Gravel River Conservation Reserve Management Statement
This document provides policy direction for the protection, development and management of the Gravel River Conservation Reserve and its resources.
May 2003
Prepared for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources,
Northwest Region
By Rebecca Zeran and Natalie Kolody
OLL Resource Managers
MNR, Nipigon District
Approval page
Statement of Conservation Interest for Gravel River Conservation Reserve C2225
Nipigon District
Northwest Region
The purpose of this Statement of Conservation Interest is to identify the natural heritage values of the Conservation Reserve and to identify the activities which occur at this location. This Statement outlines the activities which will be permitted and those which will be prohibited. From this outline, the management direction for the site can be determined.
Approved by:
Ian Hagman, District Manager, Nipigon District
Approved by:
Charlie Lauer, Regional Director, Northwest Region
1. Introduction
On July 16, 1999, the Ontario Government released Ontario’s Living Legacy (OLL) Land Use Strategy (LUS) to guide the planning and management of Crown Lands within a large part of northern and central Ontario. A major component of this Land Use Strategy was the establishment of 378 new protected areas in this part of Ontario. This commitment will be the largest expansion of Provincial Parks and other protected areas in the history of Ontario.
The Gravel River Conservation Reserve (C2225) is one site within this expansion of Ontario’s protected areas.
Conservation Reserves are areas of Crown land set aside by regulation under the Public Lands Act to complement provincial parks in protecting representative natural areas and specific landscape features. Most recreational activities (e.g. hiking, skiing, tourism related uses, nature appreciation) and non-industrial commercial activities (e.g. fur harvesting, bait fishing and commercial fishing) that have traditionally been enjoyed in the area will continue – provided that these uses do not impact upon the natural features requiring protection. Recreational hunting and fishing are permitted uses within all new conservation reserves identified through the OLL Land Use Strategy. Commercial timber harvesting, mining, aggregate extraction and hydroelectric development are prohibited in conservation reserves.
The Gravel River Conservation Reserve is situated between the communities of Nipigon and Rossport and is located just north of Pays Plat First Nation. The Gravel River flows from its headwaters at Gravel Lake south, along a major fault line, to Lake Superior. The terrain is very rugged with extensive upland and mixed boreal forests (OLL Factsheet, 2000). More detail on the natural values of the site can be found in the attached Earth Science Report, Life Science Report, and Recreation Resource Assessment Report.
The purpose of this Statement of Conservation Interest is to identify the natural heritage values of the Gravel River Conservation Reserve; this Statement also identifies the activities occurring within the conservation reserve. Through a set of management guidelines, this statement will outline the activities which will be permitted and those which will be prohibited. From this outline, the management direction for the area can be determined.
2. Background information
| Name | Gravel River Conservation Reserve |
|---|---|
| Site Region / Site District | 3W-5 |
| OMNR Administrative Region / District / Area | Northwest Region/ Nipigon District / Terrace Bay-Nipigon East Area |
| Total Area (ha) | 46, 632 hectares |
| Regulation Date | May 8, 2002 |
| Interested First Nations | Poplar Point (Kowtiash), Pays Plat, Long Lake #58, Red Rock, Aroland, Sand Point, Poplar Point Ojibway Nation (McCrady), Rocky Bay (Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging), Fort William, and Ojibways of the Pic River First Nations |
| Lat./Long. | 49° 04' 03 / 87° 43' 47 |
| OBM | 2016450054300, 2016440054300, 2016440054200, 2016450054200, 2016460054200, 2016460054300, 2016460054400, 2016470054500, 2016470054400, 2016450054400, 2016440054100, 2016460054100 |
| FRI Stands | Specific numbers for the FRI stands occurring within the conservation reserve can be obtained by contacting the Information Management Team in Nipigon or in Geraldton |
| General Location | Located approx. 32 km east-southeast of Nipigon, 6 km north of Pays Plat First Nation, 12 km north-west of Rossport, and 55 km north-west of Terrace Bay. The southern boundary of the conservation reserve abuts the northern boundary of the Gravel River Provincial Nature Reserve. |
| Access | Canoe or backpacking via the Gravel River. Helicopter. Limited road access to southern-most sections of the site. |
3. Representation targets
This section provides a summary of the earth science, life science and cultural resource values represented in the site. It also outlines existing and potential recreational opportunities available.
| Life Science Representation | The terrain across the conservation reserve is very rugged with extensive upland and mixed boreal forests (OLL Factsheet, 2000). The area provides a variety of habitat conditions for fish, wildlife and plant-life. |
|---|---|
| Earth Science Representation | The Gravel River flows from its headwaters at Gravel Lake, south along a major fault line, into Lake Superior. The valley created by this fault is quite remarkable, with cliffs standing over 100 m above the riverbed. Several kame terraces exist along the southern banks of the Gravel River. To the north, spectacular waterfalls, cliffs, talus, and caves are present. |
| Cultural Resource Representation | Little is currently known concerning the cultural values of the Gravel River Conservation Reserve. Most of the site is within the traditional land-use area of Pays Plat First Nation; however historical and current use of the area by this community is unknown. Community members have suggested, however, that members of the Pays Plat First Nation still living were dispersed more widely across the area to the middle of the 20th century (Barker, pers. comm. 2002). |
| Recreational Opportunities | Opportunities exist for canoeing, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, backpacking, horseback riding, photography and various camping activities. |
4. Survey information
This section provides an overview of the inventories completed, their level of detail and any further inventory work required.
| Survey Level | Life Science | Earth Science | Cultural | Recreational |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconnaissance | Yes, Aug. 2002 | Yes, Fall 2001 | No | Yes, Jan. 2002 |
| Detailed | No | No | No | No |
| Requirement | No further requirement | No further requirement | No further requirement | No further requirement |
5. Natural & cultural heritage values
This section provides a description of the key natural and cultural heritage values of the site and their condition relative to past and present resource use and management activities. It also addresses the sensitivity of these values to future land use and management activities.
The intent of this Statement is to protect those values identified in the site, by establishing guidelines for existing and potential uses of the area, given the level of past disturbances and the nature of existing features.
Forest Values – The entire forest area is to be protected from human disturbance. The forest cover on this site is representative of the surrounding area and is predominately fire origin mature stands.
Vegetation Values – The terrain across the conservation reserve is very rugged with extensive upland and mixed boreal forests (OLL Factsheet, 2000).
Geologic Values – The Gravel River flows from its headwaters at Gravel Lake, south along a major fault line, into Lake Superior. The valley created by this fault is quite remarkable, with cliffs standing over 100 m above the riverbed.
Fish & Wildlife Values – Gravel Lake, at the northern tip of the conservation reserve, is a warm-water fishery and home to northern pike. Paddy Lake, a cold-water fishery, has been stocked with both brook trout and walleye (in 1970). Buckaday Lake, a cold-water fishery, has also been stocked with brook trout in the past (1946, 1947 and 1954). The Gravel River is also an important cold-water fishery. Brook trout have also been reported in Ault Lake and in Cavers Lake; northern pike in Greenhedge Lake and Dickison Lake; and walleye in Pays Plat Lake. The Pays Plat River contains walleye, northern pike, lake trout, log perch, sculpin, dace, stickleback, trout perch and American brook lamprey (Melnyk-Ferguson, 2002). The Gravel River, below the first set of falls (which act as a barrier to fish migration), contains trout perch, coho salmon, rainbow trout, brook trout, carp and may contain sturgeon (Melnyk-Ferguson, 2002). The Gravel River also contains sea lamprey.
Aquatic Values – The Gravel River Conservation Reserve includes two important rivers: the Gravel River and the Pays Plat River. The Gravel River is a significant cold-water fishery. Both rivers offer recreational potential in the form of canoe-tripping and backpacking/camping, to name a few. The meandering nature of the Gravel River causes large quantities of sand and gravel to be deposited on the riverbed – sometimes forming raised sand and/or gravel bars. Numerous small lakes are present within the conservation reserve: at least 28 named lakes and various other unnamed lakes. Eight of these lakes have been designated as 'Tourism Lakes' - lakes with existing or potential commercial outpost camps. Three lakes have been stocked with sport fish in the past. A few spectacular waterfalls are present within the conservation reserve.
Recreation & Tourism Values – Two canoe routes run through the Gravel River Conservation Reserve – one along the Gravel River and the other along the Pays Plat River. Both routes have been traveled and mapped by the Geraldton Composite High School Outers Club (GCHSC). A snowmobile trail follows the utility line across the south-western tip of the conservation reserve. The trail also enters into the reserve, just north of where the conservation reserve’s boundary abuts the Gravel River Provincial Nature Reserve. A snowmobile bridge crosses over the Gravel River. Sport fish (brook trout, walleye, northern pike) are present in numerous lakes throughout the site. In 1980, a moose hunt camp was documented on Chance Lake (Willie & Florkiewicz, 1980). Both Gravel Lake and Dickison Lake have been reported as being successfully used for hunting purposes (Bramwell & Dance, 1972; Persson & Alviani, 1980). One recreation camp is located within the conservation reserve’s boundaries on the Gravel River. Four recreational camps are located adjacent to the conservation reserve on Ault Lake and on West Fox Lake. Four tourist outpost camps are located within the conservation reserve (on Cavers Lake and on McGoey Lake) and adjacent to the reserve (on Pays Plat Lake and on Greenhedge Lake).
Cultural Values – Little is currently known concerning the cultural values of the Gravel River Conservation Reserve. Most of the site is within the traditional land-use area of Pays Plat First Nation; however historical and current use of the area by this community is unknown.
Aboriginal Values – The site has probably been used historically by First Nation peoples for traditional hunting, gathering and cultural activities. The MNR has no record that would indicate the levels of historical use for these activities, however, should any be discovered, they will be given appropriate priority and protection. First Nation people also currently utilize the site for hunting, trapping, fishing and recreation. Nothing in this Statement of Conservation Interest in any way affects existing Aboriginal or Treaty Rights.
6. Management guidelines
The following topics briefly indicate the existing situation within the Gravel River Conservation Reserve and outline the new and existing management guidelines to be implemented and/or followed. A copy of the Land Use Policy report for the Gravel River Conservation Reserve can be viewed on the Crown Land Use Atlas Website (http://www.giscoeapp.lrc.gov.on.ca/services/MNR/NHLUPS/CLUPA/xmlReader.aspx?xsl=web-primary.xsl&type=primary&POLICY_IDENT=G2691).
6.1 Land tenure
The Gravel River Conservation Reserve consists entirely of Crown land. Existing private land use permits (e.g. recreation camps, snowmobile bridge) may be renewed; no future private land disposition or development will be permitted. Existing commercial development within the site (e.g. outpost camps, outfitters) may be maintained; no future disposition or development will be permitted. Tourism facilities, however, may apply to upgrade tenure from LUP to lease.
6.2 Existing and proposed development
Maintenance to existing trails, roads, cabins and cottages will be permitted, however, no new development that would disturb the forest or the forest understory vegetation will be permitted. The area will be managed primarily for low-impact recreation, canoeing, hunting, fishing, public nature appreciation, educational experiences and scientific study. Major tourism facilities and development will not be promoted for the area due to the potential for site degradation.
6.3 Recreational activities
6.3.1 Summary
| Tourism | Two tourist outpost camps are located within the reserve and two outpost camps are directly adjacent to the reserve. In 1980, a moose hunt camp was documented on Chance Lake (Willie & Florkiewicz, 1980). Two canoe routes exist within the site: one on Gravel River and one along the Pays Plat River. Additional recreation and tourism opportunities include: snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, backpacking, horseback riding, photography and various camping activities. |
|---|---|
| Recreational Fishing | Several lakes, river, and streams within the conservation reserve have reported excellent returns for anglers. Sport fish present include: northern pike, brook trout, walleye, log perch, trout perch, coho salmon, rainbow trout, and carp. |
| Recreational Hunting | Several outpost camps exist within and adjacent to the conservation reserve. Temporary moose hunt camps have also been established from time to time within the conservation reserve. |
| Recreation Camps | One recreation camp is located within the conservation reserve’s boundaries on the Gravel River. Four recreational camps are located adjacent to the conservation reserve on Ault Lake and on West Fox Lake. |
6.3.2 Guidelines
Low-intensity, non-structural activities that do not impact the health of the forest ecosystem (e.g. viewing, canoeing, hunting, fishing, etc.) are permitted. ATV access and snowmobile usage will be closely monitored for possible damage to the trees, hydrology, and to the site’s ability to regenerate. If site degradation occurs, these activities may be excluded from the area. Access to the site by non-mechanized means is the preferred method.
6.4 Commercial activities
6.4.1 Summary
| Mining | One mining claim is known to exist within the conservation reserve. It has been designated as a forest reserve, F2225. |
|---|---|
| Aggregate | None known to exist on site. |
| Forest Harvest | Mature forest cover on the site is commercially merchantable. |
| Wild Rice | None observed on site. |
| Trapping | Traplines GE65, GE66, NG113, NG114, TR1, TR2, TR3, TR4, TR5, TR6, TR7, and TR8 all overlap potions of the site. |
| Bear Management Areas | Three BMAs overlap the conservation reserve. |
| Outpost Camps/Outfitters | Two outpost camps are located within the reserve (on Cavers Lake and on McGoey Lake) and two outpost camps are directly adjacent to the reserve (on Pays Plat Lake and on Greenhedge Lake). |
| Commercial Fisheries | No commercial fishing operations are present within the site. |
6.4.2 Guidelines
The site forms part of twelve active traplines. Three Bear Management Areas overlap the site. Two tourist outpost camps are located within the conservation reserve (on Cavers Lake and on McGoey Lake) and two outpost camps are located adjacent to the site (on Pays Plat Lake and on Greenhedge Lake). One recreation camp is located within the conservation reserve’s boundaries on the Gravel River. Four recreational camps are located adjacent to the conservation reserve on Ault Lake and on West Fox Lake. One mining claim, now designated as a forest reserve is also located within the conservation reserve. These activities will be permitted to continue. No new trails, cabins or other development are permitted without specific authorization from the Ministry. However, the maintenance and repair of existing trails and cabins is permitted, as long as the scale and function of the trail or cabin is not significantly altered.
No other commercial activities are known to exist within the conservation reserve boundaries and no new commercial activities will be permitted (i.e., mining, hydroelectric development, logging, aggregate extraction, road development, utility corridors, peat development and topsoil removal).
The area of the Gravel River Conservation Reserve has been permanently removed from the operable area of the Kenogami Forest and the Lake Nipigon Forest Sustainable Forest Licenses. The area has also been officially withdrawn from mineral staking by means of a withdrawal order.
6.5 Aboriginal interests
Local First Nation communities were asked to provide input into the regulation of the Gravel River Conservation Reserve. Meetings were held with Pays Plat, Long Lake #58, Red Rock, Aroland, Sand Point, and Rocky Bay (Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging) First Nations and with Poplar Point (Kowtiash) and Poplar Point Ojibway Nation (McCrady) aboriginal groups to discuss the regulation of the Gravel River Conservation Reserve (along with 4 other OLL sites). Lake Nipigon Ojibway (Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan), Ginoogaming and Flying Post First Nations were contacted and invited to meet but either declined or did not respond. Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation were consulted via telephone. There was a general concern for native values, the need to protect these values, and the desire to be notified of any development planned for the protected areas.
Nothing in this Statement of Conservation Interest in any way affects existing Aboriginal or Treaty Rights.
6.6 Natural resources stewardship
6.6.1 Vegetation management and fire management
The area will be managed in accordance with relevant existing policies. Natural ecosystem processes and features will, for the most part, be allowed to occur with minimal human interference.
The MNR recognizes fire as an essential process fundamental to the ecological integrity of conservation reserves. In accordance with existing Conservation Reserve Policy and the Forest Fire Management Strategy for Ontario, forest fire protection will be carried out as on surrounding lands.
Whenever feasible, the MNR fire program will endeavor to use "light on the land" techniques, which do not unduly disturb the landscape, in this conservation reserve. Examples of light on the land techniques may include limiting the use of heavy equipment or limiting the number of trees felled during fire response efforts.
Opportunities for prescribed burning to achieve ecological or resource management objectives may be considered. These management objectives will be developed with public consultation prior to any prescribed burning, and reflected in the document that provides management direction for this conservation reserve. Plans for any prescribed burning will be developed in accordance with the MNR Prescribed Burn Planning Manual, and the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves (approval pending).
6.6.2 Fish and wildlife management
Fisheries and wildlife will be managed in accordance with existing policies. Opportunities for wildlife viewing will be encouraged.
6.6.3 Landforms
No management requirements exist for this category, except that significant and unique landforms should be afforded continued protection as a natural resource.
6.7 Cultural resource stewardship
There are no requirements for management of cultural resources at this time based on existing information. The Ministry of Natural Resources will continue to work with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation’s regional chief archaeologist to identify archaeological sites requiring further protection. To date there has been no field survey to assess cultural resources in the Gravel River Conservation Reserve and the potential for archaeological finds is unknown.
6.8 Client services
Nipigon District and the Information Management Team staff will be the primary contact for responding to inquiries about the basic level of information such as access, nature appreciation, scientific study requests, wildlife viewing opportunities, hunting, permitted uses and boundaries.
6.9 Research
Non-destructive scientific research by qualified/recognized Canadian institutions or organizations that will contribute to the Ministry of Natural Resources' natural heritage information base will be encouraged. All research programs will require the approval of the Ministry of Natural Resources and will be subject to ministry policy and other relevant legislation.
6.10 Marketing
Activities will include producing a fact sheet highlighting the importance of the reserve and responding to inquiries about the site. There are no other requirements at this time.
7. Implementation
Implementation of this Statement of Conservation Interest will primarily involve monitoring activities to ensure adherence to management guidelines. The conservation reserve will be managed under the supervision of the Information Management Team supervisor (Nipigon District) and the Terrace Bay-Nipigon East Area supervisor. Any affected clients will be notified of any amendments to this Statement of Conservation Interest.
The Gravel River Conservation Reserve was regulated on May 8, 2002 (by Ontario Regulation 86/01) under the Public Lands Act, following the process set out in the Ontario’s Living Legacy Protected Areas Regulation Implementation Manual (MNR, 2000).
8. Review and revisions
Any changes that may occur to the management direction outlined in this Statement of Conservation Interest for the Gravel River Conservation Reserve will be evaluated for their significance. Minor changes, which do not alter the overall protection objectives, may be considered and approved by the Area Supervisor. Local consultation may also be required, as determined by the Area Supervisor. In the case of major changes, the need for a more comprehensive Resource Management Plan will be considered first along with any legislated notification requirements that may exist at that particular time. Any major amendments to this document will require public consultation and the approval of the District Manager and Regional Director.
9. Public consultation
9.1 Results of past consultation
The Gravel River Conservation Reserve has been a part of the land use planning and consultation process during:
- Lands for Life round table consultation (June 1997 to July 1998)
- Ontario’s Living Legacy consultations (Fall 1998, Spring 1999)
- OLL Site Regulation and Public Consultation Process (August 2000)
During the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy site regulation and public consultation process for the Gravel River Conservation Reserve, contact was made with local stakeholders. In August of 2000, letters from the District Manager were sent to First Nations, representatives from the forestry industry, trappers, municipalities, landowners, prospectors, fish and game clubs, trail and recreational clubs, and tourist operators/outfitters. Newspaper advertisements were also released at this time.
One verbal comment and three written comments were received regarding the Gravel River Conservation Reserve (see Appendix 8 for a copy of the OLL Public and Aboriginal Consultation Documentation Form for the Gravel River Conservation Reserve). Meetings were held with the following First Nations and aboriginal groups: Poplar Point (Kowtiash), Pays Plat, Long Lake #58, Red Rock, Aroland, Sand Point, Poplar Point Ojibway Nation (McCrady), and Rocky Bay (Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging) First Nations to discuss the regulation of the Gravel River Conservation Reserve (along with 4 other OLL sites). Lake Nipigon Ojibway (Animbiigoo Zaagi'igan), Ginoogaming and Flying Post First Nations were contacted and invited to meet but either declined or did not respond. Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation were consulted via telephone. Please see section 6.5 for an account of the comments put forward by First Nations. Concerns that arose with respect to the establishment of the conservation reserve were addressed accordingly.
9.2 Present and future consultation
Further widespread consultation is not deemed necessary at this time because of the extensive consultation that has already occurred to date.
Once the Gravel River Conservation Reserve has been formally regulated under the Public Lands Act, Decision Notices will be sent to all members of the public who expressed interest in the site. Notices will also be sent to all First Nations, industry and municipal organizations potentially affected by the regulation of this site.
10. References
Alsop, R. and S. Elphinstone. (1977). Lake Survey Summary: Ault Lake. OMNR, July 1977.
Barker, Dave. (2002). Information Management Supervisor, Nipigon District, OMNR, Personal Communication.
Bramwell, R. and K. Dance. (1972a). Lake Survey Summary: Cavers Lake. OMNR, August 1972. Bramwell, R. and K. Dance. (1972b). Lake Survey Summary: Greenhedge Lake. OMNR, August 1972.
Bramwell, R. and K. Dance. (1972c). Lake Survey Summary: Dickison Lake. OMNR, June 1972. Buckner, M., M. Mannisto, and A. Prince. (1989). Lake Survey Summary: McGoey Lake. OMNR, July 1989.
Hoeve, J. and T. Schintz. (1983). Lake Survey Summary: Ault Lake. OMNR, October 1983.
Melnyk-Ferguson, Linda. (2002). Nip-East/Terrace Bay Management Biologist. OMNR. Personal communication, January 2002.
O'Connor, J. and D. Stashick. (1969). Lake Survey Summary: Paddy Lake. OMNR, July 1969.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. (1999). Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy, Queen’s Printer for Ontario, Ontario Canada.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. (2000a). Protected Areas Regulation Implementation Manual, Internal Document.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. (2000b). Gravel River Conservation Reserve (C2225) Fact Sheet, August 2000.
Persson, G. and E. Alviani. (1980). Lake Survey Summary: Gravel Lake. OMNR, June 1980.
Stashick, D. and J. O'Connor. (1969). Lake Survey Summary: Buckaday Lake. OMNR, July 1969.
Ward, M. and J. Keller. (1968a). Lake Survey Summary: Ault Lake. OMNR, July 1968.
Ward, M. and J. Keller (1968b). Lake Survey Summary: Pays Plat Lake. OMNR, July 1968.
Willie, M. and R. Florkiewicz. (1980). Lake Survey Summary: Chance Lake, OMNR, August 1980.