CITY OF LONDON COVES ESA CONSERVATION MASTER PLAN COMMUNITY WORKSHOP #1

Transcription

1 CITY OF LONDON COVES ESA CONSERVATION MASTER PLAN COMMUNITY WORKSHOP #1 January 28 th 2014

2 Welcome!

3 Purpose Reintroduce the Coves Conservation Master Plan (CMP) process; Provide an overview of Phase 1 findings; Seek feedback on the mission, guiding principles and goals; Seek input on issues and opportunities for the Coves; Seek input how the Coves is used today and suggested future activities.

4 Agenda 6:30 6:45 Registration and Open House 6:45 6:55 Welcome and Agenda Review 6:55 7:00 Movie Clip Crusaders for the Coves 7:00 7:20 Overviews of the Coves CMP Process & Phase 1 Findings 7:20 8:00 Small Group Discussion and Mapping Exercise 8:00 8:25 Full Group Report Back 8:25 8:30 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

5 Project Overview

6 Protection of The Coves ESA ESAs are recognized and designated as protected natural areas that contain natural features and perform ecological functions that warrant their protection in a natural state. ESAs are an integral part of London's Natural Heritage System connecting valley lands, parks and other open spaces. The primary purpose of an ESA is protection of the natural features and ecological functions that support ecological integrity and ecosystem health.

7 Purpose of the CMP Conservation Master Plan (CMP) provides an understanding of the ecological significance and sensitivity of the Coves ESA identifies science-based management options for long term protection of the Coves ESA

8 Why is it Important? Natural Values Representation of natural oxbow geomorphology 14 distinct vegetation types 306 plant species 101animals species > 50 species/habitats considered significant an area in the heart of London surrounded by a community of residents that value and use he Coves.

9 Why is it Important? Cultural Values A site of First Nations occupancy growing corn and fishing prior to European settlement The Site of London as mapped circa 1800 Historic ice houses WW1 & 2 rifle range The Jeffery Estate founder of London Life Insurance Company Escape to nature

10 Conservation Master Plan Process Phase I: Life Science Inventory Boundary Delineation Determination of Management Zones Development of a Preliminary Conservation Strategy Phase II: Community engagement and participation Goals, objectives, strategies Ecological protection and restoration Trail planning and design Priorities for implementation Final conservation master plan

11 Coves ESA Boundary Refinement includes areas that: protect habitat for Species at Risk protect steep slopes, streams and the Coves ponds protect cultural heritage provide ecological connection to the Thames River

12 Management Zones protect nature reserve areas of high ecological integrity protect natural areas representative of the Coves identify areas of cultural heritage significance identify access points identify restoration overlay areas identify utility overlay areas

13 Conservation Master Plan Framework

14 Draft Mission Statement The Coves Environmentally Significant Area will be protected, restored and recognized by the City of London and its residents for its distinctive landforms, species diversity, geomorphology, ecological functions and unique cultural heritage.

15 Draft Guiding Principles The decisions we make regarding the future of the Coves ESA will center on the following guiding principles: Conservation first Recognize the Coves ESA as part of the Carolinian corridor Consider long term sustainability Consider the impact of climate change Consider the Coves ESA within the context of the larger Coves subwatershed

16 Draft Goal Statements 1. Actively manage the natural features and functions of the ESA, including management of invasive species. 2. Undertake ecological restoration to improve ecological integrity within the ESA. 3. Determine the location and type of authorized compatible uses permitted within the ESA. 4. Establish a safe trail network that respects ecological sensitivity. 5. Encourage awareness and education among children, youth and all residents. Promote educational opportunities centered on the natural and cultural features of the Coves. 6. Work with community partners to create a culture of stewardship among Coves users. 7. Carry out regular monitoring in support of an adaptive management approach.

17 Small Group Discussion

18 Small Group Discussion Use the Coves aerial map and materials provided on your table to identify and record: Places you go / activities you do Areas of interest / concern Potential areas for trails Suggested areas for restoration Discuss rules for Coves users

19 Report Back: Tell Us about Your Discussion and Map

20 Next Steps Develop strategies for management, restoration, trails, authorized uses, monitoring, education and stewardship LAC meetings to refine and shape strategies, priorities and implementation Draft report and mapping

21 Stay Involved! Visit City of London website for project updates Follow Friends of the Coves on Twitter and Facebook, and join their distribution list by visiting Complete the survey Contact with further comments or questions Stay tuned for details on Community meeting #2 happening in April 2014

22 Thank You! Vanessa Kinsley Community Projects Coordinator City of London Contacts: Susan Hall Vice-President & Partner Lura Consulting Brent Tegler Principal/Applied Ecologist North-South Environmental