ABSTRACT
Although pits and quarries have been established and operated in close proximity to wetlands throughout southern Ontario, the nature and extent of their impacts on wetland processes and functions are not well documented. A better understanding of these impacts on local hydrogeological processes and wetland functions and on the environmental gradients which define wetland boundaries is required to effectively implement Ministry of Natural Resources wetlands and aggregate resource management policies.
The Southern Region Science and Technology Transfer Unit of the Ministry of Natural Resources is currently assessing the range and scale of these impacts to: identify situations where significant impacts may occur; improve siting criteria and define buffer zones; identify operating practices which mitigate negative impacts; maintain local hydrogeological processes; and to develop rehabilitation strategies for the long-term protection and enhancement of adjacent wetlands. This effort is part of long-term monitoring and experimental management initiatives which will be aimed at improving our understanding of wetland gradients, boundaries, and buffer zones in relation to aggregate extraction.
