2022-2023 Annual Report on the Status and Implementation of the Canada-Ontario Agreement for the Conservation of Caribou, Boreal Population in Ontario

Learn about the progress made in 2022-2023 under the 5-year conservation agreement with the Government of Canada for the conservation of Boreal Caribou in Ontario.

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Introduction

The 2022-23 Annual Report on the Agreement for the Conservation of Caribou, Boreal Population in Ontario is a joint report by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. It outlines what has been achieved between April 2022 to April 2023 with respect to implementing the Canada-Ontario Agreement for the Conservation of Caribou, Boreal Population in Ontario.

The Agreement for the Conservation of Caribou, Boreal Population in Ontario is a 5-year conservation agreement with the Government of Canada which provides an overall framework for establishing collaborative commitments, including habitat planning, protection and restoration activities from both the federal and provincial governments to protect and recover Boreal Caribou.

The goals, purpose and guiding principles of the conservation agreement can be found in detail within the Conservation Agreement for Boreal Caribou.

In summary, the goal and purpose of the conservation agreement are to:

sustain or improve the environmental conditions necessary for recovery of the Boreal Caribou at the range-scale, informed by the best available science, with support from Canada and working collaboratively with Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners
support implementation of conservation measures, building on the base of existing management under Boreal Caribou conservation frameworks, that create the environmental conditions necessary to maintain and recover self-sustaining local populations of Boreal Caribou in Ontario

To support the goal and purpose of the agreement, Ontario and Canada will continue to implement the Boreal Caribou conservation frameworks, which are detailed in the Conservation Agreement for Boreal Caribou.

Moving forward, Ontario and Canada committed to each investing $29.4 million over the remaining 4 years to build upon the successful implementation of the conservation agreement in its first year. This investment will include the launch of a new Caribou Conservation Stewardship Program in August 2023 to support projects that maintain and recover Caribou populations in the province. The funding will be available to non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and other groups for conservation activities such as on-the-ground habitat restoration and protection, monitoring, science, and research.

Ontario and Canada will work together to incorporate a collaborative approach that continues to consider the knowledge, expertise and capacity of governments, Indigenous communities and organizations, industry, academia and other stakeholders. Both parties recognize that achieving Boreal Caribou protection and recovery will consider biological, social and economic factors.

Context: details on 2022-23 progress

Some key accomplishments include:

Engagement of Indigenous communities and organizations, conservation groups, academia, municipalities, industries (forest, mineral exploration and development, energy and tourism), and other stakeholders in the implementation of the conservation agreement.
Completion of the Caribou population monitoring surveys in the Brightsand, Churchill, Kesagami and Kinloch ranges with surveys of the rest of the 14 ranges to occur within the timeframe of the conservation agreement.
Investment in external stewardship projects to inform Boreal Caribou conservation by enhancing knowledge related to:
- genetic diversity of Boreal Caribou in the Churchill range to support effective Caribou conservation
- habitat use and habitat needs of Boreal Caribou in the Kesagami, James Bay, Missisa, Ozhiski, Nipigon, Brightsand and Kinloch ranges
- genetics of Boreal Caribou currently in captivity, and the development and refinement of methods for preserving Boreal Caribou genetic material as an innovative recovery tool
Establishment of governance mechanisms across the government of Ontario and Canada, and a dedicated Ontario team to develop engagement strategies and implementation plans to support each conservation measure in the conservation agreement.

Documented below and in Appendix A are details of the progress and achievements, including actions taken and next steps, made from April 2022 to April 2023 on all relevant conservation measures in the conservation agreement.

Details on 2022-23 progress

Engagement and collaboration

Insight from stakeholders, Indigenous communities and organizations is essential to the successful implementation of the conservation agreement. A commitment to information sharing, consultation, engagement, and collaboration with these parties is an integral part the agreement.

In 2022-23, Ontario engaged Indigenous communities and organizations, and stakeholders within Boreal Caribou ranges through:

Written updates by email to Indigenous communities and organizations within the Boreal Caribou ranges as well as 202 individual stakeholders representing the forestry and mining sector, tourism, conservation organizations, academics and others.
Virtual information sessions, where information was provided on work underway, future plans, and opportunities to provide feedback and participate, which included 9 Indigenous communities and organizations and 35 stakeholder organizations.

Ontario is continuing to engage with Indigenous communities and organizations on Boreal Caribou conservation. Funding is available to Indigenous communities and organizations to support engagement in the implementation of the conservation agreement, including capacity to provide advice and feedback and otherwise contribute to implementation. Discussions were initiated with several Indigenous communities in 2023 to facilitate access to funding.

In early 2023, 21 Indigenous communities were contacted as part of the initiative to undertake surveys of Boreal Caribou in the Brightsand, Churchill, Kesagami and Kinloch ranges. In advance of the surveys, each community was presented with the opportunity to learn more about the monitoring program, provide feedback about the monitoring process and participate in aerial surveys.

A stakeholder working group will be established in May 2023 to assist Ontario in understanding the biological, social, cultural, and economic factors involved in the implementation of the conservation agreement. The working group will meet monthly and consist of representatives from conservation groups, the mining and forestry sectors, and municipalities.

Ontario welcomes opportunities to engage with Indigenous communities and organizations, and stakeholders to help implement the conservation agreement. Requests to meet for discussion, other inquiries and comments can be sent to: borealcaribouconservation@ontario.ca.

Governance

Ontario and Canada have successfully established new governance forums for implementation of the conservation agreement, consisting of:

a newly formed caribou conservation section in the Species at Risk Branch of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), solely dedicated to coordinating agreement implementation work across Ontario ministries, including MECP, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), Ministry of Mines (MINES) and Indigenous Affairs Ontario (IAO)
quarterly Ontario-Canada Assistant Deputy Minister meetings
monthly Canada-Ontario ministries Director meetings

Monitoring and science

1.1 Boreal Caribou monitoring program

Aerial surveys for distance sampling and demographic classifications to produce population estimates have been completed for the entirety of each of the following ranges: Brightsand, Churchill, Kesagami and Kinloch. While the results of these surveys are not yet ready to share, Ontario anticipates results will provide updated population and density estimates with precision measures and a single recruitment estimate; as well as minimum animal counts, demography metrics, distribution mapping, range-level density mapping and winter habitat use. Ontario anticipates releasing the results in early 2024.
Options for a long-term monitoring program, relevant to all ranges, have been drafted for consideration in the development of an ongoing monitoring program for Boreal Caribou.

1.2 Boreal Caribou range boundary review and updating

Progress has been made on developing a methodology outlining how to effectively review Ontario’s Boreal Caribou range boundaries, using the best available science. Preliminary work is underway to:
- Collect information on existing range delineation practices and other information to inform methodology identification.
- Prepare plans to engage and collaborate with Indigenous communities and organizations, and stakeholders on the implementation of this conservation measure.

1.3 Habitat restoration assessment initiative

Progress has been made on the design of an assessment protocol for evaluating results of past forest management practices in forest stands where the regeneration objective is to establish desirable regenerating stand conditions for Boreal Caribou, including completion of design and planning work for a coming procurement.
Plans are in development to engage with Indigenous communities and organizations, and stakeholders on the design and implementation of this conservation measure.

1.4 Boreal Caribou science plan for Ontario

Progress has been made on designing an approach to develop a Boreal Caribou science plan that identifies the current state of provincial knowledge, gaps, and priorities from a provincial and range-scale perspective to inform workshops in 2023-24.
A knowledge review has been initiated and planning is underway for engagement sessions and a workshop with Indigenous communities and organizations, stakeholders, and experts.
The current state of knowledge gaps and research priorities will be discussed and identified at a future workshop.

1.5 Data sharing

Ontario and Canada are in discussion to develop the intent and parameter of a data sharing agreement to ensure that existing and new data on Boreal Caribou, including that generated by the conservation agreement, is shared.
Work is also underway to ensure information generated by the conservation agreement is shared with Indigenous communities and organizations, and stakeholders, and made publicly accessible, where appropriate.

Habitat protection and restoration

2.1 Habitat restoration initiative

Progress has been made on the development of a prioritized list of public land locations in Ontario for Boreal Caribou habitat restoration including initial work to begin setting criteria to determine the prioritized list and to identify areas for engagement with Indigenous communities and organizations, and stakeholders.

2.2 Protected areas initiative

Exploration of opportunities to enhance and increase protection of Caribou habitat through the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 12 (PPCRA) are underway.
Exploration of opportunities to expand protected areas under the PPCRA in Boreal Caribou distribution including the regulation of sites identified during Ontario’s Our Living Legacy Land Use Strategy are underway.

Planning and management

3.1 Forest management planning

The direction in the Forest Management Guide for Boreal Landscapes (Boreal Landscape Guide) continues to be integrated into forest management plans that intersect with the continuous distribution of Boreal Caribou in Ontario.
The 2023-2033 Wabadowgang Noopming Forest Management Plan integrated the Boreal landscape Guide and was approved in March 2023.
Project plans to assess the effectiveness of the Boreal Landscape Guide direction, in supporting self-sustaining Caribou populations, have been developed and will continue to be refined as projects progress.

3.2 Mineral exploration and development initiative

A plan to assess the effectiveness of current Best Management Practices (BMPs) in supporting the maintenance or recovery of Self-sustaining Local Populations has been developed.

3.3 Lake Superior Coast Range management plan

Foundational information has been compiled and a draft Lake Superior Management Plan for the development of the management approach, including consultation and engagement is underway.
Engagement and consultation is ongoing with Indigenous communities, stakeholders and Parks Canada.
Establishment of a recurring Lake Superior Coast Range Round Table is underway which includes members of Indigenous communities as well as industry stakeholders, municipalities, NGOs and other user groups provides a forum for collaboration and input.
Planning for a social and economic assessment has also been initiated to support consideration of management options.

Updates to Boreal Caribou conservation frameworks

4.1 Evidence-based approaches

Ontario began drafting an approach and workplan to assess evidence-based approaches to managing self-sustaining local populations of Boreal Caribou in the province.
Ontario and Canada will collaborate to refine and finalize the approach and workplan for implementation.

4.2 Updating federal and provincial policy frameworks

Ontario and Canada continue to monitor results across conservation measures for consideration of applicability of adoption or incorporation into Boreal Caribou conservation frameworks.

Stewardship collaborations and funding

5.1 Stewardship collaborations and funding

A Stewardship Program has been designed and outreach has been carried out with Indigenous communities and organizations, and stakeholders to identify external projects that contribute to Boreal Caribou conservation. A formal launch through Transfer Payment Ontario of the program will occur in August 2023. In 2022-23, approximately, $1.8 million was invested in 3 projects led by:
- the University of Guelph to undertake research to create updated Caribou movement and population viability analysis models that are more flexible and can adapt to annual environmental differences, resulting in enhanced information on habitat use and habitat needs of Boreal Caribou in the Kesagami, James Bay, Missisa, Ozhiski, Nipigon, Brightsand, and Kinloch ranges
- the Forest Products Association of Canada to collect and analyze fecal DNA for Caribou in the Churchill range to improve understanding of the genetic diversity of Boreal Caribou in the Churchill range to support effective Caribou conservation
- the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy to develop, evaluate and refine methods for establishing a Boreal Caribou Biobank capable of long-term storage of viable Boreal Caribou genetic material to improve understanding of Boreal Caribou genetics currently in captivity and develop and refine methods for preserving Boreal Caribou genetic material as an innovative recovery tool

A catalogue of Boreal Caribou stewardship projects is also being developed to support better collaboration and avoid duplication of effort.

Unforeseen circumstances or stochastic events impacting conservation measures

Prior to the implementation of aerial monitoring that occurred in March 2023, 21 Indigenous communities associated with the Brightsand, Churchill, Kesagami and Kinloch ranges were contacted.

Opportunities were presented to each community to meet to learn more about the monitoring, provide input into how the monitoring was undertaken, and to participate in aerial surveys. Eight communities expressed interest in meeting. However, based on timelines to complete the surveys only 4 communities were able to schedule meeting times.

Of those 4 communities, only 2 were able to participate. The participating communities expressed interest in having a community member participate in survey flights, however timelines did not work for all participants.

Moving forward, action will be taken to improve participation of Indigenous communities in Caribou monitoring; this is a key factor for consideration in the design of the long-term monitoring program under the conservation agreement.

Appendix A: Detailed updates on conservation agreement implementation

Monitoring and science

Conservation measure	Goal	Timelines	Results achieved	Status	Next steps
1.1 Boreal Caribou Monitoring Program	Improved understanding of the current and projected future status of Boreal Caribou at a Range-scale.	Ontario will: 2022-24 Develop an ongoing monitoring program for Boreal Caribou. Implement monitoring program starting in key Ranges (for example, Brightsand, Churchill, and Kesagami) in 2022/23.	Aerial surveys undertaken in 4 ranges in Feb-March 2023: Brightsand, Churchill, Kesagami and Kinloch. Options for a long-term monitoring program for public engagement have been drafted. Initiated outreach with Indigenous communities and organizations, and stakeholders.	On track	2023-24 – Undertake procurement for monitoring work and undertake monitoring work (beginning January 2024 including further engagement with First Nations communities for 2024 activities. 2023-24 - Consider the results of the 2023 surveys. 2023-27 - Implement the monitoring program and share and the results.
1.2 Boreal Caribou Range Boundary Review and Updating	Ranges are defined in a manner that supports Boreal Caribou conservation.	Ontario will: 2022-24 Prepare foundational information. Develop an approach to reviewing boundaries informed by independent experts, stakeholders and Indigenous communities and organizations, that includes consideration of risk to the species.	Progress has been made on developing a methodology outlining how to effectively review Ontario’s Boreal Caribou range boundaries, using the best available science. Preliminary work is underway to: collect information on existing range delineation practices and other information to inform methodology identification. prepare plans to engage and collaborate with Indigenous communities and organizations, and stakeholders on the implementation of this conservation measure.	On track	2023-24 – Prepare foundational information and summarize existing relevant information for presentation to experts, stakeholders and Indigenous communities during engagement on approach to reviewing range boundaries. 2023-25 Consult on and finalize approach to reviewing boundaries informed by independent experts, stakeholders and Indigenous communities and organizations, that includes consideration of risk to the species. 2024-27 Undertake range boundary review. Apply results to refining federal and provincial range boundaries if results warrant, with Canada.
1.3 Habitat Restoration Assessment Initiative	Improved habitat through implementation of effective and efficient Habitat Restoration approaches at a Range-scale.	Ontario will: 2022-24 Design the assessment approach informed by independent experts, stakeholders and Indigenous communities and organizations.	Progress has been made on the design of an assessment protocol for evaluating results of past forest management practices in forest stands where the regeneration objective is to establish desirable regenerating stand conditions for Boreal Caribou, including completion of design and planning work for a coming procurement. Plans are in development to engage with Indigenous communities and organizations, and stakeholders on the design and implementation of this conservation measure.	On track	2023-25 – Finalize the design of the assessment approach following engagement with independent experts, Indigenous communities and organizations, and stakeholders. 2024-26 - Implement the assessment approach and report on results as they become available. 2026-27 - Assess the effectiveness of the assessment approach, determine next steps, and apply results to inform policies and approaches.
1.4 Boreal Caribou Science Plan	Further enhance the evidence-based foundation of Boreal Caribou conservation decision-making at a provincial and Range-scale.	Ontario and Canada will: 2022-24 Assess the current status of federal and provincial science related to Boreal Caribou and identify gaps. Design the approach for developing a Boreal Caribou science plan informed by independent experts, stakeholders and Indigenous communities and organizations.	Planning and design of approach for the plan was completed A knowledge review has been initiated and planning is underway for engagement sessions and a workshop with Indigenous communities and organizations, stakeholders, and experts.	On track	2023-24 - Host workshop and engagement sessions. Compile research recommendations and finalize science plan. 2024-26 - Work with partners to implement the priorities of the Boreal Caribou science plan. 2026-27 - Report on progress and identify next steps.
1.5 Data Sharing	Available data and information is shared between Ontario and Canada at no charge to support Boreal Caribou conservation decision-making.	Ontario and Canada will: 2022-23 Develop a bilateral data sharing agreement including information on the status, conservation, and recovery of Boreal Caribou in Ontario, including population state, habitat protection, Habitat Restoration, and other Conservation Measures; and information pertaining to mapping of general habitat under the ESA and Critical Habitat under SARA.	Ontario and Canada discussions of the intent and parameters of the data sharing agreement underway. Review of existing data sharing agreements underway.	Will be completed in 2024-25.	2023-25 – Finalize a bilateral data sharing agreement between Ontario and Canada and continue to share available data and information as it becomes available.

Habitat protection and restoration

Conservation measure	Goal	Timelines	Results achieved	Status	Next steps
2.1 Habitat Restoration Initiative	Improve Boreal Caribou habitat by decreasing fragmentation and cumulative disturbance.	Ontario will: 2022-24 Develop a prioritized list of public land locations for Habitat Restoration: including consideration of risk to Boreal Caribou, appropriate scale, priority ranges and prioritized types of restoration, as well as social and economic considerations; and informed by independent experts, stakeholders and Indigenous communities and organizations.	Progress has been made on the development of a prioritized list of public land locations in Ontario for Boreal Caribou habitat restoration, including initial work to begin setting criteria to determine the prioritized list and to identify areas for engagement with Indigenous communities and organizations, and stakeholders.	On track	2023-25 - Finalize foundational information. Engagement of independent experts, stakeholders and Indigenous communities and organizations on the foundational information and proposed criteria to be used in prioritizing locations. Application of criteria and generation of an initial list followed by consultation on the list. 2024-26- Finalize list. Communicate prioritized list to those able/required to take action. Implementation of Habitat Restoration activities, including through Stewardship identified in Conservation Measure 5.1. 2026-27 - Continued implementation and evaluation of next steps.
2.2 Protected Areas Initiative	Enhance protection of Boreal Caribou habitat through protected areas using a Range- scale approach.	Ontario will: Year 2022-24 Apply a Range-scale approach, and explore opportunities to increase protection of Boreal Caribou habitat through the expansion of existing, and the establishment of new, protected areas, such as through the regulation of remaining Ontario Living Legacy sites (for instance, public land areas that were identified in 1999 as part of Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Plan to expand the province’s protected areas system.) intersecting with the distribution of Boreal Caribou or through other effective area-based measures or other approaches or tools. Applying a Range-scale approach, with Canada, will explore opportunities to enhance consideration of Boreal Caribou within existing protected areas (for example, through management planning and wildland fire management) and on other public lands. Consider social and economic considerations and advice from independent experts in undertaking this exploration.	Exploration of opportunities to enhance and increase protection of Caribou habitat through the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 12 (PPCRA) are underway. Exploration of opportunities to expand protected areas under the PPCRA in Boreal Caribou distribution including the regulation of sites identified during Ontario’s Our Living Legacy Land Use Strategy are underway.	On track	2023-24 – Continue to explore opportunities to enhance the consideration of Boreal Caribou within existing protected areas such as development of a park management plan for Wabakimi Provincial Park, a vegetation management plan for Woodland Caribou Provincial Park, and consideration of park boundary expansion for Missinabi and Woodland Caribou Provincial Parks. Undertake public consultations on the development of a management plan for Wabakimi Provincial Park that includes consideration of Boreal Caribou. Continue to explore opportunities to increase protection of Boreal Caribou habitat through the expansion of existing, and the establishment of new, protected areas. 2024-27 - If/where opportunities are identified, initiate action for implementation.

Conservation measure

Goal

Timelines

Results achieved

Status

Next steps

2.1 Habitat Restoration Initiative

Improve Boreal Caribou habitat by decreasing fragmentation and cumulative disturbance.

Ontario will:
2022-24

Develop a prioritized list of public land locations for Habitat Restoration: including consideration of risk to Boreal Caribou, appropriate scale, priority ranges and prioritized types of restoration, as well as social and economic considerations; and informed by independent experts, stakeholders and Indigenous communities and organizations.

Progress has been made on the development of a prioritized list of public land locations in Ontario for Boreal Caribou habitat restoration, including initial work to begin setting criteria to determine the prioritized list and to identify areas for engagement with Indigenous communities and organizations, and stakeholders.

On track

2023-25 - Finalize foundational information. Engagement of independent experts, stakeholders and Indigenous communities and organizations on the foundational information and proposed criteria to be used in prioritizing locations. Application of criteria and generation of an initial list followed by consultation on the list.
2024-26- Finalize list. Communicate prioritized list to those able/required to take action. Implementation of Habitat Restoration activities, including through Stewardship identified in Conservation Measure 5.1.
2026-27 - Continued implementation and evaluation of next steps.

2.2 Protected Areas Initiative

Enhance protection of Boreal Caribou habitat through protected areas using a Range- scale approach.

Ontario will:
Year 2022-24

Apply a Range-scale approach, and explore opportunities to increase protection of Boreal Caribou habitat through the expansion of existing, and the establishment of new, protected areas, such as through the regulation of remaining Ontario Living Legacy sites (for instance, public land areas that were identified in 1999 as part of Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Plan to expand the province’s protected areas system.) intersecting with the distribution of Boreal Caribou or through other effective area-based measures or other approaches or tools.
Applying a Range-scale approach, with Canada, will explore opportunities to enhance consideration of Boreal Caribou within existing protected areas (for example, through management planning and wildland fire management) and on other public lands.
Consider social and economic considerations and advice from independent experts in undertaking this exploration.

Exploration of opportunities to enhance and increase protection of Caribou habitat through the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 12 (PPCRA) are underway.
Exploration of opportunities to expand protected areas under the PPCRA in Boreal Caribou distribution including the regulation of sites identified during Ontario’s Our Living Legacy Land Use Strategy are underway.

On track

2023-24 – Continue to explore opportunities to enhance the consideration of Boreal Caribou within existing protected areas such as development of a park management plan for Wabakimi Provincial Park, a vegetation management plan for Woodland Caribou Provincial Park, and consideration of park boundary expansion for Missinabi and Woodland Caribou Provincial Parks.
Undertake public consultations on the development of a management plan for Wabakimi Provincial Park that includes consideration of Boreal Caribou.
Continue to explore opportunities to increase protection of Boreal Caribou habitat through the expansion of existing, and the establishment of new, protected areas.
2024-27 - If/where opportunities are identified, initiate action for implementation.

Planning and management

Conservation measure	Goal	Timelines	Results achieved	Status	Next steps
3.1 Forest Management Planning	Forest operations conducted in Crown Forests are undertaken in accordance with an approved forest management plan under the CFSA in a manner that supports the maintenance or recovery of Self- sustaining Local Populations.	Ontario will: 2022-23 Depending on individual plan renewal dates, initiate, continue, or complete forest management planning to incorporate the Boreal Landscape Guide (BLG) into Forest Management Plans (FMPs).	The 2023-2033 Wabadowgang Noopming Forest Management Plan integrated the Boreal landscape Guide and was approved in March 2023. Project plans developed to assess the effectiveness of Boreal Landscape Guide direction.	On track	2023-27 – Describe and communicate the plans to assess the effectiveness of existing direction in supporting the maintenance or recovery of Self-sustaining Local Populations. 2023-27 – Ongoing planning, approval, and implementation of FMPs to incorporate the BLG. 2023-27 – Implement the plan to assess the effectiveness of existing direction and evaluation of next steps.
3.2 Mineral Exploration and Development Initiative	Mineral exploration and mining development activities are undertaken in a manner that supports the maintenance or recovery of Self- sustaining Local Populations.	Ontario will: 2022-23 Develop a plan to assess the effectiveness of current best management practices for site recovery and review of historic sites for natural recovery working with stakeholders.	A plan to assess the effectiveness of current Best Management Practices (BMPs) for site recovery and review of historic sites for natural recovery has been developed through stakeholder engagement.	On track	2023-24 - Assess the effectiveness of current best management practices, identify gaps and priorities (includes site visits, engagements with mining sector stakeholders, jurisdictional scan). 2024-27 - Take action to update and implement best management practices (Includes review of historical sites, analysis of all information gathered, report preparation with recommendations for BMPs, as well as public consultation, and publication of new BMPs).
3.3 Lake Superior Coast Range Management Plan	Clarity on the management approach for Boreal Caribou in the Lake Superior Coast Range.	Ontario will: 2022-24 Consult on the draft Management Approach. Finalize the Management Approach.	Foundational information has been compiled and a draft Lake Superior Management Plan for the development of the management approach, including consultation and engagement is underway. Engagement and consultation are ongoing with Indigenous communities, stakeholders and Parks Canada. Establishment of a recurring Lake Superior Coast Range Round Table is underway which includes members of Indigenous communities as well as industry stakeholders, municipalities, NGOs and other user groups provides a forum for collaboration and input. Planning for a social and economic assessment has also been initiated to support consideration of management options.	On track	2023-25 – Complete establishment of a roundtable to obtain input from Indigenous communities and organizations and stakeholders on the fulfillment of commitments made under this conservation measure. Share foundational information and options with the roundtable for feedback. Support discussions of the roundtable and draft the plan. Undertake public consultation and finalize the management approach. 2024-27 - Ongoing implementation of the Management Approach.

Conservation measure

Goal

Timelines

Results achieved

Status

Next steps

3.1 Forest Management Planning

Forest operations conducted in Crown Forests are undertaken in accordance with an approved forest management plan under the CFSA in a manner that supports the maintenance or recovery of Self- sustaining Local Populations.

Ontario will:
2022-23

Depending on individual plan renewal dates, initiate, continue, or complete forest management planning to incorporate the Boreal Landscape Guide (BLG) into Forest Management Plans (FMPs).

The 2023-2033 Wabadowgang Noopming Forest Management Plan integrated the Boreal landscape Guide and was approved in March 2023.
Project plans developed to assess the effectiveness of Boreal Landscape Guide direction.

On track

2023-27 – Describe and communicate the plans to assess the effectiveness of existing direction in supporting the maintenance or recovery of Self-sustaining Local Populations.

2023-27 – Ongoing planning, approval, and implementation of FMPs to incorporate the BLG.
2023-27 – Implement the plan to assess the effectiveness of existing direction and evaluation of next steps.

3.2 Mineral Exploration and Development Initiative

Mineral exploration and mining development activities are undertaken in a manner that supports the maintenance or recovery of Self- sustaining Local Populations.

Ontario will:
2022-23

Develop a plan to assess the effectiveness of current best management practices for site recovery and review of historic sites for natural recovery working with stakeholders.

A plan to assess the effectiveness of current Best Management Practices (BMPs) for site recovery and review of historic sites for natural recovery has been developed through stakeholder engagement.

On track

2023-24 - Assess the effectiveness of current best management practices, identify gaps and priorities (includes site visits, engagements with mining sector stakeholders, jurisdictional scan).
2024-27 - Take action to update and implement best management practices (Includes review of historical sites, analysis of all information gathered, report preparation with recommendations for BMPs, as well as public consultation, and publication of new BMPs).

3.3 Lake Superior Coast Range Management Plan

Clarity on the management approach for Boreal Caribou in the Lake Superior Coast Range.

Ontario will:
2022-24

Consult on the draft Management Approach.
Finalize the Management Approach.

Foundational information has been compiled and a draft Lake Superior Management Plan for the development of the management approach, including consultation and engagement is underway.
Engagement and consultation are ongoing with Indigenous communities, stakeholders and Parks Canada.
Establishment of a recurring Lake Superior Coast Range Round Table is underway which includes members of Indigenous communities as well as industry stakeholders, municipalities, NGOs and other user groups provides a forum for collaboration and input.
Planning for a social and economic assessment has also been initiated to support consideration of management options.

On track

2023-25 – Complete establishment of a roundtable to obtain input from Indigenous communities and organizations and stakeholders on the fulfillment of commitments made under this conservation measure. Share foundational information and options with the roundtable for feedback.
Support discussions of the roundtable and draft the plan.
Undertake public consultation and finalize the management approach.
2024-27 - Ongoing implementation of the Management Approach.

Updates to Boreal Caribou conservation frameworks

Conservation measure	Goal	Ttimelines	Results achieved	Status	Next steps
4.1 Evidence-based Approaches	Refined evidence- based approaches to managing for Self-sustaining Local Populations.	Ontario and Canada will: 2022-24 Collaborate to review and refine existing and alternative evidence-based approaches to maintain or move towards Self-sustaining Local Populations within Ranges. Validate, including through review by recognized experts, and integrate accepted evidence-based approaches, into provincial and federal Boreal Caribou Conservation Frameworks, that achieve equivalent outcomes (for instance, self- sustaining local populations) where appropriate.	Began developing the implementation approach, to be discussed by Ontario and Canada.	On track	2023-24 – Establish the expert group and a process to provide it with relevant information. Expert group provides its advice. Consider the feedback from the group of experts and discuss next steps. Establish monthly Canada-Ontario ministries Director meetings to track progress. 2024-27 - Ongoing collaboration to further refine existing evidence-based approaches.
4.2 Updating Federal and Provincial Policy Frameworks	Up-to-date and aligned policy frameworks in Ontario and Canada.	Ontario and Canada will: 2022-27 Consider the adoption or incorporation of relevant information as it becomes available, including as a result of Conservation Measures under this Agreement.	Ongoing monitoring of results across Conservation Measures for consideration of adoption or incorporation into conservation frameworks.	On track	2023-27 Consider the adoption or incorporation of relevant information as it becomes available, resulting from the Conservation Measures under this Agreement. 2024-27 - Canada to review final Management Approach for the Lake Superior Coast Range and Discontinuous Distribution and consider incorporating or adopting outcomes into the federal framework.

Conservation measure

Goal

Ttimelines

Results achieved

Status

Next steps

4.1 Evidence-based Approaches

Refined evidence- based approaches to managing for Self-sustaining Local Populations.

Ontario and Canada will:
2022-24

Collaborate to review and refine existing and alternative evidence-based approaches to maintain or move towards Self-sustaining Local Populations within Ranges.
Validate, including through review by recognized experts, and integrate accepted evidence-based approaches, into provincial and federal Boreal Caribou Conservation Frameworks, that achieve equivalent outcomes (for instance, self- sustaining local populations) where appropriate.

Began developing the implementation approach, to be discussed by Ontario and Canada.

On track

2023-24 – Establish the expert group and a process to provide it with relevant information. Expert group provides its advice. Consider the feedback from the group of experts and discuss next steps.
Establish monthly Canada-Ontario ministries Director meetings to track progress.
2024-27 - Ongoing collaboration to further refine existing evidence-based approaches.

4.2 Updating Federal and Provincial Policy Frameworks

Up-to-date and aligned policy frameworks in Ontario and Canada.

Ontario and Canada will:
2022-27

Consider the adoption or incorporation of relevant information as it becomes available, including as a result of Conservation Measures under this Agreement.

Ongoing monitoring of results across Conservation Measures for consideration of adoption or incorporation into conservation frameworks.

On track

2023-27 Consider the adoption or incorporation of relevant information as it becomes available, resulting from the Conservation Measures under this Agreement.
2024-27 - Canada to review final Management Approach for the Lake Superior Coast Range and Discontinuous Distribution and consider incorporating or adopting outcomes into the federal framework.

Stewardship collaborations and funding

Conservation measure	Goal	Ttimelines	Results achieved	Status	Next steps
5.1 Stewardship Collaborations and Funding	Support implementation of projects that contribute to maintenance or recovery of Self- sustaining Local Populations.	Ontario and Canada will: 2022-23 Identify opportunities to support Boreal Caribou conservation initiatives including the priorities for Habitat Restoration identified in Conservation Measure 2.1. Implement identified strategic projects to further Boreal Caribou conservation. Develop a catalogue of stewardship projects underway/proposed to support better collaboration and avoid duplication of effort.	Conducted outreach to identify potential stewardship projects and invested $1.8M in 3 external projects to improve knowledge. Designed a Stewardship Program to launch in 2023-24. Initiated the development of a catalogue of stewardship projects.	On track	2023-24 – Launch a call for applications for stewardship funding and further identify and fund strategic projects with repetition as needed in future years depending on fund availability. Enter into transfer payment agreements as projects are approved. 2024-27 Ongoing identification and implementation of strategic projects to fund.

Conservation measure

Goal

Ttimelines

Results achieved

Status

Next steps

5.1 Stewardship Collaborations and Funding

Support implementation of projects that
contribute to maintenance or recovery of Self- sustaining Local Populations.

Ontario and Canada will:
2022-23

Identify opportunities to support Boreal Caribou conservation initiatives including the priorities for Habitat Restoration identified in Conservation Measure 2.1.
Implement identified strategic projects to further Boreal Caribou conservation.
Develop a catalogue of stewardship projects underway/proposed to support better collaboration and avoid duplication of effort.

Conducted outreach to identify potential stewardship projects and invested $1.8M in 3 external projects to improve knowledge.
Designed a Stewardship Program to launch in 2023-24.
Initiated the development of a catalogue of stewardship projects.

On track

2023-24 – Launch a call for applications for stewardship funding and further identify and fund strategic projects with repetition as needed in future years depending on fund availability. Enter into transfer payment agreements as projects are approved.
2024-27 Ongoing identification and implementation of strategic projects to fund.

Updated: May 06, 2024

Published: March 22, 2024