The MNR maintains the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES), to provide a consistent method of assessing wetland functions and their values to society. OWES enables the province to rank the relative value of wetlands for land use planning purposes.
Wetland evaluators taking note of plants growing within a bog
Photo: Anne Yagi
The ministry’s OWES manuals are technical guidance documents that use scientific criteria to quantify wetland values and allow comparisons among wetlands.
Ontario Wetland Evaluation System Southern Manual - 3rd Edition, Version 3.2 2013
- Southern OWES Manual PDF 13Mb
Ontario Wetland Evaluation System Northern Manual 1st Edition, Version 1.2 2013.
- Northern OWES Manual PDF 13Mb
MNR's OWES training course
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) routinely offers training courses in the use of the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES). This training is required for anyone conducting, reviewing and approving wetland evaluations, and recommended for recognition as an “expert witness” in municipal planning matters. Contact the Biodiversity Policy Section for more information.
Please note: You must complete an OWES course delivered or authorized by the MNR to become a qualified Ontario Wetland Evaluator.
The OWES training course includes both classroom and field sessions (photo: Jan McDonnell)
Where to go for more information about:
- the OWES and its use > Biodiversity Policy Section
- wetland & related policy > Biodiversity Policy Section
- specific evaluated wetlands > Contact your local MNR office
- MNR-recognized OWES evaluators > Contact your local MNR office.
Digital information related to wetlands is available to member organizations of the Ontario Geospatial Data Exchange (OGDE) through Land Information Ontario.
Soil samples help evaluators understand soil and moisture conditions in the wetland (photo: Ron Drabick)
