ONE Monitoring Program Framework

In September, 2006 the Niagara Escarpment Commission adopted a revised Framework for the ONE monitoring program. This current Framework builds on earlier attempts to design and implement a cumulative effects monitoring framework for the Plan area.

Forest Biodiversity Monitoring

Forest biodiversity monitoring plots have been established in relatively undisturbed areas along the Escarpment. Every summer, University of Waterloo students collect forest biodiversity data using a standard protocol developed by the Smithsonian Institute and endorsed by EMAN of Environment Canada. Ground cover diversity and forest regeneration are also monitored. Incidental sightings of rare species are noted and reported to the Ministry of Natural Resources' Natural Heritage Information Centre.

Forest Bird Productivity Monitoring

Wood Thrush productivity was monitored from 1997 to 2001 in different sized forests in the Halton Region of the Niagara Escarpment. The project was coordinated through a partnership between the Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment Canada and the ONE Monitoring Program.

Tree Health Monitoring

The Canadian Forest Service has developed a "Community Based Tree Health Monitoring Protocol". The ONE Monitoring Program adopted this protocol in 1999 to assess tree health in forest biodiversity monitoring plots along the Escarpment.

Flying Squirrels

The ONE Monitoring Program and the Ministry of Natural Resources (Aurora District) partnered to explore the distribution of northern and southern flying squirrels in the Halton and Peel Regions. Field work commenced in 2004. Southern Flying Squirrel has been identified as a species of "Special Concern" by COSEWIC and is ranked "Vulnerable" in Ontario. Conservation Authorites assisted MNR and ONE MP staff with data collection.

Jefferson Salamander

In 1991, Dr. Jim Bogart at the University of Guelph conducted a study to identify the location of Jefferson salamanders along the Escarpment. The species has been recently listed as Nationally Threatened by COSEWIC. In 2003, a study was initiated by the ONE MP to revisit these sites to examine the presence / absence of Jefferson salamander.

Habitat Enhancement and Rehabilitation

The ONE Monitoring Program is cooperating with conservation authorities, community groups, foundations, the private sector and volunteers to restore habitat along the Escarpment. Activities include restoring rare tallgrass prairie and oak savanna, stream rehabilitation and increasing forest interior habitat. Long-term monitoring at newly restored sites will play an important role in determining project success.

Metadata Database

Metadata (data about data) is being collected for monitoring activities that occur along the Escarpment. To date, 105 projects have been entered into a database, which translates into over 800 monitoring sites. It is intended that the information will be integrated into the ONE Monitoring Program. An examination of gaps in the collected metadata will help guide the future direction of the Program.

Ponds Study

A study was undertaken from 1995 to 1996 to examine the current and cumulative effects of ponds, water taking and diversions on water resources using case study areas on the Escarpment.

National Biosphere Reserve Projects

The ONE Monitoring Program team has participated in several National Biosphere Reserve Projects: (1) Landscape Change (2) Climate Change (3) Stream Rehabilitation and, (4) development of a Cooperation Plan. These projects strengthen the national network of biosphere reserves by providing an opportunity for biosphere reserves to work together to address common issues.

Recent Events

ONE Monitoring Program staff take an active role in a number of conferences and share information about the biosphere reserve and the ONE Monitoring Program through various community activities, meetings and conferences.

ONE Monitoring Program Staff

Contact program staff at the Niagara Escarpment Commission.

Get Involved in the ONE Monitoring Program

Find out how you or your organization can get involved in the ONE Monitoring Program. This page includes upcoming volunteer and employment opportunities with ONE.