Demonstrating the ecological and economic benefits of habitat restoration and rural pollution reduction in the Canadian Areas of Concern

In 1987, the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement was signed between Canada and the United States of America. Forty-three Areas of Concerns (AOCs) or “pollution hotspots” were designated under this agreement. Seventeen of these are located in Canada or are shared with the USA. To date, the Canadian government has contributed in excess of $48,000,000 towards habitat protection /restoration and rural pollution reduction projects that address environmental concerns in these areas. Projects funded through the Government of Canada’s Great Lakes Sustainability Fund have resulted in the restoration of over 1,800 hectares of upland forest, 584 km of riparian habitat, 8 km of shoreline, 200 hectares of tallgrass prairie and 1,840 hectares of wetland. This work has also resulted in 180 septic systems and 172 manure storage facilities being replaced or upgraded, protection of 4,760 hectares of wetland, and the mitigation of 27 fish barriers. However, the question must be asked whether these projects have simply increased the quantity of wildlife habitat or have they also resulted in an increase in the quality of habitat. It must also be examined whether this work has resulted in changes in the socio-economic conditions of the local communities. This presentation will examine nine Canadian AOCs and the targeted restoration work that has been accomplished within them.  Results to date show measurable benefits to both wildlife and local communities.  Habitat quality (as indicated by metrics such as water quality, plant diversity, and species richness) has improved and economic benefits (such as increased property values) have been identified.