Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program: Indicator Proposal

AUTHORS: Sara Steel Master of Science candidate [email protected] Dr. Dalal Hanna Project supervisor [email protected] Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal 1 2 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Executive Summary The Poisson Blanc Regional Park, hereafter referred to as the Park, is located in Quebec, Canada, and welcomes 35 000 users every year across the 60 campsites they manage on the Poisson Blanc Reservoir. The Watershed Stewardship Research Collaborative (WSRC) is an academic research team based out of Carleton University, in Ottawa, Canada, focused on freshwater conservation. These two groups have partnered to develop a custom ecological monitoring program for the Park. This program will provide managers with a better understanding of the ecological status of the territory they manage, how it responds to the Park’s recreational and tourism use, as well as to the management actions that are implemented in the Park. This document showcases a preliminary list of 24 indicators recommended for the Park’s new ecological monitoring program. This list was developed by the research team with input from park staff and other local stakeholders. It is based on indicators measured in other existing monitoring programs, as well as information about the local context of the Poisson Blanc Regional Park. Together, the recommended indicators will allow the Park to keep track of various aspects of human impact, ecosystem status, biodiversity and water quality. The list will be assessed by park management to decide which indicators should and can be measured during the first iteration of their new ecological monitoring program, which will be implemented in the summer of 2024. Why implement an ecological monitoring program? Parks can make significant contributions to human well-being by providing spaces to recreate and connect with nature. They can also foster ecological integrity, which feeds back into the sustainable provision of various natural resources such as clean water. Furthermore, parks can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity by safeguarding high quality habitat. However, many parks do not have programs in place that allow them to track these contributions. This type of tracking is beneficial, as it can help improve understanding of the socio-ecological implications of having a park in place, as well as provide information regarding how an area is changing through time, and whether or not alternative management strategies are needed to sustainably achieve conservation and human well-being objectives. Ecological monitoring programs can help track such information through the measurement of ecological indicators. Ecological monitoring programs can be costly and complicated to implement, leaving many parks without such programs. Partnerships between parks and academic research teams able to help develop such programs are one avenue to decrease barriers associated with the implementation of ecological monitoring programs. The collaboration referred to in this document seeks to demonstrate such an approach, all the while serving as a resource for other parks. 3 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Table of Contents 4 Explanation of the Categorization of Indicators 5 Breaking Down the Word ‘Indicator’ 6 Breakdown of Content on Each Individual Indicator Page 7 Direct Human Impact 8 Campsite Area 9 Length of Redundant Trails 10 Human Markings on Trees 11 Trail Width 12 Exposed Roots on Trails 13 Soil Compaction 14 Boat Use 15 Firewood Consumption 16 Garbage Accumulated After a Trip by Guests 17 Garbage Found at the Campsite 18 Pathogen Content of Human Waste in Operating Pit Toilets 19 Pathogen Content of Human Waste in Retired Pit Toilets 20 Ecosystem Status 21 Trees Vulnerable to Collapse 22 Campsite Carbon Storage (Via Live Woody Plants) 23 Composition of Understory Vegetation Surrounding Trails 24 Erosion Potential of a Bank 25 Water Quality 26 RSVL and IQBP Indicators of Water Quality 27 Biodiversity 28 Presence of Invasive Plant Species 29 Wild Edible Plants 30 Animal Presence 31 Plant Presence 32 Benthic Invertebrate Diversity 33 Bird Presence 34 Fish Species Richness 35 References 4 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Explanation of the Categorization of Indicators An ecological indicator provides information on an ecological process or pattern, and is measured to provide insights into the ecological status of a system and how it changes through time. The indicators recommended for this monitoring program are nested within two major themes: indicators that reflect anthropogenic (i.e. human) stressors, or indicators that reflect ecosystem components. Anthropogenic stressor: Unnatural effects and characteristics caused by human activity. These stress factors can disrupt the functioning of an ecosystem. Ecosystem component: A natural process or component that occurs within an ecosystem. Although human interactions can influence the rate and extent to which these processes occur, an ecosystem component would continue to operate in the absence of human activity. The indicators are then further categorized by parameter, which describe the broader process that each indicator measures. The proposed indicators measure four parameters: direct human impact, ecosystem status, biodiversity and water quality. Direct human impact: A measure of the impacts on an ecosystem that are the direct result of human activity. Ecosystem status: A measure of characteristics that explain ecological processes operating within an ecosystem. Biodiversity: A measure of the characteristics of an ecosystem that provide information on the presence, absence and diversity of species. Water quality: A measure of various biological, physical or chemical components of water. Every indicator included in the proposed monitoring program is nested within a theme and a parameter. Several different indicators can be used to measure the same parameter and parameters can have indicators of different themes. 5 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Breaking Down the Word ‘Indicator’ Biodiversity Direct human impact Anthropogenic stressor Ecosystem component Trail width Human markings on trees Ecosystem status Carbon storage capacity of campsites Erosion potential of a bank Benthic invertebrate diversity Animal presence Water quality RSVL and IQBP indicators of water quality Indicator Parameter Theme 6 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Breakdown of Content on Each Individual Indicator Page Name of indicator Theme Parameter Cost See page 5 See page 5 $: $0-10 $$: $10-300 $$$: $300-1000 Cost of equipment and laboratory analysis: The estimated cost of equipment required to measure a specific indicator. Some indicators share equipment and the equipment piece will only need to be purchased once. Shared equipment is not taken into account for the individual indicator, and the cost represents the entire cost of measuring an indicator. Description: Key information on the indicator and why there is value in measuring it. Frequency of measurement Required equipment How often the indicator needs to be measured. The primary tools required to monitor this indicator. Summary of methods: A brief description of the process involved with monitoring this indicator. Potential related management actions: If campsite area is found to increase over time, the Park could consider establishing area borders which encourage visitors to stay within their designated campsite area. If there is found to be a large descrepency between campsite areas on sites that offer the same ammenities (e.g. same number of tent spots), the Park could consider restoring parts of larger campsites. Labour requirements for park staff: How many park staff are required to measure a specific indicator and can the indicator be measured within a park staff’s existing workday given current workflow? If the indicator can not be measured within a work day, how many hours will the measurement take park staff to complete. External support requirements: Does the measurement of a specific indicator require a service that is beyond the scope of the Park? If so, what level of support is needed? Additional support may be provided by the research team, or by consulting a specialist or laboratory services (i.e., laboratory analysis of samples). Management implications: How the Park can benefit from monitoring this indicator. What the Park can do with the information gained from monitoring this indicator. Client engagement opportunity: How clients can become involved with the process of monitoring this indicator. 7 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Direct Human Impact 8 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Campsite Area Theme Parameter Cost Anthropogenic stressor Direct human impact $$ Description: Campsite area can be broken into two parts: periphery area and activity area. The activity area is the part of a site with no vegetation cover and clear signs of human activity (e.g. fire pit, tent platform, toilet). The peripheral area is part of a site that surrounds the activity area; it maintains some vegetation cover but there are signs of management. Unintentional increases in campsite area over time indicate an unecessary expansion of human footprint that should be avoided. Frequency of measurement Required equipment Every 5 years GPS, tablet (on site data entry) Summary of methods: The research team will use a GPS to delineate the periphery and area activity of each campsite, as well as mark key campsite features (e.g. tent spot, toilet, etc.). Geographic information system processing will then be used to calculate area measurements for each campsite. Potential related management actions: If campsite area is found to increase over time, the Park could consider establishing area borders which encourage visitors to stay within their designated campsite area. If there is found to be a large descrepency between campsite areas on sites that offer the same ammenities (e.g. same number of tent spots), the Park could consider restoring parts of larger campsites. Labour requirements for park staff: 1 staff member working an 8 hour day to complete subsequent measurements following the baseline survey completed by the research team. External support requirements: Research team member for baseline measurement. References: Mallikage et al. (2021); Carletto et al. (2016) 9 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Length of Redundant Trails Theme Parameter Cost Anthropogenic stressor Direct human impact $$ Description: Redundant trails are considered to be separate trails that lead to the same place. A portion of a given trail network that has redundancy could be restored to increase vegetation cover. Frequency of measurement Required equipment Every 2 years GPS, tablet (on site data entry) Summary of methods: Within the established boundary of each campsite, a member of the research team will walk the full extent of each established trail while holding a GPS. Segments of, or entire trails, will be categorized as “redundant” if they lead to the same place as another existing segment of the trail network or “novel” if the trail is unique to its start and end point. The geospatial information of site trails will be used to identify the number and length (m) of redundant trails at each campsite. Potential related management actions: Following the initial evaluation, the Park could consider regenerating/restoring redundant components of trails (e.g. plant trees to increase a site’s carbon storage capacity). Client engagement opportunities: If the Park decides to remidiate the trail sections classified as redundant, clients could be given the opportunity to help with this effort by planting trees at their campsite. The seedlings would be distributed by the Park and planting areas would be clearly defined at the site. Labour requirements for park staff: 1 staff member to complete subsequent measurements following baseline survey. This measurement fits within a campsite turnover workday. External support requirements: Research team member for baseline measurement. 16 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Garbage Accumulated After a Trip by Guests Theme Parameter Cost Anthropogenic stressor Direct human impact $ Description: This measures the total weight of waste (organics, recycling, garbage) generated by a group after a visit to the park. Values will be used to identify the sustainability of guests and determine if a waste-reduction strategy should be implemented. Frequency of measurement Required equipment Every 3 years, 3 days throughout the summer season Scale Summary of methods: A member of the research team will set up a weighing station designed for visitors use following a trip. Clients will be directed to the voluntary station where a member of the research team will weigh their garbage and then dispose of the waste for them. This measurement will be carried out on a checkout day following the weekend three times throughout the summer season. Potential related management actions: Some clients may generate more waste then others. After initial measurements, the Park could use the lowest amount of waste generated per person as a goal for other visitors to achieve. The Park could develop resources that demonstrate how clients can create less waste during their stay at the Park. Client engagement activities: The Park could provide clients with solutions to reducing their waste while canoe camping. Using such resources, clients would learn and have the opportunity to practice Zero Waste principles. External support requirements: Research team member. 17 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Garbage Found at the Campsite Theme Parameter Cost Anthropogenic stressor Direct human impact $ Description: Garbage such as food wrappers, water bottles, and toilet paper, left behind by people, cause damage to wildlife through consumption and can in also result in lasting ecosystem level pollution. Monitoring this can support the establishment of signage or improve waste disposal infrastructure along trails. Frequency of measurement Required equipment Campsite visitor turnover days Tablet (on site data entry) Summary of methods: On campsite visitor turnover days, park staff will conduct a scan of the campsite and collect any garbage present. They will record information about this garbage in a log. Labour requirements for park staff: 1 staff member to collect and record garbage. This measurement fits within a campsite turnover workday. External support requirements: Research team member for baseline measurement. References: Mallikage et al. (2021) 18 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Pathogen Content of Human Waste in Operating Pit Toilets Theme Parameter Cost Anthropogenic stressor Direct human impact $$$ Description: Fecal matter contains pathogens that can persist well after they are deposited if conditions are unfavourable (e.g. wet, cold, compact). Pathogen content poses a health risk as fecal matter decomposes and joins underlying soil. If the pathogens have not decayed, there is contamination risk to the surrounding soil and water. Frequency of measurement Required equipment Every 5 years Sampling supplies (assembled by the research team), personal protective equipment Summary of methods: The content within toilet pits will be sampled by a member of the research team. Samples will be taken at six campsites for three depths. Samples will be sent to a labratory for analysis of the pathogen content. Potential related management actions: Following the initial measurement of this indicator, the Park could consider changing the depth of pits, depending on the degree of contamination. The Park could also consider changing the toilet style, implement steps to increase pathogen decay (e.g. aerating the material stored in the pit toilets). External support requirements: Research team member, lab for analysis. References: Capone et al. (2021); Musaazi et al. (2023) 19 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Pathogen Content of Human Waste in Retired Pit Toilets Theme Parameter Cost Anthropogenic stressor Direct human impact $$$ Description: Fecal matter contains pathogens that can persist well after they are deposited if conditions are unfavourable (e.g. wet, cold, compact). Pathogen content poses a health risk as fecal matter decomposes and joins underlying soil. If the pathogens have not decayed, there is contamination risk to the surrounding soil and water. Frequency of measurement Required equipment Every 5 years Sampling supplies (assembled by the research team), personal protective equipment Summary of methods: A member of the research team will locate and sample retired pit toilets. Samples will be taken at six campsites for three depths. Samples will be sent to a labratory for analysis of the pathogen content. Potential related management actions: If retired sites are found to have high pathogen levels, the Park could consider soil remediation efforts. If the pathogen content in retired toilet sites are found to surpass health standards set by the Quebec Government, the Park could consider actions to increase pathogen decay in operating toilets to eliminate the risk of contamination at retired sites. External support requirements: Research team member, lab for analysis. References: Capone et al. (2021); Musaazi et al. (2023) 20 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Ecosystem Status 21 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Trees Vulnerable to Collapse Theme Parameter Cost Ecosystem component Ecosystem status $$ Description: Trees become vulnerable to collapse when underlying soil de-stabilises and the tree rooting system has nothing to hold on to. Monitoring this can promote visitor safety by knowing which trees are likely to collapse. Frequency of measurement Required equipment Baseline survey conducted every 5 years, monitoring of high risk trees will receive annual check-ups in the spring when sites prepared for opening Tablet (on site data entry), hazard evaluation sheet, diameter tape, hand lenses, binoculars, sounding mallet, insect and disease field identification guides Summary of methods: A member of the research team will walk the outer perimeter of the campsite, the perimeter of site amenities, and all visible trails. During this survey, the researcher will evaluate all trees taller than 1.5m with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of over 10cm that boarder the site amenities and perimiter according to the Hazard Tree Identification form. The researcher will then evaluate all trees taller than 1.5m with a DBH of over 15cm within a 2m boundery of the campsite perimeter. Trees with increasing DBH that lie beyond the 2m boundary will also be measured until the the researcher is 15m away from the campsite perimeter. Once the baseline data is collected, subsequent measurements will be carried out by park staff. Potential related management actions: Trees of high failure potential will be monitored regularly and trimmed or removed when necessary. Labour requirements for park staff: 1 staff member working an 8 hour day to complete subsequent measurements following the baseline survey completed by the research team. External support requirements: Research team member for baseline measurement. References: Angwin et al. (2012) 22 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Campsite Carbon Storage (Via Live Woody Plants) Theme Parameter Cost Ecosystem component Ecosystem status $$ Description: Carbon storage is an important process that mediates the volume of carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere as a greenhouse gas. Trees are very good at capturing carbon. Campsite carbon storage via live woody plants is a measure of the carbon stored by all live woody plants (i.e. mainly trees) that lie within the boundries of campsites managed by the Park. Frequency of measurement Required equipment Every 5 years GPS, calculator, diameter tape, tablet (on site data entry) Summary of methods: A member of the research team will survey the live woody plants taller than 1.5m with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of over 1cm established within each campsite. Each plant will be identified (to the species level) and DBH will be measured. Further calculations will be done offsite to calculate each campsite’s carbon storage via live woody plants. Potential related management actions: Following the initial measurement of this indicator, the Park could implement a regeneration effort (e.g. tree planting) targeted at sites with lower than average live woody plant carbon storage. Client engagement activities: The Park could engage clients to help with a regeneration effort. This could be done by providing clients with sapplings to plant on their trip for designated sites that have lower carbon storage potential than the mean. Labour requirements for park staff: 1 staff member working an 8 hour day to complete subsequent measurements following the baseline survey completed by the research team. External support requirements: Research team member for baseline measurement. References: Ziter et al. (2013); Hanna et al. (2020) 23 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Composition of Understory Vegetation Surrounding Trails Theme Parameter Cost Ecosystem component Biodiversity $$ Description: Understory vegetation refers to the vegetation that grows between the forest floor and forest canopy. In this context, composition measures the number and type of species present within defined area, and provides a measure of biodiversity. Recreational activities can decrease the viability of habitat, therefore, measuring the composition of understory vegetation surrounding trails offers information on how recreation impacts habitat quality. Frequency of measurement Required equipment Twice a season, every 2 years: 1x in spring and 1x in fall GPS, metal markers, plant identification guide, tablet (on site data entry) Summary of methods: A member of the research team will survey understory vegetation using study plots that boarder established trails within each campsite, three plots along three seperate trails will be evaluated per site. The vegetation lieing within the plot will be surveyed and their information (i.e. richness, eveness, abundance) will be recorded. Potential related management actions: Following the initial measurement of this indicator, the Park could implement barriers or clear trail borders to prevent damage to vegetation in areas of lower vegetation surrounding trails. Client engagement activities: Clients can contribute to the Park’s iNaturalist profile, as described in the plant presence indicator. Labour requirements for park staff: 1 staff member working an 8 hour day to complete subsequent measurements following the baseline survey completed by the research team. External support requirements: Research team member. References: Atik et al. (2009); Ballantyne and Pickering (2015); Abe et al. (2021) 24 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Erosion Potential of a Bank Theme Parameter Cost Ecosystem component Ecosystem status $$ Description: Erosion potential evaluates the likelihood of collapse caused by erosion processes (e.g. rain, changes in reservoir water level, walking). It is measured based on characteristics related to erosion (e.g. bank height, root density, surface protection) that are combined to a assign an erosion potential score to a given area and can be used to identify areas that should be blocked off from recreational use for restoration. Frequency of measurement Required equipment Every 2 years GPS, tablet with the modified erosion index sheet (on site data entry), wooden poles, measuring wheel, ruler Summary of methods: Using methods outlined in the modified BEHI (Bank Erosion Hazard Index) procedure the research team will measure four indicators of erosion at 10 randomly selected campsites. Measures will be taken in the spring and fall in 5m areas alongside a visitor access path and contrasted with measures taken at equivalently sized undisturbed portions of the shoreline. Note that visitor access paths are defined as the areas that the park intends for visitors to use to access campsites, these are typically areas with milder slopes and less vegetation than the rest of the shoreline. At sites with multiple access paths the largest one will be measured. Potential related management actions: After the initial evaluation, park staff could visit sites that scored poorly on the BEHI and determine if managemnt intervention is needed. Overtime, if sites endure a drastic change, the Park could consider closing or relocating the site to allow time for remediation. Labour requirements for park staff: 1 staff member working an 8 hour day to complete subsequent measurements following the baseline survey completed by the research team. External support requirements: Research team member for baseline measurement. References: Newton and Drenten (2015) 25 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Water Quality 32 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Benthic Invertebrate Diversity Theme Parameter Cost Ecosystem component Biodiversity $$$ Description: Benthic invertebrates (e.g. dragonfly larvae, clams, worms) are water bugs that live on and in the bottom sediments of a waterbody. They are commonly used as indicators of overall aquatic health and play an important role in food chains as they are prey for fish and birds. Measures of their diversity assess the abundance of different types of species that are present in a system. This indicator is useful to evaluate ecosystem health and stability over time from an aquatic biodiversity perspective. Frequency of measurement Required equipment Every 3 years GPS, sampling supplies (assembled by the research team) Summary of methods: Benthic inverterbrate diversity will be measured by a member of the research team at the visitor access path and nearby undisturbed shoreline of 10 campsites by collecting benthic invertebrates using methods outlined in Jones 2011. Individual insects in samples will be identified via microscopy and composite measures of benthic invertebrate diversity that can be compared through time will be calculated (e.g. how many different species were present? where these mainly pollution tolerant or sensitive species? what were their abundances?). Potential related management actions: If there is a significant difference in diversity between visitor access paths and undisturbed shoreline the Park could consider limiting the size of visitor access paths as much as possible. If a decrease in pollution intolerant species is observed through time, the Park will know it must work to restore shoreline habiat complexity. Client engagement opportunities: Have “MacroBlitz” sampling kits available to borrow at the Park reception for clients that are interested in learning about macro invertebrates or adding observations of macro invertebrates to iNaturalist. Clients can follow “MacroBlitz” protocols to record their observations using iNaturalist and link these to the Park iNaturalist project. External support requirements: Research team member, lab for analysis. References: Jones (2011) 33 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Bird Presence Theme Parameter Cost Ecosystem component Biodiversity $$$ Description: Monitoring avian presence across an ecosystem is useful for evaluating habitat change and disturbances. Bird presence is monitoring using technologies like acoustic recorders, as well as observations made by park visitors and staff. Frequency of measurement Required equipment Ongoing during periods of peak bird activity (i.e. dusk and dawn) over the course of the summer season. Ongoing by visitors Audio moth, batteries, microSD cards, identification software Summary of methods: The research team will install audio recorders at random sites distributed throughout the Park which are programmed to record during times of high bird activity. The recorders will be installed at permanent locations by the research team. The research team will monitor and collect from these for the first year of the program, but in following years the recorders will be serviced by a Park staff on monthly basis between April and October. A member of the research team will annually run the recordings through an identification software in order to identify present bird species. Client engagement opportunities: The Park could share findings with clients and provide annual updates on the bird species found within the Park. Bird watchers and other outdoor enthusiasts may be interested in the bird species that the Park provides habitat for. Labour requirements for park staff: 1 staff member to replace the batteries and storage of the audio recorders once per month, and to upload the data from the recorders. This task fits within a campsite turnover workday. External support requirements: Research team member for baseline measurement. References: Brandes (2008); Furnas and Callas (2015); Stewart (2023) 34 Poisson Blanc Regional Park Ecological Monitoring Program Indicator Proposal Fish Species Richness Theme Parameter Cost Ecosystem component Biodiversity $$$ Description: Fish have an important role in the food chain and nutrient cycling. Fish species richness measures the number of fish species present in the reservoir at the time of measurement. This information is important for assessing biodiversity and making sure that species populations remain stable over time. Frequency of measurement Required equipment Every 5 years Boat, sampling supplies (assembled by the research team) Summary of methods: Ten sites will be selected to measure fish species richness. This will be done using eDNA gathered from water samples. Surface water samples will be taken in the nearshore zone (<10m from shore). At each sample site, three subsamples and one field negative control will be taken. Water samples will be filtered in site then preserved before being sent out to a laboratory for community biodiversity assessment. Sampling will be taken in the spring or fall, when the water column is thermally mixed. External support requirements: Research team member, lab for analysis. References: García-Machado et al. 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