Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222)
Statement of Conservation Interest
November 2001
Prepared for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Nipigon District
by Rebecca Zeran
OLL Resource Manager
Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
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Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Background Information
3. Representation Targets
4. Survey Information
5. Natural & Cultural Heritage Values
6. Management Guidelines
6.1
6.2
6.3
Land Tenure
Existing and Proposed Development
Recreational Activities
6.3.1 Summary
6.3.2 Guidelines
6.4 Commercial Activities
6.4.1 Summary
6.4.2 Guidelines
6.5 Aboriginal Interests
6.6 Natural Resource Stewardship
6.6.1 Vegetation Management and Fire Management
6.6.2 Fish and Wildlife Management
6.6.3 Landforms
6.7 Cultural Resource Stewardship
6.8 Client Services
6.9 Research
6.10 Marketing
7. Implementation
8. Review and Revisions
9. Public Consultation
9.1 Results of Past Consultation
9.2 Present and Future Consultation
10. References
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Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
List of Appendices
Appendix 1 – Site Location Reference Map
Appendix 2 – Site and Values Maps of the Lake Superior North Shore Conservation
Reserve
Appendix 3 – Permitted Uses Table
Appendix 4 – Photographs
Appendix 5 – District Policy Report for C2222
Appendix 6 – Earth Science Report
Appendix 7 – Life Science Report
Appendix 8 – Public and Aboriginal Consultation Documentation Form
Appendix 9 – Recreation and Resource Assessment Report and Checksheet
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Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
1. Introduction
On July 16, 1999, the Ontario Government released Ontario’s Living Legacy (OLL) Land
Use Strategy (LUS) to guide the planning and management of Crown Lands within a large
part of northern and central Ontario. A major component of this Land Use Strategy was the
establishment of 378 new protected areas in this part of Ontario. This commitment will be
the largest expansion of Provincial Parks and other protected areas in the history of
Ontario.
The Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) is one site within this
expansion of Ontario’s protected areas.
Conservation Reserves are areas of Crown land set aside by regulation under the Public
Lands Act to complement provincial parks in protecting representative natural areas and
specific landscape features. Most recreational activities (e.g. hiking, skiing, tourism related
uses, nature appreciation) and non-industrial commercial activities (e.g. fur harvesting, bait
fishing and commercial fishing) that have traditionally been enjoyed in the area will
continue – provided that these uses do not impact upon the natural features requiring
protection. Recreational hunting and fishing are permitted uses within all new conservation
reserves identified through the OLL Land Use Strategy. Commercial timber harvesting,
mining, aggregate extraction and hydroelectric development are prohibited in conservation
reserves.
The Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve, which consists of three separate
sites south of Highway 17 along the shore of Lake Superior, contains areas of rugged cliffs
and bays with many representative landform and vegetation types, rugged coastal terrain,
rare plant communities and various archaeological features (LUS, 1999; OLL Factsheet,
2001). More detail is available in the attached Earth Science Report and Life Science
Report.
All three portions of the site are fairly accessible:
• Grant Point Section, located between Cypress Bay and Mountain Bay, is
approximately 32 kilometres east-southeast of the Town of Nipigon. The northern
end of the reserve runs alongside highway 17 and the Canadian Pacific Railway
runs along the western, eastern, and southern boundaries of the reserve.
• The Collingwood Bay Section is located just west of the Town of Schreiber. The CP
railway forms much of the northern boundary of this site. Part of the Casque Isles
Voyageur Hiking Trail also runs along the southern boundary of the reserve.
• The third Section is located in Death Valley, just east of Worthington Bay and west
of the Town of Terrace Bay. Worthington Bay Road runs west of the site from
highway 17 to Lake Superior. The Voyageur Hiking Trail also runs along the
southern boundaries of the site. This site also includes the islands known as Les
Petits Ecrits.
All sections of the Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve can be accessed by
boat from Lake Superior. It should be remembered however, that Lake Superior can be a
dangerous waterbody and proper equipment and experience are necessary.
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Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
The purpose of this Statement of Conservation Interest is to identify the natural heritage
values of the Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve; this Statement also
intends to identify the activities occurring within the reserve. Through a set of management
guidelines, this statement will outline the activities which will be permitted and those which
will be prohibited. From this outline, the management direction for the area can be
determined.
2. Background Information
Name
Site Region / Site
District
OMNR Administrative
Region / District / Area
Total Area (ha)
Regulation Date
Interested First Nations
Lat./Long.
Basemap
FRI Stands
General Location
Access
Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve
3W-5, 3W-3
Northwest/Nipigon/Terrace Bay-Nipigon East Area
1,447 ha
April 6, 2001
Pays Plat, Lake Nipigon Ojibway, Rocky Bay, Red Rock, Sand
Point and Ojibways of the Pic River.
Latitude: 48°47’ N and Longitude: 87°19’ W
Specific numbers for the FRI stands occurring within the
conservation reserve can be obtained by contacting the
Information Management Team in Nipigon or Geraldton
Three sections: 1) Grant Point – located approx. 32 km eastsoutheast of the Town of Nipigon; 2) Collingwood Bay – located
just west of the Town of Schreiber; 3) Worthington Bay/Death
Valley – located just west of the Town of Terrace Bay. All
sections are south of Hwy 17.
Lakeside portions of all three sites are best accessed by boat via
Lake Superior or through the Casque Isles/Voyageur Hiking
Trail. Northern portions of the Grant Point section can be
accessed from Hwy 17. A number of secondary and tertiary roads
run near enough to the two other sections to provide reasonable
access. It should be noted that Lake Superior can become
dangerous quickly and the hiking trail is quite isolated, therefore
proper equipment and adequate experience are necessary when
using these avenues to access the site.
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Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
3. Representation Targets
This section provides a summary of the earth science, life science and cultural resource
values represented in the site. It also outlines existing and potential recreational
opportunities available.
Life Science
Representation
The majority of the reserve is a white birch dominated mixedwood
forest on shallow loamy medium sand. Most of the shoreline is a
bedrock shelf, however, a provincially rare community type
(Arctic-Alpine Bedrock Shoreline) exists within the site. The
reserve also contains a good selection of Arctic-Alpine plant
species, such as encrusted saxifrage, common butterwort and
pearlwort. A series of waterfalls cascading over a 300m vertical
drop are also present along Blind Creek.
Bedrock exposure is nearly continuous along the length of
coastline – each section of the site demonstrates a different type of
bedrock formation. A few locations in the reserve may be host to
potentially important mineral deposits (the Schreiber-Hemlo
Greenstone belt and the Terrace Bay Batholith rocks). A series of
old gravel and cobble raised beaches are also present along the
shoreline.
One archeological remains site is documented to exist within the
conservation reserve. There is also an unconfirmed report of old
fishing camps located within the reserve.
Various opportunities exist for hiking, orienteering, picnicking,
wildlife and landscape viewing, photography, hunting and fishing,
as well as for a variety of nature activities, snow sports and water
sports. The Casque Isles/Voyageur Hiking Trail runs along the
lakeshore throughout much of the reserve.
Earth Science
Representation
Cultural Resource
Representation
Recreational
Opportunities
4. Survey Information
This section provides an overview of the inventories completed, their level of detail and
any further inventory work required.
Survey Level
Life Science
Earth Science
Cultural
Recreational
Reconnaissance
Yes,
Nov. 2001
No
Yes,
Nov. 2001
No
No
Yes,
Dec. 2001
No
No further
requirement
No further
requirement
Detailed
Requirement
No
Yes
No further
requirement
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Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
5. Values to be Protected
This section provides a description of the key natural and cultural heritage values of the
site and their condition relative to past and present resource use and management
activities. It also addresses the sensitivity of these values to future land use and
management activities.
The intent of this Statement is to protect those values identified in the site, by establishing
guidelines for existing and potential uses of the area, given the level of past disturbances
and the nature of existing features.
Forest Values – The entire forest area is to be protected from human disturbance. The
forest cover on this site is representative of the surrounding area and is
predominately fire origin mature stands. The majority of the site is white birch
dominated mixedwood forest (Harris& Foster, 2001).
Vegetation Values - The north shore of Lake Superior is home to an array of plant species
known as Arctic-Alpine disjuncts. These plants are species which have their
principal populations and core ranges in alpine and arctic regions, but also occur
elsewhere in open, colder-than normal microclimates – such as on the north shores
and islands of Lake Superior. Arctic-Alpine species encountered within the
conservation reserve include (Harris & Foster, 2001): Encrusted Saxifrage,
Saxifraga paniculata; Bog Bilberry, Vaccinium uliginosum; Common Butterwort,
Pinguicula vulgaris; Birdseye Primrose, Primula mistassinica; Black Crowberry,
Empetrum nigrum; Pearlwort, Sagina nodosa; False Oats, Trisetum spicatum.
Geologic Values – The Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve encompasses
about 16 kilometres of shoreline and contains an excellent representation of Lake
Superior shoreline types (Harris & Foster, 2001). Most of the shoreline is a bedrock
shelf shoreline with low cliffs and is highly exposed to wave energy (Harris & Foster,
2001). Other shorelines include cobble beaches, raised gravel beaches, sand
beaches and rock barrens. A narrow bedrock crevice with wet, seepy walls was
observed in the Grant Point Section (Harris & Foster, 2001). The conservation
reserve is also home to a provincially rare shoreline community type (an ArcticAlpine Basic Bedrock Shoreline), found in a wave-washed rock barren on a small
peninsula inside Les Petits Ecrits islands (Harris & Foster, 2001). A few locations in
the reserve may be host to provincially significant mineral deposits (the SchreiberHemlo Greenstone belt and the Terrace Bay Batholith rocks).
Fish & Wildlife Values - The site is home to a variety of wildlife species, including common
loons, bald eagles, ruffed grouse, herring gulls, alder flycatchers, common ravens,
golden-crowned kinglets, black-throated green warblers and Canada warblers. The
site is also home to the boreal chorus frog and to mammal species such as beaver,
coyote, red fox, black bear, lynx, moose, river otter, marten, fisher, ermine, mink,
and various species of small mammals.
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Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
Recreation & Tourism Values – All three sections of the reserve are bounded, in some
capacity, by Lake Superior. The site is also in close proximity to Highway 17 and
the towns of Nipigon, Schreiber and Terrace Bay. These factors, as well as the fact
that the Voyageur Hiking Trail run through portions of the reserve, give the site high
recreation value. Recreational opportunities exist for a wide range of activities
including: hiking, orienteering, picnicking, wildlife and landscape viewing,
photography, hunting and fishing, as well as for a variety of nature activities, snow
sports and water sports. The location of the site, sandwiched between highway 17
(part of the Lake Superior Circle Route Tour) and the scenic waters of Lake
Superior (the largest freshwater lake in the world), give the conservation reserve
high tourism value. The presence of the Casque Isles Hiking Trail, part of the
widely promoted Voyageur Hiking Trail, also adds to the tourism value of this site.
Cultural Values - One archeological remains site documented; potential exists for other
such sites to be discovered. All such sites, once identified, will be given appropriate
protection and treated as sensitive.
Aboriginal Values –The site has probably been use historically by First Nation peoples for
traditional hunting, gathering and cultural activities. The MNR has no record that
would indicate the levels of historical use for these activities, however, should any
be discovered, they will be given appropriate priority and protection. Current use of
the site for hunting, trapping and gathering most certainly occurs. Pays Plat First
Nation did identify a few locations within the reserve as having important fossil
representation. Areas of the reserve may also contain burial sites and various
sacred sites classified as sensitive. No definite locations of such sites have been
recorded to date. Nothing in this Statement of Conservation Interest in any way
affects existing or future aboriginal or treaty rights.
6. Management Guidelines
The following topics briefly indicate the existing situation on Lake Superior North Shore
Conservation Reserve and the management guidelines to be implemented or continued.
6.1 Land Tenure
Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve consists entirely of Crown land. No
private land or development currently exists within the site; no future disposition or
development will be permitted. Existing commercial development within the site (e.g.,
transmission lines) may be maintained; no future disposition or development will be
permitted.
6.2 Existing and Proposed Development
The Canadian Pacific Railway runs through the southern end of the Grant Point Section.
The railway also forms the northern boundary for the Collingwood Bay Section of the
reserve. Highway 17 forms the northern boundary of the Grant Point Section. Private land
and mining claims surround much of the Death Valley/Worthington Bay section of the
reserve.
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Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
The only development known to exist within the boundaries of the conservation reserve is
the Casque Isles/Voyageur Hiking Trail, which runs along much of the southern
boundaries of the Collingwood Bay and Death Valley sections of the reserve.
Maintenance and continued usage of this trail is expected and will be permitted. No new
development that would disturb the forest or the forest understory vegetation will be
permitted. The area will be managed primarily for low-impact recreation, public nature
appreciation, educational experiences and scientific study. Major tourism facilities and
development will not be promoted for the area due to the potential for site degradation.
The Voyageur Trails Association has previously indicated a future intention to expand the
hiking trail all along the north shore of Lake Superior. No discussion of such an expansion
has been forthcoming at present and it is unclear of whether or not the Trails Association
might wish to expand the trail through the Grant Point Section of the reserve. However,
should this happen, any new trail development proposal would be closely examined by the
Ministry and would be subject to the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act
including the need for public consultation as determined by the District Manager.
6.3 Recreational Activities
6.3.1 Summary
Tourism
Recreational Fishing
Recreational Hunting
The Casque-Isles Hiking Trail runs along the shoreline throughout
much of the Collingwood Bay and Death Valley sections of the
reserve. This hiking trail is part of the larger Voyageur Hiking
Trail, a wilderness hiking trail running along the north shore of Lake
Huron and Lake Superior. This trail has an existing high tourism
value and is highly prized by nature and hiking enthusiasts.
All three sections of the reserve are bounded, in some capacity, by
Lake Superior. The reserves are also located in close proximity to
the towns of Nipigon, Schreiber and Terrace Bay. Many people
already use the waters along and nearby the conservation reserve for
recreational fishing purposes.
Hunting opportunities exist. The proximity of the sites to the
highway, to the lake and to the towns of Nipigon, Schreiber and
Terrace Bay make the reserve easily accessible to hunters. The area
also hosts a variety of wildlife species prized by hunting enthusiasts.
6.3.2 Guidelines
Low-intensity, non-structural activities that do not impact the health of the forest ecosystem
(e.g. viewing, hiking, hunting etc.) are permitted. ATV access and snowmobile usage may
be closely monitored for possible damage to the trees and to the site’s ability to
regenerate. If site degradation occurs, these activities may be excluded from the area.
Access by non-mechanized means is the preferred method.
Maintenance and continued use of the hiking trail along the shorelines of the Collingwood
Bay and Death Valley/Worthington Bay sections of the reserve will be permitted. The
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Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
recreational use of this hiking trail will continue to be promoted as part of the Casque Isles
and Voyageur Hiking Trails.
Potential and existing recreational activities include hiking (along the Casques Isles Hiking
Trail), backpacking, orienteering, nature activities (such as nature study and interpretation,
drawing/painting, photography, relaxation and solitude), water sports in Lake Superior
(boating, canoeing, kayaking), fishing and hunting, landscape viewing, snow sports, and
camping activities (picnicking and camping).
More information on the current use and recreational potential of this Conservation
Reserve can be found in the Recreation Resource Assessment Report for the Lake
Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (Appendix 9).
6.4 Commercial Activities
6.4.1 Summary
Mining
Aggregate
Forest Harvest
Wild Rice
Trapping
Bear Management Areas
Outpost Camps/Outfitters
Commercial Fisheries
Much of the land surrounding the Death Valley portion of the
reserve has been identified as having mineral potential. Mining
claims exist in these areas already. The area encompassed by the
Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve, however, has
officially been withdrawn from staking by means of a withdrawal
order.
No aggregate permits exist within the boundaries of the
conservation reserve. Gravel Pits, however, do exist
approximately 2km north of the Death Valley Section of the
reserve.
Mature forest cover on the site is commercially merchantable.
None observed on site.
Five traplines contain portions of the conservation reserve: TR02,
TR09, TR10, TR11, TR13.
No BMAs are currently active within the site.
No outpost camps are located within the site.
No commercial fisheries exist within the reserve. However, two
active baitfish blocks (TR46 and TR47) do contain portions of the
reserve.
6.4.2 Guidelines
The site forms part of five active traplines and portions of the site are contained within two
active Baitfish Harvest Areas. No Bear Management Areas are currently active within the
proposed Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve. Trapping will be permitted to
continue. No new trails, cabins or other development are permitted without specific
authorization from the Ministry. However, the maintenance and repair of existing trails and
cabins is permitted, as long as the scale and function of the trail or cabin is not significantly
altered.
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Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
Various mining claims are present on parcels of land surrounding the conservation
reserve. The boundaries of this reserve have already been modified as a result of public
concern towards the mining potential of this area. These concerns were identified during
the standard site regulation and boundary refinement process carried out from late 1999 to
mid – 2000.
No other commercial activities are known to exist within the Conservation Reserve
boundaries and no new commercial activities will be permitted (i.e., mining, hydroelectric
development, logging, aggregate extraction, road development, utility corridors, peat
development and topsoil removal).
The area encompassed by the Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve has
been permanently removed from the operable area of the Kenogami Forest Sustainable
Forest License (the Death Valley and Collingwood Bay sections) and the Lake Nipigon
Sustainable Forest License (the Grant Point section). The area has also been officially
withdrawn from staking by means of a withdrawal order.
6.5 Aboriginal Interests
Local First Nation communities were asked to provide input into the regulation of the Lake
Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve. Meetings were held with Aroland, Pays Plat,
Lake Nipigon Ojibway, Rocky Bay, and Red Rock First Nations to discuss the regulation of
the Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (along with 7 other OLL sites).
Sand Point and Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation were contacted and invited to meet
but either declined or did not respond. Pays Plat raised a concern about the impact OLL
sites would have on their land claim and were reassured that the result of their land claim
negotiations would take precedence over OLL. Pays Plat also identified the location of
fossils along the lakeshore and requested their protection. There was a general concern
for native values, the need to protect these values, and the desire to be notified of any
development planned for the protected areas.
Nothing in this Statement of Conservation Interest in any way affects existing or future
aboriginal or treaty rights.
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Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
6.6 Natural Resources Stewardship
6.6.1 Vegetation Management and Fire Management
The area will be managed in accordance with relevant existing policies. Natural
ecosystem processes and features will, for the most part, be allowed to occur with minimal
human interference. However, current fire management strategies and protection will
continue to be carried out on this site unless an alternative direction for the control of fire is
approved through a more detailed local natural resource plan or management plan.
At
present no thought has been afforded to the use of prescribed burns as a management
tool.
6.6.2 Fish and Wildlife Management
Fisheries and wildlife will be managed in accordance with existing policies. Opportunities
for wildlife viewing will be encouraged.
6.6.3 Landforms
No management requirements exist for this category, except that significant and unique
landforms should be afforded continued protection as a natural resource.
A provincially rare community type, Arctic-Alpine Basic Bedrock Shoreline, was discovered
in a wave-washed rock barren on a small peninsula inside Les Petits Ecrits islands (Harris
& Foster, 2001). This community, along with its associated Arctic-Alpine plant species
(bog bilberry and encrusted saxifrage), should be afforded protection from disruption and
human disturbance. Heavy use of these islands for recreation or commercial purposes
should be strongly discouraged.
6.7 Cultural Resource Stewardship
The Ministry of Natural Resources will continue to work with the Ministry of Tourism,
Culture and Recreation’s regional chief archaeologist to identify archaeological sites
requiring further protection. To date there has been no field survey to assess cultural
resources in the Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve, however one
archeological remains site is documented within the conservation reserve. This site should
be afforded protection from human disturbances. The potential exists that other such sites
may be identified within the conservation reserve in the future.
The Schreiber Channel Nature Reserve, a 32 ha park, located along the Lake Superior’s
shore, is bordered on three sides by the Collingwood Bay portion of the Lake Superior
North Shore Conservation Reserve. Schreiber Channel Nature Reserve is home to what
is “possibly North America’s most diverse, best preserved and internationally known
collection of micro-fossils within Precambrian rock” (www.ontarioparks.com/yourparks).
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Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
6.8 Client Services
Nipigon District and the Information Management Team staff will be the primary contact for
responding to inquiries about the basic level of information such as access, nature
appreciation, scientific study requests, wildlife viewing opportunities, hunting, permitted
uses and boundaries.
6.9 Research
Non-destructive scientific research by qualified/recognized institutions or organizations that
will contribute to the Ministry of Natural Resources natural heritage information base will be
encouraged. All research programs will require the approval of the Ministry of Natural
Resources and will be subject to ministry policy and other relevant legislation.
6.10 Marketing
Activities will include producing a fact sheet highlighting the importance of the reserve and
responding to inquiries about the site. There are no other requirements at this time.
A brochure and trail map describing the ‘Casques Isles Hiking Trail’ has been produced
and is available from the Terrace Bay Tourist Information Centre (phone: 807-825-9721,
e-mail: tourism@cancom.net ). A copy of this brochure can be found in Appendix D of the
Recreation Resource Assessment Report for the Lake Superior North Shore Conservation
Reserve (please see Appendix 9).
7. Implementation
Implementation of this Statement of Conservation Interest will primarily involve monitoring
activities to ensure adherence to management guidelines. The conservation reserve will
be managed under the supervision of the Information Management Team supervisor
(Nipigon District) and the Nipigon East/Terrace Bay Area supervisor. Any affected clients
will be notified of any amendments to this Statement of Conservation Interest.
The Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve was regulated on April 6, 2001 (by
Ontario Regulation 86/01) under the Public Lands Act, following the process set out in the
Ontario’s Living Legacy Protected Areas Regulation Implementation Manual (MNR, 2000).
8. Review and Revisions
Any changes that may occur to the management direction outlined in this Statement of
Conservation Interest for the Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve will be
evaluated for their significance. Minor changes, which do not alter the overall protection
objectives, may be considered and approved by the Area Supervisor. Local consultation
may also be required, as determined by the Area Supervisor. In the case of major
changes, the need for a more comprehensive Resource Management Plan will be
considered first along with any legislative notification requirements that may exist at that
particular time. Any major amendments to this document will require public consultation
and the approval of the District Manager and Regional Director.
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Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
9. Public Consultation
9.1 Results of Past Consultation
Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve has been a part of the land use planning
and consultation process:
•
•
•
•
Lands for Life round table consultation (June 1997 to July 1998)
Ontario Forest Accord (1999)
Ontario’s Living Legacy round table discussions (1999)
OLL Site Regulation and Public Consultation Process (Nov/Dec of 1999 and again
in June/July of 2000)
During the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy site regulation and public
consultation process for the Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve, contact
was made with local stakeholders. In November of 1999, letters from the District Manager
were sent to First Nations, representatives from the forestry industry, trappers,
municipalities, landowners, prospectors, fish and game clubs, trail and recreational clubs,
and tourist operators/outfitters. Newspaper advertisements were also released at this
time.
Seven written comments and one verbal comment were received regarding Lake Superior
North Shore Conservation Reserve. Most concerns regarded the mineral potential existing
in and around the conservation reserve. (see Appendix 8 for a copy of the OLL Public
and Aboriginal Consultation Documentation Form for Lake Superior North Shore
Conservation Reserve). Meetings were held with five First Nations: Aroland, Pays Plat,
Lake Nipigon Ojibway, Rocky Bay, and Red Rock First Nations to discuss the regulation of
the Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (along with 7 other OLL sites).
Sand Point and Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation were contacted and invited to meet
but either declined or did not respond. Please see section 6.5 for an account of the
comments put forward by First Nations. Concerns that arose with respect to the
establishment of the conservation reserve were addressed accordingly.
9.2 Present and Future Consultation
Further widespread consultation is not deemed necessary at this time because of the
extensive consultation that has already occurred to date.
Following formal regulation of the site, Decision Notices were sent, in July 2001, to all
members of the public who expressed interest in this site. Notices were also sent to all
First Nations, industry and municipal organizations potentially affected by the regulation of
this site.
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Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
10. References
Gauthier, Dave. (2001). Earth Science Inventory Checksheet and Report for the Lake
Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222).
Harris, Allan and Rob Foster. (2001). Life Science Checksheet and Report for the Lake
Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222).
Ministry of Natural Resources. (1999). Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy,
Queen’s Printer for Ontario, Ontario Canada.
Ministry of Natural Resources. (2000). Protected Areas Regulation Implementation
Manual, Internal Document.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. (2001). Lake Superior North Shore Conservation
Reserve (C2222) Fact Sheet, July 2001, Public Document.
Schreiber Channel Nature Reserve. (2001). http://www.ontarioparks.com/
yourparks.html.
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Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
Appendix 1: Site Location Reference Map
Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
Appendix 2: Site and Values Maps of the Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve
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Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
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Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
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Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
Appendix 3: Permitted Uses Table
Activity/Value
Permitted
Sport Hunting
Commercial Trapping
Boating / Canoeing / Kayaking
Baitfishing
Commercial Wild Rice Harvest
Mineral Exploration & Extraction
Land Disposition for Private Purposes
All Terrain Vehicle
Snowmobile
Land Claims
Traditional Use
Native Hunt Camps
Commercial Tourism Based Hunting
Native Hunting
Commercial Native Trapping
Wildlife Management
Commercial Forest Operations
Vegetation Management (i.e. herbicides)
Timber Harvest for Personal Use
Fuelwood Harvest
Insect & Disease Suppression
Sport Fishing
Commercial Fishing
Native Fishing
Water Control Structures
Aggregate Extraction
Bear Management Areas
Trapline Cabins
Wild Rice Harvest
Boat Caches
Fire Management
Archeological Study
Backcountry Travel
Wildlife / Vegetation Viewing
Photography
Hiking
Rock Climbing
Mountain Biking
Nordic Skiing
Snowshoeing
Aircraft
Roads / Bridges / Culverts
Ongoing Research
New Research
v
v
v
v
N/A
Not
Permitted
Modified
District
Manager
Approval
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
N/A
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
“Modified” – refers to a use which may be permitted under certain circumstances where the use would not
impact the values for which the Conservation Reserve was created to protect (e.g. new trails,
clearings/docks for aircraft access, etc.)
Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
Figure 1: Beach with gravel/cobble. Collingwood Bay Section. Photograph by Rebecca Zeran.
Figure 2: Small rock arch along shore. Collingwood Bay Section. Photograph by Rebecca Zeran.
22
Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
Figure 3: Rocky shoreline with small gravel beach. Photograph by Allan Harris.
Figure 4: Rocky shore. Photograph by Allan Harris.
23
Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
Figure 5: Typical shoreline along Lake Superior. Photograph by Allan Harris.
24
Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
Figure 6: Les Petits Ecrits islands, across from the Death Valley Section of the Conservation
Reserve. Photograph by Allan Harris.
Figure 7: Rocky shoreline, Les Petits Ecrits islands. Photograph by Allan Harris
25
Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
Figure 8: View of Lake Superior from the Casques Isles Voyageur Hiking Trail. Photograph by
Rebecca Zeran
Figure 9: Wave-washed rocky shoreline. Collingwood Bay Section. Photograph by Rebecca Zeran
26
Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
Figure 10: Debris along the shoreline.
Photograph by Allan Harris
Figure 11: Blind Creek Falls – cascades over a
300m vertical drop in about a 1 km distance.
Collingwood Bay Section. Photograph by
Charles Faust
Figure 12: Shoreline view of the
Schreiber Channel Nature Reserve
– situated in the middle of the
Collingwood Bay Section of the
reserve. Photograph by Rebecca
Zeran
27
Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2001
Figure 13: Common Butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris), an arctic-alpine disjunct species, common
along the north shores of Lake Superior. Photograph by Charles Faust
Encrusted
saxifrage
(Saxifraga
paniculata) is
another arcticalpine disjunct
plant species
commonly
found along
the north
shore of Lake
Superior.
Figure 14: Encrusted Saxifrage.
Photograph by Charles Faust
Figure 15: Encrusted Saxifrage.
Photograph by Allan Harris
28
Lake Superior North Shore Conservation Reserve (C2222) – Statement of Conservation Interest