Jan. 27, 2016 - Presentation on Biodiversity Offsetting, Ontario Wetland Evaluation System, Wetland Complexing

1. Biodiversity Offsetting
Information Session
OWES and Wetland Complexing
January 27, 2016

2. OWES
• Ontario Wetland Evaluation System
• Provincial methodology for delineating and evaluating wetlands.
• Conducted either by the Ministry of Natural Resources and
Forestry, or by certified evaluators.
• Final results must be approved by the MNRF.

4. OWES Wetland Delineation
• Delineation is primarily based on 50:50 wetland:upland plant
species. The presence of these species are driven by soil
hydrology.
• Wetland species to be used are outlined in the OWES
methodology.
• Wetland units generally should be over 2 hectares in size to be
evaluated.

6. OWES Complexing
• Unit can be less than 2 hectares if it is within 750 metres of a
larger wetland to form a complex.
• Generally, the minimum size for a vegetation community to be
included is 0.5 hectares.
• Commonly related in a functional way biologically, hydrologically
or socially.

9. OWES Scoring
• Biological, Social, Hydrological, and Special Features components
scored.
• Scores are based on the entire complex.
• Scores determine PSW or non-PSW (LSW).

13. Our Changing Landscape
• Soils and geology indicate the Niagara peninsula was
approximately 50/50 upland/lowland prior to European
settlement.
• Historical orthoimagery available since 1934.
• Shows changes in the landscape over time, and development of
wetlands over the past 80 years.

20. Our Changing Landscape
• Wetlands in Niagara vary in age, vegetation and habitat
composition, hydrologic complexity, etc.
• Vary from old growth to early successional.

21. Thank you!