The National Capital Commission and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority Team Up to Enhance Black Rapids Creek

An important wetland in the Greenbelt’s west end will soon become a bigger and better piece of nature. The National Capital Commission (NCC) will team up with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) and the Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund to enhance and double the size of the existing wetland in the headwaters of Black Rapids Creek.

This workshop will update participants on some of the work that has been implemented since the 2011 Eastern Ontario Headwaters workshop. Updates will include advances in policy, monitoring, research and restoration which were all core themes at the 2011 workshop. Participants will hear a range of case studies from Eastern Ontario that collectively address how to incorporate headwater management in routine management decisions, policy development, and science understanding. Participants will hear from experts from Conservation Authorities, the City of Ottawa and the private sector on local success stories.

Watershed Watch is a monitoring program on 39 lakes in our valley. The program is building a set of ambient (baseline) data that can be used to show trends and changes in the condition of the watershed lakes. It will act as an early warning system to identify trends or problems in water quality.

The water quality indicators monitored in the program are:

• Total phosphorus (deep points, shoreline)
• Total Kjeldahl nitrogen (deep points, shoreline)
• Bacteria (E.Coli) (shoreline)
• Water clarity/Secchi Depth (deep points)
• Dissolved oxygen/temperature (deep points)
• Calcium (deep point)

Over the first five years of the Watershed Watch program (2001 – 2005), 6 or 7 lakes were sampled intensively (8 times) each year at the deep points and at shoreline sites where there appeared to be possible pollution sources. The program was changed in 2006 to monitor 39 lakes 4 times a year (May thru October). Deep points are sampled 4 times a year, while shoreline sites a sampled twice a year through the summer months (June thru September).

Volunteer Opportunities:

Anyone can get involved! Join the group of residents on several lakes who volunteer their time and their boats each summer to provide on the water transportation for RVCA staff and a helping hand taking samples. Or watch for special times of the year where we need a little extra help with sampling.

Want to learn more?

Contact  to volunteer or get more information.

RVCA is proud to be part of the City Stream Watch Program. Since 2003, this program has worked with volunteers to monitor and report on information about our urban creeks and streams in the City of Ottawa.

City Stream Watch volunteers:

• conduct stream habitat assessments (physical and biological characteristics)
• sample for and identify aquatic benthic invertebrates
• participate in fish sampling sessions
• monitor stream temperatures
• remove invasive species
• assist in stream rehabilitation and shoreline restoration projects
• clean up streams to remove urban garbage

Monitoring Schedule:

Click to enlarge map

Want to learn more?

Contact:
City Stream Watch Coordinator
613-692-3571 ext. 1155

Volunteer Opportunities

The City Stream Watch is always looking for new volunteers to help monitor, protect and clean up Ottawa streams. No experience is needed and no minimum time commitment.

Sign-up to our mailing list to join our list of volunteers and receive information on City Stream Watch opportunities. You can also check out our latest events on our volunteer calendar.

Reports

View City Stream Watch Reports.

Partners:

The City Stream Watch Program is a community-based partnership which includes the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, Heron Park Community Association, Ottawa Flyfishers Society, Rideau Roundtable, Canadian Forces Fish and Game Club, Ottawa Stewardship Council, City of Ottawa and the National Capital Commission.

With little rain over the last two weeks, the Moderate Drought conditions continue in the Rideau watershed.

The accumulated precipitation over the last 90 days is less than 60% of the long term average for this time of year which is the threshold for Moderate Drought. No significant rain is presently in weather forecasts for the next week but hot temperatures are. This means that evaporation will be a significant component of the water level decline process throughout the watershed.

Despite the recent rainfall, the Rideau Valley remains in a Severe Drought Status.

The 90-day accumulation of rainfall recorded at Environment Canada climate stations in and around the Rideau River watershed has increased to an average of 82 percent of the historical average. The 30-day accumulation is about 99 percent.

Based on the 30 Day Precipitation drought indicator, the Rideau River Watershed is in the “Severe” Drought category.

There has been no rain recorded at the Ottawa Airport since July 25. Some rain has been recorded at other locations in and around the watershed but there have not been the several days of rain needed to restore the deficit that has accumulated. There is rain forecast through Friday and Saturday but that is expected as thunderstorms which will not produce the needed general rain over the whole watershed. Warm weather is forecast to continue through next week which will cause losses to evaporation that will contribute significantly to the decline of water levels throughout the watershed.

Landowners thinking of planting 500 trees or more are encouraged to book their free site visit.

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority offers private landowners a tree planting program that helps them get technical advice, planting plans and funding for trees. The goal is to make planting trees easy and affordable.

Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) and its many partners gathered on June 23 to celebrate the official opening of its newest conservation area. The new Motts Mills Conservation Area is a small but beautiful site that sustains a significant piece of wetland habitat and is home to the recently decommissioned Motts Mills Dam.

“Thanks to the RVCA, Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF) and many special partners, a crucial piece of wetland and local history is now protected in public ownership,” said Lyle Pederson, RVCA Chair and member of the Motts Mills Restoration Committee. “We are celebrating several achievements today and acknowledging the commitment, dedication and vision of many partners.”