Aquatic Species at Risk

in the

Sydenham Watershed

  

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  • Species at Risk
    There are eight species of fish, five mussels and one turtle that have been found in the Sydenham River that are listed as vulnerable, threatened, or endangered species at the provincial and national levels.  Although some of the species at risk have declined, most are still present in the Sydenham River.  The East Sydenham River is important to the mussels and the Eastern Spiny Softshell,  While the fishes at risk occur in both branches.  Most of the rare species prefer firm gravel bottoms with moderate to swift current.  The primary limiting factor for most of the species is siltation and associated turbidity. (    Download this Report in PDF format)
  
  • Stream Channel Analysis
    This study was conducted to assess the physical structure of the Sydenham River and identify changes that have occurred over time.  Physical structure of the stream channel is important in determining the animal species that inhabit the river.  The assessment found that overall the river and main tributaries are in good physical condition.  However, there are several factors that impact on the condition of the river by contributing to erosion.  These include dams, channel shortening, livestock access, improperly installed low crossings, and narrow bridge abutments.  The surface soil in much of the watershed consists of highly erodable clay. (    Download this Report in PDF format)
  
  • Land Use Patterns
    This study was conducted to assess historical changes in land use and land cover as well as changes in the drainage network in the watershed.  The pre-settlement watershed was 70% forested and 30% swamp.  Agriculture is now the dominant land use (85%) and only 12% of the watershed is forested.  Wetlands have been reduced to less than 1% of the watershed areas and much of the agricultural land is tiled drained (~70%).  An understanding of historical conditions and how they have changed is important to understanding the present state as well as what might happen in the future.  (    Download this Report in PDF format)
  
  • Sydenham River Synthesis Report
    The major stresses affecting species at risk in the Sydenham River ares uspended solids causing turbidity and siltation, nutrient enrichment, toxic compounds from rural and urban sources, heat and exotic species.  Several recommendations are made for consideration in the development of the recovery strategy in the following areas: developing an implementation team and plan, increasing public awareness, mitigation and rehabilitation of obvious issues, monitoring, and research. (    Download this Report in PDF format)
  
 

 

 
     
 
Sydenham Species At Risk
c/o St. Clair Region Conservation Authority
205 Mill Pond Cres., Strathroy, ON N7G 3P9
2001 Sydenham River Recovery Team