Mer Bleue Wetland Management Plan: Executive Summary National Capital Commission National Capital Greenbelt Elgin Street Ottawa, Ontario K1P

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2 Mer Bleue Wetland Management Plan: Executive Summary National Capital Commission National Capital Greenbelt Elgin Street Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1C7 March 2007

3 PREFACE The Mer Bleue Wetland Management Plan was presented to the Executive Management Committee (EMC) on May 23 rd, It was approved as a guiding document that will support the protection of Mer Bleue as a Ramsar Site. This Management Plan will also provide a framework for the implementation of the Greenbelt Master Plan in the Mer Bleue sector. Note: A full-length English report existing under the same title is available in the National Capital Commission Library: NCC Library 2nd Floor, 40 Elgin Street Ottawa ON K1P 1C7 Phone: (613) or 5136 Fax: (613) PROJECT TEAM Director, Gatineau Park and Greenbelt: Project Leader: Project Manager and Writer: Writer and Reviser: Collaborator: Jean-René Doyon Gershon Rother Eva Katic Lynch-Stewart & Associates Kim Copeland

4 MER BLEUE: A SIGNIFICANT WETLAND IN CANADA AND THE WORLD Just 10 km southeast of Parliament Hill, protected within the boundaries of the National Capital Greenbelt, lies one of the region s most valuable natural assets the Mer Bleue wetland. More than half of the 2,800 ha wetland is a raised dome peat bog typical of Canada s northern boreal forest. Mer Bleue wetland is the largest natural ecosystem in the Greenbelt, boasts the largest peat bog in the National Capital Region, and supports self-sustaining populations of many species outside of their normal range. The National Capital Commission (NCC) is the steward of the Greenbelt, and owns and manages the majority of the Mer Bleue wetland. While protection of the wetland is paramount, the NCC promotes recreation and education on the site. A one-kilometer boardwalk trail provides an opportunity to explore this unique wetland. A picnic shelter, hiking and cross-country ski trails add to public enjoyment of the Mer Bleue wetland. Scientific research conducted on-site has contributed to knowledge about topics such as wetland functions and values, wildlife, species at risk, and carbon cycling in peat bogs. The Government of Ontario designated the Mer Bleue wetland in 1983 as provincially significant, which restricts development in and around the wetland. The Government of Ontario also designated the Mer Bleue wetland as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest, because it contains natural features that have scientific value related to protection, research and education. In 1995, the Mer Bleue wetland was designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Mer Bleue wetland shares this honour with 36 other wetlands in Canada including Cap Tourmente, Long Point and the Peace-Athabasca Delta. The Mer Bleue wetland is considered a Wetland of International Importance, also known as a Ramsar Site, for meeting the following criteria: Contains a representative, rare, or unique example of a natural or near-natural wetland type found within the appropriate bio-geographic region; and Supports vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species or threatened ecological communities. 1

5 The Mer Bleue Wetland Management Plan has been produced to ensure ongoing conservation, monitoring, and management of the Mer Bleue wetland. Building on the overarching principles expressed in the Plan for Canada s Capital (1999), and the Greenbelt Master Plan (1996), the Management Plan provides a framework of activity for the next ten to fifteen years. It applies the principles of wise-use, research, and education advocated in the Ramsar Convention, and fulfills the Ramsar requirements for management planning on Ramsar Sites. The Mer Bleue Management Area represents one-third, or 7,100 ha, of the total area of the Greenbelt, and includes three of the eleven sectors identified in the Greenbelt Master Plan: Mer Bleue Bog Sector that contains almost all of the wetland ecosystem, as well as the two sand ridges in the western portion of the wetland; Eastern Farm Sector (South) characterized by farms, scattered woodlots and forest to the south of the Bog Sector; and Eastern Farm Sector (North), another rural parcel that provides a buffer between the Bog Sector and the residential and industrial areas to the west and northwest. The hedgerows, creeks and hollows of the Eastern Farm Sector (North) connect the Mer Bleue wetland with other natural areas within and beyond the Greenbelt. With these three sectors defined by the Greenbelt master Plan (1996), the Management Area embraces the Mer Bleue wetland and the extensive surrounding Greenbelt lands required to support it. 2

6 FACTORS INFLUENCING THE MER BLEUE MANAGEMENT AREA The Guidelines for Management Planning for Ramsar Sites (2002) adopted by the Ramsar Convention recommends the identification of factors that are causing or are likely to cause a change in the ecological character of the Ramsar site. Factors that have the potential to affect the Mer Bleue Management Area are described below. Development of East Urban Community The City of Ottawa has initiated the process of developing a mixed-use East Urban Community adjacent to the Management Area. The City expects the community to grow to about 117,000 by Intensified urban encroachment accompanied by an increase in recreational activity, pets, noise, light pollution and waste dumping may be of concern to the management of the area. Land Use Activities The direct effects of land use activities in the wetland and the indirect effects of land uses in adjacent areas are of concern. Activities that could affect the quality and quantity of the Mer Bleue wetland include road building, construction of hydroelectric corridors, drainage practices, and farming practices on adjacent properties. Storm Water Management The growth of urban communities east of the Management Area will require construction of a major storm water management system. Proximity of storm water ponds to the wetland is a concern, because the ponds have the potential to affect the hydrology of the wetland. Storm water management in the vicinity of the Management Area will require monitoring to ensure that water levels in the wetland are not affected. Municipal Drains Approximately 10 km of municipal drains are situated within the wetland and 20 km within the greater Management Area. These drainage ditches were dug to improve land for farming. Although the drains no longer function efficiently, future efforts by the City of Ottawa to clean the drains could result in a change to water table levels, and possibly over a large area of the bog. 3

7 Beaver Activity Beavers have long been a part of wetland ecosystems in the National Capital Region. Concern about beavers in the Management Area relates to changes in groundwater and surface hydrology caused by their dams and ponds, and the possible perception of surrounding landowners that beaver activity may pose a threat on their lands, and lead to damage to their property. Recreational Activities About 100,000 people visit the Management Area annually and these numbers are expected to rise. The primary concern related to recreational activities is damage to the bog caused by visitors walking off-trail. Trampling results in destruction of bog vegetation, compaction of the peat, and possibly disturbance of wildlife. Visitor numbers and related pressure on the ecosystem may rise due to residential growth in Ottawa, particularly in nearby developments, and growing awareness of the site s unique wetland features. Water Level Fluctuations Bogs are extremely sensitive to change in water regimes and nutrient concentrations. Water level fluctuations influence the diversity and condition of wetland plant communities and the habitats they provide for a variety of wildlife. High water levels may result in bog vegetation being replaced by species more typical of a fen or marsh. Conversely, low water levels may result in wetland vegetation being replaced by more upland species. Vegetation Succession Under natural conditions, the Mer Bleue bog will evolve over hundreds of years from Sphagnumdominated wet conditions to dryer conditions dominated by shrubs and tree species. These successional stages, however, can be interrupted, accelerated or maintained by natural causes, human disturbances or management practices. In the short term, the marshes of the Mer Bleue wetland are filling in with a dense cover of cattails, which may progress to shrub vegetation and eventually tree cover in the coming decades. 4

8 Exotic Species Invasion Invasive exotic plants choke out native wetland plant species and affect nutrient uptake, fish and wildlife habitat and other functions. Purple loosestrife is the most prevalent example of an exotic plant that has invaded the marshes of the Mer Bleue wetland; other invasives such as glossy buckthorn and European frog-bit are also present. Nearby Landfill Sites Two municipal landfill sites pose potential adverse environmental threats to the Management Area: the former Ridge Road Landfill located west of the Management Area, and Navan Landfill, adjacent to the northeast portion of the Management Area. Any leachate or other pollution that might escape from the landfills, due to a collapse, failure of control systems or flooding, has the potential to leach into the Rideau Valley and South Nation Watersheds. A natural attenuation and monitoring approach, and on-going maintenance are being implemented to mitigate potential impacts at the Ridge Road site. In August 2007, the Ministry of the Environment approved an environmental assessment to increase both the footprint and the lifespan of the Navan Landfill. Pollution Littering and illegal dumping of waste products affects the habitat value of the Mer Bleue wetland and the recreational experience of visitors. Commonly found items include used tires, refrigerators and other appliances, building and construction waste, and occasionally cars. During World War II, the Mer Bleue wetland was used for bombing practice, and the impacts of the bombing are still evident in the centre of the bog. There are potential impacts associated with the residual bomb casings. Accelerated Climate Change The Mer Bleue wetland will be affected by shifts in temperature and precipitation, which will result in changes, for example, to the hydrology of the bog, moisture conditions and decomposition rates in the peat, and vegetation communities. Climate change may impair the ability of wetlands to trap and then lock away large quantities of carbon. It may also increase the release of carbon and associated greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Atmospheric Pollution The local and long-range transport of air pollutants is one component of global environmental change that is believed to be affecting wetlands in Canada. Of particular concern is the deposition of sulphur and nitrogen oxides, metals, and organic contaminants. 5

9 KEY ACTIONS FOR THE MER BLEUE MANAGEMENT AREA Strategic Goals 1. Maintain the ecological character of the Mer Bleu wetland, focusing on those features for which it was designated as a Ramsar Site. 2. Preserve natural areas and rural or farm lands in the Mer Bleue Management Area, recognizing the interdependence between sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. 3. Encourage public access to the Management Area for recreation, education and scientific research, while ensuring the protection of the ecological character of the wetland. Objectives 1. The natural biological diversity is maintained, at a landscape, community and species scale. 2. Species at risk and rare species populations and associated habitats are maintained and, where feasible, restored. 3. Water quality, water levels, and flow regimes are within their natural or expected range of variability. 4. The natural processes required to maintain the Mer Bleue wetland are maintained. 5. Habitat quality and connectivity for wildlife are maintained and where feasible, restored. 6. Visitors arriving at the Management Area experience a sense of place and appreciate the unique character of the Mer Bleue wetland. 7. Visitors engage in high quality, appropriate recreational or educational experiences in a way that does not impair the ecological character of the wetland. 8. Public awareness, understanding and stewardship of the Mer Bleue wetland are improved among visitors and locals, which leads to increased participation in maintaining the ecological character of the wetland. 9. A wide range of viable and well-managed farms and rural landscapes in and around the Management Area contribute to the maintenance of the ecological character of the wetland. 10. The scenic and visual value of rural landscapes and buildings in the Management Area is preserved, in keeping with the character of the surrounding area. 11. The road network allows visitors and residents optimal access to and experience of the Mer Bleue wetland, while protecting its ecological character. 6

10 12. New or expanded transportation and utilities infrastructure results in no net loss of wetland function. 13. A thorough, coordinated program of research and monitoring provides the information required to achieve management objectives, and contributes to peatland science priorities such as climate change. 14. Land planners and managers, and scientists and researchers can easily access scientific studies concerning the Management Area, improving integration of scientific results into environmental decision-making and future research. Key Actions 1. Secure areas of the wetland that are inadequately protected, through acquisition, zoning, private stewardship or other means. 2. Manage the Mer Bleue Ramsar Site as an IUCN Category II (National Park) protected area, as recommended in the Plan for Canada s Capital (1999), to be managed first for ecosystem protection and then for recreation. 3. Manage lands adjacent to the Ramsar Site and within the Management Area as an IUCN Category V Protected Landscape, recognizing that the interaction of people and nature over time has produced an area of distinct character with significant aesthetic, ecological or cultural value. 4. Assess and monitor the occurrence and condition of wetland classes and vegetation communities in the Management Area. 5. Assess and monitor the distribution, number of individuals, habitat requirements and population trends of species at risk as well as rare species identified by the Natural Heritage Information Centre. 6. Develop and implement effective strategies to ensure the long-term viability of species at risk occurring in the Management Area. 7. Conduct a comprehensive study to improve understanding of the hydrology of the Management Area, focusing on the wetland and considering influencing factors such as beaver, drainage ditches, and climate change. 8. Conduct a water quality monitoring program for the Management Area, which considers the effect of surrounding land uses and land management practices on water quality of the wetland. 9. Map and monitor priority habitats to ensure maintenance of composition and structure of native vegetation communities. 10. Maintain the floristic data base established by the Greenbelt Vegetation Monitoring Program, so data can be accurately and effectively applied to land use and management decisions. 7

11 11. Implement appropriate prevention and control methods for invasive species that threaten native plant species and communities. Promote public awareness of, support for, and involvement in the control of non-native plants. 12. Conduct regular surveys to monitor the occurrence and condition of wildlife in the Management Area. 13. Increase efforts to promote public awareness of the importance of the wetland to visitors, school groups and local residents. Promote environmental stewardship of the Mer Bleue wetland and Ramsar Site, especially among residents living in communities adjacent to the Management Area. 14. Assess and implement means of effectively managing growth of the East Urban Community as it relates to the Management Area. Consider access points, transit routes, trail systems and buffers. 15. Determine opportunities to enhance the trail network in the Management Area. Undertake projects to ensure that users remain on designated trails and boardwalks. 16. Encourage farms situated within the Management Area to convert to organic, natural management or other stewardship practices. 17. Preserve farms with a high scenic and visual value and, where possible, ensure the structural integrity of farm buildings as an important component of the rural landscape. 18. Review and monitor all proposals for transportation and utilities to ensure that potential effects on the Management Area are minimized. 19. Prohibit the location within the Management Area of new utility corridors, storm water ponds, communication towers or similar facilities required to support the development of adjacent residential communities. 20. Identify priority research and information gaps related to Mer Bleue wetland and peatlands in general, and set up processes for obtaining the necessary information. 8

12 A NEW ERA FOR MER BLEUE MANAGEMENT The Mer Bleue Wetland Management Plan establishes a milestone in the NCC s approach to one of the ecological gems of the National Capital Greenbelt. The Plan reviews much of what is known about the area and presents a clear vision for the future. Conservation of the Mer Bleue wetland upholds provincial, national and international legal and policy commitments related to wetlands and biological diversity. This plan defines the NCC s commitments to conservation and wise use of the wetland. The ecological character of the wetland will be maintained. Sustainable agriculture in and around the Management Area will continue to be an essential management tool to conserve large, open rural areas and to maintain wetland ecology. High quality recreational or educational experiences that do not impair the ecological character of the wetland will be encouraged. A coordinated program of scientific research will support management of the Mer Bleue wetland and contribute to peatland research priorities such as climate change. Management recommendations for Mer Bleue make use of the full range of tools to deal with these challenges. The wetland will be protected through acquisition, zoning and private stewardship. New and continuing scientific research and monitoring will provide a sound basis for management. Collaboration on recovery plans for species at risk can guide recovery actions in the Management Area. Environmental assessment processes will ensure that proposed developments are designed to mitigate potential impacts. Trail improvements, new signage and interpretive resources will both improve the visitor experience and minimize impacts on wetland ecology. Various features and conditions of the Management Area will be monitored to determine whether adjustments to the management actions are required to meet the objectives. Referred to as adaptive management, the process is cyclical, with monitoring continuing and further adjustments made as necessary. Adaptive management will enable Mer Bleue managers to learn through experience, respond to changing factors that affect the area, and continually refine management practices. The Mer Bleue Wetland Management Plan will direct day to day operations in the Management Area in accordance with its longer term objectives. Respect for these objectives, together with support for the actions prescribed, will help protect the functions and values of the Mer Bleue wetland for the benefit of present and future generations. 9