Fort Erie Replanting Proposal

02.14.2016

K. Daley, A. Meeker, M. VanderMaarel

Niagara College of Canada
135 Taylor Road , Niagara-on-the-Lake ON L0S1J0

Table of Contents
1.0 Overview2
2.0 Proposed Approach2-3
3.0 Technical Plan.3-4
4.0 Qualifications4-5
5.0 Resources5
6.0 Costs.6-7
6.1 Hard Costs..6
6.2 Soft Costs.7

7.0 Summary7
8.0 Appendices.8-17
8.1 Aerial photos of work sites..8-10
8.2 Ash tree survey sheet...11
8.3 Crew resumes.12-14
8.4 Ash Tree and Emerald Ash Borer Survey Sheet.17

1.0 Overview
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is one of Ontarios most hard-hitting invasive species in the past 15 years,
taking a toll most drastically on the Ash tree family. Specifically in the Town of Fort Erie, the EAB has
caused significant damage, dramatically reducing the towns canopy cover, which is composed of 90%
Ash trees1. If a tree is infected by the EAB, there is a small likelihood that the tree will be able to recover,
but the chances of reinfection are high. The Town of Fort Erie has chosen to systematically remove the
majority of the local Ash tree population, a costly yet necessary decision. This choice is imperative to
avoid further spread of the pest and the significant public health risk that the structurally compromised
infected trees pose in public parks and recreational areas.
In the wake of the large-scale removal of Fort Eries Ash tree population, the Town will need a strategic
Replanting plan to replace the canopy. The areas of concern that have been targeted for this proposal are:
United Empire Loyalist Park, Family and Youth Optimist Park, Albert Park, and Crystal Beach where
there is a high density of Ash trees overlapping with high public usage. In addition to the Replanting
plan, the issue of what to do with the fallen Ash trees will be addressed by disposing of them in ways that
will exterminate any beetles left in the tree, while utilizing the logs locally in an environmentally friendly
way. And finally, several community outreach products will be created to address the need for accessible
information to the public regarding this environmental disturbance.

2.0 Proposed Approach

The challenge of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) outbreak and the resulting destruction of Fort Eries Ash
tree population will be assessed and addressed through a comprehensive Replanting plan.

This

Replanting plan will be designed to guide the Town of Fort Erie in their future planting practices after the
diseased Ash trees have been removed by the Town. The Replanting plan will identify a diverse range of
native species of trees and shrubs that will be well-suited to the natural conditions at each site. The
quantity of material suggested to plant will be directly related to the site surveys and the existing state of
natural regeneration already in effect. In addition as part of the Replanting plan, this proposal will outline
a strategy for appropriately addressing the felled material.
1. To complete a thorough strategy for efficiently Re-planting plant material in the wake of the
Emerald Ash Borer; and ii) to develop public outreach products.
2. To develop educational public outreach materials

McDonald, J. (2015, July 8). Time to grow a movement. Niagara Life Magazine.

3.0 Technical Plan

Figure 1: Gantt chart for the Projects timeline

As of February 11, 2016, progress has been made on the technical plan regarding background research on
the Emerald Ash Borer in Fort Erie, and the extent of the damage done to Fort Eries Forest.
In October of 2015, the Student Forestry team met with the client, a certified arborist with the Town of
Fort Erie to determine what he would like to see from the project, and which areas of the town should be
focused on. With the proper background research completed, the team has been able to develop a
standardized approach data collection in the field.
Field data collected to date has included the GPS coordinates of Ash trees around the perimeter of the
four highlighted public parks, which could pose a danger if they fall. The species of the tree was recorded
as well as if they were signs of EAB. The field crew also made notes on the surrounding trees and shrubs,
as they could possibly replace the ash tree naturally, removing the need to replace the ash tree.
So far the field crew has recorded the trees at Albert St. Park, Optimist Youth and Family Park, and some
of the trees at Crystal Beach Park. United Empire Loyalist Park will be be surveyed by student volunteers
from Niagara College.
Data analysis will include creating maps of the parks using the GPS points collected and inputting that
data into arcGIS. Based on the data collected, the Student Forestry team will be able to rank each park in

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terms of number of trees that show signs of infection, and the importance of removing trees that could
pose a danger to the public if they fell. Additionally, through the analysis of the existing surrounding
vegetation data, the need for active replanting can also be determined for each park. The map that is
produced as a result of the data collection will ultimately act as an important visual communication tool
for the arborists
The focus of the Replanting plan is to be as cost effective as possible, while increasing the species
diversity of the area. Using the Natural Areas Inventory for the Niagara Region, the soil type and natural
history of these areas can be determined, which will help in choosing the proper species to replant for
each park.
The client also asked for public outreach materials, and is interested in the creation of door knockers to
help improve the public understanding of the reasoning behind the removal of Ash trees on private land,
and also to inform landowners and the general public about the EAB in Fort Erie, and the impact it could
have. These materials will be designed with the intention of preemptively reducing the amount of public
backlash when it comes time for the Town to remove the enormous amount of Ash trees in the area.
In the end, all this will come together in the final report for our client, to help them direct their efforts in
dealing with the EAB in a cost effective manner.

4.0 Qualifications: Why choose our team?

All three members of the Student Forestry team are working towards their graduate certificate in
Ecosystem Restoration at Niagara College. This shared education provides the Team with a unique and
holistic foundation from which they can address Fort Eries tree canopy loss. The Team will not only
examine the impacts of the EAB from an aesthetic, and landscaping perspective but also from an
ecosystem approach to make certain that the Replanting plan matches the ecological parameters of each
site.

Krista Daley B.A. Health and Safety Coordinator

Kristas background is primarily focused in botany and ecology. Her educational foundation consisted of
researching the evolutionary processes of the parasitic plant genus Cuscuta and the ecology of native and
invasive plant species of Ontario. Her technical experience with GIS mapping programs, combined with

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her Ecological Land Classification experience gives her the tools she needs to be a suitable candidate for
the Ash tree Replanting proposal.

Alex Meeker B.A., M.A., GIS Specialist

Alex has a diverse educational background in both ecological and socio-economic problem-solving. Her
experience in engaging with community-members and their local natural resources, paired with her
technical background in invasive species management and ArcGIS mapping, make her, along with her
team of Forestry Technicians excellent candidates for the Ash Replanting proposal.

Mark VanderMaarel B.Sc., In-field Specialist

Marks educational background focused on ecology and insect biology, including field courses on forest
dynamics. Technical background includes autoCAD and arcGIS mapping software, as well as
characterising forest stands in accordance with the Ecological Land Classification (ELC) guidelines.
These skills and experience make him a suitable candidate for this Ash Replanting proposal.

5.0 Resources
The materials required in order to gather data to inform the planting plan are modest. Three hand-held
GPS units are required in order to pinpoint the location of the Ash trees along the perimeter of each park.
Flagging tape will be required to mark the trees to avoid double counting.
In order to produce the public outreach materials adequate materials such as cardstock, ink, and laminate
may be required to make weather-resistant door-knockers to place on peoples door knobs.

6.0 Cost
In order to successfully carry out the Fort Erie Replanting plan, the area of the budget that will be most
costly is the cost of the human capital needed.
Although the costings laid out below are meant to convey the value of the work that the Student Forestry
team will provide, part of what gives the team such a competitive edge is that through the Niagara
College of Canada, the soft and hard costs are non-existent because of the student access to the Colleges
equipment and software.

6.1 Hard Costs

Item

Quantity

Estimated Cost

Handheld Global Positioning 3

$450

System (GPS)
Flagging tape
Transportation

2 rolls

$6

Costs Approx. 90km per site visit

$290

($0.54/km)
AutoCAD software

>$10,000

ArcGIS 10.3

>$16,000

Total

~$17,746

6.2 Soft Costs

Technician Name

Rate of Pay

Estimated number of Total Labour Costs

billable hours

Krista Daley

$50/hour

55

$2,750

Alex Meeker

$75/hour

55

$4,125

Mark VanderMaarel

$50/hour

55

$2,750

Total

175

$9,625

7.0 Summary
The degree of infection among Ash trees in Fort Erie is extensive, making tree removal unavoidable.
Although this process will be expensive, the long term results of this proposal should help to replenish the
canopy and reduce the damage done by the Emerald Ash Borer in Fort Erie. As laid out above, areas of

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concern will be mapped out using arcGIS to show where the highest densities of infected trees are. The
removal of the trees will also present opportunities to use the fallen logs for other projects, such as bank
stabilization, as long as the logs have been properly treated to exterminate any remaining EAB.
In order to quell any concerns from the public during the removal and replanting phases, public outreach
products, like the door knockers, will provide the public with information about why the trees must come
down, and when they can expect their new trees to be planted. The quantity and species of plant material
that will be replacing the Ash in each of the parks will be determined once all data has been analyzed to
see what species have been doing well in each park.

8.0 Appendices

Figure 2: Crystal Ridge park (Site 1)

Figure 3: Albert Street Park (Site 2)

Figure 3: Optimist Youth and Family Park (Site 3)

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Figure 5: United Empire Loyalist Park (Site 4)

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Alex Meeker
64 Roehampton Ave. Unit 701
St. Catharines, ON L2M 7P5
Cell: (416) 399-9377
a.meeker89@gmail.com

KEY SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Ecosystem Land Classification, Flora and Fauna ID, Water Quality Assessment, Electrofishing, ArcGIS and
Georeferencing

EDUCATION
Niagara College of Canada - Ecosystem Restoration Post-Graduate Certificate
September 2015- April 2016
Currently obtaining competitive technical field skills and monitoring techniques in a broad range of
environment types, through the completion of various projects in the field alongside industry professionals

University of Guelph - Master of Arts in Geography

September 2012- May 2014
Successfully defended my thesis titled Volunteer tourism for Marine Conservation: a force of positive change in
Northern Belize.

St. Francis Xavier University - Bachelor of Arts: Major in Aquatic Resources

September 2007- April 2011
My interdisciplinary undergraduate program gave me exposure to both the scientific and political approaches
to complex environmental problems.

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
Professional working proficiency in French and full professional proficiency in Spanish

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Town of Fort Erie, Fort Erie - Student Forestry Advisor
September 2015 - PRESENT
- Creating a re-planting plan and GIS-based map for multiple sites in Fort Erie in the wake of the loss of
Ash tree canopy due to the Emerald Ash Borer

Ontario Parks, Niagara Region - Owl Research Technician: Student Project

January 2016 - PRESENT
- Develop the project design examining the habitat preferences and distribution of various owl species
in Short Hill Provincial Park, will produce a GIS-based map of findings

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-

Collecting data using camera traps, audio-recording devices, and on site surveys using broadcast
recordings of owl vocalizations

Friends of Malcolmson Park, St. Catharines - Amphibian Wetland Student Advisor

September 2015 - December 2015
- Conducted Ecological Land Classification surveys to determine eco-site and examined drainage
patterns over several site visits
- Made recommendations regarding how to maintain adequate water levels for amphibian habitat

University of Guelph, Belize, CA - Research Assistant

May 2013 - August 2013
- Collected adequate data to answer targeted research questions
- Conducted semi-structured interviews (in English and Spanish), focus groups and participant
observation as qualitative research methods

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Society for Ecological Restoration, Niagara-on-the-Lake - Vice President of Student
Chapter
Elected September 2015 - PRESENT
- Table ideas for society events, research, and programs
- Examples of SER endeavours undertaken: planning and facilitation of a Phragmites removal event
on-campus; organization of an environmental professional job fair

City of Toronto, Toronto - Community Stewardship Volunteer

May 2015 - July 2015
- Assist in weekly maintenance of the environmental health at the Evergreen Brickworks (e.g. water
quality monitoring, benthics sampling, invasive species removal, trail remediation)

Conservation Halton, Milton - Fish Habitat Restoration Volunteer

October 2015
- Volunteered with Conservation Halton to construct fish habitat structures that would provide shelter
for spawning fish in Kelso Quarry Park

CERTIFICATIONS
-

Wilderness First Responder (2018)

Ontario G-class License

National Lifeguard (2016)

Pleasure Craft Operating License

Emergency First Aid with AED (2018)

PADI Advanced Open Water Diving

Class 2: Electrofishing Backpack Crew Leader

Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network

References available upon request

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Mark VanderMaarel
1 Avon Court, St. Catharines, Ontario L2N 6M8
289-501-4407
mark.vandermaarel27@gmail.com
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Skills__________________________
-

Benthic Sampling
Ecological Land classification
Soil sampling and classification
Flora and Fauna ID
Microsoft word and Excel
Auto level and total station surveying

Education______________________
Graduate Certificate in Ecosystem Restoration| 2015 - Present
Niagara College, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario
- Gained experience with AutoCAD and ArcGIS
- Created a budget proposal for a local ecopark
- Monitored the temperature of a snake hibernacula over a year
Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Geography | 2011 - 2015
Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario
- Graduated with First Class Standing

Professional Experience
Project Member | September 2015 - Present
Yearlong Project, Niagara College, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario
- Assisted Fort Erie arborist in dealing with the emerald ash borer
- Mapped trees damaged by emerald ash borer in Fort Erie
- Created planting plan to replace trees that had to be removed
Volunteer | September 2015 - Present
Society for Ecological Restoration (SER), Niagara College Student Association, Niagara on the Lake,
Ontario
- Researched ways to remove Phragmites from the Niagara College campus
Field Crew Member | May to October 2014 & 2015
Entomogen Inc. St. Catharines, Ontario
- Received NSERC grant to work for this company
- Assisted with West Nile surveillance project

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-

Collected mosquito larvae samples from ponds along the highways of Southern and Central
Ontario
Made notes on the physical conditions of sampling sites

Other Experience________________
Grocery Clerk |November 2009 - Present
FreshCo, St. Catharines, Ontario
Volunteer | September 2012 - April 2015
UNICEF Brock, St. Catharines, Ontario
- Assisted with several fundraising events
Contributing Author | 2013
Brock Health student magazine, St. Catharines. Ontario
- Article published in November 2013 edition

Certifications___________________
-

Class 2 Leader for Backpack Electrofishing

Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network (OBBN)
First Aid and CPR C
Pleasure Craft Operator Card

References available upon request

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Krista Daley
331 Erinbrook Dr. Kitchener, ON.
N2E 3M1
T: (519)-577-8514
E: krista.daley331@gmail.com

Work/ Volunteer Experience

McDonalds Canada

June 2009-August 2015

Senior Crew Member-Customer service, assisting new employees, organization and maintenance,
working cash, kitchen and drive through
Wilfrid Laurier University

December 2014- April 2015

Volunteer Research Assistant for Graduate student in a Botany Lab

Niagara College
September 2015- Present
Participated in a bank-stabilization project at Beaver Creek, Fort Erie, by cutting and planting live stakes,
and building fascines to stabilize the bank.
Town of Fort Erie

September 2015- Present

Student forestry advisor for Town of Fort Erie. Provided replanting plan and mapped out the Ash locations using
ArcGIS.

Education
Niagara College
-

Graduate Diploma- Ecosystem Restoration

Wilfrid Laurier University

-

BA Biology

Certifications/Licenses
-

September 2015- Present

OBBN (Ontario Benthos Biomonitoring Network) Partner

Class 2 Electrofishing
CPR and First Aid
G licensed Driver

Skills
Technical:
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel
- Experience with AutoCAD, GIS, HEC HMS, and R

September 2011- June 2015

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Able to analyze aerial photography in an ecosystem context

Able to create geodetic data using an autolevel
Able to use geo-referenced data using total station measurements

Hydrogeological:
- Categorize and quantify components of a balanced hydrologic system in the context of dynamic
equilibrium
- Explain nature of precipitation events in a probabilistic manner
- Able to synthesize runoff expected in a watershed
- Recommend methods for re-establishing hydrologic and hydraulic balances in disturbed systems
- Determine stream function and fluvial geomorphology based on Rosgens approach and the
Newbury Approach
- Familiar with various methods used to calculate flow
Biological/ Chemical:
- Familiar with water quality testing protocols
- Comfortable identifying plants and animals of Ontario
- Experienced in conducting Ecological Land Classifications (ELCs)
- Able to classify soil types and horizons
- Able to perform basic field and lab analyses to determine the soil texture, chemistry and available
nutrients
- Able to choose appropriate site locations and parameters for the analysis of water, sediment and
benthos
Restoration:
- Plan appropriate propagation strategy for proposed restoration
- Design strategies for site management
- Familiar with principles and techniques for stream restoration and natural channel design
- Familiar with techniques to restore damaged ecosystems
Other:
- Strong oral and written communications skills
- Able to write project proposals and technical reports
- Present field safety protocols or HASP

References
Available upon request
ASH TREE AND EMERALD ASH BORER SURVEY SHEET
Date:

Site name:

Surveyor(s):

Polygon:

Abundance codes: R=Rare

O=Occasional

A=Abundant

D=Dominant

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Layers:

1=Canopy

Ash tree location

UTME

UTMN

2=Sub-canopy
Ash
Species

Signs of
EAB
(Y/N)

3= Understory
Layer of
tree
(1-4)

4=Ground Layer

Surrounding vegetation
Tree code followed by layer code
and abundance
Ex: FAGAMER:4:A