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Examination and Adjustment History of Management Direction

 Approval DateExamination or Type of Adjustment  Examination Outcome (where applicable)  List of Supporting Documents 
March 30, 2012 .Examination (1994 Interim Management Statement).ReplacementExamination Confirmation Statement

Approval statement

I am pleased to approve the Menzel Centennial Provincial Park Management Statement as the official policy for the management and development of this protected area. The plan reflects the intent of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Ontario Parks to protect the natural and cultural features of Menzel Centennial Provincial Park and to majntain opportunities for low impact ecologically sustainable outdoor recreation experiences and heritage appreciation for the residents of Ontario and visitors to the province.

This document outlines the policies and implementation priorities for the park and summarizes the Aboriginal community, stakeholder and public involvement that occurred as part of the planning process. The management statement for Menzel Centennial Provincial Park will be used to guide the management of the park over the next 20 years. During that time, the management statement may be reviewed to address changing issues or conditions, and may be amended as the need arises.

I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all those who participated in the planning process.

Signed by:
Bradley Fauteux
Managing Director, Ontario Parks

Date: March 2, 2015

1. Introduction

Menzel Centennial Provincial Park is a 914 hectare (ha) nature reserve class park straddling the geographic boundary of Richmond Township (County of Lennox and Addington) and Tyendinaga Township (Hastings County), approximately 30 km northeast of the City of Belleville (Figure 1). The park lands were originally acquired by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) in 1993-94 in celebration of the Ontario Provincial Parks Centennial. A major donor wished to create a living natural legacy for his late wife, Oivi Menzel; other significant contributors were the Ontario Heritage Foundation and Environment Canada. Additional lands acquired in partnership with the NCC since 1996 were added to the park in 2012.

Menzel Centennial Provincial Park has been managed, since 1994, by an interim management statement. Recent examination of this document identified the need to replace this existing management direction with updated policy to address current pressures on the park ecosystem such as red cedar encroachment and the introduction of invasive species. Reducing these pressures will ultimately support the mandate of the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 (PPCRA) to maintain and restore ecological integrity.

This management statement provides the long term direction for managing Menzel Centennial Provincial Park, including the park’s purpose and vision, permitted uses, zoning and implementation priorities.

2. Context

2.1 Legislation and policy basis for planning and management

Menzel Centennial Provincial Park is managed according to the purpose, principles and objectives of the PPCRA and related provincial policies (available on the Internet at www.OntarioParks.com).

The PPCRA has two guiding principles for planning and management:

  1. Maintaining ecological integrity shall be the first priority and restoring ecological integrity shall be considered.
  2. Opportunities for consultation shall be provided.

This management statement has been prepared consistent with all relevant legislation and provincial policies. Additionally, Menzel Centennial Provincial Park will be managed to protect any species at risk and their habitat in a manner consistent with the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA). The implementation of projects in this provincial park will comply with the requirements of A Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves. This may include further opportunities for consultation, as required.

Figure 1. Regional setting map

This is Figure 1 regional setting map of Menzel Centennial Provincial Park.

Enlarge figure 1. Regional setting map

2.2 Aboriginal communities

Menzel Centennial Provincial Park is located within the Crawford’s Purchase (Treaty with Mississaugas) of 1783 and is therefore within a traditional territory of the Mississaugas, including Alderville, Hiawatha, Scugog Island and Curve Lake First Nations, and the Kawartha Nishnawbe. The park is also within an area of interest of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.

3. Park classification

Through park classification, Ontario’s provincial parks are organized into broad categories, each of which has particular purposes and characteristics. Menzel Centennial Provincial Park is a nature reserve class park.

Nature reserve class parks protect representative ecosystems and provincially significant elements of Ontario’s natural heritage, including distinctive natural habitats and landforms, for their intrinsic value, to support scientific research and to maintain biodiversity. Menzel Centennial Provincial Park welcomes visitors to one of the largest examples of open and treed fen wetland in the area.

4. Park values

Protected areas play an important role in representing and conserving the diversity of Ontario’s natural features and ecosystems across the broader landscape. Protected areas include representative examples of life and earth science features and cultural heritage features within ecologically or geologically defined regions. Ontario’s Ecological Land Classification (ELC) system (Lee et al. 1998) provides the basis for the life science feature assessment, and the geological themes provide the basis for earth science assessment.

4.1 Life sciences

Located within Ecodistrict 6E-9 (Crins et al. 2009) – an area characterized by limestone plains, low morainesfootnote 1 and numerous lakes – Menzel Centennial Provincial Park contains alvarfootnote 2 habitat, drumlinfootnote 3 -like islands, woodlands and a pristine lake that remains relatively free from human disturbance. The park protects about half of the provincially significant Westplain Mud Lake wetland (Mosquin Bio Information 1985) which is a life science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (Lindsay 1986). Bog and fen habitat, which are rare in southern Ontario, make up approximately 20% of the wetland complexfootnote 4 as a whole, and are protected within the park. Ongoing land acquisition for the park has emphasized protecting the wetland, which is a headwater area of the Salmon River watershed.

4.2 Earth sciences

Menzel Centennial Provincial Park lies within the Napanee Plain physiographic region of Ontario (Chapman and Putnam 1984). This region constitutes a flat-to-undulating limestone plain where shallow soils predominate. The limestone in the park, which is generally poorly exposed, consists of Paleozoic, Middle Ordovician limestones of the Gull River Formation (northern portion of the site) and Bobcaygeon Formation (southern portion of the site). The overlying shallow soils are dominated by a surficial deposit of very stony silt till which exhibits a broad hummocky topography. The till is known informally as the "Dummer Till".

The park’s wetlands are situated on a glacial depression that filled with organic material, although the evolutionary history of the fen is uncertain (Norris 1994). Landforms in the park include ground moraine and a deep peat basin that now supports Mud Lake.

4.3 Cultural resources

Although there is no evidence of pre-contact Aboriginal use of the area that is now regulated as provincial park, much of the park’s uplands were cleared and farmed by early European settlers, and evidence of this history remains visible throughout the park in remnants of old buildings and foundations, wells, fences and fence lines. Current human impacts on the landscape remain minimal.

If new resources are discovered, decisions affecting them shall be based on appropriate studies and research (including analysis of physical, documentary and oral evidence) aimed at understanding the resource’s cultural heritage value, including its level of significance (e.g., local, regional, provincial), the impact of proposed activities on its cultural heritage value and attributes, and measures to mitigate these impacts.

5. Boundary

Menzel Centennial Provincial Park was established in 1997. The park boundary was originally 627 ha and increased to 914 ha in 2012.The park boundary (Figure 2), although irregular, is delineated by straight-line limits of parcel lots, with no noticeable landmarks. There are no private land (Figure 2) holdings within the park boundary. The entrance to Menzel Centennial Provincial Park is via Roblin Road in Richmond Township. Privately-owned woodlot and rural agricultural land on limestone bedrock surround the park.

5.1 Park management within a landscape context

Both the PPCRA – which governs activities within provincial parks – and park management direction pertain only to lands and waters within the regulated park boundaries. In this capacity, park values and features will be protected through park policy, appropriate zoning, management of land uses and activities, education and by monitoring ecological impacts.

MNRF is committed to an ecosystem approach to park planning and management. This approach allows park management to consider the relationship between the park and the surrounding landscape. At Menzel Centennial Provincial Park, the greater ecosystem includes the entire Westplain Mud Lake wetland as well as adjacent limestone plains and woodland buffer.

6. Purpose and vision

The purpose of Menzel Centennial Provincial Park is:

To protect a variety of ecosystems – fen and swamp wetlands, alvars, woodlands and fields – and the communities they support, while enhancing visitor appreciation for the park’s natural values.

The vision for Menzel Centennial Provincial Park is a healthy environment and headwater area where natural features and native communities persist free of degradation, and ecosystem functions continue unimpaired.

7. Objectives

7.1 Protection

The protection objective for Menzel Centennial Provincial Park is:

To protect the provincially significant Westplain Mud Lake wetland and headwater area, and adjacent globally rare alvar communities, within the park boundary.

All park values will be protected, not just significant features. Park management will be directed toward maintaining a healthy biodiversity, thereby enhancing the achievement of the park’s other objectives.

7.2 Recreation

The park’s recreation objective, which encourages appreciation of the park’s natural heritage values, is:

To enhance visitor appreciation of the park’s alvar upland and fen wetland environments through direct experience, by offering a means of ecologically sustainable, low-impact recreation to a range of visitors.

Menzel Centennial Provincial Park supports year-round pedestrian activities such as hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The highlight of the park is Oivi’s Nature Trail, a 2.4-km interpretive trail that encourages nature appreciation by introducing visitors to a diversity of habitats, including alvar, swamp forest, uplands, meadow and shrub fen wetland. Accessibility considerations have influenced the design of this trail.

7.3 Scientific research

The park’s scientific research objective is:

To encourage research that furthers our knowledge of the park’s ecology and community distribution, and contributes to understanding and maintaining landscape-level function.

The results of scientific research and monitoring can be used to help protect and enhance the ecological integrity of the park, by allowing park staff to use the best available scientific information and technology to support planning and management decisions intended to ensure the park’s ecological sustainability.

Specific research priorities are described in Section 9.2.12.

8. Zoning and zone management policies

Lands within Menzel Centennial Provincial Park are zoned according to their natural and cultural values, as well as their requirement for protection. Permitted activities in each type of zone are derived from Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies (1992 update).

Nature reserve class parks may include three possible zoning categories: nature reserve, historical and access. Zones differentiate the sensitivity of natural values and the permissible degree of management practices within the park. Only nature reserve and access zones are identified for Menzel Centennial Provincial Park (Figure 2).

8.1 Access zone

Access zones serve as staging areas, with development generally limited to basic facilities intended to meet the need of park visitors entering or exiting the park’s interior. These zones may also support limited facilities for research, interpretive education at the self-use level, or park management.

Zone A1 – Park Entrance (approximately 1.0 ha)

Zone A1 encompasses an area at the park entrance, between the existing gated road and the trailhead. The boundaries for zone A1 were delineated to exclude alvar habitat. This zone is currently bisected by an old road, with existing development being limited to a gate and a stile for pedestrian entrance.

  • All proposed development (Section 9.6.1) will be within zone A1.

8.2 Nature reserve zone

Nature reserve zones provide the highest degree of protection to significant earth and life science features. Development in nature reserve zones is limited to trails, necessary signs and temporary facilities for research and management.

Zone NR1 – Natural Area (approximately 913 ha)

Zone NR1 encompasses the remainder of the park beyond the park entrance (zone A1). The park’s nature trail, including its trailhead near the park entrance and turnaround loop at Mud Lake is the primary development in this zone. Other existing structures include remnants of past human settlement and use, such as wellhouses and building foundations.

There will be no further facilities or development in this zone.

Figure 2. Park Boundary, Values, and Zoning

This is figure 2 park boundary, values, and zoning map of Menzel Centennial Provincial Park.

Enlarge figure 2. Park Boundary, Values, and Zoning

9. Park policies

The following policies apply to the whole park.

9.1 Industrial and commercial uses

The following industrial and commercial uses are not permitted within Menzel Centennial Provincial Park:

  • timber harvest;
  • prospecting, staking of mining claims, developing mineral interests and working mines;
  • electricity generation;
  • extraction of sand, gravel or topsoil;
  • other industrial uses; and
  • commercial fishing, baitfish harvest and trapping.

9.2 Resource management policies

9.2.1 Land and water management

  • Land and water management will be directed toward sustaining natural ecological processes on the landscape.
  • There are no water control structures in the park. No dams or weirs will be built in the park.
  • Ontario Parks will out-source all aggregate required for use in the park. Aggregates include gravel, sand, stone or other prescribed material under the Aggregate Resources Act.

Additions to the park

Ontario Parks will support, in principle, adding property to the park, provided the addition is anticipated to enhance park values. If suitable lands nearby or adjacent to the park become available for addition they will be evaluated with regard to their contribution to park objectives, willing seller/willing buyer and other factors including available funding. Any park addition would require a change to regulation and an amendment to the Crown Land Use Policy Atlas.

9.2.2 Waste management

  • All sewage (Section 9.6.1) and solid waste will be disposed of in accordance with Ministry of Environment and Climate Change regulations.

9.2.3 Alien and invasive species

Alien species are plants, animals and micro-organisms that have been unintentionally or deliberately introduced by human activity into areas outside their natural past or present distribution. Invasive species are those alien species whose introduction or spread threatens the environment, the economy and/or society, including human health.

Invasive species already present in the park include European buckthorn and the non-native subspecies of the common reed Phragmites. Within the greater park ecosystem, dog-strangling vine and garlic mustard are known examples of invasive species which may potentially pose a threat to park values, should they become introduced to the park.

  • Alien species will not be deliberately introduced into the park.
  • Actions to prevent invasive species introductions will be identified and implemented based on an assessment of risk and feasibility. Such actions may include increasing visitor awareness of invasive species through signage and regular monitoring (Section 9.2.13) to enable early detection.
  • Where invasive species threaten natural or cultural values, a control program may be undertaken if feasible and practical.
  • Invasive species control will be undertaken in compliance with any existing best management practices or strategies.

9.2.4 Extirpated native species

  • Existing populations may be augmented, and extirpated native species may be reintroduced, if biologically feasible and desirable for perpetuating park values.

9.2.5 Insects and disease

  • The occurrence of native insects and diseases is recognized as an integral component of the park’s ecology. Native insects and diseases may be allowed to progress naturally, except where a safety hazard results.
  • If outbreaks of insect and disease species threaten park values, visitors or adjoining private lands, the outbreak will be controlled, where feasible, using species-specific controls whenever possible (Section 9.2.3).
  • Where control is undertaken, it will be directed as narrowly as possible to the specific insect or disease, so as to have minimal effects on the surrounding park environment.

9.2.6 Pesticide application and use

  • Pesticides may be used for:
    • Natural resource management projects to control invasive plant species (Section 9.2.3), to control insects or disease (Section 9.2.5), to protect or restore the habitat of native species, or to protect or restore rare ecosystems (e.g., where recommended by best management practice).
    • Control of poison ivy or other plants that are poisonous to the touch to ensure visitor health and safety.
  • All pesticide use must be in accordance with Ontario Parks and MNRF policy and guidance, Ontario’s Pesticides Act and regulations, as well as any additional Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change requirements.

9.2.7 Fire management

Menzel Centennial Provincial Park is located within the Deciduous Forest region of Ontario. In this region, frequent low-intensity surface fires predominate while higher-intensity, stand-replacing fires occur at much longer intervals (Van Sleeuwen 2006). MNRF recognizes fire as an essential ecosystem process, fundamental to restoring and maintaining the ecological integrity of protected areas. At Menzel Centennial Provincial Park, lowland coniferous and mixed forest communities predominate, and these are highly resistant to natural fire and are capable of perpetuating in its absence. Although the maple, birch and poplar of the park’s uplands do not readily burn, the presence of red cedar may increase their flammability and help maintain a diverse, early-successional forest habitat.

Menzel Centennial Provincial Park is located outside the fire region of Ontario, thus municipalities have a mandate to provide forest fire protection. Municipal fire departments are responsible for fire protection and response in the park area.

  • The first priority for fire management within Menzel Centennial Provincial Park is to protect public health and safety, property and other values.
  • Fire management may help to maintain and/or restore ecological integrity.
  • Ontario Parks intends to negotiate "light on the land techniques" with the municipal fire department (i.e., when MNRF is not the initial fire responder).These minimal impact suppression techniques do not unduly disturb natural or cultural values. Examples may include limiting the use of heavy equipment and discouraging the use of foam, or limiting the felling of trees during fire response.

Prescribed burning is the deliberate, planned and knowledgeable application of fire by authorized personnel to a specific land area to accomplish predetermined objectives.

  • Resources permitting, prescribed burning may be used to:
    • restore and maintain the park’s alvar;
    • manage alien invasive species; and/or
    • control the encroachment of eastern red cedar (a type of juniper) into the fallow fields so as to maintain open habitat (Section 9.2.9).
  • Plans for any prescribed burning will be developed in accordance with MNRF policy in cooperation with MNRF fire management staff and/or the municipal fire department.

9.2.8 Species at risk

  • Species at risk and their habitat will be protected in a manner consistent with the ESA and associated regulations.
  • Recovery actions may be implemented in accordance with relevant government response statements and Ontario Parks' policies.

9.2.9 Vegetation management

  • Vegetation management will be directed toward promoting the health and diversity of native vegetation communities.
  • Where planting or seeding is necessary, use will be made of species native to the park and sources of these species that originate in or near the park.
  • Safety will take precedence when dead limbs or standing trees pose a risk to the public or park staff. Dead standing trees provide important habitat for wildlife and contribute to ecological processes; these will only be removed when necessary, based on an assessment of the risk they pose.
  • Dead or dying trees that are infested with damaging insects or disease maybe cut, chipped and removed from the park to reduce or eliminate the spread of infestation.

Historically, lands within the park had been cleared for grazing (Section 4.3). Despite being an anthropogenic feature, the remaining fallow fields now offer value by providing habitat for a variety of grassland species, many whose populations are in decline. In the absence of grazers and natural processes such as fire, these fields are now filling in with red cedar.

  • The park’s open grassland habitat may be maintained by vegetation management to control red cedar encroachmentfootnote 5 . This could be accomplished through mechanical means of vegetation removal, such as cutting, or through prescribed burning (Section 9.2.7). Best practices, as determined through science and research, will guide grassland management.

9.2.10 Fisheries management

A new ecological framework for recreational fisheries management in Ontario, developed in 2005, directs fisheries management at the provincial level. Menzel Centennial Provincial Park contains a headwater area within Fisheries Management Zone 18. Mud Lake is fully enclosed by the park boundary.

  • Fisheries management will focus on achieving a healthy and diverse natural environment.
  • Fisheries management decisions within the park are led by the MNRF Peterborough District. Wherever possible, the park will support efforts to maintain and/or enhance native self-sustaining fish populations and their habitat.
  • Park infrastructure development and other permitted activities will consider potential impacts on fish and fish habitat.

A provincial review of the MNRF's live bait policy is in progress. Ontario Parks would support any proposed ban or restriction on the use and possession of live baitfish within Menzel Centennial Provincial Park, as this would help protect the Mud Lake fishery from invasive species introduction. Any policy for nature reserve class parks developed through the review will be applied to the waters within Menzel Centennial Provincial Park.

Policies for commercial fishing and bait harvest are listed in Section 9.1.

9.2.11 Cultural heritage resources

Known cultural heritage resources in the park are limited to evidence of past human settlement.

Cultural heritage values will be protected, maintained, used and disposed of in accordance with the protected areas mandate (legislation and policies) and the evaluation process developed by MNRF consistent with the Standards and Guidelines for Conservation of Provincial Heritage Properties (Ontario Heritage Act).

If cultural heritage values are discovered, decisions on activities that may affect them shall be based on appropriate studies and research (including analysis of physical, documentary and oral evidence) aimed at understanding the cultural heritage value, including its level of significance (e.g., local, regional, provincial), the impact of proposed activities on the value, and measures to mitigate these impacts.

Communities, groups and individuals with associations to a cultural heritage resource that may be affected by park management planning, design, construction or maintenance activities shall be provided with opportunities to participate in understanding and articulating the resource’s cultural heritage value and in making decisions about its future.

9.2.12 Research

MNRF encourages scientific research by qualified individuals contributing to the knowledge of natural and cultural heritage and to environmental management. Proposed research is reviewed to ensure adequate consideration of potential impacts on protected area resources, features, staff and visitors.

  • Research activities require authorization issued under the PPCRA, consistent with relevant policies. Research must meet all requirements under applicable provincial and federal legislation, and may require additional permits or approval (e.g., MNRF Wildlife Scientific Collector authorization or Endangered Species Act, 2007 permits).
  • Ontario Parks may consider allowing temporary facilities in support of approved research and monitoring activities. Sites altered by research activities must be rehabilitated as closely to their previous condition as possible, except where the specific intent of the research activities is disturbance for the purpose of ecological enhancement or restoration.
  • The following general fields of research are particularly appropriate to Menzel Centennial Provincial Park:
    • alvar ecology;
    • woodland bird ecology;
    • wetland ecology and function; and
    • red cedar regeneration and control/removal.
  • Ontario Parks will especially encourage research that involves monitoring ecological changes of the park’s natural and recreational landscapes over time.

9.2.13 Inventory and monitoring

  • Ontario Parks will ensure that decisions are made with the best available information. Where this information is lacking, Ontario Parks may conduct inventories and monitoring to provide this information. Such efforts will be undertaken based on established methodologies and best practices.
  • Regular monitoring will help identify the early presence of invasive plant, animal and insect species.
  • Ontario Parks will encourage efforts by naturalist groups and other partners to document the park’s insect diversity and abundance.
  • Quantitative and qualitative life science inventories, including ELC mapping, would be especially beneficial.

9.3 Recreation management policies

Menzel Centennial Provincial Park offers low-impact day use recreational activities.

  • The following recreational activities are permitted:
    • pedestrian travel, including hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing;
    • canoeing and kayaking;
    • photography and nature appreciation; and
    • picnicking.
  • Recreational fishing is permitted at Menzel Centennial Provincial Park in accordance with provincial and federal fisheries regulations (i.e., the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 and the federal Fisheries Act) as outlined in the Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary.
  • The existing boardwalk may be expanded to all areas where the trail crosses sensitive habitat, so as to minimize environmental impacts.
  • Virtual geocaching and orienteering may be permitted within the park’s access zone (Section 8.1) and along the Oivi Nature Trail, with authorization by the park superintendent.
  • The following activities are prohibited within the park:
    • all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile and power boat use;
    • mountain biking;
    • hunting (by regulation under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997);
    • horseback riding;
    • physical geocaching;
    • overnight camping; and
    • aircraft landing.

Activities which are not specifically addressed in this management plan may be considered. New activities must be reviewed to determine if they are consistent with legislation, regulations and policies. An adjustment to the management plan may be required.

9.4 Operational policies

The operating status of a provincial park is contingent on user demand as well as available funding. Menzel Centennial Provincial Park is currently designated as non-operating. Non-operating parks typically provide minimal to no facilities and services. Any decision to change the status of the park from non-operating to operating is subject to internal business case approval which may address the following: visitation and use, analysis of revenue and expenditures, and infrastructure needs. Changes to the operating status of this provincial park may be made by MNRF without the provision of external involvement.

  • Ontario Parks staff may use any vehicle to the extent necessary for emergency rescues, efficient park operations on existing trails only, or research and monitoring activities in the park.
  • Where possible, park operations will minimize environmental impacts. This will be accomplished, in part, by:
    • conducting enforcement patrols by foot where possible; and
    • limiting the use of powered tools and equipment for park maintenance.
  • Other public agencies may use any vehicle for emergency search and rescue operations within the park, subject to approval from the park superintendent.

9.4.1 Education and heritage appreciation

  • Menzel Centennial Provincial Park will not have any formal outdoor recreation or interpretive programs.
  • Visitor appreciation of the park may be enhanced by:
    • printed materials (e.g., trail guides), signage, panels or displays;
    • informal communications with Ontario Parks staff, and
    • information from local tourism authorities if partnerships are achieved.

9.4.2 Partnerships

Partnerships will be essential to achieving the park’s protection, recreation, scientific research and heritage appreciation objectives.

  • Ontario Parks may explore and pursue opportunities for new or continuing partnerships, involving other agencies and groups, through formal and informal partnership agreements.
  • Partners may represent the local community, local and provincial interests or the private sector.
  • Partners may work with Ontario Parks to assist with implementing the approved park management statement, as per provincial park policies and regulations.

9.5 Marketing and communications policies

  • Standard promotional strategies, including identification on provincial and regional maps, will publicize opportunities for day use outdoor recreation and nature appreciation at Menzel Centennial Provincial Park.
  • Communications regarding park policies and other information will be delivered through the Ontario Parks website, printed materials, signage and direct communication with Ontario Parks staff.

9.6 Development policies

As a nature reserve class park, development within Menzel Centennial Provincial Park will be minimal.

  • All development undertaken by Ontario Parks, or by partners on its behalf, will comply with A Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves and will be carried out in accordance with approved site and development plans that meet development standards for provincial parks.
  • Areas proposed for development will require prior assessment for significant cultural or natural heritage features to ensure these values are identified and protected at the site.
  • The location, design and materials of all facilities will, as much as possible, reflect the natural character of the park. Durable, low maintenance and energy efficient designs and materials will be used whenever possible.

9.6.1 Parking and day use facilities

Currently, visitors leave their vehicles along the township road at the park entrance. Existing day use facilities include one hiking trail with interpretive panels, a single bench at the trailhead and one picnic table at the lake; there are currently no washroom facilities within the park.

  • A small, gravel parking area may be developed at the park entrance near the location of an existing, gated laneway within the access zone (Section 8.1).This day use parking area would accommodate approximately 5-10 vehicles.
  • A single-unit washroom facility (e.g., vault privy or composting toilet) may also be developed near the park entrance within the access zone (Section 8.1).

9.6.2 Trails

The existing Oivi’s Nature Trail is a relatively flat, 2.4-km trail that follows the path of a historic gravel road to Mud Lake. A memorial for Oivi Menzel is located at the beginning of the trail. Approximately 427 m of the trail is on boardwalk, while the remainder of the trail is earthen. Both trail width and boardwalk ingress/egress ramps facilitate access by strollers and other mobility devices.

  • Oivi’s Nature Trail will be maintained and may be enhanced to further improve its accessibility (Section 7.2) through the addition of benches and other rest stops.
  • Minor vegetation management, such as mowing grassy sections and pruning or clearing overhanging vegetation, will occur in the vicinity of the nature trail.
  • No new or adjoining trails will be developed.

10. Implementation priorities

Park development, operations and resource management will be implemented as needed, based on public use and demand and contingent upon resources, funding availability and unforeseeable changes in priorities or policy.

Park management and development proposals will be phased in as follows:

  • Vegetation management to control red cedar encroachment (Section 9.2.9).
  • Install a washroom facility near the park entrance (Section 9.6.1).
  • Construct a gravel parking lot at the park entrance (Section 9.6.1).

11. Statement examination and adjustment

This management statement will be examined in accordance with the provisions of the PPCRA to determine whether the management direction is still relevant, effective and current, or if an adjustment is required. In circumstances where this statement is not providing sufficient direction, it can be examined prior to the next scheduled examination.

External requests for adjustments to address specific concerns may be considered. Ontario Parks can provide further guidance to external parties on the process for requesting an adjustment to this statement and whether specific requests can/will be considered.

12. References

Chapman, L. J. and D. F. Putnam. 1984. The Physiography of Southern Ontario, 3rd Edition. Ontario Geological Survey Special Volume 2. MNR. 270 pp.

Crins, W. J., P. A. Gray, P. W. C. Uhlig and M. C. Wester. 2009. The Ecosystems of Ontario, Part 1: Ecozones and Ecoregions. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Peterborough, Ontario, Inventory, Monitoring and Assessment, SIB TER IMA TR-01. 71 pp.

Lee, H. T., W. D. Bakowsky, J. Riley, J. Bowles, M. Puddster, P. Uhlig and S. McMurray. 1998. Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: First Approximation and Its Application. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southcentral Science Section, Science Development and Transfer Branch. SCSS Field Guide FG-02. 210 pp. + appendices.

Lindsay, K. M. 1986. Life Science Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest in Site District 6-9: A Review and Assessment of Significant Natural Areas in Site District 6-9. Parks and Recreational Areas Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Open File Ecological Report 8601. 72 pp. + folded map.

Mosquin, T. and J. R. Wilson. 1985. Wetland Data Record and Evaluation – Mud Lake. 2nd Edition. August – September, 1985. Mosquin Bio Information. Manuscript. 18 pp. + map.

Norris, T. A. 1994. A Reconnaisance Life Science Inventory and Evaluation of the Menzel Nature Reserve. September 1994. Ministry of Natural Resources, Tweed, Ontario. 30 pp. + appendices + maps.

Norris, T. A. 2012. Personal communication. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Peterborough District.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1992 update. Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies. Ontario Parks. 90 pp. + appendices.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2005. A Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. 47 pp. + appendices.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2006. A Technical Guideline for Cultural Heritage Resources for Projects Planned Under the Class Environmental Assessment for MNR Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects and the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves. Land Use & Environmental Planning Section and Ontario Parks, MNR. 20 pp. + appendices.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2009. Ontario Protected Areas Planning Manual. Peterborough. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. 50 pp.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. 2014. Wildland Fire Management Strategy (Draft). Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. 20 pp.

Smith, S. 2011. Eastern Red-cedar: Positives, Negatives and Management. The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, NF-WF-11-01.

Van Sleeuwen, M. 2006. Natural Fire Regimes in Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 130 pp. + appendices.

Appendix: Opportunities for involvement

Summary and results of Aboriginal involvement

Aboriginal involvement is a very important part of park management planning. There were opportunities for local Aboriginal community involvement provided throughout the background information and preliminary management statement planning process. Local First Nation and Aboriginal communities were provided with an opportunity to comment on the draft and the approved preliminary management statement, including the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and Mississauga First Nation communities.

Hard copy Invitation to Comment notices and covering letters were sent inviting review and comment on the preliminary management statement. The letter also expressed Ontario Parks' intent to host meetings with the communities to provide an opportunity to ask questions about the planning process and to offer information about the park and management direction. No comments or concerns were received during the preliminary management planning stage.

Summary and results of public consultation

Public consultation is a very important part of the Menzel Centennial Provincial Park management planning process. Ontario Parks was committed to consultation with government agencies, other ministries, interest groups and the public throughout this management process. Consultation methods included: direct mailings, public postings and policy proposal notices on the Environmental Registry.

Direct mailing recipients include individuals, groups and agencies that responded to the invitation to participate, residents and corporate managers of adjacent lands, and new individuals requesting addition to the mailing list (ongoing during the planning process).

Public consultation opportunities were provided at each stage of the management planning process, as outlined below. Responses throughout this period were considered. Each stage of planning includes an Environmental Registry posting and mail out with information and materials available on the Ontario Parks website.

  • Stage 1 – Preliminary Management Statement.

    In September of 2013 the preliminary management statement for Menzel Centennial Provincial Park was released through a policy proposal posting on the Environmental Registry of the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993. A background information file was available for review. Invitations to participate were mailed to persons and organizations on the park planning mandatory contact list, local landowners, stakeholders and interested individuals. A 47 day public consultation period followed, during which four responses were received concerning the preliminary management statement. The majority of the comments were received through mail and one comment was submitted through the Environmental Registry. Most of the comments were supportive of the proposed policies. Where appropriate, clarification was provided to the respondent directly.

  • Stage 2 – Public release of the approved management statement for Menzel Centennial Provincial Park.

    Minor wording and format changes were made to address current document standards. Comments received during the consultation period for the preliminary management statement did not result in changes being made to the management statement.