Long Lake Conservation Reserve Management Statement

Statement of Conservation Interest (C2216)

April 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 Long Lake Conservation Reserve C2216

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 Long Lake Conservation Reserve (C2216) 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 Long Lake Conservation Reserve stretches for approximately 13 km along the east shore of Long Lake. The site is located approximately 20 km north of the Three Mile Narrows Conservation Reserve (C2219) and approximately 50 km southwest of the Longlac North Conservation Reserve (C2207). The site is situated approximately 30 km south of Geraldton, 65 km north of Terrace Bay and 45 km southwest of Longlac. The site is relatively remote and is best accessed by boat from Long Lake. A number of primary logging roads and boat launching areas provide easy access to the water. Several of these boat launch sites are located in close proximity to the conservation reserve: Halfway Landing (located directly across from the southern end of the conservation reserve) and Chorus Landing (located approx. 17 km southwest of the site). These launch sites are not MNR maintained and can only be accessed through a network of logging roads.

The Long Lake Conservation Reserve is located on the east shore of Long Lake, across from Halfway Landing, a popular camping and boat launching area. The site contains representative landform and vegetation types, including conifer and sparse forests on moderately broken ground moraine. Several steep slopes and cliff faces exist along the shoreline, providing scenic views from the water (OLL Factsheet, 2001). More detail on the natural values of the site can be found in the attached Earth Science Report, Life Science Report and the Recreation Resource Assessment Report.

The purpose of this Statement of Conservation Interest is to identify the natural heritage values of the Long Lake 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

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.

4. Survey information

This section provides an overview of the inventories completed, their level of detail and any further inventory work required.

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.

Forest values
The forest cover on this site is representative of the surrounding area and is predominately fire origin mature stands.

Vegetation values
The Long Lake Conservation Reserve was chosen for protection as it contains representative vegetation types. Forest cover along the shore of Long Lake is mostly mature stands; while further inland much younger forest stands can be found. The forest cover is dominated by black spruce, jack pine and poplar (Barker, pers. comm. 2001). Several impressive cedar trees were also observed in certain sections of the conservation reserve.

Geologic values
The site contains representative landform types, including moderately broken ground moraine and very steep slopes along the shoreline of Long Lake (OLL Factsheet, 2001). Much of the site demonstrates a rugged topographic pattern, with steep cliffs being common throughout the area.

Fish & wildlife values
The entire western boundary of the conservation reserve consists of shoreland along Long Lake. Long Lake is home to a variety of fish species, including lake trout, northern pike, walleye, ciscoe, lake whitefish, yellow perch and ling. A few streams are located within the conservation reserve; one in particular has been identified as a cold-water creek – excellent habitat for brook trout. During field visits to the conservation reserve den sites were discovered (bear and fox, potentially other species as well) as well as a beaver lodge and dam.

Riverine values
As mentioned above, the entire western boundary of the conservation reserve is composed of shorelands along the eastern side of Long Lake. The Diversion Dam, located approximately 30 kilometres to the south of the conservation reserve, was constructed in 1937-1939. Control of the water levels in the Long Lake-Aguasabon system is still being managed for hydro-electric power generation purposes. At present, a Water Management Plan for the Aguasabon watershed (including Long Lake) is being developed. This plan will guide future management of the water resource with regard to hydro-electric power generation and will take into account and attempt to preserve all identified values currently located within the system.

Recreation & tourism values
Recreational opportunities include: boating, exploring, fishing, hunting, shore lunch activities, nature activities and landscape viewing. The area is relatively remote and no established recreational areas exist within the conservation reserve. Halfway Landing, a popular boat launch, and camping area is located directly across from the site and this may attract recreational users. The area is quite beautiful and could potentially provide rewarding recreational opportunities such as nature appreciation and exploring. The current level to which these activities occur within the conservation reserve is unknown. Kimberly-Clark at one time operated an executive retreat at Redpine Bay, located several kilometers north of the conservation reserve. Abandoned buildings and trails can still be found on the site.

Cultural values
Log drives on Long Lake began in 1938, with the construction of the Long Lake Diversion. The Diversion Dam, located approximately 30 kilometres to the south of the conservation reserve was constructed in 1937-1939. Little else is known regarding the cultural values of the Long Lake Conservation Reserve.

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. 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 Long Lake 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 Long Lake Conservation Reserve can be viewed on the Crown Land Use Atlas Website.

6.1 Land tenure

The Long Lake Conservation Reserve consists entirely of Crown land. Sale of lands is not permitted. No private land or development currently exists in the area; no future disposition or development will be permitted. No commercial land or development exists within the site; no future disposition or development will be permitted.

6.2 Existing and proposed development

There is no existing development within the conservation reserve. No new development will be permitted. The area will be managed primarily for low-impact recreation, hunting, fishing, public nature appreciation, educational experiences and scientific study.

6.3 Recreational activities

6.3.1 Summary

6.3.2 Guidelines

Low-intensity, non-structural activities that do not negatively impact the site values (e.g. viewing, canoeing, hunting, fishing, etc.) are permitted. Existing ATV and snowmobile use is permitted to continue where it does not adversely affect the values being protected. Snowmobile and ATV use off trail is not permitted except for the direct retrieval of game. Access to the site by non-mechanized means is the preferred method.

Existing authorized trails (hiking, skiing) can continue unless there are significant demonstrated conflicts. New trails can be considered through planning.

No private recreation camps exist in the conservation reserve; no future development will be permitted.

6.4 Commercial Activities

6.4.1 Summary

6.4.2 Guidelines

The site forms part of two active traplines. Existing trapping activity is permitted to continue unless there are significant demonstrated conflicts. No known trap cabins exist in the conservation reserve. New cabins are not permitted. 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. New fur harvesting operations can be considered subject to the "test of compatibility."

One bear management areas is currently active within the reserve. Existing BMA operations are permitted to continue; new operations are not permitted.

One baitfish harvest area overlaps the conservation reserve. These activities will be permitted to continue. New baitfish operations can be considered subject to the "test of compatibility."

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 Long Lake Conservation Reserve will be removed from the Kenogami Forest Sustainable Forest License when it is regulated. Currently the area is interim protected. The area has also been officially withdrawn from 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 Long Lake Conservation Reserve. A meeting was held with Pays Plat First Nation to discuss the regulation of the Long Lake Conservation Reserve (along with 5 other OLL sites). Pays Plat expressed no concern over the regulation of the Long Lake Conservation Reserve.

Letters were sent to four 'affected' First Nations within the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN), informing them of the regulation process and inviting them to comment and consult on the boundaries (this included Aroland, Ginoogaming, Long Lake #58, and Constance Lake First Nations). Similar letters were also sent to seven other NAN First Nations: Eabametoong, Kasabonika, Neskantaga, Marten Falls, Nibinamik, Webequie and Wunnumin.

Consultation is currently underway between the First Nations and the Ministry of Natural Resources at a District level. Regional and District offices received a letter from the Ontario Metis Aboriginal Association (OMAA) indicating a wish to participate in any management planning regarding OLL sites and also expressing the need to protect aboriginal rights such as hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering.

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 Citizenship, 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 Long Lake 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 Geraldton Area supervisor. Any affected clients will be notified of any amendments to this Statement of Conservation Interest.

The Long Lake Conservation Reserve is slated for regulation in 2003/04 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 Long Lake 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 Long Lake 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 (June 2001)

During the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy site regulation and public consultation process for the Long Lake Conservation Reserve, contact was made with local stakeholders. In June of 2001, 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 written comment was received regarding the Long Lake Conservation Reserve (see Appendix 7 for a copy of the OLL Public and Aboriginal Consultation Documentation Form for the Long Lake Conservation Reserve). A meeting was held with Pays Plat First Nation to discuss the regulation of the Long Lake Conservation Reserve (along with 5 other OLL sites). 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 Long Lake Conservation Reserve has been formally regulated under the Public Lands Act, notification letters 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

Barker, Dave. (2001). Information Management Supervisor, Nipigon District, OMNR. Personal Communication.

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. (2000). Protected Areas Regulation Implementation Manual, Internal Document.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. (2001). Long Lake Conservation Reserve (C2216) Fact Sheet, June 2001.

Peet, Simon Edward. (1978). The Long Lake Diversion: An Environmental Evaluation. Thesis document. University of Waterloo. Waterloo, Ontario.