42 -- PORT PERRY STAR -- Wednesday, January 3, 1990 Recreational, scientific, social benefits Wetlands, most productive of all natural habitats Swamps, marshes, bogs, and fens are often the least understood of our natural habitats. These wetlands are commonly viewed as wastelands and not recognized for their natural value. They are drained, ditched, dredged or filled to turn the area into something "useful"' by commercial standards, such as parking lots, building developments or agricultural areas. Yet wetlands are the most pro- ductive of all natural habitats and provide economic, social and ecological benefits to the com- munity. They are vital for the ex- istence of many birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish and plants. They are also useful for recreation, scientific research and water control. At one time, it has been estimated, Ontario had almost 50 million hectares of wetlands of which over 2 million hectares were in southern Ontario. Today around 16 percent of southern On- tario's original wetlands remain and of these 40 percent are less than four hectares in size. Distur- bance from land clearing, drainage, or impoundment are endangering these remaining wetlands. The Lake Simcoe Region Con- servation Authority recognizes the immense benefits of wetlands as an integral part of watershed management. Wetlands help maintain water quality of rivers and streams. Through an active natural filtration system, sedi- ment loadings from runoff are settled out by the slow movement of water. Wetlands also reduce flooding by decreasing the veloci- ty of water acting as a storage area by holding rainfall during major storm events. Excessive nutrients of phosphates and other pollutants in the water can be essentially removed by the rapid and highly productive plant growth found in a cattail marsh. Removal of a wetland can lead to a phosphate discharge increase of 4 to 5 times and nitrate discharge up to 50 times greater than if the wetland was maintdined. Increased nutrient loading into a river or lake system leads to excessive algal and aquatic weed growth. The Lake Simcoe Region Con- servation Authority promotes conservation and maintenance of wetlands in the Lake Simcoe watershed. As a means of protec- tion from development and for floodplain management purposes, the Conservation Authority has acquired such areas as the Pot- tageville Swamp Conservation Area in the head waters of the Schomberg River and the Zephyr Creek Wetlands Conservation Area in the Town of Georgina. Under the Authority's Fill and Construction Regulations, before any alteration to a wetland in the Lake Simcoe watershed can be done, it is necessary to obtain a permit from the Conservation Authority. Creation of a dredged pond in a swamp may not seem to be significant but in fact serious- ly interferes with the natural con- trols of flows in a watershed. Since 1984, the Ministry of 'Natural Resources has been ac- - tively inventorying remaining wetlands on a provincial basis, placing each in one of seven classes. The classification in- cludes consideration of the hydrological, the biological and the social aspects of the area. Class 1 and class 2 wetlands are considered to be provincially significant. The remaining wetlands are termed regionally significant and comprise Classes 3 through 7. While these may not have the high degree of unique values or features of class 1 or 2 wetlands, they are still important within a local context. As an added incentive towards retaining wetlands in their natural state, the provincial government recently introduced the Ontario Conservation Land Tax. This includes a tax rebate up to 100 percent, retroactive for 1987 and 1988, of eligible conservation lands that include Class 1, 2 and 3 wetlands. Under this tax act, if a landowner later chooses to alter their use of the land, he must repay all rebates paid during the 10 years prior to the cessation of managing the land as conserva- tion land plus 10 percent interest a year calculated annually. All wetlands provide habitat for wildlife. Wetlands provide spawn- ing grounds for fish such as pike, muskies and largemouth bass. Wetlands provide nesting habitat for 70 percent of the waterfowl in North America and a stop over for migratory birds. Wetlands also boost tourism by providing for outdoor recreation such as birdwatching, canoeing and hunting. Before planning any alteration within a wetland, it is important to check with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the Ministry of Natural Resources. If you are interested in more information about wetlands, get involved. Local naturalist groups are a good source of information on local wetlands and organizations such as the Nature Conservancy of Canada are actively involved in raising funds for the preservation of wetlands across Canada. Denture Therapy Clinic "WILLIAM STEIL, D.T. Ajax, Old Ki Road West, Pickering aa Sete 683-4294 After Hours: 4:00 to 8:00 PM, call .............. 683-8801 Including Evenings and Saturdays. Editor's Quote Book Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is When every one is in the wrong, every one is in the right. in you. La Chaussee 1 Corinthians 6:19 Carbon Monoxide fourth winter driving hazard Most persons think of winter driving hazards as being limited to ice, snow and cold, but, cau- tions the Canadian Automobile Association, motorists can't af- ford to overlook the fourth hazard - carbon monoxide. This colourless, odorless, tasteless gas can become a sneaky killer in cold weather when windows are closed and the car heater is in use. The warning symptoms of carbon monoxide are: nausea, drowsiness, headache, delayed braking reac- tion, faulty coordination and poor vision. When these reactions are noted, car occupants should im- mediately get fresh air, either by opening windows or getting out- side in the open air. Carbon monoxide is produced by imperfectly burned motor fuel. An excess may be produced by faulty engine adjustment, but even a well-tuned engine may leak enough of the gas to be fatal. Chief danger points are faulty gaskets, defective exhaust systems and clogged exhaust pipes. To avoid being overcome by carbon monoxide, CAA Toronto suggests these precautions: -- Never run an engine in a clos- ed garage or other unventilated enclosure. -- Keep car vents or a window slightly open to assure sufficient air circulation. In stop-and-go traffic, keep forward intake vents closed as they may suck in ex- i E, il PRINCE ALBERT UNITED CHURCH Rev. D. Robert J. LePage, B.A. M. Div. Rev. Donald E. Tansley B.A. M. Div. Associate Minister SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 10:00 a.m. Port Perry Mornihg Worship Family Service 11:30 a.m. Prince Albert Morning Worship Family Service Nursery Care Always Available UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Rev. Lynn Belfry-Graham Scugog Island 9:45 a.m. Manchester 11:15 a.m. Worship & Sunday School BLACKSTOCK-NESTLETON UNITED CHURCH Rev. Dale Davis Blackstock - 10:00 a.m. North Nestleton - 11:15 a.m. Church School And Nursery During Worship GREENBANK PASTORAL CHARGE SERVICES Rev. David Shepherd, Minister 9:30 a.m. Seagrave 11:00 a.m. Greenbank 12:30 p.m. Pinedale EMMANUAL PENTECOSTAL CHURCH Regional Rd. 8 at Simcoe Port Perry, Ontario Rev. David Beesley, Pastor 985-4441 SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 9:45 a.m. - Christian Education 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship Message: No 16 - "Why Does Life Sometimes Hurt So Much?' (1 Pet. 4:12-16) Special Music: Switzer Singers 6:30 p.m. Praise Service Message: No 17 - 'Servant Leadership" (1 Pet. 5:1-5) Nursery Care & Children's Church Provided in Both Services Mon. 7-9:30 p.m. Women's Ministries "A Church Reaching Out in Love" BAPTIST CHURCH Hwy. 7A & Island Road East of Port Perry 985-8681 Pastor: Rev. David S. Daniels Worship Services Bible School 9:45 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Wednesday 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Adult Bible Study & Prayer Awana Boys & Girls Clubs Jr. & Sr. Youth Programs A Special Welcome To The Handicapped : HOPE CHURCH A Christian Reformed Fellowship 166 Simcoe Street South Prince Albert, Ontario Rev. Bart Van Eyk B.A., M. Div,, Pastor 985-9679 Song Service: 9:50 a.m. Worship Service 10:00 a.m. Coffee and Fellowship 11:15 a.m. Worship Service: 7:00 p.m. Sunday School & Nursery Provided Ladies Coffee Break & Children's Story Hour Thursdays 9:30 a.m. Nursery Provided Youth Groups . Boys 8-14; Wednesdays 7 p.m. Girls 8-14; Mondays 7 p.m. High School - Alternate Sundays 8:30 p.m. All Are Welcome! EMMANUEL FULL GOSPEL FELLOWSHIP Durham Road 23 and 7th Conc. Reverend Timothy Godfrey Pastor Church: 852-7054 Residence: 852-5871 SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 9:45 a.m. - Family Bible School 11:00 a.m. - Worship Services 6:00 p.m. - Praise Meeting Tuesday - 9:30 a.m. Ladies Fellowship Wednesday - 7:30 p.m. Prayer & Bible Study Saturday - 7:00 p.m. Youth Group haust fumes from other vehicles. Rear window of station wagons should be kept closed since mo- - tion will create a vacuum that can allow fumes to enter the passenger compartment. -- Shut off the engine when sitting in a parked car. -- Have the engine tuned regular- ly. This will not only give better performance, but also it will lower the production of carbon monoxide. -- Frequently have the exhaust system checked for leaks and stoppages, and replace any faul- ty part immediately. --. Don't allow the 'tailpipe to become plugged with snow or other foreign objects. THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN CANADA Rev. Stuart McEntyre, B.A., B.D. Office: 985-3881 -- Home: 985-3409 1ST SUNDAY in Epiphany JANUARY 17, 1990 ST. JOHN'S - PORT PERRY 9:55 a.m. Family Worship & Church School 'Mr. McEntyre's Topic: 'God Makes All Things New Nursery Care Provided BURNS PRESBYTERIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH ASHBURN 10:00 a.m. Church School 11:15 a.m. Family Worship Mr. McEntyre's Topic: "God Makes All Things New Sound Evangelical Biblical Theology ST. BERNADETTE"S CATHOLIC PARISH SUNDAY MASS 11:30 a.m. ' Nestleton Community Hall Nestleton Serving Cartwright Township Come On Home Father Tom Lynch 705-932-2712 COMMUNITY CHURCH CAESAREA Rev. Dr. W.H. Crawford This Sunday 11:00 a.m. Family Worship Come & Share We Welcome You To The Country Church Thurs. Study & Prayer at 8 p.m. This Tuesday, January 9th Sunshine Club 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. ANGLICAN CHURCH The Rev'd Charles E. Bull Incumbent St. John's Church St., Blackstock SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 9:30 2.m. Morning Prayer Church School & Nursery Church of the Ascension 274 North St., Port Perry SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 8:00 a.m. Said Eucharist 11:15 a.m. Holy Communion New Rite Church School BAHA'I FAITH For information about Baha'i meetings & activities please write P.O. Box 1153, Port Perry, Ontario, LOB INO or Call 985-9339" NESTLETON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. Sunday School Provided Everyone is Welcome!