City of Surrey Ecosystem Management Study. Integration of ecological processes with land use

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1 City of Surrey Ecosystem Management Study Integration of ecological processes with land use

2 Natural areas in Surrey are changing as the City grows and evolves. Many important natural areas remain or may be restored. Management of natural areas and processes is a key component of the City s commitment to sustainability.

3 How this study fits in with the longer path towards environmental management

4 Move from ESA high, medium and low towards a functioning network of ecological process Structure Function Structure Connection Functioning natural ecosystems perform services that are the fundamental life-support systems upon which human civilization depends. Ecological Society of America

5 Function collect runoff nutrients provide water and oxygen filter contamination

6 Connection landscape (ALR) linear (stream and ROW) stepping stone (can include seminatural) Source: Croatian State Institute for National Ecological Network

7 Diverse forests Aquatic and terrestrial habitats Habitat for wildlife Cultural landscapes

8 Why? Method? How? Support ecosystem functions Define ecosystem management areas (EMAs) Use a range of land use planning, regulation, acquisition, incentives and education

9 Why conserve ecosystem function? From: Millenium Ecosystem Assessment

10 Why conserve ecosystem function? the retention of the city s natural areas has been identified as important to Surrey residents through several statistically valid surveys (i.e. Parks Recreation Culture Strategic Plan 2008)

11 Why conserve ecosystem function? City of Surrey Sustainability charter

12 Why conserve ecosystem function? City of Surrey Sustainability charter

13 Why conserve ecosystem function? City of Surrey Sustainability charter 3. Air quality. Preserve clean air for current and future generations 4. The Built Environment. Establish a built environment that is balanced with the City s role as a good steward of the environment

14 What is a Green Infrastructure Network? A functioning network of ecosystems (forests, streams, fields, etc) is important.

15 Ecological Inventory Assess environmental conditions across Surrey s landscape land and water features, sensitive species, and vegetation

16 Land and Water Features Watersheds, slopes, aquifers Ministry of Environment data Ravine stability study City of Surrey reports + data

17 Sensitive species (known locations) Government databases City of Surrey Consultant reports Academic Studies

18 Vegetation Vegetation Classification System (USNVC)

19 Modifiers Vegetation Classification US National vegetation Classification System Aquatic Agricultural Developed Lake/pond River/fluvial Wetland Marine/intertidal Pasture Old field Forage Row crop Corral Bare ground Playing field Lawn Garden Golf Course Gravel/dirt road Road margin Urban trees

20 Naturalness mature Increasing ecological significance young

21 Summary of vegetation inventory 59% of Surrey mapped in vegetation inventory - Areas with significant natural features or vegetative cover - urban areas or suburban areas not mapped, except for parks, greenways and other significant features

22 Vegetation Inventory Results 18% Vegetation class 41% 5% 7% 1% 28% Forest Shrubland Herbaceous Sparse Vegetation Unvegetated Not mapped Naturalness of vegetation 41% 26% 10% Cultural Altered Semi-natural Mainly natural Natural Not mapped 1% 11% 11%

23 Green Infrastructure Network The network is comprised of important hubs, sites and linkages that sustain ecological processes.

24 Network Designation Larger and more natural areas form the hubs of the Network; sites are smaller but important natural areas; corridors connect hubs and sites. SITE Hub >10 ha Semi-natural or natural vegetation Site <10 ha Semi-natural Corridor Most natural route between hubs; ALR

25 Step 1. Identify Hubs and Sites Hubs and Sites were identified based on patch size and the naturalness of the vegetation they contained: Hubs - contiguous area of large size (>10 ha) and moderate or high naturalness Sites - smaller areas (<10 ha) and moderate or high naturalness

26 Shades of green Most altered Mainly natural Most natural Urban neighbourhoods Greenway connections Large forested parks

27 Interpret shades of green for landscape connectivity Slope Land Use (residential, urban, park, etc.) Vegetation inventory Roads Streams Interior forests Riparian forests Patchwork of naturalness; routes easiest for mobility of wildlife, genetic material and ecological process

28 Step 2. Identify Potential Corridors Species move between hubs based on the character (impedance) of the intervening landscape (forest, urban, etc) Ease of wildlife movement Easier Harder Vegetation + Land Use/ = Transportation Impedance

29 Hubs, Sites and Corridors Promote successful natural processes and a vibrant local ecology

30 Regional Connections Connections to areas outside of Surrey: Langley, Delta, and Whatcom County. Understanding the regional context is critical for effective conservation

31 Aquatic Habitat Greenways Connection Example Stream corridor

32 Upland Habitat Greenways Connection Example Upland corridor

33 Implementation? Variety of tools and techniques Private land Public Acquisition Ecological gift (tax benefit) Land trust Park dedication during subdivision Transfer of development potential Lot clustering/upzoning/density bonus Comprehensive development zones Covenant during subdivision Development Permit Tree Protection Bylaw Development Application process Site plan, site visit by staff QEP, review process, certified contractors Information and Education Voluntary stewardship Public land Land Management Policy Negotiations and discussions Parks planning and operations Landscape guidelines Contractor qualifications Both Specifics in Neighbourhood Plans and Zoning Policy in OCP

34 Upland Habitat Greenways Greenspace for multi-use trail and riparian forest conservation Steep slopes Transfer of development potential Park Dedication Riparian Areas Regulations

35 Upland Habitat Greenways Island and shoreline for passive recreation and conservation Transfer of development potential Park Dedication Shoreline Setback NGO Land Purchase

36 Crown Water water bodies body Land swap Restoration of ecological corridor Strategically locate Strategic location of supporting land supporting land uses uses Land Purchase Municipal Reserve Environmental Reserve Constructed Wetland Assembly an ecological network courtesy of the City of Edmonton

37 Upland Habitat Greenways Next steps Evaluate Ecological Significance Discuss environmental management areas (next meeting) Within the network of stewardship opportunities, there is a relationship between ecological features of the landscape and how the land is used, owned and managed. Different management options are available, depending on whether the land is held privately or publicly. The next workshop will explore how to define management areas and tools based on the type of Environmental feature and the form of ownership.