Three impoundment wetlands at Conestogo Lake Conservation Area, originally created in the 1980s and totaling 7.5 hectares, will be retrofitted with water control structures to improve wetland habitat value and operational flexibility.
A report from Grand River Conservation Authority ecologist Robert Messier, received at the authority’s annual meeting on Feb. 26, indicates that in 2009 staff initiated a review of the habitat value and operational aspects of three impoundment wetland areas at Conestogo Lake Hunting Area No. 3. Working in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada, the wetlands were inspected from both biological and engineering perspectives.
“It was determined that the wetlands no longer provided the optimum wetland habitat value. Opportunities were identified to enhance habitat value, safety and operational flexibility. These opportunities will be realized by installing water control structures, integrating emergency spillways, and improving outlets with grade changes and riprap protection,” the report states.
The water control structures allow the wetland water levels to be managed for improved habitat benefits and for any operational or safety reasons. The report notes that, currently, the water levels cannot be manipulated, and consequently, the wetlands have become stagnant.
“Control structures facilitate drawdowns every seven to 10 years that refresh the wetland vegetation community, and keep the habitat productive,” states Messier in the report.
An operational plan and construction cost estimates provided the basis for a budget and fundraising program for the project. The first phase, which began in February and will continue this month, consists of all work that can be undertaken in winter, including purchase of materials, stockpiling, and translocation and, work on the outlet of the Main Impoundment, including a rip-rap spillway. The second phase is scheduled for completion in August and September and will include upgrades to the Middle Small and Upper Small Impoundments berms, and installation of the water control structures.
The project will be completed with funding of $26,000 from the Grand River Conservation Foundation and external funding from: Wildlife Habitat Canada ($45,000), Ducks Unlimited Canada ($26,000), the Wellington Water Stewardship Program ($8,000) and Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters ($7,000). The total funding available is $109,700.
