Hi Guys

Referring from my last posting concerning the field description report, I am sending you what we (steven and myself) have been able to come up with.
Please (that is if you have time) add what ever you think is missing from it since we all went for this field trip.

Marty, if you would prefer a direct email to you with this attached let me know,
Have a good weekend and see you all on monday

Ps. some of us were able to add some more information onto the map (on water) during today's meeting, I think Wahida will be sending another email on it later....

R

FIELD DESCRIPTION

Description of Existing Conditions based on Field Trip:

Area A
The area, A, covers the area East of the Reserve, along the Grand River. The general landscape is a combination of undulating plains and partially hilly. Due to the numerous tributaries, streams and creeks in this area, the land was considerably wet and marshy. There were also several small ponds and lakes; particularly, along Victoria Mills (the Victoria Mills Reservoir), there was a large reservoir with a swift flowing waterfall-like catchment. As well, there were also a few small drumlins scattered along the plain.
With regards to the vegetation character, there was a substantial amount of soft wood forest vegetation spread all over this area; the woodlots were fairly dense in some areas and sparse in others. Generally, the vegetation in this area can be described as riparian, particularly along the Grand River. There were also grasses and shrubs along the roads and fields—the grasses looked like a sweet grass garden. There were a few blooming purple flowers dispersed along the roads. The hedgerows were mainly bushy and continuous along the edges of the woodlots and roads. Areas of thick and dense woodlots were very dark in colour, while the areas of human activity were lighter green in colour. There is no noticeable buffer zone is this particular area. In terms of wildlife, there was a flock of birds resembling turkey vultures, specifically along the Brand County and Haldimand Norfolk border.
The land use was mixed; there were agricultural lands that consisted of wheat and cattle farms. There was an industrial garbage facility located in this area. The residential houses found in this area were clustered with septic tanks. The homes were characterised by manicured lawns and were fairly new and in good condition. The settlements were mainly along the roads, and not in the woodland. Along some of these settlements; there were old cars that were waiting to be recycled.
Some significant and special land use features found in Area A include fairly large hay Barn, a gas and hydro pipeline, as well as a gas and fire station. There were also some bridges laid over streams, a school and a cemetery.
The roads found on this area were mainly paved and winding in nature, in addition to some minor gravel roads. The road found along the reservoir is exposed to the turbid water for from the reservoir.

Area B
Area B covers the western most part of the 6 Nations Reserve. Driving along, there were numerous schools and buildings that seemed to be abandoned. The built environment here is planned in partial North American fashion and thus not inline with how traditional Native culture would plan their own communities. The houses are set back from the main thoroughfare. The houses are primarily made of pre-fabricated aluminium siding. Very few houses were built of wood with an original type of design. Some houses are extremely small and shack like, while others are massive in comparison. These larger homes were set further back from roads and other houses—truly not in any sort of proportion. The homes were located in small, random clusters, with little or no pattern. Many houses appeared to be deserted, but there has been no sense of real closure, just run down and deserted. As well, many homes use septic tanks, some even share. Noticeably, there were many dug wells in this area. The area was very simple and quite, with quant craft shops as well as a few gas cars and smoke shops dotting the region. Furthermore, many of the businesses seemed to have closed down.Travelingng further into the reserve (heading east), many churches were present; however, they too appeared to be vacant.
As for the roadways, there was a mix of paved and dirt roads throughout the region. There were many bridges as well interrupting wetlands. Alongside the roadways existed garbage, such as beer bottles and cigarette paraphernalia. It was interesting to note that on many roads the posted speed limit was 40 km; however most of the vehicles that day were exceeding the limit.
In terms of the vegetation in this particular region, there was plenty of vegetation dispersed throughout. Trees surrounded lakes, creeks and other small bodies of water; there were plenty tree lots with bull rushed which lends to the adjacent wetlands. It was interesting to note that many of the more mature trees were located far away from the road. Farming land is prevalent when the paved road ends, (ending at Highway 6); closer to the highway there is more farming. However, in this area, farmland was scarce.

Area C
The current area C of Six Nations Reserve landscape is characterised by highly dense patches of vegetation made of tall trees, including old pines. The gentle sloping plains are also covered with meadow-like grasses and scrubs. Found along the Grand River, creeks and tributaries are dense and larger trees, scattered swamp and other riparian vegetation. There are a few agricultural lands located on fairly flat (an average of 210 m high) to rolling terrains which are covered with agricultural vegetation such as corn fields.
Most of the roads on the Six Nations reserve are lined with vegetation; some of the roads have very tall and dense vegetation and grasses. On the other hand, most of the roads on the Six Nations reserve have sparse and dispersed vegetation creating a broken canopy. Generally, the colour of the vegetation is light green and brown. However, the swamp vegetation and the vegetation along the Grand River and its creeks and tributaries are darker in colour. As well, there were red and wine coloured vegetation intertwined with white pine trees. The Grand River creeks and tributaries that runs and flows through this reserve include the Boston Creek, the Mackenzie Creek, Spring Creek, Moses Creek. Most of these creeks are slow to moderate flowing, thereby providing the viewer and observer a tranquil and serene atmosphere.
The scattered drumlins can be seen directly from the nearby roads, they are characterised by lighter coloured vegetation which are mainly grasses and low scrubs; with few patches of exposed soils which are light tan in colour. There were no visible rock outcrops or mounts besides the drumlins.
There were 3 main road types on the Six Nations Reserve. They include ()
The class B roads that lead to the actual reserve, for example the road that leads to Oshweken, have double lanes, tarred with bridges and surface drainage systems. Joining these class B roads are single-lane and tarred roads including the Onandaga Road, that have surface drainage systems and telecommunication and electrical lines on the left side of the road.
The last set of roads are narrower and graved with grasses lining the sides of the road instead of drainage systems, an example is the Eagle Lane that leads to the fenced (waste disposal) property.
There are several houses and homesteads located in area C of the Six Nations Reserve, many of which are dispersed across the landscape. Most of the houses are located along the different road types mentioned above; often there was a distance of about 30 to 50 meters between the road and the buildings. There were a few auto and scrap wrecker spots which are characterised by several old cars and rusted metals. Some of these homes looked deserted and old. There were also newer and larger houses with front gardens and back farms. There were a few commercial shops along the roads.

Some overall concluding thoughts:
Visiting the 6 Nations Reserve brought forth many conclusions. Firstly, there appeared to be a severe lack of community. The homes were scattered at random, many of which were old and rundown. Also, in all three regions visited, there were no reports of people. There were observations made of vegetation, infrastructure, housing and waterways, yet no mention of the 6 Nation people. This further emphasizes the fact that the reserve, based on a one day, observation standpoint had a very loose sense of community feel. In fact, had it not been for the significantly low gasoline prices, this reserve could have mimicked any rural, remote region of the Ontario.
Furthermore, the many structures that were present were in decline. Many roadways were not paved, signage was certainly lacking and housing was in poor standing. Water quality issues (i.e. well, septic tanks etc.) were also of concern.. Based one the site visit, it can collectively be concluded that many parts of the 6 Nations Reserve were on the decline and needed serious attention.

- posted by Renee @ 2:41 PM

 
Hi guys,

I too will not be there this morning. I am in Niagara. I mentioned to Ajm that there would be a chance I could not make it. Iam doing research for my rural planning course.
The digital data cd is in my FES mailbox for those of you who make it today.
I will be able to stay late on Monday to finish up map work.
Good luck,
NAncy
- posted by nancy @ 7:57 AM