Duffins & Carruthers Creek Watersheds Projects & Plans
Atlantic Salmon Re-introduction
Duffins Creek is one of three creeks selected for the release of salmon fry as part of the Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration program. The Atlantic Salmon Restoration program began in 2006 as a partnership between Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, LCBO, Banrock Station wines, Ontario Sportsfishing Industry Association, Ministry of Natural Resources and TRCA. The goal of the program is to re-establish a sustainable Atlantic Salmon population to Lake Ontario by restoring creek habitat and releasing young salmon (fry) directly into the creek.
To date over 100,000 fry have been released into the Duffins Creek watershed. Key accomplishments in 2008 included the release of 27,000 fry with grade six students, the restoration of 80m of eroded shoreline in Greenwood Conservation Area, and the return of adult salmon.
Living Classroom partnership
The Living Classroom partnership was launched in 2008 to collaboratively work towards the development of a Living Classroom to support the on-going restoration of the former Timbers Brothers gravel pit in south Uxbridge Township. The partnership includes Uxbridge Township, Durham Conservation Association, local aggregate operators, Ministry of Natural Resources, and reclamation consultants. The Living Classroom approach provides opportunities to involve the broader community in an adaptive, experiment-based restoration process by educating the public through interpretive signage and public forums, and the sharing of both the successes and failures of specific restoration techniques. A Steering Committee has been established which will sever as the core decision-making mechanism for the Living Classroom program. A number of short-term actions have been identified for implementation in 2009. In addition, a long-term site enhancement plan has been developed with phase 1 implantation planned for 2009.
Collaborative Studies on Ajax-Pickering waterfront water quality
This joint study with York and Durham Regions, Town of Ajax, Ontario Ministry of Environment, Ontario Power Generation and the University of Waterloo is examining factors influencing water quality in the nearshore areas. Findings from this multi year study will assist all parties in developing and undertaking best management practices that can improve water quality. An understanding will be gained on the relative contributions and interactions of creeks, storm sewers, water pollution control plants and wildlife populations and human use of the waterfront as determinants factors in water quality.
Lake Ontario Source Water Protection
In order to ensure safe drinking water supplies, efforts are underway to ascertain the factors influencing municipal drinking water intakes in the nearshore areas of Western Lake Ontario. This is an example of a cooperative studies, involving multi levels of government working together to better understand interactions in the nearshore and adjacent land use.
Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade Eco-Business Program
The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade Environmental Task Force initiated an Eco-Business program in 2008. The goal of the program is to engage member businesses in sustainable practices. The first initiative of the Eco-Business program is an Eco-Business checklist. The goal of the checklist is to engage new businesses in sustainability and showcase those that have already made changes. Two businesses have already completed the checklist.
Lake Ontario Biodiversity Strategy
Toronto and Region Conservation staff have been supporting Conservation Ontario in a bi- national study of Lake Ontario. This study being lead by Nature Conservancy Canada and the US Nature Conservancy is identifying steps that can be taken to restore the biodiversity functions of the lake. A critical aspect of this study is the role that watersheds play in the biodiversity functions of the lake, including water quality, coastal land areas, tributaries and aquatic habitat.
Equestrian Stewardship Program
The increasing number of equestrian operations in the headwaters of Duffins Creek signaled the need for an equestrian stewardship program. A pilot program was launched in 2008 with two workshops. These workshops included equine experts and a focus group session. The focus group results showed strong support for a stewardship program with focus on pasture management and trail use. Funding was secured to develop and implement a program for 2009.
Urban Forest Studies in Ajax and Pickering
Urban forests are a key approach to addressing sustainability objectives related to storm water, air quality and climate change. Urban forest studies are important tools in the development of a strategy to protect and enhance the urban forest. Toronto and Region Conservation is working with partner municipalities to develop urban forest studies.
Ajax completed an urban forest study in partnership with TRCA. And Pickering will be working with TRCA in 2009 to develop an urban forest study. Both of these studies will form the basis of an urban forest strategy for a major developing are in Durham Region.
