Gérance environnementale

Over the next two years, this project will aim to create, restore, and expand up to 2 kilometres of vegetated shoreline buffers along the Niagara River through the removal of non-native species, where required, and the planting of a diversity of native plant species. Also, where possible, woody debris will be anchored at select locations within the river to soften the shoreline and provide suitable fish refuge and nursery habitat. In collaboration with Niagara College’s Ecosystem Restoration Program, priority areas for shoreline vegetation restoration have been identified for initial implementation.

Due to Emerald Ash Borer infestation, a significant number of ash trees have been removed from Niagara Parks land directly behind the residences along service road 29 and 30. Property encroachment activities have also impacted the ecological integrity of this woodlot. Niagara Parks has developed a restoration planting plan behind these properties to control invasive species, as well as improve and support the ecosystem health. The plant materials are selected to provide a buffer of low-growing, ornamental, bird-attracting and berry producing shrubs that are fast growing native species to inhibit establishment of buckthorn and other invasive species. Additionally, trees of the same species as existing vegetation are used to infill or replace ash trees. In wet areas, wet-tolerant species for the wetland planting and butterfly/pollinator-attracting wildflowers for the meadow planting are proposed. The planting is scheduled for the Spring 2019.

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a non-native invasive insect that has killed millions of ash trees in southwestern Ontario and in the United States, and a confirmed infestation in Niagara Parks was confirmed in 2012. Infested ash trees die off within two to five years, posing a major economic and environmental threat to urban and forested areas.