7.0 Wetland Dynamics on the Long Point Bay

7.2 Present levels of protection and ownership of Long Point Bay and associated wetlands

Few of the Great Lakes coastal wetlands have received sufficient protection to maintain their essential ecological functions for the future (Smith 1987). Fortunately, through the excellent stewardship of private hunting clubs, as well as the indirect legal protection (i.e. Planning Act, Fisheries Act, Public Lands Act etc.) and international recognition that it has been afforded, Long Point has maintained the majority of its wetlands in a relatively pristine state (Figure 7.2).

Long Point is probably one of the best conserved and internationally recognized wetlands on the Great Lakes. It was designated a Ramsar site in 1982, based primarily on its international importance as a waterfowl staging area, since it is used by up to 8% of the world's Canvasback, Redhead and Tundra Swan populations during spring and fall migrations. Furthermore, Long Point and its surrounding waters have been designated as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and a Globally Important Bird Area by BirdLife International and the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation. Ten thousand acres of Long Point's wetlands have also been designated as a National Wildlife Area.

The presence of extensive wetlands at Long and Turkey Points can be attributed to two peninsulas that partially encompass and protect shallow water areas from the destructive wave action of Lake Erie (Figure 7.2). The 24,000 hectares of marsh that are protected by these peninsulas have not been developed nearly to the extent of other Great Lakes wetlands (Jessen et al. 1983). About half the wetlands on the Long Point Peninsula, 95% of Turkey Point Marsh and a significant portion of the marshes west of the Causeway are owned by private hunting clubs that have been integral in the conservation of Long Point's wetlands. Private hunting interests are recognized as the pioneers of wetland protection at Long Point; the Long Point Company (LPC) was responsible for preserving much of the area's wetlands during early settlement. LPC purchased the majority of Long Point in 1866 for use as a private hunting area. LPC generously donated 3239 ha of land and marsh on Long Point to the Canadian Wildlife Service in 1978/79, (Figure 7.2) as a National Wildlife Area (LPNWA) under the Canada Wildlife Act, with the proviso that CWS must restrict human activities, and protect and conserve the habitats and wildlife of the area. CWS has also acquired 769 ha of the Big Creek Marsh (in 1972), including the Hahn Marsh Unit (in 1974)(McKeating 1980). In addition to areas owned by private hunting clubs, other marshes (Long Point Waterfowl Management Unit [Crown Marsh], Hahn Marsh, Lee Brown Marsh, Big Creek Marsh and portions of the Long Point National Wildlife Area) are open and managed for public hunting (Wilcox 1994).

The Long Point Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Fund (LPWWRF) is a research based organization with an objective to determine the distribution and abundance of waterfowl in the Long Point area, to monitor trends in populations and habitat, to determine why species utilize particular habitats, and to develop information useful for management purposes. LPWWRF is also a strong voice for the conservation of Long Point's valuable wetlands. The LPWWRF was established under the auspices of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, with an initial endowment provided by both individual and corporate members of the Bluffs Hunting Club, a private organization concerned with the long-term welfare of waterfowl at Long Point. In 1996, the assets of LPWWRF were transferred to the care of Bird Studies Canada/Long Point Bird Observatory. Currently, LPWWRF is administered by Bird Studies Canada and is supported by the Bluff's Hunting Club, and Ducks Unlimited, Canada, as well as by contributions from other hunting clubs, individuals and interested corporations. The LPWWRF is managed by a Board of Directors which includes representatives of the Bluff's Hunting Club, Bird Studies Canada, the Canadian Wildlife Service, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and other private interests.

Current shoreline land uses in the Long Point area are: open water (41%), wetlands/beaches (33%), residential development (13%), open space/barren land, including agricultural land (10%), parkland (2%), and forest (1%). Only 849 ha at Long Point and 782 ha at Turkey Point are held in private ownership (i.e. individual owners as opposed to wildlife agencies and hunt clubs) (Jessen et al. 1983) but this land occupies several miles of available shoreline in the Long Point area (Lawrence and Nelson 1994). This represents one of the most significant threats to Long Point's wetlands as some private interests may be less concerned with wetland preservation than are hunting clubs and wildlife agencies.