RURAL
AND URBAN DWELLERS CAN HELP IMPLEMENT THE BAY OF QUINTE REMEDIAL ACTION
PLAN
|
Cleanup actions that landowners can implement, can improve
water quality, protect fish and wildlife habitat, maintain
ecosystem biodiversity, preserve the rural heritage of
communities, and improve the public's overall quality of
life. |
10
Things Rural Landowners Can Do:
1.
Plant Native Species
Planting native species restores and protects biological diversity,
and it provides habitat for a variety of birds, mammals, butterflies
and other species. Planting native species also provides an opportunity
to learn about the natural world and the ecological processes which
support it.
2. Reduce
Toxic Chemicals
On average in the Great Lakes Basin, household consumption of pesticides,
solvent and chemicals accounts for two tonnes of toxic waste per square
kilometer.
3. Reduce
Fertilizers
90% of the chemical fertilizers used on lawns and gardens are washed
away with rainwater into storm sewers or directly into streams, rivers
and lakes. The phosphates in the fertilizers flow directly into the
Bay of Quinte and add to the over-production of algae growth.
4. Plant
Vegetation "Buffers' Along Waterways
Vegetation along stream banks and shores covers the soil, slows erosion,
helps dissipate high water, slows run off from surrounding pasture,
absorbs and breaks down bacteria, nutrients and chemicals in run off,
and helps protect downstream neighbours from contaminated water.
5. Keep
Livestock Away From Watercourses
Keeping
livestock away from watercourses improves herd health. Livestock restriction
reduces exposure to water transmitted diseases and algal toxins, foot
rot, leg injuries, drowning and incidence of cattle stuck in the mud.
Fencing prevents cattle from defecating or urinating into the stream,
which reduces bacterial pollution, increases herd health, and protects
downstream neighbours from bacterial contamination.
6. Build Nesting Boxes for Birds
Nesting boxes attract cavity nesting birds like wrens, tree swallows
and bluebirds.
7. Restrict
Livestock From Entering Forests
Restricting livestock from wooded areas prevents trampling of plant
species and wildlife habitats.
8. Plant
Trees and Expand a Forest
Forested areas are shrinking along with their inhabitants. Many wildlife
species depend on large forests for survival. You can help by expanding
the woods on your property. Forests are not only important to wildlife,
but are a renewable resource for us and help clean our air.
9. Plant
Trees to Create a Wildlife Corridor Between Forest Patches
Corridors can link natural areas and allow different populations to
disperse across the landscape. These linkages are vital to sustaining
healthy populations of wildlife in the Bay of Quinte.
10. Use
less water/less pesticides/conservation tillage/forest management plans!
URBAN DWELLERS
City and town dwellers can also help in cleaning and protection the
environment, enhancing habitat and assisting in the cleanup of the Bay
of Quinte.
10
Things You can Do:
1. Hand-Weed
the Garden
90%
of chemical fertilizers and pesticides used on lawns and gardens, are
washed away with rainwater into storm sewers or directly into streams,
rivers and lakes.
2. Use
Organic Fertilizer: Compost
When food and yard waste decay in landfill sites, leachate is produced
as a by-product, and this leachate can seep into ground water.
Flushing food down the drain is not a good idea, because it adds to
the phosphates and organic matter that needs sewage treatment. The normal
household will flush over 40kg of food down the drain every year.
3. Take
Part
Volunteer to cleanup a park, lagoon, river, road side or in a beach
cleanup. You'll be amazed at the amount of stuff collected. In April
Pitch-In Week takes place and groups across Quinte organize a regional
'TrashBash'. Call your local conservation authority to find out what's
happening in your area.
4. Alternative
Lawns
Create homes for birds, butterflies, dragonflies and other wildlife
by including native prairie plants in your garden, or plant a tree.
Apartment and condo dwellers can make container gardens, plant part
of a common outdoor area or naturalize a community garden.
5. Wash
your Car on Your Lawn
Soaps used in washing your car include phosphates which, when they reach
watercourses, add unneeded nutrients to the system. When you wash your
car on grass nutrients are absorbed.
6. Reduce
Reduce what you throw away by looking for items with the least amount
of packaging and products that come in refillable, reusable or returnable
containers. Substitute reusable for disposable kitchen items, including
plates, glasses, cups, napkins and towels. When you buy paper products
choose recycled, chlorine-free or tree-free.
7. No
Drugs down the Drain
Return your unused prescription drugs to the pharmacy. Prescription
drugs are being found in waterways. Sewage treatment plants are not
designed to remove drugs from the water. Deformities and fertility problems
with fish and wildlife have been connected to prescription drugs.
8. Prevent
Hazardous Waste Spills
Take used motor oil, leftover paint, batteries, cleaning solvents and
other materials to a proper disposal facility. If these items get into
streams and groundwater they can become poisonous. Check with Quinte
Waste Solutions hyperlink for hazardous waste days.
9. No
Toxins Down the Drain
Cleansers and other household products carry toxic chemicals down the
drain and into waterways. Cut back on or eliminate the use of chlorine-containing
products, which include many laundry and dishwashing detergents, and
general cleansers. As an alternate, use vinegar, baking soda and other
common, nontoxic cleaning products.
10.
Conserve
Water
A dripping tap can waste water at up to 9 liters a minute. You will
conserve water and save money if you repair faulty faucets.
