North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve Management Statement

Statement of Conservation Interest
January 2004

Cochrane District
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resource

Approval statement

I am pleased to approve this Statement of Conservation Interest (SCI) for the North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve.

As part of the Ontario’s Living Legacy planning initiative to establish additional parks and protected areas representative of the ecological diversity within Ontario’s natural regions, the North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve was selected for its unique combination of landforms and varieties of vegetation communities, including an esker complex and areas of old growth red pine. The reserve is located near the approximately 40 kilometres southwest of the community of Smooth Rock Falls in Kirkland and Laidlaw Townships.

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

During the Lands for Life planning process, the public was widely consulted and provided valuable input into the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (1999). Comments received during that time, and during the consultation exercise for the formal regulation of the boundaries of the North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve, were generally supportive of the protection of this area and were considered in the development of this document. This SCI was prepared with input from program specialists at the Cochrane District MNR office. As well, a draft version of the document was provided for review to the MNR Regional planning unit and specialists with Ontario Parks, Fire Management and the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. Limited public and aboriginal consultation on the draft version of the document was conducted with First Nations and members of the public who had expressed interest in participating in the planning exercise for this conservation reserve. Comments received from these reviews were also considered in the development of the SCI.

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

Submitted by:
Colin Lake
Plan Compiler
Original signed by Ed Tear
District Manager Recommendation

Date: March 15, 2005

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

Date: April 5, 2005

1.0 Introduction

Ontario’s network of natural heritage areas has been established to protect and conserve areas representative of the diversity of the natural regions of the province, including species, habitats, features, and ecological systems which comprise that natural diversity. Protection of these sensitive areas ensures that representative sites within the larger landscape are permanently retained in their natural state.

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

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

As part of the strategy, the North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve was selected for its representation of a diversity of landforms and the varieties and distributions of its forest communities, including areas of old growth red and white pine. The reserve is comprised of 3289 ha of Crown land located in Kirkland and Laidlaw Townships, approximately 40 kilometres southwest of the municipality of Smooth Rock Falls. This site will be regulated under the Public Lands Act.

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

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

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

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

The management of the North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve will be administered by the Cochrane Area Supervisor of the Cochrane District Ministry of Natural Resources.

2.0 Goals and objectives

2.1 Goal of the Statement of Conservation Interest

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

2.2 Objectives of the SCI

2.2.1 Short-term objectives

The short-term objectives are to:

• identify the natural heritage values and the current land use activities within the North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve
• protect the natural values of the reserve through specific guidelines, strategies and prescriptions
• Meet the legislated planning requirements for the development of a planning document within three years of the regulation of the site

2.2.2 Long-term objectives

The long-term objectives will be to:

• determine the representation of the reserve in relation to provincial targets
• promote public awareness and responsible stewardship of the reserve
• provide direction for the evaluation of future new uses and economic activities

3.0 Management planning

3.1 Planning context

3.1.1 Planning area

The planning area consists of the area within the regulated boundary of the North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve, as described in Section 4.1.2.1 Administrative Description. Included in the reserve area is an area of 5.8 hectares, located on the eastern border of the reserve, which will be managed as a forest reserve, as defined by the OLL LUS. The forest reserve encloses the site of an existing permitted aggregate pit.

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

3.1.2 Management planning context

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

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

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

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

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

Development Projects, or, pending its approval, the Class EA for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves.

3.2 Planning process

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

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

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

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

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

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

4.0 Background information

4.1 Location and site description

4.1.1 Location

The North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve is situated approximately 40 kilometres southwest of the municipality of Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario, within Laidlaw and Kirkland Townships. Additional location and administrative information is presented in Table 1.

Table 1: Location and Administrative Details for North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve

4.1.2 Site description

4.1.2.1 Physical description

The North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve is comprised of 3283 hectares of Crown land in the townships of Laidlaw and Kirkland, approximately 40 kilometres south west of Smooth Rock Falls. As illustrated in Figure 1, the site is oriented in a north south direction, approximately 11 kilometres in length and approximately 4 kilometres in width. This site is delineated primarily by a combination of cultural and natural boundaries. A primary forest access road, locally known as the Red Pine Road, forms the entire eastern boundary of the reserve. Significant extents of the north and south boundaries, along with part of the western boundary are formed by trails extending west from the Red Pine Road. The site is bounded on the northwest by the North Muskego River. Small vectored boundaries are located in the north between the two trail boundaries and in the western part of the site just south of the North Muskego River border.

Numerous trails are located around and throughout the reserve, providing access to the central and western portions of the site. A chain of lakes system, including Return, Crystal and Laidlaw Lakes, along with Laidlaw Creek, extend the entire length of the eastern boundary of the reserve.

Figure 1: Location and boundary of North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve

Enlarge Figure 1: Location and boundary of North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve

4.1.2.2 Administrative description

The North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve will be regulated under the Public Lands Act and the legal description will be filed with the Ontario Surveyor General.

4.3 History of the site

The North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve has been an area of interest to various user groups for some time. Logging occurred in the 1950's, and geological surveys were conducted in the early 70's (Bright and Hunt, 1971). An area in the southern portion of the reserve, around Laidlaw Lake, was proposed as a candidate site for the "Keep It Wild" initiative in 1988.

4.4 Inventories

Table 2 summarizes the reconnaissance level inventories completed for the North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve. Inventory checksheets are attached as appendices.

Table 2: Inventory and Survey Information for North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve

5.0 State of the resource

The state of the resource provides information about the life and earth science features and the representation targets of the conservation reserve, as well as the current known state of the natural and cultural values within the reserve. Information about the site’s significance is drawn heavily from the reconnaissance level inventories conducted to date, as listed in Table 2.

Representation:

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

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

The North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve lies in an area of felsic intrusive bedrock beneath a thick cover of glacial and postglacial sediment. A small greenstone belt trends east-west through the central area of the site. Based on a recent earth science reconnaissance, (Kor, 2000), three major landform units were identified within the reserve. A small multiple-ridge esker-kame-kettle complex, trending north-south, comprised of ice-contact drift deposits, is located in the eastern edge of the reserve. This complex is part of a larger esker swarm found in the region. The north western portion of the site is comprised of a till plain characterized by a lineated pattern of drumlinoidal ridges with a northwest-southeast orientation. The remainder of the site is characterized as moderately broken ground moraine featuring organic deposits areas dominated by peatlands. No areas of exposed bedrock were observed.

A number of kettle lakes occupy the central region of the conservation reserve. A prominent set of iceberg keelmarks oriented WNW are located west of the kettle lakes.

The North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve is located within the Smokey Falls 3E-1 Ecodistrict (Crins and Uhlig, 2000), and exhibits a variety of hardwood, conifer and wetland communities. Poplar mixed wood stands cover the largest area of the reserve, found mostly in the northern part of the site, with some stands in the south. Black spruce stands are another dominant community in the reserve, associated with all three landforms of the site, but the largest component occurs in the southern wetland areas of the reserve. Balsam fir communities are also represented in this site, and occur primarily in the northern part of the reserve associated with poplar. Cedar and tamarack stands occur along the northern boundary. An old-growth red pine stand is located on the northern shore as well as a peninsula of Laidlaw Lake; the area also features areas of white spruce and white birch. White pine has been observed scattered along the eastern shoreline of the southern basin of Laidlaw Lake (Thompson pers. comm.)

The stocking for the reserve is rated as poor, generally composed of stands stocked at less than 60 percent, with a small area exhibiting stocking up to 80 percent.

Age structure of the forest communities in this reserve is relatively young with the site dominated by stands between 30-59 years-old. A few old growth communities exist in the site with age distributions between 90 and 179 years. Fire scarring has been observed on the red pine old growth which is associated with the esker ridges and shorelines of Laidlaw Lake. Old growth white birch and lowland black spruce are also present within the site.

Shrub and peat shoreline fens, with floating peat mats or beaver meadow areas occur along some of the creeks and rivers, with alder shrubs/willow shore fens along Muskego River and open and treed bog to the west and southwest parts of the site.

The North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve falls within the Moose River Basin in the 4LB tertiary watershed. A chain of lakes systems occupies much of the eastern boundary of the site. The North Muskego River and a significant tributary drain the northwestern portion of the site

Quality of present representation:

Figure 2: View of Laidlaw Lake (Silver, 1995)

1. Diversity:

   Diversity is a measure of the number and variety of natural landscape features, landforms and vegetative communities.

   A preliminary review of the forest communities indicates a wide variety of forest stands and wetlands found within the site resulting in a high diversity rating. The complex landform shapes, range of vegetative communities, and developmental stages represented contribute to this diversity. Further landform/vegetation analysis is expected to support this rating.

2. Ecological factors

   Wherever possible, site boundaries should be developed to include the greatest diversity of life and earth science features to provide the maximum ecological integrity. It should be ecologically self-contained, bounded by natural features and include adequate area to buffer the core ecosystems from adjacent land use activities (OMNR, 1992). At 3289 hectares, the North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve exceeds the standard of 2000 hectares, considered by Ontario Parks (OMNR, 1992) to be the minimum area necessary to protect representative landscapes as well as allow for low intensity recreational activities.

   The large size of the reserve, the relatively well-defined natural and cultural boundaries, and minimal disturbance of the site should provide the protection of representative values found within the conservation reserve.

   The Red Pine Road, although classed as a primary forest access road, provides access generally limited to 4-wheel drive vehicles. This site contains two major lakes, Return Lake and Laidlaw Lake (see Figure 2) as well as a number of unnamed lakes, which offer high potential for low-intensity recreation.

3. Condition

   The aerial reconnaissance survey determined that the site is in good condition with no visible disturbance from forest harvesting. Although a previous burn was observed in the area of old growth red pine on the peninsula of Laidlaw Lake, the red pine stands were able to resist disturbance and remain in good condition. (Thompson, pers. comm.)

   The conservation reserve contains a number of trails and seismic lines that transverse through the site. There are three buildings and a trapper cabin located along the east shore of Laidlaw Lake as well as an old campsite that is linked to the most northern building by a metal bridge (Appendix A, Map 3a). Some disturbance had occurred in these areas from human acitvitiy, such as trail clearing, cutting of fire wood. Within the area of the forest reserve, an aggregate pit occupies an area north of the main body of Laidlaw Lake, accessed from the Red Pine Road.

4. Special features

   The special features of this site include the old growth red pine and the white pine stands found on the esker-kame-kettle complex that approach the limit of their northern range. (Farrar, 1995)

5. Current Land Use activities

   Extraction of aggregate from Cochrane District pit 408, located on the east boundary of the site, is a permitted activity within the forest reserve it occupies. Road and trails provide access to the conservation reserve by all-terrain vehicle and winter access by snowmobile. The conservation reserve currently sustains trapping and commercial bear hunting activities, as well as recreational hunting, fishing and Crown land camping.

5.1 Social/economic interest in area

The North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve is accessible from both communities of Smooth Rock Falls and Timmins by Red Pine Road. This general area offers recreational opportunities such as Crown land camping, hunting and fishing. The forest roads and trails in the area allow access to the central and western areas of the site by snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle.

The North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve provides a significant contribution to the province’s parks and protected areas system through its regulation, representation and the long-term management of its natural heritage values.

The reserve is located within the territory of the James Bay Treaty 9. First Nations in the territory have not indicated a specific interest in the site. There are no First Nations land claims in the area.

This conservation reserve has no mining tenure within it. Mining and surface rights have been withdrawn from staking within the conservation reserve boundaries under the Mining Act (RSO 1990 Chapter M. 14). Mining will not occur in any regulated protected area.

The conservation reserve is relatively undisturbed and has not been recently affected by forest harvest activities or fire. The aerial reconnaissance survey suggested that the site is in good condition with no visible disturbance from clear cuts. During a ground survey, a previous burn scar was observed on the peninsula containing the old growth red pine; however, the community was able to resist the fire disturbance and remains in good condition.

1. Linkage to local communities
2. Heritage estate contributions
3. Aboriginal groups
4. Mining interests
5. Forest and fire management history

5.2 Natural Heritage Stewardship

The North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve is considered to have locally significant features. These features include a small multiple-ridge esker-kettle complex on the east side of the Conservation Reserve and a small area of old growth red pine along the northern shore and a peninsula of Laidlaw Lake. The red pines are found on the esker formation and stand out from the surrounding landscape. The site also contains old growth black spruce and old growth mixed wood forests.

5.3 Fisheries and wildlife

The conservation reserve lies entirely within registered trapline area CC63. The reserve also sustains a commercial bear management area, which occupies the northern portion of the reserve. The conservation reserve is reported to provide important wintering habitat for moose (OMNR 1999). A waterfowl staging area is identified west of the site but the role of water bodies within the reserve for similar use is unknown.

Both Return and Laidlaw Lake contain northern pike. Several lakes within the conservation reserve have been part of Cochrane District’s fish stocking program. In an effort to establish a lake trout population in Laidlaw Lake, over 1.5 million fertilized eggs were planted in the lake using a helicopter (1995-1997). Brook trout have been stocked in Return Lake.

5.4 Cultural Heritage Stewardship

There are no known archaeological heritage values within the site.

5.5 Land use/current or past development

The conservation reserve is situated entirely on Crown Land. Mining and surface rights have been withdrawn from the reserve (MNDM G-Plan M-0282 December 12, 2001). Three buildings and one trap cabin also exist within the conservation reserve.

The forest reserve (F1578) contains a gravel pit with an active aggregate permit. The pit has access from Red Pine Road.

5.6 Commercial use

As illustrated in Figure 3, the conservation reserve lies entirely within the area of registered trapline CC-63. Only the northern portion of the reserve lies within a bear management area, CC-30-12; however, the reserve area is also bordered on the southeast by bear management area, CC-30-15.

5.7 Tourism/recreational use/opportunities

Hunting, fishing and camping are traditional activities conducted within the reserve.

5.8 Client services

No infrastructure or interpretive facilities exist within or are currently proposed for the site. Current services include providing a fact sheet and general information about the reserve.

Figure 3: Land use activities with the North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve

Enlarge Figure 3: Land use activities with the North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve

6.0 Management guidelines

6.1 Management planning strategies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6.2 State of the resource management strategies

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

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

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

Opportunities for prescribed burning to achieve ecological or resource management objectives may be considered. These management objectives will be developed with public consultation prior to any prescribed burning, and reflected in the document that provides management direction for this conservation reserve. Plans for any prescribed burning will be developed in accordance with the MNR Prescribed Burn Planning Manual and the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves (approval pending).

Measures may also be taken to control the outbreak or infestation of forest pests and diseases which threaten significant heritage, aesthetic or economic values. Where control is desirable and possible, it will be directed as narrowly as possible to the specific insect or disease. Native biological control will be used wherever possible.

The collection/removal of vegetation and parts, thereof, may be authorized, subject to the Test of Compatibility, for the purpose of rehabilitating degraded sites, within the reserve, collecting seeds for maintaining genetic stock or for inventory or research purposes. There is no authorized land use occupation within the reserve; cutting of wood for non-commercial purposes such as fuelwood or other small-scale uses associated with land use authority will not be permitted.

Stewardship of the natural heritage values within the conservation reserve will be enhanced through monitoring and inventory of the natural features and ecological systems of the site.

Protection of the site must consider the activities on the surrounding landscape; further investigation will be required into the extent of the patterned peatland feature, and the effects of activities on the adjacent lands and water within the Province of Quebec.

The OMNR recognizes fire as an essential process fundamental to the ecological integrity of conservation reserves. In accordance with existing Conservation Reserve Policy and the Forest Fire Management Strategy for Ontario, forest fire protection will be carried out as on surrounding lands.

The North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve is located within the Eastern Fire Management Zone 3 – Northeastern Ontario (OMNR Fire Management Strategy, 1997). The conservation reserve will be managed according to the existing operational policy and general direction for response in this zone, which is classified as intensive. The nearest fire base is Timmins.

Whenever feasible, the OMNR fire program will endeavour to use "light on the land" techniques, which do not unduly disturb the landscape, in this conservation reserve. Examples of light on the land techniques may include limiting the use of heavy equipment or limiting the number of trees felled during fire response efforts.

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

At present, there is no need to survey cultural resources, since there is probably a low potential for cultural resources and since any such resources are in no danger of being affected by existing use.

The area may not be heavily used for tourism purposes in the foreseeable future but the North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve along with other protected areas in the region will contribute to tourism marketing by local communities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most recreational activities which have traditionally been enjoyed in the reserve may continue provided they do not negatively impact the natural values of the site. Non-destructive activities such as walking/hiking/snowshoeing, photography/painting, wildlife viewing and outdoor education, canoeing and picnicking will be permitted.

Camping may be permitted, unless significant adverse effects on protected values necessitate specific management direction for this activity. Camping on Crown land policies will apply.

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

No trail development for hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, horse-back riding will be considered, based on the sensitivity of the peatland landscape and the remote location of the site. Use of mechanized land travel such as snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) will be permitted only for the direct retrieval of game by hunters and licenced trappers.

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

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

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

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

The North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve is located within the territory of the James Bay Treaty 9, and is known to be within the area of interest of Taykwa Tagamou Nation, Moose Cree First Nation and Wahgoshig First Nation.

Aboriginal and treaty rights will not be affected within or by the boundaries of the North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve; the land use policies for this reserve under the general use designation are not expected to affect the practice of traditional aboriginal activities.

Any future proposals that have potential impact on Aboriginal values or activities will require additional consultation with the affected communities.

As recognized in the LUS, measures for the long-term protection will be undertaken for sacred aboriginal sites which may be identified.

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

6.3 Specific feature/area/zone management strategies

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

6.4 Inventory, monitoring and assessment, research

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

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

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

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

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

6.5 Implementation, and plan review strategies

Administrative responsibility for the North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve lies with the Cochrane Area, Cochrane District, of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The Cochrane Area Supervisor is responsible for stewardship of the conservation reserve; partnerships may be sought to assist in delivery, where appropriate. Implementation of the Statement of Conservation Interest will primarily involve monitoring activities within the reserve, to ensure compliance with the management policies.

Other activities may include:

• provision of client services
• encouraging, undertaking inventories
• developing partnership opportunities
• minor development i.e. signage
• resource management activities.

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

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

6.6 Marketing strategies

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

References

Arnup, R., G.D. Racey and R.E. Whaley. 1999. Training manual for photo interpretation of ecosites in northwestern Ontario. NWST Technical Manual TM-003.127p.

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

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

Merchant, B. and M. Silver 2002. Draft life science checksheet: North Muskego River MixedForest conservation reserve (C1711). Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

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

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

Rowe, J.S. 1972. Forest regions of Canada. Dept. of Fisheries and the Environment. Canadian Forestry Service. Publ. ON. 1300. 172pp.

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

A1 Life science check-sheet

A2 Earth science check-sheet

A3 Recreational check-sheet

A4 Test of Compatibility

Procedural Guideline B – Land Uses –(Conservation Reserves Policy (Procedure 3.03.05)

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

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

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

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

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

A5 Permitted uses

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

Definitions

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

Transfers - where a license for an existing operation is surrendered with a request for the immediate reissue to another individual or organization

Authorized - authorization granted by the OMNR in a variety of forms including formal tenure documents such as leases, licenses of occupation, or land use permits or through other means such as letters of permission.

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

Recreation

Science, education and heritage appreciation

Commercial activities

Resource management

Industial activities

Other activities

A6 SCI amendments

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

Section 4.1.2.2 should now read:

The North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve was regulated as schedule 264 of Ontario Regulation 181/05 made under the Public Lands Act on April 20, 2003 and filed April 21, 2005, amending Ontario Regulation 805/94. The legal description as found in the May 7^th, 2005 edition of the Ontario Gazette, reads as follows:

In the geographic Townships of Laidlaw and Kirkland, in the Territorial District of Cochrane, containing 3,283 hectares, more or less, being composed of that part of the said geographic townships designated as Part 1 on a Plan known as C1578 North Muskego River Mixed Forest Conservation Reserve, filed on April 14, 2004, with the Office of the Surveyor General of Ontario in the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The official Ontario Gazette amendment is available on the internet at http://www.ontariogazette.gov.on.ca/.