Wetlands in Ontario

An overview of Wetlands in Ontario

Wetlands Group

March 28, 2022

What are Wetlands?

Wetlands are areas of low-lying land layered by shallow water (Wetlands Alberta, n.d.). Within these waters, they allow aquatic life and plants to be supported which makes wetlands a very diverse, dynamic ecosystem (Wetlands Alberta, n.d.).

Wetlands play an important environmental role in sustaining healthy watersheds (Wetlands Alberta, n.d.). The following ways of doing so are by (Wetlands Alberta, n.d.):

protecting water quality
providing water storage and infiltration
providing wildlife, fish, and plants with a habitat
sustaining biodiversity

Wetlands can be divided into two major classes: Peatlands and non-peatlands (Wetlands Alberta, n.d.).

Peat - partially decomposed organic vegetation that accumulate in these wetlands (Wetlands Alberta, n.d.)

Peatlands

Bogs – surface water is found to be low in nutrients and strongly acidic due to decay of plant material and poor drainage (Wetlands Alberta, n.d.). Typically dominated by shrubs and sphagnum mosses (Wetlands Alberta, n.d.). Trees may be supported (Wetlands Alberta, n.d.).

Fens – the flow of groundwater influences these wetlands and thus tend to be basic and more productive than bogs (Wetlands Alberta, n.d.). Mainly dominated by sedges but can also contain trees and shrubs (Wetlands Alberta, n.d.).

Swamps – very productive and nutrient rich wetlands (Wetlands Alberta, n.d.). Mainly contains trees or shrubs (Wetlands Alberta, n.d.).

Non-Peatlands

Shallow open water ponds – these wetlands are commonly represented as the stage between marshes and lakes, seen as relatively small bodies of flowing or standing water (Wetlands Alberta, n.d.).
Marshes – wetlands are regions in which flowing or standing water is permanently or periodically covering it (Wetlands Alberta, n.d.). These wetlands are rich in nutrients and typically have emerging rushes, reeds, cattails, and sedges (Wetlands Alberta, n.d.).

Importance of Wetlands

Role in Flood Prevention

Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more severe with the threats of climate change. With more urbanization, wetlands have been destroyed and disturbed leading to increased flooding in urban areas. Wetlands moderate precipitation events by absorbing water into its surface and slowly releasing the water over time. By mitigating floods with existing and restored wetlands, the human and economic cost of flood damage will be reduced by up to 38% (Ontario ministry of natural Ressources and Forestry, 2014).

Destruction of Wetlands can result in flooding in urban areas (Higginson, 2019)

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Calgary 2013 Flood

The record-breaking flood of 2013 in Calgary and Cochrane caused some serious issues with water quality and quantity (O. Condon, H. Cawsey, 2014). There was more than $6 billion in financial losses and property damage across southern Alberta (City of Calgary, 2013). The Bow River alone could not accommodate the heavy rainfall and snowmelt. Ongoing human disturbances to the wetlands upstream in the Ghost Reservoir contributed to the severity of the flood.

Hurricane Hazel 1954 Flood

The devastating effects of hurricane Hazel in 1954 shined a light on the importance of stormwater management and flood control. Following the event, conservation groups, municipal governments and the provincial government mobilized their task force to address flood control. The integral role that wetlands play in stormwater management was recognized. The protection and rehabilitation for wetlands was developed.

Role in Carbon Sequestration

Wetlands cover about 35% of Ontario’s surface area and of those wetlands, 90% of them are peatlands (Wetland carbon, n.d.). The peatlands in Ontario alone store ~25% of the total peatland carbon in Canada (Wetland carbon, n.d.). Importantly, wetlands have an immense capacity to store large quantities of carbon (Wetland carbon, n.d.). So much so that peatlands and other rich, organic wetland soils can store far much more carbon than forests and agricultural soils can store (Warner et al., 2003). The annual sequestration rate of carbon in global wetlands also exceeds oceanic sequestration which illustrates the importance of wetlands in managing climate change with regards to greenhouse gases (Wetland carbon, n.d.).

Estimated peatland carbon balance per year in the North of Ontario (Wetland carbon, n.d.).

Annually, the Ontario wetlands sequester ~10.6 million tonnes of carbon while also losing ~4.3 million tonnes of carbon via methane emissions, fires, and carbon transport to surface water (Wetland carbon, n.d.). Overall, the net rate of carbon sequestration is positive (Wetland carbon, n.d.). Modifying or eliminating our wetlands can potentially alter the release and/or sequestration of greenhouse gases (i.e., carbon dioxide and methane) which in turn can influence the impact of climate change (Warner et al., 2003).

Role in Ecosystem Health

Wetlands are one the most important habitats on Earth, as they support a disproportionally high fraction of wildlife biodiversity, including significant numbers of species at risk (Wisconsin Wetlands Association, 2016). The shallow water and high nutrient combination creates an extremely ecologically productive environment (US Environmental Protection Agency, 2016). Many species of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals rely on wetlands for specialized habitat.

Wetland habitat provides cover for migratory birds

Migratory birds are particularly dependent on wetlands during periods of migration when they are most vulnerable (Wisconsin Wetlands Association, 2016). During this time, it is crucial that they are able to locate habitat that can provide sufficient cover and protection from predators or weather. Migratory waterfowl, such as ducks, geese, and swans, also require specific conditions for feeding. They require shallow water depths of less than 0.5m which allow them to feed on submerged plants (Wisconsin Wetlands Association, 2016). Migratory shorebirds require very shallow water (2-20cm) and sparsely vegetated wetlands with an undisturbed resting area and invertebrates for feeding (Wisconsin Wetlands Association, 2016). These specific conditions occur only in seasonally flooded wetlands and floodplains. Many of these species are so dependent on wetland habitats that they would become extinct without them (US Environmental Protection Agency, 2016).

Role in Water Quality

Wetlands are also highly valuable for water quality improvement. Wetlands act as a filter for surface runoff by removing excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, reducing suspended sediment, and decomposing organic pollutants (US Environmental Protection Agency, 2016). Wetlands act as a buffer to prevent these water impurities from entering water bodies such as lakes or streams, where aquatic life may be impacted by low water quality (US Environmental Protection Agency, 2016). The filtering of nutrients also prevents eutrophication and the growth of algae blooms, which can be toxic in some cases (US Environmental Protection Agency, 2016). Wetlands can even improve groundwater quality and reduce costs of municipal drinking water treatment (US Environmental Protection Agency, 2016).

Cultural Significance

Across Canada, peatlands are a part of the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples. These lands provide community, culture, social and economic value to Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) are crucial to Canada’s climate goals and wetland conservation (Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, 2021). Use the map below to explore established IPACs located in Northern peatlands across Canada.

The protected area represents our way of life. It represents our home

-- Isidore Manuel, leader behind Ts'udé Nilįné Tueyata IPAC

Wetlands have always been important places for First Nations. They provided food and medicines for our survival

-- Clayton Coppaway, First Nations Scientist (Ontario Nature, 2016)

History of Wetlands in Ontario

1800s

Europeans settle in Upper Canada. At this time, about 2.38 million hectares of wetlands were distributed throughout Ontario (Snell, 1987).

1967-1982

Wetlands of Southern Ontario are converted to land for development, waste run-off, and agriculture (Snell, 1987).

1992

Approximately 0.93 million hectares remained, and were prevalent in Northern Ontario (Snell, 1987).

2002

About 560,844 hectares of wetlands remained in Ontario (Ducks Unlimited Canada, 2010). The decline in wetlands is most severe in south western Ontario, parts of eastern Ontario, Niagara, and around Toronto (Ducks Unlimited Canada, 2010).

2011-2015

7,303 hectares of wetlands were lost between 2011-2015 (Ontario Biodiversity Council, 2021). Wetland loss in eastern Ontario was the highest, accounting for about 53% of total wetland losses from 2011-2015 (Ontario Biodiversity Council, 2021).

2017

The Government of Ontario launches Wetland Conservation Strategy Plan. This plan aims to reduce net loss of wetland area and function where wetland loss has been greateast by 2025 (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 2017). Another target is to have a net gain in wetland area and function where wetland loss has been greatest by 2030 (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 2017).

This map outlines wetland depletion across Ontario from 1800-2002 and 2002-2011. Click and slide the arrows to see the full images.

Wetlands around Ontario

Alfred Bog

Did you know that Alfred Bog supports a healthy orchid, moose and turtle population (South Nation Conservation, 2022)? Alfred Bog is a provincial park managed by Ontario Parks where the dominant vegetation is peat moss (South Nation Conservation, 2022).

Holland Marsh

The Holland Marsh, also known as "Ontario's Vegetable Patch," is home to many fish, small animals, and birds. The Holland Marsh feeds approximately 75% of Ontario and 65% of Canada (Coppolino, 2016).

James Bay and Hudson Bay Lowlands

James Bay and Hudson Bay lowlands form the 3rd largest wetland region in the world and contains the single largest carbon-rich peatland system on Earth (Wells, 2017). This area is a 373,000 km2 expanse of mostly pristine wetlands and rivers primarily located in Ontario, spanning west to Manitoba and East to Quebec (Wells, 2017). These peatlands are thriving with biodiversity. They provide habitat for broad number of shorebirds and waterfowl. Including Palm Warbler and the mysterious Yellow Rail. They are also home to the most southern population of polar bears in the world (Wells, 2017). These polar bears make their dens in the earth rather than snow.

Spongy Lake

Found near the township of Baden, it is an environmental sensitive protected area owned by the University of Waterloo (University of Waterloo Ecology Lab, 2021). It is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples. It provides a groundwater recharge area, breeding habitat, and has many regionally rare plants and insects (University of Waterloo Ecology Lab, 2021).

Wainfleet Bog

Wainfleet Bog is the only bog wetland in the Niagara Peninsula and is the largest remaining and least disturbed bog in Southern Ontario (Niagra Peninsula Conservation Authority [NPCA], n.d.). It is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples.

Sifton Bog

Its discovery happened in the 1870s by local naturalists and was subjected to drainage in the 20th century to grow celery and harvest peat (Sifton Bog, 2021). However, a movement to preserve the bog occurred in 1957 by Dr. W.W. Judd (Sifton Bog, 2021).

Murray Marsh

Also known as the Big Murray Swamp, it is located on the Trent River in Northumberland County, Ontario, Canada (Wikimedia Foundation, 2021). It is considered as the largest unspoiled wetland in southeastern Ontario, measured at 4850 hectares (Wikimedia Foundation, 2021).

Mer Bleue Bog

Mer Bleue Bog, a borreal peatland, is the largest natural ecosystem in the Greenbelt, recognized as an internationally significant RAMSAR wetland for its ecological and cultural importance (Bouchard, 2019).

Limberlost

Limberlost Forest is a publicly accessible, private wilderness conservation area. Through a land management practice called “Conscientious Forst Management,” this area has been sustainably managed for generations. It consists of 20 private lakes and more than 10,000 acres of mixed forest near Huntsville. This system of lakes is connected through a network of wetlands that can be visited by recreational paths across the area (Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve, 2021).

Alfred Bog

In the 1920s, peat from Alfred Bog was excavated to be used as fuel, and the remaining land was used for agriculture or development (Nature Conservancy Canada, 2022).

Community efforts to protect Alfred Bog began in the 1980s, and over time, an additional 82 hectares have been acquired (Nature Conservancy Canada, 2022).

Holland Marsh

The Holland Marsh, also known as "Ontario's Vegetable Patch," is home to many fish, small animals, and birds. The Holland Marsh feeds approximately 75% of Ontario and 65% of Canada (Coppolino, 2016).

The first human use of the Holland Marsh was by local Indigenous Peoples, the Huron, who used the marsh as a source of food (The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2006). In the 1900s, the Holland Marsh was drained, resulting in exposure of fertile land which has been used by farmers ever since (Holland Marsh Drainage System Joint Municipal Service Board, n.d.-a).

A 28 km long canal was constructed to divert the Holland River and was supposed to keep storm water and upstream drainage from entering the marsh (Holland Marsh Drainage System Joint Municipal Service Board, n.d.-a). However, as time progressed and climate began to change, flooding of the canals began to become a large threat to human life (Holland Marsh Drainage System Joint Municipal Service Board, n.d.-b).

The Holland Marsh Drainage System Joint Municipal Services Board recently completed the canal improvement project with the goal to shift existing canals in an effort to prevent flooding (Holland Marsh Drainage System Joint Municipal Service Board, n.d.-b).

James Bay and Hudson Bay Lowlands

Spongy Lake

In terms of stages of wetland succession, Spongy Lake is in between a fen and a bog but more characteristic of a fen (University of Waterloo Ecology Lab, 2021). The average depth of the peat at spongy lake is 5 meters (University of Waterloo Ecology Lab, 2021)!

Concerning human impacts on Spongy Lake, in the past peat was extracted at a small scale and developments including gravel extraction, a gas line, and the construction of a subdivision have been proposed, and luckily have all been denied (University of Waterloo Ecology Lab, 2021).

Although the peatlands of Spongy Lake are very close to the lake, many plants living there have characteristics resembling desert plants to reduce water loss such as thick and waxy or hairy leaves (University of Waterloo Ecology Lab, 2021). As the fen is nutrient-poor, the plants have found alternative ways to get their nutrients. For example, the pitcher plant and sundew obtain nitrogen and phosphorous by trapping and digesting insects (University of Waterloo Ecology Lab, 2021). Similarly, the plants have adapted to the low oxygen conditions by growing very slowly and by having shallow root systems that allow them to use atmospheric oxygen (University of Waterloo Ecology Lab, 2021). The dwarf tree and myriad of shrubs found in the fen exemplify the adaptation of slow growth (University of Waterloo Ecology Lab, 2021).

Several courses offered at the university including ENVS 200 Field Ecology, ENVS 300 Vascular Plants of Southern Ontario, and GEOG 405 Wetlands conduct studies at Spongy Lake (University of Waterloo Ecology Lab, 2021)!

Wainfleet Bog

Factors both past and present have affected Wainfleet bog and over the past 200 years it has reduced in size from over 500,000 acres to 3607 acres (NPCA, n.d.).

Where the Wainfleet Wetlands Conservation now exists was previously a clay and limestone quarry. In the late 1800’s-1960’s and from 1800’s-1980’s peat was extracted from the bog (Ontario Conservation Areas, 2019). Recently, the water table has been lowering and the bog has become drier and less acidic which impacts the plants and animals living in the area, favouring more upland species (Thompson et al., 2017).

Despite the anthropogenic changes, Wainfleet bog is still home to 90 bird species, 20 mammal species, and 21 reptile/amphibian species as well as 283 species of plants (Thompson et al., 2017).

Rehabilitation efforts on the western half of the bog have been undertaken while the eastern half is being maintained in attempt to allow existing species to adapt to the changes (NPCA, n.d.). Some of the efforts include blocking peat canals to maintain water levels, treating bare peat fields with shallow surface indentations to help maintain water levels, and removing non-native European Birch trees as an effort to maintain and decrease surface and soil temperature (NPCA, n.d.). In addition, planting native vegetation such as Labrador tea, leatherleaf sheep laurel, and blueberries helps to provide food and habitat for other species (NPCA, n.d.).

Sifton Bog

The formation of the Sifton Bog occurred when a large block of ice from the last glacier 13,000 years ago broke off (Sifton Bog, 2021). This resulting piece of ice settled in the glacial till and created a kettle lake when it melted (Sifton Bog, 2021). This allowed mosses, sedges, and other plant life to grow and colonize this lake (Sifton Bog, 2021). Due to the poor oxygen conditions and cool temperatures, the dead plants that sunk to the bottom did not fully break down, but instead began to build up as layers of peat (Sifton Bog, 2021). Over time, this build-up led to the formation of a semi-floating mat that formed from the outer edge of the bog towards the center of the open water (Sifton Bog, 2021). Once the mat became consolidated, it allowed heathy plants, Sphagnum mosses, and spruce trees to colonize the drier hummocks (Sifton Bog, 2021).

Murray Marsh

It is considered to be the only area for major flood water storage for the Trent River (David, 2019). This wetland offers natural buffers that protect the wetland’s transition areas and wildlife habitat from agricultural impacts that include soil erosion and nutrient run off (David, 2019).

Mer Bleue Bog

A brief history of Mer Bleue Bog:

1500s: First Nations peoples were stewards of the Mer Bleue Bog as early as 1500. It was used as a source of food and medicinal plants such as wintergreen and Labrador tea (Bouchard, 2019).

1600s: Europeans arrived in Canada and began exploring via the vast network of lakes and rivers. Mer Bleue was discovered as a valuable source of beaver pelts for fur traders (Bouchard, 2019).

1800s: Europeans began clear cutting Ontario’s forests for lumber and clearing land for agriculture. Since Mer Bleue did not contain valuable trees for lumber and was considered a “wasteland” by farmers, it remained untouched during this time (Bouchard, 2019).

1920s: The practice of draining wetlands for agriculture became popular. An attempt was made to dry out Mer Bleue using drainage ditches and burning of the peat soil, however they were unsuccessful (Bouchard, 2019).

1940s: During the Second World War, ownership of Mer Bleue was taken by the Department of National Defence and the bog was used briefly as a bombing range. However, post-war this ownership was beneficial as Mer Bleue was protected from urbanization (Bouchard, 2019).

1950s: The National Capital Commission purchased Mer Bleue in their efforts to preserve the newly established Greenbelt (Bouchard, 2019).

1960s: Mer Bleue was briefly considered as a potential municipal waste disposal site, however findings from scientific studies proved the ecological functions and values of bog (Bouchard, 2019).

1980s – Present: Mer Bleue was designated as a provincially significant wetland in 1983 and an internationally significant wetland in 1995. It continues to be managed by the NCC. Today, visitors of Mer Bleue can walk the 1.5km trail, which features a boardwalk for easy viewing of this beautifully conserved wetland (Bouchard, 2019).

Limberlost

At Limberlost Forest, you can enjoy many recreational activities such as biking, hiking, canoeing, skiing, and snowshoeing, while observing the abundant wildlife (Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve, 2021).

In the summer, the area is an ideal bird sanctuary with over 160 species of birds in the secluded wetlands, making it ideal for bird watching. These species include sandhill cranes and blue herons, which use the mature forests for breeding (Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve, 2021).

Conservation Efforts

Indigenous Peoples and Wetland Conservation

Kettle and Stony Point First Nation Phragmites Control Program

The Chippewas people of Kettle and Stormy Point First Nation in Southern Ontario have implemented a successful invasive Phragmites control program that protects the coastal meadow marsh in their community (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 2017).

Invasive phragmites also known as Common Reed is an invasive species threatening Ontario’s wetlands (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 2017).

Invasive Phragmites (*Phragmites australis)* (The University of Texas at Austin, 2019)

It is a grass that grows mainly in wetlands and spreads quickly outcompeting native species for water and nutrients resulting in decreased biodiversity – approximately 25% of Ontario’s species are threatened by Phragmites (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 2017). In 2005, it was labelled Canada’s worst invasive plant, spreading by 30% in between 2010-2017 (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 2017). Phragmites also release toxins from its roots which impede the growth and kills surrounding plants (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 2017). Generally, they are a poor food source for wildlife and don’t provide a good habitat (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 2017).

Kettle and Stony Point First Nations Phragmites Control (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 2017)

This Indigenous led wetland conservation effort demonstrated the restoration benefits of using a combination of mechanical and herbicide control methods (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 2017). Pre-intervention, common reeds covered 20-100% of the area and post-intervention the average coverage declined to just 1.5%. There was also an increase in the diversity of native plants and animals (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 2017).

Walpole Island First Nation

Walpole Island First Nation in its native language as “Bkejwanong” (‘where the waters divide’) has an extensive wetland system (Beckford et al., 2010). Walpole Islanders have preserved natural areas and species that are sometimes now found anywhere else in Canada (Beckford et al., 2010). Although the Walpole Island First Nations only occupy 0.002% of Canada’s landmass, it’s believed that the Walpole Island First Nations land is one of the last habitats for 12% of Canada’s at-risk species (Beckford et al., 2010).

Government Conservation Efforts

The Government of Ontario launched a Wetland Conservation Plan in 2017 with the following targets:

1. By 2025, the net loss of wetland area and function is halted in areas where wetlands have been depleted the most (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 2017)

2. By 2030, a net gain in wetland area and function is achieved where wetlands have been depleted the most (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 2017)

Ontario's wetland conservation strategy involves spreading awareness about wetland conservation, and increasing knowledge about Ontario's wetlands, like distribution, function, and vulnerability (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 2017). Another goal is to collaborate with First Nation and Métis communities, other levels of government, and other groups involved in wetland conservation to improve wetland conservation efforts.

Ontario's Wetland Conservation Strategy

Ontario's strategy is based on four strategic directions: awareness, knowledge, partnership, and conservation

https://files.ontario.ca

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