Clear Creek Forest Provincial Park Management Plan (2012)

Approval statement

I am pleased to approve the Clear Creek Forest Park Management Plan as the official policy for the management and development of this park. The plan reflects the intent of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Parks to protect the natural and cultural features of Clear Creek Forest and to maintain and develop opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation experiences and heritage appreciation for the residents of Ontario and visitors to the province.

This document outlines an implementation strategy for the plan’s elements and summarizes the Aboriginal and public involvement that occurred as part of the planning process. Consultation occurred at the terms of reference and preliminary park management plan stages. Consultation activities included direct notices, newspaper advertisements, open houses, the Ontario Parks’ website and postings on the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993 registry.

The plan for Clear Creek Forest will be used to guide the management of the park over the next twenty years. During that time, the management plan may be reviewed to address changing issues or conditions, and may be amended as the need arises. This plan will be examined in accordance with the provisions of the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006.

I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all those who participated in the planning process.
Yours truly,
Michael Gravelle
Minister of Natural Resources

1.0 Context

1.1 Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act

The Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 is the legislation that guides the planning and management of the protected areas system. The act has two specific principles that guide all aspects of planning and management of Ontario’s system of provincial parks and conservation reserves:

• Maintenance of ecological integrity shall be the first priority and the restoration of ecological integrity shall be considered
• Opportunities for consultation shall be provided

1.2 Statement of Environmental Values and the Environmental Bill of Rights

The Ministry of Natural Resources’ (MNR) Statement of Environmental Values (SEV) under the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993 (EBR) describes how the purposes of the EBR are to be considered whenever decisions are made in the Ministry that might significantly affect the environment. This includes decisions made as a result of preparing management direction for a protected area. The Ministry’s SEV has been considered throughout the planning process. The management direction for Clear Creek Forest will further the objectives of managing Ontario’s resources on an environmentally sustainable basis.

1.3 Aboriginal peoples

Local Aboriginal communities include both the Caldwell First Nation and Bkejwanong Territory (Walpole Island). These communities were invited to engage in the park management planning process for Clear Creek Forest.

1.4 Planning context

This park management plan has been prepared consistent with direction contained in Our Sustainable Future: A Renewed Call to Action (2011), in Renewing Our Commitment to Protecting What Sustains Us: Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy, 2011 and in Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies (1992 update). Additionally, Clear Creek Forest will be managed to protect any species at risk and their habitat in a manner consistent with the Endangered Species Act, 2007. All activities undertaken in Clear Creek Forest must comply with A Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves (2005), where applicable.

1.5 Aboriginal and public and stakeholder involvement

1.5.1 Summary and results of Aboriginal involvement

Aboriginal involvement opportunities for the Clear Creek Forest park management planning process consisted of the direct mailing of notices to local Aboriginal communities inviting them to inspect and comment on the project terms of reference and relevant background information for Clear Creek Forest and to attend a public open house, held on October 15, 2004. The notice and terms of reference were distributed in advance of initiating the formal public consultation process. Additional correspondence was subsequently sent to the Chiefs of the Bkejwanong Territory (Walpole Island) and the Caldwell First Nation to provide an update on the status of the planning process and to reiterate that Ontario Parks is prepared to speak directly with their communities on this planning project.

Ontario Parks staff met with representatives of Bkejwanong Territory (Walpole Island) on May 21, 2009 to discuss the planning, long-term management and the proposed boundary of Clear Creek Forest. As a result of that discussion, Ontario Parks has withdrawn the option of a regulated boundary that extends into the lakebed of Lake Erie in order to avoid interfering with the First Nation’s Aboriginal title claim.

At their request, all public comments received during the park management planning process were provided to Bkejwanong Territory (Walpole Island) for their review. Ontario Parks will continue its dialogue with Aboriginal communities in the ongoing planning and management of Clear Creek Forest.

1.5.2 Summary and results of public and stakeholder involvement

Public involvement was a very important part of the park management planning process. The four phases of the process consisted of:

• Phase 1 — Terms of reference
• Phase 2 — Background information
• Phase 3 — Preliminary park management plan
• Phase 4 — Approved park management plan

Phase 1 consisted of a 45-day public opportunity to inspect the approved Terms of Reference for the park management planning process in the spring of 2004. An initial invitation to participate was mailed out to 87 local residents and stakeholders announcing the upcoming involvement opportunity and planning process and a notice was posted on site at the park. A policy proposal notice was also posted on the Environmental Registry.

Phase 2 focused on providing an opportunity for interested groups and individuals to review relevant background information. To initiate the 45-day review period, a notice was mailed to 104 local residents and stakeholders in September 2004. An open house was held at the community library in Highgate on October 15, 2004. Approximately 12 interested persons attended to speak with representatives of Ontario Parks and The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). An updated policy proposal notice was posted on the Environmental Registry.

Phase 3 included the preparation, approval and publication of the Clear Creek Forest Preliminary Park Management Plan. To initiate the 45-day review period, notices highlighting the availability of the document were distributed directly to 136 stakeholders, adjacent property owners and other interested individuals. A paid advertisement was placed in local and regional newspapers to invite written comments and an updated policy proposal notice was posted on the Environmental Registry. A public open house was held at the Highgate Community Hall on March 5, 2011. Twenty interested persons attended to speak with representatives of Ontario Parks. Comments on the Clear Creek Forest Preliminary Park Management Plan were invited until March 28, 2011. Ontario Parks received nine written submissions. Of these, the most common response was associated with permitted uses within a nature reserve class provincial park.

All comments received were fully considered in the preparation of the final park management plan. No substantive changes were made to the plan from the preliminary management plan stage, however factual information relating to the park and adjacent land uses was updated.

In Phase 4, a policy decision notice associated with the approved park management plan was posted on the Environmental Registry. A notice highlighting the release of the approved Clear Creek Forest Park Management Plan was distributed directly to 136 stakeholders, adjacent property owners and other interested individuals, as well as being posted onsite, in August 2012.

A Crown land use amendment was coordinated with the park management planning process, to establish Clear Creek Forest as a nature reserve class provincial park.

2.0 Introduction

As part of the Ontario Parks Legacy 2000 partnership, Ontario Parks and NCC worked together to secure significant natural areas for new provincial protected areas. Clear Creek Forest is one of several properties being protected under this partnership through considerable local community-based effort.

To achieve the goal of acquiring and securing new areas, Ontario Parks Legacy 2000 developed new innovative arrangements for area protection and management. In the case of Clear Creek Forest, title to the acquired parcels is held by either the NCC or the Province of Ontario (as represented by the MNR). Ontario Parks is responsible for regulating, planning, managing and protecting the site as a nature reserve class provincial park under a long-term lease agreement endorsed in 2001.

Other nearby provincial protected areas include Rondeau Provincial Park and John E. Pearce Provincial Park, near the communities of Morpeth and Wallacetown, respectively (see Figure 1). The significant life, earth and cultural heritage resources of Clear Creek Forest make an important contribution to the Ontario provincial parks system. The protection of the site’s significant natural and cultural heritage features is a high priority.

Figure 1: Regional Setting

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The 393 hectares of acquired lands associated with Clear Creek Forest are situated in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Geographic Township of Orford, at Clearville, approximately four kilometres west of the Elgin County municipal boundary. The various parcels associated with the site are located both north and south of Talbot Trail (Chatham-Kent Road 3) and north of Cochrane Line (see Figure 2).

Clear Creek Forest will be a non-operating provincial park and is one of the largest protected areas in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, second only to Rondeau Provincial Park. The site is particularly significant for the large tracts of Carolinian forest and associated species that are found there. The majority of lands comprising Clear Creek Forest are situated within the provincially significant Kent-Elgin Shoreline Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). ANSIs are designated by the MNR and contain natural landscapes or features which have been identified as having values related to protection, natural heritage appreciation, scientific study or education.

Existing development consists of:

• an old pump house and associated well formerly used for watering livestock located just south of Talbot Trail
• a stone foundation and two abandoned water wells associated with a former farm house located south of Cochrane Line
• an abandoned oil and gas well situated south of Talbot Trail. Petroleum Operations Section, MNR, records indicate the well was plugged (sealed) in 1939
• an abandoned gravel pit located immediately north of Cochrane Line

Adjacent land uses include: agriculture; rural residential; Clearville Cemetery; aggregate extraction (Orford Sand and Gravel); wind power generation; Scouts Canada Camp Cataraqui; and a municipal campground, picnic area, beach and boat launch (Clearview Park).

The approved plan will guide the management, operation and development of Clear Creek Forest over the next 20 years. The plan may be reviewed or amended as the need arises. At the ten year interval, this plan will be examined for the need for a re-write or amendment. Section 13.0 describes the process for examination and amendment of the plan.

3.0 Summary of significant management concerns

Concerns have been raised related to non-permitted activity occurrences including sport hunting, off-road vehicle use and horseback riding, firewood collection and dumping. Alien and invasive species (e.g. garlic mustard) have been identified in the park. On-going management, education and enforcement will be implemented to address these issues.

4.0 Classification

All provincial parks in Ontario are designated as one of six classes: wilderness, nature reserve, cultural heritage, natural environment, waterway or recreational. The MNR intends to regulate Clear Creek Forest under Ontario’s Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 as a provincial park (nature reserve class).

The Clear Creek Forest properties were acquired by the NCC under the Ontario Parks Legacy 2000 partnership with the intent of establishing a nature reserve class provincial park. During fundraising efforts, site tours and a dedication ceremony, the NCC has consistently promoted Clear Creek Forest as a nature reserve.

5.0 Goal

Clear Creek Forest will be managed for the people of Ontario as a nature reserve class provincial park, protected from the impacts of human activity, now and in the future. The park is governed by Ontario’s Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006, Protected Areas Management policies and Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies (1992).

6.0 Objectives

Ontario’s protected areas system has four objectives for establishing and managing provincial parks, as stated in the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006:

• to permanently protect representative ecosystems, biodiversity and provincially significant elements of Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage and to manage these areas to ensure that ecological integrity is maintained
• to provide opportunities for ecologically sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities and encourage associated economic benefits
• to provide opportunities for residents of Ontario and visitors to increase their knowledge and appreciation of Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage
• to facilitate scientific research and to provide points of reference to support monitoring of ecological change on the broader landscape

As a provincial park (nature reserve class), Clear Creek Forest will contribute to these objectives in the following ways.

6.1 Protection

Protection will be achieved through appropriate zoning, control of land use and activities, education, and monitoring of ecological impacts. Appropriate mitigation of potential impacts will ensure continued protection of significant features.

Ontario’s protected areas play an important role in representing and conserving the diversity of Ontario’s natural features and ecosystems, across the broader landscape. Protected areas include representative examples of life and earth science features, and cultural heritage features within ecologically or geologically defined regions. Ontario’s ecological classification system provides the basis for the life science feature assessment, and the geological themes provide the basis for earth science assessment.

6.1.1 Life science

Clear Creek Forest lies within Ecodistricts 7E-1 and 7E-2 (an ecological classification based on bedrock, climate and landform) and the Carolinian Life Zone^{footnote 1[1]}. It is within this zone that the highest frequencies of species at risk are found in Canada. Clear Creek Forest is comprised of primary hardwood forest communities, secondary upland forests, hawthorn savanna and cropped fields. The site is the largest woodland in the provincially significant Kent-Elgin Shoreline Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI).

The ANSI contains examples of 18 plant species considered to be of Carolinian affinity. This closed-canopy deciduous forest contains typical species such as red oak, sugar maple and American beech. Twenty-four rare vascular plants have been recorded, including the tall ironweed, which is a species of the midwestern prairies.

There are also noteworthy examples of fauna found in Clear Creek Forest. Ten mammals have been recorded and include the southern flying squirrel. The provincially rare giant swallowtail, along with 15 other butterfly species, has been documented. Ten herptiles have also been recorded on this site, one of which has been designated protected under the Endangered Species Act, 2007.

Clear Creek Forest also protects a large portion of Clear Creek, and its associated riparian and flood plain habitats, all of which contribute to the site’s biodiversity. There is the potential that additional species at risk may inhabit the creek itself including fishes, molluscs and other invertebrates. Clear Creek also acts as an important ecological linkage between Lake Erie and core natural areas within Ecodistricts 7E-1 and 7E-2.

Approximately 70 bird species have been noted in the ANSI, including significant species such as the red-headed woodpecker, loggerhead shrike and Acadian flycatcher. Over 20 bird species of concern, as identified by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, have been recorded at the site. Clear Creek Forest has been designated as an internationally significant Important Bird Area due to the endangered species habitat it provides.

6.1.2 Earth science

6.1.2.1 Bedrock geology

The bedrock surface occurs beneath glacial deposits at a depth of up to 18 metres, and no outcrops are exposed within Clear Creek Forest. The underlying bedrock consists of the Middle Devonian Hamilton Group near its contact with the Upper Devonian Kettle Point Formation which lies immediately to the west. The Hamilton Group consists of inter-bedded limestones and shales. The Kettle Point Formation is a black shale.

6.1.2.2 Surficial geology

Drainage is to the southeast into Lake Erie. The surface expression of the nature reserve is slightly undulating with a total relief of 22 metres from the upland surface in the north to the level of Lake Erie. This relatively featureless plain is punctuated by small drainage valleys. These were cut into the plain during early postglacial erosion following the drainage of glacial ice-contact lakes from the region. Modern enlargement of these drainage ways by runoff and lake action resulted in the landscape we see today.

Clear Creek Forest lies on the south-central part of the Bothwell Sand Plain, a plain dominated by thin Glacial Lake Warren glaciolacustrine (deposited in glacial lakes) sands overlying glaciolacustrine clays, overlying thick deposits of till. This sand plain is generally level, except where dissected by gullies and streams. These gullies are evident along the shore of Lake Erie within the nature reserve.

The upland area of Clear Creek Forest is part of a large area of clayey silt till dissected by Clear Creek. The creek has cut a prominent valley through the glaciolacustrine sands, clays and tills, reworking the material into modern alluvial deposits of silt and sand. The plain lies between the present shoreline of Lake Erie and a complex of raised shorelines which include representation of glacial Lakes Warren, Arkona and Whittlesey, immediately to the north and northwest of the nature reserve.

A small area of glaciofluvial outwash deposits (sand, minor gravel) is evident in the extreme northeast corner of the nature reserve (immediately south of Cochrane Line). Another small area, consisting of aeolian (wind-blown) fine sands, are found in the extreme northwest corner of the park in the vicinity of an operating sand and gravel pit (at the junction of Cochrane Line and Duart Road). The aeolian fine sands are a thin (less than 1 metre) veneer, derived from the sandy outwash deltaic materials associated with Glacial Lake Algonquin. The geological features are considered to be locally significant.

6.1.3 Cultural heritage resources

There is evidence of early occupation by native peoples at Clear Creek Forest (Clearville Prehistoric Village Site). In 1939, a preliminary archaeological survey (Jury 1941) highlighted that the area of Clearville experienced three separate native occupations, all Late Woodland, prior to European settlement. In 1993, an archaeological site was discovered by Michael W. Spence in an area now within the boundary of Clear Creek Forest. Dating of the artefacts indicates a period of occupation between 900 and 1500 A.D. The site was likely chosen for its close access to water, and its high location, which was easily defensible.

Colonel Talbot is considered to be the person who colonized the area with European settlers. The naming of Talbot Trail, which bisects the property, signifies this. The Talbot Trail was completed in the 1820s and extended approximately 500 kilometres from Amherstburg (Fort Malden) to Fort Erie. This route eventually was renamed Highway 3 and was key in settling southwestern Ontario (Elgin Connects 2006).

The cemetery containing the gravesites of the founders and residents of the former hamlet of Clearville abuts the nature reserve.

Until 1965, approximately 80 hectares of upland forest, comprising the northern portion of Clear Creek Forest, was lightly harvested for timber. Concurrent use of the forest, terminating around the same time as logging, included the grazing of cattle. Historical land use has also included field cropping.

6.2 Heritage knowledge and appreciation

Individual and group exploration and appreciation will be encouraged, where compatible with (and complementary to) protection of life and earth science features. The self-guided interpretive trail will facilitate exploration and appreciation of the nature reserve.

6.3 Research and monitoring

Scientific research, inventories and monitoring may be conducted as necessary, subject to approvals listed in Section 9.10, to provide information to support planning and management decisions intended to ensure the ecological sustainability of the park.

7.0 Boundary

Ontario Parks is committed to an ecosystem approach to park planning and management. The Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 which governs activities within provincial parks, pertains only to lands and waters within park boundaries. An ecosystem approach allows park management to consider the relationship between the park and the surrounding environment. Park managers may consider potential impacts on park values and features from activities occurring on adjacent lands, and potential impacts from park activities on land uses in adjacent areas. Ontario Parks will encourage efforts of adjacent landowners to protect significant natural and cultural features outside park boundaries.

Park management plan policies apply only to the area within the regulated boundary of the park. Within the park boundary, the protection of park values and features will be achieved through appropriate zoning, control of land use and activities, education, and monitoring of ecological impacts.

Ontario Parks will support in principle the acquisition of property for the purposes of addition to the park, if acquisition will enhance the values of the park. If any lands within, nearby or adjacent to the park become available for acquisition, they will be evaluated with regard to their contribution to park objectives, willing seller/willing buyer and other factors including available funding.

The provincial park boundary is shown in Figure 2. The acquired land base for Clear Creek Forest currently totals 393 hectares (parcels A, B, C, and D).

Figure 2: Zoning and proposed development

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Title to the original land acquisition (see Figure 2, parcel A) was retained by the NCC. Title to subsequent land acquisitions were registered to either the Province of Ontario (as represented by the MNR), (parcel B) or the NCC (parcels C and D). A long term lease agreement with the NCC grants tenure, which enables Ontario Parks to regulate the properties as part of the nature reserve.

The Clearville Cemetery was acquired by the NCC, however, that property and an access lane will be excluded from the nature reserve (see Figure 2).

Two expired oil and gas leases associated with part of Lot 60, Concession South of Talbot Road (STR) have been surrendered.

8.0 Zoning

Lands and waters contained within Clear Creek Forest are zoned in accordance with their natural and cultural heritage values along with their sensitivity to development. The two zoning categories designated for Clear Creek Forest (nature reserve zone and access zone) are based on the Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies (1992). The zones differentiate the sensitivity of natural and cultural values, and the permissible development, recreational uses and management practices within the park (see Figure 2).

8.1 Nature reserve zone

Nature reserve zones protect the provincially significant earth and life science features within a park, and may include a protective buffer area in which a minimum of development is permitted.

The 393 hectare nature reserve zone protects the provincially significant life science features within the park and includes former farm fields that have been, or will be, restored to natural conditions.

Development will be restricted to self-guided interpretive walking trails and interpretive panels.

8.2 Access zone

Access zones serve as staging areas, a means of both providing and regulating use in areas of a park for extensive recreation. Generally development is limited to roads and visitor control structures. Provisions may be made for limited orientation, interpretive or educational facilities, though generally more for self-use rather than through structured personal service. Limited facilities for research and park management may also be present. This could include facilities for equipment storage and/or a vault toilet.

The 0.5 hectare access zone described in Section 11.1 will include the development of a small parking area to provide access to the walking trails.

9.0 Resource management policies

Clear Creek Forest will be managed in accordance with the policies set out in the Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies (1992).

The following policies will guide the management of park resources consistent with the Endangered Species Act, 2007, the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 and with the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act. All resource management projects will be undertaken consistent with A Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves (2005).

An adaptive management approach will be applied to resource management activities within Clear Creek Forest. Adaptive management allows for frequent modification of management strategies in response to monitoring and analyzing the results of past actions to improve resource stewardship.

9.1 Alien and invasive species

Alien species are plants, animals, and micro-organisms that have been accidentally or deliberately introduced by human activity into habitats outside their normal range. Invasive species are those harmful alien species whose introduction or spread threatens the environment, the economy and/or society, including human health. Alien species may originate from other continents, adjacent countries or from other ecosystems within Ontario or Canada. Free from predation and competition that would normally limit their distribution and abundance in their natural habitats, many of these species reproduce quickly. Alien invasive species may negatively affect native species and/or habitats, as well as agricultural crops, causing significant ecological and economic damage. Alien species will not be deliberately introduced into the park.

Where invasive species threaten natural or cultural values, a control program may be undertaken if feasible and practical. Prescribed burns may be used to encourage native flora to establish or expand in the meadow habitat and discourage alien species from expanding their range.

9.2 Landform and water

Shoreline erosion is a natural process occurring along the Lake Erie shoreline. No shoreline hardening will be undertaken as this is likely only to shift the problem further along the shoreline.

Gully erosion will be reduced through vegetative restoration of former agricultural fields.

The former gravel pit north of Cochrane Line will be rehabilitated to a regionally appropriate natural community (e.g. meadow or hardwood forest).

Means of improving and restoring more natural stream flow to Clear Creek will be investigated.

9.3 Species at risk

Species at risk will be protected consistent with the Endangered Species Act, 2007 and regulations.

Recovery strategies and implementation plans may be prepared in the future by a recovery team for species found in the park. Actions identified in any corresponding government response statements may be implemented in accordance with MNR policies.

9.4 Extirpated and existing native species

Extirpated native species may be reintroduced, and existing populations replenished, if biologically feasible and acceptable, and desirable for perpetuating park values. Existing stands may also be replenished where necessary to rehabilitate disturbed areas expected to sustain continuing heavy use (such as trails). Planting will use seed stocks native to the park, or local seed zone, wherever possible.

9.5 Vegetation

No commercial harvesting of timber will be permitted. Except where there is threat to public safety, dead trees will be left standing to serve as important habitat for resident cavity nesting birds and mammals. Dead tree falls and tip-ups will also be left in place to serve as important sites for mosses and fungi, germination areas for tree species requiring rotting wood as a rooting medium, and moist shelters for small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and a variety of insects.

Private agricultural use of the nature reserve will not be permitted. At the time of the land purchases by the NCC, there were several large fields still in crop production. Starting in 2001, most of these agriculture lands were retired and naturalized using pit and mound^{footnote 2[2]} techniques and tree planting. Although many of the original forests on the property had been historically cleared, there were two examples of mature forest which were used as models in the restoration efforts. The balance of acquired agricultural fields in the nature reserve will also be restored to complement the adjacent forest cover, using techniques such as pit and mound and tree planting.

Unauthorized use of the property by motorized vehicles (primarily all-terrain vehicles) has resulted in erosion and vegetation trampling. Use of these vehicles can also contribute to the introduction of invasive plant species such as garlic mustard.

Vegetation management targets will include, but are not limited to:

• protective and restorative management for species at risk and their habitats
• perpetuating an old growth Carolinian forest
• increasing the amount of interior forest through restoration of open fields
• control of invasive flora, insects and herbivores
• the protection of plant communities from adverse impacts such as trampling
• maintaining some areas of open meadow to benefit significant species that utilize that habitat

Prescribed burning, pit and mound mechanized excavation, limited application of herbicides, and/or other appropriate techniques may be utilized in future to restore and maintain natural values for which the nature reserve was established to protect.

9.5.1 Vegetative insect & disease control (native)

The occurrence of insects and diseases native to the forest region in which the nature reserve is situated is recognized as an integral component of the ecology of the nature reserve. Native insect infestations and diseases will normally be allowed to progress naturally. If such outbreaks threaten values for which the nature reserve was established to protect, they may be controlled where feasible, using biological controls whenever possible.

9.5.2 Vegetative insect & disease control (alien)

Insects and diseases not native to the nature reserve’s forest region will be controlled where feasible. When control is undertaken, it will be directed as narrowly as possible to the specific insect or disease, so as to have minimal effects on the balance of the nature reserve’s environment. Biological controls will be used whenever possible.

9.6 Forest fire management

The Forest Fire Management Strategy for Ontario (2004) provides strategic direction for the management of wildfire across Ontario. Clear Creek Forest is in the Southern Ontario Fire Management Zone according to this provincial strategy. The Municipality of Chatham-Kent Emergency Services is responsible for fire protection and response in the park. Ontario Parks will pursue an agreement with the municipality for managing forest fires that occur within the park in accordance with MNR policy on Fire Management South of the Fire Regions (FM:2.04).

The use of light on the land suppression techniques to reduce the impacts of fire response on park values will be negotiated with the responsible municipality.

Fire response within Clear Creek Forest will focus on preventing personal injury, value loss and social disruption. Fires that pose a threat to public health and safety, property and infrastructure, or other values are a priority for suppression. Prescribed burning to maintain old field and forb prairie^{footnote 3[3]} and significant relic prairie species may be considered. Plans for any prescribed burning will be developed in accordance with MNR policy.

9.7 Fish and wildlife

Hunting and commercial trapping will not be permitted in Clear Creek Forest. Animal (e.g. white-tailed deer, turkey and raccoon) populations may be controlled when essential to human health and safety, the health of the species outside the park, or the values for which the park has been established. The reduction of overabundant populations, such as white-tailed deer, may be undertaken if population numbers exceed the park’s carrying capacity. Ontario Parks will manage deer numbers in the park at a level that represents the best scientific judgement as to what the habitat can sustainably support. If required, the population will be reduced as quickly as possible to within carrying capacity, and then maintained as required to keep population numbers stable. Wildlife population reduction will be undertaken directly by Ontario Parks, or through partnerships under the supervision of Ontario Parks. Where control is necessary, techniques will be used having minimal effects on the components of the park’s environment.

Recreational fishing is subject to provincial and federal regulations (e.g. the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 as set out in the Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary).

The stone foundation associated with a former farm house will be retained as a potential snake hibernaculum (overwintering site). The adjacent abandoned dug water wells will be filled in an appropriate manner to serve as potential snake hibernacula.

9.8 Cultural heritage resources

Decisions affecting cultural heritage resources shall be based on appropriate studies and research (including analysis of physical, documentary and oral evidence), aimed at understanding the resource’s cultural heritage value, including its level of significance (e.g. local, provincial, etc.), the impact of proposed activities on its cultural heritage value and attributes, and measures to mitigate these impacts.

Cultural heritage resources that may be impacted by any park projects and activities shall be identified and managed as per the Standards and Guidelines for Conservation of Provincial Heritage Properties (2010) developed under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Care will be taken to ensure that any site restoration projects do not adversely impact the archaeological site in the nature reserve. All areas of archaeological potential that may be impacted by any activities associated with site restoration, park construction, operation, maintenance or site restoration shall undergo archaeological assessment. Impacts may include any form of soil disturbance or alteration.

Further pit and mound vegetation restoration should strongly consider and anticipate the possible exposure of artefacts. This restoration technique should not be employed in areas occupied by or adjacent to known archaeological sites. All proposed projects will be evaluated using MNRs Technical Guideline for Cultural Heritage Resources (2006).

No trails will be developed in the vicinity of the known archaeological site.

Communities, groups and individuals with associations to a cultural heritage resource that may be affected by park management planning, design, construction, or maintenance activities shall be provided with opportunities to participate in understanding and articulating the resource’s cultural heritage value and in making decisions about its future.

9.9 Industrial / commercial uses

The following uses are not permitted in Clear Creek Forest:

• commercial forestry
• bait fish harvesting
• commercial trapping
• prospecting, staking mining claims, developing mineral interests, working mines
• extraction of sand, gravel, topsoil or peat
• commercial generation of electricity

9.10 Research

MNR encourages scientific research by qualified individuals contributing to the knowledge of natural and cultural history and to environmental management. Ontario Parks will review proposed research to ensure adequate consideration of potential impacts on protected area resources, features, staff and visitors.

Research and monitoring activities require a research authorization letter issued under the Research Authorization for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Policy and must be consistent with Ontario Parks’ research and information strategies. Research will be subject to development and management policies associated with the park’s classification, unless special permission is given. Research must meet all requirements under applicable provincial and federal legislation, and may require additional permits or approval (e.g. MNR Wildlife Scientific Collector authorization or Endangered Species Act, 2007 authorizations).

Ontario Parks may consider allowing temporary facilities in support of approved research and monitoring activities. Sites altered by research activities must be rehabilitated as closely to their previous condition as possible, except where the specific intent of the research activities is disturbance for the purpose of ecological enhancement or restoration.

9.11 Inventory and monitoring

Planning and management decisions are intended to ensure the ecological, social and economic sustainability of protected areas. Ontario Parks will ensure that these decisions are made with the best available information. Where this information is lacking, Ontario Parks may conduct inventories and monitoring, as necessary, to provide this information. Such efforts will be undertaken based on established methodologies and best practices. This will foster an adaptive management approach to protected areas management. The following are broad approaches to identifying inventory and monitoring needs: management actions identified in this management plan; public input; routine park maintenance activities; staff knowledge and experiences; and environmental scans.

Vegetation restoration, and associated recovery efforts plus species at risk and rare species will be monitored (e.g. aerial and/or ground level photographs may be taken on a regular basis).

10.0 Operations policies

Policies governing operations for Clear Creek Forest will be incorporated into the operations of Rondeau Provincial Park. Operations of Clear Creek Forest will include: budget, staffing, maintenance schedules, enforcement and emergency services. Operations will be consistent with the approved Ontario Provincial Parks Minimum Operating Standards (1992) and will be reviewed annually and updated as required.

Ontario Parks’ staff will report noteworthy occurrences (e.g. incidents, infractions, etc.) in the protected area to a designated representative of the NCC.

The park boundary will be posted. Fencing and gating may be installed where required to prohibit unauthorized access.

The former agricultural pump house will be removed and the water well will be sealed in accordance with current standards.

Should the abandoned oil and gas well produce fluids at the surface, it will be re-drilled and plugged in accordance with current standards.

10.1 Natural heritage education

The goal of the natural heritage education program is to develop visitor awareness and appreciation of Ontario Parks’ natural and cultural heritage, fostering a commitment to its protection for future generations. Programming will include the three components of Natural Heritage Education: information, interpretation, and outdoor recreation.

10.1.1 Information

Objectives for the information component of the natural heritage education program include:

• inform visitors about the nature reserve, its features, facilities and management
• instil a sense of respect for the park environment
• describe the lease agreement that both Ontario Parks and the NCC are partner to
• provide a means for the visitor and stakeholders to communicate with Ontario Parks regarding park management

The preceding objectives may be achieved through such means as a trail guide and interpretive panels in addition to natural heritage education programming offered at Rondeau Provincial Park.

10.1.2 Interpretation

Clear Creek Forest contains several significant and interesting natural features worthy of interpretation. Natural heritage education facilities and services will be very limited in scope, focusing on a nature trail in conjunction with unobtrusive interpretive panels.

Services for visitors, including school groups, will be primarily oriented toward self-guided use.

10.1.3 Outdoor recreation

The nature trail will be for pedestrian use only.

10.2 Recreation management

Low intensity recreational use will be confined to walking on a designated self-guided interpretive trail, as well as fishing. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are also permitted; however, the trail will not be groomed for these uses. Prohibited activities in the nature reserve include: camping, the operation of off-road vehicles, snowmobiles or all-terrain vehicles, mountain biking, hunting and horseback riding. Any use or activity permitted in the plan which negatively impacts natural values may be confined or discontinued by Ontario Parks.

11.0 Development policies

All development undertaken by Ontario Parks, or by partners on its behalf, will comply with A Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves (2005) and will be carried out in accordance with approved site and development plans that meet development standards for provincial parks.

Areas proposed for development will require prior assessment for significant cultural heritage resources and natural values — such as species at risk — to ensure these values are identified and protected at the site.

11.1 Access

Subject to either acquisition or a cooperative agreement with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, public access to Clear Creek Forest may be provided via a parking lot located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Duart Road and Cochrane Line. Alternatively, a parking area may be developed within the former open field west of Duart Road. The two parking options are shown on Figure 2. A parking lot would be designed for a maximum of eight vehicles.

Other development will include an entrance sign, boundary signs, and fencing and gates, as required, to prevent unauthorized access. If deemed necessary, a small storage building and/or vault toilet may be constructed.

11.2 Trail

A self-guided interpretive trail was developed by the NCC for use by walkers. The trail entrance is located south of Cochrane Line, opposite the preferred proposed parking area.

The existing trail may be expanded (e.g. construction of a loop) or realigned to minimize impacts to sensitive species or features. Any unauthorized all-terrain vehicle trails will be closed and rehabilitated.

11.3 Interpretive facilities

Interpretive facilities will be modest, and may consist of interpretive panels at key locations along the walking trail.

11.4 Partnerships

In the implementation of the approved park management plan, Ontario Parks will consult with the NCC. Opportunities for partnerships involving volunteers, school boards, non-government organizations or others will be explored.

12.0 Implementation policies

Park development, operations and resource stewardship will be contingent upon the availability of funding and unforeseeable changes in priorities or policy. Implementation of the management plan and operation of the park will meet the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act, Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993, Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006, Endangered Species Act, 2007 and other pertinent legislation.

All applicable aspects of park management, development and operation will be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of A Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves (2005).

Subject to the availability of funding and the willingness of landowners to sell, additional adjacent lands may be secured to consolidate and protect additional natural values associated with the Kent-Elgin Shoreline Life Science ANSI.

Except where indicated otherwise in this plan, or as required by A Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves (2005), no further public consultation will be required for the following park planning, operation or development projects to proceed:

12.1 Stage 1

• processing a park boundary regulation under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006
• implementation of a monitoring program to measure vegetation, restoration, species at risk and the ecological integrity of the park
• closure of unauthorized trails
• removal of old pump house and sealing of the associated water well
• filling abandoned dug water wells
• inspection of oil and gas well by Petroleum Operations Section to determine if it requires re-plugging

12.2 Stage 2

• installation of an entrance sign, boundary markers and interpretive panels
• rehabilitation of the former gravel pit
• development of a parking lot (six to eight vehicles)
• installation of fencing and gates as required
• construction of a small storage building and/or vault toilet if required

Development projects will be contingent upon availability of funding and unforeseeable changes in priorities or park policy.

In accordance with the lease agreement between Ontario Parks and the NCC, Ontario Parks shall provide the NCC with an annual report on Clear Creek Forest.

13.0 Plan examination and amendment

The park management plan for Clear Creek Forest may be examined by Ontario Parks after 20 years to determine the need for amendments to, or a re-write of, the document.

An amendment can be considered to address specific issues or needs.

14.0 References

• Bird Studies Canada. 2005. Clear Creek Forest Important Bird Area Site Listing.
• Brownell, Vivian R. 1984. A Life Science Inventory and Evaluation of the Elgin-Kent County Shoreline. Aylmer District, Southwestern Region, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
• Boyle, David. 1889. Village Site at Clearville. Annual Report of the Canadian Institute, Session 1888-1889. Part of appendix to the report of the Minister of Education, Ontario.
• Buck, G. and S. Dobbyn. 2007. Clear Creek Forest. An Inventory and Evaluation of Life Science Resources. The Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ontario Parks.
• Chapman, L.J., and D.F. Putnam. 1984. The Physiography of Southern Ontario. Third Edition, Ontario Geological Survey, Special Volume 2, Toronto.
• Cowell, D.W. 2003. Earth Science Inventory Checklist for Clear Creek Forest (Candidate) Provincial Nature Reserve. Edited by Kor, P.S.G. OMNR, Ontario Parks, Peterborough.
• Dobbyn, S. 2003. Mammal Survey of Clear Creek Forest Part A. Small Mammal Trapping Study. A report to the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
• Elgin County. 2012. Talbot Trail.
• Jury, Wilfred. 1941. Clearville Prehistoric Village Site in Orford Township, Kent County, Ontario. Bulletin of the Museums, University of Western Ontario, No. 2. London, Ontario.
• Martin, D. 2002. The Breeding Birds of Clear Creek. A Report to the Nature Conservancy Canada.
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1983. Chatham District Land Use Guidelines. Chatham District.
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2011. Ontario’s Crown Land Use Policy Atlas.
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2005. A Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves. Peterborough (PDF).
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2002. Clear Creek Forest Interim Management Statement. Southwest Zone, Ontario Parks, London.
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1995. Environmental Bill of Rights Procedures Manual (Working Draft). Corporate Policy and Planning Secretariat.
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2004. Forest Fire Management Strategy for Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Queen’s Printer for Ontario, Toronto.
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2004. Fire Management Policy for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Queen’s Printer for Ontario, Toronto.
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2009. Ontario Protected Areas Planning Manual (PDF).
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1994. Ontario Provincial Park Management Planning Manual.
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1992 (Revised). Ontario Provincial Parks Minimum Operating Standards.
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1978. Ontario Provincial Parks Planning and Management Policies.
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1992. Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies, 1992 Update (PDF).
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1997. Research and Information Strategy: Setting Priorities. Ontario Parks, Planning & Research Section, Miscellaneous Paper 1.
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2011. Our Sustainable Future: A Renewed Call to Action — Ministry of Natural Resources Strategic Directions. Peterborough.
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2011. Renewing Our Commitment to Protecting What Sustains Us: Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy.
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2010. Species at Risk in Ontario List.
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2006. A Technical Guideline for Cultural Heritage Resources for Projects Planned Under the Class Environmental Assessment for MNR Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects and the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves.
• Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture. 2010. Standards and Guidelines for Conservation of Provincial Heritage Properties (PDF).
• Pasma, L., and S. Dobbyn. 2003. A Study of the Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans) at Clear Creek Forest. A report to the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
• Van Sleeuwen, M. 2006. Natural fire regimes in Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Queen’s Printer for Ontario, Toronto.

Appendix A — Species list