Our Projects & Programs
Healthy Soils Check-up Program
If you own a farm business in the South Sidney area of Quinte West. You are eligible for FREE soil testing with analysis done by an OMAFRA accredited soil lab. Also, we will provide you with detailed field maps showing contours (slopes) and areas within the field that are more prone to erosion.
Knowing your baseline nutrient levels and then setting target levels will help save money on fertilizer and reduce phosphorus runoff. As well, implementing the 4 R’s of fertilizer application will minimize nutrient transport from fields and maximize crop uptake and utilization.
The field maps will identify key erosion sites to help you adopt Best Management Practices (BMPs) to keep soil on your fields and out of local waterways.
To participate in the Healthy Soils Check Up, contact:
Emma Perry, Stewardship Technician, Lower Trent Conservation, 613-394-3915 ext 247, emma.perry@ltc.on.ca
Septic Stewardship Program
The Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan's (RAP) Septic Stewardship Program is a educational program that provides homowners on the Bay of Quinte shoreline and it tributaries (up to 10 km up a trib) with a free septic tank pump out and cost sharing incentives, if repairs are needed to baffles or risers.
A failing septic system can add excess phosphorus to nearby waterbodies causing algal blooms and excess plant growth. As well, bacteria from a failing septic system can cause localized health impacts for homeowners and their neighbours.
The septic team can also provide homeowners with best management practices for shorelines.
For more information on the care and maintenance of your septic system:http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/environment/facts/sep_smart.htm
Habitat Enhancement Program
Did you know that private landowners have a very important role to play in habitat recovery and protection around the Bay of Quinte.
The Habitat Enhancement Program offers a cost-sharing program that can help make your shoreline, habitat and water quality improvements projects a reality. Download a brochure.
For the categories of Livestock Fencing and Waterway Planting Projects the funding zone has been expanded. Download the brochure
For a complimentary site visit and technical advice contact:
Mary Gunning, BQRAP Environmental Technician, Quinte Conservation
613-968-3434 ext 166 or mgunning@quinteconservation.ca
Emma Perry, Stewardship Technician, Lower Trent Conservation
613-394 -3915 ext 247 or emma.perry@ltc.on.ca
Be a citizen scientist for the Bay of Quinte
Community Wildlife Monitoring Program
By participating in Community Wildlife Monitoring Program you are helping in the rehabilitation and long-term protection of the Bay’s overall ecosystem. As wetland birds and frogs are good indicators of environmental health.
There are two programs, you can choose one or do both, Frogwatch Ontario is a good entry level program and great for the kids due to its simplicity. The Marsh Monitoring Program is more extensive and includes both birds and frogs..
You will receive training and support through the Community Wildlife Monitoring Program. For more information contact Terry Sprague, Community Wildlife Monitoring Coordinator at naturestuff.tours@gmail.com or 613-848-4549 or the Bay of Quinte RAP at 613-394-3915 ext 214.
Download the Community Wildlife Monitoring brochure here...
Zero P Zero Worries
Phosphorus lawn fertilizers have been identified as a source of excess
phosphorus in lakes and streams, including the Bay of Quinte, which can fuel
excess algae growth, especially along the shoreline.
One of the problems is, when this algae dies and decomposes, it uses oxygen
that fish and other aquatic life need to survive.
If you use lawn fertilizer, you can have a positive influence on the
water quality in the Bay of Quinte by purchasing non-phosphorus lawn
fertilizer. How do you know if it’s phosphorus free? The middle number on the
bag should be ZERO, i.e., 10-0-5.
Phosphorus
has been reduced in lots of other ways
· P inputs reduced 50% over 20 years at sewage
treatment plants
· Improved farming operations prevented over 16,500
kg of P from reaching water
· Over 100 domestic sewage systems upgraded in the
Bay of Quinte watershed
· Over 25 storm water treatment facilities upgraded
with technology, like ultraviolet disinfection, porous pavement, and wet-dry
ponds.
· P banned to a max of 0.5% by weight in all dishdetergents in Feb 2008
Recommended Lawn Care Management
Fertilize
using compost, or zero P, or organic lawn fertilizers, like corn gluten
meal. Follow directions on the product package.
Leave grass clippings to decompose naturally releasing
nutrients into the soil.
Mow
lawn
to a height of 2.5-3 inches (6-8 cm) to promote healthy root growth.
Water
in
the early morning to minimize evaporation, and water deeply to reach the roots
(max 1 inch/week). Don’t overwater as this can starve roots of oxygen and
promote disease.
Aerate
in
the fall before fertilizing to loosen compacted soil and promote movement of
water, oxygen and nutrients to roots.
Diversify
problem lawn areas with different
grass species or plants that can tolerate a range of growing conditions,
promote biodiversity and reduce pest susceptibility.
The concrete wall is down and over 300 feet of shoreline has been restored.
This was a partnership between the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program, Bay of Quinte RAP and Lower Trent Conservation. A great team effort has resulted in a successful shoreline restoration project.
The Bay of Quinte RAP and its partners have rehabilitated 225 ft of shoreline by helping to implement the removal of a concrete retaining wall and naturalization of the shoreline. Click here to see the latest photos
Coastal Wetlands Monitoring Program
Wetlands are transitional areas between land and water providing habitat, improved water quality, and flood protection. In the summer, the Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan partners monitor for bird, frog/toads, fish, aquatic invertebrates, water chemistry, and vegetation in 15 representative coastal wetlands around the Bay.
If you are interested in any of these programs contact 613-394-3915 ext 214