Attwood River Conservation Reserve Management Statement
This document provides policy direction for the protection, development and management of the Attwood River Conservation Reserve and its resources.
April 2003
Prepared for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Northwest Region
By Rebecca Zeran and Natalie Kolody
OLL Resource Managers
MNR, Nipigon District
Approval Page
Statement of Conservation Interest for Attwood River Conservation Reserve C2249
Nipigon District, Northwest Region
The purpose of this Statement of Conservation Interest is to identify the natural heritage values of the Conservation Reserve and to identify the activities which occur at this location. This Statement outlines the activities which will be permitted and those which will be prohibited. From this outline, the management direction for the site can be determined.
Approved by:
Ian Hagman
District Manager
Nipigon District
Charlie Lauer
Regional Director
Northwest Region
Date: April 2003
1 Introduction
On July 16, 1999, the Ontario Government released Ontario’s Living Legacy (OLL) Land Use Strategy (LUS) to guide the planning and management of Crown Lands within a large part of northern and central Ontario. A major component of this Land Use Strategy was the establishment of 378 new protected areas in this part of Ontario. This commitment will be the largest expansion of Provincial Parks and other protected areas in the history of Ontario.
The Attwood River Conservation Reserve (C2249) is one site within this expansion of Ontario’s protected areas.
Conservation Reserves are areas of Crown land set aside by regulation under the Public Lands Act to complement provincial parks in protecting representative natural areas and specific landscape features. Most recreational activities (e.g. hiking, skiing, tourism related uses, nature appreciation) and non–industrial commercial activities (e.g. fur harvesting, bait fishing and commercial fishing) that have traditionally been enjoyed in the area will continue – provided that these uses do not impact upon the natural features requiring protection. Recreational hunting and fishing are permitted uses within all new conservation reserves identified through the OLL Land Use Strategy. Commercial timber harvesting, mining, aggregate extraction and hydroelectric development are prohibited in conservation reserves.
The Attwood River Conservation Reserve is located approximately 75 kilometres north of the northern–most end of Lake Nipigon and immediately south of the Albany River. The site is located approximately 180 km northwest of the Town of Geraldton and 22 km northwest of the Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve (C2228). Access to the site is predominately by air. The site encompasses the following lakes: Luella Lake, Attwood Lake, Witchwood Lake, Hurst Lake, Felsia Lake, Guerin Lake, and Peninsular Lake. The area provides an important wilderness connection between Wabakimi Provincial Park and the Albany River Provincial Park. More detail on the natural values of the site can be found in the attached Earth Science Report, Life Science Report and the Recreation Resource Assessment Report.
The purpose of this Statement of Conservation Interest is to identify the natural heritage values of the Attwood River Conservation Reserve; this Statement also intends to identify the activities occurring within the conservation reserve. Through a set of management guidelines, this statement will outline the activities which will be permitted and those which will be prohibited. From this outline, the management direction for the area can be determined.
2 Background Information
| Name | Attwood River Conservation Reserve |
|---|---|
| Site Region / Site District | 2W–3 |
| OMNR Administrative Region / District / Area | Northwest Region/Nipigon District/Geraldton Area |
| Total Area (ha) | 19,481 hectares |
| Regulation Date | Slated for regulation in 2003/04 |
| Interested First Nations | Ebametoong First Nation; Marten Falls First Nation |
| Latitude /Longitude | 51°17' 14"/ 87°58' 30" |
| OBM | 2016370056700, 2016380056700, 2016390056700, 2016390056600, 2016390056500, 2016390056800, 2016400056800, 2016400056700, 2016410056800, 2016410056700, 2016420056800, 2016420056700, 2016430056800, 2016430056700 |
| FRI Stands | Specific numbers for the FRI stands occurring within the conservation reserve can be obtained by contacting the Information Management Team in Nipigon or in Geraldton. |
| General Location | Located approximately 75 kilometres north of the northern–most end of Lake Nipigon and immediately south of the Albany River. Located approximately 180 km northwest of the town of Geraldton and approximately 145 km northwest of Nakina. |
| Access | Access to the site is predominately by air. Limited forest road access exists to the Witchwood River (condition of this road is presently unknown). |
3 Representation Targets
This section provides a summary of the earth science, life science and cultural resource values represented in the site. It also outlines existing and potential recreational opportunities available.
| Life Science Representation | The site contains representative vegetation types including wetlands and mixed forests. The conservation reserve is composed of a 200 m buffer surrounding the Attwood River system. The river and lake system supports an abundance of wildlife and fish species, including Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Caribou, Moose, Lake Trout and Walleye. Several Walleye spawning areas are found within the conservation reserve. |
|---|---|
| Earth Science Representation | The site consists predominantly of a weakly broken bedrock controlled rock knob landscape with peatlands occupying low areas. |
| Cultural Resource Representation | Little is known with regard to the cultural values of the conservation reserve. |
| Recreational Opportunities | Recreational opportunities include: boating, canoeing, fishing, hunting, camping, outpost camp and lodge use, and a variety of nature activities (i.e., interpretation, viewing, study). Ten fly–in tourist outpost camps exist within the conservation reserve. |
4 Survey Information
This section provides an overview of the inventories completed, their level of detail and any further inventory work required.
| Survey Level | Life Science | Earth Science | Cultural | Recreational |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconnaissance | Yes, Aug. 2002 | Yes, Aug. 2002 | No | Yes, Aug. 2001 |
| Detailed | No | No | No | No |
| Requirement | No further requirement | No further requirement | No further requirement | No further requirement |
5 Natural & Cultural Heritage Values
This section provides a description of the key natural and cultural heritage values of the site and their condition relative to past and present resource use and management activities. It also addresses the sensitivity of these values to future land use and management activities.
Forest Values – The entire forest area is to be protected from human disturbance. The forest cover on this site is representative of the surrounding area and is predominately fire origin mature stands.
Vegetation Values – The waterway portions of the site are surrounded by a 200 m buffer of vegetation. Much of the reserve is composed of lowland forests, dominated by black spruce. Upland areas adjacent to the river system are composed of mixed woods, dominated by aspen, black spruce and jack pine. Open and treed fens can be found along the river portions of the reserve. Lake bays support marshes dominated by bulrush, horsetail and wild rice.
Geologic Values – The site consists predominantly of a weakly broken bedrock controlled rock knob landscape with peatlands occupying low areas.
Fish & Wildlife Values – Five walleye spawning sites are located within or adjacent to the conservation reserve. Many of the lakes included within the site have been fished for decades and contain a variety of important sport fish including: walleye, northern pike, lake whitefish, and yellow perch. Luella Lake contains an important native population of lake trout. Caribou wintering areas overlap the conservation reserve at Luella and Attwood Lakes (NRVIS, 2002). The area is utilized by bald eagles (5 nests within the site), osprey (2 nest sites) and great blue herons (1 nesting area situated within the conservation reserve).
Waterway Values – The site encompasses the following lakes: Luella Lake, Attwood Lake, Witchwood Lake, Hurst Lake, Felsia Lake, Guerin Lake, and Peninsular Lake. The area provides an important wilderness connection between Wabakimi Provincial Park and the Albany River Provincial Park.
Recreation & Tourism Values – The conservation reserve is well–used for recreation and sees moderate to heavy use by tourists. Ten fly–in tourist outpost camps, operated by five different tourist outfitters are located within the conservation reserve. Recreational opportunities include: boating, canoeing, fishing, hunting, camping, outpost camp and lodge use, and a variety of nature activities (i.e., interpretation, viewing, study).
Cultural Values – Little is known concerning the cultural values of this conservation reserve. Fur trade routes are documented along the Albany River and within the Wabakimi Park area and therefore it is possible that the Attwood river system was used for similar purposes.
Aboriginal Values – The site has probably been used historically by First Nation peoples for traditional hunting, gathering and cultural activities. The MNR has no record that would indicate the levels of historical use for these activities, however, should any be discovered, they will be given appropriate priority and protection. First Nation people also currently utilize the site for hunting, trapping, fishing and recreation. Nothing in this Statement of Conservation Interest in any way affects existing Aboriginal or Treaty Rights.
6 Management Guidelines
The following topics briefly indicate the existing situation within the Attwood River Conservation Reserve and outline the new and existing management guidelines to be implemented and/or followed. A copy of the Land Use Policy Report for the Attwood River Conservation Reserve can be viewed on the Crown Use Atlas website. (/page/crown–land–use–policy–atlas)
6.1 Land Tenure
The Attwood River Conservation Reserve consists entirely of Crown land. Sale of lands is not permitted. Existing land use permits for private recreation camps are permitted to continue and may be eligible for enhanced tenure but not for purchase of land. No future disposition or development will be permitted.
Existing commercial development within the site (i.e. outpost camps, outfitters and trapping cabins) may be maintained; no future disposition or development will be permitted.
6.2 Existing and Proposed Development
The area will be managed primarily for low–impact recreation, canoeing, boating, hunting, fishing, public nature appreciation, educational experiences and scientific study.
Existing approved development within or adjacent to the conservation reserve includes:
- An outpost camp on the north side of Luella Lake (GEN 2515) operated by Armstrong Outposts & Air Service
- A recreation camp on the south side of Luella Lake (GEN 372)
- An outpost camp on Attwood Lake (GEN 383) operated by Armstrong Outposts & Air Service
- An outpost camp on the north–eastern side of Attwood Lake (GEN 632) operated by Armstrong Outposts & Air Service
- An outpost camp on the north end of Attwood Lake at Vertente Bay (GEN 384) operated by Armstrong Outposts & Air Service
- An outpost camp on the western side of Hurst Lake (GEN 637) operated by Armstrong Outposts & Air Service
- An outpost camp on the eastern side of Hurst Lake (GEN 631) operated by Armstrong Outposts & Air Service
- An outpost camp on the west side of Felsia Lake (Gen 554) operated by Leuenberger Air Service Ltd.
- An outpost camp located on the north side of Guerin Lake (GEN 621) operated by Mattice Lake Outfitters
- An outpost camp located on an island in the north end of Peninsular Lake (GEN 400) operated by Wataywin Camps
- An outpost camp located on the north–eastern side of Peninsular Lake (GEN 377) operated by Ara Lake Camps Ltd.
- A short–term (restricted outpost camp) LUP located on the north side of Pinches Lake, just outside the conservation reserve boundaries (GEN2458), held by Timberidge Air & Outpost Camps
- A forest road crosses the south end of the Witchwood River. Current condition of this road is unknown
Maintenance to existing roads, cabins, camps and cottages will be permitted, however, no new development will be permitted.
The Land Use Intent for the site indicates that road crossings for forestry purposes are permitted, but should be minimized (LUS, 1999). A road crossing at the southeast portion of Peninsular Lake has been identified for future forest planning purposes.
6.3 Recreational Activities
6.3.1 Summary
| Tourism | The conservation reserve is well–used for recreation and sees moderate to heavy use by tourists. Ten fly–in tourist outpost camps, operated by five different tourist outfitters are located within the conservation reserve. These outfitters offer opportunities for angling and moose hunting |
|---|---|
| Recreational Fishing | All five of the tourist outfitters operating in the area base the majority of their business on offering recreational angling opportunities to fly–in tourists. Sport fish present within the Attwood River system include: walleye, northern pike, lake whitefish, native lake trout and yellow perch. |
| Recreational Hunting | Many of the tourist outfitters in the area also offer moose hunting opportunities from their fly–in outpost camps. One private recreation camp exists on Luella lake. |
6.3.2 Guidelines
Low–intensity, non–structural activities that do not negatively impact the site values (e.g. viewing, canoeing, hunting, fishing, camping, etc.) are permitted. ATV and snowmobile use is permitted to continue where it does not adversely affect the values being protected. Snowmobile and ATV use off trails is not permitted except for the direct retrieval of game.
The existing private recreation camp is permitted to continue and may be eligible for enhanced tenure but not for sale of land. No new disposition for private recreation camps will be permitted.
Existing authorized trails (e.g. hiking, snowmobiling, ATV, skiing) can continue unless there are significant demonstrated conflicts. Maintenance of existing trails is permitted; new trails can be considered through planning.
6.4 Commercial Activities
6.4.1 Summary
| Mining | No mining claims exist within the conservation reserve. |
|---|---|
| Aggregate | No operations exist on site. |
| Forest Harvest | Mature forest cover on the site is commercially merchantable. |
| Wild Rice | None observed on site. |
| Trapping | Traplines NG57, GE315, GE311, and GE306 overlap portions of the conservation reserve. Three trap cabins are known to exist in the area, others may be present. |
| Bear Management Areas | None overlap the conservation reserve. |
| Outpost Camps/Outfitters | Five different tourist outfitters operate 10 tourist outpost camps within the conservation reserve. Other outfitters utilize area adjacent to the conservation reserve. |
| Commercial Fisheries | No commercial fishing operations are present within the site. One baitfish operator utilizes the Attwood River and surrounding area (Baitfish Harvest licence # SL–RH–02–022). |
6.4.2 Guidelines
The site forms part of four traplines. Existing trapping activity is permitted to continue unless there are significant demonstrated conflicts. Existing trap cabins and trails can continue, new cabins are not permitted. New operations can be considered subject to the "test of compatibility."
Ten tourist outpost camps are located within the conservation reserve and one short-term LUP is adjacent to the site. Existing authorized tourism facilities can continue unless there are significant demonstrated conflicts. The operators of the tourism facilities can apply to upgrade tenure from LUP to lease. New tourism operations will be considered through planning.
No bear management areas exist in the conservation reserve, new operations will not be permitted.
Existing baitfish operations can continue unless there are significant demonstrated conflicts. New operations can be considered subject to the "test of compatibility."
The maintenance and repair of existing trails and cabins is permitted, as long as the scale and function of the trail or cabin is not significantly altered.
A forest road crosses the southern end of the Witchwood River. The Land Use Intent for the site indicates that road crossings for forestry purposes are permitted, but should be minimized (LUS,1999). A road crossing at the southeast portion of Peninsular Lake has been identified for future forest planning purposes.
No other commercial activities are known to exist within the conservation reserve boundaries and no new commercial activities will be permitted (i.e., mining, hydroelectric development, logging, aggregate extraction, road development, utility corridors, peat development and topsoil removal).
The area of the Attwood River Conservation Reserve will be permanently removed from the Ogoki Forest Sustainable Forest License when it is regulated. It is currently interim protected. The area has also been officially withdrawn from staking by means of a withdrawal order.
6.5 Aboriginal Interests
All First Nations with a potential interest in the Attwood River Conservation Reserve are members of the Nishnawbe–Aski Nation (NAN). Letters were sent out to potentially interested members of NAN (Ebametoong, Constance Lake, Long Lake 58, Ginoogaming, Aroland, and Marten Falls First Nations) in December of 2002 informing them of the regulation process and inviting them to comment and consult on the boundaries. Consultation efforts are currently being made between the Ministry of Natural Resources and the First Nations, at the District level.
Nothing in this Statement of Conservation Interest in any way affects existing Aboriginal or Treaty Rights.
6.6 Natural Resources Stewardship
6.6.1 Vegetation Management and Fire Management
The area will be managed in accordance with relevant existing policies. Natural ecosystem processes and features will, for the most part, be allowed to occur with minimal human interference.
The MNR recognizes fire as an essential process fundamental to the ecological integrity of conservation reserves. In accordance with existing Conservation Reserve Policy and the Forest Fire Management Strategy for Ontario, forest fire protection will be carried out as on surrounding lands.
Whenever feasible, the MNR fire program will endeavor to use "light on the land" techniques, which do not unduly disturb the landscape, in this conservation reserve. Examples of light on the land techniques may include limiting the use of heavy equipment or limiting the number of trees felled during fire response efforts.
Opportunities for prescribed burning to achieve ecological or resource management objectives may be considered. These management objectives will be developed with public consultation prior to any prescribed burning, and reflected in the document that provides management direction for this conservation reserve. Plans for any prescribed burning will be developed in accordance with the MNR Prescribed Burn Planning Manual, and the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves (approval pending).
6.6.2 Fish and Wildlife Management
Fisheries and wildlife will be managed in accordance with existing policies. Opportunities for wildlife viewing will be encouraged.
6.6.3 Landforms
No management requirements exist for this category, except that significant and unique landforms should be afforded continued protection as a natural resource.
6.7 Cultural Resource Stewardship
There are no management requirements related to cultural resources at this time based on existing information. The Ministry of Natural Resources will continue to work with the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation’s regional chief archaeologist to identify archaeological sites requiring further protection. To date there has been no field survey to assess cultural resources in the Attwood River Conservation Reserve and the potential for archaeological finds is unknown.
6.8 Client Services
Nipigon District and the Information Management Team staff will be the primary contact for responding to inquiries about the basic level of information such as access, nature appreciation, scientific study requests, wildlife viewing opportunities, hunting, permitted uses and boundaries.
6.9 Research
Non–destructive scientific research by qualified/recognized Canadian institutions or organizations that will contribute to the Ministry of Natural Resources’ natural heritage information base will be encouraged. All research programs will require the approval of the Ministry of Natural Resources and will be subject to ministry policy and other relevant legislation.
6.10 Marketing
Activities will include producing a fact sheet highlighting the importance of the reserve and responding to inquiries about the site. There are no other requirements at this time.
7 Implementation
Implementation of this Statement of Conservation Interest will primarily involve monitoring activities to ensure adherence to management guidelines. The conservation reserve will be managed under the supervision of the Information Management Team supervisor (Nipigon District) and the Geraldton Area supervisor. Any affected clients will be notified of any amendments to this Statement of Conservation Interest.
The Attwood River Conservation Reserve is slated for regulation in 2003/04 under the Public Lands Act, following the process set out in the Ontario’s Living Legacy Protected Areas Regulation Implementation Manual (MNR, 2000).
8 Review and Revisions
Any changes that may occur to the management direction outlined in this Statement of Conservation Interest for the Attwood River Conservation Reserve will be evaluated for their significance. Minor changes, which do not alter the overall protection objectives, may be considered and approved by the Area Supervisor. Local consultation may also be required, as determined by the Area Supervisor. In the case of major changes, the need for a more comprehensive Resource Management Plan will be considered first along with any legislated notification requirements that may exist at that particular time. Any major amendments to this document will require public consultation and the approval of the District Manager and Regional Director.
9 Public Consultation
9.1 Results of Past Consultation
The Attwood River Conservation Reserve has been a part of the land use planning and consultation process during:
- Lands for Life round table consultation (June 1997 to July 1998)
- Ontario’s Living Legacy consultations (Fall 1998, Spring 1999)
- OLL Site Regulation and Public Consultation Process (September 2002)
During the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy site regulation and public consultation process for the Attwood River Conservation Reserve, contact was made with local stakeholders. In September of 2002, letters from the District Manager were sent to First Nations, representatives from the forestry industry, trappers, municipalities, landowners, prospectors, fish and game clubs, trail and recreational clubs, and tourist operators/outfitters. Newspaper advertisements were also released at this time.
Two written comments and one verbal comment were received regarding the Attwood River Conservation Reserve (see Appendix 7 for a copy of the OLL Public and Aboriginal Consultation Documentation Form for the Attwood River Conservation Reserve). Please see Section 6.5 for an account of the comments put forward by First Nations. Concerns that arose with respect to the establishment of the conservation reserve were addressed accordingly.
9.2 Present and Future Consultation
Further widespread consultation is not deemed necessary at this time because of the extensive consultation that has already occurred to date.
Once the Attwood River Conservation Reserve has been formally regulated under the Public Lands Act, notification letters will be sent to all members of the public who expressed interest in the site. Notices will also be sent to all First Nations, industry and municipal organizations potentially affected by the regulation of this site.
10 References
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. (1999). Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy, Queen’s Printer for Ontario, Ontario Canada.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. (2000). Protected Areas Regulation Implementation Manual, Internal Document.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. (2002). Attwood River Conservation Reserve (C2249) Fact Sheet. July 2002.