Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve Management Statement
This document provides policy direction for the protection, development and management of the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve and its resources.
Statement of Conservation Interest
Version 1.0
November 2004
Approval statement
I am pleased to approve this Statement of Conservation Interest for the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve.
The management direction for this conservation reserve is in the form of a Statement of Conservation Interest. The Statement of Conservation Interest defines the area that is being planned, the purpose for which the conservation reserve has been proposed, and it outlines the Ministry of Natural Resources' intent for the protected area. This Statement of Conservation Interest will provide guidance for the management of the conservation reserve and the basis for the ongoing monitoring of activities.
Direction for establishing, planning and managing conservation reserves is defined under the Public Lands Act and current policy. "Ontario’s network of natural areas has been established to protect and conserve areas representative of the diversity and the natural regions of the province, including species, habitats, feature and ecological systems which comprise that natural diversity" (OMNR, 1997). Detailed direction and defined management will be incorporated into this Statement of Conservation Interest as well as public and aboriginal consultation.
The direction herein is consistent with the Ministry of Natural Resources Ontario Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (OMNR, 1999). Decisions made at this time further clarify the permitted uses within the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve. The site will be regulated under the Public Lands Act and the public and First Nations were informed and consulted during the preparation and review of this Statement of Conservation Interest. This SCI was reviewed by different specialists and the Nighthawk Area Team within Timmins District.
The Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve will be managed under the jurisdiction of the Timmins District Ministry of Natural Resources under the supervision of the Nighthawk Area Supervisor as designated by the District Manager.
Written and Submitted by:
Daraleigh Irving
Recommended for approval and signed by:
Grant Ritchie
Timmins District Manager
Date: November 22, 2004
Approved by and original signed by:
Rob Galloway
Northeast Regional Director
Date: December 20, 2004
1.0 Introduction
In 1999, Ontario’s Living Legacy (OLL) Land Use Strategy identified 378 natural areas that contribute to the representation of the spectrum of the province’s ecosystems and natural features, including both biological and geological features, while minimizing impacts on other land uses. Protecting areas, species, habitats, special features and ecological systems is essential to the sustainable management of natural resources in the Province of Ontario. By ensuring representative sites are retained in their natural state, these areas can continue to contribute to Ontario’s natural environment for present and future generations (OMNR, 1997).
Conservation reserves have been established to preserve sensitive areas requiring protection from incompatible uses to ensure their values will endure over time. This designation permits many traditional land uses to continue while excluding activities such as commercial timber harvest, mining, and hydroelectric development that negatively impact the conservation reserve.
The 184 hectare Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve is located approximately 40 east/southeast of Timmins, Ontario along the western boundary of McEvay Township, Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Timmins District, MNR Northeast Region. Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve is a 41-110 year old cedar wetland forest and is found near the headwaters of the Driftwood River. The major landform is lacustrine though cedar is located on weakly broken outwash deposits. The area provides winter moose habitat and core marten habitat.
An approved Statement of Conservation Interest (SCI), an Enhanced Statement of Conservation Interest (Enhanced SCI), or a Resource Management Plan (RMP) will guide the management and administration of each conservation reserve. This SCI will provide the management direction for Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve.
2.0 Goals and objectives
2.1 Goal
This Statement of Conservation Interest will be used to identify needs and guide key management activities towards the protecting site-specific values and the overall ecological integrity of the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve. The management direction will protect the site’s natural heritage values and demonstrate its compatibility within the larger sustainable landscape. This direction will comply with the land use intent as stated by the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (OMNR, 1997).
2.2 Objectives
2.2.1 Short term objectives
The short-term objectives of this SCI are:
- To define the purpose of Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve
- To define the management intent for Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve
- To create public awareness of the values within Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve and promote responsible stewardship of the protected area and surrounding lands
This will be accomplished by:
- Identifying the state of the resource with respect to the protection of natural heritage values and current land use activities occurring within the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve
- Determining land-use compatibilities, thus creating the best management strategy to protect the integrity of identified values
2.2.2 Long term objectives
The Statement of Conservation Interest (SCI) will determine the long-term management goals of the conservation reserve by identifying tourism and recreational use opportunities, research needs, client services and marketing strategies. By comparing scientific values found within Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve to provincial benchmarks, representative targets (e.g. future forest conditions) can be determined for this site. Further monitoring or research needed to identify and to maintain the integrity of these characteristics can then be established.
The SCI will also provide direction to evaluate proposed new uses or economic ventures. To accomplish this, the Test of Compatibility shall be undertaken to determine the impact of the suggested use(s), either positive or negative, on the protected values and administrative needs of the conservation reserve (OMNR, 1997). The Test of Compatibility will provide rationale for decision-making within the conservation reserve, further clarifying permitted uses within the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve.
3.0 Management planning
3.1 Planning context
3.1.1 Planning area
The planning area is the proposed regulated boundary of Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve (Map 8.1).
The planning area will form the area directly influenced by this Statement of Conservation Interest. The plan will recognize the protection of values within the planning area, however, to fully protect values within the conservation reserve additional consideration within larger land use or resource management plans may be required. Any strategies noted within this plan related to the site’s boundary or beyond will need to be presented for consideration within a larger planning context.
3.1.2 Management planning context
The need to complete the Parks and Protected Areas system has long been recognized as an important component of ecological sustainability (OMNR, 2000). This was reaffirmed in 1997 when the Lands for Life planning process was announced. Previous gap analysis studies were used to propose where candidate areas would protect additional representative life and earth science features. The Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine was identified for its life science features in the initial gap analysis and was subsequently identified in Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy as C1604 (OMNR, 1999). The site has grown in size to its' present 184 hectares.
Conservation reserves are governed under Section 4 of the Public Lands Act and their lands and waters, as described in the Schedules, shall not be used for mining, commercial forest harvest, hydro-electric power development, the extraction of aggregates or peat or other industrial purposes (OMNR, 1997).
Permitted uses in conservation reserves follow the direction expressed in the Land Use Strategy while ensuring prior commitments made by Timmins District, Ministry of Natural Resources are met (OMNR, 1999). In time, the Land Use Strategy will be superceded by MNR's online Crown Land Use Atlas. The Permitted Uses Table (Appendix B) illustrates the variety of uses that could potentially occur in a conservation reserve. In cases where a use already occurs, it will be permitted to continue as per the Land Use Strategy (OMNR, 1997). Where a permitted use does not already exist in a specific conservation reserve, the permitted use would be considered a new use and subjected to the Test of Compatibility. Most recreational (e.g. hiking, boating, bird watching, hunting, fishing) and non-industrial resource uses (e.g. fur harvesting and bait harvesting) traditionally enjoyed in the area are permitted to continue.
Reflective of the management intent for Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve, future uses or developments proposed for this conservation reserve will be reviewed using the Procedural Guideline B - Land Uses - Test of Compatibility found in Policy PL3.03.05 (OMNR, 1997). The Test of Compatibility is conducted to weigh the future use against the potential impacts to site values. Proposed uses and/or developments may also be screened using A Reference Manual for MNR Class Environmental Assessments: Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects.
Consideration for proposals pertaining to the development/ use of cultural resources may be screened through Conserving a Future For Our Past: Archaeology, Land Use Planning & Development In Ontario, Section 3 (Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, 1997). Where necessary, the Ministry of Natural Resources will establish Area of Concern (AOC) descriptions and prescriptions for cultural heritage resources within forest management planning (FMPs).
These planning tools will help refine the review process once the proposal satisfies the direction and intent of the Public Lands Act, associated policies and this planning document.
3.2 Planning process
The completion of the land use regulation process and this planning exercise has occurred concurrently. This planning exercise has occurred to determine the management direction for Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve. Management of the conservation reserve includes, as a minimum, regulation, provision of public information, stewardship, and security. It also includes authorization and setting conditions on permitted uses and ongoing monitoring and compliance. Management of conservation reserves is the responsibility of the Ministry of Natural Resources at the District level, and will be done in accordance with Policy PL 3.03.05 (OMNR, 1997) and an approved management document.
A Statement of Conservation Interest is the minimum level of management direction established for any conservation reserve. If during the planning process major issues arise and/or it is recognized that decisions will need to be made beyond what is directed in the Land Use Strategy, a Statement of Conservation Interest increases to an Enhanced Statement of Conservation Interest or a Resource Management Plan. In either elevated management direction, specific permitted uses will be passed through the Test of Compatibility and decisions on future uses may be made beyond what is directed in the Land Use Strategy. To date, no issues have been identified in the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve that would require decisions to be made beyond what was previously determined by the Land Use Strategy.
This SCI will govern the lands and waters within the proposed regulated boundary of the conservation reserve. To ensure Ministry of Natural Resources protection objectives are being fully met within the conservation reserve, the surrounding landscape and related activities must be carried out in consideration of the site’s objectives and heritage values.
First Nations and the public were notified when the draft SCI was ready for review. Public review period began on January 17th, 2004 for a 15 day period. Notification occurred via mail-out to the First Nations and stakeholders. As well, an advertisement was placed in four local newspapers: Timmins Daily Press, Timmins Times, Les Nouvelles and Northern Daily News. 2 responses were received, focusing on the permitted uses within the site.
Where future reviews and revisions are necessary, public and First Nation consultation would occur and notification on the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry will be required. The Ministry of Natural Resources Timmins District will be responsible for ensuring this occurs.
4.0 Background information
4.1 Location and site description
4.1.1 Location and access
The Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve is located approximately 40 kilometres east southeast of Timmins, Ontario along the western boundary of McEvay Township (Map 8.1). The north and south boundaries are vectored while the east boundary follows the western shore of the Little Driftwood River and the west boundary follows the eastern shore of an unnamed creek. Access to the conservation reserve is by trails from the Sylvia Chutes Road.
Table 1: Location and Administrative Details for Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve
| MNR Administrative Region/District/Area | Northeast/ Timmins/ Nighthawk |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 184 hectares |
| Regulation Date | Unregulated |
| First Nations Interests | Matachewan First Nations, Flying Post First Nation, and Wahgoshig First Nation |
| OBM Map Sheets | 20 17 5200 53500 |
| Canada Map Series | Watabeag River 42 A/07 |
| UTM Coordinates Centroid | 17 526261 5351176 |
| Territorial District | District of Timiskaming |
| Municipality | Unorganized |
| Township | McEvay |
| Status | 100% Crown Lands |
| Forest | Nighthawk Forest (Timmins Forest originally) |
4.1.2 Physical site description
The Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve is 184 hectares in size. Originally the conservation reserve was classified as Cochrane Site District 3E-3 (Hills, 1959) and has since been reclassified as Kirkland Lake Ecodistrict 3E-6 within Lake Abitibi Ecoregion 3E (Crins and Uhlig, 2000) (Appendix A). It is also found within tertiary watershed 4MB in the Moose River Basin (OMNR, 2002).
The key significance of the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve is that it encompasses the largest representation of white cedar (middle age) on lacustrine deposits within ecodistrict 3E-3 (King et al., 2003).
Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve has an altitude ranging from 310 to 320 metres.
4.1.3 Administrative description
The site is yet to be regulated and will eventually be regulated under the Public Lands Act amending Ontario Regulation 805/94 (Conservation Reserves).
4.2 Inventories
Three inventories have been completed for the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve:
- Earth science checksheet (draft) by Ontario Parks (Kor, 2001)
- Recreation inventory checklist by Timmins District MNR (James, 2002)
- Life science checksheet (draft) by MNR Northeast Region (King et al., 2003)
5.0 State of the resource
The natural heritage of Ontario contributes to the economic, social and environmental well-being and health of the province and its people. Protecting areas of natural heritage is therefore important for many reasons, such as maintaining ecosystem health and providing habitat in order to maintain species diversity and genetic variability. Protected areas also provide scientific and educational benefits. They generate tourism, thereby bolstering local and regional economies, and provide places where people can enjoy and appreciate Ontario’s natural diversity.
5.1 Representation
The Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve has been identified to protect life science features. The Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve has provincial significance and is considered an important representative feature of Ontario’s life science diversity.
5.1.1 Life science
The dominant forest community within the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve is eastern cedar dominant conifer (42% of total area) (Map 8.2.1). Other forest communities represented include black spruce dominant conifer, black spruce pure, poplar conifer dominant, larch dominant conifer and jack pine conifer mixed and jack pine dominant conifer. The jack pine dominant conifer forest community is small (0.01 ha) and therefore does not contribute to the representation of the site. The larch dominant conifer forest community appears to be an upland site and contains mature tamarack with very good height (Burkhardt, 2002).
Stocking within the conservation reserve ranges from less than 40% to 100% (Map 8.2.2). The cedar dominant conifer forest community in the centre of the site is stocked at 100%. The tree age throughout the conservation reserve ranges from 24 to 131 years. Cedar and black spruce in the centre of the conservation reserve are aged at 76 years. Cedar, jack pine, black spruce and poplar stands around the perimeter of the conservation reserve and the poplar conifer dominant community within the site are between 20 and 60 years of age. The tamarack along the western boundary of the conservation reserve and spruce stands in the southeast and north are considered to be old growth (Uhlig et al., 2001; Map 8.2.3).
Brush and alder, and treed muskeg wetlands, derived from the Forest Resource Inventory, account for 20% of the total area of the conservation reserve. Further preliminary classification of these indicates the presence of rich conifer swamps, intermediate conifer swamps, treed bogs and thicket swamps within this 20% (Burkhardt, 2002; Map 8.2.4).
Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve is capable of producing marten habitat and includes a late winter moose concentration area. High concentration cedar stands provide excellent late winter moose habitat (James, 2002).
Photo 1 & 2: Southeast corner (left) and west boundary thicket swamp (right) (Barb Burkhardt, September 2002)
Photo 3 & 4: East boundary (left) & north boundary thicket swamp with cedar forest (right) (Barb Burkhardt, September 2002)
5.1.2 Earth science
The provincial landform coverage classifies the northern three-quarters of Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve as lacustrine deposits and the southern quarter as weakly broken outwash deposits. Three landforms have been described within the conservation reserve (Kristjansson, 2002). Glaciolacustrine deposits (Unit 6, 9/6) immediately underlie most of the north half and much of the south half of the conservation reserve. Due to the presence of probable dune forms in the southeast part of this area, the glaciolacustrine deposits consist predominantly of silty, fine sand (Lee, 1979). This site has also been mapped as a glaciolacustrine (deep-water) silt and clay (Richard and McClenaghan, 2000). These fine filter distinctions will require further analysis. It is also suspected that within this area, subordinate, but difficult to delineate areas of shallow organic deposits, which occur primarily as veneers of organic materials overlying the glaciolacustrine deposits, are present.
Eolian deposits (Unit 7a) immediately underlie most of the remaining area of the conservation reserve (extreme south) including a number of relatively well-developed sand dunes. The formation of sand dunes requires the exposure of a sand source deposit to wind activity. Dune morphology appears to be dominated, if not exclusively represented, by variations of the parabolic form (David, 1979). There are also several minor areas immediately underlain by Organic Deposits (Unit 9), located around eastern and western boundary stream systems (Kristjansson, 2002).
The geological features described above are commonly encountered within this region, and are considered to be only local significance. Considering the relatively passive land uses anticipated within a conservation reserve (e.g., hunting), the various earth science features (with the exception of the sand dunes) are considered to have low sensitivity. Depending on the vegetative cover, the sand dune forms can be sensitive to passive activities such as hiking. It is noted that some of the sand dunes have been impacted by trail development.
5.1.3 Quality of present representation
The quality of the representation or the current characteristics of the natural features found within the conservation reserve are as important as the overall representative features that are being protected. A number of criteria are considered in evaluating a site including: diversity, ecological factors, condition, special feature and current land use activities.
a) Diversity
Diversity is a measure of the site’s life and earth science heterogeneity. It is based on the number and range (variety) of the natural landscape features and landforms of earth science values and the richness and evenness of the life science component.
Preliminary analysis shows the presence of six landform:vegetation combinations; therefore, the diversity of the site is considered to be low. Further analysis and classifications would likely increase the number of landform:vegetation combinations without altering the diversity rating.
Evenness is the number of communities that control the vegetative nature of a site. The top three communities (Ce dominant conifer, Sb dominant conifer, and brush and alder) capture more than 60% of the site’s area (King et al., 2003).
b) Ecological factors
Ecological factors refer to current design of the conservation reserve including its size, shape and the ability of the site to maintain itself over time (Thompson, 1999). The ability of a site to buffer the core areas from adjacent land uses, its general location and its location within the greater managed ecosystem will influence the site’s viability over time and be important factors in maintaining overall ecosystem health (OMNR, 1992). A site’s boundaries should be created to include the greatest diversity of life and earth science features to provide the maximum ecological integrity possible. It should be ecologically self-contained, bounded by natural features and include adequate area to buffer the core ecosystems from adjacent land use activities (OMNR, 1992).
At 184 hectares, the small size of Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve increases the difficulty in protecting its ecological factors.
The north and south boundaries of the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve are vectors while the east and west boundaries follow biological water features. This conservation reserve captures the Ce stands in the centre while surrounding the tamarack and spruce stands. This allows the core values within the conservation reserve more protection from the initial delineation 'blob', however, spruce, jack pine and poplar communities in the north and south have been cut-off. To make it more ecologically sound, the north boundary should extend to where the unnamed creek enters the Little Driftwood River.
c) Condition
Condition is the degree of past human and natural disturbances observed or recorded for the site. Condition is the amount of disturbance, man-made or natural, within a conservation reserve. The disturbance within this conservation reserve is rated as low as there is less than 10% of known disturbance. Trails exist in the southwest and northeast corners of the conservation reserve (King et al, 2003).
d) Special features
Special features may include interesting landscapes, habitats or vistas, Species at Risk (SAR) and other earth and life science features such as broader landscape elements that contribute to the natural heritage richness of Ontario. During the aerial inventory flight, a mature tamarack stand was observed. This stand has good height, excellent growth and condition and appears to be growing on an upland site (King et al., 2003). The richness of conifer species is another special feature.
e) Current land use activities
Current land uses include fishing, hunting, commercial fur harvesting, commercial hunting (moose and bear) and ATVing (James, 2002).
5.2 Social/economic interest
This section addresses the contribution of the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve to the local economy and society through the opportunities it represents and the importance of these opportunities.
5.2.1 Local communities
The Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve is 40 kilometres east/southeast from the City of Timmins and 5 kilometres west of the Town of Black River Matheson. This area provides minimal recreational/commercial opportunities for the residents of and visitors to the area.
During the hunting season, tourism brings economic benefits to the City of Timmins and to the local outfitters. Other recreational/commercial activities that may be found within the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve include snowmobiling, hunting, and ATVing (James, 2002).
5.2.2 First Nations
The Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve is found within James Bay Treaty #9. It is also located closest to Matachewan First Nation reserve and occurs within Matachewan First Nation, Flying Post First Nation and Wahgoshig First Nation traditional territories. Information to date indicates that Matachewan First Nation, Flying Post First Nation, and Wahgoshig First Nation have not identified any values within the conservation reserve. Aboriginal and Treaty Rights will be adhered to.
5.2.3 Ministry of Northern Development and Mines and the mining industry
In March 2002, the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines and the Ministry of Natural Resources came to a joint decision regarding mining issues and Ontario’s Living Legacy sites. No new exploration will be permitted on Crown land within OLL sites in the future.
5.2.4 Other government agencies, departments or Crown corporations
Ministry of Natural Resources Timmins District is working with the East Fire Region – Timmins Fire Management Headquarters to develop a fire management direction that protects the values found within the conservation reserve. The current fire management strategy identifies the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve in the intensive zone. Within the intensive zone, full suppression mandates that every fire must receive a response and is actioned aggressively.
5.2.5 Non-government organizations and other industry interests
Both the Partnership for Public Lands (PPL) and Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) are participating in the review of this statement of conservation reserve. No issue has been raised in the Abitibi Water Management Plan regarding Night Hawk Lake Shoreline Bluffs Conservation Reserve (Ontario Power Generation, 2003).
5.3 Natural heritage stewardship
The Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve’s distinct contribution is life science feature preservation, and educational and recreational opportunities. The Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve also offers scientists, educators and recreationalists opportunities to learn about the site and enjoy its value. Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve should be recognized for its provincially significant life science features and should be considered to minimize further impacts to the site.
Further analysis is required to determine the site’s significance within ecodistrict 3E-6 based on Crin’s realignment of the ecological boundaries. This conservation reserve is a popular hunting area with some ATV and snowmobile use. The wetland communities within the conservation reserve are sensitive to disturbance as a result of this traffic; as a result, these communities are the most sensitive features of the conservation reserve (King et al., 2003).
By allocating these lands to the parks and protected areas system through regulation the province has ensured a certain level of permanence for the conservation reserve and its values from industrial activities that may exist in the larger general use or more extensively managed landscape.
5.4 Fisheries and wildlife
Driftwood River White Cedar Conservation Reserve is found within Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 29. Game and furbearer species which inhibit the area include furbearers (e.g. beaver, lynx, marten and mink), large mammals (e.g. moose and black bear) and birds (e.g. ruffed and spruce grouse).
Wildlife values for this site include a trapline (KL-19), a bear management area (KL-29-27) and a late moose wintering area. No known trap cabins are contained within the site.
5.5 Cultural Heritage Stewardship
There are no known cultural heritage values within the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve though no detailed research has been conducted as of this date to document possible cultural heritage values. Cultural heritage values may be present within the conservation reserve.
5.6 Land use/current or past development
Mining and surface rights have been withdrawn from staking within the conservation reserve boundaries under the Mining Act (RSO 1990 Chapter M.14).
No land tenure was found within the site.
5.7 Commercial use
The commercial use of the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve includes fishing, baitfish harvesting, hunting and fur harvesting. Other commercial uses such as forestry, hydroelectric development, mining activities and aggregate operations do not occur within this site and are no longer permitted within the conservation reserve.
5.8 Tourism/recreational use/opportunities
Current recreational uses and opportunities of the site include hunting, ATVing, snowmobiling, trapping and fishing (James, 2002). There are currently no new proposals for recreational or tourism uses for this site.
Under Management Guidelines for future proposals, an evaluation of any proposal should include the following:
- Ensure natural heritage values identified herein are protected and the Test of Compatibility from PL 3.03.05 (OMNR, 1997) is used
- Different options are proposed for the development including the null option
- No change in use to be considered without public and Aboriginal consultation
5.9 Client services
Visitor services will primarily deal with responding to inquires about the basic level of information such as natural heritage representation and appreciation, wildlife viewing opportunities, access and boundaries. The role of Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve within the greater provincial parks and protected area system will be addressed when meeting with clients.
6.0 Management guidelines
6.1 Management planning strategies
Once established, protected areas will be managed to retain and/or restore natural features, processes and systems. They will also meet previous commitments identified in Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy and provide opportunities for compatible research, education and outdoor recreation activities (OMNR, 1999). Management and protection of the site will be under the Timmins District MNR, Nighthawk Area Supervisor. The management of this conservation reserve will meet the goal of protecting the natural heritage feature while permitting compatible activities to continue by screening proposals through the Test of Compatibility. Some types of proposed development would require a detailed Test of Compatibility to be conducted to ensure that the features would not be impacted in any way. These types of assessments would occur on a case-by-case basis by Mattagami Area Team, Timmins District MNR. Management strategies will also be consistent with the objectives of increasing public awareness, promoting responsible stewardship, providing marketing opportunities, and identifying inventory, monitoring, assessment and reporting potential.
6.2 "State of the Resource" management strategies
The following section will describe specific management strategies to maintain, protect and enhance the existing natural heritage values and land use activities of the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve. A complete list of permitted activities can be found in the permitted use tables (Appendix B).
6.2.1 Natural Heritage Stewardship
Natural heritage values will be managed in such a way as to mitigate and prevent any further damage to life science values or earth science features. All earth science and life science features will be protected by defining compatible uses, enforcing regulations and monitoring and mitigating issues. No additional construction, maintenance, or further upgrade to trails will be permitted.
The MNR recognizes fire as an essential process in the maintenance and renewal of ecological and ecosystem health 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 endeavour to use "light on the land" techniques, which do not unduly disturb the landscape, in the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve. Examples of "Light on the land" techniques may include, and are not limited to:
- Using natural openings for helicopters pads
- Ensuring camp locations are built outside the conservation reserve
- Limiting the use of heavy equipment within the conservation reserve
Fire and resource managers will identify those areas in which, and the specific conditions under which prescribed fires may be used to meet ecological or resource management objectives. These management objectives will be developed with public consultation prior to any prescribed burning, and reflected in future refinements of this SCI. 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) (OMNR 2003b).
The introduction of exotic and/or invasive species will not be permitted. Programs may be developed to control forest insects and diseases in the conservation reserve where these threaten significant heritage, aesthetics, or economic values. Where control is desirable and possible, it will be directed as narrowly as possible to the specific insect, disease or plant. Where action is necessary, biological control will be the preferred option whenever feasible.
Vegetation communities should not be disturbed any further through unnecessary clearing or fuelwood collection or any other use. Natural succession will be allowed to occur through passive management.
The collection/removal of native vegetation and parts thereof will not be permitted. However, subject to the Test of Compatibility, the Area Supervisor may authorize the collection of plants and/or parts for the purposes of rehabilitating degraded sites within the reserve if required and for research or scientific study.
For this site to continue to contribute as a heritage estate through its permanent protection of our life science history, the permitted uses need to be enforced. The vectored defined boundaries for the site should be marked and biological boundaries more clearly defined to ensure that the values within the site are protected from surrounding land use activities. Further analysis and assessment may require additional management prescription to ensure long-term protection of the site’s natural heritage values.
Further analysis and classification of the vegetative communities within the site, especially the wetlands present should be considered in any future assessment of the conservation reserve. Additional life and earth science inventories may be completed.
Funding should be secured in the near future to determine the number and location of any trails currently present within the site using current global positioning technologies. Location of trails as well as current condition and potential problems or required rehabilitation should be part of any future trail analysis.
The site should be promoted for its educational opportunities. The role of this landform as a provincial benchmark should be studied further and studies should be conducted to determine possible rare, vulnerable or threatened species habitat. Natural forest succession could be monitored to determine the natural climax community.
Timmins District MNR will provide leadership and direction for maintaining the integrity of this site as a protected area. Research, protection, education and interpretation of natural heritage feature of the site will be encouraged and fostered through local and regional natural heritage programs and initiatives.
6.2.2 Fisheries and wildlife
Fisheries and wildlife resources will continue to be managed in accordance with policies and regulations prevailing in the area and under the direction of the Area Supervisor. Provincial legislation and policies will dictate management and enforcement objectives for this conservation reserve.
Existing fur harvesting, baitfish harvesting, fishing and hunting will be permitted to continue by local outfitters, baitfish harvesters, trappers and the general public. First Nation Treaty Rights with respect to fish and wildlife activities will be respected as described in Section 5.2.2. New commercial outfitting, outpost, hunting camps or trap cabins will not be permitted within the boundaries of the conservation reserve.
6.2.3 Cultural heritage values
It is not known if cultural heritage values exist in the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve; however, if values are confirmed, management would be consistent with Conserving a Future For Our Past: Archaeology, Land Use Planning & Development In Ontario (Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, 1997). Research and studies should be conducted to determine the potential and/or existence of cultural or archeological resources.
6.2.4 Social/economic interest
The economic contribution of the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve to the local communities will be minimal.
Socially, this area provides recreational opportunities for the local people and tourists to enjoy for their own health and well-being. The people of Ontario will generally benefit from this conservation reserve through direct enjoyment of the area or through the knowledge that a component of our earth science and glacial history has been preserved. Other interest groups, such as colleges and universities, can benefit from this conservation reserve as a place to study natural features and processes.
6.2.5 Land use/past and existing development
No road realignments, telecommunications and resource networks will cross Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve and interrupt its natural state.
The sale of land and creation of new recreation camps will not be permitted within the conservation reserve.
6.2.6 Commercial activities
Commercial activities such as fur harvesting, baitfish harvesting and bear management areas will be managed according to prescriptions in the Land Use Strategy (OMNR, 1999). Trapline operations will be permitted to continue since there are no demonstrated conflicts between these activities and the values being protected. Existing bear management areas will be permitted to continue, including license transfer; however, new operations will not be permitted as per the Land Use Strategy (OMNR, 1999).
Commercial forest harvest, hydroelectric development, mining activities and aggregate extraction are not permitted within the conservation reserve.
6.2.7 Tourism/recreation
The tourism and recreation opportunities present in the Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve will be managed by permitting current activities to continue as per the Land Use Strategy (OMNR, 1999).
6.2.8 Client services
Under the direction of the Nighthawk Area Supervisor, Timmins District staff will respond to public, non-government organizations (NGOs), industry and MNR partner requests for basic information on Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve. Interpretative pamphlets may be developed and made available at Timmins District office.
6.3 Promoting Inventory, Monitoring, Assessment, Reporting and research
The Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve provides educational opportunities through its existence. Scientific research by qualified individuals or institutions, which contributes to the knowledge of natural and cultural history and to environmental and recreational management, will be encouraged. Requests or applications to conduct research will be filtered through the Timmins District MNR Nighthawk Area Team, to ensure that the studies are non-invasive and that no values will be damaged in the research process. Research programs will be subject to ministry policies and other legislation.
Approved research activities and facilities will be compatible with the protection objective. Permanent plots or observation stations may be established for long-term trials. The Ministry of Natural Resources may approve the removal of any natural or cultural specimen by qualified researchers. Any materials removed will remain the property of the Ministry of Natural Resources. Any site that is disturbed will be rehabilitated as closely as possible to its original state.
Overall custodial management is the responsibility of the district office with support from the regional natural heritage specialist and Ontario Parks. To advance conservation reserve custodial management, future managers will need to monitor the current state of the CRs resources at least at the community and landscape levels within and adjacent to the conservation reserve and its surrounding environment. Other specific research projects that could be undertaken may include: the effects of human disturbance on the landform, determination of the existence of any rare, vulnerable or threatened species, vegetation climax community, or wind throw and harvest area re-growth. Additional life and earth science inventories may be completed.
6.4 Implementation and plan review
This Statement of Conservation Interest will take effect immediately following approval by the Northeast Regional Director. Implementation activities will primarily involve monitoring to ensure adherence to the management guidelines. Other implementation activities may include creating a fact sheet or pamphlet to be placed at the MNR District office, and responding to any inquiries about the site. Implementation of this Statement of Conservation Interest and management of the conservation reserve are the responsibility of the Nighthawk Area Supervisor and area staff in Timmins. Compliance activities will be identified and prioritized in the Timmins District Annual Compliance Operation Plan.
This Statement of Conservation Interest should be reviewed in 5 years to determine if it is providing adequate direction and protection for the natural heritage values. If changes in management direction are needed at any time, the significance of the changes will be evaluated. Minor changes, which do not alter the overall protection objectives, may be considered and approved by the Area Supervisor without further public consultation and the management direction will be amended accordingly. In assessing major changes, the need for a more detailed Resource Management Plan (RMP) will first be considered. Where a management plan is not considered necessary or feasible, a major amendment may be considered with public consultation. The Regional Director will be required to approve major amendments. The SCI, Enhanced SCI or future RMP, if required, plus the Land Use Atlas will be amended to reflect any changes in management direction.
Inventory, monitoring, assessment, and reporting should be ongoing and findings should be amended to the Statement of Conservation Interest as the studies are completed or at the time of the 5 year review. After the initial review, and dependent on study findings, a new schedule for review will be determined. Additional planning will be linked to the inventory, monitoring, assessment, reporting and/or research findings and any new information. Adaptive management strategies will be used when new information has a significant effect on the current Statement of Conservation Interest.
6.5 Marketing
The Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve will be marketed as a distinctive protected area encompassing the largest representation of white cedar (middle age) on lacustrine deposits within ecodistrict 3E-3 (King et al., 2003). Fact sheets may be prepared to inform the public about these values, permitted uses and restrictions, which will then become available at the Timmins District MNR office. Marketing efforts to increase use are not an objective and will be kept to a minimum.
7.0 References
Bostock, H.S., 1970. Geology and economic minerals of Canada – Part A.
Bright, E.G., and Hunt, D.S., 1971. Pamour Sheet, District of Cochrane; Ontario Department of Mines and Northern Affairs, Preliminary Map P.698, scale 1" = 2 miles.
Crins, W.J., & Uhlig, P.W., 2000. Ecoregions of Ontario: Modifications to Angus Hills' Site Regions and Districts. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Hills, G.A., 1959. A Ready Reference to the Description of the Land of Ontario and its Productivity. Ontario Department of Lands and Forests.
James, L., 2002. Recreation Inventory Checklist: C1604 Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Kristjansson, R., 2004 Draft Earth Science Inventory Checklist – Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve C1604. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Kristjansson, F.J. and Kor, P.S.G., 1997. Conservation Geology of Selected Sites in Northeastern Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
MCZCR, 1997. Conserving a Future For Our Past: Archaeology, Land Use Planning & Development in Ontario. Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation.
King, L., Burkhardt, B., and Longyear, S., 2003. Driftwood River White Cedar Lacustrine Conservation Reserve (C1604): Life Science Checksheet – Step 4. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resouces.
OMNR, 1997. Conservation Reserves Policy 3.03.05. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. OMNR, 1999. Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
OMNR, 2000. Beyond 2000 MNR Strategic Direction. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Peterborough, Ontario.
OMNR, 2002. MNR districts and major basins of Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
OMNR, 2003a. A Class Environmental Assessment for MNR Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects. Ministry of Natural Resources Environmental Assessment Report Series. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Queen’s Printer.
OMNR, 2003b. A Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves. Ministry of Natural Resources Assessment Report Series. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Queen’s Printer.
Poser, S.F., 1992. Report on the Status of Provincial Parks in Site Regions and Districts of Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Rowe, J.S., 1972. Forest Regions of Canada. Department of Fisheries and the Environment, Canadian Forestry Service.
Thompson, J.E., 1999. Cheatsheet "Building the System". Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
8.0 Maps
8.1 Planning Area
Map 1: Approved Boundary
Enlarge Map 1: Approved Boundary
8.2 Life Science Checksheet Maps
8.2.1 Forest communities
Map 2a: Forest Communities
Enlarge Map 2a: Forest Communities
8.2.2 Stocking distribution
Enlarge Map 2b: Stocking distribution
8.2.3 Old growth
Map 5: Old Growth
8.2.4 Wetlands
Map 3b: Wetlands
9.0 Appendices
9.1 Appendix A: Physical site description
Table 2: Physical Site Description
| Site Region / Ecoregion | Lake Abitibi Ecoregion – 3E |
|---|---|
| Characteristics | Moderately to gently rolling bedrock, generally covered by deep deposits of clay, silt and sand (Hills, 1959). |
| Vegetation | Stands of spruce, fir, poplar and birch found on fresh, moderately sloping terrain; American elm and white cedar found in protected valleys. |
| Site District / Ecodistrict | Cochrane Site District 3E-3 (Hills, 1959), redefined as Kirlkland Lake Ecodistrict 3E-6 (Crins and Uhlig, 2000) |
| Characteristics | Generally moderately broken with few local ‘mountains' exist (Hills, 1959; Poser, 1992). |
| Soils | Generally thin with local pockets of deeper silt, clay and sand (Hills, 1959; Poser, 1992). |
| Climate | Mid-humid, mid-boreal (Hills, 1959; Poser, 1992). |
| Forest Region | Boreal Forest Region |
| Forest Section | Missinaibi-Cabonga Forest Section |
| Characterisitcs | Found along the height of land in central Ontario and Quebec. |
| Vegetation | Combines typical boreal forest species with isolated patches or scattered individuals of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence forest region; black spruce, with tamarack, covers large areas of wet organic soils; eastern white cedar accompanying black spruce is another common species association (Rowe, 1972). |
| Physiographic Region - Section | James Physiographic Region – Abitibi Upland Section |
| Description | This region contains broad rolling surfaces that reach about 1500 feet near its southern borders and is underlain by crystalline Archean rocks (Bostock, 1970). |
9.2 Appendix B: Conservation Reserves policy
Amended by Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy, September 26, 2000
Introductory notes:
- According to conservation reserve policy, and statements made in the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (LUS), all uses within conservation reserves are subject to a "test of compatibility", that is, the use must be compatible with the conservation of the ecological features for which the site was identified (e.g., landforms, vegetation communities, hydrology, species, etc)
- The following detailed clarification of conservation reserve policies should be read in the context of the general policies, and notes on Aboriginal rights, that are outlined at the beginning of the paper
Definitions:
- Existing Policy: Statements of policy for conservation reserves established prior to the OLL-LUS, primarily as outlined in the Conservation Reserve Policy and Procedure, February 1997
- OLL-Land Use Strategy Policy: Statements of policy in the LUS applicable to the recommended conservation reserves in the OLL planning area
- Policy Clarification: Statements that clarify policy direction with respect to new and/or existing OLL conservation reserves within the OLL planning area
Industrial activities
| Issue and Activity | Existing Policy | OLL: Land Use Strategy Policy | Policy Clarification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial timber harvest | Not permitted | Not permitted | Consistent with existing policy |
| Cutting of trees by leaseholders, cottagers and other property owners for fuelwood and other smallscale uses | No explicit policy | No policy stated | No fuelwood permit will be authorized. |
| Timber salvage/sunken log retrieval | No explicit policy | No policy stated | If provided for in an SCI or RMP, standing, fallen or sunken trees may be removed for resource management purposes. Such trees may be marketed if economical. |
| Mineral exploration | Not permitted | Not permitted | Consistent with existing policy. |
| Mining | Not permitted | Not permitted | Consistent with existing policy. |
| Extraction of peat, soil, aggregate, other materials | Not permitted | No policy stated; existing policy applies | |
| Forest renewal | Forest renewal is not directly addressed in existing policy as it is an activity associated with commercial timber harvesting which is not permitted in conservation reserves. | Not directly addressed | This issue arises where a new conservation reserve was cut recently, and there is a question as to whether the forest company should carry out planned forest renewal work. MNR's position is that the companies have harvested the areas, and have an obligation to proceed with renewal, unless this requirement is waived by MNR. If renewal is to occur, the work should normally be carried out by the forest company. Any possible renewal should be reviewed to determine the nature of the renewal proposal and the possible implications for protected area values. Renewal can be conducted where it will be of net benefit to the protected area. To the greatest extent possible, the renewal should be designed to replicate natural conditions (e.g., if planting is carried out, the more random the planting, the better), although the company cannot be expected to carry out renewal that would be beyond the cost of normal renewal activities. Tending should be considered on a case-by-case basis and be driven by the desired outcome of renewal. |
| Hydro power generation | Not permitted | Not permitted | |
| Communications corridors | Existing use permitted to continue; new corridors to be discouraged through planning. | No policy stated; existing policy applies | The intent of the policy is to actively discourage these uses, but it is recognized that in some circumstances there will be no alternatives; this will be determined through planning. |
| Energy transmission corridors | Existing use permitted to continue; new corridors to be discouraged through planning. | No policy stated; existing policy applies | The intent of the policy is to actively discourage these uses, but it is recognized that in some circumstances there will be no alternatives; this will be determined through planning. |
| Transportation corridors | Existing use permitted to continue; new corridors to be discouraged through planning. | No policy stated; existing policy applies | The intent of the policy is to actively discourage these uses, but it is recognized that in some circumstances there will be no alternatives; this will be determined through planning. |
| Resource access roads | Existing resource access roads can continue to be used. New resource access roads will not be permitted. | Existing forest access roads may occur within areas identified as recommended conservation reserves. These roads may be essential for continued access beyond the recommended conservation reserve for forest management or recreational purposes. Where alternative access does not exist or road relocation is not feasible, these roads will continue to be available for access. Continued use will include maintenance and may include future upgrading. New resource access roads will not be permitted with the exception of necessary access to existing mining claims and leases or for future mineral exploration and/or development. | MNR has made a commitment through the Ontario Forest Accord that, in the case of new linear shaped conservation reserves, provision will be made for the timely implementation of a limited number of crossings to provide access to timber harvest areas that would otherwise be uneconomical to access. These crossings should be identified by December 31, 1999. Once the protected areas are in regulation, decisions on crossings will normally be made as part of the management planning process. New roads for resource extraction will not be permitted, except for those identified in Forest Management Plans before March 31, 1999 and for which no viable alternative exists. |
| Private access roads | No explicit policy | No explicit policy The general policy on honouring "existing commitments" applies to commitments made to private access roads prior to 29 March 1999. | New private access roads, including additions to existing roads, will not be permitted except where there are existing commitments. The maintenance of existing private access roads will be permitted, however, the upgrading of existing private access roads will not be permitted. Where MNR made a commitment, prior to March 29, 1999, to permit a private access road within a recommended protected area, the road proposal will be subject to completion of a public planning process. The Field Environmental Planning Procedure from the Small Scale Class E.A. is recommended as a suitable process. In addition, the Ministry will concurrently prepare an Interim Management Statement (IMS) or a Statement of Conservation Interest (SCI), depending on whether the area in question is a park or a conservation reserve. |
Recreational activities
| Issue and Activity | Existing Policy | OLL: Land Use Strategy Policy | Policy Clarification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport fishing | Existing and new uses permitted | Existing and new uses permitted | The Ontario fishing regulations will continue to govern fishing in conservation reserves. |
| Sport hunting | Existing and new uses permitted | Existing and new uses permitted | |
| Facility development | Existing facilities/use may be permitted. New facilities may be considered. | No policy stated; existing policy applies | |
| Non-trail snowmobiling | Use may be permitted for direct retrieval of game only | No policy stated; existing policy applies | |
| Non-trail ATV use | Use may be permitted for direct retrieval of game only | No policy stated; existing policy applies | |
| Motorized boating | Existing and new uses permitted | No policy stated; existing policy applies | |
| Camping | Use may be permitted | No policy stated; existing policy applies | |
Trails:
| Existing use permitted to continue. New trails may be permitted. | Existing authorized trails can continue unless there are significant demonstrated conflicts. New trails can be considered through planning. | LUS is consistent with existing policy |
| Private recreation camps | Existing camps permitted to continue. New camps will not be permitted. Transfer requests will be considered in the context of an SCI or RMP for the conservation reserve | Existing authorized recreation camps permitted to continue, and may be eligible for enhanced tenure, but not for purchase of land. | As the LUS is silent on establishment of new seasonal recreation camps, the existing policy will apply (new camps not permitted). In conservation reserves in the OLL planning area, existing private recreational camps, including hunt camps, are eligible for enhanced tenure, but not purchase of lands. Enhanced tenure is defined as anything beyond the term and form of current tenure. Enhanced tenure is not guaranteed. If lands were needed to protect significant natural or recreational values, enhanced tenure would not be granted. A decision to grant enhanced tenure, or to transfer recreational camps will be addressed through a screening process, and preferably in the context of a Statement of Conservation Interest. In the absence of an SCI, decisions arising from the application of screening criteria will be limited to an extension of the term only (up to 10 years) and will not include any change in the nature of the tenure from that existing at the time of the request. Requests for the transfer of recreation camp tenure may be approved subject to the application of the screening criteria. If an existing recreation camp holder wishes to relinquish their tenure and to sell any existing improvements, MNR will consider purchase of the improvements. |
Commercial activities
| Issue and Activity | Existing Policy | OLL: Land Use Strategy Policy | Policy Clarification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing | Existing use may be permitted to continue. New operations may be permitted. | Existing use permitted to continue, unless there are significant demonstrated conflicts. New operations can be considered subject to the 'test of compatibility'. | The LUS is consistent with existing policy. The existing policy and the LUS are both silent, however, on transfer requests. Under existing policy, requests for transfer will be considered within the context of the SCI or RMP prepared for the conservation reserve. For the new conservation reserves recommended in the LUS, transfer requests will be dealt with on an ongoing basis, and not deferred until completion of a SCI or RMP. |
| Bait-fish harvesting | Existing use permitted to continue. Transfer requests will be considered in the context of the SCI or RMP for each conservation reserve. New operations may be permitted. | Existing use permitted to continue, unless there are significant demonstrated conflicts. New operations can be considered subject to the 'test of compatibility'. | The LUS is consistent with existing policy. The LUS is silent, however, on transfer requests; Requests for transfer will be dealt with on an ongoing basis, and not deferred until completion of a SCI or RMP. |
| Commercial fur trapping | Existing use permitted to continue. Transfer requests will be considered in the context of the SCI or RMP for each conservation reserve. New traplines may be permitted. | Existing use permitted to continue unless there are significant demonstrated conflicts. New operations can be considered, subject to the "test of compatibility". | The LUS is consistent with existing policy. The LUS is silent, however, on transfer requests. Requests for transfer will be dealt with on an ongoing basis, and not deferred until completion of a SCI or RMP. As part of the determination of whether new trapping would be permitted, the associated trails that would be required should be considered. |
| Trapping cabin | Existing use permitted to continue. New cabins not permitted | Existing policy applies | Repair and replacement of existing cabins should normally be permitted, as long as the scale and function are not significantly altered. The relocation of existing cabins may be permitted if consistent with the protection of natural heritage values and other uses/activities. |
| Outpost camps/tourism facilities | Existing outpost camps permitted to continue. Transfer requests will be considered in the context of an SCI or RMP for the conservation reserve. New outpost camps not permitted | Existing authorized tourism facilities can continue unless there are significant demonstrated conflicts. The operators of tourism facilities can apply to upgrade tenure from LUP to lease. New tourism facilities can be considered during planning for a conservation reserve. | The LUS differs from existing policy in several areas: LUS implies more than outpost camps in discussion of tourism facilities (for eg., main base lodges) new tourism facilities can be considered through planning permit holders can apply to upgrade tenure from LUP to lease In addition, the LUS is silent on transfer requests. Requests for transfer will be dealt with on an ongoing basis, and not deferred until completion of an SCI or RMP. |
| Commercial bear hunting (tourist operators providing bearhunting services to non-resident hunters) | Existing use permitted to continue. Transfer requests will be considered in the context of the SCI or RMP for the conservation reserve. New operations not permitted. | Existing use permitted. New operations not permitted. | The LUS is consistent with existing policy. The LUS is silent, however, on transfer requests. Requests for transfer will be considered on an ongoing basis, and not deferred until completion of a SCI or RMP. Bear management areas that have never been active should not be activated. Where BMAs have lapsed, their use should not be reinstated. |
| Wild rice harvesting | Existing use permitted to continue. New operations may be considered. | Existing use permitted to continue, unless there are significant demonstrated conflicts. New operations can be considered, subject to the 'test of compatibility'. | The LUS is consistent with existing policy. The LUS is silent, however, on transfer requests. Requests for transfer will be considered on an ongoing basis, and not deferred until completion of a SCI or RMP. |
| Food harvesting | Existing use may be permitted to continue. New operations can be considered. | No policy stated. Existing policy applies. |
Resource management activities
| Issue and Activity | Existing Policy | OLL: Land Use Strategy Policy | Policy Clarification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resource inventory | Existing and new inventory activity permitted | No policy stated; existing policy applies | |
| Resource monitoring | Existing and new monitoring activity permitted | No policy stated; Existing policy applies | |
| Fire protection | Forest fire protection will be carried out in accordance with approved Fire Management Strategies unless alternative direction for fire suppression or fire management is approved through an SCI or RMP | No policy stated; existing policy applies | Regional fire management strategies vary across the province. Where aggressive fire suppression is undertaken, a 'light-on-the-land’ approach to fire management in conservation reserves is desirable (i.e., minimal use of heavy equipment, trenching, camp construction, tree cutting, etc.). If habitat regeneration becomes an issue in future, prescribed burning could be considered on a per-site basis. |
| Insect and disease | Control of insects and diseases will be addressed on a site basis | No policy stated; existing policy applies | |
| Featured species management | Existing and new featured species management may be permitted | No policy stated; existing policy applies. Some area-specific policies address this activity. | New featured species management activity will not be permitted until a SCI or RMP is prepared. Existing habitat management practices will be reviewed to ensure that they are consistent with the protection of identified natural heritage values. |
Other activities
| Issue and Activity | Existing Policy | OLL: Land Use Strategy Policy | Policy Clarification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research | Research will be encouraged to provide a better understanding of the natural values protected by a conservation reserve and to advance their protection, planning and management. | No policy stated; existing policy applies. | |
| Collecting | Collecting is not permitted | No policy stated; existing policy applies. | Collecting may be permitted as part of an authorized research project. The issuance of permits will be considered on a per-site basis. |
| Food gathering | Existing and new use are permitted | No policy stated; existing policy applies. | |
| Land disposition | Sale and lease of lands is not permitted. Permitted uses may be authorized by land use occupational authority excluding a sale or lease. Where incompatible uses are currently permitted through land use occupational authority, such uses will be phased out either by cancellation of occupational authority or acquisition as funds are available. | Sale of lands is not permitted with the exception of some types of minor dispositions (for eg., the sale of road allowances in front of an existing cottage, the sale of small parcels of land to provide adequate area for the installation of a septic system) where it does not detrimentally affect the values an area is intended to protect. Renewals of existing leases or land use permits are permitted. Requests for transfer of tenure will be considered in the context of the SCI or RMP. New leases or land use permits will be allowed for approved activities. | Commitments to sell or lease Crown land within new conservation reserves in the OLL planning area made prior to the release of the proposed LUS will proceed, subject to meeting all other necessary requirements. |
| Habitat management for wildlife | No explicit policy | No explicit policy | Specific management prescriptions will be identified in SCIs and RMPs. No new habitat management will be permitted until an SCI or RMP is prepared. Existing habitat management practices will be reviewed to ensure that they are consistent with the protection of identified natural heritage values. |