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Migratory Waterfowl Stewardship Project Main Page About Waterfowl and Wetlands Waterfowl Stewardship Action Plan Mapping Resources Mapping Along with the CLT’s Community Mapping Project, we are currently working to map important wetland and waterfowl areas in the Valley.  Maps of some areas are below. Click on them to download PDF versions. There are also several relevant atlases available online. Some good ones to check out are the BC Wetlands, Bird Studies Canada, the Comox Valley Watershed Atlas and the Sensitive Habitat Inventory and Mapping (SHIM).     Project Sponsors   Environmental Damages Fund Thanks to all those who lent their photos to this site.   Resources Click Here to download a brochure about the Cowichan Valley Regional Waterfowl Stewardship Action Plan View the Migratory Waterfowl Report 2008 here

Migratory Waterfowl Stewardship Project Main Page About Waterfowl and Wetlands Waterfowl Stewardship Action Plan Mapping Resources Waterfowl Stewardship Action PlanPrepared for The Cowichan ValleyBy S. Willmott The Cowichan Land TrustMarch 2010Acknowledgements Completion of the waterfowl action plan would not have been possible without the involvement of the following people: Dan Buffett – Ducks Unlimited Canada Biologist Art Martell – Former Director of Canadian Wildlife Society, Comox Valley Naturalists Dave Aldcroft – IBA Caretaker, Cowichan Bay Paul Fletcher – Duncan Councillor, Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society Eric Marshall – Cowichan Valley Naturalists Society Trystan Willmott – Madrone Environmental Services Ltd Jodie Krakowski – Cowichan Community Land Trust Amber Hiscock – Cowichan Community Land Trust Funding provided by Environmental Damages Fund, Environment Canada.iiTable of ContentsTable of Contents……………………………………………………………………………………. iii Executive Summary ………………………………………………………………………………… iv 1.0 Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………..1 2.0 Waterfowl in the Cowichan Valley………………………………………………………….4 2.1 Key Issues, Prescribed Actions and Stakeholders ………………………………..4 2.1.1 Loss of Habitat – Wetlands and Agricultural Land …………………………..4 2.1.2 Resident (Non-migratory) Canada Geese………………………………………5 2.1.3 Migratory Waterfowl and Agricultural Land …………………………………….6 2.1.4 Future Funding ………………………………………………………………………….7 2.2 Additional Identified Issues for Potential Future Action ………………………….7 2.2.1 Lack of Recognized Documentation of Known Significant Habitat……..7 2.2.2 Decreasing Numbers of Cavity Nesters …………………………………………8 2.2.3 Resident Mute Swans …………………………………………………………………8 3.0 Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………………9 Appendix 1 Christmas Bird Count Data ……………………………………………………..10 References ……………………………………………………………………………………………15iiiExecutive SummaryThe Cowichan Land Trust facilitated a meeting of local stakeholders and regional waterfowl experts as part of the Migratory Waterfowl Stewardship Project. As a result, we identified three significant regional waterfowl issues, involving unique bird populations and seasonal timing, which lead to negative impacts around the Cowichan Valley: 1) Loss of foraging habitat; 2) Impacts of migratory waterfowl on agricultural land; and 3) A considerable increase in the number of resident (non-migratory) Canada Geese, resulting in the contamination of water resources and public areas. These are distinct problems that require public education to increase awareness and to highlight specific causes and management needs. The objectives of this initial stewardship action plan are: to clearly identify the concerns regarding waterfowl in the region; prescribe actions which have proven effective in other regions; and engage local stakeholders to form an advisory committee that will oversee implementation of the plan. In order for this stewardship action plan to be successful, sustained support is needed from local, provincial and federal government, First Nations, the agricultural community, regional experts, naturalists and local residents. The Cowichan Land Trust can play a focal role in administration, coordination, establishing the advisory committee, developing community linkages, and facilitation of a local waterfowl advisory committee, once created. Sustained financial support is needed to effectively implement the stewardship action plan and monitor its effectiveness.iv1.0 IntroductionThe Cowichan Valley falls within the Pacific Flyway and provides important foraging and breeding habitat for waterfowl during migration. There are two local designated Important Bird Areas (IBA): Somenos Lake and the Cowichan Estuary (Figure 1), which have international significance for their high value as waterfowl habitat (Bird Studies Canada, 2010). A Ducks Unlimited assessment of estuarine habitats in British Columbia ranked the Cowichan and Chemainus estuaries in the top class (Ryder et al. 2007). Many other highly valued and unprotected waterfowl habitat areas occur in the region. Extensive data on bird populations in the region, including impacts and changes over time have been collected and documented for the Cowichan Valley. Local naturalists have been conducting Christmas Bird Counts in the region since 1970 (Appendix 1). Migratory waterfowl were monitored this past winter (2009/2010) through weekly surveys by a committed group of volunteers, whose continuous monitoring has provided data to document trends and seasonal patterns (Figure 2). This local knowledge of bird populations, temporal changes and habitat provides an excellent foundation for developing a regional stewardship action plan. The Cowichan Valley has ongoing regional issues with migratory waterfowl and needs to develop a stewardship action plan to help resolve the issues. Local naturalists, farmers and regional waterfowl experts have identified concerns over loss of habitat, impacts on agricultural land and health risks from resident Canada goose populations. It is critical that local stakeholders are included in the development, implementation, and monitoring of the stewardship action plan. In order to be successful, those groups with a vested interest must be active in addressing, and ultimately solving, the problems.1232.0 Waterfowl in the Cowichan ValleyRegional waterfowl issues were identified at a community meeting involving several of the important stakeholders in the Cowichan Valley. Representatives included: Cowichan Land Trust, Madrone Environmental Services, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the former Director of the Canadian Wildlife Service and expert consultant on bird and waterfowl management and habitat issues, Duncan City Council, Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society, Cowichan Valley Naturalists Society, IBA Caretaker for Cowichan Bay, and Comox Valley Naturalists. The Cowichan Agriculture Society (CAS) was unable to attend the initial meeting; however, the CAS have been involved in discussions and developing the content of the stewardship action plan.2.1 Key Issues, Prescribed Actions and StakeholdersEach of the identified regional issues in the Cowichan Valley can be associated with a list of concerns, prescribed actions and identified stakeholders:2.1.1 Loss of Habitat – Wetlands and Agricultural Landa. Concerns ƒ Loss of existing wetlands and changing agricultural practices reduces waterfowl habitat. More intensive agriculture consisting of berry production, nurseries or an increase in farm buildings, such as greenhouses displaces areas used for growing vegetables, grains and grass, reducing food availability for waterfowl. ƒ Loss of habitat will concentrate existing populations of waterfowl in remaining habitat. ƒ Habitat loss is occurring throughout Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland / Fraser Valley. b. Prescribed Actions ƒ Secure or preserve the condition of existing wetlands through acquisition, conservation covenants, and land owner agreements or stewardship pledges. ƒ Provide financial incentives and technical support to maintain traditional agricultural practices. Financial support could include cost sharing for cover crops and relay crops, or covering costs associated with implementing farm practices in Environmental Farm Plans. ƒ Develop effective local bylaws to protect wetlands.4c.Identified Stakeholders ƒ Ministry of Agriculture and Lands ƒ Local planners and engineers ƒ Local residents and naturalists ƒ

Migratory Waterfowl Stewardship Project Main Page About Waterfowl and Wetlands Waterfowl Stewardship Action Plan Mapping Resources About Waterfowl and Wetlands Wetlands are unique areas where the aquatic or marine environment meets with the terrestrial world, and this creates a high level of biodiversity. shallow open water Shallow open water includes areas such as intertidal zones, estuaries and lakes that are covered in water year-round. Local Examples: Cowichan Bay, Mill Bay, Cherry Point. marsh Marshes usually have standing or slow moving water, and dense vegetation including reeds and cattails.  They are the most productive and nutrient-rich of all wetland types and provide habitat for many waterfowl species. Local examples:  Somenos Marsh bog Bogs are peat-covered wetlands.  The water table is usually high and nutrient levels low.  The main vegetation is heath shrubs and sphagnum moss. fen Fens are similar to bogs but some drainage occurs, which provides more nutrients.  The vegetation includes sedges, shrubs and sometimes trees. swamp Swamps are wetlands where standing or gently moving water occurs seasonally or persists for long periods.  Vegetation may include dense forests.  Swamps are often threatened by drainage for agricultural purposes or other developments. agricultural lands Farmlands are important not only to humans as a source of food and income, but provide large areas of productive habitat for many wildlife species.  Keeping a high level of biodiversity can improve nutrient cycling, reduce invasive species or pest outbreaks, and generally increase the stability of the ecosystem. Migratory Birds Many bird species spend different parts of the year in different areas, due to the climate and food availability.  These areas are often in separate countries.  The Yukon Waterfowl Technical Committee (1996) emphasized that “migratory birds belong to no state, province, territory or nation, but are a shared resource for which responsibilities for conservation and management must also be shared.” The Pacific Flyway is a common migratory route which extends from Northern Canada southward all the way to Central America along the west coast.  Southeastern Vancouver Island is mainly an overwintering site for migratory waterfowl, although some areas provide nesting or breeding spots for certain species.  Resident species include swans, mallard ducks, canada geese, and teal. The process of migration is extremely demanding.  In order to prepare for it, birds engage in “hyperphagia” or overeating in their breeding territories. This storage of fat provides energy for the flight.  The amount of energy stored can determine the success of migration.  Therefore, the main reason for the choice in a stopover or overwintering area is usually the availability of food. Regional wetlands and farmlands provide nutrients and resting spots for waterfowl along this journey.  They also provide habitat for overwintering or resident birds. Common species in the Cowichan Valley include: Dabbling Ducks (L to R): top- northern shovelers (male & female), American wigeon (male & female), bottom- northern pintails, green-winged teal, mallards           Diving Ducks (L to R):  top- common mergansers (male & female), bufflehead (male & female), middle- surf scoters (male & female), scaup (male & female), bottom- white-winged scoters (male & female), common goldeneye (male & female)           grebes, American coot, gulls, herons, loons, cormorants The Need for Conservation development and population increases As the Cowichan Valley grows in population, demands for living space also increase. With more and more development near wetlands, coastlines and riparian areas, waterfowl habitat is becoming threatened. land use changes Agricultural lands are one of the most important types of waterfowl habitat.  As farms are converted into other uses, this habitat is lost.  Conserving farmland is important to both humans and waterfowl. Birds can also cause extensive damage to crops, which creates difficulties in trying to have farms as both productive areas and waterfowl habitat. pollution Fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other wastes are all sources of pollution in streams, rivers, lakes and oceans.  Eutrophication (nutrient overload) has occurred in some areas such as Quamichan Lake. invasive species When exotic species are introduced into an area, they can out compete local species that wildlife depends on for food and shelter.  Wetlands in particular are threatened by invasive plants such as purple loosestrife and yellow-flag iris. changing waterfowl populations As some species (such as trumpeter swans and canada geese) increase in population size, they can cause extensive damage to crops.  Farmers need to be compensated for this damage or helped to find ways to have both a productive farm and wildlife habitat. Project Sponsors Environmental Damages Fund Thanks to all those who lent their photos to this site. Resources Click Here to download a brochure about the Cowichan Valley Regional Waterfowl Stewardship Action Plan View the Migratory Waterfowl Report 2008 here