1. Need For The Project
Finally in the 21st century we are becoming aware the biodiversity
is essential to the health of our planet and of course our
communities. However, our knowledge of the kind, and interconnection
between, living organisms on the planet is still very limited.
As we do not know the consequences of losing species, a
precautionary approach is needed. We simply cannot continue
watching species going extinct. To help prevent the loss
of species, we must provide living organisms with the abundant
and undisturbed habitat they need to thrive. That is exactly
the focus with our project in Hampton.
While all living organisms should be appreciated for their
intrinsic value, it is important to consider the consequences
that the loss of biodiversity has on human life. We know
that the air, food and the water on which we all depend
on are provided by, and depend upon, the balance of natural
eco systems. In our community we lost this valuable eco
system after the flood of 1983, when our pond was completely
destroyed. Funds were not existing at that time to repair
the damage.
Unfortunately, wildlife habitat in Canada is disappearing
at an alarming rate. Wetlands are particularly threatened,
these lands were drained for agricultural or development
purposes, the latter more in our region. The animal and
plants species that wetlands support have suffered substantial
population reductions as a result. As we know, wetland eco
systems also act as filters for the water on which we depend
so heavily, removing sediments and toxic substances, and
are valuable recreational areas. When we lose a wetland
it isn't only plants and animals that suffer.
It is imperative that our remaining wetlands be protected
and that, whenever possible, addional ones be re-established.
After this project is completed we anticipate to focus on
an additional wetland area north-east of the present site.
Our project will contribute to recreating habitat for waterfowl
and other species and help Canada meet it's commitment to
protect it's land under the Biodiversity Convention. Furthermore,
re-establishing our wetland-pond area thriving with wildlife
may in the long term enable our community to appreciate
this natural jewel again.
We must be determined to show the next generations that
we care for their future.
2. Project Objectives
The Objectives of this project are to increase:
1. the biodiversity of the 8 hectares
of the Hampton Wetland Area by July 2000
2. awareness to all 4 school in the area, studying
wild life and wetland habitats
3. appreciation of wildlife habitat by the
whole community and region
4. preservation of past historical area to
the community at large.
If sufficient funds are accumulated, the following timeline
will take place:
3. Project Workplan
February 2001:
At the annual Hampton Citizens Association, requests
were made by the community to try to re-establish the pond
and wetland are. A committee was stuck.
March 2001:
First Meeting with Municipality of Clarington and
CLOCA (Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authorities)
April 2001:
A Landscaping Architect was appointed to establish
a plan and cost factor for this project. A report
to council will be later this fall to get full support for
this project.
May 2001:
A public meeting was conducted by the committee and
CLOCA. Wetland Habitat had special displays explaining
to the community the importance of wetland preservation.
The attendance was overwhelming with full support.
Our local MP, Mr. Alex Shepard from Durham region, also
supported the project fully.
July-August 2001:
Committee is working on application forms to establish
funding. Two members of the committee are graduates
in environmental studies assisting greatly in the progress.
September 2001:
The Hampton Pond Recovery Committee aligned itself
with the Lions Club of Bowmanville. Their treasurer
will supervise a special account for this project.
An accountant has been appointed. Volunteers in the
community have been listed, ready to assist in all aspects
of the project.
December 2002:
$75,000 funding from Ontario Trillium Foundation was
approved
Additional funding from the “Wetland Habitat Fund”
and “Toronto Dominion Friends of the Environment”
had been approved.
May 2003/Dec. 2005
Tenders submitted and received for Hampton Pond Recovery
Project.
February 2006:
The actual excavation of the two shallow ponds and
the deep pond shall begin.
TBA:
Pruning and removal of deadwood and hazard limps by
volunteers, landscaping begins.
TBA:
Planting of all trees, bushes and other plant life.
Installation of breeding bird boxes. Completion of
walkways, installation of 3 park benches.
TBA:
Ducks Unlimited will install plaques for the public.
Volunteers will do a final clean-up and monitor all activities.
Project chair will prepare a final report.
Project
Team
The project will be overseen by the Hampton
Pond Recovery Committee, a non-profit organization.
The Hampton Citizens Association has worked for the community
in a variety of capacities throughout the years.
The Board of Directors is made up of well educated, environmentally
concerned individuals, led by a chair person, Mr. Brian
Seaton. Mr. Seaton will act as project manager.
The project will be supported by the Municipality of Clarington,
The Lions Club of Bowmanville, and with two representatives
whom are a part of the committee and CLOCA.
A full commitment is also granted by Wetland Habitat of
Ontario, Ducks Unlimited, Canada Trust Friends of the Environment,
as well as Ontario Power Generation.
For more information you may
contact:
Hampton Citizens
Association (Attention: Pond Recovery Project)
P.O.Box 186
Hampton, ON L0B 1J0
If
you have any news, ideas or questions please do not hesitate
to email us at our email: info@villageofhampton.com
Communication:
After our Open House session on July 24, 2001, the community
is informed monthly through our newsletter. We have
two bulletin boards which provide all the information needed
at this time. A on-site session will be organized.
Mr. Krohn will take local Elementary School classes on tours,
explaining the importance of the project. We will
also develop a brochure for the public after the completion
on the project.
Mr. Krohn is a former, now retired High School teacher with
an environmental background. The local media has written
several articles about our approach. By the end of
the project we will be presenting a power point presentation
depicting before and after, and highlighting all the benefits
for the environment and the committee.
Environmental Responsibility:
The project has been designed in conjunction with a wildlife
and habitat specialist from CLOCA and Wetland Habitat to
enhance the biodiversity of the area and prevent
any harm to the environment in the process.
Special effort will be made to:
• use native species of plants
• buy plants from local suppliers to reduce transportation
needs
• buy large plants to reduce or avoid the use of chemicals
• make information and project team members available
to work with local residents
to prevent any harm coming to the wetland and new habitat.
Long-Term
Environmental Benefits:
The site targeted for revitalization will
be protected for a long time. The Creek is not running
through the wetland area, and therefore no flooding damage
can be repeated.
The survival rate is expected to be very high because plants
of good size will be planted and cared for by the
committee members. The Hampton Pond Recovery Committee
made long term commitments to monitor the area for
a long time. Finally, we are hoping and convinced
that the awareness activities, as well as the plaques to
be installed by Ducks Unlimited, will encourage people to
respect the site.
Project
Evaluation:
Mr. Seaton will collect information during
fall 2002 and spring 2003 and share these observations with
the biologist of CLOCA.
Success of the project will be measured by collecting the
following data:
• Number of plants in the ground
• Number of nesting boxes used
• Number of volunteers involved in the project
• Number of media reports
• Percentage increase observed in biodiversity
