Combined Environmental Impact Statement & Tree Conservation Report, Headwaters Drainage Assessment, and Ontario Endangered Species Act Authorization (Impact Registration – Barn Swallows) for the 879 River Road Subdivision
Retained by Richcraft Homes Inc., Ottawa, Ontario, 2018-2021
Dr. McKinley completed a Combined Environmental Impact Statement and Tree Conservation Report to support the Draft Plan of Subdivision application for the 879 River Road Subdivision. The 879 River Road subdivision will include approximately 125 residential units. The study included completion of a tree inventory and vegetation community mapping, a breeding bird survey, and a survey for the potential presence of endangered Butternut Trees.
A Headwaters Drainage Assessment (HDA) was also required to support the decommissioning of several minor tributaries, which will be undertaken during the development of the Site. The HDA included an assessment of watercourse hydrological and physical functions, a fish survey, and a survey for breeding amphibians using the amphibian call count survey method. The HDA report included an assessment of potential development impacts, management recommendations, and mitigation measures.
During the breeding bird survey, threatened Barn Swallows were discovered nesting within the Site. Working on behalf of Richcraft Homes Inc., Dr. McKinley obtained an authorization under the Ontario Endangered Species Act to remove the Barn Swallow habitat. In order to fulfill the requirements of the Ontario Endangered Species Act, Dr. McKinley designed and coordinated implementation of a Barn Swallow habitat compensation program, which included construction of an artificial Barn Swallow nesting gazebo. Lastly, Dr. McKinley undertook the three (3) year monitoring program for the Barn Swallow habitat compensation project.
Artificial Barn Swallow Habitat Structure
Role: Senior Biologist