News from: March 2019

April 11, 2019 - As volunteers go, Larry Hum’s a real humdinger.

The retired telecoms engineer has been volunteering with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) since 2015, helping staff remove invasive plants, survey streams and sample for aquatic animals.

“It’s something I always wanted to do, working in the field,” said Mr. Hum, who lives in Bells Corners. He didn’t excel in biology as a student, so he pursued engineering instead. But he still wanted to explore his childhood interest. “It’s an opportunity for me to work in bioscience without going into the heavy, heavy science.”

Since joining the volunteer crew Mr. Hum has helped with a number of City Stream Watch aquatic surveys, headwater sampling, lake and stream monitoring and benthic monitoring (assessing insect populations to indicate water pollution levels).

He’s also helped with tree planting projects, garbage clean-ups and invasive species removal.

Ripping out invasive plants is an especially satisfying job, he said.

“Sometimes the task seems insurmountable, but as we take it one season after season the results are encouraging,” Mr. Hum said. “And it always feels good when you yank out those undesirables.”

City Stream Watch co-ordinator Rosario Castanon Escobar said Mr. Hum has been an invaluable part of their team.

“He’s an enthusiastic volunteer,” said Ms. Castanon Escobar. “We love working with him.”

Growing up in urban Montreal, Mr. Hum’s family didn’t have the resources to go explore the countryside.

But he’s more than made up for that as an adult. On top of his RVCA work, he’s given considerable time to EarthWatch, an international environmental charity. With them he has spent time on the ground helping researchers study elephants in Africa and black bears in Minnesota. He also helped researchers study the effects of climate change in Trinidad.

In the spirit of National Volunteer Week (April 7 to 13), Mr. Hum encouraged watershed residents to get involved with their local conservation authority – even just one time.

“Give it a whirl. If you don’t like it, you can always stop,” he said. “I find it quite enjoyable and rewarding.”

There are many ways to volunteer with the RVCA this spring, starting with two community clean-ups on April 27 and May 4. Tree planters are also wanted for a shoreline naturalization project at Black Rapids on May 11.

To sign up to be a City Stream Watch volunteer, join the mailing list at https://www.rvca.ca/about-us/join-our-mailing-lists#city-stream-watch-mailing-list. 

A volunteer orientation will take place May 25. RSVPs are required for all events.

Keep an eye on our volunteer calendar for other opportunities throughout the year, as well: https://www.rvca.ca/calendar-of-events/monthcalendar/2019/4/82

Upcoming RVCA volunteer events:

Glad Clean up the Capital Event – Pinecrest Creek

When: Sat. April 27, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (RSVP required)

Where: Connaught Park – baseball diamond (Located at Connaught Avenue)

In partnership with the Queensway Terrace Community Association, City Stream Watch will be conducting a clean-up in Pinecrest Creek within the Connaught Park area along the National Capital Commission’s Pinecrest Creek Pathway. Participants will pick up litter from the stream and shorelines surrounding Pinecrest Creek. We will meet in the baseball diamond for 9:00AM.

What to wear: Dress for the weather! Wear waterproof boots, long socks (if wearing chest waders), long pants and a hat

What to bring: Bring a water bottle

What we will provide: We will have drinking water to replenish empty bottles, some snacks, chest waders, garbage bags and gloves.

Glad Clean up the Capital Event – Sawmill Creek

When: Sat. May 4, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (RSVP required)

Where: Towngate Shopping Plaza (Located at Bank St. and Hunt Club Rd. intersection)

In collaboration with the Canadian Forces Ottawa Fish and Game Club, City Stream Watch will be conducting a clean-up in Sawmill Creek along the Towngate Shopping Plaza region. Participants will pick up litter in the stream and shorelines surrounding Sawmill Creek. There are several areas in the region that tend to accumulate garbage, and we will divide the group out across these locations. We will meet up in the south (back end) of the Towngate parking lot for 9 a.m.

What to wear: Dress for the weather! Wear waterproof boots, long pants and a hat

What to bring: Bring your own water bottle

What we will provide: We will have drinking water to replenish empty bottles, some snacks, chest waders, garbage bags and gloves.

Shoreline Naturalization Project – Black Rapids Creek

When: Sat. May 11, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (RSVP required)

Where: Black Rapids Creek Site (near the Woodroffe Ave. and Fallowfield Rd. intersection, north of the train tracks)

The RVCA Shoreline Naturalization Program will be planting trees and shrubs along the shoreline of Black Rapids Creek. Participants will help plant trees and shrubs; a planting demonstration will be given beforehand. The site has difficult terrain to work in and is not suitable for young children. We will be meeting at 9 a.m. on site.

Meeting location: Park at the nearby Park and Ride and walk across Woodroffe Ave to the NCC Greenbelt Pathway. Follow it north until you cross the railway tracks. RVCA staff and vehicles will be along the path.

What to wear: Dress for the weather! Wear sturdy shoes (steel toe boots recommended but not required), long pants and a hat

What to bring: Bring your own water bottle

What we will provide: We will have drinking water to replenish empty bottles, some snacks, shovels and gloves.

Spring Orientation/Training Session – Sawmill Creek (Riverside Dr)

When: Sat. May 25, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (RSVP required)

Where: Rideau River Eastern Pathway – Parkland beside Sawmill Creek/Riverside Dr

Our annual City Stream Watch Spring Orientation and Training Session for new volunteers will take place along the shoreline of Sawmill Creek along Riverside Dr./Rideau River Eastern Pathway. If you have joined us for stream surveys in the past or have come out to a training session before, there is no need to attend the training session again. Also, if you are can’t attend but still want to help survey, we always provide on-the-job training.

Meeting location: We will be meeting on the Rideau River Eastern Pathway along the shoreline of Sawmill Creek. Park at Billings Bridge Shopping Centre, walk north on Bank Street to the Rideau River, turn right onto the Rideau River Eastern Pathway and walk towards Sawmill Creek. RVCA staff will be at that location.

What to wear: Dress for the weather! Wear sturdy shoes, socks, long pants and a hat

What to bring: Bring your own water bottle

What we will provide: We will have drinking water to replenish empty bottles, some snacks, chest waders, and equipment for the purpose of demonstrations.

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April 9, 2019 - Close your eyes. Can you picture six million trees? We can – because that’s how many we’ve planted since 1984.

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has released its 2018 annual report, and among our many accomplishments from the past year, the planting of our six millionth tree stands tall.

“Every year we partner with landowners to reforest abandoned farm fields and other unused land,” said Scott Danford, manager of the reforestation program at RVCA. “Putting this land to work promotes wildlife and biodiversity, protects soil from erosion and improves water quality, while improving the look and value of these private properties.”

And that’s just one program of many at the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, which monitors watershed health across a vast swath of land from Central Frontenac to Merrickville-Wolford and all the way to downtown Ottawa.

Under the Conservation Authorities Act, the RVCA is responsible for furthering the “conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in the watershed.” Its mission is to understand, manage, protect, restore and enhance the 4,000 km² Rideau watershed through science, stewardship, education, policy and leadership.

“We need natural features like forests, wetlands, shoreline buffers and floodplains if we want clean water and robust tourism, recreation and agriculture sectors,” said Sommer Casgrain-Robertson, RVCA General Manager. “We also need these features to help protect people and property from flooding and erosion as natural features absorb and slow the movement of water in addition to filtering out contaminants.”

Other highlights from 2018 include:

• 200,000 visitors to RVCA’s 11 conservation areas, which offer 42 kilometres of public trails
• 10,000 student visitors to the authority’s outdoor education programs at Baxter and Foley Mountain conservation areas, and the launch of a new Forest School kindergarten program at Foley Mountain
• 70 km of streams and tributaries surveyed and 39 lakes, 13 wells and 163 stream sites sampled
• 159 clean water projects funded with nearly $400,000 in grants
• Heart’s Desire Weir in the Jock River replaced with a river-friendly rocky ramp
• 11,433 native trees and shrubs planted, naturalizing 79 shorelines
• Demonstration rain garden installed at Baxter Conservation Area to reduce stormwater runoff
• 18 flood messages and 10 low water response messages issued
• 52 nest boxes monitored for ducks, a 1,600 m² fish habitat created at the Perth Wildlife Reserve, and six new habitat features for species at risk completed across the watershed
• Tay River subwatershed report released
• 88 km of new hazard mapping completed to guide development applications
• 1,366 Planning Act applications reviewed (site plan control, minor variances, severances, subdivision reviews and other development needs)
• 1,107 septic system applications and inspections processed
• 1,636 inquiries, applications, complaints and violations processed under the Conservation Authorities Act.

In other words, we were busy!

“Investing in local watershed health today ensures a sustainable future for our local communities and economies,” said Ms. Casgrain-Robertson. “Thank you to our staff, municipalities, partners and volunteers who helped us achieve our 2018 goals, and we look forward to a successful 2019.”

For your copy of the RVCA 2018 Annual Report, visit www.rvca.ca or call 613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 for a hard copy.

— end —

April 8,2019 – With below seasonal temperature and no significant precipitation over the past several days, water levels and flows continue to decline slowly across most areas of the Rideau Valley Watershed.  The water level/flow decline is expected to continue this week based on the current weather forecast of only single digit high temperatures and the possibility of rain on Friday.  At this time most of the snow in our watershed has already melted but some snow/ice does remain near trees or shaded areas. 

Contrary to the above, water levels and flows in Bob’s Lake and Christie Lake, located in the upper end of the Rideau Valley Watershed, are increasing slowly due to runoff from the remaining snow pack.  Parks Canada staff are closely watching this situation and making any changes as needed. 

The flood watch issued previously for the areas listed below is no longer in effect:

• The smaller creeks and streams in the lower Rideau Valley Watershed, including the low-lying roads and waterfront properties adjacent to the Jock River (near Richmond) and Stevens Creek (near North Gower), and any connected creeks or ditches.
• The Long Reach (Burritts Rapids to Manotick) of the Rideau River, including the communities of Hilly Lane, Cedar Beach, Rideau Glen and other neighourhoods on that reach of the river.
• The low-lying roads and waterfront properties adjacent to the Tay River between the outlet of Christie Lake and the Beveridge Locks near Port Elmsley.

City of Ottawa crews have now completed with their annual ice removal program on the Rideau River between Rideau Falls and Bronson Avenue. However, City crews are continuing to monitor for possible ice jams due to shoreline ice that may break loose (for more information: City of Ottawa information at 311).

Extreme caution should be exercised by everyone when near local waterbodies. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision.

Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should continue to take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:

• Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve
• Ensuring easy access to a portable backup generator and pump
• Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 metres from the dwelling
• Securing items that might float away as flows increase
• Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding
• Keeping emergency phone numbers handy
• Familiarizing yourself with your municipality’s Emergency Preparedness Plan

This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Monday April 15, 2019 and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.

-end-

"Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is a partnership of municipalities within the Rideau Valley watershed created under the Conservation Authorities Act to deliver a range of programs in watershed management and natural resource conservation."

RVCA Watershed Conditions Statements:

• Water Safety – High flows, unstable banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
• Flood Outlook – Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts, calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams and/or lakeshore flooding or erosion.
• Flood Watch – Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individuals in flood-prone areas should prepare.
• Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in area watercourses.

April 3, 2019 -- With limited precipitation and below seasonal temperatures so far this week, water levels and flows have somewhat stabilized across the Rideau Valley Watershed since last weekend.  The flood warning issued over the weekend is now over for the areas listed below; however, a flood watch is still in effect for these areas.   With snow still on the ground in some areas, combined with forecasted warmer temperatures and precipitation later this week, increased water levels and flows in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed are still expected in the days to come.

Areas currently under a Flood Watch: 

• The smaller creeks and streams in the lower Rideau Valley Watershed, including the low-lying roads and waterfront properties adjacent to the Jock River (near Richmond) and Stevens Creek (near North Gower), and any connected creeks or ditches.
• The Long Reach (Burritts Rapids to Manotick) of the Rideau River, including the communities of Hilly Lane, Cedar Beach, Rideau Glen and other neighourhoods on that reach of the river.
• The low-lying roads and waterfront properties adjacent to the Tay River between the outlet of Christie Lake and the Beveridge Locks near Port Elmsley.           

City of Ottawa crews are continuing with their annual ice removal program on the Rideau River between Rideau Falls and Bronson Avenue. City crews are busy with ice breaking activities and are making good progress despite thicker than normal ice (for more information: City of Ottawa information at 311).

Ice cover on lakes, ditches, local streams and rivers remains unstable. Extreme caution should be exercised by everyone when near local waterbodies. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision.

The potential for ice jams still remains high in some local streams and rivers, as flows could quickly increase before the ice can melt. Residents are advised to monitor the river closely as spring progresses for signs of ice jams. RVCA staff will be monitoring conditions, but we always welcome any unique observations from watershed residents.

Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:

• Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve
• Ensuring easy access to a portable backup generator and pump
• Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 metres from the dwelling
• Securing items that might float away as flows increase
• Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding
• Keeping emergency phone numbers handy
• Familiarizing yourself with your municipality’s Emergency Preparedness Plan

This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Monday April 8, 2019 and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.

                                                                         -end-

"Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is a partnership of municipalities within the Rideau Valley watershed created under the Conservation Authorities Act to deliver a range of programs in watershed management and natural resource conservation."

RVCA Watershed Conditions Statements:

• Water Safety – High flows, unstable banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
• Flood Outlook – Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts, calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams and/or lakeshore flooding or erosion.
• Flood Watch – Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individuals in flood-prone areas should prepare.
• Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in area watercourses.