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Soft Engineering of Shorelines Based on a Binational Conference Sponsored by the Greater Detroit American Heritage River Initiative and Partners |
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Chapter 4 MacDonald Park Wetland and Prairie Restoration Project, St. Clair River, Ontario, Canada (Don Hector, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources) Introduction A wetland and prairie restoration project was carried out in a day-use park area (MacDonald Park) along the St. Clair River (Chenal Ecarte) from September 1995 to July 1997. MacDonald Park is one of 17 riverside park areas owned and managed by the St. Clair Parkway Commission. Use of this network of parks includes picnicking, camping, boat launching/mooring, swimming, and associated passive recreational activities. This particular site was chosen due to its high potential for a variety of aquatic and upland restoration techniques, the visibility and accessibility along a commonly traveled roadway, and the strong interest of the landowner (St. Clair Parkway Commission). The project involved the creation of 1 ha (2.5 acres) of wetland, 1 ha (2.5 acres) of Tallgrass Prairie complete with an interpretive trail, improvement of 200 m (219 yards) of shoreline riparian area, and interpretive signs and brochures. Project Goals The work was initiated through the St.Clair River Remedial Action Plan (RAP) process in order to help restore fish and wildlife habitat in the St. Clair River watershed. This particular project was one of 28 areas originally identified in an earlier report (Survey of Candidate Sites on the St. Clair and Detroit River for Potential Habitat Rehabilitation/Enhancement). Wetland creation, improvement of shoreline riparian areas, and establishment of Tallgrass Prairie habitat were the main objectives. The secondary objectives were to use this project as a key demonstration area for a variety of aquatic and riparian restoration techniques. Project Description The original site consisted of maintained grass, used
mainly as a picnic area. The wetland component consisted of the excavation
of 4,588 cubic meters (6,000 cubic yards) of material, treatment of the
littoral areas with topsoil, and stabilization using a biodegradable coir
mat. A variety of wildlife and fisheries components were included; spawning
mounds, submerged habitat structures, aquatic vegetation plantings, and
basking logs. These components were placed in the newly created wetland
area. The bank areas of the wetland were planted with shrubs. Shoreline areas surrounding the site and bordering
dredged canal areas were reshaped, gently sloped, and stabilized using
live willow stakes and brush bundles to establish riparian cover and as
a means to reduce erosion. Planting of aquatic vegetation in the nearshore
waters adjacent to these areas occurred in a subsequent phase. Experimental
biolog floating barriers and bogmat islands were installed to establish
in-water structure and provide erosion protection to local shoreline areas.
Approximately 200 m (219 yards) of shoreline area were rehabilitated using
these techniques. In the 1 ha (2.5 acres) upland site, 22,000 Tallgrass Prairie plugs of 23 different forb (flower) and grass species were planted. A slightly elevated horseshoe shaped trail system was constructed using excavated material from the wetland area to allow trail users an improved view of the prairie plant species, at the height of their growing season. Regulatory Considerations The project was subject to both provincial and federal environmental assessment act requirements. Through this process, including a series of public notices, no significant environmental impacts were identified and the project proceeded with minor modifications. A number of positive suggestions and offers of volunteer help from local landowners were also received. Project Evaluation A variety of qualitative and quantitative monitoring has occurred on the site. A fish inventory was undertaken in the newly created wetland in late August 1996, one month following the completion of the wetland component. These results indicated four fish species present in the system: largemouth bass, bluegill, central mudminnow, and an esocid species. In 1997, young-of-the-year northern pike and largemouth bass were documented in the wetland area. Visual monitoring of both the wetland and prairie components have indicated excellent establishment of plant communities. Informal records are being maintained for amphibians, birds, and reptiles that appear at the project site. A butterfly count, through the North American Butterfly Association, was also organized to monitor butterfly use of the prairie habitat. Project Benefits Although the total area of habitat created was relatively small (2 ha or 5 acres), the benefits of this project lie in its demonstration value, both visually and as an example of how local community groups can make a meaningful contribution to the environment. It is also an example of how some of the traditional views of waterfront park design or usage can be broadened. These new concepts and techniques can be transferred to many other shoreline park areas along the Great Lakes, particularly where artificial steel or concrete shorelines are predominant. The St. Clair Parkway Commission is extremely pleased with the results of this project and are interested in exploring further habitat restoration projects along their other waterfront park properties. This site continues to be of interest to new groups wishing to become involved in activities at this site. For example, a turtle nesting habitat project was completed on site and a prescribed burn was carried out in 1999, with another one proposed for spring 2000. Funding and Partners This initiative involved a wide variety of non-governmental
groups, government agencies, and numerous funding partners in completing
its many components. Up to 20 different groups assisted in direct funding
support ($97,500), in-kind support ($26,000), and volunteer labor. During
the length of this project, over 75 individuals contributed 1,300 hours
of hands-on work. Key groups in this volunteer effort included Wallaceburg
District High School students, local naturalist groups, fish and game
organizations, local landowners, and Scouts Canada. The MacDonald Park Restoration Project was supported by the following funders and volunteers:
References MacDonald Park (Ontario) Restoration Project August 8, 1997 MacDonald Park, Fish and Wildlife Rehabilitation Report 1996/1997 Great Lakes 2000 Cleanup Fund. 31 Mar. 1997. Year-end Financial Report. MacDonald Park�Rehabilitating Fish and Wildlife Habitat. Brochure. MacDonald Park Project.
Contact Persons Ron Ludolph Don Hector |
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Last updated:
July 9, 2008
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