River of Sand

Draft

Sustainability and Renewal in the DeSable Watershed A Watershed Plan

DeSable River Enhancement and Activity Management, Inc,

This plan is the result of extensive input from members of the DeSable watershed community. Further contribution is always appreciated, and is necessary for the long-term success of the DeSable River Enhancement and Activity Management Inc. Thank you for your support

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary Participants Introduction The DeSable Watershed Flora and Fauna of the DeSable Watershed Accomplishments of DREAM Planning Process Overall Goals Issues within the DeSable Watershed - Siltation/Erosion - Riparian/Buffer Zones - Fish Habitats/Culverts - Nitrates - Beavers - Trails - Invasive Species - Linden Hill Pond Vision for the Future APPENDICES

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The DeSable River Enhancement and Activity Management Inc (DREAM) watershed management plan is being developed to serve as a guide to managing the areas natural resources while maintaining environmental and economic sustainability. This plan will reflect the desires of the DeSable watershed community. The development of the plan will be an ongoing project in order to echo the needs of the community; it is, in essence, a living document. With all aspects of life dependent on water, it is of vital importance that every effort be made to enhance and preserve water quality. Given the interconnection between all life and water, it is crucial the plan include all facets of the environment. Objectives and Purpose (as outlined in incorporation) include the following:

To evaluate the environmental quality of the area; To work with neighbours, communities and stakeholders for the improvement of the environment; To promote environmental stewardship through community education, engagement and encouragement; To strategically promote and initiate conservation measures and remedial actions by this company and by other groups; and To promote and initiate publically accessible green spaces within the watershed served by DREAM Inc., those projects which are in keeping with other stated objectives.

This document outlines specific characteristics and issues raised by the community members; each issue includes strategies that will be implemented in order to address these concerns. Watershed planning and implementation is an ongoing and long-term process that requires frequent attention and input from the community residents, organizations and businesses. The success of the group is based on collaboration between the DeSable area, the board of directors and all levels of government. The following Vision Statement sums up the view of the DeSable watershed group:

DREAM is dedicated to creating a revitalize and healthy system of streams, ponds, rivers and estuary that are clean and life-giving. This water will support fish, birds, amphibians and other wildlife, in addition to creating great beauty and recreation for the inhabitants of the area. The people of the DeSable Watershed will see themselves as true stewards of the water, land and forests that support the watershed , and will pass on this legacy to future generations.

PARTICIPANTS Community Involvement: Thanks to the many members of the community who attended the watershed meetings on a regular basis and contributed their valued opinions to the planning process; this input was via meetings, kitchen table discussions, phone calls and surveys. Without the involvement of the community, DREAMs management plan would not be an accurate representation of the needs of the DeSable watershed. Prince Edward Island Watershed Management Fund: The Watershed Management Fund, distributed by the PEI Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry, grants financial support to various watershed groups across the province. This fund provided the financial backbone for the development of the management plan. Management Plan Writers: This document was written by Kelley Arnold and Ron Arvidson. DeSable Watershed Board of Directors (as of 2011): Ron Arvidson Angela Larter Darrin Dunsford Harry Smith Scott Arnold Kelley Arnold

INTRODUCTION A Watershed is an area of land that catches rain and snow and drains or seeps into a marsh, stream, river, lake or
Figure 1 Typical Watershed on P.E.I.

groundwater. Watersheds may contain such land uses as homes, farms, ranches, towns, and cities. They come in all shapes and sizes and can cross county, provincial or international borders. Some are relatively small, as is DeSables, while others may contain millions of square kilometres. The boundaries of a watershed are defined by topographical features that drain into a common point. Everything in the defined area is interconnected, and activities that occur in the watershed can affect water quality of the whole region. The flow of water (both groundwater and surface water) from higher to lower elevations may lead to cumulative effects at the lowest points of the water flow; the lowest point is the mouth of the river or estuary. DeSable-Argyle Shore residents met at a Strategic Planning Meeting on Oct. 6th, 2005, to discuss environmental problems in the vicinity, including the ever-increasing pungency of the estuary. The DeSable River Enhancement and Activity Management (DREAM) group formed as a result of this meeting, when residents from throughout the area decided that they would volunteer to make improvements within the watershed.

THE DESABLE WATERSHED DeSable is one of the surviving names of the old French Regime on Prince Edward Island recorded by the French Census of 1752, meaning "Riviere de Sable" (River of Sand). DeSable watershed drains the majority of Lot 29 (Meachum Atlas 1880). DeSable watershed is a hilly, wedge-shaped land area in south-central PEI. The watershed encompasses over 4177.5 Ha, is five kilometres wide near the Northumberland coast, and reaches inland more than 12 kilometres; this roughly follows Route 246 to Maplewood. It encompasses portions of DeSable, South Melville, Hampton, Green Road, Appin Road, Kellys Cross and Maplewood. At the estuary, visible from the DeSable Bridge on Route 1, the watershed drains from the two arms of the DeSable River along with the unrelated Bells Creek.

Figure 2 DeSable Watershed

The history of the area can be traced back to the arrival of the first Island residents approximately 10,000 years ago; the Paleo-Indians arrived via land bridge to forage and hunt on the Island. About 5000 years ago, sea levels rose, and Prince Edward Island was created. Prior to Columbus, the Island was a part of the Mikmaq nation which represented the union of the Atlantic Region, the Gaspe Peninsula and parts of Maine. Prince Edward Island was discovered by Europeans after Jacques Cartier in 1534, but was not permanently settled until the 18th century. DeSable and the surrounding area has a history of being part of water mill country, beginning with early Acadian settlement. According to Old DeSable by Clifton C. Ince (1975), there were three mills built in the 1820s. These mills provided a variety of goods for the community, including corn and wheat flour, oatmeal, carded wool, cloth, lumber and shingles. Mills were
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established on the east arm (Holms Pond) and west arm (Dixons Mill) of the DeSable River in the 1800s; a third mill was built on Bells Creek in the 1820s. There were also at least three mills upriver, one just north of the Green Road, and two on the main branch. Beers Mill was located on the Sandy Point Road, and Dunsfords Mill was approximately three miles upstream.

FLORA AND FAUNA OF THE DESABLE WATERSHED Wild birds, mammals, amphibians and other creatures are an integral part of the Island's environment. Prior to European settlement, PEI shared most of the same species found in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia; this included caribou, moose, Canada lynx, black bear, otter, and pine marten. By 1890, large scale land clearance resulted in the clearing of approximately 70% of the Island for agriculture. Habitat loss, combined with few
Figure 3 Lady Slipper

game hunting regulations, caused the extirpation of caribou, lynx and pine marten. Presently throughout the DeSable watershed, one has the opportunity to see many mammals that are common to the PEI landscape; red fox, mink, raccoons and rodents can be seen throughout Bonshaw, South Melville and Kellys Cross. Coyotes were introduced on the island in the 1980s and are now a common sight island wide. During DREAMs 2008 winter project, Dan Buell reported seeing fresh footprints of a bobcat (unverified). The provincial government website claims about 333 species of birds reside, pass through during migration, or are occasional/accidental visitors on Prince Edward Island. Since 2006 the Maritime Breeding Bird Survey has taken place across the Island, and the DeSable river crosses through two of the survey squares - Victoria and Kellys Cross. Since the survey, began at least 66 species have been seen or are confirmed breeders in the watershed. Species include osprey, eagles, owls and hawks, as well as woods warblers and sparrows. The DeSable estuary attracts many migrants in both spring and fall; some of the first geese to arrive on PEI arrive in DeSable. In the fall, a number of migratory shorebirds can be seen in the estuary, Figure 4 Fish Caught during Electrofishing, 2010 including lesser and greater yellowlegs, dowitchers, sandpipers and plovers. Interestingly, some of the first visitors to Linden Hill Pond were pectoral and least sandpipers. There are as many as 1,300 different plants identified on Prince Edward Island. A wide variety of them may be found within the watershed (many of these were noted and compiled in the 2008 winter study). Our Provincial flower is the stemless Ladys Slipper (Cypripedium acaule), and

is located in a variety of sites in DeSable. The river, estuary, riparian zone, and woodlands of the area are home to many species of fish, insects, amphibians, and snakes. Although most are familiar, many are still being studied to determine their presence and lifestyle. DREAM Inc. is active in the study of these through programs such as Community Aquatic Monitoring Program (CAMP), Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) and Discover your River/Adopt-a-River/Fish Habitat Watch Out. ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF DREAM Watershed enhancement, preservation and restoration are ongoing processes; however, thanks to the overwhelming support from the community, DREAM has many accomplishments to be proud of, some of which include: Establishment of Linden Hill Pond for public enjoyment, improved habitat and silt entrapment. Stream restoration with banks stabilized and flow enhanced Removal of waste and refuse Planted in excess of 1000 trees Worked with the provincial government Figure 5 Electrofishing Demo, Fall 2010 (Transportation and Public Works) to improve roads, stream crossings and reduce sedimentation Conducted research and testing for water quality and nutrient testing Assessed the watershed to develop a Strategic Plan Development of a Watershed Management Plan Enhancement of the the local economy through employment and purchases within the local area Participation in the PEI Garden Show to promote educational awareness of our watersheds Conducted Birding the DeSable annually Organized volunteer days to promote activities such as beach clean-up, tree planting etc Organized public meetings and events Published newsletters and promotional material, including a brochure for Linden Hill Pond Hosted an electrofishing demonstration Active member of the PEI Watershed Alliance Figure 6 Linden Hill Pond PLANNING PROCESS The watershed planning process is community-driven and requires support, opinions and knowledge of the residents of the watershed. There is also a need for technical information from provincial and federal government agents, knowledgeable
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members of the local community, and experts from a variety of fields and sectors. There are many good reasons to get involved in watershed planning. The process gives residents a voice in protecting and restoring watershed resources that are important to the community, and is also an excellent opportunity to learn more about watersheds and provide creative and innovative strategies for dealing with the issues that matter. Cooperation between all groups is essential in the development and execution of an effective management plan. This plan is the result of a series of community meetings, activities, workshops, and kitchen table discussions held from 2005 onward. It reflects the vision, goals, and objectives of the watershed community (residents and all other interested parties). OVERALL GOALS The overall goals established by DREAM are designed to help achieve its mission and vision laid out by the founding members in 2005: Goal 1: To create the healthiest possible watershed, containing pure, natural water and the best possible environment for fish and other wildlife; Goal 2: to improve the depth, current and flow of the watersheds streams and rivers; Goal 3: to establish an ongoing process of evaluating and repairing all aspects of the watershed once initial restoration is complete; Goal 4: to involve the maximum number of community members in the watershed improvement process; Goal 5: to educate the community and increase awareness of the importance of the DeSable watershed, as well as how each member can contribute to its well being; Goal 6: to identify and/or expand the number of usable public green spaces, outdoor recreational areas, historical sites and safe trails for the benefit of the community; Goal 7: to support and contribute to the economic vitality of the area; Goal 8: to work with all influential parties, including provincial and federal representatives, ministers, government staff, and other watershed groups to expand the understanding and support for watershed efforts; and Goal 9: to continually improve and strengthen DREAMs organizational capabilities and volunteer participation.

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ISSUES WITHIN THE DESABLE WATERSHED Siltation/Erosion Soil erosion is one of the most significant and widespread issues watersheds face on PEI. Sediment originates from a wide variety of sources; examples can include runoff from agricultural fields, residential and commercial development, forestry activities and infrastructure. Ponds, pools, springs, streams and estuaries are gradually being filled in, and these events are having a devastating effect on the wildlife that inhabit DeSable, Kellys Cross, South Melville etc. Feeding patterns are affected, and wildlife areas are slowly being suffocated. Bells Creek and the DeSable estuary are two prime examples of this phenomenon. As DeSable is located within a rural area, there are several tertiary roads composed of clay; in the absence of check dams and sediment traps/ponds, these roads can be a significant cause of siltation during heavy rain events and spring melt. It is important to be in constant contact with the Department of Highways to insert dams and ensure traps and ponds are maintained.
Figure 7 Silt Deposits

Sedimentation is also caused by erosion of streambanks through both natural and unnatural flow of water. When a stream is straightened or widened, streambank erosion increases. Accelerated streambank erosion is part of the process as the stream seeks to reestablish a stable size and pattern. Damaging or removing streamside vegetation to the point where it no longer provides for bank stability can also cause a serious increase in erosion. Response: Stream enhancement and stream restoration are two key activities that work towards alleviating some of the pressure on the watercourses and estuary; however, these are only band-aid solutions and do not stop the causes of siltation within the region. It is important to locate point sources of sedimentation, and work with both the landowners and the province to eliminate the problems. As employees and volunteers work throughout the watershed, they find and report any evidence of siltation. Activities within the watershed have played a large part in sedimentation of Bells Creek at the tail end of the river system, and although strides have been made in the recent past, it is imperative that the DeSable watershed maintain a consistent dialogue with the provincial government to ensure that these activities, and their impact on the environment, are properly monitored. Riparian Zones Buffer and riparian zones are increasingly viewed as an effective and successful method of combating soil erosion and watercourse siltation; the value of these zones cannot be understated.
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A buffer zone is a protected area alongside watercourses and wetlands. They protect Prince Edward Islands water resources by filtering and assimilating contaminants from surface runoff water...and provide valuable habitat for many species of wildlife and shade for streams (Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry, n.d.). As of 2008, the Department of Environment changed the Watercourse and Wetland Protection Regulations, increasing the buffer zone to 15 meters from the edge of the sediment bed. This is proving to be tremendously successful across the Island, as more previously farmed land is reverting back to a natural state or is being planted by landowners and/or watershed groups. Response: It is important that all buffer and riparian zones throughout the watershed are assessed; this information will serve as a baseline for future decisions made with regards to protecting and enhancing DeSables precious buffer zones. DREAMs summer students, along with willing volunteers, will continue to plant appropriate trees and shrubs along the streams to stabilize banks and provide the roots necessary to minimize sedimentation and erosion. Fish Habitat/Culverts For populations to thrive, fish species require the capability of instream movement in each life stage and in each season of the year. In many Figure 8 Hanging Culvert, Black Creek rivers in Prince Edward Island, the principal limiting factor is the presence of blockages to fish movements (Atlantic Salmon Federation, 2009). DeSable is no exception; there are various blockages throughout the watershed that prevent the movement of fish upriver. This includes beaver dams, heavy debris instream, and improperly installed culverts or hanging culverts. Typically-used culverts are smooth or corrugated metal tubes, and are used to provide passage in low order streams. It has been necessary to install culverts in order to construct roads, but the end result can be habitat fragmentation, often leading to pockets of fish communities. This is especially evident in outfalls of hanging culverts. Even a small drop (>6inches) can result in the inability of smelts to make their way upstream. Response: Culverts should be placed low in the stream bed, in order for the water to flow through naturally. Additionally, the bottom of smooth culverts should be roughed up with cement in order to slow the water flow. Residents are very concerned with the lack of fish passage, and many have commented on the low number of fish compared to the past.

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Figure 9 Hanging Culverts in the DeSable Watershed

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One of DREAMs fundamental goals is the long-term improvement of fish habitat, and this will be successful with the continued partnership between the watershed group, Department of Transportation and the Department of Environment; this will be necessary for the successful reintegration of fish species into the upper reaches of the DeSable River. Fish monitoring should also be implemented within the watershed. DREAM annually participates in C.A.M.P. (Community Figure 10 C.A.M.P. - Fish Counting in Aquatic Monitoring Program); CAMP was established in 2008 2003 and offers guidance to watershed groups who wish to monitor the health and productivity of their water ecosystems. Using Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) monitoring programs, DeSable is able to use a scientific approach for determining the health of is watershed. From May September, local volunteers assist DFO employees in collecting data using beach seines that capture and release live fish and crustaceans. Information is gathered, such as identification and numbers of these species, water chemistry, and sediment and water samples. This is then used to recognize the cause of water changes and help put an action plan into place. This has proved invaluable for DeSable, as CAMP is solely focused on coastal and estuarine environments, where DeSable has seen major decreases in quality over the last 20 years. Nitrates For over 30 years PEI has seen an increase in the level of nitrates across the province; this is evident in both groundwater and surface water (i.e. streams, rivers and estuaries). These sources of water are vital components of the environment, and are home to a wide variety of wildlife and a source of enjoyment for residents and tourists alike. According to the Guidelines for Canada Drinking Water Quality, the maximum acceptable concentration for nitrate is 10 milligrams per litre (mg/L); many samples on PEI were tested at a level far above this level. Nitrates have various effects on the environment; these include eutrophication (abundant growth of plants, leading to a decline in water quality and oxygen levels) and a subsequent loss of aquatic life and financial losses for those who rely on the water for their livelihoods. Eutrophication is aesthetically unpleasant; the DeSable estuary emits a strong smell during several months of the year. Estuary problems are causing not only offense to nearby residents, but also to visitors. This can have direct economic consequence to local business, a situation that is ever-intensifying.

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Response: DREAM hosted a nitrate clinic in August 2008, inviting residents to test their water to determine nitrate levels within the watershed. The results were as follows:
Figure 11 Nitrate Levels 2008

Date

Location of Clinic Kellys Cross

Total Samples 97 <1 12 1-5 60

% Range (mg/L NO3-N) 5-8 18 8-10 9 >10 1

August 14, 2009

Although only one sample was above the acceptable limit for drinking water, it was evident there were several samples with higher than normal nitrates; this led to annual water sampling throughout the watershed by members of the DREAM board of directors, as well as summer students. DREAM will continue to monitor nitrates in the hopes that their restorative efforts will result the lowering of levels within the DeSable watershed in the future. Beavers Beavers are a species which can significantly alter habitat and impact their surrounding environment. This has become a serious problem on PEI, and many watershed groups are facing a losing battle with beavers and beaver dams within their drainage basins. An integrated management approach will be necessary to deal with the beaver issue within the watershed, and subsequently maintain a diverse, healthy and Figure 12 Beaver productive area for wildlife and humans alike. Beavers construct dams for protection and to gain access to food. They can provide habitat for birds, fish and mammals, create nursery areas for trout, and act as a natural water purifier. However, they can block streams and culverts, prevent fish passage, and alter water temperatures. Trappers licenses are required to trap beavers, and permission must be granted to go into a stream and remove active/abandoned dams. Failure to comply with the government can lead to charges and fines. Response: DREAM has been unable to access the beaver dams on the river as of 2010; landowners have prevented the group from assessing the dam in order to develop measures to deal with the problem. It is the hopes of the group that future negotiations will result in the implementation of a beaver policy on the DeSable River.

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Trails Trails provide a variety of environmental, social and health benefits to a community; trails and greenways improve air and water quality, and an easily accessible and comprehensive set of trails can provide opportunities for activity that improves physical and mental health. By protecting land along rivers and streams, trails can help minimise erosion and can filter runoff from agriculture and development. A nature trail can be an effective tool for environmental awareness and education, and trail users can observe nature more directly. Response: Residents have expressed a deep desire to build up and/or expand trail systems throughout the watershed, and DREAM will continue to seek landowner permission and support for the development of trails throughout the area. Invasive Species DeSable watershed is home to some of the most beautiful species of flora and fauna seen on Prince Edward Island; all one has to do is walk along the stream or sit quietly by the coast to witness the wonder of nature. Unfortunately, the watershed has also become home for some invasive species, the most common types being purple loosestrife and Japanese knotweed. These are plants that, due to lack of controlling factors, can replace Figure 13 Japanese Knotwood important native plant species. Future vigilance is the key to controlling new species in the area. Other invasive species that are impacting the Island ecology are Scotch pine, garlic mustard and glossy buckthorn; insects include European rose slug and gypsy moth. Response: An area of considerable concern is that of the native species of PEI that are at risk of being lost. DeSable can participate in some of the citizen science that contribute information useful to scientists on how and why changes are occurring in PEIs natural environment. Participation in these projects is educational and helps develop new skills. Some of the monitoring projects include: Plantwatch Prince Edward Island, the Maritime Breeding Bird Atlas, the new Maritime Butterfly Atlas and Frogwatch. Information regarding these projects is readily available on the internet or through various interest groups. Linden Hill Pond
Figure 14 Linden Hill Pond Excavation

This area was home to a pond many years ago, and was recently excavated (2008) due to the generosity of time and materials from surrounding communities, individuals, institutions, and businesses. The pond now stands at over 100 feet long and 40 feet at its widest point. The soil removed during excavation was levelled into a high flat area, creating a place for seating. Hundreds of trees have been planted and the water that flows into the pond is crystal clear and a haven for blue heron and other wildlife.
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Response: There has been much discussion since 2008, as to whether this pond will be left to return to a natural state, or should be turned into a recreational area. Both sides of the issue have been heard, and it will be up to the community to decide the fate of Linden Figure 15 Linden Hill Pond Hill Pond. However, regardless of the outcome, Linden Hill will remain a hotspot for various species of wildlife and an area to witness the tremendous resilience of nature.

VISION FOR THE FUTURE Some opportunities for environmental improvements might include: (a) better communication to and between watershed groups to make them aware of what is available to individual groups in a clear concise and timely fashion so they might access funds, personnel, businesses etc., to help achieve their goals. (b) greater awareness in the general public to what the regulations are for trespassing, insurance, claims and liabilities; this is particularly relevant when landowners consider offering their properties for enhancement, trails, studies, nature walks, school groups, etc. ...vision for the future is not going to happen without dedication on the part of community and government... (Cindy Newson, resident). DREAMs vision is that of a healthy set of tributaries and an estuary that is able to flush normal levels of sediment out of the watershed. It is evident by the survey responses that DREAM exists not only to perform restoration activities, but to provide leadership and direction for residents to ensure the watershed is improved and maintained for future generations (Leigh Farrar, resident). All stakeholders in the region should be engaged and involved in the watershed process; this includes members of agriculture, fisheries, forestry, landowners and wildlife. It is only when all members of the community are on the same page that true stewardship and improvement can begin.

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APPENDIX A REFERENCES AND RESOURCES A Guide to Watershed Planning, PEI Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry Buffer Zones, PEI Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry Old DeSable by Clifton C. Ince, 1975 produced by DeSable Womens Institute http://www.allaboutbirds.org http://enature.com/home/ http://www.ec.gc.ca/eau-water http://www.gov.pe.ca/infopei http://www.nationalgeographic.com/

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APPENDIX B GLOSSERY OF TERMS AND COMMON ACRONYMS Acadian Forest presence of red spruce is characteristic but not exclusive to the Acadian forest region, as well as yellow birch, red oak, sugar maple, white and red pine, American beech, and eastern hemlock. In low land areas, black spruce, larch and red maple are common. Other species of note are white spruce, white elm, white ash, white and grey birch, eastern white cedar and poplar. Anoxic conditions in a body of water where oxygen level are low or absent. Such conditions are detrimental to most forms of aquatic life. Brushmat a device built into a stream bed that is used to settle silt out of water and stabilize the bank; a brushmat is made of spruce boughs or old Christmas trees, stakes and twine/jute Buffer Zone 15 meter strip of land adjacent to watercourses, coastlines, and wetlands primarily aimed at maintaining good water quality, controlling erosion and providing wildlife habitat. C.A.M.P. Community Aquatic Monitoring Program CSJ Canada Summer Jobs, federal funding program for summer staff DEEF PEI Department of Environment Energy and Forestry EcoAction federal funding program Ecosystem system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their environment EDA- Employment Development Agency; provides funding for summer staff via Jobs for Youth and Special Projects Program. This is applied for through the Watershed Management Fund Enhancement strengthening and repairing stream banks, as well as recreating the natural shape of the watercourse; this is conducted by summer staff and volunteers Estuary the area between stream and sea where fresh and salt water mixes; often called the nurseries of the sea Eutrophication having waters rich in mineral and organic matter will promote a proliferation of plant life, primarily algae, which reduces the dissolved oxygen (DO) and it detrimental to most forms of aquatic life Fish Passage ability of fish to complete life cycle migration upstream Forest Enhancement Program provincial program designed to make landowners aware of the
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potential of their forest land through the development of a forest management plan. Wildlife, recreation, and biodiversity are all increased through this program Greening Spaces Program fund granted through the DEEF (see above). A variety of Acadian forest species of trees and shrubs are available through the nursery for buffer zone and windbreak plantings In-Kind a donation of volunteers time; this may also be travel expenses/time or materials given to the organization. Funding partners almost always wish their funds to be matched with cash and volunteerism. Board members are asked to log their in-kind hours Invasive Plants species not native to PEI Nitrates water soluble form of nitrogen and one of two primary nutrients to limit aquatic productivity on PEI. Nitrate enters groundwater primarily through percolation. Extreme levels can lead to excessive growths of vegetation and anoxic conditions Nutrient Management an agricultural technique that involves applying manure and/or fertilizer at a rate that will meet crop requirements without leaving unused nutrients behind Permits (landowner) issued by landowners to DREAM to access streams, buffer zones etc. located on their land Recharge total amount of groundwater that recharges a watershed on an annual basis Restoration conducted by summer staff and volunteers in the watercourses within the watershed; refers to the returning of an area to a natural and undisturbed state Sediment loose clay, sand and silt that settle at the bottom of a body of water. Sediment can come from erosion, or the decomposition of plants and animals. The primary concern of most watershed groups on PEI Water Budget the total quantity of groundwater available, usually calculated on a watershed basis Watershed all land on PEI can be divided into areas called watersheds. Each watershed consists of all the land that surface water and groundwater flows over or through to get to a particular river or stream. Watershed boundaries are high points of land where water flows into distinct waterways at lower elevations Watershed Alliance an affiliation of groups representing common interests of all PEI watershed groups; established in 2008 Watershed Planning a community-driven process of managing natural resources, particularly water, to ensure environmental, economic and social sustainability Wetland and Watercourse Alteration Permits issued by DEEF for virtually any restoration
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activity performed in streams or within the 15 meter buffer zone. Applications must be submitted annually, and expire September 30 of each year WMF - Watershed Management Fund; responsible for core funding for most groups on PEI. Applied through DEEF

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