Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve Management Statement

(C1711)
Statement of Conservation Interest

January 2004

Cochrane District
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Approval statement

I am pleased to approve this Statement of Conservation Interest (SCI) for the Tembec Wetland 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 Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve was selected for its unique representation of a peatland landscape and associated wetland ecosystems. The reserve is located near the Ontario- Quebec provincial border approximately 117 kilometres northeast of the municipality of Cochrane.

Direction for establishing, planning and managing conservation reserves is provided by regulation under the Public Lands Act and through the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy. Specific direction for the management of this conservation reserve is provided through this SCI, which defines the area to which the plan applies, describes the purpose for which the conservation reserve has been proposed and outlines the management intent for the protected area. As the minimum level of management direction required, this basic SCI will provide guidance for the management of the Tembec Wetland 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 Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve, were generally supportive of the protection of this area and were considered in the development of this document. This SCI was prepared with input from program specialists at the Cochrane District MNR office. As well, a draft version of the document was provided for review to the MNR Regional planning unit and specialists with Ontario Parks, Fire Management and the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. Limited public and aboriginal consultation on the draft version of the document was conducted with First Nations and members of the public who had expressed interest in participating in the planning exercise for this conservation reserve. Comments received from these reviews were also considered in the development of the SCI.

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

Submitted by:
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 10, 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).

Ontario’s Living Legacy (OLL) Land Use Strategy (LUS) (OMNR, 1999) sets the direction for the establishment and management of new parks and protected areas. The objectives of this strategy include protection of natural and cultural heritage values while providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, heritage appreciation and tourism (OMNR, 1999).

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

As part of the strategy, the Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve was selected for its representation of a patterned peatland exhibiting a diversity of wetland vegetation communities, within the Kesagami Eco District (Hills, 1959). The reserve is comprised of 8149 hectares of Crown land located in an unsurveyed area along the Ontario-Quebec provincial border approximately 117 kilometres northeast of the municipality of Cochrane. The site will be regulated under the Public Lands Act.

The level of planning required for a conservation reserve is based on a number of criteria including the complexity and scope of issues, relative size and remoteness of the site, and the number and variety of current permitted uses. As no significant issues or conflicts were identified for the Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve beyond those addressed during the preparation of the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy, the minimum level of management direction required has been developed, in the form of this Statement of Conservation Interest (SCI). 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 Tembec Wetland 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; however, management guidelines will apply to the area within the conservation reserve only i.e. no "buffer" area is to be applied.

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 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 Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve will be administered by the Iroquois Falls Area Supervisor of the Cochrane District Ministry of Natural Resources.

2.0 Goals and objectives

2.1 Goal of the Statement of Conservation Interest

The goal of Conservation Reserves, as stated in 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 Tembec Wetland 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 Tembec Wetland 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 Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve, as described in Section 4.1.2.2 Administrative Description. No forest reserves are associated within this planning area. The site has been removed from the landbase of the Cochrane-Moose River Forest Management Unit Sustainable Forestry Licence (SFL).

3.1.2 Management planning context

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

The Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve is located within the Burntbush Area of the OMNR Cochrane District Remote (Wilderness) Tourism Strategy (RWS) (July, 1997). The strategy was developed to address resource management issues among user groups in areas of the Cochrane District important for remote tourism. Based on the strategy, recreation and forestry were determined as the priority for the Burntbush area. Although commercial forest harvest will no longer be permitted within the reserve, activities within the reserve must also continue to be considered within the context of the RWS.

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

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

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

3.2 Planning process

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

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

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

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

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

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

4.0 Background information

4.1 Location and site description

4.1.1 Location

The Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve is situated approximately 115 kilometres northeast of Cochrane, Ontario, in an unsurveyed area immediately north of Bradette Township and adjacent to the Ontario-Quebec provincial border. Additional location and administrative information is presented in Table 1.

Table 1 : Location and Administrative Details for Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve

4.1.2 Site description

4.1.2.1 Physical description

As illustrated in Figure 1, the Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve is located on Crown land in an unsurveyed area approximately 117 kilometres northeast of the municipality of Cochrane. The conservation reserve consists of 8149 hectares, approximately 11 kilometres in length and 6-7 kilometres in width oriented in a north-south direction. The southern boundary of the conservation reserve is defined by the Bradette Township line, the western boundary follows a creek system, the northern boundary is delineated by the Turcotte River, and the eastern boundary is formed by the Ontario-Quebec border.

4.1.2.2 Administrative description

The Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve will be regulated under the Public Lands. Once regulated, the legal description will be filed with the Ontario Surveyor General.

The conservation reserve is located within the Cochrane-Moose River Forest Management Unit, for which the current SFL holder is Tembec Industries Inc. The reserve is also bounded on the south by the Iroquois Falls Forest under SFL to Abitibi-Consolidated Company of Canada.

4.2 History of the site

The northern portion of the conservation reserve lies within an area identified as part of the Moose Cree First Nation traditional trapping and small-game hunting area. The reserve has also been identified as located within a traditional travelway of the Wahgoshig First Nation and as an area of interest to Taykwa Tagamou Nation.

The site is located entirely within the Burntbush Management Zone of the Cochrane District Remote Wilderness Strategy (1997). The area has traditionally sustained two active registered native traplines. No timber harvesting activities have been conducted within the reserve area.

Figure 1: Location and boundary of Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve

Enlarge figure 1 location and boundary map

4.3 Inventories

Table 2 illustrates the inventories/surveys completed to date for the Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve, as part of the OLL land use planning exercise. Inventory checksheets are attached as appendices.

Table 2: Inventory and Survey Information for Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve

5.0 State of the resource

Representation

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

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

The Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve is an example of a large wetland area exhibiting many varieties, complexes and patterns of bog ecosystems.

The reserve is located in an area underlain by crystalline Archean rocks, with a broad rolling surface rising gently from the Hudson Bay Lowlands to elevations ranging between 900-1200 feet (MSL). The surficial geology of the reserve is characterized by a mix of glaciolactustrine, alluvial and organic deposits. The northeast, north central and northwest portions of the reserve are comprised of glaciolacustrine deposits, with some drumlin-like ridges of clayey till in the central and northwest areas. Areas of well-developed alluvial plain are associated with the Turcotte and Garneau River systems which drain the reserve and the surrounding area. Most of the south half and part of the north half of the reserve is characterized by organic deposition. The extreme southeast, central east and north central parts is comprised of an extensive area of peatland, classified as patterned peatland, exhibiting concentric ridges and swales radiating in a circular or elliptical pattern from a raised central area. The remaining peatland in the south central, east and west, and the central west areas of the reserve consists of unsubdivided organic deposits.

Representation of forest communities is limited as wetland vegetation communities dominate the reserve area. Based on reconnaissance for a preliminary life science inventory conducted in 2003, black spruce pure and dominant conifer communities are generally associated with the outer boundary areas of the reserve, and along the Turcotte River. Located in the Northern Clay Boreal Forest Region (Rowe, 1972), tamarack can be most commonly found with younger black spruce stands while eastern white cedar may be found with black spruce in swamp areas. Hardwood or mixedwood stands of aspen, balsam poplar, balsam fir and white and black spruce may be found in areas of improved drainage. The reserve also contains a significant proportion of old growth stands. The site exhibits a great variety of bog ecosystems attributable to the low relief of the land resulting in slow drainage.

The Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve is located within the 4NB tertiary watershed. This site does not contain any major lakes, however there are three lakes located along the southern boundary of the site including Sigal Lake, Tonkin Lake and Poulos Lake. The wildlife values for this site include two traplines (CC107, CC108)

Quality of Present Representation

The quality of the characteristics identified for representation are evaluated based on the following criteria:

a) Diversity

Diversity is a measure of the number and range of natural landscape features and vegetation communities. ^{footnote 1[1]}

Although the site is almost entirely dominated by bog communities, there is a large variety within this community type. Until a formal diversity rating based on a landform/vegetation combination criteria has been conducted, a preliminary diversity rating of moderate has been assigned based on the number and location of different wetlands and forest communities documented in preliminary life science inventory (Merchant and Silver, 2002) and an earth science inventory (Kristjannson, Kor, 2003)

A fairly diverse age class distribution, although primarily associated with the river and stream courses, may increase the overall diversity of the site; however, extensive areas of the same vegetation community reduce the distribution of the different vegetation communities within this conservation reserve, effectively lowering the diversity rating. The conservation reserve’s contribution to landscape diversity remains significant since this is the only one of its size and uniqueness represented in this district.

b) Ecological factors

The Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve is contained by a combination of biological and vectored boundaries. Vectors delineate the entire eastern, and a small portion of the northwestern boundaries. The site is bounded on the south by the Bradette township line, and on the east by the Ontario-Quebec provincial border. The remaining boundaries follow natural features such as creek systems with a small portion of the southwest boundary following the shore of Sigal Lake.

At 8149 hectares, the Tembec Wetland 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.

Many of the wetlands and forest communities are dissected by the interprovincial border making the protection of the ecological integrity of these communities within the conservation reserve more difficult. Some of the most sensitive and unique features, lie adjacent to the Quebec border. An extensive area of peatland extends into Quebec; one of the best examples of well- defined patterned peatland lies on the Quebec side.

The wetlands, of which the conservation reserve is largely comprised, are sensitive to recreational use, resource development and hydrological changes. The peatlands are especially sensitive to any disturbance which may alter the hydrologic regime of the reserve. The impact of recreational activities within the site will depend on the nature of the activity and the season in which it occurs. Activities in the immediate surrounding areas, including industrial and commercial activities such as timber harvesting and mineral exploration may also affect the drainage regime within the reserve.

The nature and size of the site provides some protection against this sensitivity. The reserve is generally inaccessible, although some winter access may occur, from a winter forest access road which crosses into Ontario from Quebec northeast of the conservation reserve. The reserve is remote and maintains linkages with the surrounding natural landscapes, which remain relatively undisturbed; however, timber harvesting with its associated access is planned for an area south of the reserve in the next five years.

c) Condition

Condition is the amount of disturbance, man-made or natural, within a conservation reserve. Interior disturbance rating of the site is rated as pristine (<10% of the area).

d) Special features

Other significant features of the reserve noted in the earth and life science inventories conducted in 2003, include a distinctive linear pattern of the landscape within and surrounding the reserve as a result of glacial activity. As well, significant furrow-like forms in several areas of the reserve have been described as iceberg keel marks; the straight channel sections of the Turcotte River have been generally attributed to this type of glacial activity.

Meandering reaches of the Turcotte River and other streams have developed backwater areas and cut-off loops, known as oxbows, and feature unusual point bar development. As well, evidence of scalloped streambanks, a feature characteristic of groundwater seepage, was noted on the Turcotte River and the lower reaches of the tributary stream forming part of the western boundary of the reserve.

e) Current land use activities

Trapping is the only activity formally identified in the Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve. No permitted structures exist within the reserve.

Summary

Based on the preliminary earth and life science inventories conducted on the site, the Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve may be considered regionally significant, providing representation of a range of bog ecosystems, as well as very distinctive peatland formations. Interesting hydrological and geological features found in the reserve contribute to the interpretive value of the site. Minimal human disturbance and the relative inaccessibility of the site also increase its ecological value, as a potential benchmark site.

Portions of the principle landform/vegetation communities represented in this site are located in the province of Quebec. Protection of these core values within Ontario will require consideration of activities within the Quebec portion of the natural feature. The wetlands within the conservation reserve are sensitive to any disturbance which may compact the peatland mosses or otherwise disturb the hydrologic regime. The impact of recreational activities within the site will depend on the nature of the activity and the season in which it occurs. Activities in the immediate surrounding areas, including industrial and commercial activities such as timber harvesting and mineral exploration may also affect the drainage regime within the reserve.

5.1 Social/economic interest in area

a) Linkage to local communities

While the nearest Ontario communities to the site include Cochrane, and Iroquois Falls, the site is located in a remote area, and is relatively inaccessible by motorized vehicle. Winter access may be possible, from a winter road which crosses into Ontario from Quebec northeast of the conservation reserve. The reserve is not linked to any other Provincial Park or conservation reserve in Ontario by an established trail or canoe route; the Turcotte River may provide access to the reserve through the Burntbush River system. Commercial fur harvest provides a direct economic benefit to local communities.

b) Heritage estate contributions

Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve contributes to the province’s parks and protected areas by preserving a number of natural heritage values. The protected area system allows for permanent protection of our history and special features, and it will provide valuable areas as benchmarks to scientists and educators as more and more of Ontario’s land base is developed or altered from its natural state. Each protected area contributes to this heritage in its own unique way, whether it is a contribution to the preservation of an earth science value, a life science value, a recreational or economic opportunity, or through its cultural/historical significance.

According to Merchant and Silver (2002), the Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve "is almost entirely bog, but the many varieties and patterns of bog ecosystems create a fascinating landscape". From a life science perspective, Merchant and Silver consider these bog ecosystems to be provincially significant.

The broadly elliptical, raised areas of concentric ridges and swales, and peat ridges, which characterize this patterned peatland are very distinctive and highly interpretable.

The lack of industrial disturbance in the reserve and the minimal level of current land use ensure that fragile vegetation communities, significant geological features and waters are protected. The site’s distinctiveness as a record of glacial recession may distinguish the reserve as a scientific benchmark.

c) Aboriginal groups

The reserve is located within the territory of the James Bay Treaty 9. The northern portion of the conservation reserve lies within an area identified as part of the Moose Cree First Nation traditional hunting and trapping area. The reserve has also been identified as located within a traditional travelway of the Wahgoshig First Nation and as an area of interest to Taykwa Tagamou Nation. There are no First Nations land claims in the area.

d) Mining interests

The conservation reserve has no mining tenure within it. Mining and surface rights have been withdrawn from staking within the conservation reserve boundaries under the Mining Act (RSO 1990, Chapter M.14). Four active claims are located adjacent to the southern boundary of the site.

e) Forest and fire management history

No commercial forestry has occurred within the site. There are no records of recent forest fires within the conservation reserve. No forest renewal has been undertaken in the area.

5.2 Natural heritage stewardship

The Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve provides representation of a distinctive peatland landscape, relatively free of human influence. Based on an earth science evaluation of landforms and their locations within the reserve, and preliminary assessment of vegetation communities and their distribution, the contribution of the site to the landscape diversity targets of the OLL LUS is significant, as it is the only reserve of its size and uniqueness represented in the district.

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

The Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve is located within the 4NB tertiary watershed; there is no known aquatic contamination of the water resources within the reserve.

5.3 Fisheries and wildlife

The Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve lies entirely within the Wildlife Management Unit 26. No bear management areas (BMA) have been assigned with the Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve, nor have any baitfish blocks been allocated.

Moose aquatic feeding areas are located within approximately 300m of the conservation reserve and the area is used by woodland caribou during various life stages. Woodland Caribou are provincially classified as sensitive to disturbance. In May 2002, COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) confirmed a "threatened" status for the Boreal Population of Woodland Caribou.

The reserve sustains two registered traplines. No surveys have been conducted of lakes or large rivers within the reserve; species of fish have not been confirmed. There are no known cold water bodies within the reserve; several small lakes are identified as cool water bodies. There is not currently a fisheries management plan specific to the area.

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 fish and wildlife management programs were not identified for the site during the planning exercise.

5.4 Cultural heritage stewardship

There are no known cultural heritage values or recorded archeological values within the site.

5.5 Land use/current or past development

The reserve is comprised entirely of Crown Land and is unencumbered by any land use permits.

5.6 Commercial use

As illustrated in Figure 2, two registered traplines (CC107, CC108) are located within the reserve area.

Figure 2: Land use activities within Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve

Enlarge figure 2 land use activities

5.7 Tourism/recreational use/opportunities

The area has been mentioned by the Ontario Recreational Canoe Association (ORCA) as having some potential for recreation (paddling, etc.), but the level of current or potential use is not known.

5.8 Client services

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

6.0 Management guidelines

6.1 Management planning strategies

The OLL Land Use Strategy (OMNR, 1999) provides the context and direction for land use and resource management within new parks and protected areas. The Tembec Wetland 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 Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve will be under the direction of the Iroquois Falls Area Supervisor. The following management strategies have been developed to achieve the goals and objectives for the conservation reserve, as described in Section 2.2.

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

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

The area contained within the conservation reserve has been withdrawn from the Cochrane- Moose River 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 program s 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 Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve is located within the Eastern Fire Management Zone 2 – North Cochrane (OMNR Fire Management Strategy, 1997). The conservation reserve will be managed according to the existing operational policy and general direction for response in this zone, which is classified as measured. The nearest fire base is Cochrane.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 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.

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 be 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 Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve is located within the territory of the James Bay Treaty 9, and is known to be within the area of interest of both the Moose Cree First Nation and Wahgoshig First Nation.

Aboriginal and treaty rights will not be affected within or by the boundaries of the Tembec Wetland 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 Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve. The study of natural processes will be encouraged provided it does not harm the values of the reserve. Forest resource inventory surveys and approved resource monitoring activities are permitted to continue.

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

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

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

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

6.5 Implementation, and plan review strategies

Administrative responsibility for the Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve lies with the Iroquois Falls Area, Cochrane District, of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

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

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

6.6 Marketing strategies

There has been no direct marketing of the Tembec Wetland 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

Amup, R., G.D. Racey and R.E. Whaley. 1999. Training manual for photo interpretation of ecosites in northwestern Ontario. NWST Technical Manual TM-003. 127 p.

Bostock, H.S., 1970. Geology and economic minerals of Canada – Part A

Goudie, A., 2000; Discussion Concerning Biogeomorphology; in The Dictionary of Physical Geography, Third Edition, Edited by Thomas and Goudie, Blackwell Publishers, 610 p.

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

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

Kristjansson, R. 2003. Draft earth science inventory checklist: Tembec wetland (C1711). Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Lee, H.A., 1979; Northern Ontario Engineering Geology Terrain Study, Data Base Map, Chabbie Lake; Ontario Geological Survey, Map 5035, Scale 1:100,000.

Lewin, J., 2000; Discussion Concerning Chute Cut-Offs; in The Dictionary of Physical Geography, Third Edition, Edited by Thomas and Goudie, Blackwell Publishers, 610 p.

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

Merchant, B. and M. Silver 2002. Draft life science checksheet: Tembec wetland conservation reserve (C1711). Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Mollard, J.D. and J.R. Janes. 1984. Airphoto interpretation and the Canadian landscape. Energy, Mines and Resources Canada.

Nicholson, J., Noordhof, J., King, L., Longyear, S. 2003. Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve (C1711) – Life Science Checksheet – Step 2. 30 p.

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

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 1997. Approved Cochrane District Remote (Wilderness) Tourism Strategy, July 1997. 21 pp.

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

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

Taylor, K.C., R.W. Amup, 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.

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

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

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

A5 Permitted uses for Conservation Reserves

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

Definitions

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

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

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

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

Recreation

Science, education and heritage appreciation

Commercial activities

Resource management

Industrial activities

Other activities

²A new cabin is defined as "not currently existing within the conservation reserve".

³Direction of Commercial Resource Use Activities in Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves, June 25, 2003, Ontario Parks

⁴Statements of Conservation Interest – Suggested Wording for Fire Management Direction. March 24, 2003. Ontario Parks, Aviation and Forest Fire Management Branch, OMNR

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 Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve was regulated as schedule 275 of Ontario Regulation 181/05 made under the Public Lands Act on April 20, 2003 and filed April 21, 2005, amending Ontario Regulation 805/94. The legal description as found in the May 7^th, 2005 edition of the Ontario Gazette, reads as follows:

In unsurveyed territory, in the Territorial District of Cochrane, containing 8,149 hectares, more or less, being composed of that part of the said unsurveyed territory designated as Part 1 on a Plan known as C1711 Tembec Wetland Conservation Reserve, filed on April 14, 2004, with the Office of the Surveyor General of Ontario in the Ministry of Natural Resources.

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