Watershed Report Card

In September, the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) released the region's first comprehensive report card of watershed health. "Most watersheds received a grade of D or D- for overall health," explained Ray Renaud, Chair. "Only two watersheds - Big Creek and Cedar Creek - received a C and C-." These grades reflect the low forest coverage and the degraded surface water quality throughout much of the region.

Watershed Report Card Summary:
Surface Water Quality: One 'B', Six 'C', Four 'D', One 'F'
Groundwater Quality: 'A' grade received at all locations
Forest Cover: Majority of watersheds received an 'F', several 'Ds', only Point Pelee National Park and Pelee Island receive a 'B'.
Watershed Health: Most 'D' or 'D- '. One 'C', one 'C-'

However, Matthew Child, Coordinator of Habitat and Aquatic Resources, points out that looking into the future, trends are more positive. "Groundwater quality conditions are good, and with proper management strategies being developed, these resources should continue to be protected for the future. While surface water quality is generally poor, conditions are steady or improving for the majority of sampling locations in the region."

As well, with many private landowners willing to plant trees on their private properties, forest cover is increasing. "Since 1992, there has been a net increase of 5500 acres of habitat in the region," Child noted. This ultimately will have positive benefits for surface water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and overall quality of life.