Whillans, Tom Department: Environmental and Resource Science/Studies
Reference Number
TP-585
Date
2008
Location of Document
U-Links Office and online
Area
Haliburton County
Subject
Rail trail use and development
Abstract
The Victoria Railway line from Lindsay to Haliburton was decommissioned as a rail line in the 1980s and began a new life as a recreational rail trail. Today’s Haliburton County rail trail spans 34 kms from Kinmount to Haliburton Village. This report discusses making improvements to the Rail Trail for environmental sustainability, health, tourism, and associated community development in Haliburton, while also documenting the ‘value’ the existing trail brings to the community. Some potential improvements include proper signage, improving the trail surfacing to be more accessible, as well as promoting the trail in the community and planning for a safe multi-use environment.
Natural Heritage Information of the Haliburton Highlands
Author
Cook, Sabrina; Lazure, Jonathan; Martucci, Andrea; Walters, Ben
Host Organization
Haliburton Highlands Land Trust Host contact: Wooton, Brent
Supervising Faculty
Whillans, Tom Department: Environmental and Resource Science/Studies
Reference Number
TP-551
Date
2006
Location of Document
U-Links Office and online
Area
Haliburton County
Subject
Developing a land trust inventory
Description
Identify key natural areas on the landscape that have important biological, ecological, aesthetic, recreational, or other functions or values that may be of interest to the Land Trust.
Abstract
This research report on the natural heritage characteristics of Haliburton County is prepared for the conservation activities of the Haliburton Highland Land Trust. This background information can be useful for the first stages in the process of land conservation and preservation. The water, physical geography, forests, and species at risk are thoroughly researched for the Haliburton County area. Recommendations are made to focus conservation efforts on the protection of waterbodies, including wetlands, marshes, and buffering forests.
Sager, Eric Department: Environmental and Resource Science/Studies
Reference Number
TP-587
Date
2008
Location of Document
U-Links Office and online
Area
Minden
Subject
Managing geese in urban/suburban areas
Description
A study in management options for problem geese in an urban setting.
Abstract
The following paper looks into methods to manage geese populations in urbansuburban areas. Geese are a large problem as their feces covers pathways and pollutes rivers and lakes. There are three main ways to deal with them; reduce their numbers to a manageable level, set up barriers to prevent their access to pathways or harass them until they leave.
This paper is aimed at dealing with the geese on the Gull River and Minden’s situation. Planting along the shoreline, oiling the eggs and increased hunting are the three most effective methods of dealing with Canada Geese but they are expensive. There is too much shoreline for planting to be immediately feasibly though it would solve erosion problems as well, hunting can only be done outside of city limits and is mediated by the government, oiling the eggs must be timed well and requires a lengthy permit process. Some of the less effective methods can be used in conjunction with each other to wield desired results. For instance having a trained dog as well as a low wire fence. Doing nothing will result in the continued growth and expansion of Canada Geese populations.
Devils and Icons: The past, present, and future of human-wolf relations in North America
Author
Ferrier, Elaine
Host Organization
Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve Ltd Host contact: Whitteker, Rick
Supervising Faculty
Bocking, Stephen Department: Environmental and Resource Science/Studies
Reference Number
TP-548
Date
2006
Location of Document
U-Links Office and online
Area
North America
Subject
Perceptions of wolves
Description
Assist in developing a survey tool to gather information regarding the knowledge and attitudes of adults and youth towards wolves. Implement the survey, analyse and report on the findings. Research will contribute to assessment of educational information at interpretive centre.
Abstract
Historically, the relations between humans and wolves in North America has been complicated and controversial, however, recently this relationship has shifted. Evolving understandings about the finite nature of resources and the science of natural systems has greatly impacted the management of wolves and their relationship with humans. This paper discusses these relations, how the relationship has transformed in the last century, and in what ways these changes have affected the future of wolf management. A survey was conducted at the Haliburton Wolf centre and at various locations throughout central Ontario. It investigated the accuracy of the respondents’ knowledge about Eastern wolves, and the nature in which they perceive the animals.
A site assessment of the Deer Point shoreline on Lake Kashagawigamog, phase 1
Author
Haliburton Highlands Secondary School students
Date
2001
Location of Document
E-468
Subject
A high school and community partnership in which high school students proavided a biological assessment of the existing shoreline, assisted in developing a shoreline management plan, interacted with professionals in the field, and liased with the community about the efforts to maitina a natural shoreline at the development.
Publisher
Haliburton Highlands Secondary School
]]>https://database.ulinks.ca/items/show/4040 See TP-598 for research, surveys, and anaylsis.]]>2020-02-06T02:50:40-05:00
Title
A Guide to the Ontario Endangered Species Act 2007: Information for Private Landowners in Haliburton County
Author
Hayes, Christine; Truesdell, Jason
Host Organization
Haliburton Highlands Land Trust Host contact: Ziman, Sheila
Supervising Faculty
Skinner, Mark Department: Geography
Reference Number
TP-599
Date
2009
Location of Document
U-Links Office and online
Area
Haliburton County
Subject
Guide to endangered species for local landowners
Description
A handbook outlining reasons for legislation, classification of ecologically sensitive lands, application of legislation, restrictions and enforcement, economics of land management.
See TP-598 for research, surveys, and anaylsis.
Publisher
Trent University
]]>https://database.ulinks.ca/items/show/4093 Purpose is to create a concise information handbook to help local organizations and landowners better understand the legislation.]]>2020-06-01T22:39:24-04:00
Title
Applying the Endangered Species Act, 2007 in Haliburton County
Author
Hayes, Christine; Truesdell, Jason
Host Organization
Haliburton Highlands Land Trust Host contact: Ziman, Sheila
Supervising Faculty
Skinner, Mark Department: Geography
Reference Number
TP-598
Date
2009
Location of Document
U-Links Office and online
Area
Haliburton County
Subject
Applying the Endangered Species Act
Description
Discusses reasons for endangered species legislation, classification of ecologically sensitive lands, application of legislation, restrictions and enforcement, and economic benefits to protecting natural heritage.
Purpose is to create a concise information handbook to help local organizations and landowners better understand the legislation.
Abstract
Legislation regarding environmental protection in Canada is changing. In order to accommodate to these changes, Ontario released the new Endangered Species Act in the summer of 2007. As a county which prides itself on its environmental integrity, the critical analysis and application of this new legislation is of significance to both land users and organizations which seek to preserve natural heritage in Haliburton County. This research process is essential to the development of knowledge as the new Act begins to influence the way in which lands are regulated and enforced. The purpose of this research project is to create a concise information handbook to help local organizations and local landowners better understand the Ontario Endangered Species Act, 2007 and other pieces of legislation regarding land and water protection. This project will also outline the importance of protecting biological diversity in Haliburton County.
Snowmobile noise disturbance within Haliburton Forest
Author
Henry, Julie
Host Organization
Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Preserve Ltd Host contact: Heaven, Irene
Supervising Faculty
Schaefer, Jim Department: Environmental and Resource Science/Studies
Reference Number
TP-397
Date
2003
Location of Document
U-Links Office and online
Area
Haliburton County
Subject
Impacts of snowmobile noise pollution on deer
Abstract
This paper looks at the use of snowmobile trails and the resulting noise pollution within Haliburton Forest from the perspective of the effect on white tailed deer.
Beginning with a literature review of the effects of noise on ungulates, the paper moves to present a preliminary field study investigating techniques and feasibility of a study that would explore the effect of snowmobile noise on ungulates within the forest. The final section presents a proposal for a 2003-2004 study of snowmobile noise pollution on white tailed deer disturbance and movement within Haliburton Forest, describing methods, equipment and sampling notes.
Publisher
Trent University
]]>https://database.ulinks.ca/items/show/4870
Examining the Natural and Cultural Significance of the Eastern Moose (Alces alces americana) in Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park
]]>2021-02-05T01:41:09-05:00
Title
QEII MOOSE SPECIES SUMMARY:
Examining the Natural and Cultural Significance of the Eastern Moose (Alces alces americana) in Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park
Author
Jazlyn Burrell & Sarah Wray
Host Organization
Ontario Parks, Phil Careless
Supervising Faculty
Peter Lafleur, Trent School of the Environment
Reference Number
#4900
Date
2020
Location of Document
online
Area
Haliburton County
Subject
Wildlife Biology
Environmental Science/Studies
Abstract
The purpose of this project is to provide an overview of the role of moose in QEII and insights into best management practices. Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park in a non-operating park in South-Central Ontario and falls within two wildlife management unit (WMU). The 33,505-hectare park is mostly with WMU 56, with the northwestern portion of the park being in WMU 53. The park is a mixed wood ecozone and is used for canoeing, hiking, and backcountry camping. The eastern moose plays an important role within this ecosystem as food for large predators, by contributing to nutrient cycling, and as natural vegetation control. They also have cultural significance, especially for the 30 Indigenous communities in the area.
The range of eastern moose includes eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. In Ontario, they can be found in northern and central Ontario. Their habitat requirements include areas for foraging, travelling, and for shelter and calving. For their diet they need year-round access to both evergreen and deciduous trees, as well as to aquatic ecosystems such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands in the warmer months. Moose populations in the area have been in decline since the 1990s. The primary factors in moose mortality are climate change, parasites, vehicle collisions, habitat loss, and hunting. Management opportunities include remote sensing, evaluating the need for rut season closures and/or buffers around critical habitat features, opportunities for co-management with local Indigenous communities, and exploring adaptive measure to reduce the climate vulnerability of the eastern moose.
Abbey Gardens plan to create a new trail through their property and was interested in the creation of trail signage that encouraged visitors to learn about and engage with nature. This report includes the 5 signs proposed by the student research team, as well as background info that can be accessed by the community or used by Abbey Gardens during any guided visits to enrich the experience. The first sign is welcome sign and points out some key plant and animal species on the trail. The second sign focuses on how nature changes with the seasons and the accompanying report section goes into detail about the tree species on the trail and their seasonal patterns. The third sign focuses on mindfulness in nature and provides several activities to connect with and observe the nature around you. The fourth sign is all about beavers and how the behave through the seasons. The fifth and final sign is centred on a variety of species of woodpeckers you may be lucky enough to see at Abbey Gardens and how to tell them apart.
Walleye are native to the fresh waterways of Canada and the United States. This paper details the needs and life cycle of the walleye, and compares that to the current conditions offered in the Drag Rive. It also gives a good account of the finished and proposed enhancements, how to prevent shoreline erosion, and stabilization on the Drag River, as well as sampling protocols for walleye in all stages of life.
Salamanders are an important part in any biotic community. There is great concern regarding the decline of salamanders as a whole and not just one individual species however monitoring these species requires that we have an idea on the current populations so that we can continue to monitor and implement conservation strategies with enough time before these species are lost (Smith & Petranka, 2000).
Salamanders have unique traits that make them favourable indicators of biodiversity and ecosystem health. Characteristics being their durability, small size, sensitivity to anthropogenic stressors such as acid rain, and other industrial and household pollutants (Welsh & Droege, 2001) Salamanders existence in North America in high densities and biomass alongside there sensitivity to environmental change makes them excellent indicators for environmental changes (Welsh & Droege, 2001). The sensitivity of the salamanders derives from their semipermeable slim skin that absorbs any contaminated or natural water, as well as harmful toxins in their environment hence why salamanders are less dense in populations near cities (Mattson, 2019). Monitoring is utilized for salamanders due to the fact that they are sensitive to environmental change and act as bioindicators to detect the change in ecosystems over time (Saber et al. 2017).
Planning tool to evaluate the effects of cottage development on inland lakes and lakeshores, specifically the relationship between cottage development and its impact on selected aspects of the natural environment.
Township of Minden Hills Host contact: Cox, Rick; Haig, Roy
Supervising Faculty
Sager, Eric Department: Environmental and Resource Science/Studies
Reference Number
TP-583
Date
2008
Location of Document
U-Links Office and online
Area
Minden
Subject
Shoreline planting plan Environemntal Science / Studies
Description
This report contains information to help decision makers as the shoreline of the Gull River in Minden is developed. The focus is to reduce water use, provide habitats for butterflies & birds & minimize maintenance. Describes four thematic gardens (butterfly, rock, English country style, and shoreline gardens) and provides lists of suitable wildflowers, grasses, shrubs and trees.
Strategy includes the maintenance of a diversity of healthy ecosystems and associated wild life populations and habitats that provide sustained social, cultural and economic benefits.