Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve Management Statement

Statement of Conservation Interest
January 2004

Cochrane District
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Approval statement

I am pleased to approve this Statement of Conservation Interest (SCI) for the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve.

As part of the Ontario’s Living Legacy planning initiative to establish additional parks and protected areas representative of the ecological diversity within Ontario’s natural regions, the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve was selected for its distinctive representation of a glacial outwash landform featuring upland and wetland sites, significant water bodies and areas of conifer and mixed forest. The reserve is located in an unorganized area approximately 85 kilometres northeast of Cochrane.

Direction for establishing, planning and managing conservation reserves is provided by regulation under the Public Lands Act and through the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy. Specific direction for the management of this conservation reserve is provided through this SCI, which defines the area to which the plan applies, describes the purpose for which the conservation reserve has been proposed and outlines the management intent for the protected area. As the minimum level of management direction required, this basic SCI will provide guidance for the management of the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve and the basis for the ongoing monitoring of activities. Additional planning direction is not anticipated but should significant development be considered or complex issues arise, which require additional information, more defined management direction or special protection measures, a more detailed Resource Management Plan (RMP) will be prepared for the conservation reserve with full public consultation.

During the Lands for Life planning process, the public was widely consulted and provided valuable input into the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (1999). Comments received during that time, and during the consultation exercise for the formal regulation of the boundaries of the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve, were generally supportive of the protection of this area and were considered in the development of this document.

This SCI was prepared with input from program specialists at the Cochrane District MNR office. As well, a draft version of the document was provided for review to the MNR Regional planning unit and specialists with Ontario Parks, Fire Management and the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. Limited public and aboriginal consultation on the draft version of the document was conducted with First Nations and members of the public who had expressed interest in participating in the planning exercise for this conservation reserve. Comments received from these reviews were also considered in the development of the SCI.

The conservation reserve will be managed under the jurisdiction of the Iroquois Falls Area Supervisor of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Cochrane District.

Submitted by:
Mary Kirkbride - Plan Compiler
with Colin Lake

Original signed by:
Ed Tear
District Manager Recommendation

Date: March 15, 2005

Approved by:
Original signed by Rob Galloway
Regional Director
Northeast Region

Date: April 5, 2005

1.0 Introduction

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. Protection of these sensitive areas ensures that representative sites within the larger landscape are permanently retained in their natural state.

Conservation Reserves (CR) were established in Ontario as one means of providing protection for these areas on public lands, while permitting many traditional uses to continue. As the result of an extensive planning process conducted in Ontario between 1997 and 1999, the Ontario’s Living Legacy (OLL) Land Use Strategy (LUS) (OMNR, 1999) as well as the Crown Land Use Policy Atlas set the direction for the establishment and management of additional parks and protected areas. Objectives of this strategy include protection of natural and cultural heritage values while providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, heritage appreciation and tourism (OMNR, 1999).

Protected areas designated within the OLL LUS have been selected based on their representation of the spectrum of the province’s ecosystems and natural features including both biological and geological features, while minimizing impacts on other land uses. Representation was described using landform and vegetation combinations based on Hill’s site district concept (1959).

As part of the strategy, the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve was selected for its representation of an outwash plain, exhibiting a diversity of wetland and upland vegetation communities, within the Kesagami Eco District 2E-3 (Hills. 1959), later modified to Eco-district 3E-7 (Crins and Uhlig, 2000). The reserve is comprised of 2251 ha of Crown land located in an unsurveyed area approximately 85 km northeast of the municipality of Cochrane. The site will be regulated under the Public Lands Act.

The level of planning required for a conservation reserve is based on a number of criteria including the complexity and scope of issues, relative size and remoteness of the site, and the number and variety of current permitted uses. As no significant issues or conflicts were identified for the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve beyond those addressed during the preparation of the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy, the minimum level of management direction required, in the form of this Statement of Conservation Interest (SCI), has been developed. Comments received from stakeholders and from the public during the consultation exercise on the formal regulation of the reserve boundaries were generally supportive of the protection of this area and were considered in the finalization of this document.

The management intent for the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve is to protect the natural and cultural heritage values within the reserve while permitting compatible land use activities. To achieve this, this SCI will identify and describe the natural heritage values within the reserve. It will also provide direction for the management of current and future activities while protecting those values. This direction will comply with land use intent as stated by the OLL Land Use Strategy (OMNR, 1999).

To ensure that protection objectives are being fully met within the conservation reserve, activities on the surrounding landscape should also consider the site’s objectives and heritage values.

In addition, it is the intent of this management document to promote public awareness toward responsible stewardship of protected areas and their surrounding lands in Ontario. With management partners such as Ontario Parks, industry, local governments, etc., the Ministry of Natural Resources will be able to pursue and advance sound environmental, economic and social strategies and policies related to the protection of this conservation reserve.

The management of the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve will be administered by the Iroquois Falls Area Supervisor of the Cochrane District Ministry of Natural Resources.

2.0 Goals And objectives

2.1 Goal of the Statement of Conservation Interest

The goal of Conservation Reserves, as stated in Policy PL 3.03.05 (MNR, 1997), is to protect natural heritage values on public lands while permitting compatible land use activities. This Statement of Conservation Interest is intended to guide the management decisions that will ensure that the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve achieves its goal as a conservation reserve, through the following short and long-term objectives.

2.2 Objectives of the SCI

2.2.1 Short-term objectives

The short-term objectives are to:

• identify the State of the Resource with respect to natural heritage values and the current land use activities within the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve.
• protect the natural values of the reserve via specific guidelines, strategies and prescriptions
• Meet the legislated planning requirements for the development of a planning document within three years of the regulation of the site

2.2.2 Long-term objectives

The long-term objectives will be to:

• establish representative targets (e.g. future forest conditions) and validate the site as a potential scientific benchmark
• identify research/client services and marketing strategies
• provide direction for the evaluation of future new uses and economic activities

3.0 Management planning

3.1 Planning context

3.1.1 Planning area

The planning area consists of the area within the regulated boundary of the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve, as described in Section 4.1.2.2 Administrative Description. No forest reserves are associated within this planning area. The site has been removed from the licence areas of both the Cochrane-Moose River Forest Management Unit and the Iroquois Falls Forest.

3.1.2 Management planning context

The Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve was identified for protection under the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (1999) and will be regulated under the Public Lands Act, amending Ontario Regulation 805/94 (Conservation Reserves).

The Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve will be managed as a conservation reserve in accordance with the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (OMNR, 1999). Where the OLL LUS is silent, management of the reserve will take its direction from existing Conservation Reserve policy. This Statement of Conservation Interest will further define the land use and resource management activities which may occur within the reserve.

The Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve is located within the Remaining "Straggler" Tourism Lakes area of the OMNR Cochrane District Remote (Wilderness) Tourism Strategy (RWS) (July, 1997). The strategy was developed to address resource management issues among stakeholder groups, including the remote tourism industry, the forest industry, recreationalists, and land use authorities, in areas of the Cochrane District important for remote tourism. Based on the strategy, viable tourism lakes were identified within the Straggler Lakes management area and protection was provided through restrictions on access, harvesting activities, etc. Snoopy Lake, the western shore of which forms part of the east boundary of the conservation reserve, was identified as part of this management strategy. Activities within the reserve and in the surrounding area must continue to be considered within the context of the RWS.

By regulation, activities prohibited within this reserve include mining, commercial forest harvest, hydroelectric power development, extraction of aggregate and peat or any other industrial use. The site has been removed from the land base of the Cochrane-Moose River Forest Management Unit. However, to ensure that the values within this planning area are protected, the surrounding lands and associated land use activities will also require consideration within a larger planning context including the forest management plans for both the Cochrane-Moose River Forest and the adjacent Iroquois Falls Forest, as well as any future resource management plans.

No mining tenure exists within the reserve; mining and surface rights have been withdrawn from staking within the reserve boundaries.

Based on the representation of the site and its natural heritage values, and direction from the OLL and Conservation Reserve policy, the SCI will identify permitted uses within the reserve and provide guidance for the resolution of conflicts between uses. Generally low impact recreational and non-commercial uses may be permitted. Some commercial uses and resource management activities may also be acceptable within the conservation reserve, provided they are compatible with the values of the reserve. New uses, and activities associated with them, may be considered on a case-by-case basis, and undergo environmental screening to determine the compatibility of the use/activity with natural heritage values within the site. Proposals pertaining to cultural resources may be screened under Section 3, Conserving a Future for our Past: Archaeology, Land Use Planning and Development in Ontario (MCzCR, 1997). The SCI will only address current and potential permitted uses brought forward during the planning process. Any activity or disposition of a right to a Crown resource, allowed as a permitted use and passing the required environmental and/or cultural tests of compatibility will also be subject to screening under the Class Environmental Assessment for MNR Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects, or, pending its approval, the Class EA for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves.

3.2 Planning process

The level of management planning required to fulfill the protection targets of a conservation reserve is based, primarily, on the scope and complexity of its planning issues, as described in the Procedural Guideline A for SCI and RMP (MNR PL 3.03.05, 1997) and further clarified for conservation reserves located in the OMNR Northeast Region (Planning Process for Conservation Reserves Statement of Conservation Interest (SCI) and Resource Management Plans (RMP), Northeast Region Guidelines, V. 2.1, Sept, 2001).

No significant issues or conflicts were identified for the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve beyond those brought forward during the Lands for Life planning process or subsequent development of the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy. Therefore, this Statement of Conservation, developed within the required 3 years of the regulation date of the reserve, will provide the direction for basic stewardship of the site.

An opportunity to review the proposed boundaries for regulation of the reserve, along with the other proposed parks, park additions and conservation reserves within the OMNR Cochrane Administrative District was provided through newspaper advertising for the period of September 6 to October 6, 2000. For the boundary consultation exercise, information packages were also mailed directly to stakeholders, including individuals and organizations, which were known to be interested in or directly affected by the regulation of the areas. In addition, an information package was provided to the Taykwa Tagamou Nation and the Wahgoshig First Nation. All comments received were considered in the development of this SCI.

Key District staff was consulted during the development of the SCI. A draft version of this SCI was provided for review to OMNR Regional Planning Unit, and the Fire Management program, as well as Ontario Parks and the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. A draft version of this SCI was also provided for review to individuals and organizations who had previously expressed an interest in participating in the planning process. As well, a draft version of the SCI was presented to Wahgoshig First Nation and Taykwa Tagamou Nation. All comments received from these reviews were considered in the development of the final document.

Upon approval by the OMNR Northeast Regional Director, the plan will be made available for inspection by the public. Following this consultation, the plan will be implemented.

No notice of this planning process was required to be posted on the Environmental Registry, under the Environmental Bill of Rights, as no new issues were identified in the development of this SCI which would require public consultation substantially different from what was conducted for the development of the OLL LUS.

4.0 Background information

4.1 Location and site description

4.1.1 Location

The Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve is situated approximately 85 kilometres northeast of Cochrane, Ontario. Location and administrative information is presented in Table 1.

Table 1: Location and Administrative Details for Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve

4.1.2 Site description

4.1.2.1 Physical description

As illustrated in Figure 1, the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve is located the Upper Kesagami Lake area approximately 85 kilometres northeast of Cochrane. The conservation reserve consists of 2251 hectares, approximately six kilometres in length and four kilometres in width oriented in a northwest-southeast direction. This site boundary is delineated by a combination of natural and vectored boundaries. The Kesagami River forms the north and eastern boundaries of the reserve, including the western shores of two large lakes, including 19H-106, a significant tourism lake also known as Snoopy Lake. The western boundary is formed by a tributary of the Kesagami River, while the south boundary is vectored between two tributaries of the Kesagami River.

Primary access to the conservation reserve is provided by a secondary highway, Hwy. 652, approximately 3 kilometres southeast of the site. A secondary forest access road provides direct access to the southeast portion of the reserve along the east shore of Upper Kesagami Lake. Recent harvesting of black spruce and poplar has occurred on the upland portions of the site, resulting in an extensive network of tertiary roads and trails providing access to the central areas of the site by all-terrain vehicle (ATV), snowmobile or 4-wheel drive vehicles.

4.1.2.2. Administrative description

The legal boundaries of the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve will be filed with the Ontario Surveyor General, Ministry of Natural Resources in Peterborough, Ontario. This site is currently waiting to be passed into regulation.

The Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve straddles the boundary between two forest management units, with the northern part of the site within the Cochrane-Moose River Forest, under Sustainable Forest Licence (SFL) to Tembec Industries Inc. and the southern part within the Iroquois Falls Forest, under SFL to Abitibi-Consolidated Company of Canada.

Figure 1: Location and boundary of Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve.

Enlarge Figure 1: Location and boundary of Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve.

4.3 History of the site

The Kesagami River Outwash Plain site has been an area of interest for various types of resource extraction for some time. Some forest harvest activities had occurred prior to the regulation of the reserve. The main tertiary access road within the conservation reserve was constructed in 1999, with the majority of the harvesting occurring in the same year.

The site is located in part of the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, a geological feature known for rich metal deposits, and has been of interest for mineral exploration, with some staking and preliminary drilling activity occurring prior to regulation as a conservation reserve. Claims in the area have been surrendered.

The conservation reserve is located in an area featuring a significant concentration of large lakes, and rivers, important to both the remote tourism industry, as well as recreationalists in the area. The conservation reserve is located within a traditional area of interest to the Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Wahgoshig First Nation, and is located southwest of a traditional area of interest to the Moose Cree First Nation.

4.4 Inventories

Table 2 summarizes the inventories/surveys completed for the Kesagami River Outwash Plain conservation reserve. Inventory checksheets are attached as appendices.

Table 2: Inventory and Survey Information for Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve

5.0 State of The resource

Representation

Representation is the major principle in achieving the protection targets in Ontario’s system of parks and protected areas. Areas are selected for their representation of natural heritage values within the full spectrum of landscapes, ecosystems, habitats, communities and special features, including species and their genetic diversity.

Representation targets for earth sciences are based on the record of earth history in rocks, landforms and geological processes. Targets for life science representation have been developed using landform/vegetation combinations at the Site District level (Hills, 1959), and later the Eco-District level (Crins and Uhlig, 2000). Earth and life science inventories conducted for the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve identify the features and characteristics of its representation.

The Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve was originally classified as located in the Kesagami Site District 2E-3 (Hills 1959). Based on modifications to the site district classification, made by Crins and Uhlig (2000), the reserve is now classified as located in Ecodistrict 3E-7. The conservation reserve was represented as an example of a weakly broken outwash deposit, flanked on the east and west by lacustrine deposits, and featuring a weakly broken ground moraine in the northern part of the reserve. Based on preliminary assessment by aerial reconnaissance, the outwash deposit has been modified to ice-contact sand and gravel deposits under several metres of till, featuring several kettle holes. The southwestern area of the site is comprised of mostly organic deposits over lacustrine deposits, while the northern portion of the reserve is actually organic deposits over Cochrane till or a glaciolacustrine deposits.

The dominant forest community in the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve is pure^{footnote 1[1]} black spruce (Sb) representing approximately 47% of the total area. The remaining forest communities are comprised of dominant black spruce stands, black spruce and poplar mixed as well as black spruce mixed forest stands, with age distribution generally between 77 and 148 years. The majority of the conservation reserve is stocked at greater than 50% according to FRI data available.

Wetlands including treed muskeg, open muskeg and brush/alder, according to FRI data, comprise approximately 18% of the total area. Old growth stands of black spruce based on Bridges et al (2000) definitions, occur along the north and east boundary of the conservation reserve as well as in the southwest

Bear management areas CC-26-052 and CC-26-053 overlap a small portion of the conservation reserve in the southeast and southwest corners. Registered trapline CC-195 comprises the entire reserve area with the exception of a small area in the northwest corner, which is part of trapline CC-199. Almost all of the water bodies within and around the conservation reserve provide moose aquatic feeding areas. Walleye and Northern pike are found in Kesagami Lake, the north shore of which forms the southeast boundary of the conservation reserve. During an inventory survey in 2001, evidence of moose tracks was observed by the crew on a ground visit (Stewart and Lajeunesse. 2001). The area is known as habitat for woodland caribou in the area. The Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve is situated in tertiary watershed 4NC (OMNR, 2002).

Quality of present representation:

a) Diversity:

Diversity is a measure of the number and range of natural landscape features and vegetative communities.

Based on the size of the reserve and the relatively low number (14) of combinations of landform/vegetation communities determined through a life science analysis conducted in 2004, the diversity rating for the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve is low. Upland areas which dominate the site, exhibit low diversity and poor dispersion of ecosites, and moderate to poor species diversity with the ecosites. Lowland areas have a much higher degree of diversity in size, type and specie richness but represent less that 20 percent of the reserve area. The occurrence of old growth black spruce stands add some measure of diversity to the site.

b) Condition

Condition is the amount of disturbance, man-made or natural, within a conservation reserve. The disturbance rating of this conservation reserve is medium to high due to the harvesting activities that have taken place on the upland areas within the site. In 1998, black spruce and poplar were harvested within the conservation reserve. Regeneration of poplar within these harvested areas was noted during the inventory survey. Blowdown was observed in both the cut and uncut areas, leaving openings in the canopy of the uncut areas. Small areas of white and black spruce in the northern section of the conservation reserve show good vigour and indicate the quality of the site. Due to the harvesting operations, the conservation has an extensive network of tertiary roads. In the higher elevations in the centre of the reserve, some areas of black spruce-poplar forest remain, and a small amount of white spruce and white cedar, mixed with black spruce, are present in the north. The majority is poplar regeneration.

Although little core area, browse, edge habitat, and downed woody debris is abundant. Beaver activity has created abundant moose aquatic feeding habitat on the boundary areas of the reserve.

c) Ecological factors

Wherever possible, a site’s boundary should capture the greatest diversity of life and earth science features to provide the maximum ecological integrity. It should be ecologically self-contained, bounded by natural features and include adequate area to buffer the core ecosystems from adjacent land use activities (OMNR, 1992).

The current boundary configuration, comprised primarily of natural or biological features (creeks/rivers and lake shores), sufficiently captures the core ecosystem of the outwash plain, with organic and glaciolacustrine deposits almost completely surrounding the landform.

At 2251 hectares, the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve exceeds the standard of 2000 hectares, considered by Ontario Parks (OMNR, 1992) to be the minimum area necessary to protect representative landscapes as well as allow for low intensity recreational activities.

d) Current land use activities

Trapline CC195 covers almost 100% of the conservation reserve, with CC199 occupying a small area in the extreme northwest. A commercial tourism outpost camp is situated on the east shore of Snoopy Lake, which forms part of the reserve boundary. The lake may be accessed by air or waterway for this activity. Small portions of two bear management areas, which sustain commercial bear hunting services, are located in the southern areas of the reserve.

Forest access roads and trails throughout the reserve provide access for recreationalists to lakes and rivers within and adjacent to the reserve. The waterway that defines the eastern border of the conservation reserve is also known to be part of an established canoe route between Upper Kesagami Lake and Moosonee (Stewart and Lajeunesse, 2001).

e) Special features

Based on the preliminary life science inventory prepared in 2004, features identified as significant include the central upland area of the reserve with kettle "holes" amidst black spruce lowland and bog, and the incidence of woodland caribou. A variety of wetlands are represented including marshes, several types of bogs and fens.

Summary

The earth science representation of the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve will require confirmation to determine the level of significance; however, the central upland area with the kettle holes, completely surrounded by wetland within the reserve boundary along with the occurrence of spruce as the dominant tree species in all vegetation communities increases the interpretive value of the site. Beaver activities along the boundaries of the reserve along with the browse, edge habitat and debris provides habitat for a variety of animal species. The bogs and spruce lowlands along the boundaries of the reserve are most sensitive to activities which would affect the drainage regime.

5.1 Social/economic interest in area

a) Linkage to local communities

The nearest communities to the site include Cochrane, located approximately 85 kilometers to the southwest and Iroquois Falls, approximately 100 miles south of the site. While there are no communities in the immediate vicinity, the reserve is relatively accessible by a provincial highway, and secondary forest access road; tertiary forest access roads and trails provide significant access to the interior of the conservation reserve. The general accessibility of the site as well as the central upland feature and areas of regeneration within the reserve are important features for the local hunting and angling populations. Outfitting services on Snoopy Lake, which makes up a portion of the reserve’s eastern boundary, as well as similar operations on nearby lakes in the area provide economic benefit to the communities in the area. Commercial forestry which has occurred within this site has also been of significant benefit to the local economy.

b) Heritage estate contributions

The Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve contributes to the Ontario’s parks and protected areas system through its regulation, representation and the long-term management of its natural heritage values.

The protected area system allows for permanent protection of our history and special features, and it will provide valuable areas as benchmarks to scientists and educators as more and more of Ontario’s land base is developed or altered from its natural state. Each protected area contributes to this 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 through its cultural/historical significance.

The Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve’s distinct contribution is a combination of life science/glacial history preservation. The central upland area and surrounding wetland communities featuring predominantly black spruce forest communities are well defined by the reserve boundary. Although the earth science representation will require further investigation, the life science representation along with the accessibility of the site will provide opportunities for research and recreational uses.

c) Aboriginal groups

The reserve is located within the territory of the James Bay Treaty 9. The conservation reserve lies within an area of high archaeological site potential for the Wahgoshig First Nation, identified as part of the Lake Abitibi Model Forest, Cultural Heritage Project (1995). The site also lies immediately south and southwest of the areas identified as part of the Moose Cree First Nation traditional hunting and gathering area. As well, the Wekwayoukastic River system has been identified as a traditional travel way of the Moose Cree First Nation. The conservation reserve is also in Taykwa Tagamou Nation’s area of interest. There are no First Nations land claims in the area.

d) Mining interests

The conservation reserve has no mining tenure within it. Mining and surface rights have been withdrawn form staking within the conservation reserve boundaries under the Mining Act (RSO 1990, Chapter M.14). Previous mining claims located within the reserve have been surrendered.

e) Forest and fire management history

Portions of the conservation reserve were harvested from 1998 to 1999. No renewal has been conducted to regenerate the site. There are no records of recent forest fires in the area of the conservation reserve.

5.2 Natural Heritage Stewardship

The Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve contains an upland area surrounded by lowlands, bog, featuring dense conifer, mixed conifer, and areas of wetland and aquatic resources. The conservation reserve also contributes to the variety of recreational opportunities that can be found in the parks and protected areas system.

The reserve is located with the area encompassed by the Lake Abitibi Model Forest, which, through partnerships, undertakes research projects to investigate sustainable forest management. Projects may include natural and cultural heritage assessment, and technical evaluation.

The Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve is located within the 4NC tertiary watershed; there is no known aquatic contamination of the water resources within the reserve.

5.3 Fisheries and wildlife

As illustrated in Figure 2, wildlife values for this conservation reserve includes two trapline areas: (CC195) covers almost 100% of the conservation reserve, with a second (CC199) barely entering the northwest corner. Small portions of two bear management areas (BMA) are located in the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve: CC-26-052 in the southwest and CC-26-028 in the extreme southeast.

Data collected from radio telemetry collaring (1998-2001) indicate caribou calving grounds just north of the conservation reserve, and usage of the area around the conservation reserve boundary. Woodland Caribou are provincially classified as sensitive to disturbance. In May 2002, COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) confirmed a "threatened" status for the Boreal Population of Woodland Caribou. Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) populations are tracked by the Natural Heritage Information (NHIC) sector of the OMNR.

A lake survey conducted in 1979 on Snoopy Lake (19H-106), identified northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, lake whitefish, cisco, white sucker, spottail shiner and ninespine stickleback. Similar fish communities were found on lakes in the area (outside the conservation reserve boundary). Osprey nests have been identified within 2 kilometres of the reserve, near Upper Kesagami Lake.

5.4 Cultural Heritage Stewardship

There are no known archaeological heritage values within the site, however, Wahgoshig First Nation have been identified as having high potential cultural heritage values associated with a larger area containing the conservation reserve. There are no recorded archeological values within the site.

The site also lies immediately south and southwest of the areas identified as part of the Moose Cree First Nation traditional hunting and gathering area. As well, the Wekwayoukastic River system has been identified as a traditional travel way of the Moose Cree First Nation.

The waterway that defines the eastern border of the conservation reserve is also known to be part of an established canoe route between Upper Kesagami Lake and Moosonee (Stewart and Lajeunesse, 2001).

5.5 Land use/current or past development

Commercial forestry has occurred within the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve; development has primarily included the establishment of a network of forest access roads. No other development has occurred within the reserve boundary.

5.6 Commercial use

As illustrated in Figure 2, there are two registered traplines (CC-195, CC-199) are located within the reserve area, as well as small portions of two Bear Management Areas (CC-26-052, CC-26-028) within the southern boundary of the site.

5.7 Tourism/recreational use/opportunities

An outfitter camp is located on Snoopy Lake, which forms a portion of the eastern boundary of the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve. Road construction within the conservation reserve as a result of past forest operations provides access for recreational users, including hunters and anglers.

5.8 Client services

Currently, visitor services are limited to responding to inquiries about access, natural heritage features and boundaries. No formal information or interpretive facilities currently exist within the conservation reserve. Other client services include providing clients with maps, fact sheets, and other information gathered on the area, such as the Earth/Life Sciences and Recreational inventory work.

6.0 Management guidelines

6.1 Management planning strategies

The OLL Land Use Strategy (OMNR, 1999) provides the context and direction for land use and resource management within new parks and protected areas. The Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve will be managed as a conservation reserve in accordance with the OLL LUS and existing legislation under the Public Lands Act (Conservation Reserves policy). Commitments made under the Cochrane Remote Wilderness (Tourism) Strategy (1997) will also be considered in the management of the conservation reserve. The management strategies developed to achieve the short and long-term objectives of this Statement of Conservation Interest, must reflect the direction of these policies.

Based on the representation and natural heritage values, as well as The Crown land use Policy Atlas and the current land use activities within the reserve, identified under Section 5 (State of the Resource), this SCI will further define specific land use and resource management activities which may occur to achieve the short and long term objectives.

As a protected area, the conservation reserve will be managed to retain the natural heritage values. Current and proposed activities must not negatively affect those values. However, the management strategies should recognize opportunities for recreational activities, education and research, which are compatible with the natural values. In addition, the strategies should include objectives for increasing public awareness and promoting responsible stewardship, and, where appropriate, recognize marketing opportunities.

Existing permitted activities will continue to be permitted, unless they have a demonstrated negative impact on the natural heritage values.

Proposed new uses and/or development, as well as resource management, research and education activities, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Before new proposals can be permitted, the Test of Compatibility (Appendix C) must be passed; the Test will address, but not be limited to, the proposal’s effect on vegetation, soil, ground and surface water quality and quantity, air quality, critical habitat and any other known representative earth or life science feature. The quality, significance and current sensitivity of any feature will also be addressed.

Consideration of proposals pertaining to cultural resources may be screened under Section 3, Conserving a Future for our Past: Archaeology, Land Use Planning and Development in Ontario (MCzCR, 1997). Any activity or disposition of a right to a Crown resource, allowed as a permitted use and passing the Test of Compatibility (Procedural Guideline B, Conservation Reserve Policy PL 3.03.05), will be subject to screening under the Class Environmental Assessment for MNR Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects, or, pending its approval, the Class EA for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves.

The SCI will provide guidance for the resolution of conflicts between permitted uses. The SCI will only address current and potential permitted uses brought forward during the planning process.

Figure 2: Land Use Activities within the Kesagami Lake Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve.

Enlarge Figure 2: Land Use Activities within the Kesagami Lake Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve.

6.2 State of the resource management strategies

The development and renewal of this SCI will be under the direction of the OMNR Cochrane District Information Management Supervisor. The implementation of the SCI and long term management and protection of the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve will be under the direction of Iroquois Falls Area Supervisor. The following management strategies have been developed to achieve the goals and objectives for the conservation reserve, as described in Section 2.2.

Protection of the natural ecosystems and processes within the reserve will be achieved primarily through the definition of compatible uses and activities, application and enforcement of regulations and the monitoring and mitigation of issues, as necessary. As well, resource management activities may be required to maintain the natural values and enhance the representation of the site.

There is currently no stated policy to mark boundaries of a conservation reserve. Local management discretion can be used to determine where boundary marking may be appropriate. In order for restrictions to be enforceable, signs must be placed in accordance with the Trespass to Property Act or subsection 28(1) of the Public Lands Act, to advise against recreational activities.

The area contained within the conservation reserve has been withdrawn from the license areas of the Cochrane-Moose River and Iroquois Falls Forest management units. Commercial timber harvesting will not be permitted within the conservation reserve, including the salvage of timber or sunken log retrieval. As no commercial harvesting has occurred within the reserve, no forest renewal will be undertaken as an obligation of a Sustainable Forest Licence; however, forest renewal may be considered to address disturbance, natural or man-made, within the reserve, and may be permitted, subject to the Test of Compatibility, although natural regeneration will be the preferred option. Associated vegetation management programs to enhance forest renewal may be considered subject to the Test of Compatibility. The introduction of exotic (not present in Ontario) and/or invasive plant species will not be permitted. Where the establishment of non-native plant species is identified, and threatens the values in the reserve, a strategy may be developed to control the species.

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).

Measures may also be taken to control the outbreak or infestation of forest pests and diseases which 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. Native biological control will be used wherever possible.

The collection/removal of vegetation and parts, thereof, may be authorized, subject to the Test of Compatibility, for the purpose of rehabilitating degraded sites, within the reserve, collecting seeds for maintaining genetic stock or for inventory or research purposes.

There is no authorized land use occupation within the reserve; cutting of wood for non-commercial purposes such as fuelwood or other small-scale uses associated with land use authority will not be permitted.

Stewardship of the natural heritage values within the conservation reserve will be enhanced through monitoring and inventory of the natural features and ecological systems of the site. Protection of the site must consider the activities on the surrounding landscape.

The OMNR 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.

The Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve is located within the Eastern Fire Management Zone 2 – North Cochrane (OMNR Fire Management Strategy, 1997). The conservation reserve will be managed according to the existing operational policy and general direction for response in this zone, which is classified as measured. The nearest fire base is Cochrane.

Whenever feasible, the OMNR fire program will endeavour 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.

Recreational fishing and hunting will be permitted to continue, at the current level of intensity. Fish and wildlife management programs, including wildlife habitat management, wildlife population management and fish stocking, currently practiced within the reserve or considered necessary as part of a larger management policy, will be reviewed to ensure that they are consistent with the protection of the natural heritage values. Specific management prescriptions were not identified for the site during the planning exercise; new activities may be considered, subject to a test of compatibility.

Assessment of the cultural heritage values for the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve has not been conducted; management strategies for any such values that are identified within the reserve will be developed to provide protection and opportunities for heritage appreciation.

Location of new energy transmission corridors, including but not limited to, electrical power lines and pipelines, as well as communication and transportation corridors within the reserve will be actively discouraged. Alternatives must be examined through planning exercises at the larger landscape scale. Proposals for new corridors will be subject to a test of compatibility; no proposals for new corridors were brought forward during the planning process.

New roads for resource extraction or private use will not be permitted.

No mining or mineral exploration will be permitted; mining and surface rights have been withdrawn from staking within the conservation reserve boundary under the Mining Act (R.S.O. 1990). Development for hydroelectric generation, as well as extraction of aggregates, peats, soils and other similar materials will not be permitted.

Construction of small-scale facilities such as warm-up huts, interpretive stations, etc. to support recreational activities may be considered, subject to the Test of Compatibility.

Commercial motorized boating may be permitted, unless there are significant demonstrated negative impacts. Commercial fishing and baitfish harvesting may be permitted subject to a test of compatibility. The building of cabins for the purposes of bait harvesting will not be permitted within the reserve boundary. Harvesting of wild rice or commercial food collection may also be considered, subject to the Test of Compatibility.

Existing commercial fur harvesting will be permitted to continue through the existing active traplines unless there are significant demonstrated negative impacts. A request for transfer of an existing trapline will be considered subject to a review of the potential impacts. No trap cabins currently exist within the reserve; no new cabins will be permitted within the conservation reserve.

Clarification of the OLL LUS regarding commercial bear hunting through bear management areas (OMNR) states that the issuance of a Licence to Provide Bear Hunting Services will be allowed where areas have been licensed or authorized under agreement for the activity since January 1, 1992. As no bear management areas have been licensed or authorized within the boundary of the reserve since that date, no new commercial bear hunting operations will be permitted.

There are currently no authorized commercial outpost camps or base lodges within the reserve. New facilities may be considered, subject to a Test of Compatibility; land tenure for any new permitted facilities will be limited to land use permit or lease.

Most recreational activities which have traditionally been enjoyed in the reserve may continue provided they do not negatively impact the natural values of the site. Non-destructive activities such as walking/ hiking/snowshoeing, photography/ painting, wildlife viewing and outdoor education, canoeing and picnicking will be permitted. Camping may be permitted, unless significant adverse effects on protected values necessitate specific management direction for this activity. Camping on Crown land policies will apply.

Sport fishing and hunting will continue to be permitted, subject to the Provincial and Federal policies and regulations prevailing in the area. Non-commercial harvesting of non-timber forest products such as berries and mushrooms may be permitted provided the values of the site are not compromised. No private recreational camps or hunt camps are currently located within the boundary of the reserve; no new facilities will be permitted.

New trail development for hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, horse-back riding will be considered, subject to the Test of Compatibility. Use of mechanized land travel such as snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) will be permitted only for the direct retrieval of game by hunters and licensed trappers.

Clients who indicate an interest in the planning and management of this conservation reserve will be added to existing mailing list for notification of future planning requirements for the site.

The Cochrane District office of the MNR will continue to the lead agency for providing information to the public regarding values, access, recreational opportunities and permitted and restricted activities within the reserve. Partnerships may be pursued to provide information services. Where appropriate, community presentations and other educational or interpretive programs may be undertaken to inform visitors and potential users about the significance and sensitivity of the reserve, as part of the provincial strategy for parks and protected areas.

Consultation with Aboriginal peoples was an important part of the Lands for Life round tables, from which the OLL LUS strategy was developed. The LUS commits the Ontario government to consultation with Aboriginal peoples concerning decisions that may affect the use of Crown lands and resources that are subject to Aboriginal or treaty rights.

The Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve is located within the territory of the James Bay Treaty 9, and is known to be within the area of interest of both the Moose Cree First Nation and Wahgoshig First Nation. Aboriginal and treaty rights will not be affected within or by the boundaries of the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve; the land use policies for this reserve under the general use designation are not expected to affect the practice of traditional aboriginal activities.

Any future proposals that have potential impact on Aboriginal values or activities will require additional consultation with the affected communities. As recognized in the LUS, measures for the long-term protection will be undertaken for sacred aboriginal sites which may be identified.

Permitted uses and direction for the conservation reserve are captured in tabular form in Appendix 5. The policy report for this conservation reserve under the Crown Land Use Atlas is also available on the Internet, or through any Ministry of Natural Resources office.

6.3 Specific feature/ area/ zone management strategies

There are no known features or areas within the reserve that require special attention or specific management strategies.

6.4 Inventory, monitoring and assessment, research

Scientific research by qualified individuals, which contributes to the knowledge of natural heritage, cultural resources or social history, or to the environmental or recreational management of the reserve will be encouraged for the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve. The study of natural processes will be encouraged provided it does not harm the values of the reserve. Forest resource inventory surveys and approved resource monitoring activities are permitted to continue.

Priority will be placed on additional life and earth science inventories to improve knowledge of the natural values within the reserve and to refine the management guidelines for their protection, planning and management. Further investigation into the potential of the conservation reserve as a benchmark site for monitoring ecosystem health within the larger parks and protected areas system will also be a priority. Inventory and assessment of cultural values is not a priority at this time.

Researchers must apply in writing to the Iroquois Falls Area Supervisor for permission to conduct research within the reserve.

Applications for research within the reserve will be subject to the terms and conditions, set out in the Procedural Guideline for Research Activities in Conservation Reserves (Conservation Reserves Procedure PL 3.03.05). Permits for removal or collection of any natural or cultural specimens by a qualified researcher may be issued, on a case-by-case basis, as part of an authorized research project and will be subject to appropriate permits and conditions; all such materials removed remain the property of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Researchers will also submit copies of reports, publications and theses following from the results of the project to the Area Supervisor.

New developments required for research activities such as campsites, privies, permanent sample plots, observation stations, or associated trails may be considered subject to the Test of Compatibility. Any site that is disturbed during research activities is to be rehabilitated as closely as possible to its original condition.

6.5 Implementation, and plan review strategies

The Statement of Conservation Interest for the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, as part of an adaptive management strategy. Changes in management direction or policy may be required as additional information is collected about the conservation reserve and the natural heritage values it protects. Conflicts between permitted uses or issues of compatibility which may arise from changes in the nature and levels of recreational use, may necessitate changes in management direction. The significance of these changes will be evaluated for their potential effect on the site itself and within the context of the park and protected areas system.

Minor changes which do not alter the overall protection objectives, such as new uses or activities that are consistent with other uses, may be considered and approved by the Area Supervisor without further public consultation, and the plan will be amended accordingly. In assessing changes, where there is potential to have a negative effect on the values of the reserve, the need for a more detailed Resource Management Plan (RMP) will first be considered. Where a management plan (RMP) is not considered necessary or feasible, a major amendment may be considered, with opportunity for public consultation and input. Major amendments will require the approvals of the District manager as well as the Regional Director. Revisions in the document will be subject to the requirements, as specified in the Environmental Assess Act (RSO 1990). The Crown Land Use Atlas and associated website will be amended to reflect any changes in management direction. Amendments will be appended to this SCI (Appendix A4).

6.6 Marketing strategies

There has been no direct marketing of the Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve to date. Promotion of and information about the site has been primarily through the Ontario’s Living Legacy planning process and the public consultation regarding the boundary for regulation of the site. To promote awareness, the fact sheet (prepared as part of the boundary refinement consultation) will continue to be available at the Cochrane District office of the OMNR to inform the public about the natural values in the reserve and their role within the greater parks and protected areas system. Opportunities for public education will be pursued; however, marketing efforts to increase use are not a priority, and will not be undertaken at this time.

References

Pollock, J. Dr. O'Connor, M. Hooey, S. Morrison, J. Fleece, L. Archelogical And Historic Sites, Cultural Heritage Project – Final Report,1995., Lake Abitibi Model Forest Group, 256 pp.

Bridge, Simon; Watt, Rober; Lucking, Greg; and Naylor, Brian. 2000. Landscape analysis for Forest management planning in boreal Northeastern Ontario. OMNR, Northeast Science & Technology, 36 p.

Crins, W.J. 2000. Ecoregions of Ontario: Modifications to Angus Hills' Site Regions and Site Districts revisions and rationale.

Harris, A.G., S.C. McMurray, P.W.C. Uhlig, J.K. Jeglum, R.F. Foster and G.D. Racey. 1996. Field guide to the wetland ecosystem classification for northwestern Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Northwest Science and Technology. Thunder Bay, Ontario. Field Guide FG-01. 74 pp.

Hills, G.A. 1959. A ready reference to the description of the land of Ontario and its productivity.

Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation. 1997. Conserving a Future for out Past:

Archaeology, Land Use Planning and Development in Ontario. Revised 1998. Ontario, Archaeological Society, Inc. 43 p.

Merchant, B. 2001. Aerial reconnaissance notes. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Merchant, B. and M. Silver 2002. Draft life science checksheet: Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve(1607). Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1992. Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies, 1992 Update.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1997a. Conservation Reserves, Policy PL 3.03.05. 8 p.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1997b. Conservation Reserves, Procedure PL 3.03.05.22 p.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1997c. Nature’s Best. Ontario’s Parks and Protected Areas: The Framework and Action Plan. 37 p.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1999. Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy, Queens Printer for Ontario, Toronto, ON. 136 p.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2002. OMNR districts and major basins of Ontario.

Poser, S. 1992. Report of the status of provincial parks in the site region and districts of Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Report.

Rowe, J.S. 1972. Forest regions of Canada. Dept. of Fisheries and the Environment. Canadian Forestry Service. Publ. No. 1300. 172 pp.

Stewart, R. and M. Lajeunesse 2001. Kesagami River Outwash Plain - C1607: Recreational inventory checklist. Cochrane District, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Taylor, K.C., R.W. Arnup, B.G. Merchant, W.J. Parton and J. Nieppola. 2000. A field guide to forest ecosystems of northeastern Ontario. 2^nd Edition. Northeast Science and Technology NEST Field Guide FG-001.

Appendix 1 Life Science Checksheet

There is no text in this section.

Appendix 2 Recreational Checksheet

There is no text in this section.

Appendix 3 Test of Compatibility

Procedural guideline B – Land Uses – (Conservation Reserves policy (procedure 3.03.05)

The Conservation Reserve policy provides broad direction with regard to the permitted uses. The policy provides only an indication of the variety of uses that will be considered acceptable in conservation reserves. Any new uses, and commercial activities associated with them, will be considered on a case by case basis, and, subject to the following test of compatibility. To ensure a standard screening process is followed, reviews of all current and new activities will be subject to the screening criteria as specified by the Environmental Assessment Act (R.S.O. 1900, Chapter E.18).

The following outlines the two steps involved in performing a Test of Compatibility. An assessment of current activities would only follow step two, which focuses on the impacts. An assessment of any new activity would consider the impact of the activity and its conformity to the SCI.

1. Conformity to SCI/RMP: SCI describe values for which an area has been set aside and the range of appropriate uses that will be permitted in the area. SCI may also speak to the acceptability of other 'new' uses currently not occurring in the area.

   The first 'test' is: "do proposed new land uses and/or commercial activities conform to the direction of the SCI/RMP for the conservation reserve? Would the new use(s) depart from the spirit of appropriate indicator land uses in the SCI?"

2. Impact Assessment: If the proposed use(s) pass test 1 it is important to determine their impact on the area before they are approved. This should include the following:
   • Impact on natural heritage values: "will the new use(s) impact any natural values in the area? If so how and to what degree? Is it tolerable?"
   • Impact on cultural values: "will the new use(s) impact an historical or archaeological values in the area?"
   • Impact on research activities: "will the new use(s) affect research activities in the area?"
   • Impact on current uses: "will the new use(s) have any negative impact on the array of current uses?"
   • Impact on area administration: "will the new use(s) increase administrative costs and/or complexity?" (For example, the cost of area monitoring, security and enforcement).
   • Impact on accommodating the use outside the conservation reserve: "Could the use(s) be accommodated as well or better outside the conservation reserve?"
   • Impact on socio-economics of the area: "will the new use(s) affect the community(ies) surrounding the area in a positive or negative way?" (For example, will the new use make an area less remote thereby affecting a local tourism industry that is dependent on the area’s remoteness for its appeal?"
   • Impact on area accessibility: "does the new use(s) give someone exclusive rights to the area or a portion of the area to the exclusion of other existing uses?"

Appendix 4 permitted uses for Conservation Reserves

The following table provides direction on the general uses permitted within the North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve, based on the Conservation Reserve Policy and subsequent clarifications of the Policy, as amended by the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy, as well as discussions with Cochrane Area management specialists on the specific application of the Policy to this conservation reserve.

Definitions

Existing use (for commercial activates excluding bear management areas)- where there is an historical record of issuance of a licence, permit or other formal authorization.

Transfers - where a license for an existing operation is surrendered with a request for the immediate reissue to another individual or organization Authorized - authorization granted by the OMNR in a variety of forms including formal tenure documents such as leases, licenses of occupation, or land use permits or through other means such as letters of permission.

Prior commitments – a written undertaking by MNR obligating the Ministry to complete an action or transaction, made before the release of the proposed Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy on March 29, 1999.

Recreation

Science, education and heritage appreciation

Commercial activities

Resource management

Industrial activities

Other activities

Appendix 5 SCI amendments

Amendment #1
Section: 4.1.2.2 Administrative Description
Type: Administrative
Reason for amendment: Site has officially been regulated
Date: May 11, 2005

Section 4.1.2.2 should now read:

The Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve was regulated as schedule 256 of Ontario Regulation 181/05 made under the Public Lands Act on April 20, 2003 and filed April 21, 2005, amending Ontario Regulation 805/94. The legal description as found in the May 7^th, 2005 edition of the Ontario Gazette, reads as follows:

In unsurveyed territory, in the Territorial District of Cochrane, containing 2,251 hectares more or less, being composed of those parts of the said unsurveyed territory designated as Part 1 on a Plan known as C1607 Kesagami River Outwash Plain Conservation Reserve, filed on April 14, 2004, with the Office of the Surveyor General of Ontario in the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The official Ontario Gazette amendment is available on the internet at /search/ontario-gazette.