Amphibious
Tue, 04/28/2009 - 18:10 — editor
Requirements include
- access to both freshwater and riparian habitats.
- wide riparian reserve zones for the terrestrial portion of the lifecycle.
- abundant cover in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
Threats include:
- loss of habitat through drainage, infilling or land clearing.
- toxic chemicals, which are readily absorbed through amphibian skin and may affect food availability.
- loss of native riparian vegetation.
- changes in hydrology (water levels and flows) that dry out habitats or wash away egg masses.
- introduced predators including dogs, cats, bullfrogs and non-native fishes.
Strategies
Prevent toxic chemical releases
- Ensure the use of oil/grease separators, sediment traps, and/or treatment wetlands to treat runoff from paved areas before it enters habitats.
- Prevent dumping of toxic materials into storm or sanitary sewers through public education and a by-law.
- Ban insecticide and herbicide use for cosmetic purposes on private lands within jurisdiction (municipalities only).
- Keep high-risk industries away from sensitive habitats using zoning controls on land use and/or large setbacks from sensitive habitats.
Maintain adequate riparian reserve zones
- Restore native riparian vegetation and large woody debris on local government lands.
- Restrict tree cutting and land clearing in riparian areas using a by-law or development permit area restrictions.
- Establish adequate setbacks from habitats through a zoning by-law, development permit areas, and/or the land subdivision process.
- Require conservation covenants on riparian areas during the rezoning, subdivision, and development permitting processes
Prevent changes to habitat hydrology
- Limit impermeable area in new developments through a zoning by-law.
- Use density bonuses to encourage higher density, clustered development and reduce the development footprint.
- Require on-site infiltration of rainwater in new developments.
- Reduce water use through pricing and lawn watering restrictions.
- Reduce reliance on ecologically sensitive sources of municipal water.
- Restrict tree cutting on steep slopes.
Prevent introductions of non-native predators
- Enact animal control by-laws to prevent domestic pets from entering species at risk habitats.
- Educate the public on the threat posed to species at risk by non-native species.
Incorporate habitat enhancement into maintenance activities and capital projects
- Restore aquatic and riparian habitats on local government lands.
- Create or restore aquatic habitats during drainage maintenance works.
- Provide safe aquatic and terrestrial passage routes under roadways.
- Install signage or temporarily close roads at known crossing points during critical dispersal periods.
For more detailed information please consult: