Middlesex County Natural Heritage Study (Final Draft, 2003)

• Study – Sections 1-3
• Study – Sections 4-7
• Study – Appendices 1-7
• Study – Appendices 8 & 9

In December 1999, the County of Middlesex approached the five Conservation Authorities with jurisdiction within its boundaries to participate in a coordinated natural heritage study in Middlesex County. The study has produced a solid information and policy basis to protect and rehabilitate the County’s woodland and wetland features and systems, and fulfills the County’s obligations under the Provincial Policy Statement for Natural Heritage (Section 2.3).

The study had several goals:

• To increase our understanding of the County’s natural heritage features and systems (e.g. woodlands, wetlands, aquatic systems such as streams and rivers, threatened or endangered species, etc.).
• To develop land use planning information and policy, at both the County and local municipal levels, in order to identify, protect and enhance the natural heritage features and systems.
• To encourage and facilitate private stewardship and public education.
• To strengthen links between natural areas and protect the relationships between plant and animal communities.

The study was a pilot project for the Carolinian Canada Big Picture Project and the Ministry of Natural Resources Ecological Land Classification System, as well as developing new landowner outreach and stewardship approaches. The specific products of the study include:

• Background for official plan policy (both county and local plans)
• Baseline data for natural heritage features
• Natural heritage systems mapping
• Determining the criteria for and local definition of woodland significance
• Landowner conservation / stewardship / education tools
• Identifying possible sites for future restoration and rehabilitation projects

Partners

The project partners included:

• County of Middlesex
• City of London
• Middlesex Stewardship Committee
• Middlesex County Conservation Authorities (Ausable Bayfield,  Kettle Creek, Lower Thames Valley, St. Clair Region and Upper Thames River)
• Carolinian Canada
• Nature Conservancy of Canada
• Ministry of Natural Resources
• Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
• Thames-Talbot Land Trust

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority led the study under the direction of a steering committee comprised of representatives from the partner groups.  The steering committee determined the best approach for assessing the natural features of Middlesex County, with input from local municipalities, landowners, the agricultural community, and other stakeholders.