The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) is launching a new program to reduce phosphorus going into the Sydenham River and ultimately into Lake Erie.
The conservation authority said the new initiative was made possible thanks to a "historic investment" of $7.8 million over four years from the Canada Water Agency.
The Journal of Great Lakes Research said the Sydenham River Watershed is the third-largest Canadian contributor to phosphorus entering Lake Erie, with pollution from widespread sources like agricultural and rural runoff accounting for approximately 89 per cent of the total phosphorus released annually.
The Sydenham Phosphorus Reduction Initiative offers funding and education to landowners interested in implementing or enhancing agricultural best management practices on their properties.
The SCRCA said best management practices such as windbreaks, cover crops, and wetland restoration play a critical role in minimizing phosphorus entering waterways.
It noted these practices can also help to reduce soil erosion, protect water quality, increase crop yields, and potentially decrease the need for fertilizer.
The best practices also improve habitat for aquatic wildlife, specifically local Species at Risk.
“SPRI (the new initiative) is a substantial investment in supporting the efforts of our local producers and rural landowners as they work to build soil resiliency for both the benefit of water quality and for sustainably supporting future crop yields,” said SCRCA Healthy Watershed Coordinator Jessica Van Zwol. “I’m very excited that we have this opportunity to support our local agricultural community, many of whom have already adopted a number of BMPs (best management practices) in their farm management.”
The conservation authority noted agricultural land makes up more than 80 per cent of the St. Clair Region watershed.
“Nutrient loading is one of the most significant environmental challenges affecting Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem health,” said SCRCA General Manager Ken Phillips. “This excess of nutrients negatively affects communities and wildlife and alters the system’s natural balance. The funding provided by Canada Water Agency will help equip the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority and local communities with the tools and resources needed to restore balance within the watershed.”
SCRCA said staff will collaborate with landowners on a variety of eligible best practice projects over the next four years, including the following:
Erosion control structures
Tree planting and restoring natural cover.
Cover Crops
Reduced tillage and nutrient application equipment modifications or purchases
Click here for a full list of guidelines and eligibility.
To learn more and to apply for funding, contact Lisa McNeill, Agricultural Stewardship Technician at lmcneill@scrca.on.ca or (519) 245-3710 Ext: 125 or Jessica Van Zwol, Healthy Watershed Coordinator at jvanzwol@scrca.on.ca or (519) 245-3710 Ext: 241.