Biodiversity Offsetting - OWES & Wetland Complexing
-
Upload
michael-reles -
Category
Government & Nonprofit
-
view
1.023 -
download
1
Transcript of Biodiversity Offsetting - OWES & Wetland Complexing
Biodiversity OffsettingInformation Session
OWES and Wetland Complexing
January 27, 2016
OWES• Ontario Wetland Evaluation System
• Provincial methodology for delineating and evaluating wetlands.
• Conducted either by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, or by certified evaluators.
• Final results must be approved by the MNRF.
OWES Wetland Delineation
• Delineation is primarily based on 50:50 wetland:upland plant species. The presence of these species are driven by soil hydrology.
• Wetland species to be used are outlined in the OWES methodology.
• Wetland units generally should be over 2 hectares in size to be evaluated.
OWES Complexing• Unit can be less than 2 hectares if it is within 750 metres of a
larger wetland to form a complex.
• Generally, the minimum size for a vegetation community to be included is 0.5 hectares.
• Commonly related in a functional way biologically, hydrologically or socially.
OWES Scoring
• Biological, Social, Hydrological, and Special Features components scored.
• Scores are based on the entire complex.
• Scores determine PSW or non-PSW (LSW).
Our Changing Landscape• Soils and geology indicate the Niagara peninsula was
approximately 50/50 upland/lowland prior to European settlement.
• Historical orthoimagery available since 1934.
• Shows changes in the landscape over time, and development of wetlands over the past 80 years.
Our Changing Landscape
• Wetlands in Niagara vary in age, vegetation and habitat composition, hydrologic complexity, etc.
• Vary from old growth to early successional.
Thank you!