Egan Chutes Park Management Statement (2004)

Approval statement

I am pleased to approve this interim management statement for Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve and Egan Chutes Provincial Park Addition (Waterway Class). The nature reserve and the waterway class park support provincially significant earth and life science features, while providing excellent opportunities for low-impact recreation.

This interim management statement will provide direction for the management of Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve and Egan Chutes Provincial Park Addition (Waterway Class) until a comprehensive park management plan is prepared. It will be the basis for the preparation of the park management plan.

Signed by John M. Immerseel
South Eastern Zone Manager
Ontario Parks
Kingston, ON

Date of Approval: June 28, 2004

1.0 Background

Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve was regulated under the Provincial Parks Act in 1989 to protect significant earth science values. An interim management statement (IMS) was approved for Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve in 1999. The Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (OLL LUS) (OMNR 1999), the culmination of the Lands for Life process, proposed a waterway class park addition to Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve. The Egan Chutes Addition (designated as P56 in the OLL LUS) is comprised of eleven shoreline Crown land parcels connected by the York River.

The parks are within a picturesque area stretching approximately 30 km along the northwesterly flowing York River from Highway 28 to Conroys Marsh Conservation Reserve (designated as C54 in the OLL LUS). The existing Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve encompasses three waterfalls, or chutes, along the York River and an abundance of rare minerals. The area is well known for its complex geological features and various mineral values, but the parks also contain outstanding life science values, such as provincially significant riparian wetland complexes.

This IMS updates the 1999 IMS for Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve, based on recent information, and provides interim management direction for the proposed waterway class park addition. It is intended to guide the custodial management of both parks until an approved park management plan is in place. The IMS guidelines place a priority on the protection of the natural heritage values of Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve and Egan Chutes Provincial Park Addition (Waterway Class), while accommodating some existing uses. The policies in this IMS are consistent with provincial policies for park planning and management, as well as the direction provided in the OLL LUS (Appendix I). Until Egan Chutes Provincial Park Addition (Waterway Class) is regulated, it is to be given interim protection as outlined in the guidelines of this IMS.

1.1 Planning issues

Classification

The IMS includes management guidelines for both Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve and the proposed Egan Chutes Provincial Park Addition (Waterway Class). Where guidelines differ between the two parks based on their classification, separate guideline sections are listed.

Nature reserves are areas selected to represent the distinctive natural habitats and landforms of the province. Nature reserves are intended to maintain ecological diversity and ensure the perpetuation of ecological communities and earth science features. Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve was initially established to protect the significant earth and life science values found there and to contribute to Ministry of Natural Resources (MNRF) Bancroft District’s protection objectives as outlined in the District Land Use Guidelines (1983).

Because the OLL LUS identifies a different class for the addition than the existing nature reserve class park, it will be regulated as a separate waterway class park. Waterway class parks incorporate outstanding recreational water routes with representative natural features to provide high quality recreational and educational experiences. The waterway addition was identified through Ontario’s Living Legacy in part to meet the waterway class park targets for ecodistrict 5E-11.

The OLL LUS states that the existing nature reserve park and the proposed addition “may be reclassified as a waterway class provincial park, with nature reserve zone components within the new park.”

Terminology

The existing nature reserve and the proposed waterway class park addition will be referred to as two separate parks throughout this document. The term “nature reserve” will be used to refer to the existing regulated nature reserve class park, and the OLL areas proposed to be regulated as Egan Chutes Provincial Park Addition (Waterway Class) will be referred to as “waterway addition”.

Egan Chutes Provincial Park addition boundary

Initial consultation on the proposed boundary of the waterway addition occurred in September of 2000. At that time the boundary consisted of 9 separate parts along the York River. As a result of subsequent internal discussions, a boundary revision to include 11 shoreline parts and the bed of the York River between the most southerly and northerly parts was proposed. Additional consultation on this proposed boundary occurred between August 11 and September 10 of 2003. The proposed boundary provides a continuous boundary for the waterway addition and links the waterway addition to the nature reserve. This park was being moved forward for regulation at the time of preparation of this document.

Greater ecosystem

The greater park ecosystem could be described as the York River watershed. The York River flows through and connects both parks with Conroys Marsh Conservation Reserve (C54) in MNRF Pembroke District.

Management guidelines:

• Until each park’s classification is evaluated through the management planning process with public consultation, provincial parks policies for nature reserves will apply to Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve, and OLL policies for waterway class parks will apply to Egan Chutes Provincial Park Addition (Waterway Class).
• Future management planning and research should adopt a greater park ecosystem approach. This approach would include consideration of management prescriptions that apply to the nature reserve, the waterway addition, and Conroys Marsh Conservation Reserve as a complex.

2.0 Location and description

The parks are located 16 km east of Bancroft along the York River in Hastings County (Figure 1, 2). The nature reserve is north of provincial Highway 28 and entirely within the geographic Township of Dungannon, now part of the municipal Town of Bancroft. The waterway addition extends throughout the geographic Townships of Carlow, Dungannon and Monteagle, but is largely located north or upstream of the nature reserve. The parks are located in ecodistrict 5E-11 and lie within the MNRF Bancroft District area. The parks are administered by the South Eastern Zone office of Ontario Parks.

The nature reserve (340 ha) is adjacent to Highway 28 and encompasses 3 chutes - Egan, Middle, and Farm Chutes - on the York River (Figure 2). The waterway addition (1126 ha) includes one Crown land parcel south or upstream of the nature reserve and 10 Crown land parts north or downstream of the nature reserve, all connected by the Crown owned bed of the York River (Figure 2).

2.1 Park boundary

Nature reserve

Ontario Regulation 290/89, Schedule No. 245 describes the boundary of the nature reserve. This regulation refers to a plan on file (No. 194558, April 1989) with the MNRF, Surveys and Mapping Branch, now Office of Surveyor General. The Crown owned bed of the York River that flows through the nature reserve is included within the regulated park area. The nature reserve boundary is illustrated in Figure 2.

Waterway addition

The draft regulation plan identifies 11 Crown land parts connected by the bed of the York River; 10 parts are along the York River and the southernmost part is along Egan Creek. The 11 parts are 200 m wide sections of Crown land; for each part, the adjacent section of the waterway is included in the park boundary. The draft regulation plan identifies the waterway addition as extending from Lot 12, Concession 10, Dungannon Township north to the nature reserve boundary, and then including all of the bed of the York River extending downstream from the nature reserve boundary in a north easterly direction to the east edge of Lot 17, Concession 10, Carlow Township (Figure 2).

Current provincial and federal regulations governing development and use along the river will continue to apply; some of these regulations are outlined in Appendix 4. The park boundary will exclude any portion of an unopened road allowance that abuts the shoreline of the river on one side of the allowance and, on the other side of the allowance, private property. Sections of shoreline allowance along the river that abut private property will be excluded from the park boundary.

A supplemental information sheet prepared for consultation on the park boundary is included in Appendix 5.

3.0 First nations

The parks are located within the area of the Algonquin land Claim. The MNRF met its obligation to consult with the Algonquin First Nation regarding the boundary refinement and regulation of Egan Chutes Provincial Park Addition (Waterway Class) as part of implementation of Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy.

Management guidelines:

• Nothing in this document shall be construed so as to derogate from or abrogate from any Aboriginal, treaty, constitutional or any other First Nation rights, powers or privileges of the Province of Ontario. Nothing in this document shall be construed as an acknowledgement of any rights asserted or any claim asserted by First Nations.
• Ontario Parks will endeavor to communicate and work with the Algonquins throughout the planning and development of each park.

4.0 Land tenure and acquisition

The parks are comprised of acquired land, donated land, and unpatented Crown land in three townships. Most land adjacent to the nature reserve is patented, as are the lots between the waterway addition parts along the York River. land to the north and downstream of the waterway addition is primarily Crown.

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) owns a road allowance between Egan Chute and Highway 28, which follows the old route of the highway. This area is currently excluded from the nature reserve boundary. The MTO also owns a bridge over the York River that is within the road allowance along the current Highway 28 alignment.

Neighboring private landowners have indicated an interest in conservation measures for their land. Others have expressed an interest in selling or exchanging private land parcels along the river.

A hunt camp located in the north east corner of the nature reserve (i.e. west half of lot Concession 13, Dungannon Township) is authorized under a recreational land use permit (LUP) and has been in existence since 1956 (Figure 2). According to provincial park policy, private recreational camps are not permitted within nature reserve class parks. In accordance with this policy, the 1999 Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve IMS gave direction to not renew the LUP for this camp upon expiration of the lease, however, this direction was not achieved. Subsequent to approval of the 1999 IMS, the OLL LUS provided direction to consider reclassification of the nature reserve to waterway class during management planning; management planning is scheduled to begin during the 2003/2004 fiscal year. In existing parks within the OLL planning area - other than nature reserve class parks - hunt camps are permitted to continue until a management plan has been prepared and reviewed, and if supported through a management plan may not continue later than December 31, 2009. Due to the long­ standing use of the hunt camp and possible reclassification of the nature reserve through management planning, interim direction for the hunt camp has been updated below.

Management guidelines:

• Ontario Parks will consider any potential opportunities that arise for acquiring significant land or for entering into conservation partnerships. Several parcels along the river are of high priority for acquisition in order to complete the representation and protection of significant life science values in the waterway addition. Ontario Parks has no intention of acquiring private land unless property that would enhance the values of either park was offered for sale by willing vendors.
• Ontario Parks will pursue transfer of ownership of the old Highway 28 road allowance through the nature reserve from the Ministry of Transportation.
• Ontario Parks will recommend that MNRF Bancroft District locate an alternate Crown land site outside of the nature reserve for the recreational hunt camp. If no alternate site can be agreed upon, until a final determination on park classification and zoning is approved through a park management plan the recreational land use permit for the hunt camp within the nature reserve may continue to be renewed for a term of one year at a time for a period not to exceed December 31,2009. In the event that the park management plan identifies the area of the LUP as nature reserve class or zone and is approved prior to December 31,2009, the LUP will not be renewed after that date. Consistent with the phase out of existing non-conforming recreational activities within the nature reserve boundary, Ontario Parks, South Eastern Zone will recommend that MNRF Bancroft District inform the permit holder that, in accordance with park policy, there is no provincial hunting regulation permitting sport hunting within the nature reserve boundary (Section 9.0).
• Fuelwood cutting will not be permitted within either park.

5.0 Land use designations and provincially significant areas

The OLL LUS designates the Crown land surrounding the parks as General Use. These Crown lands are designated for timber harvest under the Bancroft-Minden Forest Management Plan (2001-2021).

Much of the land surrounding the nature reserve is designated as an Environmentally Sensitive Area in the Hastings County Official Plan (2000). The plan designates most land surrounding the waterway addition as Environmental Protection. The Hastings County Official Plan is binding on all local municipal and county agencies and departments.

The nature reserve is considered to be a highly significant earth science site, and a provincially significant life science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). The waterway addition also includes some of the ANSI area. Much of the ANSI lies outside the boundary of the parks. The waters of the York River flow through the nature reserve and waterway addition into Conroys Marsh, another provincially significant Life Science ANSI.

Management guidelines:

• Ontario Parks will work with other provincial programs, municipal governments, and neighbouring landowners to encourage protection or management of adjacent lands in a manner that complements the protection of each park and the ANSI.
• The municipal government will be encouraged to support protection of the parks by reporting any non-conforming activities to Ontario Parks.
• Ontario Parks will contact local municipalities to determine how notice of applications for consents and subdivisions on lands adjacent to the parks is circulated, and to ensure that if sent by postal mail that notice is sent to the South Eastern Zone office, so Ontario Parks can comment as a landowner.

6.0 Resource inventories

Detailed earth and life science inventories have recently been completed for both parks.

6.1 Earth science features

The parks are on the Canadian Shield. Their bedrock is of the Bancroft Terrane, in the Central Metasedimentary Belt of the Proterozoic Grenville Province. The Grenville Province is the product of thrusting and imbrication of the crust to the northwest as it collided with a continental landmass to the southeast. The crystalline rock beneath the ground is estimated to be between 1.1 and 1.8 billion years old, and has been subject to volcanic activity, glacial scouring, extreme heat and pressure, and intense folding and faulting. The eroded roots of the products of these events are displayed in the complexly metamorphosed and deformed rocks of the region (Easton, 1992b, p.1302).

The York River has cut through the marble creating three chutes: Egan, Middle and Farm Chutes. Egan Chute displays an excellent sequence of nepheline gneiss-marble paragneiss. An earth science inventory of the nature reserve was conducted in 1979 (Spek), and a detailed inventory of the nature reserve and the waterway addition was conducted in 2001 (Duba and Frey, 2002). Geologically, the parks are provincially significant because they are the only known components of the provincial park system that contain such a number and abundance of very rare and exotic minerals (including several recorded finds of spectacularly large crystals) associated with calcareous metasedimentary and nepheline syenite suite rocks of the Bancroft Terrane. Within the Ontario Provincial Park system, the bedrock geology of these parks has regional significance in its representation of supracrustal and alkalic felsic plutonic components of the Bancroft Terrane. The surficial geology of the area is locally significant, consisting of clay deposits, bog and swamp deposits and outwash sands and gravels that are typical components of the Late Wisconsinan Stage of the Quaternary Era in southeastern Ontario (Duba and Frey, 2002).

Although resistant to most human activities, the bedrock exposures of the two parks are susceptible to graffiti, uncontrolled bedrock sampling and unplanned bedrock disturbances. The nature reserve is known world-wide to serious mineral collectors and rock hounds, due to its variety of exotic mineral occurrences. Refer to section 9.1 for a complete discussion of hobby mineral collecting.

Management guidelines:

• The outcrops and abandoned quarry areas within Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve, which have provincially significant earth science features, should be considered for nature reserve zones during management planning.

6.2 Life science features

Several reconnaissance inventories have been conducted in the parks (Simpson 1979, Noble 1983, Conrad 2000), and a detailed inventory was recently completed (White 2002). The ecological features of this area are summarized in the Life Science Checksheet (Appendix III). Some of the communities are considered to be provincially significant.

The uplands of the parks are representative of the Kawartha Subdistrict of ecodistrict 5E-11 with its mix of marble and granitic bedrock. In general, the uplands of the parks are dominated by a mixed forest of White Pine, Red Pine, Large-toothed Aspen, Balsam Fir, White Spruce, and White Birch. Dry, rocky upland sites support a scrubby Red Oak forest. Sugar Maple-dominated deciduous forest has developed occasionally on the deeper-soiled, more mesic sites.

The lowland areas of the York River valley contain a variety of wetlands dominated by fen, marsh and swamp community types. Along the river, levee features, point bar deposits, and remnant or abandoned meanders are found. These sand deposits and associated wetlands are unusual for the site district.

The presence of extensive marble at Egan Chute and to the east of the York River contributes to rich and diverse flora. Notable marble-associated species include Heart­ leaved Aster (Aster cordifolius), Shrubby Cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa) and Bur-reed (Sparganium minimum). A vivid orange lichen, Xanthoria, grows on the more calcite­rich layers of marble.

Fourteen plants are regionally significant (rare in ecoregion 5E). Twenty plants are locally significant (rare in ecodistrict 5E-11). The riverine fen communities, levee forests, and riverine deciduous swamps are regarded as provincially significant because they are the best representative examples of such communities in the ecodistrict. Some of these communities fall outside the 200 m boundary along the York River addition parcels. White (2002) identified six areas within the parks that are considered provincially significant representative examples of diversity and special features.

Management guidelines:

• The six provincially significant areas should be considered for nature reserve zoning during management planning. These areas should carefully managed to ensure the long-term protection of their important life science values.
• Riverine fen communities that occur partly on private land should be given priority for purchase.
• Ontario Parks will attempt to establish more ecologically meaningful boundaries along the York River addition, especially in relation to significant communities, through the OLL Forest Accord’s Room to Grow initiative.

6.3 Cultural resources and traditional land uses

There has been no cultural resource inventory or assessment conducted within either park. There is little documented evidence of Aboriginal use of these park lands.

The York River, which flows through the parks and is known as the “river of marshes”, was a route for Aboriginal peoples travelling from the Ottawa River to Georgian Bay. During the early 1800s, the York River was considered a possible inland route between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River for military purposes. However, the river route was rejected due to the many obstacles of navigation and seasonal fluctuations in water levels. The York River did play an important role in transporting squared timber and sawlogs to Bancroft and markets as far away as Quebec City during the later half of the 1800s.

Mining in the area was carried out between 1880 and 1935 and was largely confined to open cuts and quarries.

Management guidelines:

• Ontario Parks will investigate the parks in consultation with the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation in order to determine if any significant cultural resources exist. Research partners may be encouraged to undertake this work.

7.0 Access and development

Highway 28 is the primary access road to the nature reserve. Two unpaved roads extend from Highway 28 and meander through the nature reserve. The 250 m road just north of Highway 28 and west of the York River ends at the former Goulding-Keene nepheline syenite quarry. The 5 km road east of the river provides access to the recreation camp within the nature reserve and to private properties to the northeast.

This road also provides access to the former Morrison and Davis quarries and the blue corundum site, and is used throughout the tourist season by sightseers and mineral collectors. Informal access points exist along the river, either on private land along the riverbank or crossing private land before reaching either park.

Management guidelines:

• Signs identifying the boundaries of each park will be erected at all access points, pending regulation of the waterway addition.
• Interim road access into and through the nature reserve will be restricted owners of the hunt camp and property owners north of the nature reserve. A gate will be installed to prevent unauthorized use of the road. Ontario Parks is not responsible for the condition of the road. Future use and maintenance of access roads within the nature reserve will be addressed through management planning discussions with Bancroft District staff and local landowners.
• Informal parking access near Highway 28, west of the York River, will be allowed to continue. Further development of this parking area will be addressed during management planning.
• Ontario Parks will endeavour to maintain good communications with the private landowners with access roads leading through the parks to the York River.
• New developments will not be considered until approved through a park management plan.

8.0 Commercial activities

Current commercial activities are listed in Appendix II. There are no easements or corridors for hydro transmission or pipelines within the nature reserve. The land surrounding the parks has been harvested for timber for several years, and is allocated for further forest management operations in the next 20 years. Potential exists for mining of nepheline syenite outside the nature reserve boundary. Unimin Canada Ltd., one of North America’s largest producers of nepheline syenite, owns property adjacent to the nature reserve. Nepheline syenite is used in ceramics.

Mineral exploration and mining are not permitted within existing parks within the OLL planning area or within OLL provincial park additions. However, in accordance with OLL LUS, access to mining lands (i.e. forest reserve(s) and mining patents) in these additions will be permitted for purposes of mineral exploration, development or operations. There are no mining lands within the Egan Chutes Provincial Park Addition.

The nature reserve has been included as part of a Crown land Trapping Agreement area for several years. Parts of two registered traplines fall within the waterway addition. There are three active baitfish licences that encompass waters within each park. OLL LUS policy direction for existing ^{footnote 1[1]} commercial resource use activities (i.e. trapping, baitfish harvesting, fishing and wild rice harvesting) is that these activities may continue in existing or pre- OLL parks in the OLL planning area - except in wilderness and nature reserve class parks and zones - and in OLL park additions - except in nature reserve class parks. In nature reserve class parks the pre- OLL policy of phase out of such activities by December 31,2009 still applies. New operations will not be permitted. There is no existing commercial fishing or commercial wild rice harvesting within either park (i.e. there is no wild rice within either park).

There are two active BMA licences that encompass areas of the waterway addition and the nature reserve. The activity of commercial bear hunting (i.e. the hunting of bears by non-residents in Bear Management Areas (BMAs) through tourist operations) is not specifically mentioned in provincial parks policy or the OLL LUS. Commercial bear hunting is considered to be addressed in the OLL LUS policy on sport hunting, which states that sport hunting is permitted in new parks and park additions except in nature reserve parks and zones. BMAs may exist and be licensed in parks where hunting is permitted, such as the waterway addition. Current policy direction is that a Licence to Provide Bear Hunting Services will not be issued for parks or parts of parks where hunting is not permitted, such as the nature reserve. Other than in nature reserve class parks, existing authorized BMA licences may be renewed or transferred within provincial parks. This renewal or transfer is addressed through management planning, with consideration of conservation principles and public safety.

Management guidelines: general

• Ontario Parks will endeavour to maintain good communications with the local forestry company (Bancroft-Minden Forest Company Ltd.) to encourage ecologically sound timber management practices adjacent to each park.
• Mineral exploration and mining are not permitted within either park.
• In the event of favourable market conditions for the production of nepheline syenite and development of a mine site adjacent to the nature reserve or waterway addition, Ontario Parks will inform the mining company of the ecological sensitivity of the area and work with the company in applying sound ecosystem management principles.
• New commercial operations will not be permitted in either park. New bear management area licences will not be issued in either park.
• Commercial bait fishing within the York River areas within the park boundaries will be allowed to continue subject to the Bancroft District Fisheries Management Plan. Direction for commercial bait fishing in park encompassed waterbodies is found below.

Nature reserve

• Existing registered commercial trapping will be phased out by December 31, 2009; this is not intended to affect trapping by Status Indians enjoying Treaty rights. Negotiations with the local trapper and Ontario Parks will be initiated to discontinue trapping that currently exists within the boundary of the nature reserve prior to the phase out end date.
• Since the York River is not wholly encompassed by the nature reserve, the phase out policy for commercial bait fishing does not apply, and existing bait fishing operations will be permitted to continue as noted above.
• At the earliest opportunity, the nature reserve area will be formally removed from the BMAs in regulation by South Eastern Zone and District staff working with Fish and Wildlife Branch staff.

Waterway addition

• In accordance with the OLL LUS, existing commercial activities (i.e. registered commercial trapping, commercial bait fishing) may continue indefinitely.
• In the absence of an approved management plan, existing commercial bear hunting operations will be allowed to continue in areas of the waterway where it has traditionally occurred. The location of bait sites will be determined through discussion with MNRF Bancroft District staff, and park users will be made aware; this issue requires 'further consideration during management planning.

9.0 Recreational activities

The York River is an excellent river for canoeing. Within the nature reserve there are stretches of white-water associated with the three chutes. Each chute has an established portage; the portages are short but difficult as the terrain is quite steep. Downstream from the three chutes the river is meandering, wide, and slow-moving. A 31.5 km portage-free canoe trip can be taken from below Farm Chute to the northernmost boundary of the waterway addition, with two launch sites along the way. The use of watercraft in provincial parks is subject to the same regulations which govern their operation elsewhere. Provincial parks policy for waterway parks permits the use of motorized watercraft in designated areas.

A detailed recreation inventory, including user surveys, was completed in 2001. Along with canoeing, these areas traditionally have been used for several other recreational activities, including sport hunting, mineral collecting, camping, mountain biking, swimming, boating, fishing and picnicking. Mineral collecting is contrary to Regulation 952 under the Provincial Parks Act and is discussed in Section 9.1. Winter recreational activities have included snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. There is no authorized snowmobile trail within either park, and snowmobile use is confined mainly to the access road to the east of the river. Informal campsites, without facilities, have been in use within the nature reserve and in the waterway addition. The campsites within the nature reserve have been used mainly by young people on weekends; some serious injuries have occurred. Provincial parks policy states that camping is not compatible with nature reserve class parks or zones.

The area in which the parks are located provides many big game and small game hunting opportunities annually (Wildlife Management Units 57 and 61). Provincial park policy states that hunting is not permitted within nature reserve class parks or zones. It is probable that there is existing use of the nature reserve for sport hunting, and if so, this activity is a non-conforming use that is contrary to provincial parks policy and provincial hunting regulations. Sport hunting is permitted in waterway class park additions within the OLL planning area, and so will be permitted to continue within the waterway addition (i.e. concurrent with regulation under the Provincial Parks Act a regulation will be made under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act). Consideration of safety and conservation with respect to sport hunting will be part of management planning with public involvement.

Management guidelines:

General

• Until a final decision is made on the classification and zoning of each park, nature reserve policies for recreational activities will apply to the nature reserve portion, and waterway class park policies will apply to the waterway addition.
• Ontario Parks staff will routinely monitor the recreational use of each park to ensure use is compatible with the Provincial Parks Act.
• Low-intensity day-use activities that enhance the appreciation of the natural values of the sites will be encouraged, and new opportunities for day-use activities will be explored through the management planning process.
• Sport fishing is permitted throughout both parks. In accordance with Ontario Provincial Parks Planning and Management Policies (1992), live baitfish should not be used or possessed in waterway class parks. Until such time as a regulation is established, Ontario Parks will discourage the use or possession of live baitfish in either park.

Nature reserve

• Existing non-motorized recreation activities, such as canoeing, kayaking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, may continue in the interim, unless park values are threatened.
• In the interim, camping within the nature reserve will be prohibited, in accordance with provincial parks policies. This will be accomplished through signage, education and enforcement. If through management planning the nature reserve is proposed to be reclassified as a waterway class park, camping may be permitted depending on zoning, and through the management planning process potential locations for designated campsites could be considered.
• Sport hunting in the nature reserve is prohibited by provincial parks policy and regulations, and if existing, any sport hunting activity will be phased out. “No hunting” signs will be posted at the nature reserve boundaries, and the nature reserve will be monitored regularly throughout the sport hunting season to ensure that this regulation is enforced. The holder of the recreational land use permit within the nature reserve will be informed that sport hunting is not permitted within the nature reserve boundary (Section 4.0).
• Other prohibited activities include on or off-trail mechanized use (i.e. snowmobiling, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) travel ^{footnote 2[2]} mountain biking), motorboating, and horseback riding. These activities will be phased out using a cooperative and educational approach, and followed up by enforcement. In the interim, cycling or mountain biking may continue on existing roads in the nature reserve pending any decisions on access made during management planning.

Waterway addition

• Recreational activities that may continue in the interim unless park values are threatened include: motor boat use, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sport fishing.
• In the interim, the four existing backcountry campsites will be identified with markers, and camping will be restricted to these designated sites. Operational requirements for each site will be investigated and addressed. At present, no permit or fee is required to use these campsites.
• Sport hunting will be permitted to continue in the waterway addition unless other direction is provided through management planning, involving public consultation. Public safety and conservation will be key considerations.

9.1 Mineral collecting

Bancroft is regarded as the “Mineral Capital of Canada” because of the renowned variety and quality of minerals that occur here. The nature reserve is also known world­ wide because of the variety of exotic mineral occurrences in accessible areas. Three sites within the nature reserve have a history of aggressive mineral collecting that has resulted in significant hazards to public safety, and loss of geological values. These sites are abandoned quarries, accessible outcrops and prospects at the south end of the nature reserve. They are known as:

• Goulding-Keene Quarry: major constituents nepheline and albite, accessory minerals include biotite, calcite, sodalite, natrolite, zircon
• Egan Chute Occurrences: a number of sites between the Golding-Keene quarry and Egan Chute waterfall; corundum, soladite and secondary minerals
• York River SkarniTactite Occurrence: dolomitic skarn is reported to contain about 30 mineral species that occur mainly as crystal aggregates, including spinel, zircon, cancrinite, brucite, wollastonite, tochilinite, ludwigite, perovskite

Two other mineral sites, the Morrison Quarry and the Davis Quarry, are located outside of the nature reserve to the west and northwest respectively. These sites are frequented by a number of hobby mineral collecting enthusiasts every year. There are also several sites located within the waterway addition.

Hobby mineral collecting falls under damage to property prohibited under Section 2.2 of Regulation 952 under the Provincial Parks Act (i.e. within a provincial park no person shall remove any relict, artifact, or natural object, or make an excavation for any purpose, without written permission of the Minister). There is a history of mineral collecting within the nature reserve; in the past, regulations restricting this activity have not been enforced. Excavation by hobby mineral collectors at the base of rock faces has caused severe undercutting and the potential for falling rock, resulting in serious public safety concerns. In response to this safety concern, Bancroft District MNRF conducted mechanized excavations to reduce the extent of undercutting in the York River Skarn/Tactite Occurrence. Beginning in 2002, park users were informed of regulations prohibiting mineral collection.

Management guidelines:

• Hobby mineral collectors will continue to be informed that this activity is prohibited, and regulations will be enforced.
• Ontario Parks will closely monitor existing mineral excavation sites to ensure that they do not pose a hazard to public safety. Appropriate cautionary warnings should be implemented immediately. A monitoring program will be implemented to ensure that this human impact on the geological features in the nature reserve has been controlled.
• See Section 12.0 for further management guidelines regarding mineral collecting.

10.0 Resource stewardship

The only resource stewardship issues identified at this point are commercial activities and mineral collecting, which are discussed in sections 8.0 and 9.1, respectively.

The nature reserve is an area of significant wildlife habitat, as the property is situated in an important winter deer range (Bancroft DLUG, 1983). The park is within the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Fire Management Zone identified in the Draft Forest Fire Management Strategy for Ontario (MNRF 2002).

Management guidelines:

• Resource stewardship, including activities associated with wildlife, vegetation, and cultural resources, will not be undertaken until supported by research and approved in a park management plan or resulting resource stewardship plan.
• Fires will be managed as per the Provincial Forest Fire Management Strategy until final direction is determined through park management planning. Fires will be suppressed due to the small size of each park and the number of private properties nearby.
• Fisheries will be managed in accordance with Bancroft District MNRF Fisheries direction and Ontario Parks policies, and will be aimed at maintaining natural, self-sustaining fish populations.
• Management will ensure the protection of species at risk in accordance with the Endangered Species Act and Ontario Parks directive PM 11.03.02.

11.0 Research, monitoring, and partnerships

With the exception of earth and life science inventory work, little research has been undertaken in either park. Research within each park must have regard for the sensitivities of the site, such as the provincially significant earth and life science features.

Local landowners, naturalist clubs, and similar groups may be interested in learning about and participating in monitoring of the parks. One such group is the York River Partnership (YRP), a Bancroft area stewardship group that is currently working to naturalize the shoreline of the river within the town of Bancroft and promotes canoe tripping on the York River.

Proposals from the Bancroft and District Chamber of Commerce and Rockhound Gemboree organizers have expressed an interest in developing the nature reserve as a mineral theme park.

Management guidelines:

• All research within the park, including research by provincial and federal government agencies, will require the approval of Ontario Parks and must meet all other applicable provincial and federal requirements.
• Research that contributes to knowledge of cultural resources, earth science values and life science values, as well as an understanding of the role of this site within the greater ecosystem, will be encouraged.
• Opportunities for partnerships with local stakeholders will be explored during management planning. As partnerships evolve, consideration will be given to their involvement in interpretation, facility development and research. Specific partnerships will be explored with the Bancroft & District Chamber of Commerce, Bancroft Mineral Museum, Bancroft Gem-Mineral Club and organizers of the Rockhound Gemboree.

12.0 Marketing and client services

Recent publicity arising from the OLL-LUS and the addition of the waterway addition to the OLL and Ontario Parks websites may lead to increased pressure on both parks. The nature reserve is already well-known locally and among mineral collecting enthusiasts, and its mineral features are described on several mineral collecting websites. During the recently completed user survey, park visitors indicated that they heard about the site from a variety of sources, including highway signs and road maps, friends and family, media sources, tourist information kiosks, and the Chamber of Commerce in Bancroft. Ontario Parks will need to educate the public about the nature reserve values of the site.

Information on each park is on file at the Ontario Parks, South Eastern Zone office in Kingston, as well as with the Superintendent of Silent Lake Provincial Park.

Management guidelines:

• As a means of encouraging compatible use, the parks will be given a low profile in Ontario Parks communications until further direction is provided through management planning.
• Ontario Parks will contact mineral collecting groups to ensure that they educate their members as to park policy and update their websites to include information related to prohibitions on mineral collecting within the parks.
• Ontario Parks, with the assistance of volunteers and local partnerships, may initiate the production of brochures, maps and other written or audio/visual materials on the natural values of the site for educational purposes.
• If found to be appropriate, Ontario Parks may conduct guided tours of the property for interested persons or groups in order to raise awareness of the site and to educate visitors on the compatible uses and stewardship of the nature reserve and waterway addition.
• Further information is available from the Superintendent at Silent Lake Provincial Park or the Ontario Parks South Eastern Zone office. Additional information on the nature reserve can be obtained by visiting the Ontario Parks website. If more detailed information is requested, other materials may be circulated at the discretion of Ontario Parks staff.

13.0 Environmental Assessment Act requirements

As part of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Parks is a public-sector agency, and is subject to the Environmental Assessment Act. Management activities in the parks will be carried out in accordance with Environmental Assessment Act requirements.

14.0 Implementation

Administration and operation of each park is led by Ontario Parks, with custodial management provided by the Superintendent of Silent Lake Provincial Park. Implementation of the protective and custodial management actions recommended in this IMS will require funding and staffing resources.

Management guidelines:

• The Ontario Parks South Eastern Zone Manager will investigate funding options to support interim management of the parks.
• Ontario Parks will determine methods for enforcement of the protection guidelines outlined within this IMS.

15.0 Resource materials

Brunton, D. F. 1990. Life Science Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest in Site District 5-11: A Review and Assessment of Natural Areas in Site District 5-11. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Parks and Recreational Areas Section, Eastern Region, Kemptville, Ontario.

Conrad, M. 2000. Chutes Provincial Park - Life Science Checksheet. Ontario Parks, South Eastern Zone, Kingston.

Duba, D. and Frey, E. D. 2002. and Considerations: Chutes Provincial Park and Chutes Additions. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Parks, Open File Earth Science Report.

Easton, A. M. 1992b. Tectonic evolution of Ontario. Part 3: evolution of the southeast of Laurentia; in Geology of Ontario, Ontario Geological Survey, Special Volume 4, Part 2, p. 1302-1314.

Noble, T. 1983. A Reconnaissance of the Chute Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Noble, T. 1983. Biophysical Analysis, Site 5E. Algonquin Region, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Huntsville.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1988. Bancroft District Fisheries Plan 1987 - 2000. District Office. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Bancroft

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1983. Bancroft District Land Use Guidelines. Regional Lands Office, Huntsville.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1994. Ontario Provincial Park Manual - and related directives. Provincial Parks and Natural Heritage Areas Policy Branch. Toronto.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1999. Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy, Queen’s Printer, Toronto.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1999. Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve Interim Statement. Ontario Parks, South Eastern Zone, Kingston.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 1992. Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies (1992 update). Provincial Parks and Natural Heritage Areas Policy Branch.

Orpana, J. K. 2001. Bancroft Minden Forest Management Plan 2001-2021. Bancroft Minden Forest Company Inc.

White, D.J. 2002. Detailed Life Science Inventory of Egan Chutes. Ontario Parks.

Appendix I. Summary of background information

Park Name: Egan Chutes Provincial Park
Classification: Nature Reserve/Waterway (see text)
Ecoregion-ecodistrict: 5E-11
OMNR Administrative Region/District: Southcentral/Bancroft
Total Area (ha): 1079
Regulation date: nature reserve: 1989 / Ont. Reg. 290/89, Schedule 245 addition: to be regulated 2003

Inventories

Earth science representation

Supracrustal and alkalic felsic plutonic components to the Bancroft Terrane (regional significance). Exotic minerals associated with nepheline syenite of the Bancroft Terrane (provincial significance)

Life science representation

Provincially significant vegetation communities

Cultural resources representation

No research as of 2002; former nepheline syenite quarries

Recreational opportunities

Photography, hiking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, camping, sport hunting and fishing

OBMs: refer to life science check sheet
NTS Map#: 31 C/10
UTM Reference: 470400

Appendix II. Policies for interim resource stewardship and recreation activities

Egan Chutes and Egan Chutes Addition

The attached policy reports for each park are from the Crown Lands Use Atlas.

The following IMS sections contain information on the activities listed in the policy reports: commercial activities (Section 8.0); land and resource management activities (Section 10.0); Science, Education & Heritage Appreciation (Section 11.0); Recreation Activities (Section 9.0). For a comprehensive list of policies that apply to nature reserve and waterway class parks, refer to the OLL-LUS (1999) and Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies (1992 update).

Crown Land Use Atlas – Policy report

Identification:

ID: P56e
Area name: Egan Chutes
Area (ha): 322
Designation: Provincial Park
Category: Nature Reserve
District(s): Bancroft

Description:

The nature reserve is a picturesque area bisected by the northwesterly flowing York River in Site District 5E-11. Within the boundary of the property are three waterfalls known as the Egan Chute, Middle Chute and Farm Chute. The area is best known for its complex geological features, but landform and vegetation features are also associated with the property.

Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve was regulated as a provincial park in 1989.

Land use intent:

The nature reserve was established to protect provincially significant earth science features and regionally significant life science features. Several additions to the park along the York River were proposed in the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy.

During management planning consideration will be given to reclassification as a waterway park.

Management direction:

Management of this provincial park is carried out in accordance with Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies (1992), the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (1999) and the Interim Management Statement, where available. The Interim Management Statement provides direction to ensure custodial management of park resources until a park management planning process is conducted, which includes public review of proposals. At that time, significant decisions regarding resource stewardship, operations, development and permitted uses are made.

Where a use may be permitted (Maybe or Yes on the table), the long-term management direction will be determined through planning. Such uses that are existing may continue in the interim, unless park values are threatened.

The following table presents the generic policies for this class of park. Readers should consult the above referenced documents for specific direction or further clarification.

Commercial activities

Land and resource management activities

Science, education & heritage appreciation

Recreation activities and facilities

Source of direction:

Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve Interim Management Statement (1999)

Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (1999)

Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies (1992)

Bancroft District Land Use Guidelines (1983)

Crown Land Use Atlas – Policy report

Identification:

ID: P56
Area Name: Egan Chutes (Addition)
Area (ha): 738
Designation: Provincial Park - Recommended (Ontario’s Living Legacy)
Category: Waterway
District(s): Bancroft

Description:

The York River extends from Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve north to the proposed Conroys Marsh Conservation Reserve (C54). The York River was a major spillway for glacial meltwaters. It now flows through large areas of outwash and lacustrine landforms in the north and through landforms of ground moraine and bedrock outcrop in the south near Egan Chutes. The river includes large wetland complexes of deciduous swamps and levee forests. In an evaluation of Ontario’s waterways for provincial park purposes this section of the York River ranked as the highest priority in Site District 5E-11 for further study and third overall in Ontario.

Land use intent:

The intent is to regulate this area as part of the existing provincial park. The existing Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve and the recommended addition of Crown land shoreline portions of the York River may be reclassified as a waterway class provincial park, with nature reserve zone components within the new park. Portions of the shoreline containing private land will not be added to the park.

Management of this area is also governed by the general policies contained in the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (1999).

Management direction:

Management of this provincial park is carried out in accordance with Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies (1992), the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (1999) and the Interim Management Statement, where available. The Interim Management Statement provides direction to ensure custodial management of park resources until such time as a park management planning process is conducted, which includes public review of proposals. At that time, significant decisions regarding resource stewardship, operations, development and permitted uses are made.

Where a use may be permitted (Maybe or Yes on the table), the long-term management direction will be determined through planning. Such uses that are existing may continue in the interim, unless park values are threatened.

The following table presents the generic policies for this class of park. Readers should consult the above referenced documents for specific direction or further clarification.

Commercial activities

Land and resource management activities

Science, education & heritage appreciation

Recreation activities and facilities

Note: The policies in this table do not supersede any Aboriginal or treaty rights that may exist. or other legal obligations.

Management of this provincial park is carried out within the context of provincial park policy as amended by the policies for existing provincial parks outlined in the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy.

Source of direction:

Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (1999)
Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies (1992)

Explanation of edits:

Area calculation has been edited based on current mapping. Area calculations are preliminary until public consultation on boundaries has been completed and the area has been regulated.

Appendix III. Activities in Egan Chutes Provincial Park

Appendix IV. Supplemental information on Egan Chutes addition (waterway class)

This information sheet is a supplement to the “Egan Chutes Addition (Waterway Class) (P56) Fact Sheet”, which outlines background information about Ontario’s Living Legacy and associated planning processes. The purpose of this supplement is to provide additional information regarding the permitted uses and future park planning and management of the Egan Chutes Addition (Waterway Class).

As described in the “Egan Chutes Addition (Waterway Class) (P56) Fact Sheet”, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is currently seeking public comment on the revised boundary of the Egan Chutes Addition, which is now proposed to include a section of the Crown owned bed of the York River that is adjacent to privately owned land and Crown land. As indicated in the accompanying map entitled “Proposed Boundary Egan Chutes Addition P56 Public Review Map”, the site stretches along the York River from Highway 28 northerly to Concession 10, Lot 17 of the geographic Township of Carlow. It also includes a short segment of the river south of Highway 28, in Concession 10, Lot 12 of the geographic Township of Dungannon.

The proposed boundary of the waterway park includes linear parcels of Crown land, inland for a distance of 200 metres from the water’s edge, connected by the York River in the geographic townships of Carlow, Monteagle and Dungannon. The enclosed map shows the proposed boundary of the waterway park. Inclusion of the bed of the York River provides a continuous boundary linking the waterway with the existing Egan Chutes Provincial Nature Reserve.

The following information is being provided to landowners and stakeholders to address topics likely to be of interest relating to the waterway park, such as policies regarding boat houses and docks, access to private property and the park planning process. This information sheet has been prepared by Ontario Parks, which is a branch within the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. The South Eastern Zone of Ontario Parks is responsible for the management of the Egan Chutes Addition (Waterway Class).

Activities on private land

• Private land is not included in the proposed park boundary - regulation of the park does not apply to any privately-owned lands in the area. Management of the area will respect the existing private lands and tenure. There is no intent by the MNRF to expropriate any private property for the waterway park.
• Access to private property through the waterway park, which existed in March 1999, will continue. Establishment of the waterway park will not result in fees to access private property. Applications for new access roads through the waterway park will not be considered unless a formal commitment for a road was made by the MNRF before March 1999.
• Municipal by-laws will continue to apply to private land. Planning, zoning, and building by-laws and the services of the municipality continue to apply on private property that is adjacent to the park.

Use of waterway parks by adjacent landowners

• For overnight camping in the waterway park, adjacent private property owners will be subject to the same rules and fees as any member of the public. Generally, fees for day use recreation are not charged in waterway parks and currently there is no fee for overnight camping.

Boat houses and docks

• The use of existing private docks and mooring facilities on the York River will not be restricted through the establishment of the waterway park. The regulations that govern the development of new docks, and other work on shore lands, on any provincial body of water continue to apply. So, for example, if dock cribbing is to be developed which is in excess of 15m², or if the shoreline is being altered by dredging or filling, a work permit would be required and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans may be involved.
  
  The Working Around Water? series of fact sheets outlines the best management practices for common waterfront projects, such as boathouse and dock construction, explaining how to do this work in a way that is environmentally sound. If development of a boathouse or other facility is proposed entirely on private land, then landowners should consult with the municipality regarding approvals. This series of fact sheets is available in published form at many government offices, or online.

Hydro and telephone infrastructure

• The maintenance or replacement of hydro and telephone services across the waterway park to private property, existing as of March 1999, will continue as an existing use. The installation of new telephone or hydro services across the waterway park to private property may be permitted depending upon a by case assessment of the environmental impact of such installation.

Recreational activities

• Recreational activities that will continue unless park values are threatened include: motor boat use, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sport fishing.
• The use of watercraft in provincial parks is subject to the same regulations which govern their operation elsewhere. Provincial policy for waterway parks permits the use of motorized watercraft in designated areas. Motor boating will be permitted to continue in the waterway park unless other direction is provided through management planning, which will involve public consultation.
• The four existing backcountry campsites will be identified with markers. Camping will be restricted to these designated sites. Operational requirements for each will be investigated and addressed as appropriate. At present, no permit or fee is required to use these campsites.
• Sport hunting will be permitted to continue only in natural environment zones. Zoning is determined through park management planning, which will involve public consultation.
• There are no authorized trails for snowmobiles or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) within the waterway park. Informal trail use is confined mainly to the access road to the east of the river. The development of new trails within the waterway park will be determined, with public input, through the park management planning process.
• Public safety and conservation will be key considerations in future decisions regarding all recreational activities.

Commercial fur harvesting, bait fishing, and licences for bear management areas

• Existing registered fur harvesting operations, commercial bait harvesting and bear management area licences will be allowed to continue indefinitely throughout the waterway park. No new licences will be issued.

Increasing park use and uncontrolled access/trespass issues

• Ontario Parks tries at all times to indicate locations which are open for public use and those that are private property.
• Where a need is identified, tools, such as zoning, can be used to direct higher levels of use away from certain sensitive areas of the park, and private properties.
• It is anticipated that most new users to the area will likely be canoeists and kayakers. All users will be encouraged to respect the rights of private landowners. The Trespass to Property Act provides the ultimate recourse, but there will not likely be any more trespass problems than currently exist. It is hoped that a combination of education and good information will result in fewer incidents of trespassing.

Privies and garbage

• Ontario Parks will ensure that there are adequate public toilet facilities and arrangements for disposing of garbage.

Public consultation on park planning

• Park management plans are prepared to guide the protection, management, operation and development of a provincial park’s resources. Park management plans are subject to extensive public consultation at several stages in the planning process often extending over a period of a year or more. Preparation of a management plan for Egan Chutes is expected to begin in 2003. In preparation for this planning process, the river’s natural and recreational values have been studied including its geology, plants and animals, and recreational uses.
• Park management plans:
  • define the role of the individual park within the provincial parks system;
  • indicate how the park’s natural, cultural and recreational resources should be protected, planned, developed and managed; and,
  • assure that the planning, management and development of the park is compatible with protection of the park environment. A park management plan also includes a record of public consultation and input into the planning process.
• Decisions to permit certain recreation and commercial activities in new parks and additions established under Ontario’s Living legacy were as part of OLL land use planning process. The park management planning process will incorporate these permitted uses and make decisions on other uses consistent with provincial park policy. As noted above, most recreational and non-industrial commercial uses are expected to continue, provided they do not have negative impacts on the natural features of the area, and do not harm public health and safety. Stakeholders and the public will be notified in advance of the planning process.

For more information or if you wish to be added to the mailing list for park management planning please contact:

Jim Peets
Park Planner
Ontario Parks, South Eastern Zone Office
51 Heakes lane Kingston, ON K7M 981 613-531-5722