AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO THE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF URBAN WETLANDS: THE CASE OF BECHTEL PARK WETLAND, WATERLOO, ONTARIO

Abstract

The Bechtel Park Wetland in Waterloo, Ontario was examined in an attempt to provide an integrated approach to the planning and management of wetlands in urban environments. The Wetland is the result of urban development activity and is of recent origin. A chronology detailing the development stages of the Wetland over the previous thirty years is presented. Evaluation, functional assessment and public consultation processes were carried out to understand the Wetland’s ecological functions and establish its values. The results of the investigations raised four issues of concern: 1) urban runoff entering the Wetland is impairing water quality; 2) invasive plant species are threatening biodiversity; 3) beavers are cutting down trees and; 4) the lack of a delineated trail system is reducing the amenity value of the Wetland and leading to loss of vegetation. Options to address these concerns are discussed and the formation of a ’Friends of Bechtel Park’ volunteer group is suggested. The paper concludes with a recommendation that pro-active planning of urban wetlands is essential if the functions and values of these ecosystems are to be sustained.