Interim Management Statement

Zone manager’s approval statement

Matawatchan Provincial Nature Reserve protects significant woodland characteristic of the southern Canadian Shield. The low marble ridges support uncommon plants, including several fern species, and relatively undisturbed mature Sugar maple-Eastern hemlock-Yellow birch forest.

This Interim Management Statement will provide direction for the custodial management of the nature reserve until such time as a park management planning process is completed.

I am pleased to approve this Interim Management Statement for Matawatchan Provincial Nature Reserve.

Original signed:
John M. Immerseel
South Eastern Zone Manager
Ontario Parks
Kingston, ON

Date of Approval
18-October-2002

1.0 Background

Matawatchan Provincial Nature Reserve is located 58 km east of Bancroft and 77 km south of Pembroke in the southernmost part of Renfrew County. The property is situated on the west shore of Hutson Lake just west of the hamlet of Matawatchan. The property was regulated as a nature reserve class provincial park under the Provincial Parks Act ion 1968 (R.R.O. 1970, Reg. 695, Appendix b, Schedule 72).

Located in the Madawaska Highlands, the nature reserve is representative of a southern Canadian Shield forest. Mature Sugar maple, Eastern hemlock, Yellow birch and American beech dominate the landscape. The most important feature of this nature reserve is the relatively undisturbed mixed forest on marble substrate, which has some old growth characteristics (White 1991).

Nature reserves are areas selected to represent the distinctive natural habitats and landforms of the province, and are protected for educational purposes and as gene pools for research to benefit present and future generations.

The purpose of this Interim Management Statement (IMS) is to identify values of the nature reserve, provide guidelines to protect those values and describe any restrictions on use. This IMS is intended to guide the custodial management of the site until such time as a park management planning process is completed. The IMS guidelines place a priority on the protection of the heritage values of the nature reserve.

1.1 Planning issues

The nature reserve is within the planning area of the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (OLL LUS) approved in 1999. The management guidelines in this IMS are in accordance with Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies (1992) as amended by the OLL LUS (1999).

The Madawaska Highlands Land Use Plan (MNR 1996) was prepared to guide land use of the Crown land in the Madawaska Highlands area, which includes the nature reserve. The land use plan included management strategies specific to the nature reserve, related to enforcing sport hunting and trapping restrictions, and boundary marking. A standing advisory committee, established February of 1999, assists in implementing and monitoring the Madawaska Highlands Land Use Plan (MHLUP). Responsibility for implementing this land use plan is through Bancroft, Kemptville and Pembroke District MNR offices in cooperation with the advisory committee. The MHLUP is deemed part of the OLL LUS.

The nature reserve is within the MNR Ottawa Valley Forest Management Unit, for which a Forest Management Plan (FMP) was completed in 2001. This FMP guides forest management activities on Crown lands adjacent to the nature reserve. The FMP identifies an area of concern for provincial parks, for which width and treatment varies depending on park classification. The area of concern for nature reserves consists of a 30 m minimum reserve within which there is no cutting, within a 120 m modified management area adjacent to the park boundary where no new roads or landings are permitted unless authorized by Ontario Parks staff (MNR 2001). There are renewal and tending operations proposed in 2001 – 2006 for land adjacent to the nature reserve.

Centennial Lake Provincial Nature Reserve is situated approximately 10 km to the north east of Matawatchan, and is within the same Ecodistrict (Ecodistrict 5E-11). Like Matawatchan, Centennial Lake is within the area of the MHLUP and Ottawa Valley FMP. Both nature reserves are administered by the South Eastern Zone of Ontario Parks. Because of their class and similar management issues, many guidelines in this IMS are common to the IMS guidelines for Centennial Lake. Future management planning should consider the relationship between these two nature reserves and the surrounding Crown lands of the Madawaska Highlands area as part of a broader ecosystem approach.

2.0 Site description

The property is situated in Ecodistrict 5E-11 (Bancroft Ecodistrict) of Ecozone 5E (Georgian Bay Ecozone), in an area dominated by low rolling hills and interspersed with numerous wetlands. The 64.75 ha nature reserve is along the west shore of the south arm of Hutson Lake. The terrain is moderately rolling, with frequent steep slopes. The vegetation is primarily mixed forest, with some conifer forest, swamp and beaver ponds (White 1991). There are three creeks, two of which flow into Hutson Lake and the third of which flows from a small upland pond. The Sugar maple-Eastern hemlock-Yellow birch vegetation community growing on marble substrate is rare in the Algonquin Region (Brunton 1989).

3.0 Location

The 64.75 ha Matawatchan Provincial Nature Reserve is located in the Township of Greater Madawaska (formerly the Township of Matawatchan) in the County of Renfrew (Figure 1). A metes and bounds survey describes the boundary of the property as follows (Figure 2):

  1. The east half of Lot 8 in Concession 1 and that part of the west part of Lot 8 in Concession 2 lying westerly of Hutson Lake, and an unnamed creek connecting Hutson Lake and an unnamed lake on the line between Lots 6 and 7, Concession 2
  2. The east half of Lot 9 in Concession 1 and that part of Lot 9 in Concession 2 lying west of Hutson Lake

There is no boundary plan for the nature reserve. The Madawaska Highlands Land Use Plan (1996) indicated that boundary delineation of Matawatchan and Centennial Lake Nature Reserves and posting of these areas as no trapping and hunting was a first priority in the plan’s implementation process. Boundary delineation has not occurred to date; this lack of boundary marking on the ground restricts enforcement of permitted activities.

Management guideline(s):

  • A regulation plan is required and will be produced prior to the park management plan process. Based on current policy, the official name of the nature reserve would be changed to "Matawatchan Provincial Park (Nature Reserve Class)"
  • To allow for enforcement of protective provisions, clearly delineating the park boundary on the ground will be a high prio Signs will be posted at points of access to identify permitted uses

Figure 1. Regional setting

This is a regional setttings map for Matawatchan Provincial Nature Reserve

Enlarge figure 1: Regional setting

4.0 First Nations

The nature reserve falls within the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan land claim that is being negotiated by Ontario, Canada and the Algonquins concurrent with preparation of this IMS.

Management guideline(s):

  • The management of this park will not abrogate or derogate from any Aboriginal or Treaty rights, as recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act,1982
  • Ontario Parks intends to communicate and work with appropriate Aboriginal communities throughout the planning and management of the park

5.0 Land tenure and land acquisition/disposition

The nature reserve is comprised of unpatented Crown land. Land adjacent to the nature reserve is a mixture of patented land and Crown land. The northerly boundary and part of the southerly boundary abut patented land. Ontario Parks, South Eastern Zone administers the nature reserve, and its management is the responsibility of the Bon Echo Provincial Park Superintendent.

Management guideline(s):

  • No land acquisition is plan Ontario Parks would not consider acquiring private land unless property that would enhance the values of the nature reserve is offered for sale by willing vendors
  • No dispositions will be considered within the nature reserve

6.0 Provincially significant areas and land use designations

White (1991) considers the relatively undisturbed marble based upland mixed forest with associated significant species found within the nature reserve provincially significant.

A Draft Official Plan has been prepared for Renfrew County, which includes the Township of Griffith and Matawatchan (County of Renfrew Draft October 22, 2001). The Draft Official Plan identified the nature reserve as "Crown land". T h e lands adjacent to the nature reserve consist of areas of private and Crown land, and are designated as "Rural" and "Crown land" in the Draft Official Plan.

The MHLUP (MNR 1996) affects Crown land within the planning area, including provincial parks and nature reserves. The plan addresses the management of natural resources with several objectives, the most pertinent to the nature reserve being the first objective: natural heritage protection including protecting representative natural areas, protecting vulnerable, threatened and endangered species, and implementing provincial park objectives.

Management guideline(s):

  • The property will remain classified and managed as a Provincial Nature Reserve. Decisions on zoning are not made until a park management planning process is completed
  • Ontario Parks will recommend to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing that the County of Renfrew be asked to ensure that its official plan appropriately identifies the nature reserve’s land and waters, so that new development n ear the nature reserve is assessed with regard to any potential impacts on the nature reserve’s natural heritage values in accordance with provincial policy for other areas of provincial interest
  • Ontario Parks will work with MNR Pembroke District staff and the Madawaska Highlands Land Use Plan Standing Advisory Committee in implementing and monitoring projects associated with the nature reserve as identified within the Madawaska Highlands Land Use Plan

7.0 Access, existing and new development

Access to the park is poor, with access to the general area being from the south (Highway 41) via Buckshot Lake Road east to Vennachar and Matawatchan. A gravel road west of the hamlet of Matawatchan leads to a tourist camp on Hutson Lake. From the camp, the reserve is accessible by watercraft, by travelling along the southwestern shoreline of Hutson Lake. A private road and camp is located approximately 100 m to the north of the nature reserve’s boundary. Two other logging/access roads are located approximately 400 m to the west of the northwest corner of the reserve boundary and less than 50 m from the southern boundary respectively (Figure 2). These roads are indicated on Ontario Base Map (OBM) Sheet 10 18 3300 49950 and have yet to be verified by Ontario Parks staff.

The nature reserve contains no existing facilities.

Management guideline(s):

  • The proximity of the existing logging/access road to the nature reserve will be verified, and if necessary park staff will take steps to prevent unauthorized access to the nature reserve from these roads (i. signage, enforcement)
  • No development of facilities is proposed within the nature reserve

8.0 Resource information

The nature reserve has been identified as a regionally significant Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) due to its mixed and deciduous intolerant and young tolerant forest over marble bedrock (Brunton 1990). While there has been some inventory of the earth and life science features of the nature reserve, there has been no assessment of cultural resource values. A brief description of the earth and life science features of the nature reserve follows. More detailed information can be found within the assessment by White (1991), on file at the South Eastern Zone office.

8.1 Earth science features

The nature reserve is located in the Grenville Province of the Canadian Shield. The bedrock is primarily marble, with areas of igneous rock. The terrain is moderately rolling with frequent steep slopes (White 1991).

The Pembroke DLUG identifies the earth science resources of the nature reserve as being locally significant.

Management guideline(s):

  • A comprehensive earth science inventory of the nature reserve, including its geological processes and topographic and stratigraphic attributes, is recommended before a final management plan is prepared

8.2 Life science features

The nature reserve is situated in Ecodistrict 5E-11. The area is part of the Middle Ottawa Section of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Forest Region, consisting of both conifer and hardwood trees. Approximately 80 years ago a wild fire swept through most of the nature reserve property.

Simpson (1978) and Brunton (1982) conducted life science surveys of the nature reserve and White (1991) completed a detailed assessment. The vegetation within the nature reserve is primarily mixed forest of a predominately deciduous nature. Other communities found are coniferous forest, conifer swamp and beaver pond. The small upland pond is mainly flooded open bog, with some emergent marsh ( White 1991). A marble cliff along the shore of Hutson Lake supports several uncommon species.

At least one species at risk as designated by the Committee on the Status of Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) has been recorded within the nature reserve. Maidenhair spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) and Walking fern (A. rhizophyllum), bot h uncommon plants of calcareous substrates, were recorded in the 1978 and 1991 surveys. Several other calcareous species that are uncommon at this latitude occur on the property, including Bulblet fern (Cystopteris bulbifera), and Dwarf horsetail (Equisetum scirpoides).

The nature reserve also supports a diversity of bird species, with over thirty-three species having been recorded. Some of these species include Turkey vulture, Great blue heron, Red-tailed hawk, Common loon and Ruffed grouse. Mammals that have been observed in the nature reserve include beaver, mink, otter, weasel, porcupine, and deer. The nature reserve provides core wintering habitat for deer. Bass, pickerel and pike have been found in Hutson Lake.

The Pembroke DLUG identifies the life science resources of the nature reserve as being regionally significant, while White (1991) recommended it be considered provincially significant.

Management guideline(s):

  • It is recommended that the life science inventory information for the nature reserve (White 1991) be updated before a management plan is produc Partners and researchers will be encouraged to assist with this work

8.3 Cultural resources and traditional land uses

There has been no cultural resource inventory or assessment conducted on the property. There is little documented evidence of aboriginal use of the property. Algonquin speaking peoples inhabited the region before Europeans arrived and settled in the l ate 1700s and 1800s. The majority of land, including the nature reserve, was under timber lease in the 1800s. Large stands of Red and White pine were cleared to meet the British demand for squared timber and subsequently for sawlogs and pulpwood. Timber was cut and transported along the Madawaska-Ottawa River systems to Ottawa for processing. In the 1900s, a new resource extraction activity developed – mining. Most of the region around the nature reserve was mined for corundum.

Presently, forest harvesting and processing activities continue to be important to the economy of the Madawaska Highlands. Tourism based industries, such as fishing and hunting lodges, have been on the increase, due to the natural resources of the area.

Management guideline(s):

  • Investigation for possible cultural and archaeological resources within the nature reserve will be encouraged in association with universities, community colleges, museums and interested organizations and qualified individuals

9.0 Resource stewardship

Due to the limited amount of inventory information available for the nature reserve, there is insufficient information available to support detailed resource stewardship activities in the interim. The existing inventory information has identified some species at risk within the nature reserve. The nature reserve is within an area of core deer wintering habitat.

In respect to forest management, the adjacent land is classified as having high potential (Pembroke DLUG 1983). The property is located in the Ottawa Valley Forest Management Unit (FMU), formerly the Pembroke FMU. The forest management plan now in effect is the 2001-2021 Ottawa Valley FMP. Renewal and tending operations within the first 5 years of the plan include Crown land adjacent to the west and south boundary of the nature reserve.

Mineral and fossil fuel development in the immediate area is rated to have moderate potential. The nature reserve and adjacent land is identified as a low fire risk zone. It is within the East Fire Region.

Management guideline(s):

  • Ontario Provincial Parks Planning and Management Policies for resource management activities in nature reserves will apply
  • Management will ensure the protection of any species which is declared to be of special concern, threatened or endangered as listed in Schedule A of Ontario Parks Policy 11.002 – Protection of Vulnerable, Threatened and Endangered Species in Parks. Specific locations of species deemed to be at risk will not be divulged to the public
  • Ontario Parks and MNR, Pembroke District will continue to manage and protect significant fish and wildlife habitat
  • Any fires within the nature reserve will be managed as per Ontario forest fire management st Fires will be suppressed due to the small size of the reserve and the proximity of hunt camps to the property
  • Fish will be managed in accordance with the Pembroke District Fisheries Management Plan
  • Ontario Parks will participate in reviewing the Ottawa Valley FMP and in identifying any implications there may be for the nature rese Each year Ontario Parks will review the annual forest operations work schedule with the Pembroke District office to ensure that there will be no detrimental impacts on the natural values of the nature reserve

10.0 Recreational features and activities

There are no access roads, private roads or authorized snowmobile trails within the property. Due to the limited access to the nature reserve there is little recreational use. Some day use activities such as hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing may occur, though there are no maintained trails.

Although there has been some evidence of on-trail snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle use within the nature reserve, there currently are no authorized trails. There are no areas designated by the park superintendent for this use, nor any Land Use Permits or other MNR authorizations for this use associated with the nature reserve. Existing rough mapping of authorized trails of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club shows trails close to, but not within, the nature reserve. There is currently an incentive to have these trails recorded using GPS to determine more accurate locations. Long term management direction for on-trail all-terrain vehicle or snowmobile use is determined through management planning, and any use would be restricted to access zones. Mechanized use to support recreation activities (sport fishing) is not compatible with a nature reserve. Some of the existing mechanized use is likely linked to activities that are not compatible with nature reserves and are to be phased out (sport hunting).

The nature reserve is located in Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) number 63A, and the area surrounding the nature reserve provides many big game and small game hunting opportunities annually. Sport hunting is not permitted in nature reserve class parks, in accordance with Provincial Park Policy and the OLL LUS. There is high probability that deer hunting occurs on the property since at least two recreation camps are situated on the periphery of the nature reserve. The MHLUP called for enforcement of sport hunting restrictions within the nature reserve, and park policy directs that this existing non-conforming use be phased out.

Management guideline(s):

  • Ontario Provincial Parks Planning and Management Policies for recreation activities and facilities in nature reserves, as amended by the OLL LUS, will appl Low-intensity day-use activities that enhance the appreciation of the natural values of the site will be permitted
  • Non-motorized recreational and heritage appreciation activities (i.e. hiking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, photography, snowshoeing and wildlife viewing) will be permitted to continue in the interim, unless park values are th Sport fishing is a permitted activity, and will conform to MNR recreational fishing regulations. Mode of access for these activities will comply with mechanized and motorized vehicle use restrictions
  • Long term direction for mechanized use, including on-trail all-terrain vehicle and snowmobile use, will be determined during management planning, and any such use would be restricted to access zon In the interim, unauthorized mechanized use (on-trail all-terrain vehicle and snowmobile) will be phased out (boundary delineation, signage, monitoring, enforcement)
  • If now existing, the following recreational activities are not compatible with the management objectives of the nature reserve and will be phased out: off trail all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use, camping, horseback riding, motorized boating, mountain biking, off trail snowmobiling, and sport hun Phase out of these activities will be achieved through boundary delineation, signage, monitoring, and enforcement
  • Group educational day trips to the nature reserve will be permitted, provided that the Park Superintendent is given prior notice, the group size is no more than 15 persons, and the trip is led by a person knowledgeable of the sensitive nature of the area

11.0 Commercial activities

With the exception of one registered bait harvesting licence, there has been no evidence of commercial activity within the nature reserve. Provincial Park Policy and OLL LUS direction for provincial nature reserves is that existing commercial bait harvesting will be phased-out when either the licence is surrendered, the current licensee dies, or by December 31, 2009, whatever comes first. In accordance with this policy direction, the existing commercial bait harvesting licence that applies to block #79 was amended in February 2002 to exclude waterbodies wholly contained within the park boundary. Enforcement of this amendment is contingent upon boundary delineation. Status Indians exercising treaty rights are permitted to continue commercial fur harvesting in all parks, subject to applicable legislation and regulation. A block of Crown land to the west of the nature reserve was timber harvested in 1995/96, and renewal and tending operations are proposed in the 2001-2006 Ottawa Valley FMP.

Management guideline(s):

  • Commercial mineral exploration or extraction, aggregate extraction, commercial hydroelectric development, and commercial timber harvest are pro No new commercial bait harvesting or commercial fishing operations
  • Commercial fur harvesting is not permitted, except for trapping by Status Indians exercising treaty rights
  • Easements for utility corridors such as hydroelectric, telecommunications and natural gas and infrastructure will be prohibited in the nature reserve
  • Liaison with local timber harvesters will be maintained in order to encourage sound ecosystem practices adjacent to the nature reserve and within the watershed

12.0 Marketing and partnerships

As a means of encouraging compatible use, the nature reserve will be given a low profile in Ontario Parks communications.

In terms of forging partnerships with the research community, Ontario Parks will promote the educational role of the nature reserve. Provincial Park Policy dictates that nature reserves be areas selected to represent the distinctive natural habitats and landforms of the province which are protected for educational purposes and as gene pools for research to benefit present and future generations. Ontario Parks will also promote the protection and heritage appreciation objectives and the need to ensure control of access and limits on the use of the property.

Management guideline(s):

  • The nature reserve may be listed in general parks publications but will not be indicated on detailed maps, including the MTO Official Road Map for Ontario. To ensure future mapping publications comply with this direction, Ontario Parks, South Eastern Zone will seek to have the nature reserve boundary tagged as sensitive in the park boundary NRVIS layer to restrict the availability of specific location information
  • If partnerships can be arranged, natural heritage agencies, naturalist clubs or interested individuals could be instrumental in providing regular monitoring of the reserve

13.0 Client services

Information on the nature reserve is on file at the Ontario Parks, South Eastern Zone office (Kingston) and with the Superintendent of Bon Echo Provincial Park.

Management guideline(s):

  • For general inquiries, information can be provided by contacting the Superintendent at Bon Echo Provincial Park, the Ontario Parks, South Eastern Zone office, or by visiting the Ontario Parks internet website (www.OntarioParks.com). If more detailed information is requested, other literature may be circulated at the discretion of Ontario Parks staff

14.0 Research

All research within the nature reserve, including research by Ontario and federal government agencies, will require Ontario Parks approval and must meet all other applicable provincial and federal requirements. With the exception of reconnaissance earth and life science inventory work, little research has been undertaken on the property. Research in the nature reserve is encouraged by Ontario Parks, however, since the site has been identified by the Ministry of Natural Resources as an important life science ANSI, impacts due to human activity could become a problem if not carefully controlled. Research priorities will include an inventory of the nature reserve’s earth science and life science features and its cultural resources.

Management guideline(s):

  • In keeping with Ontario Parks policy, all research applications will be subject to approval by the Superintendent of Bon Echo Provincial Park or the South Eastern Zone Manager. Approval will be granted if the research project satisfies the guidelines set forth in the research policy for Ontario Parks and the Research and Information Strategy for the South Eastern Zone, and may be subject to certain conditions
  • All research must be compatible with heritage values and recreational uses of the nature reserve and conform to the research policies and strategies for Ontario Parks and the South Eastern Zone

15.0 EA Act requirements

As part of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Parks, is a public sector agency, and is subject to the Environmental Assessment Act. Management activities in the nature reserve will be carried out in accordance with Exemption Order MNR-59/2 and the Class EA for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves (approval pending).

16.0 Implementation

Administration of the nature reserve is led by Ontario Parks, with custodial management by the Superintendent of Bon Echo Provincial Park. Implementation of the protective provisions within this IMS will be contingent upon funding and staffing resources. Enforcement of permitted activities will require boundary delineation.

Management guideline(s):

  • The Ontario Parks South Eastern Zone Manager will investigate funding options to support interim management of the nature reserve
  • Establishment of partnerships could assist in monitoring of the protective provisions within this IMS and reporting to Ontario Parks (Section 12.0)
  • Ontario Parks will determine methods for enforcement of the protection guidelines outlined within this IMS

17.0 References

Brunton, D.F. 1990. Life Science Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest in Site District 5-11. Parks and Recreational Areas Section, OMNR, Eastern Region, Kemptville.

Brunton, D.F. 1989. Matawatchan Provincial Nature Reserve, Area of Natural and Scientific Interest – Life Science Checksheet. Parks and Recreational Areas Section, OMNR, Algonquin Region, Huntsville.

County of Renfrew. 2001. Official Plan County of Renfrew. Draft October 22, 2001. Planning Division, Pembroke, Ontario.

Easton, R.M. 1992. The Grenville Province and Proterozoic History of Southern Ontario. Geology of Ontario, Ontario Geological Survey, Special Volume 4. Part 2. pp. 714-904.

Noble, T. 1984. Biophysiographic Analysis of Site Region 5E in the Algonquin Region. OMNR.

OMNR. 1996. The Madawaska Highlands Land Use Plan. Pembroke District.

OMNR. 1994. Ontario Provincial Park Management Planning Manual. Provincial Parks and Natural Heritage Areas Policy Branch.

OMNR. 1992. Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies (1992 Update). Provincial Parks and Natural Areas Policy Branch.

OMNR. 1988. Pembroke District Fisheries Management Plan 1986-2000. OMNR, Pembroke District.

OMNR. 1983. Pembroke Land Use Guidelines. Regional Lands Office.

Spek, C.M. 1978. Matawatchan Nature Reserve Park (revised). Earth Science Inventory Checklist. Parks Section, OMNR, Algonquin Region, Huntsville.

White, D.J. 1991. An Assessment of Representative and Special Life Science Resource Features of Selected Sites in the Fortune-Schooner-Centennial Lakes Study Area. OMNR, Eastern Region, Kemptville and Algonquin Region, Huntsville.

18.0 Appendices

18.1 Appendix 1. Interim policies for commercial, management and recreation activities

This table focuses on policies for activities that are applicable to this park and are addressed in the IMS. The section that contains complete discussion of interim management direction is indicated in parenthesis. Refer to Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies (1992) and the Crown Land Use Atlas Policy Report for a comprehensive list of policies that apply to nature reserve class parks.

Commercial activities (section 11.0)

This table provides information on commercial activities permitted for Matawatchan Provincial Nature Reserve.
ActivityPermitted*Clarification of interim direction
Aggregate extractionNo 
Commercial bait fishing <NoPark removed from licence for block # 79 in Feb/02.
Commercial fishingNoNo existing licences.
Commercial fur harvestNoNo existing licences. Permitted by Status Indians enjoying Treaty rights.
Commercial hydro developmentNo 
Commercial timber harvestNo 
Commercial tourismNo 
Mineral exploration/ developmentNo 

Management activities (section 9.0)

This table provides information on management activitis permitted for Matawatchan Provincial Nature Reserve.
ActivityPermitted*Clarification of interim direction
Fire suppression <Maybe 
Fish stockingNo 

Appreciation activities (section 10.0)

This table provides information on appreciation activities permitted for Matawatchan Provincial Nature Reserve.
ActivityPermitted*Clarification of interim direction
Nature appreciation-self guidedYesExisting use may continue in the interim, unless park values are threatened.
Photography and paintingYes 
ResearchYesSubject to prior authorization
Wildlife viewingYesExisting use may continue in the interim, unless park values are threatened.

Recreation activities (section 10.0)

This table provides information on recreational activities permitted for Matawatchan Provincial Nature Reserve.
ActivityPermitted*Clarification of interim direction
All-terrain vehicle use: On trailMaybeLong term direction for on-trail use will be determined through future management planning.
All-terrain vehicle use: Off trailNoCurrently no authorized trails designated for this use; existing use to be phased out.
CampingNo 
Horseback ridingNo 
Motor boat useNo 
Mountain bike useNo 
Non-motorized recreation travel (canoeing, kayaking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing)MaybeExisting use may continue in the interim, unless park values are threatened.
Snowmobiling: On trailMaybeLong term direction for on-trail use will be determined through future management planning.
Snowmobiling: Off trailNoCurrently no authorized trails designated for this use; existing use to be phased out.
Sport fishing <YesNo mechanized or motorized vehicle use
Sport huntingNoExisting use non-conforming: to be phased out

< Involves coordination with Pembroke District MNR

*Source of policy direction Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies (1992) as amended by Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (1999).

18.2 Appendix 2. Summary of Background Information

This table provides background information for Matawatchan Provincial Nature Reserve.
Park nameMatawatchan Provincial Nature Reserve
ClassificationNature Reserve
Ecoregion-ecodistrict5E-11
OMNR administrative region/districtSouth Central/Pembroke
Total area (ha)64.75
Regulation date1968/Ont. Reg. 362/68, s.l. Schedule 72

Inventories

This table provides information on inventories for Matawatchan Provincial Nature Reserve.
Survey levelEarth scienceLife scienceCulturalRecreationalOther
Cheek Sheet/ Inventory     
Reconnaissance1977, 19781978, 1979   
Detailed     
This table provides information on various respresentational and recreational opportunities for Matawatchan Provincial Nature Reserve.
Earth science representationGrenville Province, Central Medasedimentary Belt, Bancroft Terrane, marble, gey biotite gneiss, white quartzite
Life science representationSugar maple/hemlock/yellow birch association. Habitat for several rare species and species at risk.
Cultural resources representationNo information.
Recreational opportunitiesHiking, canoeing, self-guided nature appreciation, photography.

OBM sheet: 10 18 3300 49950

NTS map: 31 F/3 (Denbigh)

Aerial Photographs:

  • 87-4505 27-119 (1:10 000)
  • 87-4505 27-120 (1:10 000)
  • 87-4506 36-38 (1:10 000)
  • B93-30 353-31-77(1:30 000)
  • B93-30 353-31-78 (1:30 000)