Natural Heritage Evaluation Services

When is a Natural Heritage Evaluation required?

You may be asking yourself, why do I need a Natural Heritage Evaluation?

A municipality or other planning authority may request an NHE to support an application for development approvals. This represents an important planning tool used to determine whether development conforms with policies for environmental protection.

Natural Heritage Evaluation submissions are a standard requirement under several core provincial plans, including:

• Greenbelt Plan

• Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan

• Lake Simcoe Protection Plan

• Niagara Escarpment Plan.

In most cases, the need for an NHE is triggered by development being proposed near one or more natural features, such as woodlands, wetlands, watercourses, or habitat for Species at Risk. This will typically be identified early in the application process by the municipality or other agency. If the development envelope cannot be shifted to avoid the sensitive feature, the NHE may be necessary to proceed.

In many cases, a natural heritage study may be a simple matter of process. Other times, it may be a critical step in determining the feasibility of a project. Regardless, it is rare that this step can be skipped or waived.

That is where Aster Environmental comes in. We help our clients understand why the NHE is necessary. More importantly, we stick to the relevant details and use our expertise to keep the process simple.

NHE reports are completed following the standards of applicable municipal and provincial guidelines. Natural Heritage Evaluation requirements can vary by jurisdiction, but will generally include the following steps.

• Review of background information resources: an NHE report will review background databases to acquire information regarding natural heritage features on the surrounding landscape. This can include records of species at risk, or information about known sensitive features, such as wetlands or significant woodlands.

• Agency communications and coordination: an NHE may include consultation with one or more agencies, such as the local municipality or conservation authority. This is good practice to promote a streamlined review and approval process.

• Field surveys to document natural heritage conditions: a key aspect of any NHE is field data collection. An ecologist will conduct one or more field surveys to document existing site conditions and identify potential constraints to development.

• Mapping analysis of natural heritage features: an NHE report will incorporate detailed mapping of natural heritage constraint limits, such as the delineated boundaries of woodland and wetlands.

• Development impact analysis: the report will include a detailed review of how proposed development may impact identified natural features. This discussion will offer recommended measures for avoiding or mitigating impacts, such as setbacks, buffers, and construction best management practises.

• Review of conformity with environmental policies and regulations: in most cases, an NHE will include a discussion on how the proposed development conforms and complies with applicable planning policies and environmental regulations.

What does a Natural Heritage Evaluation include?

Other FAQs Regarding NHEs in Ontario:

Who completes a Natural Heritage Evaluation Report?

A typical NHE consultant is an ecologist or other qualified professional with expertise in ecosystem characterization and impact assessment.

What is the cost of a Natural Heritage Evaluation?

As with any professional service, the cost varies based on the complexity of the project. One of the most important factors influencing cost is the numbers of field surveys required to complete the study. We are open and transparent about our fees - give us a call to discuss!

How long does it take to complete an NHE?

An NHE may require multiple site surveys or, in some cases, can be completed based on a single survey. We prioritize the schedules of our clients, with turnaround times often measured in weeks, not months.

Does completion of an NHE guarantee approval of my application?

We strive to work collaboratively with clients and approval agencies to seek solutions. Our work receives consistent agency approvals in jurisdictions across Ontario.

We welcome any and all questions regarding the process of completing a Natural Heritage Evaluation. Send us an email or give us a call to speak directly with a qualified Ecologist!

What field surveys are required to inform an NHE?

An NHE almost always involves one or more field surveys, such as:

• Ecological land classification.

• Woodland and wetland delineation, potentially including a formal wetland evaluation.

• Watercourse and fish habitat assessment.

• Plant and tree inventories.

• Wildlife surveys (e.g., birds, frogs, bats).

• Species at Risk (SAR) surveys and SAR habitat assessment.