East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve Management Statement

East Wenebegon Forest
Conservation Reserve
Statement of Conservation Interest

July 2004

Approval statement

I am pleased to approve this Statement of Conservation Interest (SCI) for the East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve (C1548).

Direction for establishing, planning and managing conservation reserves is defined under the Public Lands Act and current policy. "Ontario’s network of natural heritage areas has been established to protect and conserve areas representative of the diversity of the natural regions of the province, including species, habitats, features and ecological systems which comprise that natural diversity." (Conservation Reserve Policy 3.03.05, OMNR 1997).

This basic SCI will provide guidance for the management of the conservation reserve and the basis for the ongoing monitoring of activities. More detailed direction at this time is not anticipated. Should significant facility development be considered or complex issues arise requiring additional studies, more defined management direction, such as a conservation reserve Resource Management Plan (RMP), may be developed.

This SCI was reviewed by staff specialists at both the district and regional level of the Ministry of Natural Resources. The public was consulted prior to the regulation of the East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve and prior to the approval of this SCI. Comments and concerns registered then are reflected in this Statement of Conservation Interest.

The East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve will be managed under the jurisdiction of the Area West Supervisor of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Chapleau District.

Submitted by:
Rachel Foley
Plan Author

Date: July 12^th, 2004

Recommended for Approval by:
Wayne Fiset Date
District Manager

Date: July 12^th, 2004

Rob Galloway
Regional Director, Northeast Region

Date: July 16^th, 2004

1.0 Introduction

The Province of Ontario is home to a broad range of climate types, geography, and plant and animal species, all of which contribute to the variety and abundance of natural resources found here. The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is the lead conservation and resource management agency in the province and is therefore responsible for the management of these resources, in particular, forests, fisheries, wildlife, mineral aggregates and petroleum resources, Crown lands and waters, and provincial parks and protected areas (MNR Beyond 2000).

The Ministry of Natural Resources is committed to the protection of natural and cultural heritage values and, as such, has developed strategies that will maintain the integrity and sustainability of the parks and protected areas system.

Recently, the Government of Ontario conducted a major land use planning exercise which resulted in the release of the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (1999). The Land Use Strategy focuses on four specific objectives that were established to guide the planning process. These are:

• to complete Ontario’s system of parks and protected areas
• to recognize the land use needs of the resource-based tourism industry
• to provide forestry, mining, and other resource industries with greater land and resource use certainty
• to enhance hunting, angling and other Crown land recreation opportunities

Ontario’s network of natural heritage areas has been established to protect and conserve areas that represent the diversity of the natural regions of the province, including the species, habitats, special features and ecological systems which comprise that natural diversity. Protecting these natural heritage areas is essential to the sustainable management of natural resources. It ensures that representative sites are retained in their natural state and can continue to contribute to Ontario’s natural environment.

In order to preserve these sensitive areas, they require protection from incompatible uses to ensure their values will endure over time. The creation of conservation reserves has been identified as a way of providing necessary protection from incompatible uses while still permitting many of the traditional uses that allow the people of Ontario to enjoy our special heritage.

Conservation reserves complement provincial parks in protecting representative natural areas and special landscapes. Most recreational (e.g. hiking, skiing, tourism related uses and nature appreciation) activities that have traditionally been enjoyed in the area will continue, provided that these uses do not impact the natural features needing protection. The management and administration of a conservation reserve are guided by an approved Statement of Conservation Interest (SCI).

An approved Statement of Conservation Interest is the minimum level of management direction established for a conservation reserve. The Statement of Conservation Interest defines the area that is being planned and the purpose for which the conservation reserve has been established. In addition, it provides management direction that will protect its natural and cultural heritage values and demonstrate its compatibility within the larger landscape. To ensure MNR protection objectives are being fully met within the conservation reserve, the surrounding landscape and related activities must consider the site’s objectives and heritage values. Finally, it is the intent of this SCI to create a public awareness that will promote responsible stewardship of the protected area and surrounding lands.

The East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve is composed entirely of Crown lands and waters. Regulated in June 2003, this 3,053 hectare conservation reserve is located southeast of the Town of Chapleau and lies in the Territorial District of Sudbury, in Northeastern Ontario. The guidelines for the management of this conservation reserve are found in this document.

2.0 Goal and objectives

2.1 Goal of the SCI

The goal of the a conservation reserve, as stated in Conservation Reserve Policy PL 3.03.05, (OMNR, 1997), is to protect natural and cultural heritage values on public lands while permitting compatible land use activities. The goal of this Statement of Conservation Interest is to provide the framework and direction to guide management decisions to ensure that the East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve will meet this goal through both short and long term objectives.

2.2 Objectives of the SCI

2.2.1 Short term objectives

In order to ensure that the goal of this conservation reserve is met, the following short term objectives for this SCI have been identified:

• Identify the state of the resource with respect to natural heritage values and current land use activities for the conservation reserve
• Manage the conservation reserve to protect the integrity of its natural values via specific guidelines, strategies and prescriptions detailed in this plan

This Statement of Conservation Interest meets the planning requirement for conservation reserves as determined in Conservation Reserve Procedure PL 3.03.05 which states that management plans must be written within three years of the regulation date. (OMNR, 1997)

2.2.2 Long term objectives

In addition to the short term objectives mentioned above, long terms objectives will assist in ensuring the goal of this conservation is met. The long-term objectives for this SCI are:

• To establish representative targets and validate the site as a potential scientific benchmark
• To identify research/client services and marketing strategies
• To provide direction to evaluate future uses or economic ventures.

3.0 Management planning

3.1 Planning context

3.1.1 Planning area

The planning area will consist of the regulated boundary for the East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve as defined in section 4.1.3 Administrative Description. This landbase 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. The Ministry of Natural Resources in conjunction with other partners will work to ensure that the values are protected during planning and implementation of activities on the surrounding landbase.

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. This was reaffirmed in 1997 when the Lands for Life planning process was announced. Previous gap analysis studies were used to determine proposed candidate areas that would protect additional representative features. The East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve was chosen as one of the candidate areas and subsequently appeared in the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy as C1548. Following consultations with the public, local aboriginal communities and affected industries, the boundary was finalized and approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources. The site was then formally regulated under the Public Lands Act in June, 2003.

By regulation under the Public Lands Act, conservation reserves cannot be used for mining, commercial forest harvest, hydro-electric power development, the extraction of aggregates and peat or other industrial purposes. Most recreational and non-industrial resource uses that have traditionally been enjoyed will be permitted to continue provided that they pose no threat to the natural ecosystems and identified values of the conservation reserve.

Permitted uses in conservation reserves will generally follow the direction expressed in the Land Use Strategy as well as any prior commitments that have been made by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Chapleau District office. Future uses or developments that are proposed for this conservation reserve will be subjected to a Test of Compatibility (Appendix 9.2). Proposed uses and/or developments may also be subject to MNR's Resource Stewardship and Facility Development (RSFD) Class Environmental Assessment (EA), and may be subject to MNR's Class EA for Parks and Conservation Reserves, pending approval. Considerations for proposals pertaining to cultural resources may be screened through direction provided in Conserving a Future For Our Past: Archaeology, Land Use Planning & Development In Ontario (Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation (MCzCr), 1997) as well as Policy 4.02.01 Cultural Heritage Screening, MNR-MCzCR Memorandum of Understanding, April 2001.

3.2 Planning process

Management of the conservation reserve includes, as a minimum, the regulation, provision of public information, stewardship, and security of the site. It also includes authorization and setting conditions on permitted uses and ongoing monitoring of compliance with the approved management plan. Management of conservation reserves is the responsibility of the Ministry of Natural Resources at the district level, and will be done in accordance with Conservation Reserve Policy PL 3.03.05 and an approved management plan.

Once a conservation reserve has been established and regulated through the land use planning process, it will undergo a planning exercise to determine the future management of the site. The appropriate plan must be completed within three years of the regulation date.

There are two policy documents that may be prepared: a Statement of Conservation Interest or a Resource Management Plan.

A Statement of Conservation Interest is the minimum level of planning required for a conservation reserve and may take the form of either a Basic Stewardship SCI or an Enhanced SCI. A Basic Stewardship SCI is used for sites where no decisions beyond the Land Use Strategy are required. The Enhanced SCI is used for sites that have one or more issues that need to be addressed.

The highest level of planning for a conservation reserve is a Resource Management Plan and would be written if the conservation reserve were deemed to have numerous complex issues.

Based on the criteria, which can be found in Planning Process for Conservation Reserves: Statements of Conservation Interest and Resource Management Plans, Northeastern Region Guidelines (Schilf and Thompson, 2001), a Basic Stewardship Statement of Conservation Interest was determined to be the appropriate form of management plan for this conservation reserve. No issues have been identified in the East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve that would require decisions to be made beyond what has been previously determined in the Land Use Strategy.

Following the regulation of the East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve in June 2003, local First Nation communities and the public were notified that the management planning for the conservation reserve was underway. This notification occurred via mail- out to the local First Nation communities and stakeholders and an advertisement appeared in two local newspapers during the week of March 1^st, 2004. The Ministry of Natural Resources is exempt from providing notification of this planning process on the Environmental Bill of Rights Electronic Registry, under Section 30 of the Environmental Bill of Rights.

A draft version of this Statement of Conservation Interest was available for review by staff from the Ministry of Natural Resources as well as by members of the public and local First Nation communities. Comments provided to the ministry were considered in the preparation of the final document. Upon approval of this Statement of Conservation Interest, public notification will occur via mail-out to interested stakeholders and a notice will appear in the local newspapers.

This SCI is a working document and therefore may require revisions from time to time. For further information on reviews and revisions please see section 6.5 Implementation and Plan Review Strategies.

4.0 Background information

4.1 Location and site description

4.1.1 Location

East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve totals 3,053 hectares (ha) in size and is located approximately 50 km southeast of the Township of Chapleau, within the Chapleau MNR District in the Northeast Region. Table 1 provides administrative details of the site:

Table 1: Location and Administrative Details for the East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve

4.1.2 Physical description

The East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve is found in the Mississagi Ecodistrict 4E-3 (Hills, 1959; Crins and Uhlig, 2000) which lies within the larger Lake Temagami Ecoregion 4E. A portion of this site also extends into the Foleyet Ecodistrict 3E-5 (Crins and Uhlig, 2000). A general description of this area with respect to earth and life sciences can be found in Appendix 9.1.

This conservation reserve shows a good diversity of forest communities spread out over a relatively large site. White birch forest communities and poplar communities are both strongly represented on this site, as are black spruce communities. The white cedar communities, which dominate the northern half of the site, represent the highest concentration of such a forest on weakly broken deep lacustrine fine sand plain - lacustrine clay, organic (landform unit 1Vb-2) in Site District 4E-3. A large tamarack dominate forest community exists in the middle of the site (Map 8.3), while the southern half of the site consists largely of black spruce mixed wood communities and white birch mixed wood communities. (Noordhof et al, 2003)

This conservation reserve is composed largely of forest stands that are between 90-119 years of age, with the second most abundant age distributions being stands ranging from 60-89 years. The youngest stands present, 30-59 years, are found in the northeast and central west portions of the site. The oldest tree stands are distributed throughout the northern half of the site and are between 120-149 years and include cedar communities as well as black spruce communities.

Wetlands are located throughout the conservation reserve and represent a good mixture of meadow marshes and fen complexes, treed and graminoid bogs, conifer swamps and thickets. However, the wetlands in this site only account for roughly 3% of the entire site. The area supports raptor nesting sites as well as aquatic moose feeding areas.

Typical of the Site District, the central and northern portions of this site appear to be underlain by foliated to gneissic, granitic rocks of the Superior Province, Precambrian Shield. The southern area is underlain by massive to foliated, granitic rocks of the Superior Province.

The surficial geology for this conservation reserve is dominated in the southern portion by an extensive area of bedrock-drift complex. Bedrock-drift complex areas are also found in the central west and northwest parts of the site. Much of the remaining area in the central and northern parts of the conservation reserve appear to be glaciolacustrine deposits, which are anticipated to consist of silty fine sand. The extreme southeast part of the conservation reserve consists of ice-contact stratified drift deposits, which are classified morphologically as an esker-kame complex. (Kristjansson, 2003)

4.2 Administrative description

The East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve was regulated as schedule 178 in Ontario Regulation 208/03 made under the Public Lands Act on May 14, 2003 and filed May 21, 2003. The legal description, as found in the June 7^th, 2003 edition of the Ontario Gazette reads as follows:

In the geographic Townships of Lynch, Bounsall and Drea, in the Territorial District of Sudbury, containing 3,053 hectares, more or less, being composed of that part of the said geographic townships designated as Part 1 on a plan known as C1548 East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve, filed on February 14, 2003 with the Office of the Surveyor General of Ontario in the Ministry of Natural Resources.

4.3 History of the site

There has been a European presence in the area since the mid 1700's when competition in the fur trade became intense. In 18^th century fur trade began decreasing as logging became the primary industry. The arrival of the railway through Sultan and other areas of northern Ontario created further demand for lumber (railway ties) and increased logging activity, with the first sawmills appearing in the early 1900's. The closest town, Sultan, was an important site for logging operations with mill operations appearing as early at the 1920's. The area, both including and surrounding the conservation reserve, was harvested during this period and during the years to follow. Road construction in the area, including Highway 129, further increased activity in the area.

First Nations of the region may have additionally utilized the lands of the East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve in the past. An archeological site check will be completed during the summer of 2004 to establish if there are any registered archeological sites within this conservation reserve.

4.4 Inventories

The following table indicates what survey work has been done and what is required:

Table 2: Inventory and Survey Information for East Wenebegon Forest

5.0 State of the resource

The natural heritage of Ontario contributes to the economic, social and environmental well being of the province and its people. Protecting areas of natural heritage is important for many reasons, such as maintaining ecosystem health and providing habitat for species in order to maintain diversity and genetic variability. Protected areas also provide scientific and educational benefits, recreational and tourism opportunities, which bolsters local and regional economies, and they provide places where people can enjoy Ontario’s natural diversity while enhancing their own health and well-being. In order to protect this vital natural heritage, a protected areas system which represents the entire range of the province’s natural features and ecosystems, is needed (Natures Best, 1997).

Representation:

Completing the system of parks and protected areas is based on the concept of representation – capturing the full range of natural and cultural values by protecting areas that contain the best examples of our history, natural features, species and ecosystems. The complete system must therefore protect a range of natural heritage values based on the geological, biological and cultural diversity of the province. The best examples of representative features are often considered to be provincially significant and may even be nationally or internationally significant. In addition, locally and regionally significant areas also contribute natural heritage values to the protected area system and have therefore been identified in some areas to meet the representation targets in each of the site districts.

The primary value of this site is its white cedar dominated lowland forests. This site contains the highest concentration of such forests on landform unit IVb-2 (weakly broken deep lacustrine fine sand plain – lacustrine clay, organic) in Site District 4E-3. White birch forest communities, tamarack dominated forest communities and poplar communities are all strongly represented on this site, as are black spruce communities. This area also contributes to the corridor of intact riparian forest adjacent to Wenebegon Lake and contains the sources of several small streams that flow into the lake. Wetlands contribute locally to the system of protected areas as the site contains a good mixture of meadow marshes and fen complexes, treed and graminoid bogs, conifer swamps and thickets.

This site also contributes earth science features. The East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve contains bedrock-drift complexes, esker-kame complexes and glaciolacustrine deposits. Though these landforms are commonly encountered throughout Ontario, they contribute to the system of protected areas on a local scale.

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 factors are considered in evaluating a site and they include the following criteria: diversity, condition, ecological factors, special features and current land use activities.

a) Diversity

Diversity is evaluated in terms of the number and range (i.e. amount of richness and evenness) of vegetative communities currently present within the conservation reserve. Natural landscapes and known generalized vegetative communities will be the scale used for this SCI. Future aerial or ground reconnaissance surveys will enhance the MNR's knowledge of these features and possibly allow verification at a lower scale (e.g. species assemblages).

This conservation reserve shows a good diversity of forest communities spread out over a relatively large site. Overall, diversity for the East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve is considered to be medium given the variety of forest communities (25 different forest communities) and the different wetlands represented within the site.

b) Ecological factors

Ecological factors refer to the current design of the conservation reserve as noted by its size, shape, and buffering capacity to adjacent land use activities. Generally, larger sites with more diversity are better than small, non-diverse areas; sites with a more rounded or naturally delineated shape are better than long, linear sites; and sites that are linked to or near other protected areas are better than isolated protected areas. In addition, the site’s linkage to undisturbed landscapes also contributes to the conservation reserve’s ecological integrity.

This relatively large site is primarily delineated by natural boundaries. Natural boundaries dominate the western portion of the site due to the presence of Wenebegon Lake and the associated Wenebegon River Provincial Park. Other natural borders include a number of creeks and the water’s edge of unnamed lakes in the north, east and southern areas of the site. Vectored boundaries predominate on the eastern side of the site where, in several areas, they follow the edge of previous forest harvest allocation blocks.

The site’s ability to buffer land use activities within its borders is limited due to the sensitivity of the wetlands and landscapes found here. These mature communities and landscapes are potentially sensitive to the recreational activities that may occur within the site. However, this is a relatively large site that is bordered to the west by the Wenebegon River Provincial Park which may serve to enhance the ecological integrity of the East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve.

c) Condition

Condition is the degree of past human and natural disturbances observed or recorded for the site. Major natural disturbances in the Northeast Region are caused by fires, wind damage, floods, or insect and disease infestation. Human disturbances are wide ranging and could include clear-cut areas, mining, railways, roads, trails, dams, cottages or other development.

In the past 50 years, harvesting has occurred in the northeastern section of the site which has since been left to regeneration. Harvesting has additionally occurred adjacent to the east and south sides of the site.

Using information gathered from the aerial reconnaissance survey, as well as from aerial photography and Forest Resource Inventory maps, it was determined that the amount of disturbance could be rated as low (less than 10% currently disturbed).

d) Special features

Special features include interesting landscapes, habitats or vistas, Species at Risk (SAR) and other earth and life science features, including broader landscape elements that contribute to the richness of Ontario’s natural heritage.

The primary value of this site is its white cedar dominated lowland forests. This site contains the highest concentration of such forests on landform unit IVb-2 (weakly broken deep lacustrine fine sand plain – lacustrine clay, organic) in Site District 4E-3.

Special features for the site also include the varied landscape of conifer lowlands with deciduous upland pockets in the north and rolling topography in the southern part of the site. The proximity of this site to Wenebegon River Provincial Park, a waterway park, is also a special feature.

e) Current land use activities

As previously mentioned, 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. Land use activities can have a substantial impact on the quality of representation.

Currently, portions of four bear management areas (BMA), two traplines and three commercial baitfish harvest areas (BHA) overlap the East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve. These activities will be permitted to continue within the conservation reserve. Their continued use poses little threat to the values of the site. The site has numerous tertiary roads that have been used for access, primarily for hunting and angling opportunities. It is anticipated that there will be little change in the current use of this site and no meaningful impacts to the values of the site are predicted.

5.1 Social interest in area

5.1.1 Linkage to local community

Robinson Lake Road, a primary road which runs parallel to the conservation reserve, can be accessed via Highway 667. From Robinson Lake Road, tertiary roads can be accessed which lead into the conservation reserve.

This site provides the surrounding communities a protected area to enjoy activities which may include hunting, fishing, nature appreciation, hiking, snow shoeing, ATV travel and snowmobiling. The area may also be used by people accessing the adjacent Lake Wenebegon, which offers excellent angling opportunities. In addition to this, economic benefits to the region stem from trapping, hunting and angling opportunities in the area. The present outpost camp adjacent to the conservation reserve may increase tourism in the area, resulting in benefits to restaurants, stores and the general economy of the area.

5.1.2 Aboriginal interests

The conservation reserve falls in the area of the Robinson–Huron Treaty, Treaty #61. First Nations of the area may have utilized the lands of the East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve. No archaeological evidence is known to exist within the conservation reserve, however an archeological record check, which is to be completed during the summer of 2004, will verify the existence of any registered sites.

5.1.3 Other government agencies, departments or crown corporations

Other agencies or departments that may have an interest in this conservation reserve include the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation, the Ministry of Culture, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. At this time, no other government agency has shown a specific interest with respect to this particular protected area.

5.1.4 Non-Government organizations and other industry interest

Industrial sectors that may have an interest in the East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve could include the forestry industry, the mining industry and the tourism industry. Non-government organizations that may have an interest in the East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve could include numerous groups such as the Partnership for Public Lands, the Federation of Ontario Naturalists, Northwatch, the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters, the Baitfish Association of Ontario, the Chapleau Regional Development Corporation, as well as local snowmobile clubs, trapper councils, and hunting and angling organizations.

Both the Partnership for Public Lands and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters expressed a desire to review the draft version of this SCI.

5.2 Natural heritage stewardship

The East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve contributes to the province’s parks and protected areas system. Through formal protection under the Public Lands Act and long-term management direction, the site’s natural heritage values and representative features will be protected.

By allocating these lands to the parks and protected areas system the province has ensured a certain level of permanence by distinguishing this site and its values from the surrounding landscape. Each protected area contributes to Ontario’s natural heritage in its own unique way – whether it is a contribution to the preservation of an earth science value, a life science value, a recreational or economic opportunity or cultural and historical values.

The site’s earth and life science features, as described in section 4.1.2, make a number of contributions to the provinces natural heritage values. Specifically, this site contributes to life science representation through its provincially significant vegetation complex of white cedar dominated lowland forest.

This site is also accessible for scientists and educators who wish to study values of the site while continuing to be available for recreationalists who wish to enjoy the opportunities that the site has to offer.

5.3 Fisheries and wildlife

The wildlife found within the site is consistent with typical wildlife found in Eco-district 4E-3, including the various types of birds and ungulates. In addition to this, district trapping records indicate the presence of numerous furbearing animals including beaver, marten, otter, black bear and lynx.

Presently, no fisheries data has been collected within the conservation reserve. The site does lie adjacent to Wenebegon Lake, which is a popular walleye fishery, however, the area of the conservation reserve contains only a few small unsurveyed lakes.

Aerial surveys for moose and for osprey, eagle and heron nests are completed on a district scale on a regular basis. Several osprey nests lie just outside the boundary of the conservation reserve. In addition, a bald eagle was observed over the site during the aerial reconnaissance survey. Aquatic feeding areas are found within this site and moose were also observed during the aerial reconnaissance survey. To date, however, no detailed wildlife studies have taken place within the conservation reserve and so the importance of the site to wildlife species, particularly Species at Risk and their habitats, has yet to be determined.

5.4 Cultural heritage stewardship

There are no known cultural heritage values within the East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve and to date no detailed research has been conducted to document any possible cultural heritage values.

A registered archaeological site check will be completed during the summer of 2004. If any registered sites are found to be within the site, special protection measures may be developed to protect the cultural values and further cultural heritage analysis may be carried out.

5.5 Existing development and land use

This conservation reserve does not contain any land use permits (LUPs), patents, licenses of occupation, leases, mining tenure or any other form of land tenure. Mining and surface rights under the Mining Act have been withdrawn from the conservation reserve.

At present, there are no existing structures within the conservation reserve and relatively little human disturbance has occurred. Robinson Road, a primary forest access road, parallels the east boundary of the site. From this road, access can be gained to the tertiary roads which enter the site.

5.6 Commercial and industrial use

This conservation reserve falls within two trapline areas (CP 90 and 98) with the nearest trap cabin lying outside the conservation reserve. In addition, four bear management areas (CP 38-002, 38-007, 38-008, and 38-013) and three commercial baitfish harvest areas (CH0164, CH0180, CH0192) are also present within the site.

A tourism outpost establishment is located on the east shore of Wenebegon Lake, adjacent to the boundary of the conservation reserve. However, it is primarily Wenebegon Lake, and not the conservation reserve, that is used by clients of this outpost camp.

This conservation reserve has no mining tenure within it. Mining and surface rights have been withdrawn from staking within the conservation reserve boundaries under the Mining Act (RSO 1990 Chapter M.14).

Prior to the identification and regulation of this site as a provincial conservation reserve, portions of the area were harvested for timber. These areas have since been left to regenerate and any future timber harvesting is prohibited under provincial conservation reserve policy.

5.7 Recreational use

Current recreational uses could include hunting, angling, hiking, nature appreciation, ATV use, and snowmobiling. The tertiary road network is the only form of existing infrastructure within the site and there are currently no proposals for new recreational uses or tourism facilities within this site.

5.8 Client services

Visitor services will primarily involve responding to inquiries about basic information such as natural heritage representation, permitted uses, access and boundaries. In addition to the provision of public information regarding the protected area, any concerns with respect to public safety and area security will be addressed.

6.0 Management

6.1 Management planning strategies

Earth and life science features will be protected from adverse impacts by defining permitted uses, enforcing regulations (Ont. Reg. 805/94 PLA), monitoring site use and mitigating any identified concerns. The land use intent outlined in the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy provides context and direction to land use and resource management within this conservation reserve. Commitments identified in current policy (PL 3.03.05 and the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy) will form the basis for the management planning strategies presented within this SCI. In addition, the management of this conservation reserve will take into consideration the land use intent of the adjacent Wenebegon River Provincial Park to ensure that its values are not compromised by activities within the conservation reserve. For up to date information on permitted uses, refer to the Ministry of Natural Resources Crown Land Use Policy Atlas. (/page/crown-land-use-policy-atlas).

New land use activities and proposed development will be reviewed on a case by case basis. However, a Test of Compatibility (Appendix 9.2) must be passed before any uses or developments are deemed acceptable. The emphasis will be on ensuring that the natural values of the conservation reserve are not negatively affected by current or future activities.

The development of this SCI and the long-term management and protection of the East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve will be under the direction of the MNR's Chapleau District, Area West Supervisor.

6.2 State of the resource management strategies

The following sections outline some of the management strategies that have been developed to maintain and protect the identified values of the site. A list of permitted uses within this conservation reserve can be found in Appendix 9.3 of this SCI. Additional information can be found in the Land Use Strategy as well as on the Ministry of Natural Resource Crown Land Use Policy Atlas.

6.2.1 Aboriginal interests

Traditional activities and Aboriginal rights as defined by the Robinson-Huron Treaty will not be affected within the boundaries of this conservation reserve. All Aboriginal and treaty rights will continue to be recognized and will not be impacted by the designation of the area as a provincial conservation reserve.

6.2.2 Natural heritage stewardship

The management intent of this conservation reserve will be to protect natural ecosystems, processes and features, while continuing to allow compatible land use activities.

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 will be reflected in an amendment to this SCI document. Plans for any prescribed burning will be developed in accordance with the MNR Prescribed Burn Planning Manual, and the Class EA for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves (approval pending). In the interim, the Ministry of the Environment’s Exemption Order 59/2 will apply.

MNR will provide leadership and direction for maintaining the integrity of this site as a natural heritage estate. Research, protection, education, understanding and interpretation of the natural heritage features of the site will be encouraged and fostered through local and regional natural heritage programs and initiatives.

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, aesthetic, or economic values. Where control is desirable and possible, it will be directed as narrowly as possible to the specific insect or disease. Biological control will be used wherever possible.

In addition, the collection/removal of vegetation and parts thereof will not be permitted. However, subject to a Test of Compatibility, the Area Supervisor may authorize the collection of plants and/or parts of plants for the purposes of rehabilitating degraded sites within the reserve if required and for research or scientific study.

Exceptions based on a Test of Compatibility may also be made for minor structures for Inventory Monitoring and Assessment Reporting (IMAR) or scientific research (see section 6.4).

6.2.3 Fish and wildlife

Fish and wildlife resources will continue to be managed in accordance with applicable policies and regulations prevailing in the area and under the direction of the Area West Supervisor.

Existing trapping, hunting and sport fishing will be permitted to continue, provided there are no significant demonstrated conflicts. (OMNR, 1999)

6.2.4 Cultural heritage

No cultural resources have been identified in the East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve. If archaeological or cultural resources are discovered within the conservation reserve, proposals pertaining to the development or use of these cultural resources will be subject to MNR's Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects or the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Class EA, pending approval. This may lead to screening through direction provided in Conserving a Future For Our Past: Archaeology, Land Use Planning & Development In Ontario (Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, 1997) as well as Policy 4.02.01 Cultural Heritage Screening, MNR-MCzCR MOU, April 2001.

6.2.5 Existing development and land use

The authorized tertiary road/trail network is the only form of existing infrastructure within the site. This development will be permitted to remain. The use of unauthorized roads and trails will not be permitted. Existing, authorized resource access roads can continue to be used, but new resource access roads will not be permitted.

The sale of lands within this conservation reserve is not permitted as per direction outlined in the Land Use Strategy. Road realignment, energy transmission, communication and transportation corridors, resource roads, or construction of facilities are discouraged. It is recognized that in some circumstances there may be no viable alternatives in which case options to minimize potential impacts to the values of the site will be determined through applicable planning processes (OMNR, 1999).

Future development proposals will be reviewed on a case by case basis, subject to all conservation reserve policies and a Test of Compatibility. Consideration will also be given to the effect that future development or additional access may have on the values of the adjacent Wenebegon River Provincial Park.

6.2.6 Commercial and industrial use

The current level of commercial hunting and trapping will be permitted to continue. New trapping operations may be considered subject to a Test of Compatibility.

Existing commercial bear management operations are permitted to continue. The issuance of new licenses for existing commercial bear hunting operations will be permitted where areas have been licensed or authorized for the activity at any time since January 1, 1992, provided that the activity does not create or aggravate resource sustainability issues. New licenses will not be permitted in areas where a license for commercial bear management has not been issued since January 1, 1992. (OMNR,2003).

New applications for commercial tourism outpost camps, main base lodges or associated facilities may be considered in the context of this management document, subject to a Test of Compatibility.

Industrial activities such as timber harvesting, mining, and new hydro generation will not be permitted within the boundaries of the conservation reserve as per Conservation Reserve Policy 3.03.05. The existing access roads and trails within the conservation reserve will be permitted to remain in use, however, no new access roads will be permitted.

6.2.7 Recreation

Recreation activities that have traditionally been enjoyed in this area are permitted to continue provided they do not significantly impact the values of the site. (OMNR, 1999) Current recreational activities include angling, hiking, hunting, ATV use and snowmobiling.

Access to the conservation reserve by snowmobile and ATV's will continue to be permitted on existing, authorized trails. The use of unauthorized all terrain vehicle trails will not be permitted. Use of motorized vehicles off trail is not permitted except for the sole purpose of retrieving game.

Currently, no recreational or interpretive facilities exist within the conservation reserve. Future recreational development or new recreation facilities may be considered subject to a Test of Compatibility.

No new private recreation camps will be permitted in the conservation reserve.

6.2.8 Client services

Under the direction of the Area West Supervisor, Chapleau District, staff will respond to requests for information on the site pertaining to regulated boundaries, natural heritage values, current access and infrastructure, permitted uses or any other additional information that is required.

A general fact sheet regarding the values of this site will be prepared and made available to the public at the Chapleau District Office.

6.3 Specific feature/area/zone

The primary value of this site is its white cedar dominated lowland forests. All attempts will be made to disturb this community as little as possible. In the event that a portion of the community has to be disturbed to allow for inventory, research, or any other proposed activity, a Test of Compatibility will be completed to determine if such an activity is acceptable.

The East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve also presently captures some of the wetland vegetative communities that also occur beyond its regulated boundary. Currently the conservation reserve lies within an immediate landscape that is not being intensively developed by resource-based industry. However, if industrial development approaches the boundaries of the site, MNR's ability to protect these wetlands from associated land use will become more difficult. To address these issues MNR will work with the industrial community to ensure that the wetlands represented within the current conservation reserve are protected. This may include assessment of the wetland vegetative communities with respect to the site’s ecological considerations that include, size, shape, limit of wetland core areas and sensitivities of communities within the conservation reserve or their abilities to buffer adjacent land use. Such an analysis will help to determine what additional considerations will need to occur if industrial development approaches the site’s regulated boundary.

In the future, if the representative features of the site are threatened by increased use or development, it may be necessary to regulate access or permitted uses in certain areas. In such a case, special management areas may be developed. These areas would facilitate permitted/restricted activities for the protection of specific values. The creation of these areas would require additional planning beyond this SCI including public consultation and eventual plan amendment if approved.

6.4 Promote monitoring and research

Scientific research by qualified individuals, which contributes to the knowledge of natural and cultural heritage and to environmental and recreational management, will be encouraged. Research related to the study of natural processes will also be encouraged provided it does not harm the identified values of the conservation reserve.

This site should be considered as a potential monitoring and/or research site. The natural state of East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve and the biological processes that occur in this landscape qualify the site as a possible regional, provincial or global benchmark – especially in terms of old growth white cedar and wetland communities. The relatively easy access and undisturbed forest communities of the conservation reserve could provide both MNR and associated partners potential sampling or monitoring areas. All research programs will require the approval of the Ministry of Natural Resources and will be subject to ministry policy and other legislation. Those interested in pursuing research within the conservation reserve must apply to the Area West Supervisor for approval. Applications to complete the research will follow guidelines as outlined in Procedural Guidelines C – Research Activities in Conservation Reserves (Conservation Reserve Procedure PL 3.03.05) or equivalent direction formulated by the MNR Chapleau District Office. Approvals will meet all terms and conditions established by the MNR Chapleau District Office.

The ministry may approve, on a case by case basis, the removal of any natural or cultural specimen by a qualified researcher. All such materials removed remain the property of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Additional life and earth science requirements, as previously outlined in section 4.4, will refine the values of this site and assist with further development of management guidelines. As time and funding permits, the completion of more detailed life and earth science inventories will further help define the role of this conservation reserve within the system of provincially protected areas.

6.5 Implementation and plan review strategies

Implementation of this SCI will primarily involve monitoring activities to ensure adherence to the management guidelines. Other activities will include funding future life and earth science inventories, preparing a fact sheet highlighting the important natural heritage values of the conservation reserve, and responding to public inquiries about the site.

Implementation of the SCI and management of the conservation reserve are the responsibility of the West Area Supervisor. Partnerships may be pursued to address management needs. The East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve SCI will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. 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 plan will be amended accordingly. In assessing major changes, the need for a more detailed Resource Management Plan (RMP) will be considered or, where a management plan is not considered necessary or feasible, a major amendment may be considered. Both options will involve public and First Nation consultation. Notification may additionally occur on the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry. The MNR Regional Director will approve any major amendments.

This SCI and the Crown Land Use Policy Atlas will be amended to reflect any changes in management direction.

6.6 Marketing strategies

The East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve will be promoted as a distinctive natural area having significant life science values. As mentioned above, a fact sheet will be prepared to inform the public about the values of this site however, at this time, marketing efforts to increase use of the site are not a priority and will be kept to a minimum.

7.0 References

Bostock, H.S. 1970. Physiographic subdivisions of Canada; in Geology and Economic Minerals of Canada, Geological Survey of Canada, Economic Geology Report no. 1:11-30.

Chapman, L.J. and M.K. Thomas. 1968. The Climate of Northern Ontario. Canadian Department of Transport, Meteorological Branch, Toronto. Climatological Studies Number 6. 58 pp.

Crins, W.J. 1996. Life Science Gap Analysis for Site District 4E-3. OMNR.

Crins, W.J. and Peter W.C. Uhlig. 2000. Ecoregions of Ontario: Modifications to Angus Hills' Site Regions and Districts. Revisions and Rationale. 7 pp. and map.

Harris, A.G., et. al. 1996. Field Guide to the wetland ecosystem classification for northwestern Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Northwest Science & Technology. Thunder Bay, Ont. Field Guide FG-01. 74 pp. and Appendix

Hills, G.A. 1959. A ready reference to the description of the land of Ontario and its productivity: Division of Research Ontario Department of Lands and Forests. Maple, Ont. A-4.

Krisjansson, F.J. 2003 Draft Earth Science Inventory Checklist for East Wenebegon Forest (C1548), OMNR

Noordhof, J., Thompson, J.E., King, L., Longyear, S., 2003. Draft East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve (C1548) Life Science Inventory Checklist –Step 2; OMNR

Ontario. Ministry of Natural Resources. 1981. Canoe Routes of Ontario. The definitive guide to more than 100 canoe routes throughout the province. Parks and Recreational Areas Branch in cooperation with McClelland and Stewart. Toronto, Ontario. The Canadian Publishers.

Ontario. Ministry of Natural Resources. 1994. Research Activities in Provincial Parks, PM 2.45.

Ontario. Ministry of Natural Resources. 1983. Chapleau District Land Use Guidelines.

Ontario. Ministry of Natural Resources. 1993. Ontario’s Natural Heritage. Endangered Spaces Candidate Area Report.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). 1997. Nature’s Best: Ontario’s Parks and Protected Areas, A Framework and Action Plan. Lands and Natural Heritage Branch, The Natural Heritage Section, Peterborough, Ontario.

Ontario. Ministry of Natural Resources 1997. Conservation Reserve Policy and Procedure PL 3.03.05 OMNR. 30 pp.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1999. Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy. Queen’s Print for Ontario.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. September 2000. Policy Clarification for Conservation Reserves.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2002. East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve (C1548) Fact Sheet.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resource, June 25, 2003. Memo: Direction for Commercial Use Activities in Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2004. Crown Land Use Policy Atlas (/page/crown-land-use-policy-atlas).

Poser, Scott. 1992. Report on the Status of Provincial Parks in the Site Regions and Districts of Ontario – Draft Report.

Rowe, J.S. 1972. Forest Regions of Canada. 20 pp.

Schilf, Johanna and John E. Thompson. 2001. Planning Process for Conservation Reserves: Statements of Conservation Interest and Resource Management Plans, Northeastern Region Guidelines

8.0 Maps

Map 8.1: East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve Location Map

Enlarge map 8.1

Map 8.2: East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve Values Map

Enlarge map 8.2

Map 8.3: East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve Vegetation Map

Enlarge map 8.3

Map 8.4: East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve Earth Science Map

Enlarge map 8.4

9.0 Appendices

Appendix 9.1: General description of the region

Climate

Chapleau District is situated entirely within the Height–of–Land climatic region of Northern Ontario (Chapman and Thomas, 1968). The climate can be classified as continental, but is somewhat modified by elevation, and particularly in the southwestern part of the District, by the influence of Lake Superior. Most of the District’s precipitation comes in the summer and fall. The frost-free period for the town of Chapleau extends from mid June to early September, while temperatures range from a January mean of – 15.6° C to a July mean of 16.7° C.

Characteristics of the ecoregion and ecodistrict

The East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve is located in the Mississagi Ecodistrict (4E-3) with portions extending into the Foleyet Site District (3E-5) both of which is found in the Lake Temagami Ecoregion (4E). This region is generally described as having hill slopes and basins occupied by well-drained glacial deposits, with peatlands restricted to local wet plains and depressions. Level, very rolling clay deposits are prevalent on the Paleozoic plain. The Mississagi Ecodistrict is found to contain a gently rolling plain of stony sandy till over bedrock with frequent flat ridges of water-laid sand. The Foleyet Ecodistrict and is composed of gently rolling plains of thinly covered rock knobs, sandy outwash, and silty depressions

Forest region

The East Wenebegon Forest Conservation Reserve is found within the Missinabi- Cabonga Section of Rowe’s (1972) Boreal Forest Region. The Missinabi-Cabonga Section contains mixed forests of balsam fir, black spruce and white birch with scattered white spruce and trembling aspen. The presence of eastern red and white pine can be found on rocky shores and ridges, but only to a small degree due to past logging operations. Jack pine is situated along rivers and found in association with black spruce on poor rocky soils. Black spruce is also found in association with tamarack and white cedar in wet lowland areas.

Appendix 9.2: SCI Test of Compatibility

The screening process and associated criteria identified in Table 4.1 of the draft Class EA give planning staff more direction than the Conservation Reserve (CR) policy 3.03.05. However, this section attempts to assist planning staff by providing some direction for further interpreting the criteria to complete a Test of Compatibility for uses within a CR.

This section is taken From the SCI Test of Compatibility NER Guidelines in Planning process for Conservation Reserves Statement of Conservation Interest (SCI) and Resources Management Plans (RMP) Northeast Region Guidelines Version 2.1 September 17, 2001 Appendix 4, page 44.

Test of Compatibility

1. Conformity to SCI – This is not applicable to evaluating current or new uses that come forward during the SCI planning process. However, the SCI should include a statement that speaks to the required screening of any future use or uses that are not covered in the current SCI.

2. Screening Process – proposed uses for the area must be assessed before they are approved. To establish a minimum standard, NER recommended that the Screening Process identified in Section 4.2 of A Class EA for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Phase IIB: Draft Class EA (subject to approval by MOE) be used to screen projects and options.

   The Screening Criteria from the draft Class EA (Table 4.1) is further detailed below within the context of SCI planning.

3. Impact Assessment –The Test of Compatibility from the Conservation Reserve (CR) Policy PL 3.03.05 identifies the classes of values and main concepts that need to be considered in determining the impacts of uses on a specific CR.

   These include:

   • Natural Heritage
   • Cultural
   • Research activities
   • Current uses
   • Area administration
   • Accommodating the use outside the CR
   • Socio-economics
   • Area accessibility

   The Class EA (Table 4.1) presents similar values and concepts under the following considerations:

   • Natural environment
   • Land use, resource management
   • Social, cultural and economic
   • Aboriginal

   The above considerations and classes of values are meant to assist planning staff in answering the following questions for any potential use:

   • Will the new use impact any values within the CR?
   • If so, how?
   • To what degree?
   • Is it tolerable?

   The following information for each CR is available and can be used to assess the required criteria:

   • Background information and current inventory data
   • Current inventory evaluations (e.g. earth, life and recreational check-sheets)
   • Future ongoing analysis of the site

Interpretation of background information and current inventory data

Background information files, summaries and other data can also help identify criteria that should be considered in MNR's applicable EA screening process. Criteria that are linked to habitat needs for specific life or earth science features are often first recorded during a District’s initial review of a site. Databases such as NRVIS or documents such as Lake Survey files, Site District Reports or Forest Management Plans can identify the location of values and sometimes determine a value’s significance or sensitivity.

Current inventory evaluations

The most current 'state of the resource' for a specific conservation reserve will be the earth, life and recreational check-sheets. These documents determine the current earth and life science values, their present state and their significance. The recreational check-sheets determine recreational features and current and potential recreational activities and feature significance and sensitivity to present and future uses.

For earth and life science check-sheets, five (5) major sections are completed that include; representation and the quality of the representation (e.g. based on condition, diversity and ecological considerations) and special features. There are five categories that are reflected within the screening criteria presented in the draft Class EA document or could be used to develop additional criteria. The five categories are listed below:

• Representation
• Condition
• Diversity
• Ecological Considerations
• Special Features

Future ongoing analysis on the site

If during planning specific information is not available to complete impact assessment, this will be documented and the information will need to be acquired before further management decisions are made. In addition, future inventory, monitoring, assessment and research within the Conservation Reserve may also help planners and managers deal with future uses and impact assessments.

Appendix 9.3: Permitted uses

Commercial uses

Industrial activities

Recreational activities

Science, education and nature appreciation

Other