OWES and ELC

Question 1

What does OWES stand for?

Answer 1

Ontario Wetland Evaluation System

Question 2

What does ELC stand for?

Answer 2

Ecological Land Classification

Question 3

What is the purpose of OWES?

Answer 3

• OWES us a procedure for identifying and evaluating provincially significant wetlands
• A standardized method of evaluating values so that wetlands may be ranked relative to one another
• evaluation is based on perceived value
• Characterizes wetland functions

Question 4

What is the OWES methodology

Answer 4

• only positive wetland values are considered
• ranks significance to one another
• an evaluation is primarily bio-physical inventory
• does NOT evaluate vulnerability to development or other pressures
• 2 manuals - Northern and Southern Ontario
• reflects differences in geomorphology, hydrology, relative rarity of wetlands, different wetland characteristics and values

Question 5

What is the OWES structure? 4 components and all their sub-components

Answer 5

1. Biological
   - productivity
   - biodiversity
   - size
2. Social
   - economically valuable products
   - recreational activities
   - landscape aesthetics
   - education and awareness
   - proximity to human settlement
   - ownership
   - size
   - aboriginal values ; cultural heritage
3. Hydrological
   - flood attenuation
   - water quality improvements
   - carbon sink
   - shoreline erosion control
   - ground water recharge
4. Special features
   - rarity
   - significant features
   - ecosystem age
   - Great Lakes coastal wetlands

Question 6

What is the purpose of ELC?

Answer 6

identifies natural heritage features/ systems in Ontario such as significant wildlife habitat, significant woodland, and Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI)