The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) will conduct forest and stream rehabilitation work at the Two Mile Creek Conservation Area in Niagara-on-the-Lake starting July 5. The operation will address concerns of ash tree mortality, trail-user safety, ecosystem diversity, and creek debris, while preserving the healthy upland forest in other parts of the site.
The operation will begin in Treatment Area “A” and Treatment Area “B” (see map), with the objective of a ‘stand conversion’, where the dominate ash tree forest cover will be removed and replaced with a young forest of mixed tree species through subsequent reforestation activity.
Ash tree mortality was caused by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a shiny emerald coloured beetle that was first noticed in North America in 2002 and in Niagara-on-the-Lake in 2012. Larvae of this invasive species feed just beneath the bark of ash trees and disrupt the movement of water and nutrients. Once signs and symptoms of infestation develop, the tree is in irreversible decline. Once dead, ash trees tend to fall apart, dropping bark and dead branches, and either fall over or snap halfway up the trunk within four years.
“A thorough assessment of the Two Mile Creek site indicated that within the treatment areas, the tree composition is dominated by green ash in the overstory and Manitoba maple in the understory,” says Dan Drennan, Watershed Forester at NPCA. “There is no significant natural regeneration of non-ash native species that could replace the dying and dead ash trees, and Manitoba maple is not a species the NPCA wants to dominate the site. There are scattered groups of willow that will be retained as much as possible.”
The timing of the tree clearing operation coincides with a period of time where in-stream work can occur with minimal impact to bird nesting season and outside of spring and fall fish spawning periods. These months tend to be the driest in the Niagara region, with ideal conditions to minimize damage to the site, including that of gravestones or heritage features. A third-party ecologist has assessed the site ahead of the tree clearing and has identified trees to be retained because of bird and bat habitat features such as cavity nests.
“As part of the forest and stream rehabilitation work, the majority of the dead ash trees and invasive Manitoba maples will be removed using equipment that will fell and mulch the dead trees, leaving the organic material on site,” adds Drennan. “Fallen trees and logs in the watercourse will be removed in a safe and controlled manner, to improve flow and address concerns about large creek debris and flooding.”
The ash tree forest cover will be replaced by native deciduous and coniferous trees appropriate to the site conditions and native to seed zone 37. These will be replanted on the site to encourage the reestablishment of a healthy, resilient and diverse ecosystem that will support a variety of wildlife and improve the overall water quality in Two Mile Creek. The NPCA will launch a public engagement initiative and volunteer call out to welcome area residents in these replanting activities this fall or in spring of 2022.
“The timing of this initiative correlates well with other Town efforts to remove ash trees and improve upon the overall tree canopy and quality of trees in Niagara-on-the-Lake,” says Brett Ruck, Irrigation and Drainage Superintendent at the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. “We hope residents will embrace this endeavor as we collectively look forward to the rejuvenation of this site.”
Work is scheduled to begin on July 5 and is expected to take approximately three to four weeks. The area be treated is within the boundaries of the Two Mile Creek Conservation Area, approximately 4 hectares (10 acres), located at the end of Butler Street. The conservation area will be closed to the public during this time, as the health and safety of conservation area visitors is a priority.
Various forestry equipment will be used for the tree clearing operation and nearby residents and businesses should expect noise between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
All other conservation areas in the Niagara Peninsula watershed remain open and continue to provide natural spaces for safe, local day-use visits for outdoor, passive recreation. To learn more about these parks and the services and amenities available at each park, visit https://npca.ca/parks-recreation/conservation-areas.
For more information on the Two Mile Creek Conservation Area, visit www.npca.ca. Follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter for more updates.
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About NPCA:
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is a community-based natural resource management agency that works to protect, enhance, and sustain healthy watersheds. With 60 years of experience, the NPCA offers watershed programs and services that focus on flood and hazard management, source water protection, species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, and land management.
The NPCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in the Province of Ontario and manages 41 Conservation Areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
About the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake:
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of Canada’s most historic and picturesque towns. Located at the tip of the Niagara Peninsula and nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake includes the five communities of Old Town, Virgil, St. Davids, Queenston and Glendale.
Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Erika Navarro, Communications Specialist
Mobile: 905-650-4027
enavarro@npca.ca