet Tanager Whip-poor-will White-throated Sparrow Yellow-bellied Sapsucker LEVEL THREE
LEVEL THREE
LEVEL THREE
Species Name Alder Flycatcher Black-and-white Warbler Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Carolina Wren Cooper’s Hawk Eastern Phoebe Northern Goshawk Orchard Oriole Pine Warbler Purple Finch Red-breasted Nuthatch Ruby-throated Hummingbird Ruffed Grouse Sharp-shinned Hawk Solitary Vireo Tufted Titmouse Turkey Vulture Veery Winter Wren Yellow-billed Cuckoo Yellow-throated Vireo
Species Name American Wigeon Common Loon Osprey Ring-necked Duck
Species Name American Goldfinch Eastern Kingbird Eastern Meadowlark Field Sparrow Grasshopper Sparrow Horned Lark Spotted Sandpiper Vesper Sparrow
LEVEL FOUR
LEVEL FOUR
LEVEL FOUR
Species Name American Woodcock Black-capped Chickadee Hooded Merganser Ovenbird Wood Duck Wood Thrush Yellow-rumped Warbler
Species Name Common Moorhen Common Tern Green Heron
Species Name Barn Swallow Cliff Swallow
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Appendix B - Page 87
Ontario Herpetofaunal Atlas (Oldham, 2000) - Species List Regional Rarity
COSEWIC
SARO
Abundant Abundant Abundant Common Uncommon Abundant Uncommon Abundant Common
THR NAR NAR -
-
*Excluded
SC
-
Jefferson Salamander Jefferson - Blue-spotted Salamander Complex Blue-spotted Salamander Spotted Salamander Four-toed Salamander Common Mudpuppy Red-spotted Newt Northern Redback Salamander
Uncommon Rare Uncommon Rare Rare Common Common
* END NAR NAR -
END -
Northern Ringneck Snake Eastern Milksnake Smooth Green Snake Northern Water Snake Brown Snake
Rare Common Rare Uncommon Common
SC -
SC -
Scientific Name
Common Name
Frogs and Toads Bufo americanus americanus Hyla versicolor Pseudacris crucifer Pseudacris triseriata Rana catesbeiana Rana clamitans melanota Rana palustris Rana pipiens Rana sylvatica Lizards
American Toad Gray Treefrog Spring Peeper Western Chorus Frog Bullfrog Green Frog Pickerel Frog Northern Leopard Frog Wood Frog
Eumeces fasciatus Salamanders Ambystoma jeffersonianum Ambystoma jeffersonianum-laterale "complex" Ambystoma laterale Ambystoma maculatum Hemidactylium scutatum Necturus maculosus Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens Plethodon cinereus Snakes Diadophis punctatus edwardsi Lampropeltis triangulum Liochlorophis vernalis Nerodia sipedon sipedon Storeria dekayi
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Five-lined Skink
Appendix B - Page 88
Scientific Name
Common Name
Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis Turtles
Northern Redbelly Snake Eastern Garter Snake
Regional Rarity Common Abundant
COSEWIC
SARO
-
-
Apalone spinifera spinifera Eastern Spiny Softshell Rare THR Chelydra serpentina Common Snapping Turtle Common SC Chrysemys picta marginata Midland Painted Turtle Common Emydoidea blandingi Blanding's Turtle Rare THR Graptemys geographica Map Turtle Rare SC Sternotherus odoratus Common Musk Turtle Rare THR Trachemys scripta elegans Red-eared Slider Introduced * Five-lined Skink excluded due to lack of evidence of its existence (one sighting, but no photograph or documentation (Curry, 2006) ** Jefferson Salamander classified as "THR" under SARA (Species at Risk Act)
THR SC THR SC THR -
Legend: COSEWIC = Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada SARO = Species at Risk in Ontario NAR = Not at Risk SC = Special Concern THR = Threatened END = Endangered “-“ = No status available
Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 89
APPENDIX C
SITE PHOTOGRAPHS
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Appendix B - Page 90
Appendix C: Site Photographs
Photograph 1 – Southwest facing view of Parkside Drive towards Highway 6 showing Fresh-Moist Lowland Deciduous Forest Ecosite (FOD7) (Linkage) and adjacent agricultural field (AG).
Photograph 2 – Southeast facing view of Dry-Moist Old Field Meadow (CUM1-1) community located within oil pipeline corridor (Linkage).
Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 91
Photograph 3 – Northeast facing view of Parkside Drive from Hollybush Drive.
Photograph 4 – Southwest facing view of Mineral Cultural Thicket (CUT1) near Duncan Avenue.
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Appendix B - Page 92
Photograph 5 – South facing view of concrete box culvert at crossing of Borer’s Creek and Parkside Drive (north side of Parkside Drive).
Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 93
Photograph 6 – Fish Habitat Assessment : cobble substrate within Borer’s Creek immediately upstream of culvert at Parkside Drive. Abundance of riparian vegetation is shown.
Photograph 7 – Fish Habitat Assessment: presence of bank undercutting within Borer’s Creek (upstream of Parkside Drive).
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Appendix B - Page 94
Photograph 8 – View of Borer’s Creek, immediately upstream of culvert (north side of Parkside Drive).
Photograph 9 – View of Borer’s Creek, immediately downstream of culvert (south side of Parkside Drive).
Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 95
Photograph 10 – Northeast facing view of Parkside Drive. Commercial lands with ornamental landscape trees along the boulevard are shown on the south side of Parkside Drive. The property shown on the north side of Parkside Drive has been cleared for future development.
Photograph 11 – Southwest facing view of Cultural Woodland Ecosite (CUW1, located approximately 70m southeast from Mill Street).
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Appendix B - Page 96
Photograph 12 – Southwest facing view of thicket community (CUT1), across Parkside Drive from hydro corridor, adjacent to greenhouses.
Photograph 13 – Northeast view of bridge at the intersection of Parkside Drive and Grindstone Creek.
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Appendix B - Page 97
Photograph 14 – A concrete bridge over Grindstone Creek allows the system to flow beneath Parkside Drive. Gabian baskets for the prevention of bank erosion are shown.
Photograph 15 – Fish Habitat Assessment: cobble substrate and bundant riparian vegetation within Grindstone Creek immediately downstream of bridge at Parkside Drive.
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Appendix B - Page 98
Photograph 16 – Fish Habitat Assessment: cobble substrate within Grindstone Creek immediately upstream of bridge at Parkside Drive. Abundance of riparian vegetation is shown.
Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 99
APPENDIX D
VEGETATION SPECIED LIST
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Appendix B - Page 100
APPENDIX D - VEGETATION INVENTORY
Scientific Name
Polygon
Common Name
Non-native
Aceraceae Acer campestre Acer negundo Acer platanoides L. Acer rubrum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharum Acer tataricum Acer x freemanii
Hedge Maple Manitoba Maple Norway Maple Red Maple Silver Maple Sugar Maple Tatarian Maple Freeman Maple
X
Adoxaceae Viburnum trilobum
Highbush Cranberry
X
Amaranthaceae Chenopodium album
Lamb's Quarters
X
Anacardiaceae Rhus typhina Toxicodendron radicans
Staghorn Sumac Poison Ivy
Apiaceae Daucus carota
Queen Anne's Lace
X
Apocynaceae Asclepias syriaca Cynanchum rossicum Vinca sp.
Common Milkweed Dog-strangling Vine Periwinkle
X X
Aracaea Convallaria majalis Symplocarpus foetidum
Lily-of-the-valley Eastern Skunk Cabbage
X
Asparagaceae Asparagus officinalis
Wild Asparagus
X
Asteraceae Achillea millefolium Ambrosia artemisifolia Artium minus Centaurea jacea Chrysanthemum leucanthemum Cichorium intybus Cirsium arvense Cirsium vulgare Erigeron sp. Eupatorium maculatum Hieracium sp. Hieracium caespitosum Matricaria discoidea Rudbeckia triloba Solidago sp. Solidago altissima Solidago canadensis Solidago tenuifolia Sonchus arvensis Symphyotrichum lateriflorum Symphyotrichum novae-angliae Symphyotrichum puniceus Taraxacum officinale
Common Yarrow Common Ragweed Common Burdock Brown Knapweed Ox-Eye Daisy Chicory Canada Thistle Bull Thistle Fleabane sp. Spotted Joe-pye Weed Hawkweed species Yellow Hawkweed Pineapple Weed Thin-leaved Coneflower Goldenrod Species Tall Goldenrod Canada Goldenrod Slender-leaved Goldenrod Perennial Sow Thistle Small White Aster New England Aster Purple-stemmed Aster Common Dandelion
X
Balsaminaceae Impatiens capensis
Jewelweed
Betulaceae Betula sp. Betula papyrifera
Birch sp. White Birch
Bignoniaceae Catalpa speciosa
Catalpa
X
Boraginaceae Echium vulgare Myosotis scorpioides
Viper's Bugloss Common Forget-me-not
X X
X
Brassicaceae Alliaria petiolata Brassica sp. Hesperis matronalis Thlaspi arvense
Garlic Mustard Mustard Dame's Rocket Field Penny-cress
X
X
Buxaceae Buxus sp.
Boxwood sp.
X
Cannabaceae Celtis occidentalis
Common Hackberry
X
Caprifoliaceae Lonicera sp.
Honeysuckle sp.
Cornaceae Cornus alternifolia Cornus racemosa Cornus stolonifera
Alternate-leaved Dogwood Gray Dogwood Red Osier Dogwood
Crassulaceae Sedum sp.
Sedum sp.
Cucurbitaceae Echinocystis lobata
Wild Cucumber
Dipsacaceae Dipsacus fullonum
Teasel
X
Elaeagnaceae Elaeagnus angustifolia Elaeagnus umbellata
Russian Olive Autumn Olive
X X
DIOCOTYLEDONS
CUM1-1
CUW1
X X
X
X
FOD7 (area 1) FOD7 (area 2)
X X X
X X
X X X
CUT1
Tree Assessment*
X
X X
X X X
X
X X
X X X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X X X X
FOD7-3
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
X X
X X X X
X
X
X
X X
X X X
X
x x X
X
X
X
X
X X X
X
X
X X
X X
X
X
X X X
X X X X
X
X X X
X
X X X X X X
X
X
X
X X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
X X X
X
X
X
X
X X X
X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Fabaceae
-1-
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Appendix B - Page 101
APPENDIX D - VEGETATION INVENTORY
Non-native
Polygon
Scientific Name
Common Name
Amur maackia Gleditsia triacanthos Gleditsia triacanthos var.inermis Gylcine max Lotus corniculatus Melilotus alba Melilotus officinalis Meticago sativa Robinia pseudoacacia L. Trifolium pratense Vicia cracca
Maackia Honey Locust Sunburst Honey Locust Soya Bean Bird's-foot Trefoil White Sweet Clover Yellow Sweet Clover Alfalfa Black Locust Red Clover Cow Vetch
Fagaceae Fagus grandifolia Fagus sylvatica Quercus cerris Quercus macrocarpa Quercus rubra
American Beech European Beech Turkey Oak Bur Oak Red Oak
Geraniaceae Geranium robertianum
Herb Robert
X
Ginkgoaceae Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo
X
Hypericaceae Hypericum perforatum
St. John's-wort
Juglandaceae Carya ovata Juglans nigra
Shagbark Hickory Black Walnut
Lythraceae Lythrum salicaria
Puple Loosestrife
X
Magnoliaceae Liriodendron tulipifera Magnolia sp.
Tulip Tree Magnolia
X
Malvaceae Tilia sp. Tilia americana Tilia cordata
Linden sp. American Basswood Little-leaf Linden
Melanthiaceae Trillium grandiflorum
Trillium
Moraceae Morus sp.
Mulberry sp.
Oleaceae Fraxinus americana Syringa sp. Syringa vulgaris L.
White Ash Lilac sp. Common Lilac
Onagraceae Oenethera biennis Epilobium angustifolium
Common Evening Primrose Fireweed
Oxalidaceae Oxalis sp. Oxalis corniculata
Wood-sorrel species Yellow Wood-sorrel
Plantaginaceae Plantago major Plantago lanceolata Linaria vulgaris
Common Plantain English Plantain Butter-and-Eggs
X X X
Polygonaceae Polygonum cuspidatum Rumex crispus
Japanese Knotweed Curly Dock
X X
X
Ranunculaceae Caltha palustris Polygonum hydropiper Ranunculus sp. Ranunculus acris Thalictrum pubescens
Marsh Marigold Common Smartweed Buttercup Tall Field Buttercup Tall Meadowrue
X
X
Rhamnaceae Rhamnus cathartica
Buckthorn
Rosaceae Amelanchier sp. Cretaegus sp. Fragaria virginiana Geum canadense Malus sp. Potentilla sp. Prunus virginiana Pyrus calleryana Rubus allegheniensis Rubus idaeus Rosa acicularis Sorbus sp.
Serviceberry sp. Hawthorn sp. Wild Strawberry White Avens Crabapple Cinquefoil Chokecherry Callery Pear Common Blackberry Wild Red Raspberry Prickly Wild Rose Mountain Ash sp.
Salicaceae Populus deltoides Populus grandidentata Populus tremuloides Salix sp. Salix babylonica Salix matsudana
Eastern Cottonwood Largetooth Aspen Trembling Aspen Willow sp. Weeping Willow Curly Willow
X X
Sapindaceae Aesculus hippocastanum
Horsechestnut
X
Schrophulariaceae Verbascum thapsus
Common Mullein
X
X X X X X X X X X X X
CUM1-1
CUW1
X X
FOD7 (area 1) FOD7 (area 2)
X
X
X X X
FOD7-3
CUT1
X X
X
X
X X
Tree Assessment* X X X
X X
X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
X
X X
X
X X
X X X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X X X
X X
X
X
X
X
X X
X
X
X
X X
X X
X
X
X
X X
X X
X
X X X X
X X
X
X X
X X
X
X
Solanaceae
-2-
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Appendix B - Page 102
APPENDIX D - VEGETATION INVENTORY
Scientific Name
Common Name
Solanum dulcamara
Bittersweet Nightshade
Ulmaceae Ulmus americana
White Elm
Verbenaceae Verbena hastata
Blue Vervain
Vitaceae Pathenocissus vitaceae Vitis riparia
Virginia Creeper Riverbank Grape
Non-native X
Polygon CUM1-1
CUW1
FOD7 (area 1) FOD7 (area 2)
FOD7-3
CUT1
Tree Assessment*
X
X
X
X
X
X
X X
X X
X
X X
X X
X
MONOCOTYLEDONS Alismataceae Sagittaria cuneata
Floating Arrowhead
Cyperaceae Carex vulpinoidea Scirpus atrovirens
Brown Fox Sedge Dark Green Bulrush
Iridaceae Iris sp. Iris versicolor
Iris sp. Blue-flag Iris
Lilaceae Erythronium americanum Lilium sp.
Trout Lily Lily
X
Juncaceae Juncus tenuis
Path Rush
X
Poaceae Argrostis gigantea Agrostis scabra Alopecurus sp. Bromus inermis Dactylis glomerata Elymus virginicus Phalaris arundinacea Phragmites australis Phleum pratense Poa pratensis
Redtop Grass Ticklegrass Foxtail sp. Smooth Bromegrass Orchard Grass Wild Rye Reed Canary Grass Common Reed Timothy Kentucky Bluegrass
Thphaceae Thypha latifolia
Common Cattail
X
Equisetaceae Equisetum pratense
Meadow Horsetail
X
Osmundaceae Onaclea sensibilis Osmunda cinnamomea
Sensitive Fern Cinnamon Fern
X
X X
X
X
X
X
X X X X X
X
X X
X X X X
X X
X
X X
X
X X
X
PTERIDOPHYTES
X
X
GYMNOSPERMS Cupressacaea Chamaecyparis nootkatensis Juniperus communis Thuja sp. Thuja occidentalis
Weeping Cypress Common Juniper Cedar sp. Eastern White Cedar
Pinaceae Abies sp. Abies balsamea Larix laricina Picea glauca Picea pungens Pinus nigra var. austriaca Pinus strobus Pinus sylvestris
Fir sp. Balsam Fir American Larch White Spruce Blue Spruce Austrian Pine White Pine Scot's Pine
Taxaceae Taxus canadensis
American Yew
X
X X
X X
X X X X X X X
X X
X
* Nine non-native ornamentals included in tree assessment (species unknown).
-3-
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Appendix B - Page 103
APPENDIX E
TREE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT
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Appendix B - Page 104
TREE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT BLOCK 1
Block 1 spans from Highway 6 to location of Future Road (approximately 630 m east of Highway 6) Number/Unit 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56
Species Name Acer saccharinum Picea glauca Acer platanoides Abies sp. Picea pungens Acer saccharum Picea glauca Acer platanoides Salix sp. Acer platanoides Elaeagnus umbellata Thuja occidentalis Elaeagnus umbellata Chamaecyparis nootkatensis Salix matsudana Salix matsudana Salix matsudana Juglans nigra Thuja occidentalis Syringa sp. Juglans nigra Juglans nigra Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer saccharinum Pinus nigra var. austriaca Pinus nigra var. austriaca Pinus nigra var. austriaca Pinus nigra var. austriaca Acer platanoides Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer platanoides Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer platanoides Acer saccharinum Acer platanoides Coniferous Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer platanoides Picea pungens Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Syringa sp. Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Abies sp.
Common Name Silver Maple White Spruce Norway Maple Fir Blue Spruce Sugar Maple White Spruce Norway Maple Willow Norway Maple Autumn Olive Eastern White Cedar Autumn Olive Weeping Cypress Curly Willow Curly Willow Curly Willow Black Walnut Eastern White Cedar Lilac Black Walnut Black Walnut Norway Maple Norway Maple Silver Maple Austrian Pine Austrian Pine Austrian Pine Austrian Pine Norway Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Norway Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Norway Maple Silver Maple Norway Maple Various Coniferous Silver Maple Silver Maple Norway Maple Blue Spruce Norway Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Lilac Norway Maple Norway Maple Fir
DBH (cm) 24-40 24-40 40.5 24-40 > 40 > 75 24-40 24-40 > 40 24-40 10-24 < 10 10-24 < 10 10-24 10-24 10-24 10-24 10-24 > 50 > 40 > 40 24-40 > 50 62 21.5 39.5 18 31 59 34 38.5 28 34.5 27 35 32 29 48.5 43 32.5 37 > 75 > 50 10-24 24-40 > 100 24-40 24-40 > 40 >75 24-40 24-40 28 < 24 26
Condition Good Fair Good Fair Fair-Good Fair-Good Fair-Good Good Fair Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Fair-Good Fair Fair Fair-Poor Fair-Poor Fair-Poor Fair-Poor Fair-Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Fair Good Good Good Fair-good
Ownership Public Private Public Public Private Public Private Private Public Public Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Public Private Private Private Private Private Private Public Public Private Private Private Private Public Public Public Public Private Public Public Public Public Public Public Private Private Public Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private
Potential Impacts None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None
Recommendation None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None
Additional Notes
White Spruce, Blue Spruce and Austrian Pine
1 Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 105
TREE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT BLOCK 1
Number/Unit 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85
Species Name Acer saccharinum Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer saccharinum Acer platanoides Acer saccharinum Acer platanoides Acer saccharinum Juglans nigra Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Picea glauca Acer negundo Fraxinus americana Acer platanoides Quercus alba Ulmus americana Quercus alba Juglans nigra Quercus macrocarpa Carya ovata Tilia americana Carya ovata Acer platanoides Quercus rubra Quercus macrocarpa Tilia americana Fraxinus americana Tilia americana
Common Name Silver Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Silver Maple Norway Maple Silver Maple Norway Maple Silver Maple Black Walnut Silver Maple Silver Maple White Spruce Manitoba Maple White Ash Norway Maple White Oak White Elm White Oak Black Walnut Bur Oak Shagbark Hickory Basswood Shagbark Hickory Norway Maple Red Oak Bur Oak Basswood White Ash Basswood
DBH (cm) 126 49.5 35 59.5 36 58 43.5 24-40 < 24 > 75 41 10-24 10-24 10-24 < 10 10-24 < 10 < 10 15.5 13.5 < 10 9 12 8 83 10 31 10.5 25
Condition Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Fair Poor Poor Good Good Good Fair-Good Fair-Good Fair Fair-Good Good Good Good Fair-good Fair-Good Good Good Good
Ownership Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Public
Potential Impacts None None None None None None None None None Adjacent to proposed road crossing Adjacent to proposed road crossing None None None None None None None Adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None None None None None None None Adjacent to proposed sidewalk Adjacent to proposed sidewalk
Recommendation None None None None None None None None None Signage, fencing, root protection Retain where feasible - signage and fencing None None None None None None None Signage, fencing, root protection None None None None None None None None Signage, fencing, root protection Signage, fencing, root protection
Additional Notes
Total to be removed: 0 Total to be planted: 0 Total to be protected: 5
2 Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 106
TREE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT BLOCK 2
Block 2 spans from Future Road to approximately 160 m east of Hollybush Drive Number/Unit 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63
Species Name Acer negundo Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Thuja occidentalis Juglans nigra Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Crataegus sp. Juglans nigra Pyrus calleryana Fraxinus americana Rhamnus cathartica Acer saccharum Juglans nigra Juglans nigra Juglans nigra Juglans nigra Gleditsia triacanthos Populus deltoides Populus deltoides Rhamnus cathartica Rhamnus cathartica Populus deltoides Rhamnus cathartica Rhamnus cathartica Malus sp. Malus sp. Catalpa speciosa Malus sp. Catalpa speciosa Betula papyrifera Acer saccharinum Acer platanoides Unknown shrub Gleditsia triacanthos Catalpa speciosa Salix sp. Malus sp. Thuja occidentalis Malus sp. Tilia americana Tilia americana Crataegus sp. Syringa sp.
Common Name Manitoba Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Eastern White Cedar Black Walnut Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Hawthorn Black Walnut Callery Pear White Ash Buckthorn Sugar Maple Black Walnut Black Walnut Black Walnut Black Walnut Honey Locust Cottonwood Cottonwood Buckthorn Buckthorn Cottonwood Buckthorn Buckthorn Crabapple Crabapple Catalpa Crabapple Catalpa White Birch Silver Maple Norway Maple Unknown shrub Honey Locust Catalpa Willow Crabapple Eastern White Cedar Crabapple Basswood Basswood Hawthorn Lilac
DBH (cm) 24-40 24-40 > 40 > 40 24-40 10-24 > 40 10-24 > 40 24-40 < 10 > 40 24-40 24-40 > 40 > 40 > 70 > 40 24-40 24-40 24-40 24-40 24-40 24-40 24-40 24-40 > 40 23 > 40 > 40 10-24 > 40 25 < 10 < 10 < 10 24-40 24-40 10-24 10-24 10-24 10-24 10-24 10-24 24-40 24-40 24-40 24-40 24-40 24-40 > 50 > 40 10-24 > 50 > 40 > 40 10-24 10-24 24-40 34 24 24-40 > 24
Condition Good Good Good Good Fair-good Fair-good Fair-good Fair-good Fair-good Fair-good Good Good Fair-good Fair-good Fair-good Fair-good Fair-good Fair-good Fair-good Fair-good Fair-good Fair-good Fair-good Fair-good Fair-good Fair-good Fair-poor Fair Poor Good Poor Good Good Good Good Good Fair Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Fair Fair Good Fair Good Good Good Good Fair-poor Good Good Good Fair Fair-good Good Good Good Poor Good
Ownership Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Public Public Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Public Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Public Public Private Public Public Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Public Public Private Public
Potential Impacts None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None Within proposed boulevard adjacent to sidewalk Within proposed boulevard adjacent to sidewalk and proposed road crossing Within proposed boulevard and road crossing Within proposed road crossing Within proposed boulevard Within/adjacent to proposed boulevard and sidewalk Within proposed boulevard Within proposed boulevard Within proposed sidewalk Adjacent to proposed sidewalk None Adjacent to proposed sidewalk None Within proposed sidewalk area Within proposed sidewalk area None Within proposed sidewalk area Within proposed sidewalk area None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None Adjacent to proposed sidewalk Adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None
Recommendation None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None Remove and Replace 1:1 Remove and Replace 2:1 Remove and Replace 1:1 Remove and Replace 3:1 Remove and Replace 1:1 Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Remove and Replace 1:1 Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection None Remove and Replace 1:1 Remove and Replace 1:1 None Remove and Replace 1:1 Remove and Replace 1:1 None None None None None None None None None None None None None None None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Remove and Replace 1:1 None
Additional Notes
If protection is not feasible then Remove and Replace 3:1
Total to be removed: 11 Total to be planted: 14 Total to be protected: 7
1
Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 107
TREE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT BLOCK 3
Block 3 spans from 160 m east of Hollybush Drive to approximately 100 m east of Braeheid Avenue/Wimberly Avenue Number/Unit 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54
Species Name Picea glauca Picea glauca Thuja occidentalis Juglans nigra Juglans nigra Juglans nigra Juglans nigra Thuja occidentalis Juglans nigra various coniferous Salix sp. Juglans nigra various coniferous Aesculus hippocastanum Aesculus hippocastanum Quercus palustris Quercus palustris Juglans nigra Acer negundo Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Fraxinus americana Juglans nigra Acer platanoides Fraxinus americana Tilia americana Fraxinus pennsylvanica Juglans nigra Juglans nigra Juglans nigra Juglans nigra Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer platanoides Tilia cordata Tilia cordata Tilia americana Quercus rubra Quercus rubra Quercus rubra Picea pungens Picea pungens Fraxinus americana Picea pungens Picea pungens Picea pungens Picea glauca Picea glauca Acer platanoides Picea pungens Ginkgo biloba Picea pungens Malus sp. Thuja occidentalis
Common Name White Spruce White Spruce Eastern White Cedar Black Walnut Black Walnut Black Walnut Black Walnut Eastern White Cedar Black Walnut various coniferous Willow Black Walnut various coniferous Horsechestnut Horsechestnut Pin Oak Pin Oak Black Walnut Manitoba Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple White Ash Black Walnut Norway Maple White Ash Basswood Red Ash Black Walnut Black Walnut Black Walnut Black Walnut Silver Maple Silver Maple Norway Maple Littleleaf Linden Littleleaf Linden Basswood Red Oak Red Oak Red Oak Blue Spruce Blue Spruce White Ash Blue Spruce Blue Spruce Blue Spruce White Spruce White Spruce Norway Maple Blue Spruce Ginkgo Blue Spruce Crabapple Eastern White Cedar
DBH (cm) 24-40 24-40 24-40 10-24 10-24 10-24 10-24 10-24 26.5 24-40 > 24 10-24 24-40 24-40 > 40 9 8 12.5 43 76 49 <5 24 11.5 16 114 40.5 31.5 22 14.5 18 45 16 7 - 43 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 > 40 > 40 42 45 10 - 24 24 40.5 30 > 70 > 40 > 24 > 40 52.5 10 - 24
Condition Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Fair-good Good Fair Fair Good Good Fair Fair Poor Poor Good Fair-good Good Good Good Good Fair-poor Fair Poor Fair-poor Good Good Good Good Fair Fair-poor Good Fair Fair Good Fair Fair Fair Fair Good Good Fair Fair Fair Poor Fair-good Good Good Good Good Good Poor
Ownership Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Public Private Private/Public Public Private Private/Public Private Private Private Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Public Private Public Private Private
Potential Impacts Adjacent to proposed sidewalk Adjacent to proposed sidewalk Adjacent to proposed sidewalk Within proposed boulevard Adjacent to proposed sidewalk Within proposed sidewalk Adjacent to proposed sidewalk Within proposed boulevard Within proposed boulevard Within and adjacent to proposed sidewalk Within proposed boulevard Within proposed sidewalk Within proposed boulevard Within proposed sidewalk Adjacent to proposed sidewalk within proposed boulevard within proposed boulevard within proposed roadway within proposed roadway within proposed boulevard within proposed boulevard within proposed boulevard adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None None None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk None None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None
Recommendation Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Remove and Replace 2:1 Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Remove and Replace 2:1 Remove and Replace 2:1 Remove and Replace 2:1 Signage, fencing and root protection Remove and Replace 1:1 Signage, fencing and root protection Remove and Replace 1:1 Remove and Replace 1:1 Remove and Replace 2:1 Remove and Replace 3:1 Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection None None Remove and Replace 4:1 Remove and Replace 1:1 Signage, fencing and root protection None None None None None Signage, fencing and root protection Remove and Replace 1:1 Remove and Replace 1:1 Remove and Replace 1:1 Remove and Replace 1:1 Remove and Replace 1:1 Remove and Replace 1:1 None None None Signage, fencing and root protection None None Signage, fencing and root protection None None Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection None
Additional Notes
Austrian Pine and White Spruce White Cedar and White Pine
tagged - ID number 0401 tagged - ID number 0402 tagged - ID number 0406 tagged - ID number 0405 tagged - ID number 0404 multiple trunks
6 individual trees grouped together
Protected through adjacent white spruce multiple trunks
1 Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 108
TREE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT BLOCK 3
Number/Unit 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101
Species Name Picea pungens Larix laricina Acer platanoides Picea glauca Picea glauca Picea pungens Betula papyrifera Picea glauca Fagus sylvatica Betula papyrifera Betula papyrifera Magnolia sp. Sorbus sp. Picea pungens Picea pungens Picea pungens Picea glauca Picea pungens Acer saccharum Tilia sp. Picea pungens Acer saccharinum Unknown Acer platanoides Amur maackia Ginkgo biloba Acer saccharinum Acer platanoides Picea pungens Malus sp. Acer x freemanii Picea glauca Picea glauca Picea glauca Picea glauca Acer platanoides Picea glauca Picea glauca Pinus sylvestris Acer platanoides Picea glauca Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Betula papyrifera Acer platanoides Aesculus hippocastanum Acer platanoides
Common Name Blue Spruce American Larch Norway Maple White Spruce White Spruce Blue Spruce White Birch White Spruce European Beech White Birch White Birch Magnolia Mountain Ash Blue Spruce Blue Spruce Blue Spruce White Spruce Blue Spruce Sugar Maple Linden Blue Spruce Silver Maple Unknown Norway Maple Maackia Ginko Silver Maple Norway Maple Blue Spruce Crabapple Freeman Maple White Spruce White Spruce White Spruce White Spruce Norway Maple White Spruce White Spruce Scots Pine Norway Maple White Spruce Norway Maple Norway Maple White Birch Norway Maple Horsechestnut Norway Maple
DBH (cm) 10 - 24 29 28.5 34 21.5 > 40 28 37 64 24.5 95 10 - 24 10 - 24 < 10 10 - 24 < 10 10 - 24 < 10 54 10 - 24 32 > 40 10 - 24 24-40 10 - 24 > 70 > 75 > 40 41 > 40 > 40 32.5 56 45 50 58 33 31 27.5 35 42 25 24 > 40 108.9 < 10 59
Condition Good Fair-good Good Fair-good Fair Fair-good Good Fair-good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Fair-good Fair-good Fair-good Good Good Good Poor Poor Poor Good Good Good Good Poor Good
Ownership Private Private Private Private Public Private Private Public Private Private Private Private Private Public Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Public Private Private Public Private Private Private Private Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Private Private Private
Potential Impacts adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk and boulevard adjacent to proposed sidewalk None within proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk
Recommendation Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection None None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection None None None None Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Remove and Replace 1:1 None None Signage, fencing and root protection None None None None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Remove and Replace 1:1 Signage, fencing and root protection None Remove and Replace 1:1 Remove and Replace 1:1 Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection
Additional Notes
Protected through adjacent white spruce Protected through adjacent white spruce
Protected through adjacent European Beech
Protected through adjacent norway maple
Total to be removed: 21 Total to be planted: 31 Total to be protected: 45
2 Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 109
TREE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT BLOCK 4
Block 4 spans from 100 m east of Braeheid Avenue/Wimberly Avenue to approximately 56 m east of Cole Street Number/Unit 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
Species Name Quercus rubra Quercus rubra Celtis occidentalis Celtis occidentalis Celtis occidentalis Celtis occidentalis Acer platanoides Tilia sp. Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer saccharinum Tilia sp. Prunus virginiana Prunus virginiana Unknown Unknown Salix babylonica Populus tremuloides Populus tremuloides Pinus sylvestris Acer saccharinum Pinus sylvestris Acer saccharinum Populus deltoides Betula papyrifera Populus deltoides Fraxinus americana Picea pungens Picea glauca Picea pungens Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Unknown Gleditsia triacanthos var.inermis Picea pungens Picea pungens
Common Name Red Oak Red Oak Common Hackberry Common Hackberry Common Hackberry Common Hackberry Norway Maple Linden Norway Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Silver Maple Linden Chokecherry Chokecherry Unknown Unknown Weeping Willow Trembling Aspen Trembling Aspen Scotch Pine Silver Maple Scotch Pine Silver Maple Cottonwood White Birch Cottonwood White Ash Blue Spruce White Spruce Blue Spruce Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Unknown Sunburst Honey Locust Blue Spruce Blue Spruce
DBH (cm) <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 19 14 19 60 23 21 17 12.5 63.5 20 26 15.5 22 19 16 18.5 17.5 83.5 < 10 12 11.5 35 71 134 30.5 35 26.5 50.5 22 < 50 87 > 40 71.5 32.5 < 24 < 10 19.5 79 99.5 > 80 36.5 55.5 36 39
Condition Fair-poor Good Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Good Good Fair-good Good Good Good Good Fair Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Fair-good Good Good Good Fair-poor Fair-poor Good Poor Poor Fair Fair-poor Fair Fair Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Fair-poor Fair Good Fair Fair-good Good Good
Ownership Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Private Public Public Private Private Private Private Private Public Public Private Private Private Public Private Private Private Public Public Private Private Private Private Private
Potential Impacts within proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk None None None None None None None Within proposed road widening and sidewalk None None None Within proposed road widening and sidewalk Within proposed road widening and sidewalk None None None None None None None None None Within proposed sidewalk None None Within proposed sidewalk None None within proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk None within proposed sidewalk None within proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk None within proposed sidewalk within proposed boulevard None None None within proposed boulevard/sidewalk within proposed boulevard/sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None
Recommendation Remove and Replace 1:1 Remove and Replace 1:1 None None None None None None None Remove and Replace 1:1 None None None Remove and Replace 1:1 Remove and Replace 1:1 None None None None None None None None None Remove and Replace 1:1 None None Remove and Replace 1:1 None None Remove and Replace 1:1 Remove and Replace 1:1 None Remove and Replace 1:1 None Remove and Replace 2:1 Remove and Replace 4:1 None Remove and Replace 3:1 Remove and Replace 2:1 None None None Remove and Replace 3:1 Remove and Replace 3:1 Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection None
Additional Notes
multiple trunks
protected through adjacent blue spruce
1 Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 110
TREE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT BLOCK 4
Number/Unit 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97
Species Name Magnolia sp. Acer saccharinum Carya ovata Carya ovata Acer campestre Quercus rubra Quercus rubra Acer saccharum Carya ovata Quercus rubra Quercus rubra Unknown Acer saccharinum Picea glauca Tilia sp. Pinus strobus Prunus virginiana Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Quercus rubra Pinus sylvestris Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Fraxinus pensylvanica Carya ovata Carya ovata Tilia sp. Quercus rubra Pinus nigra var. austriaca Pinus nigra var. austriaca Acer platanoides Tilia sp. Tilia sp. Picea pungens Acer saccharinum Acer platanoides Magnolia sp. Populus deltoides Populus deltoides Populus deltoides Quercus cerris Picea pungens Picea pungens Quercus cerris
Common Name Magnolia Silver Maple Shagbark Hickory Shagbark Hickory Hedge Maple Red Oak Red Oak Sugar Maple Shagbark Hickory Red Oak Red Oak Unknown Silver Maple White Spruce Linden White Pine Chokecherry Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Red Oak Scotch Pine Norway Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Red Ash Shagbark Hickory Shagbark Hickory Linden Red Oak Austrian Pine Austrian Pine Norway Maple Linden Linden Blue Spruce Silver Maple Norway Maple Magnolia Cottonwood Cottonwood Cottonwood Turkey Oak Blue Spruce Blue Spruce Turkey Oak
DBH (cm) > 24 > 80 74 33.5 7 > 50 > 50 > 30 > 30 > 50 > 50 45.5 > 24 < 24 < 24 58.5 16 84 55.5 33.5 50 40 30.5 26 17.6 26.5 24 18.5 22 < 24 42.5 22 20.5 < 24 16 < 24 > 24 23 23 > 24 41.5 25 36 21 28.5 33 24.5
Condition Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Fair-poor Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Fair Poor Fair-good Fair-good Fair-good Good Fair-good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Fair-poor Good Good Good Fair Good Good Good
Ownership Private Private Private Private Public Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Public Public Private Public Private Private Private Private Public Public Private Private Private Public Private Public Public Private Public Private Private Public Private Private Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public
Potential Impacts None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None None None None None None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk None None None within proposed sidewalk None within proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None None None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk
Recommendation None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection None None None None None None None None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Remove and Replace 1:1 Remove and Replace 3:1 Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection Remove and Replace 3:1 Remove and Replace 1:1 None None None Remove and Replace 2:1 None Remove and Replace 2:1 Remove and Replace 2:1 Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection None None None None None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection None Remove and Replace 1:1 Signage, fencing and root protection None None Signage, fencing and root protection None None Signage, fencing and root protection
Additional Notes
Total to be removed: 24 Total to be planted: 42 Total to be protected: 18
2 Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 111
TREE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT BLOCK 5
Block 5 spans from 56 m east of Cole Street to Mill Street Number/Unit 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77
Species Name Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Picea pungens Acer saccharinum Pinus nigra Picea pungens Picea pungens Picea pungens Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer saccharinum Gleditsia triacanthos var.inermis Acer platanoides Acer saccharinum Juglans nigra Acer saccharinum Morus sp. Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Thuja occidentalis Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer platanoides Picea pungens Acer saccharinum Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Thuja sp. Acer platanoides Thuja sp. Salix matsudana Acer negundo Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Picea pungens Various Juglans nigra Liriodendron tulipifera Acer platanoides Picea pungens Acer negundo Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer negundo Deciduous Unknown Unknown Ginko biloba Amelanchier sp. Amelanchier sp. Amur maackia Ginko biloba Amur maackia Ginko biloba Prunus virginiana Prunus virginiana Unknown Acer tataricum Acer tataricum Acer tataricum Unknown Unknown Unknown Acer platanoides Various Acer platanoides Picea pungens Picea pungens Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Catalpa speciosa Syringa vulgaris
Common Name Silver Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Blue Spruce Silver Maple Austrian Pine Blue Spruce Blue Spruce Blue Spruce Norway Maple Norway Maple Silver Maple Sunburst Honey Locust Norway Maple Silver Maple Black Walnut Silver Maple Mulberry Silver Maple Silver Maple Eastern White Cedar Silver Maple Silver Maple Norway Maple Blue Spruce Silver Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Cedar Norway Maple Cedar Curly Willow Manitoba Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Blue Spruce Various Black Walnut Tulip Tree Norway Maple Blue Spruce Manitoba Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Manitoba Maple Various deciduous Unknown Unknown Ginko Serviceberry Serviceberry Maackia Ginko Maackia Ginko Chokecherry Chokecherry Unknown Tatarian Maple Tatarian Maple Tatarian Maple Unknown Unknown Unknown Norway Maple Various Norway Maple Blue Spruce Blue Spruce Norway Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Catalpa Common Lilac
DBH (cm) 89.5 61.5 > 30 > 24 89 > 24 > 24 > 24 > 24 29 34 > 40 > 40 30 102 > 10 > 24 > 24 > 75 51.5 34 24 15 13 37.25 68 > 24 > 30 > 24 13.5 < 10 < 24 77 16.25 17 6.5 <5 <5 10 - 30 24 53.5 35 38 > 30 > 30 47.5 > 24 10 - 30 8 5 <5 < 10 <5 < 10 <5 < 10 < 10 <5 <5 <5 <5 9 8 9 <5 <5 > 40 10 -30 49 < 10 > 24 53 34 34.5 40.5 < 24 > 24
Condition Fair-good Good Good Good Good Fair Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Fair Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Fair-good Good Good Good Fair-good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Poor-Good Good Fair Good Good Poor Good Fair Fair Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Fair Good Good Good Good Fair Good Good Fair-poor Fair Good Fair Good Good Fair Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Fair
Ownership Public Public Private Private Public Public Public Private Private Public Public Public Public Private Public Private Private Private Public Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Public Private Public Private Private Private Private Private Public Public Private Public Private Private Public Private Private Private Private Public Private/Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Private Private Public Private Private Public Private Private Public
Potential Impacts within proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk None None within proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None within proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk None within proposed sidewalk None None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None None within proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None within proposed sidewalk None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None adjacent and within proposed sidewalk None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk within proposed road widening within proposed road widening None within proposed boulevard None within proposed boulevard None None None within proposed boulevard within proposed boulevard within proposed boulevard None within proposed boulevard None None None None None None None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk
Recommendation Remove and Replace 4:1 Remove and Replace 3:1 None None Remove and Replace 4:1 Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection None None Remove and Replace 1:1 Remove and Replace 1:1 Remove and Replace 3:1 Remove and Replace 3:1 None Remove and Replace 4:1 None None None Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection None None None Remove and Replace 1:1 Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection None Remove and Replace 1:1 None None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection None None Remove and Replace according to replacement criteria where applicable None None Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Remove and Replace 1:1 Remove and Replace 1:1 None Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection None None None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection None None None None None None None None Signage, fencing and root protection None None Signage, fencing and root protection None None Signage, fencing and root protection
Additional Notes
Sugar Maple, Black Walnut, Norway Maple, White Cedar, Birch
Cottonwood, Manitoba Maple, Silver Maple, Black Walnut; Snag within stretch of trees to be removed
Eastern White Cedar, Norway Maple, Buckthorn; one dead protected through adjacent blue spruce
1
Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 112
TREE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT BLOCK 5
Number/Unit 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89
Species Name Betula papyrifera Betula sp. Gleditsia triacanthos var.inermis Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Acer saccharum Fagus sylvatica Gleditsia triacanthos var.inermis Acer platanoides Prunus virginiana Tilia sp. Acer platanoides
Common Name White Birch Birch Sunburst Honey Locust Norway Maple Norway Maple Sugar Maple European Beech Sunburst Honey Locust Norway Maple Chokecherry Linden Norway Maple
DBH (cm) 35 > 24 44.5 27 28 20 51.5 43 56.75 > 24 21.5 61.5
Condition Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Fair Good Good Fair-good Good
Ownership Public Private Public Private Private Private Public Public Public Private Private Public
Potential Impacts adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None None None None within proposed sidewalk None None None
Recommendation Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection None None None None None Remove and Replace 1:1 None None None
Additional Notes
Total to be removed: 13 (and applicable grouping) Total to be planted: 28 (and applicable grouping) Total to be protected: 27 (and applicable grouping)
2
Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 113
TREE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT BLOCK 6
Block 6 spans from Mill Street to approximately 200 m east of Churchill Avenue Number/Unit 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63
Species Name Juglans nigra Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Picea glauca Picea glauca Picea glauca Picea glauca Juglans nigra Juglans nigra Picea glauca Picea glauca Picea glauca Picea glauca Acer platanoides Picea glauca Magnolia sp. Acer saccharinum Magnolia sp. Picea pungens Thuja occidentalis Larix larcina Acer rubrum Acer platanoides Acer negundo Morus sp. Picea glauca Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Prunus virginiana Acer platanoides Acer negundo Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Juglans nigra Juglans nigra Acer platanoides Acer saccharinum Acer platanoides Juglans nigra Juglans nigra Juglans nigra Juglans nigra Acer platanoides Acer saccharum Acer rubrum Pinus nigra var. austriaca Pinus nigra var. austriaca Acer tataricum Acer tataricum Acer tataricum Syringa sp. Various Pinus strobus Tilia cordata Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Tilia americana Acer platanoides Picea glauca Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Catalpa speciosa Ginko biloba
Common Name Black Walnut Norway Maple Norway Maple White Spruce White Spruce White Spruce White Spruce Black Walnut Black Walnut White Spruce White Spruce White Spruce White Spruce Norway Maple White Spruce Magnolia Silver Maple Magnolia Blue Spruce Eastern White Cedar Larch Red Maple Norway Maple Manitoba Maple Mulberry White Spruce Norway Maple Norway Maple Chokecherry Norway Maple Manitoba Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple Black Walnuts Black Walnut Norway Maple Silver Maple Norway Maple Black Walnut Black Walnut Black Walnut Black Walnut Norway Maple Sugar Maple Red Maple Austrian Pine Austrian Pine Tatarian Maple Tatarian Maple Tatarian Maple Lilac Various White Pine Littleleaf LInden Norway Maple Norway Maple Basswood Norway Maple White Spruce Norway Maple Norway Maple Catalpa Ginko
DBH (cm) 80.5 13 36 55.5 60.5 76 78.25 50.5 42 66 41.5 51 53 34 54.5 > 24 5 24 51.5 < 10 38.5 51 62 37 49 59 31.5 27 21 34 50 76.5 61.75 10 - 30 23.5 30 28.5 52 80 43.5 77 55.5 38.5 79 25 > 24 > 24 > 24 > 24 > 24 < 10 10 - 18 38 55 55.5 49.5 38 70 39 < 10 10 - 20 8.5 4
Condition Fair Good Good Good Fair Poor-fair Poor-fair Good Good Poor-fair Good Fair-good Good Good Good Good Fair Good Fair Good Fair-good Good Fair-good Fair Fair Fair Good Fair Poor Fair Poor Fair-good Good Good Good Poor Poor-fair Fair-good Good Good Good Good Fair-good Fair Fair Fair-good Fair-good Fair Fair Fair Fair Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Fair Fair Good Good Good
Ownership Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Public Public Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Public Private Private Public Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Public Private Private Private Private Public Public Public Private Private Public Public Private Private Private/Public Private Private Public Public Public Private Private Public Private/Public Private Private
Potential Impacts adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to/within proposed sidewalk None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk within proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to/within proposed sidewalk None None
Recommendation Signage, fencing and root protection None None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection None None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection None None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection None None Remove and Replace 2:1 Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection None None None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Remove and Replace 2:1 Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection; Remove and Replace where applicable None None Signage, fencing and root protection Remove and Replace 1:1 Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection; Remove and Replace where applicable None None
Additional Notes
Buckeye, Norway Maple, buckthorn, eastern white cedar
Also a group of dead trees
1
Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 114
TREE INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT BLOCK 6
Number/Unit 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88
Species Name Picea pungens Thuja occidentalis Prunus virginiana Acer platanoides Taxus canadensis Acer saccharum Acer platanoides Acer platanoides Picea glauca Picea glauca Picea glauca Picea glauca Bruxus sp. Acer platanoides Malus sp. Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer platanoides Acer saccharinum Acer saccharinum Acer platanoides Rhus typhina Acer negundo Acer negundo Acer negundo
Common Name Blue Spruce Eastern White Cedar Chokecherry Norway Maple American Yew Sugar Maple Norway Maple Norway Maple White Spruce White Spruce White Spruce White Spruce Boxwoods Norway Maple Crabapple Silver Maple Silver Maple Norway Maple Silver Maple Silver Maple Norway Maple Staghorn Sumac Manitoba Maple Manitoba Maple Manitoba Maple
DBH (cm) 22 < 10 16.5 67 < 10 56 52 6.5 48.5 56 26 46.5 < 10 59.25 74 96.5 88 61.5 101 72 66.5 < 10 < 10 < 10 < 10
Condition Good Good Poor Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Fair Good Good Good Good
Ownership Private Private Public Private Private Private Public Private Private Private Private Private Public Private Private Private Private Public Private Private Public Public/Private Public Public Public
Potential Impacts None None None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None within proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None None None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk adjacent to proposed sidewalk None adjacent to proposed sidewalk None None
Recommendation None None None None Signage, fencing and root protection None Remove and Replace 1:1 None Signage, fencing and root protection None None None None Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection Signage, fencing and root protection None Signage, fencing and root protection None None
Additional Notes
Total to be removed: 4 (and groupings where applicable) Total to be planted: 6 (and groupings where applicable) Total to be protected: 50
2
Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 115
APPENDIX F
WILDLIFE SURVEY RESULTS
Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 116
Breeding Bird and SAR Survey Results New East-West and Waterdown Road Corridor, GENIVAR (2011)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Cooper’s Hawk Spotted Sandpiper Red-winged Blackbird Wood Duck Mallard Ruby-throated Hummingbird Ardea herodias Great Blue Heron Bombycilla cedrorum Cedar Waxwing Bonasa umbellus Ruffed Grouse Branta canadensis Canada Goose Buteo jamaicensis Red-tailed Hawk Butorides virescens Green Heron Cardinalis cardinalis Northern Cardinal Carduelis tristis American Goldfinch Carpodacus mexicanus House Finch Cathartes aura Turkey Vulture Catharus fuscescens Veery Catharus ustulatu Swainson’s Thrush Certhia americana Brown Creeper Chaetura pelagica Chimney Swift Charadrius vociferus Killdeer Coccyzus Black-billed Cuckoo erythropthalmus Colaptes auratu Northern Flicker Columba livia Rock Pigeon *Contopus virens Eastern Wood-Pewee Corvus brachyrhynchos American Crow Cyanocitta cristata Blue Jay Dendroica magnolia Magnolia Warbler Dendroica petechia Yellow Warbler Dendroica pinus Pine Warbler *Dolichonyx oryzivorus Bobolink Dryocopus pileatus Pileated Woodpecker Dumetella carolinensis Gray Catbird Empidonax alnorum Alder Flycatcher Empidonax minimus Least Flycatcher Empidonax traillii Willow Flycatcher Accipiter cooperii Actitis macularius Agelaius phoeniceus Aix sponsa Anas platyrhynchos Archilochus colubris
Parkside Drive Class EA
Regional Rarity (McIlveen, 2006) Uncommon Common Abundant Common Abundant Common
COSEWIC
SARO
NAR -
-
Common Common Common Abundant Common Uncommon Common Abundant Abundant Common Common Common Uncommon Uncommon Common Uncommon
SC NAR THR -
THR -
Common Common Abundant Abundant Rare Common Uncommon Common Uncommon Common Common Uncommon Uncommon
SC THR -
THR -
Appendix B - Page 117
Scientific Name
Common Name
Eremophila alpestris Geothlypis trichas *Hirundo rustica Hylocichla mustelina Icterus galbula Larus delawarensis Melanerpes carolinus Meleagris gallopavo Melospiza georgiana Melospiza melodia Molothrus ater Myiarchus crinitus Nycticorax nycticorax
Horned Lark Common Yellowthroat Barn Swallow Wood Thrush Baltimore Oriole Ring-billed Gull Red-bellied Woodpecker Wild Turkey Swamp Sparrow Song Sparrow Brown-headed Cowbird Great-crested Flycatcher Black-crowned Night Heron Mourning Warbler House Sparrow Savanna Sparrow
Oporornis philadelphia Passer domesticus Passerculus sandwichensis Passerina cyanea Pheucticus ludovicianus Picoides pubescens Picoides villosus Pipilo erythrophthalmus Piranga olivacea Poecile atricapillus Polioptila caerulea Pooecetes gramineus Progne subis Quiscalus quiscula Riparia riparia Sayornis phoebe Scolopax minor Seiurus aurocapillus Setophaga ruticilla Sitta canadensis Sitta carolinensis Spizella passerina Spizella pusilla Stelgidopteryx serripennis
Parkside Drive Class EA
Indigo Bunting Rose-breasted Grosbeak Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woopecker Eastern Towhee Scarlet Tanager Black-capped Chickadee Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Vesper Sparrow Purple Martin Common Grackle Bank Swallow Eastern Phoebe American Woodcock Ovenbird American Redstart Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch Chipping Sparrow Field Sparrow Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Regional Rarity (McIlveen, 2006) Uncommon Common Common Common Common Abundant Uncommon Uncommon Common Abundant Abundant Common Uncommon
COSEWIC
SARO
THR -
THR -
Uncommon Abundant Abundant
-
-
Common Common Common Common Uncommon Common Abundant Uncommon Uncommon Uncommon Abundant Common Common Common Abundant Common Uncommon Common
-
-
Common Common Uncommon
-
-
Appendix B - Page 118
Scientific Name
Common Name
*Sturnella magna Tachycineta bicolor Toxostoma rufum Troglodytes aedon Troglodytes hiemalis Turdus migratorius Tyrannus tyrannus Vermivora cyanoptera Vireo gilvus Vireo olivaceus Wilsonia pusilla Zenaida macroura
Eastern Meadowlark Tree Swallow Brown Thrasher House Wren Winter Wren American Robin Eastern Kingbird Blue-winged Warbler Warbling Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Wilson’s Warbler Mourning Dove
Regional Rarity (McIlveen, 2006) Common Abundant Common Common Uncommon Abundant Common Uncommon Common Abundant Uncommon Abundant
COSEWIC
SARO
THR -
THR -
*Species designated as “No Status” under SARA Legend COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada SARA Species at Risk Act SARO Species at Risk in Ontario NAR Not at Risk SC Special Concern THR Threatened
Parkside Drive Class EA
Appendix B - Page 119
