Matchedash Bay

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Matchedash Bay is a Ramsar wetland in central Ontario, Canada. It is the "final inland extension of Severn Sound"[1], and is "situated at the interface between the St. Lawrence Lowlands and the Canadian Shield"[2]. It exhibits geologically unique features at the junction of the Canadian Shield and southern Ontario limestone. Wetland habitats in Matchedash Bay are varied, and include "swamps, fens, cattail marshes, beaver ponds".[3] Other features include "permanent freshwater lakes; upland hardwood forest, agricultural lands, native grass meadows and a unique, coniferous wetland forest".[3]

A great diversity of species are indigenous to Matchedash Bay, including over 550 species of vascular plants, 34 species of fish, 28 species of mammal and 17 species of reptiles and amphibian, and supports "one of the greatest diversities of herpeto fauna in Canada".[2] Of the 170 species of birds that nest or breed in Matchedash Bay, some are provincially rare.[3] It is also an important spring and autumn migratory staging area in the province.

Water levels in Matchedash Bay fluctuate constantly in tandem with Lake Huron and the nearby North River and Coldwater River.[2][1]

Ducks Unlimited has purchased small portions of the site, for example an 18-hectare purchase in 1996, "to ensure permanent protection" of the area.[4] However, Matchedash Bay is a popular recreational area with cottages and marinas. Urban growth in the surrounding areas is expected to negatively affect the site and its water quality.[3]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Natural Areas Report: MATCHEDASH BAY PROVINCIAL WILDLIFE AREA. Ministry of Natural Resources. Retrieved on 2007-08-03.
  2. ^ a b c Natural Areas Report: MATCHEDASH BAY. Ministry of Natural Resources. Retrieved on 2007-08-03.
  3. ^ a b c d The Annotated Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance - CANADA. Ramsar Convention Bureau. Retrieved on 2007-08-03.
  4. ^ Ducks Unlimited's Conservation Activities on Ramsar Wetlands from March 1996 to February 1997. Ducks Unlimited. Retrieved on 2007-08-03.