Ecological Restoration

Coldwater Creek Riparian Restoration
Nobleton, ON

Before

Unaware of the legal ramifications of altering a watercourse without Conservation Authority permits, a property owner in King Township hired a contractor in 2009 to “improve” a 350 metre reach of creek located on his property. The work included stripping native riparian vegetation, re-grading the creek embankments, and armouring them with river stone for decorative effect. Unfortunately, this type of work is strictly forbidden along waterways regulated by Conservation Authorities. Following a site visit by the Conservation Authority, the property owner was charged with a violation. To complicate matters, it was discovered that the creek in question was also habitat for the Redside Dace, a nationally endangered fish species. As a result, the property owner was also facing charges under the Federal Endangered Species Act, which includes provisions for severe fines or worse.

In order to avoid the fines and have charges dropped, Genus Loci was retained by the property owner to design and implement a restoration program acceptable to the Conservation Authority and the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Working in collaboration with Natural Resource Solutions Inc., Genus Loci developed a bioengineered restoration technique and remediation strategy, and engaged in a lengthy review and permitting process that culminated in the summer of 2010 with an approval to proceed. The entire 350 metre reach of creek was restored over a 4 week period in August of 2010. The work involved shoreline re-grading, the removal and disposal of approximately 200 tons of river stone, the installation of over 800 coir biologs, 200 cubic metres of terraseeded compost, and the installation of over 2000 container grown trees and shrubs, and 1500 live willow stakes. In the ensuing weeks and months, the various seed and plant installations have flourished with great success.