Long Point Peninsula and Marshes (11319)
Canada, North America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2022
National site name: Long Point Peninsula and Marshes
Central coordinates: Latitude: 42.5900, Longitude: -80.2900
System: freshwater, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 172 to 206
Area of KBA (km2): 286.90424
Protected area coverage (%): 40.79
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Long Point site includes the Long Point Peninsula, Long Point Inner Bay and the Turkey Point and Big Creek marshes. Extending 32 km into Lake Erie, the Long Point Peninsula is the longest freshwater sandspit in the world. With an area of approximately 105,000 ha, it is constantly changing due to the continuous deposition and erosion of sediments through wind and wave erosion. The peninsula itself is a series of alternating ridges that are separated by ponds and swales. These wetlands and associated sand dunes are the best remaining example of this type of ecosystem in the Great Lakes basin. Protected from the prevailing south-westerly winds by the sandspit, extensive marshes have formed in its lee or northern side. The Inner Bay (approximately 28,000 ha) encompasses the open water from the Big Creek marshes in the west to an imaginary line drawn from Turkey Point to Pottahawk Point in the east. The northern and western shores are fringed by shallow marshes, with the extensive marshes of Turkey Point in the northeast corner and those of Long Point to the south and west. The moderating effect of Lake Erie, combined with the southern geographic location of Long Point, allows a number of plants and animals to survive here at the northern fringe of their North American range.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: Long Point Peninsula and Marshes was initially identified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. Recent analysis shows that this site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of global significance for 10 aggregating bird species (American Black Duck, Bonaparte's Gull, Canvasback, Common Grackle, Double-crested Cormorant, Lesser Scaup, Red-breasted Merganser, Redhead, and Tundra Swan). In addition to global significant bird species, this site also supports nationally significant populations of eight canadian threatened bird species (Acadian Flycatcher, Bank Swallow, Barn Owl, Chimney Swift, Eastern Meadowlark, Piping Plover, Prothonotary Warbler, and Red-headed Woodpecker) and seven aggregating bird species (Common Merganser, Cooper's Hawk, Greater Scaup, Little Gull, Long-tailed Duck, Ring-billed Gull, and Whimbrel).
Manageability of the site: Long Point Peninsula and Marshes intersects or contains four protected areas consisting of Turkey Point Provincial Park and Long Point Provincial Park managed by Ontario Parks; and Big Creek National Wildlife Area and Long Point National Wildlife Area man
Delineation rationale: The Long Point Peninsula and Marshes KBA includes the Long Point Peninsula, Long Point Inner Bay and the Turkey Point and Big Creek marshes. The Inner Bay encompasses the open water from the Big Creek marshes in the west to an imaginary line drawn from Turkey Point to Pottahawk Point in the east.
Habitats
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Savanna | 10 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 10 | |
| Forest | 10 | |
| Unknown | 10 | |
| Grassland | 10 |
Threats
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Ongoing | ||
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Ongoing |