BOFEP Working Group on Salt Marsh and Restricted Tidal Systems
(SMaRTS)
Minutes of 4th Meeting
February 6th, 2002, CWS Headquarters,
Sackville, NB
Present:
Jon Carr (Atlantic Salmon Federation)
Sue Bowes (Natural Resources and Energy)
Tony Bowron (Ecology Action Centre)
Hélène Dupuis (Fisheries and Oceans)
Denis Haché (Fisheries and Oceans)
Janice Harvey (Conservation Council)
Peter Hicklin (CWS, Environment Canada)
Mary Knockwood (Fort Folly Habitat Recovery
Initiative)
Zsofi Koller (Conservation Council)
Daniel LeBlanc (Petitcodiac Riverkeepers)
Josette Maillet (Nature Conservancy)
Peter McLaughlin (Environment and Local Government)
Jeff Ollerhead (Mount Allison U.)
David Thompson (Conservation Council)
Peter Wells (Environment Canada)
Regrets: Sarah Townsend, Danika van Proosdij, Charles LeBlanc, Al
Hanson, and Alison Evans.
Meeting Chair: Jeff Ollerhead
1. Welcome and introductions
Jeff Ollerhead opened the meeting and welcomed the group. A brief explanation of
SMaRTS’ origins was given to newcomers.
New working group members: Mary Knockwood, Josette Maillet, and David Thompson.
2. Approval of minutes and agenda.
All present approved the minutes of the last (Oct. 11, 2001) meeting. Additions to
the draft agenda included:
- DFO re-organization (before #3 Tidal Barriers Updates)
- Petitcodiac EIA and workshop (included in #8. New Business).
3. DFO Reorganization
Hélène Dupuis and Denis Haché reported that a reorganization in the DFO Moncton
office will be effective after April 1st, 2002, with responsibilities extending
to the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence only. After this, neither Hélène nor Denis will be
working on Bay of Fundy issues, except for the Petitcodiac River causeway. Responsibility
for all other Bay of Fundy issues will likely reside in the Maritimes Region (Halifax).
Hélène and Denis will refer the issue of DFO participation in BoFEP working groups to
management of both Maritimes and Gulf Regions for their consideration. DFO representation
on the SMaRTS working group may therefore change. Someone from DFO in Halifax will have to
take over in the Bay of Fundy. DFO will decide who comes. Hélène and Denis will push DFO
to assign someone to SMaRTS.
4. Tidal Barrier Audits Updates
a) New Brunswick Audit: Zsofi Koller
Zsofi passed out draft copies of her report for informal review. Please email or
fax your comments to her no later than the end of February (email: zsofikoller@yahoo.ca fax: 506-458-1047).
Progress on the New Horton site was also reported. New Horton has a dyke that
might be able to be removed to restore salt marsh. If the land with the dyke could be
purchased, this could be a permanent site research/monitoring site, especially because the
Nature Conservancy owns ~450 acres adjacent. The need for a long-term monitoring/research
site in Atlantic Canada is high.
Land acquisition issues are complex. Due to activity in the area by Eastern
Habitat Joint Venture, it was thought best not to directly contact landowners until other
initiatives have been settled. There are also complications with respect to land
assessment; there is conflicting information regarding land values and property
development. It would be unwise to proceed until a clear picture of the situation unfolds
through communications with Service New Brunswick and land assessors from the Moncton
office (contact: Ken Arbeau).
Josette Maillet, a representative from the Nature Conservancy of Canada,
explained the history of the land owned in the area by NC. Due to other funding
commitments and priorities, the Nature Conservancy is unwilling to move forward on this
issue at this point in time. She explained that while NCC in other regions does get
involved in restoration projects, the Atlantic regional office has not yet taken anything
like this on. It was suggested that possibly Canadian Wildlife Services could purchase
this land. Pete Hicklin explained that land is only acquired by CWS once it has been
decided to establish it as a federal sanctuary of some type. Colin MacKinnon is the
Environment Canada contact for this site.
Mary Knockwood added that Fort Folly will begin an assessment and recovery of
habitat in the upper Bay of Fundy, and will be looking for scientific support. Peter
Hicklin noted that Environment Canada will provide support for First Nations.
b) Nova Scotia Tidal Barriers Audit: Tony Bowron
Tony gave a summary of his tidal barriers report. The report is published and
available for distribution. For a copy of this report, contact Tony at: tbowron@is2.dal.ca. Tony is currently trying to get a
commitment from NS Department of Transportation regarding restoration of his identified
tidal barriers.
The fear that surrounds salt marsh restoration was discussed. It is necessary to
acquire enough information to be able to proceed with confidence. This goal is not
exclusive to the upper Bay of Fundy. The only way we can figure out what will happen
during restoration is to do it. Site-specific problems will always arise; however, if
hydrology is well-investigated, then a fairly good understanding of the situation should
be drawn.
Ideally, a monitoring program should be set up two years before a barrier is
taken out to fully understand the effects. Studying historical aerial photos, barriers
that have been taken out naturally (eg. John Lusby Marsh), etc. are possible alternatives
to long-term scientific monitoring programs, if such resources are not readily at hand.
Tony will pre-monitor his restoration site in the summer of 2002, and the
barrier will likely be taken out in 2003. The restoration site will probably be Chevrie
Creek, which has a broken-down, wooden culvert.
A good vehicle for networking and information exchange around tidal barriers
removal and restoration is the Habitat Restoration Committee of the Gulf of Maine Council
(GOMC). In the US, the Gulf of Maine Council is embarking on a major, multi-year habitat
restoration program which will fund local projects. Currently, there are no funds to do
the same in Canada. There is huge bank of expertise, however, on this committee, and it
would be worthwhile to tap into this process. Susan Snow-Cotter (Gulf of Maine Council) or
some other representative will be asked to give a presentation at the next SMaRTS meeting.
{Note: the next GOMC Habitat Committee meeting will be held April 22-23, location not
known.]
c) Research on the Windsor Salt Marsh–Tony Bowron, on behalf of Sarah
Townsend
Ducks Unlimited has been very helpful in the current research on the Windsor salt
marsh, and might provide funding for restoration sites in this area.
Tony reported that DOT is planning to twin Highway 101, which incorporates the
Windsor Causeway. An entirely new 6-lane causeway is planned on the seaward side. A bridge
will not be considered; because a causeway already exists: "the damage has already
been done." The old Windsor Causeway will be kept as a maintenance road, so the
existing tidal gates will remain functional. This project is planned to be completed in
7-8 years.
An EIA panel could review the impact of the new causeway. The Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Petitcodiac might change the thinking behind the Windsor
Causeway decision before it goes through. If a full EIA process is not undertaken for the
Windsor Causeway expansion, it will make a farce of the EIA process. SMaRTS should
advocate for a full EIA of this development.
5. Terms of Reference
a) Distribution of Draft Terms of Reference–Janice Harvey
Janice circulated the Draft Terms of Reference (TOR), with the changes made that
were proposed at the last meeting (see Oct.11/01 minutes).
TOR #3 was adapted to include a direct socio-economic reference. All present at
the meeting agreed that these changes should mark the final draft of the Terms of
Reference. A copy of the final TOR are attached to this document as Appendix 1. Zsofi will
email the final TOR to Jon Percy to put up on the website.
b) Group Priorities: Economic Valuation–Denis Haché
Economic valuation was one of the priorities determined by SMaRTS members at the
June 6th, 2001 meeting. Possible workshops on this issue have been proposed.
Full-cost accounting should be encouraged to be incorporated in the Petitcodiac EIA
process, the Windsor Causeway, and other restoration projects.
GPI Atlantic could discuss the issue of full-cost accounting and economic
valuation at the BoFEP workshop. Janice will contact Ron Coleman from GPI Atlantic to do a
seminar at the BoFEP workshop. This will be similar to what GPI did for the Premier’s
Roundtable. They should have at least an hour time slot. If this doesn’t work out,
then they should be invited to do a presentation at the next SMARTS working group meeting.
6. 5th Bay of Fundy Science Workshop (13-16th
May, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS)
a) Workshop; general–Peter Wells
Peter gave a brief description of the workshop. A basic structure for the workshop
is:
- Monday evening: introductory reception.
- Tuesday: concurrent paper sessions
- Wednesday and half of Thursday: Bay of Fundy Coastal Forum. This will be a
discussion around a series of questions about the State of the Health of the Bay of Fundy,
one of several coastal and watershed forums leading up to a Fall 2003 State of the Gulf of
Maine Summit.
To date, there have been 49 abstracts contributed for both posters and papers,
but more are expected. Contributors from the SMaRTS group include Tony Bowron (paper and
poster), Jeff Ollerhead (paper), Danika van Proosdij (paper), and Zsofi Koller (two
posters). One of the poster abstracts Zsofi submitted is for a SMaRTS poster. The
responsibility for creating a SMaRTS discussion session at the workshop will be left to
the workshop’s program designers.
b) SMaRTS Poster–Zsofi Koller
Zsofi asked the group for suggestions regarding the SMaRTS’ poster content and
style.
Suggested items for the poster included:
- TOR
- brief history
- affiliations of people in the Working Group
- examples of both research and physical work
- emphasize: this is not an educational poster, this is a scientific poster, to
communicate with the other Working Groups
- a map to show tidal barriers and salt marshes in the BoF (perhaps as a watermark)
- 4-5 references to projects on display at the workshop OR reference to projects
not represented on other posters.
- photos of both people and projects
- future plans and challenges
- website links
- note: no logos (except for BoFEP’s) will be put on the poster
Peter Wells has built the funding for the poster into his budget, at a $1000
maximum. It needs to be done in March before new monies are released. Corel Draw is a good
program for designing media displays. External help on this poster might come from: the
Moncton Community College (multimedia program stream); a summer student volunteered by
Peter McLaughlin; or some graphic design volunteers for the Petitcodiac Riverkeepers.
Zsofi will send out a draft of the poster for approval to SMaRTS members.
7. Update on Actions Plans from Last Meeting (Oct. 11/01)
a) NSERC funding for a doctorate or post-doc student–Peter Wells
It was suggested at the last meeting (Oct 11/01) to find funding for a student to
research how to model changes and cumulative effects in the Bay of Fundy as a result of
tidal barriers. There has been no action taken on this issue yet. Peter will pursue this
with Danika van Proosdij later.
b) New fact sheets on tidal barriers–Peter Wells
A new fact sheet on tidal barriers is needed, as the last updated one was Spring
1999. Jon Percy, author of the factsheets, is committed to writing three other factsheets
in the upcoming year. SMaRTS will put in a request for a fact sheet, as there is enough
material to warrant one. It was noted that a new barriers fact sheet need not repeat the
basic information on the existing one, but focus instead on specific sites where either
impacts are being assessed, or restoration is being undertaken. It could also cite the
work of SMARTS members. Peter will add this to his list to take to the BoFEP Steering
Committee. Other possible topics related the SMaRTS WG could be the socio-economic aspects
of tidal barriers and salt marshes, and the "how" of community stewardship.
c) NB government restoration initiative--Peter McLaughlin
A collaborative of NB government departments is looking for opportunities to
restore small-scale tidal systems. DOA has many aboiteaux which are not being used, and
which could potentially be let go. Over the course of five weeks in the fall 2001, staff
from the provincial departments of Environment and Local Government, Natural Resources and
Energy, and the federal DFO examined every tidal crossing from the Petitcodiac causeway to
the Nova Scotia Border. One site, the last stream before the border, had its culvert
opened in August and it will remain open. The group has not yet taken the next step in the
overall process, which is to develop a strategy for addressing the crossings. It was noted
that the Dept. of Transportation did not send a representative to be a part of this
initiative.
Zsofi Koller mentioned she had several meetings with DOT earlier in the fall
regarding the CCNB tidal barriers audit. DOT was interested in the identification of
restricted sites, but was reluctant to make any commitments, due to tight budgets and
limited schedules. It was suggested this may be because DOT needs a process by which they
can address environmental concerns, including a definition identifying concrete goals. A
coordinator, or Director, in the department with responsibility for environment would
greatly help in trying to get the department engaged in such projects. This process is
more advanced in Nova Scotia, as the NS DOT has been quite open to the EAC audit. Tony
made some good contacts at a DOT regional managers meeting.
It was decided that SMaRTS should urge the NB government to appoint a senior
staff person responsible for environmental affairs. A letter will be drafted to the Deputy
Minister of Transportation, with the two SMaRTS co-chairs signing the letter. Zsofi will
also send a list of tidally restricted crossings to the Deputy Minister of Transportation,
to increase communications.
d) Future of the tidal barriers audits–Janice Harvey
CCNB will continue the tidal barrier audit for a third, and final summer, to
complete the audit on the New Brunswick shore of the Bay of Fundy. The 2002 field season
will cover the area from Alma to the St.Croix River. The field season will be extended
from previous years (probably 3 months) and the tidal barrier audit coordinator will have
a field assistant for the duration of the field season. Money for this project still needs
to be pulled together. Peter Wells has built a part of the coordinator’s salary into
his budget, and Jeff Ollerhead is willing to donate equipment (tripod and automatic level)
again. Upon completion, the study will need to be looked at as a whole, integrating the
results of all three years. Also, revisiting several sites done in previous years will be
necessary, to ensure results are consistent.
8. New Business
a) Petitcodiac EIA--Hélène Dupuis
On November 30th, 2001, the federal government announced that they would
fund 2/3 of the EIA of the Petitcodiac causeway options. This process will cost
approximately 3 million. This process will ensure public involvement, and will harmonize
the requirements of provincial and federal EIA. Government agencies will be involved as a
technical review panel. The public participation process will involve a mediator
facilitator to oversee the process.
The Government is also hosting a scientific workshop (March 3, 4, 5, 2002) on
modelling the Petitcodiac system. This workshop will not be part of the EIA, but will be for
the EIA, to provide technical support. The basic question asked will be: "What will
be the best way of seeing how the river will react to various opening options?" This
will not be open to the public, but interested parties should ask for invitations by
calling Charles LeBlanc, Environment Canada (506-851-7254). This workshop will examine
modelling experiences, address surveying issues, and will involve a panel of international
experts. It will be tape recorded. It is expected that 50-75 people will attend. Peter
Wells requested a synopsis of the EIA science workshop at the BoFEP workshop. Denis will
send a general abstract to the workshop.
Katy Haralampides from UNB civil engineering will provide a computer program to
calculate the size of openings needed for a crossing. This could also be a tool for future
work. Phil Hansen, from DOT, will also be involved with this project.
9. Next Meeting
The next meeting of SMaRTS will likely be during the BoFEP Science Workshop in
May (Wolfville, NS). Zsofi will send minutes of today’s meeting to Jon Percy to put
on the web.
Appendix 1
Salt Marsh and Restricted Tidal Systems Working Group
Terms of Reference
1. Support and facilitate collaboration, networking and information exchange
with respect to:
A. the distribution, nature and impacts of tidal restrictions, and
B. the distribution, extent, and ecological status of salt marshes in the Bay of Fundy.
2 Identify, promote and facilitate new research and conservation projects
around the Bay of Fundy pertaining to:
A. the impacts of tidal restrictions on coastal habitats and the potential implications of
their removal or modification;
B. the state of salt marshes, and their enhancement and restoration.
3. Promote and facilitate co-operative research, conservation and educational
projects which involve citizens in identifying salt marsh and tidal barriers issues and
implementing solutions, including socio-economic considerations and economic valuation.
BOFEP Working Group on Salt Marsh and Restricted Tidal Systems
(SMaRTS)
Summary of Action Items
4th Meeting, February 6th, 2002, CWS Headquarters, Sackville,
NB
- If you have a draft copy of Zsofi’s tidal barrier audit report, please give
your suggestions and comments to her by the end of February, at the latest.
- Zsofi will explore the possibility of a presentation at the next SMARTS meeting
on the Gulf of Maine Council Habitat Restoration Committee.
- Janice will ask Ron Coleman, GPI Atlantic, to make a presentation to the BOFEP
Science Workshop on full-cost accounting, or barring that, to the next SMARTS meeting.
- Zsofi will design a draft SMaRTS poster for the BoFEP workshop and ask for
feedback from the group on it.
- Peter Wells and Danika Proosdij will investigate an NSERC for a grad student or a
post-doc to do modelling/sedimentation work.
- SMaRTS will put in a request to the BOFEP Steering Committee for a new fact sheet
on tidal barriers.
- SMaRTS will write to the NB Minister of Transportation to urge him to appoint a
senior staff person to coordinate environmental concerns. A letter should be drafted and
signed by the two SmaRTS co-chairs. Zsofi will send a list of tidal barrier crossings to
the Deputy Minister of Transportation.
BoFEP Working Group on Salt Marshes and
Restricted Tidal Systems (SMaRTS)
Minutes November 29, 2002
5th Meeting, CWS Headquarters- Sackville, NB
Present
Sue Bowes (NBDNRE)
Tony Bowron (Ecology Action Centre)
Jonathan Carr (Atlantic Salmon Federation)
Nancy Chiasson (Dalhousie University)
Robin Davidson-Arnott (University of Guleph, Dept. of Geography)
Mark Gloutney (Ducks Unlimited)
Phil Hansen (NBDOT)
Al Hanson (Environment Canada)
Anita Hamilton (DFO, Habitat Management Div.)
Janice Harvey (CCNB)
Peter Hicklin (Environment Canada, CWS)
Paul Johnston (University of Guleph, Dept. of Geography)
Charles LeBlanc (Environment Canada)
Daniel LeBlanc (Petitcodiac Riverkeeper)
Jenn Morse (Dalhousie University)
Jeff Ollerhead (Mt. Allison University, Dept. of Geography)
Julie Thomas (CCNB)
Sarah Townsend (St. Mary’s University)
Brad Walters (Mt. Allison University)
Peter Wells (Environment Canada, CWS)
Regrets: Danika Proosdij, Andrea Locke, Lindon Miller, Joe Nocera,
David Thomson, Steve Tinker, Jon Percy, Claude Robichaud, Jennifer Scott,
Lee Swanson
Meeting Chair: Jeff Ollerhead
1. Welcome, introductions, approval of minutes and agenda
Jeff opened the meeting and welcomed the group. Minutes from the last
SMaRTS meeting (February 6, 2002) were circulated. All present were asked to
review them for approval later in the meeting. Copies of the draft agenda
were circulated. Changes made were:
-Tidal Barriers report moved from item #2 to item #5
-Update on CCAF Bay of Fundy Proposals moved from item #3 to item #2
-CCAF Proposal for Sea Level Rise Study in SE New Brunswick moved from
item #4 to item #3
-Review of Tidal Vertebrates and Salt Marshes Symposium moved from item
#5 to item #4
2. Update: Status of CCAF (Climate Change Action Fund) proposals for
Bay of Fundy research projects
Jeff Ollerhead reported on the number of proposals for the Bay of Fundy,
including the proposed Sea-level Rise Study in southeastern New Brunswick,
submitted for funding to CCAF. CCAF has communicated with Jeff that due to
the large number of proposals received for research projects in the Bay of
Fundy they have decided to reserve decision in granting funding to these
projects. CCAF is unclear on how to handle the number of proposals for Bay
of Fundy research they received. CCAF suggested a Bay of Fundy workshop be
held to discuss research priorities. Jeff has requested that CCAF organize
the workshop. CCAF has yet to respond to this request. The question was
raised whether or not CCAF was concerned about duplication. Jeff responded
that this could be a possibility, but that many different proposals for
research projects were submitted, and that not all proposals dealt with
research in salt marshes.
Gail Chmura was engaged via conference call.
It was determined that the members of the group knew of five possible
proposals to CCAF for Bay of Fundy research projects. It was suggested that
a workshop should be held, with funding from CCAF, for all parties that
submitted proposals to CCAF for Bay of Fundy research projects. The question
of what time-line existed for the re-submission of proposals. Both Jeff
Ollerhead and Gail Chumra agreed that there was no established time-line for
re-submission, although full proposals for all other research projects have
already been submitted to CCAF. It was suggested that if this is the case
money is already being granted to other projects and immediate action must
be taken. Jeff will communicate with CCAF regarding this issue.
3. CCAF Proposal for Sea-level Rise Study in Southeastern New Brunswick
Al Hanson gave an overview of the proposed study to examine effects of
sea-level rise over the next 100 years. The study is being organized by the
Meteorological Service of Environment Canada in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The
overall objective of the project is to quantify the impacts of sea-level
rise, storm surge, and coastal erosion in southeastern New Brunswick on both
coastal communities and ecosystems. Once the vulnerabilities and risks are
identified the project will evaluate and estimate the economic risks to
existing infrastructure and industry. Adaptation strategies, such as
land-use zoning, by-law creation, economic and tax incentives, etc. will be
proposed to enable adaptation and minimize potential impacts. This project
has applied for CCAF funding. Environment Canada has already committed to
providing funding for LIDAR data acquisition
4. Update on the Tidal Vertebrates and Salt Marshes Symposium
Al Hanson gave a brief overview of a paper in progress which was
delivered at the Tidal Vertebrates and Salt Marshes Symposium in Laurel,
Maryland from October 24-26, 2002 at the Patuxent National Wildlife Research
Centre. This paper deals with avian use of salt marshes throughout New
England and Atlantic Canada. It was noted that the Bay of Fundy had high
ratings in the following categories: agricultural dyking, tidal barriers,
agricultural ditching, sediment loads, ice, and in the number of species vs.
ponds. It was also noted that 30% of ground nesting sites in salt marshes
have been lost due to cattle predation. Al would appreciate literature
citations, data, or opinion in support of the information presented in the
table that was distributed. Al would also appreciate feedback on a summary
table which describes various factors that are proposed as being important
to salt marsh habitat and salt marsh bird communities in New England and
Atlantic Canada.
5. Tidal Barriers Audit Updates
a) New Brunswick Tidal Barriers Audit Update
Julie Thomas reported that the Tidal Barriers Audit for the New Brunswick
side of the Bay of Fundy is now completed. The results are currently being
compiled and a report should be available by the end of March 2003. A
presentation was given on the findings of the field work done in the Lower
Bay of Fundy during the 2002 field season. There were 42 tidal sites
identified in the Lower Bay of Fundy. Twenty-two of those sites were
restricted, seventeen were non-restricted, one was partially restricted, and
two were impacted. The most common barriers found in the Lower Bay are
culverts. These occur in a variety of forms from individual culverts on
small tidal creeks to series of larger culverts on larger structures such as
causeways.
The St. Martins Marsh site was discussed, and Gail Chumra will forward
information regarding land ownership in the marsh to Julie. Julie will
pursue the issue of finding out what, if any plans, the private landowners
have for the land.
The site on the Musquash walking trail was also presented to the group
and discussed. It was decided that the ownership of the site should be
established and that this site should be recommended for immediate
remediation. Julie will look into determining land ownership in this region.
It was suggested that the Musquash MPA designation be used to garner support
for remediation of sites in the Musquash region.
b) Nova Scotia Tidal Barriers Update
Tony Bowron gave an update on the status of the Nova Scotia Tidal
Barriers Audit. The audit, completed last summer in Hants County, NS found
seventy-three tidal crossings; thirty-seven of those crossings were
restricted or partially restricted. During the summer of 2002 tidal
crossings in Colchester County were examined. In total fifty-two sites were
examined. Of those sites, eleven were restricted, 13 were partially
restricted, 23 were not restricted and five were non-tidal.
c) New Brunswick Tidal Barriers Audit Report Update
Janice Harvey reported on the issue of consolidating the data and
information obtained from the three year tidal barrier audit and inventory
into a single report. A call was put out to the SMaRTS working group members
to form a committee to analyze the data and form recommendations for future
study. Brad Walters volunteered to sit on the committee. Julie Thomas will
also sit on the committee. Anita Hamilton suggested that Larry Marshal (DFO
Habitat - Species at Risk) be contacted to sit on the committee as well. It
was suggested that one priority of this committee may be to determine who
owns each site and then do a form of cost- benefit analysis to determine
which sites are the best choices for remediation. It was re-iterated that
small cumulative effects (positive impacts) can have the same effect
(positive impact) as one large change. The analysis committee should keep
this in mind when identifying priority sites for remediation. A meeting of
the analysis committee will be held before the end of the third week of
January 2003.
7. Report on the Gulf of Maine Habitat Restoration Committee Meeting
Tony Bowron reported on the proceedings of the Gulf of Mine Restoration
Committee meeting, which was held in Clare, NS on October 7-8, 2002. The
action items resulting from this meeting were:
-The issue of land protection in the Gulf of Maine needs to be addressed
-Inventory work on tidal barriers needs to be carried out
-GoM council needs to establish an information portal
-GoM Habitat Restoration Plan
-The issue of alewife passage in the St. Croix River Estuary needs to be
addressed
-A salt marsh restoration workshop should be held in the Bay of Fundy
region so that American members of the GoM council can obtain a better
understanding of Bay of Fundy salt marshes (discussion between US delegates
was held on the ferry ride back to the US)
It was suggested that SMaRTS should present/lead a field trip at the next
GoM Habitat Restoration Committee meeting to be held in winter 2003/spring
2004.
8. Approval of Minutes (addendum to the agenda)
All present approved the minutes from the last SMaRTS meeting, February
6, 2002, which were circulated at the start of the meeting. Julie will
forward the minutes from the February 2002 meeting to Jon Percy for posting
on the BoFEP website.
9. Special Topic: Discussion Regarding Possible Event with GPI Atlantic
As per Action Item #3 of the February 6, 2002 meeting, Janice Harvey and
Jeff Ollerhead contacted Ron Colman of GPI Atlantic regarding having him
give a presentation at a SMaRTS meeting. It was explained to the working
group members that, due to the high cost having Ron Colman as a guest
speaker, it was not thought wise to have him come for a single presentation
to the SMaRTS WG members. Instead SMaRTS could host a workshop at which Mr.
Colman would be the keynote speaker. It was suggested that the group could
use a specific issue, such as honest cost accounting of the issues occurring
on the Petitcodiac to base the workshop around. Mt. Allison University may
be used as a means to maximize the time spent by GPI Atlantic. It may be
possible to secure part of the honorarium from Mt. Allison if the GPI
representative were to give a student lecture and/or a public presentation
at the university. It was stated to the group that it is important to make
sure that we don’t duplicate work that has already been done, and several
documents were circulated that discussed full-cost accounting of salt
marshes. It was suggested that GPI not be the "be-all-and-end-all" of the
workshop, but that they be used to facilitate discussion. All present agreed
that it would be of benefit to go ahead with an event of this type. Jeff
will take the lead in putting together such an event before March of 2003.
10. Tidal Barriers Report Re-Visited (addendum to the agenda)
Janice Harvey brought up the suggestion that the consolidated Tidal
Barriers Audit report be made available in limited number of black and white
hard copies, and that color copies would be available on compact disc in PDF
format. The suggestion was made that the information and report be made
available on a website, and that a pamphlet could be published with the
information for distribution.
11. Research Updates
a) Tony Bowron gave an update on the restoration work being carried out
at Cheverie Creek. During the summer of 2002 a fish and vegetation survey
was conducted. As well, soil samples were taken, and some GIS work was
completed. Nancy Chiasson, an honours student at Dalhousie University will
be doing an honours thesis on the vegetation survey portion of the study.
All this is in anticipation of having the culvert on Cheverie creek replaced
in the summer of 2003.
b) Nancy Chiasson gave an overview of the work completed for her honours
thesis. The first 400 metres of Cheverie creek were surveyed for vegetation
characteristics such as species richness, height, and density. Her thesis
will serve as a base-line study for post-replacement monitoring of the
culvert on Cheverie Creek.
c) Sarah Townsend gave an overview of her honours thesis on the Windsor
causeway, which is now complete. She used various techniques to establish
the amount of spartina alternaflora that has been established downstream of
the causeway from 1970-2001. She determined that the salt marsh downstream
now amasses to 92 acres. From 1970-1992 the marsh grew at a rate of 11% a
year, and in 1992 the rate of growth increased to 30% a year.
Sarah continues to work under Danika Proosdij to monitor the salt marsh
downstream of the Windsor causeway to determine the ecological impacts that
future causeway expansion may have. Currently monitoring is done on mud
surface characteristics, vegetation characteristics, invertebrate counts,
fish counts, and suspended sediment loads. Monthly monitoring will continue
until May/June 2003. After this point monitoring will be done on a seasonal
basis (approximately every 3-4 months).
The issue of how the new salt marsh is valued, given that it is the
result of massive abnormal sedimentation from the causeway was raised. It
was suggested that while currently the marsh is providing new salt marsh
habitat the future of the marsh, given that some salt marshes that formed in
the Petitcodiac as a result of the same process are now moving towards
upland conditions because of ongoing sedimentation, may be questionable.
What may be of habitat value today may not exist in a few years time. These
issues are not being considered as part of the research.
d) Peter Wells updated the group on the Minas Basin working group’s
community forums. The fourth forum was held in Summerville to address the
issue of the Windsor causeway. It was determined that there is large amount
of misinformation in the community regarding this issue. It was felt that a
complete review of the information available regarding the causeway and the
estuary needed to be carried out. Those present at the forum will be
approaching BoFEP and the Friends of the Avon River about completing such a
review. This forum will be discussed at the next BoFEP meeting.
e) Brad Walters updated the group on a proposal that he and a colleague
at Laval have submitted to SSHRC. The proposal is for a research project
that will examine the environmental history of salt marshes and identify
patterns of environmental changes in salt marshes.
f) Mark Gloutney expressed concern to those present that there seems to
be a communication breakdown between SMaRTS and Ducks Unlimited. DU is
carrying out restoration work that SMaRTS is not aware of. Better
communication is necessary to close the circle in order that DU may
effectively utilize the expertise of the working group members, and vice
versa. It was agreed that working group members need to be better informed
of the restoration work being carried out by DU. DU will lead a discussion
at the next meeting.
g) Peter Hicklin briefly updated those present on his research on semi-palmated
sandpipers. The recent Maritime shorebird survey shows that the number of
semi-palmated sandpipers in the Maritimes is declining, although they are
increasing in the upper Bay of Fundy.
12. Next Meeting
The next meeting will likely coincide with the proposed event with GPI
Atlantic in February/March 2003.
The meeting adjourned shortly after 3:00 PM
Draft minutes prepared by Julie White, CCNB.
BoFEP Working Group on Salt Marshes and Restricted Tidal
Systems (SMaRTS)
Summary of Action Items November 29, 2002
5th Meeting, CWS Headquarters- Sackville, NB
1. Jeff Ollerhead will draft a letter to CCAF requesting that they fund and organize a
meeting/workshop for all parties who submitted proposals for Bay of Fundy research grants
to CCAF.
2. Gail Chmura will forward information to Julie regarding landownership in the St.
Martins Marsh. Julie will then explore what if any plans the land owners have for the
marsh land, with the view to explore the possibility of removing the tidal barrier there.
3. Julie will explore the issue of land ownership of the site on the old rail bed n the
Musquash region.
4. Julie, Janice and Peter will organize a meeting with those working group members who
are interested in assisting with the analysis of the Tidal Barriers Audit data and
formation of recommendations. This meeting will be held before the end of the third week
of January 2003.
5. SMaRTS should present/lead a field trip at the next GoM Habitat Restoration
Committee meeting to be held in winter 2003/spring 2004.
7. Julie will forward the minutes of the February 6, 2002 meeting of the SMaRTS working
group to Jon Percy for posting on the BoFEP website, and will prepare the minutes of this
meeting for circulation.
8. Jeff will take the lead on organizing an event with GPI Atlantic for February/March
2003, with help from Janice and Julie.
BOFEP Working Group on Salt Marshes and Restricted Tidal
Systems (SMaRTS)
2002 Year in Review
[Report presented to BoFEP Steering Committee by Jeff
Ollerhead January 21, 2003]
SMaRTS held two meetings in 2002. The minutes are/will be
available on the BOFEP website.
DFO reorganized in the spring of 2002. Consequently, Hélène
Dupuis and Denis Haché no longer sit on the SMaRTS WG. Anita Hamilton, DFO Habitat
Management Division, now represents DFO at SMaRTS meetings.
SMaRTS now has a Terms of Reference document. It is available
for viewing on the SMaRTS page of the BOFEP website.
SMaRTS produced a poster that was displayed at the 5 th Bay of
Fundy Science Workshop last spring. Many thanks to Peter Wells for providing funding for
the poster and to Zsofi Koller (CCNB) for working with a graphic designer to design it.
SMaRTS WG members who presented posters and/or papers at the 5th
Bay of Fundy Science Workshop include: Tony Bowron (paper and poster), Jeff Ollerhead
(paper), Danika van Proosdij (paper), Zsofi Koller (poster).
The New Brunswick Tidal Barriers Audit and Inventory being led
by the Conservation Council of New Brunswick is now complete. A final report, covering the
entire study (3 years) should be available by late March 2003.
SMaRTS has plans to attempt to procure NSERC funding for a
doctorate or post-doctorate student to model changes and cumulative effects in the Bay of
Fundy as a result of tidal barriers. No action has yet been taken on this item.
The Gulf of Maine Habitat restoration Committee held a meeting
in Clare, NS on October 7-8, 2002. Several members from the SMaRTS WG were in attendance
and presented on current research items.
A representative from NBDOT attended the fall 2002 SMaRTS
meeting. SMaRTS is hopeful that NBDOT will continue to participate in future SMaRTS
meetings.
The Nova Scotia Tidal Barriers Audit, in Hants County, NS, was
completed in the summer of 2001. A report is available from Tony Bowron. During the summer
of 2002 tidal barriers in Colchester County were audited.
Restoration work was carried out on Cheverie Creek, Hants
County, NS in the summer of 2002. Further monitoring will be done on Cheverie Creek by
Nancy Chaisson, an honours student at Dalhousie.
Sarah Townsend’s honours thesis (supervised by Danika van
Proosdij, Saint Mary’s) on the Windsor Causeway is now complete. She determined that
the downstream salt marsh now covers 92 acres and that since 1992 is growing at a rate of
30% per year.
SMaRTS is working to coordinate an event with Ron Colman from
GPI Atlantic as the keynote speaker. This event will most likely take place in late March
2003 on the campus of Mount Allison University.
Restoration Monitoring Reports
on NS Transportation and Infrastructure
Marsh Restoration Projects
As part of fish habitat and wetland compensation requirements, NS
Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal has restored four salt
marshes and is working on plans for several more. These sites will be
monitored for at least five years after completion of construction.
Restoration monitoring reports for the following four sites are now
available. The 2007/08 reports will be
available soon.
Smith Gut Salt Marsh
Lawrencetown Lake Salt Marsh
Cheverie Creek Salt Marsh
Walton River Salt Marsh
Report to 2008 AGM
SMaRTS principal focus is maintaining and expanding this productive
partnerships and continuous networking, so that those in this field remain
aware of the work being undertaken by the other members and preparing for
worthwhile restoration projects by identifying locations and prioritizing
potential candidate sites. At its spring meeting participants in the SMaRTS
WG discussed a wide range of ongoing and planned projects being undertaken
by various working group members. Another meeting is planned for this fall
(November ?) to provide an update on research and conservation activities
and coordinate the planning of ongoing and new activities. The group also
encouraged WG members who have project summaries, restoration, monitoring,
research or related reports/articles/materials of interest to others in the
group to submit them to BoFEP for posting on the SMaRTS pages of the BoFEP
Website. Some of the projects/activities reviewed and discussed at the
spring meeting include:
- Report on 2007 Salt Marsh Workshop (EAC)
- Report on Musquash MPA (DFO and DUC)
- Musquash Salt Marsh Restoration Evaluation (DUC and MTA)
- Status of provincial and federal wetland protection & compensation
efforts (EAC)
- Tidal Power in the BoF – implications for salt marshes & opportunities
for SMaRTS? (SMU)
- Update on tidal barrier audits & discussion of SMaRT’s role as a
regional advocate for salt marsh restoration and the removal of tidal
barriers. (SMaRTS)
- GoM, SMaRTS & ESIP – Possibilities for collaboration (DFO)
- French Basin Salt Marsh Restoration – Feasibility Study (CARP)
- Restoration and long-term monitoring of Cheverie Creek, Walton River
and St. Croix River tidal wetland restoration projects. (CBWES, NSDoT, SMU)
- Ecology Action Centre – Reconnecting the Coast (EAC)
- Ecomorphodynamics of Fundy salt marshes (SMU)
- Intertidal Coastal Sediment Transport (In_CoaST) Research Unit (SMU)
- Vegetative community dynamics in relation to environmental parameters
in restored vs reference marshes (SMU)
The group is actively considering a number of degraded salt marsh areas
as potential sites for restoration activities. Members of the group are also
preparing for a salt marsh restoration session at the 8th Bay of
Fundy Science Workshop in May 2009.
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