age, erosion, topography and stoniness are observed and mapped. The present 

 use of the land is also recorded. 



These surveys vary in detail and to some degree in objectives, depending 

 on such factors as the area to be examined, the availability of staff and time. 

 Some watersheds have been surveyed on a reconnaissance scale with a very 

 generalized survey. Others have been surveyed in detail with intensive field 

 examination. 



Aerial photographs and topographic maps form the basis for recording the 

 field survey data. Such information as drainage conditions, erosion, degree of 

 slope, and the present use of the land, are mapped on aerial photographs. This 

 information forms the basis for maps of land conditions for a watershed, and 

 for compiling data on these conditions. 



One end result of most of the surveys is the "land use capability classifica- 

 tion" for the area surveyed. This system is based on the one originally developed 

 by the Soil Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture 

 and adapted to Ontario conditions by the Ontario Agricultural College. 



Because of different areas and problems, land use surveys have varied both 

 in detail and purpose. About one-third of the area of watersheds now within 

 the Conservation Authorities has been examined for land conditions and soil 

 problems. Some eleven per cent of this area has been examined in detail, and 

 the remainder on a reconnaissance basis. 



In some watersheds, detailed surveys have been carried out on the drainage 

 area of one tributary of the main watershed. Such surveys are called "little 

 valley" surveys. In addition, studies have been made of several areas which have 

 special uses. Thedford Marsh in the Ausable watershed, several of the marshes 

 in the South Nation watershed, and a part of Holland Marsh have been so ex- 

 amined. In 1960, a detailed study was made of the soil and water, forest, wild- 

 life and plant resources of a 2,000-acre Cavan bog area in the County of 

 Durham. 



In the conservation report concerning land, the Authority gets an assess- 

 ment of the physical problems of the land in its area, together with recommenda- 

 tions for better management of the soil and land resources. These reports are 

 of interest not only to the Authority members, but also to the staffs of other 

 Government departments and organizations as well. 



Forestry 



The forestry report provides information regarding the condition and ex- 

 tent of the original forest, the sequence of wood-using industries, forest products 

 and their yields, and conservation measures in progress on the watershed at the 

 time of the survey, together with recommendations for future forest conservation. 



To date, some 15,000 square miles of watersheds, organized into Conserva- 

 tion Authorities, have been surveyed. This is approximately half the area of 

 Southern Ontario, but includes as well, two Authorities in the Sudbury basin, one 

 at the Lakehead, and one in the Timmins area. During the survey, all the wood- 

 lots are classified as to their species, age, regeneration, forest condition and 

 stocking. Scrublands, or those areas producing no useful tree species, and 

 areas suitable for, and requiring reforestation, are also mapped. 



When all the survey data are summarized for each watershed, a detailed 

 program for forest improvement is drawn up for each Authority, designed to fit 

 that Authority's individual land problems. Where problem areas are too small 

 for large-scale forestry operation, methods of small woodlot improvement or 

 small-scale reforestation are recommended, so that the Authority can promote 



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