The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Sydenham Phosphorus Reduction Initiative (SPRI), aimed at reducing phosphorus loading in the Sydenham River and, ultimately, Lake Erie.
The Sydenham River Watershed is the third-largest Canadian contributor to phosphorus loads in Lake Erie, with pollution from widespread sources like agricultural and rural runoff accounting for approximately 89% of the total phosphorus released annually (Dagnew et al., 2019).
The Sydenham Phosphorus Reduction Initiative offers funding and educational opportunities to landowners interested in implementing or enhancing agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) on their properties.
With over 80% of the St. Clair Region watershed comprised of agricultural land, BMPs such as windbreaks, cover crops, and wetland restoration play a critical role in minimizing phosphorus losses to waterways. These practices can also help to reduce soil erosion, protect water quality, increase crop yields, and potentially decrease the need for fertilizer. Additionally, implementing BMPs improves habitat for aquatic wildlife, specifically our local Species at Risk.
“SPRI is a substantial investment in supporting the efforts of our local producers and rural landowners as they work to build soil resiliency for both the benefit of water quality and for sustainably supporting future crop yields,” shares Jessica Van Zwol, Healthy Watershed Coordinator at SCRCA, in a media release.
“I’m very excited that we have this opportunity to support our local agricultural community, many of whom have already adopted a number of BMPs in their farm management.”
Thanks to a historic investment of $7.85-million over four years from the Canada Water Agency, SPRI will address key environmental challenges affecting water quality in the Great Lakes, including phosphorus loading—a significant factor in the degradation of aquatic ecosystems.
“Nutrient loading is one of the most significant environmental challenges affecting Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem health,” explains Ken Phillips, General Manager at St. Clair Region Conservation Authority, in a media release.
“This excess of nutrients negatively affects communities and wildlife and alters the system’s natural balance. The funding provided by Canada Water Agency will help equip the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority and local communities with the tools and resources needed to restore balance within the watershed.”
Over the next four years, SCRCA staff will collaborate with landowners on a variety of eligible BMP projects. These include:
– Erosion control structures
– Tree planting and restoring natural cover.
– Cover Crops
– Reduced tillage and nutrient application equipment modifications or purchases
– And more
For a full list and eligibility guidelines, please visit their website: https://www.sydenhamriver.on.ca/stewardship/healthy-watersheds-program/spri/
To learn more and to apply for funding, contact Lisa McNeill, Agricultural Stewardship Technician (lmcneill@scrca.on.ca; (519) 245-3710 Ext. 125) or Jessica Van Zwol, Healthy Watershed Coordinator (jvanzwol@scrca.on.ca; (519) 245-3710 Ext. 241).
