2007 Upper Thames River Watershed Report Cards

• 1.1 Introduction & 1.2 The Process (this page)

• 1.3 Water Quality

• 1.4 Forest Conditions

• 1.5 Watershed Features, Action Plan and Highlights of Progress

• 1.6 References

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1.1 Introduction

The upper Thames River watershed is situated in a highly developed part of southern Ontario (Map 1 and Map 2) and the water and forests in this region face on-going pressure from urban and rural land uses. Despite these pressures, the Thames remains one of the most biologically diverse rivers in Canada, and is home to over 88 species of fish and many species-at-risk. The entire Thames River system, including tributaries, is designated a Canadian Heritage River. There has been growing interest from watershed residents, municipalities and agencies in understanding the health of the watersheds in which they live. Most recently there has been increasing public interest in the issues of safe drinking water supplies and the effects of climate change. There is an on-going need for clear environmental information to support the public’s and agencies’ understanding of the issues and to assist in decision-making. In 2001, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) produced watershed report cards as a means of reporting on a vast amount of data and information in a concise format. A recent survey found that the 2001 Upper Thames River Watershed Report Cards have been a valued information source. The 2001 report cards have been well used by the many individuals, groups, municipalities and agencies who are involved in the on-going work of protecting local resources.

Since 2001, a number of changes have improved resource information in the watershed. New surface water and groundwater monitoring sites have been added across the watershed. Other monitoring has increased, such as fisheries monitoring and vegetation inventories. More accurate mapping and GIS data layers have become available. The provincial Drinking Water Source Protection process has provided access to much environmental data and a means of compiling vast amounts of information in the comprehensive watershed description and watershed characterization reports. These new sources of information are incorporated into the 2007 Upper Thames River Watershed Report Cards.

1.2 The Process

The following is a brief synopsis of the steps that were undertaken to complete the watershed report cards.

1.2.1 Watershed Scale

The UTRCA undertakes planning, monitoring, and reporting on a watershed basis, focusing on the 28 watersheds that make up the upper Thames River watershed (see Map 3). These watersheds were deemed as appropriately sized land areas for assessing environmental information, monitoring environmental change, and targeting rehabilitation work. The 28 watersheds are either major tributaries or sections of the main branches of the Thames River. The watershed report cards use the 28 watersheds as the scale for reporting.

1.2.2 Grading System

The 2001 Upper Thames River Watershed Report Cards used an indicator and grading system developed by the UTRCA with external peer review. The 2007 Upper Thames River Watershed Report Cards use the new provincial watershed report card grading system (Watershed Reporting: Improving Public Access to Information, May 2003, Conservation Ontario, 2003). This system was developed in 2003 to provide a standardized system of reporting for Ontario’s conservation authorities and other resource management agencies. The UTRCA has re-graded the 2001 report card information with the new grading system so that accurate comparisons could be made.

Forest health indicators include percent forest cover and forest interior. Surface water quality indicators include benthic invertebrates, total phosphorus, and bacteria. More details are provided in sections 1.3 and 1.4.

1.2.3 Feedback on the 2001 Report Cards: Survey of Partners

The first step in initiating the 2007 watershed report cards was to collect feedback on the 2001 watershed report cards, in terms of their usefulness and clarity, and also to solicit ideas for improvement.

A survey was undertaken of the users of the 2001 watershed report cards including UTRCA staff, local municipal staff, environmental organizations, agriculture representatives, watershed community groups, environmental consultants, and representatives from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Ministry of Natural Resources, Stewardship Councils, and Environment Canada. Those surveyed indicated that the 2001 report cards were a valuable source of information and were well used by staff and partners for a variety of purposes. Some used the report cards to help set priorities for stewardship work in watersheds and to support funding applications. Municipal and agency staff used them in the plan review process, especially around natural heritage issues and as a summary of local conditions. The report cards were also used as a source of information for community groups, environmental committees, and schools.

A number of suggestions came out of the survey and were incorporated into the 2007 report cards. These suggestions included:

• identifying more features on the maps;

• listing more targeted actions;

• providing more water quantity, drain, and groundwater information;

• showing changes in grades;

• listing examples of projects completed in the past five years; and

• adding a summary of relevant reports and references.

Some suggestions, such as showing a comparison to watersheds across the province, were not possible due to limited information at this time.

1.2.4 UTRCA Technical Review Team

To assist the principal authors, a UTRCA Technical Review Team was created to bring in experience and expertise in a variety of fields including hydrology, environmental planning and regulations, water quality, land management, soil conservation, forestry, ecology, fisheries, communications, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). The team reviewed the information for each of the 28 watersheds and provided input in developing the “action plans” and “highlights of progress since 2001.” As well, the City of London and other municipalities were consulted, with representatives providing valuable information and input specific to their area watersheds.

1.2.5 Communication and Distribution

Once the 2007 watershed report cards were finalized, a communication and distribution plan was developed. Watershed stakeholders and partner agencies were included on the distribution list. The report cards are also available though the UTRCA web site (www.thamesriver.on.ca).

• 1.1 Introduction & 1.2 The Process (this page)

• 1.3 Water Quality

• 1.4 Forest Conditions

• 1.5 Watershed Features, Action Plan and Highlights of Progress

• 1.6 References

Back to the 2007 Report Card homepage.

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