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ISBN 0-7794-3361-0
@ 2002 Queen's Printer of Ontario Printed in Ontario, Canada
Cover Photo: Doug Hamilton
Additional copies of this publication can be obtained from:
Park Superintendent Restoule Provincial Park Restoule. ON POH 2RO Tel: (705) 729-20L0 APPROVAL STATEMENT
pleased provincial I am to approve the Restoule park Management plan as the official policy for the protection and management of this park. The plan reflercts- tfr" tvfinirt.y of Natural Resources' and Ontario Parks' intent to protect the natural and cultural features of Restoule Provincial Park and maintain and develop high quality opportunities for recreation and heritase appreciation for the residents of ontario and visitors to the province.
The plan for Restoule Provincial Park will be used to guide the operation, management and development of the park over the next 2O-years. The plan may be reviewed throughout its life span to address issues or changing conditions, and may be amended as the need arises.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all those who participated in the public consultation process.
Yours trulv.
--'l'C PREFACE lll 1.0 INTRODUCTION 2.0 CLASSIFICATION 3.0 PARK GOAL 4.0 PARK OBJECTIVES 4 4.I Protection Objective 4 4.1.1 Life Sciences 4 4.1.2 Earth Sciences 4 4.1.3 Cultural Resources 6 4.2 RecreationObjective 6 4.3 HeritageAppreciationObjective 1 4.4 Tourism Objective 8 5.0 PARK BOUNDARY 6.0 ZONING 9 6.1 Nature Reserve Zones 9 6.2 Historical Zones t2 6.3 Development Zones 13 6.4 Access Zone 15 6.5 Natural Environment Zones 15 1.0 RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP POLICIES 18 7.1 FisheriesManagement i8 7.2 WildlifeManasement 18 7.2.1 Hunting 18 7.2.2 Trapping t9 7.3 Vegetation Management t9 7.4 Fire Management 20 1.5 Landforms 20 7.6 Mineral Exploration 20 1.1 Cultural Resources 20 7.8 Recreational Resources 21 8.0 OPERATIONS POLICIES 2l 8.1 Natural Heritage Education 21 8.1. I lnformation 22 8.1.2 Interpretation 22 8.1 .3 Recreation 22 8.2 Research 22 8.3 Recreation Management 23 8.3.I Trails 23 8.3.2 Backcountry Camping 24 8.3.3 Winter Use 24 'Recreation 8.3.4 and Tourist Services 24 8.3.5 Adjacent Lands and Waters 24 8.3.6 Private Recreation Camps 24 8.3.7 Motorized Vehicles 25 8.4 Marketins 25 9.0 DEVELOPMENT POLICIES 26 9.I Camping and Alternative Accommodations 26 9.2 Internal Roads and Parkine 26 9.3 Comfort Stations 26 9.4 Day-use Facilities 27 9.5 Utilities 27 9.6 Park Maintenance and Operations Facilities 27 9.l Natural Heritage Education Facilities 27 9.8 Park Store 21 1O.O IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY 28 10.1 ResourceStewardship 28 I0.2 Development 28 10.3 Operational / Administration 28 lO.4 Social and Economic Impact Analysis 29 1 I.O PUBLIC CONSULTATION 29 I2.O REFERENCES 31 LIST OF FIGURES I REGIONAL CONTEXT 2 2 BASE MAP 3 a J EXISTING DEVELOPMENT 5 4 ZONING 10 5 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT t4 PREFACE The Ministry of Natural Resources' Statement of Environmental Values (SEV) was prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR). It describes how the purposes of the EBR are to be considered whenever decisions are made which might significantly affect the environment. The primary purpose of the EBR is to "protect, conserve and, where reasonable, restore the integrity of the environment." From the MNR's perspective, that broad statement of purpose translates into four objectives in its SEV: o To ensure the long-term health of ecosystems by protecting and conserving our valuable soil, aquatic resources, forest and wildlife resources as well as their biological foundations ; To ensure the continuing availability of natural resources for the long-term benefit of the people of Ontario; a To protect natural heritage and biological features of provincial significance; and a To protect human life, the resource base and physical property from the threats of forest fires, floods and erosion. The Ministry's SEV has been considered throughout the preparation of this Park Management Plan. The Restoule Provincial Park Management Plan is intended to reflect the direction set in the SEV and to further the objectives of managing Ontario's resources on an ecologically sustainable basis. 1,.0 INTRODUCTION The entire OLL addition is encompassed within Natural Environment zone NE6. Restoule Provincial Park is a Natural Restoule Provincial Park is located Environment class Park, located within Ecodistrict 5E-5 and is approximately 1 0 kilometres northwest Lakes - St. of the village of Restoule in the representative of the Great Townships of Patterson and Hardy (see Lawrence forest region. The vegetation as a variety of Figure 1). Population centres in cover can be described proximity to the park include North Bay, upland, wetland and aquatic the forest consists Sudbury and Toronto. These urban areas communities. Much of Red Oak, are a one-hour, two-hour and four-hour of mixed Sugar Maple, Hemlock drive from the park respectively. The American Beech and Eastern growing on a range primary access to Restoule Provincial mixed-wood forests Park is via Highway 534, however of shallow to deep sandy tills. access is also possible by water' Boat cultural launching and docking facilities are The Restoule area is rich in Restoule located on both StormY Lake and history. The lakes surrounding part the Restoule Lake. Provincial Park are of traditional canoe routes of the Dokis Ojibwa' The de Champlain The park was officially established in French explorer Samuel the area in 1651, 1963 with its designation under the made his first visit to Provincial Parks Act, O. Reg 111/63 S' marking the beginning of an era of began in 51, and is presently described in Ontario European settlement. Logging Regulation 951 Schedule 50, Appendix the area around 1882. No sizable the area B. Restoule Provincial Park is settlements were established in farmers approximately 2,613 hectares in size and until the mid-19th century when the is situated between Clear and Restoule attempted to make a living from Lakes. Figure 2 illustrates the park rough and rocky landscaPe. boundary. An addition to the park (P153) was approved through Ontario's Living 2.0 CLASSIFICATION Legacy Land Use StrategY (OLL), a provincial government initiative for the Restoule Provincial Park is classified as management of Crown lands. Further a Natural Environment Park. This details regarding this addition are classification incorporates outstanding presented in this document' recreational landscaPes with representative natural features and Restoule Provincial Park is subject to a historical resources to provide high two-tier set of planning policies. One set quality recreational and educational for the OLL park addition and one set for experiences. the original park. To clarify matters throughout this document, the initial 3.0 PARK GOAL park boundary will be referred to as "original," and the new park boundary The goal of Restoule Provincial Park is: will be referred to as "OLL addition." Figure 1. Regional Context of Restoule Provincial Park rr r^ (hr( \ go \o ) slj li t \\4 \,r*iaruD fr -s^{r vJ 11 fr('oo d- )r \\I ( \l v^,hl/r.t 3 .q E j* ..it' o @- -9 € Fli !E EF * 9,9 I e'P ss E !E ;R fftr4, o ' !- el !: !g E! rq Kl; '"ll= # o>=EEsEJ H9 - 9q =9a: ;E o rE Ft Ft L\ mE ii ip \YJtbl \ a ? trlzts ifl Rkh fi Pdd LrF o9 b* .() li -.^-J :\ \" Poi';! +\frr{ o*O= \Y NTN - o c0 fiJ rn Y dH = (L +P n'a .c a f .E L-' &c F\\ 8{ !\ E It h'\ ES LJF' v vdKT)t L G F. Pt(f").4WH -rEYl R{ : s.EtE $ '\ Er=V.Ear *. = cc *'LJEelfti,vffi oru ,! 9lO fr z Ji a 6i rwx To protect the park's significant ensure the preservation of genetic natural and cultural resources, and to integrity and biological diversity. provide a variety of outdoor recreation and education 4.1.1 Life Sciences opportunities. Plant communities in the original portion 4.0 PARK OBJECTIVES of the park are primarily second growth maple/beech and mixed-wood forests. There are four distinct objectives that There is good representation of oak provide specific direction for the mixed-wood forests, lowland management of Ontario's park system: hemlock/cedar forests, maple and mixed p rot e ction, re c re ati on, herit a g e ash swamp forests, upland pine/oak appre ciation and tourism. Restoule barrens and various wetland Provincial Park contributes to the communities. The southwestern part of achievement of all four obiectives. the park provides good representation of mature beech/maple forests, hemlock 4.1 Protection Objective forests and a nutrient-poor fen/bog complex. The section of the Restoule To protect the significant elements of River in the original portion of the park Restoule Provincial Park's natural, supports a variety of mature wetland cultural and recreational landscape. communities. Several plant species in the park occur at or near the northern Areas of significance within Restoule limits of their continuous range. Provincial Park have been identified through zoning, and are protected by The Stormy Lake/Restoule River OLL Provincial Park management policies. addition corridor is dominated by pine, Research in the park will be encouraged mixed conifer and intolerant hardwood to foster a greater awareness of park stands, and various wetland aquatic resource significance. The impact of ecosystem types. A reconnaissance management activities and recreational inventory of this area was conducted in use will be monitored for environmental autumn 2000. effects. 4.1.2 Earth Sciences The Ontario's Living Legacy park addition (Stormy Lake/Restoule River The moderately rolling terrain of corridor) provides increased protection Restoule Provincial Park is strongly for natural features. It also creates an influenced by the underlying bedrock. ecological corridor linking Restoule Ridges and cliffs of exposed bedrock are Provincial Park to other protected areas interspersed along Stormy Lake and in such as, French River Provincial Park the park's interior. The highest point in and Grundy Lake Provincial Park. the park, an abrupt cliff over 60 meters Ecological corridors allow wildlife to in height, borders Stormy Lake. The move freely between areas important to bedrock in the park is typically mantled their lifecycle and for the interaction of by a thin veneer of sandy till, with different populations, thus helping to pockets of moderately deep till and ,q ? L B 3 G -b o gP t- HF -E 6 , $ q; & sd o €y E !,E €Ei, -Pd ."{E ;R iAl o 3EtsF=ofc e 3 ;e .99 dd'"'-€=f-:F a ic:lcd)rJ=c ;u ie O "89 U) - 9P :q ;i L p E 6g b; fi a4 L rs i E f s s; Et PP an E3 c s ;F g: x it:b=d :t s !*b F lri 3 z 4. i: e: F6 v,/ o $6X:WffirHH !i\ c\ \, o\,1a\l o/ O/ 4 AC o >a\ _su,iiov,= EX .l urH 5,fr a a a .lt.$ ! c o T -g = q 5tI f'r,/N{l o () nC) | {^l rl' I X rrl \Iix d; \I rr \ I .','-,. V i.., .z:..:\. \. t-v - glacial lake deposits. 4.1.3 CulturalResources The park is situated in the geological The park contains three sites warranting Grenville Province of the Canadian Historical zone designation. One site Precambrian Shield. The bedrock types marks the location of a former found in the park are over a billion years homestead. The remains of a root cellar old, and consist primarily of greY on the site confirms this indication. The migmatitic gneisses. Gneisses are fire tower represents a period of fire banded rocks, which are formed through management and past fire detection a history of melting and stretching. The methods when people were stationed at park provides locally significant these lookouts to monitor forest fires. representation of these rocks. Another Historical site marks the location of a former settler's cabin. Ontario was repeatedly glaciated during the last two million years. Evidence of The last study documenting the cultural this in Restoule Provincial Park includes history of the park was published in deposits of glacial till, pockets of glacial l9lL An archeological study to locate lake deposits and glacially polished and remnants from the homesteading era and striated bedrock surfaces. Where these to determine the true significance of the sediments meet the shoreline of Stormy Historical sites will be encouraged. The Lake, erosion has created small sandy park will also be assessed for its historic beaches. Inland, in the campgrounds Native presence. New park additions above Stormy Lake, small wave-cut will be assessed for their cultural terraces mark the ancient shorelines of significance. glacial Lake Algonquin, a lake that occupied the Huron and Georgian Bay 4.2 Recreation Objective basins some 10,000 years ago. These beaches, both modern and ancient, are of To provide a variety of outdoor local significance. recreation opportunities ranging from high-intensity day-use to low-intensity Restoule Provincial Park's Ontario's trackcountry experiences. Living Legacy addition is a linear band of shoreline that forms bedrock ridges. The recreation objective will be achieved Small rock outcrops line most of the through the designation of appropriate shoreline. Many of the outcrops display zoning to areas offering access to significant glacial erosion surfaces, facilities and areas of significant evidence of the last glacial period in the recreation potential. Management area. The bedrock exposures in the OLL policies will guide the development of addition are in the form of high ridges recreation opportunities without above the Restoule River and low relief compromising values associated with the outcrops on the north shore of Stormy protection objectives. Research on park Lake. Within the Ontario Provincial Park visitation, park use, local facility system, the geological features observed development and business trends will be in the OLL addition have regional encouraged. significance. is high Restoule Provincial Park currently used for hiking and biking. There provides camping facilities, a day-use potential for additional interior picnicking area. two swimming areas. backcountry camping in the undeveloped western two hiking trails, a combination western portion of the park. The hiking/biking trail, and boat launches to and northeastern portions of the original meet the recreational demands of, and to park offer high potential for future attractpark usage by, campers and day hiking or biking trails. Boat launches on visitors. Annually, the park offers both Stormy and Restoule Lakes offer for approximately 104,300 camPing and easy access to the adjacent waterways 23,IOO day-use opPortunities. all park visitors. Restoule Provincial Park is primarily a The Stormy Lake/Restoule River Park destination park for family camping. corridor links Restoule Provincial Park, Campground facilities include: with French River Provincial offering a protected recreational and park-to-park o 215 campsites, approximately 97 ot ecological corridor. This canoe route, these equipped with electricitY; link is part of a traditional potential for high quality e Group camping sitesl increasing the canoe and kayak camping . Comfort stations equipped with backcountry Some interior campsites are showers; and experiences. established along the shores of . Vault privy toilets located already Restoule River and StormY Lake' throughout the camPgrounds. Potentially, Restoule Provincial Park could serve as a staging area for canoe and kayak trips to other provincial parks such as, Grundy Lake and KillarneY Provincial Parks, both which are linked by water routes largely protected as provincial park. 4.3 Heritage Appreciation Objective To provide opportunities for exploration and appreciation of the outdoor natural and cultural heritage of Restoule Provincial Park. Hikers & KaYakers Hamilton Photos: Doug Exploration and appreciation of Restoule Provincial Park will be encouraged and Walk-in campsites are also available for be compatible with and complementary a more rustic camping experience. An to the protection of the natural and area is being kept in reserve for future cultural resources of the Park. development if required. campground Opportunities will be provided for This area is located in the campground unstructured exploration of the park and Development zone (D1) and is presently 7 the surrounding area. This will be value of goods and services sold by facilitated by supplying visitors with up- businesses province-wide during a to-date and accurate information on the normal year of operations in support of park's natural, cultural and recreational Restoule Provincial Park, is estimated to resources, and through self-guided trails be $2.2 million. The park makes a and displays. Opportunities will be significant contribution to the local and provided for structured exploration of provincial economies. Additionally, the the park and surrounding area through expenditures associated with Restoule the Natural Heritage Education (NHE) Provincial Park supports the equivalent program. of 24 person years of employment annually. 4.4 Tourism Objective 5.0 PARK BOUNDARY To provide Ontario residents and non- resident visitors with opportunities to The boundary for Restoule Provincial discover and experience Restoule Park is currently outlined in Ontario Provincial Park, and distinct regions Regulation 951, Schedule 50, Appendix of the province. B. The park is bounded by Clear Lake to the north and Restoule Lake to the south. Restoule Provincial Park provides day- Stormy Lake and Restoule River use and destination camping facilities to comprise the majority of the new OLL Ontario residents and non-resident park addition. Restoule River also travelers alike. Park staff are involved bisects the centre of the original park with promotion of local activities and boundary. There is a 100 metre water services. boundary extending into Restoule Lake. Several patented cottage lots situated As previously mentioned, Restoule along the shores of Clear, Stormy and Provincial Park serves as a staging point Restoule Lakes are encompassed by the for long canoe excursions. The Restoule park. River links the park with French River Provincial Park, thereby increasing the The Stormy Lake/Restoule River potential to discover other unique corridor OLL addition has increased the provincial features within the region. total area of the park such that it exceeds the 2000-hectare minimum for a Natural Restoule Provincial Park is an important Environment class park. The boundary part of the Restoule/Loring tourist area configuration and area numbers will be and contributes to the local and confirmed upon regulation of the provincial economies. Each year park addition under the Provincial Parks Act. visitors spend money while visiting the The addition consists of the portion of park and surroundin g area and Ontario the Restoule River between Stormy Lake Parks spends money for the operation and the French River, with a 200-metre and capital development of the park. setback from the water's edge. The These expenditures are estimated to be addition also includes all of Stormy approximately $850,000 annually. The Lake. The addition provides a navigable Provincial Gross Output, or the total riverine link and ecolosical corridor between Restoule and French River educational and research resource Provincial Parks. because of a range of habitats found within a small area. The stream/beaver 6.0 ZONING meadow complex provides representation of a bedrock-controlled Zonrng delineates areas based on their creek, escarpment, hemlock, and beaver management requirements, and is meadow communities. This entire zone therefore a key tool in management is sensitive to foot traffic. planning. Zontng also identifies natural and significant features of a park. A The construction of boardwalks across Natural Environment class park may the stream system leading from Hicks contain up to six types of zones, Lake to Restoule River may be permitted including: Nature Reserve, Natural in order to support the development of Environment, Access, Devel oPment, interior hiking trails in the southwestern Wilderness and Historical. Restoule portion of the park and to reduce the Provincial Park contains all the types of impact from foot traffic. Trails will be zones with the exception of Wilderness limited in this zone. (refer to Figure 4). Significant vegetation species in this 6.I Nature Reserve Zones zone include a provincially rare moss, Sphagnum contortum, and the Nature Reserve zones identify significant provincially rare Marsh St. John's-Wort, earth and life science features requiring Triadenum virginicum. Efforts shall be special management to protect these made to ensure the protection of these features. The primary purpose of Nature species and to prevent disturbance. Reserve zones is to meet protection and heritage appreciation objectives. NR2 Restoule River Wetlands Development in Nature Reserve zones is (38 hectares) limited to trails. necessary signage, minimal interpretive facilities and This zone includes the north/south research and management facilities. portion of the Restoule River that bisects the original park, leading from Stormy Four Nature Reserve zones have been Lake to Restoule Lake. This zone also designated in Restoule Provincial Park includes the wetlands associated with the to protect natural features for their Restoule River. fundamental value, interpretation and scientific study. The wetlands situated along the Restoule River represent a range of aquatic NRI Hicks Lake / Beaver Meadow communities and include a sedge Complex (54 hectares) meadow, open water aquatic marshes and a Black Ash/Red Maple swamp. This zone provides representative There is also good representation of sand wetland plant assemblages ranging from spit plant communities. Fresh-water sphagnum bogs to sedge meadows. The sponges grow in profusion in these complex provides an excellent waters. e tL - ;- G A* : 3€ t- > Rd O= : Hg Ei .L c) rrG !ie!€ sd Ph q)a + Or=- - Pd o qoh I.JJ E. '-mg_o oo =F = ='oo.= .o) !? oc) !: nr (D I O + oo r= :-. 6)rn ;oie! N- 6 RF ;iC k= (uo aYX=* c! db "- 0 8e d {,4 E'Q ZN ZN ta d: i L c4c- ?= 3t r; uftt !l eb E;:Q 0; !9 E" c =l it ;F s-e j t! Yi =09E:.F :r t! 3 e-! Ft z { tt !Nl E:-e ,: ttF, 0 ilN {* N ,} \--r-{t (l /,/ Flw o ta \,)0, Qn 1l $B &^z P'^ aY ;.= >\ !>LgtEODo(! € e3 hi7 - xc (s o 9[ ulY ztL llfl :sfYr N $ () - ryK. NR4 Exposed Bluff (6 hectares) This area is zoned Nature Reserve due to the sensitive nature of this steep rock- face and fragile living conditions for plants able to maintain a foothold here. Research will be encouraged to determine the approximate age of the trees. Due to the nutrient-poor environment and extremely slow Restoule River Wetlands growing conditions, these dwarfed trees Photo: Doug Hamilton are potentially the most ancient in the park. The use of motorized vehicles, including motorboats, is not permitted within Nature Reserve zotles. Viewing platforms may be constructed along the fringe of this zone to enhance the wildlife viewing potential in the park, and to encourage appreciation of the river and wetlands. NR3 Natural Sandy Beaches (7 hectares) These small natural beaches support a variety ofbulrushes, sedges and other shoreline aquatic plants. Typical trees Bluff found here include hemlock, spruce, Photo: Doug Hamilton cedar and green ash. These sites provide good refuge for the continued survival A viewing platform may be constructed and development of species assemblages at the peak of the bluff to reduce erosion that grow on natural beach and impacts on surrounding vegetation. environments. These sites also have a Significant vegetation species in this high interpretive value. The vegetation is zone include the provincially rare lichen, highly sensitive to foot traffic and Cladina arbuscula, and the regionally exploration of these areas will be rare Creeping Juniper, Juniperus discouraged. These beaches will not be horizontalis. Interpretive signs will be developed for recreation purposes. The installed to identify the significance of bulrush and sedge communities found the bluff and the sensitivity of the here buffer the shoreline from wave associated vegetation. action and therefore serve a major function in stabilizins the beaches. Rock climbing is not a permitted activity within the Nature Reserve. 11 6.2 Historical Zones This method of fire detection was eventually abandoned in favour of Historical zones are intended to protect aircraft fire patrols. The tower would important examples of Ontario's past, require extensive upgrading if it is to be especially those related to the land and opened as a public viewing tower. natural resources. Interpretive signs will be displayed at Three specific Historical sites have been this location to explain the history of fire identified. Management of these sites towers. will be consistent with Policies associated with Historical zones. A H2 Grawbarger Homestead cultural inventory for the park and an archeological inventory for all Historical This is believed to be the site of the sites will be encouraged to search for house from the Thomas and Marian artifacts and further evidence ofthe Grawbarger homestead, an Ottawa historical significance of Restoule Valley couple who settled in the Provincial Park. These studies will help Restoule wilderness in 1880. Little determine the extent of each Historical physical evidence of any structures site. remains. The presence of hops growing on a slope close to the site marks what is Hl Fire Tower believed to be the location of the house. A foundation of a root cellar from the This structure is remnant from an era of Grawbarger farm potentially dates as far fire detection when people were posted back as 1881. at towers to monitor for forest fires. The Stormy Lake fire tower was constructed Upon completion of further research, in 1954 and stands over 30 metres tall. this zone may be expanded to encompass any other evidence from the homesteading era. H3 Putt's Cabin The site of Putt's cabin is located in Putt's Point Campground, named after the settler. It is believed the duration of his settlement was relatively short. The cabin was built sometime between 1870 and 1880. The only remaining evidence is a depression in the ground between campsites 221 and229. Campsites 227 and 229 will not be considered for any expansion or Fire Tower upgrades until a study on the site has Photo: Ontario Parks Files been completed. Should further study 12 reveal historical significance, the two of campsites to allow upgrading or campsites will be closed and rehabilitating of existing campsites; rehabilitated. to provide barrier free campsites; to provide additional sites with 6.3 Development Zones electricity; or, to provide other site amenities; Development zones provide access and o Boat Launches: There is currently accommodate large numbers of people one boat launch located at each with services for day-use and camping campground to offer easy access to activities. Development zones are the adjacent waterways. These delineated for various intensive facility- facilities may be upgraded as needed based recreational activities. and as funding permits, to provide Development permitted includes optimum boat launching facilities or campgrounds, trails, roads, washrooms, to increase docking space: visitor control structures, commercial, o Future Campground: An area is administrative, management and Natural reserved for a future campground if Heritage Education facilities. the demand exists and requires its development (see Figure 5). This D1 Development Zone (74 hectares) area is presently used for hiking and biking; This zone includes three existing o Park Facilities: Other facilities campgrounds: Putt's Point, Kettle Point, located in this zone include the main Bell's Point and their associated park office, gate house, trailer facilities, such as vault privies and dumping station, staff house, comfort stations. Several walk-in maintenance yard, wood yard and campsites are situated in the southern sewage lagoon. Facilities in this zone portion of Bell's Point Campground. may be upgraded or replaced as needed and as funding permits; The two beaches in the park designated . Park Store: This zone may for swimming are situated along the accommodate a park retail outlet to shoreline of the campgrounds. An area consolidate services currently offered along the Restoule Lake shoreline by the park; adjacent to Bell's Point Campground will o NHE Facilities: This zone may continue to serve as the primary pet accommodate the relocated Natural beach in the park. Heritage Education office. Future development in Restoule D2 Development Zone (7 hectares) Provincial Park must be consistent with park business planning, and will be This zone contains group camping subject to park management planning facilities, day-use area, Park policies. Proposed development for this Superintendent residence, Natural zone may include the following: Heritage Education office and the Stormy Lake boat launch. o Campsites: Management may require the development of a limited number 13 9 v ! q I L :a € € o (Eo dg IA se 'e a. en E:&q; c' o E E F P E c sd 6=9 'g o 'r J .!l n\-- !+.s*: E ;R -At o dr lll fV.r HA' Um U = .9' *J o v= E E b - =F' = 60 !e,a o " 8g o E=€!€ts+--1 atl f s,i6; I f d 3t 1[ 4L ?: ri g o :g ;; i6 a. C ':il o o 6f S; 31 rwm !! :I :E :Wx t ' lln ll vJ-I-1 C) I c.) In RJJ4 v Va, ri rr 1 ^, bo The group camping area is currently near months. The corridor leading to Stormy optimum operating level. Sites may be Lake will allow year round access; expanded within the Development zone however, it will not be maintained boundaries if required and the demand during the winter months. The main park exists. Group campsites will not road leading past the gatehouse will be encroach on the H2 Historical site, and a gated during the off-season. site-specific archeological assessment will be conducted prior to any group 6.5 Natural Environment Zones camping area expansion. Natural Environment zones incorporate D3 Development Zone (3 hectares) aesthetic landscapes and support low- lntenslty recreatlon actlvttles. This zone encompasses a sandpit, Development permitted includes formerly used as an aggregate source in backcountry camping sites, recreational facility upgrading and refurbishing trails, signs necessary for route projects. The site is presently used for identification, minimal interpretive storage of maintenance materials. facilities and temporary research and management facilities. While the Sand will not be extracted from this site primary focus of a Natural Environment for park development projects. Sand and zone is protection of flora and fauna, gravel will be imported from local pits emphasis is placed on high quality, low and quarries outside park boundaries to intensity recreational and educational meet demand as required. experiences, utilizing the natural elements within this zone. 6.4 Access Zone Being the largest zone component in the This eight-hectare zone consists of the park, the Natural Environment zone main road corridor leading from the provides the land base for extensive eastern park boundary to the Stormy recreational activities and a buffer Lake boat launch, and through the Dl between the Development and Nature andD2 Development zones. The Access Reserve zones. zone will offer minimum facilities and will support the use of, and provide NE1 Natural Environment access to, adjacent zones. (616 hectares) Vegetation may be managed in the This zone also includes the park's Access zone to ensure safe vehicular original 100-metre water boundary along travel. Consideration shall be given to Stormy Lake, and along a portion of ensure the continued survival of the Restoule Lake. Present recreation locally rare plant species Meadow activities occurring on these waterbodies Horsetail, Equisetum pratense, found in are compatible with this type of zone. this zone. The NEI zone may accommodate There will be limited access through this several shoreline backcountry camping zone during the shoulder/off-season sites. These sites would be accessible 15 primarily by canoe. Some interior sites northern and southern Ontario flora in may be accessible by proposed interior the forests and wetlands. A Red Pine trails. plantation was established on abandoned agricultural land for soil stabilization An interior hiking/biking trail is purposes. This plantation is located proposed for this zone in the southwest adjacent to the Access zone leading to portion of the park. Figure 5 illustrates Stormy Lake boat launch, where it the proposed future development within borders Natural Environment zone NE7. Restoule Provincial Park. An existing The variety of ferns, clubmosses and four-kilometre trapper's trail will be used orchids along the hiking trail are of as the main section of trail. special interest. Collectively, these features provide good interpretive value. NE2 South-Western Park Boundary (35 hectares) There is a need to reduce the numerous worn pathways at the crest of the Fire This zone provides representation of Tower trail, adjacent to the lookout. Foot typical upland beech, maple, basswood traffic is causing soil compaction and forests and upland and lowland hemlock vegetative disturbance. Trail communities of the Great Lakes - St. management techniques will be used as Lawrence Forest. This area also contains required. a mix of representative northern and southern flora, providing good Other significant vegetation species in interpretive value. The variety of ferns, this zone include: clubmosses and the occurrence of orchids along the trails are of special . The locally rare Silvery Spleenwort, interest. The locally rare Silvery Athyrium thelypterioide s, and Spleenwort, Athyrium thelypterioides, is Leatherwoo d, D ir c a p alustris ; found in this zone. . The regionally rare Creeping Juniper, Juniperus horizontalis, and Northern Trails other than the existing trapper's Bog Violet, Viola nephrophylla; trail will not be developed in this zone in . The provincially rare lichen Cladina order to protect the natural values of stellaris. vegetation communities found here. Effort shall be made to ensure the NE3 Fire Tower Trail (76 hectares) protection of these species. A site specific plant inventory will be Along the trail in this zone are conducted prior to any.trail expansion in representative upland Red Oak/ juniper/ this zone. lichen barrens, which is an uncommon plant community type in the park. Also NE4 Walk-in Sites (9 hectares) found are Sugar Maple, White Birch, American Beech, mixed tolerant Several walk-in campsites are situated in hardwood/ hemlock, and cedar/ hemlock this zone, representing potentially the forests. There are small wetlands and most scenic camping the park has to ponds, as well as representation of both offer. Priority will be given to maintaining a low-impact use in this Previously established campsites will be area. No new sites will be developed in assessed for their suitability as interior this zone. These sites are currently not sites. Upgrades to the existing sites and operating, however consideration will be addition of new sites will be given toward opening these sites for implemented accordingly. public use. NE5 Campground Wetland. Beach and Shoreline (29 hectares) This wetland is a cattail marsh with excellent interpretive values. The small cattail marsh provides an accessible and relatively resilient wetland for group or self-guided interpretation. Potential Restoule River OLL addition exists for the addition of a boardwalk for Photo: Ontario Parks Files recreation and interpretation purposes. The primary access to the park addition in A small natural sand beach is situated is through the Stormy Lake boat launch. zone, adjacent this Natural Environment This location will continue to serve as be used for low to the wetland. It will the primary access point for the Stormy intensity nature interpretation and Lake/Restoule River corridor. recreation purposes only. Aquatic this beach vegetation associated with Scott's Dam along Restoule River has to progress undisturbed will continue been used as a water level control removed. and will not be structure for many years. It will continue to be monitored by park staff and to the A section of shoreline adjacent maintained by MNR North Bay District. in this zone. campgrounds is included The dam is one of only two structures runs from the This stretch of shoreline spanning the river. An existing portage along easternmost park boundary by-passing the dam will remain Angels Point, adjacent Restoule Lake to accessible. Other portages may be Zone NR3. to the Nature Reserve identified and maintained and/or developed as determined suitable by River NE6 Stormy Lake/Restoule park management. Corridor (141 3 hectares) The other structure spanning the river is This area has been added to the park a bridge used by the adjacent Dokis First Legacy through Ontario's Living Land Nations community for forest access Use Strategy. The addition serves as a north of Restoule Provincial Park. This link between recreational and ecological bridge will not be utilized for park Restoule Provincial Park and French operation purposes. The bridge will not Park, and support River Provincial will be promoted nor encouraged as a park impact canoe accessible low density/low access point. backcountry shorel ine camping. 17 NE7 Natural Environment Zone recreational fishing opportunities for (238 hectares) species such as Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Walleye and bass. Responsible This zone includes a large portion of the fishing and use of these waterbodies will eastern half of the original park. The be promoted through appropriate park NE7 zone may support new hiking or activities and information mediums. biking trails, and serves as a buffer to park Nature Reserve zones. Baitfish harvesting will be permitted within original and new park boundaries, 7.0 RESOURCE except in Nature Reserve zones. This STEWARDSHIP activity will be phased-out of Nature POLICIES Reserve zones by 2010 (except for aboriginal use, subject to applicable The park's natural and cultural resources legislation and regulation). No new will be managed in accordance with the baitfish operations will be permitted general planning and management within the park. policies for Natural Environment class parks in Ontario Provincial Parks 7.2 WildlifeManagement Planning and Management Policies (1992), and the Ontario's Living Legacy 7.2.1 Hunting Land Use Strategy (1999). Supplementary policy direction is Hunting of large game, small game and provided in the following. waterfowl is permitted in the Natural Environment zones NEl, NE2 and NE6 7.1, Fisheries Management only. Fishing activity in park waters, including Hunting of all game is permitted only Stormy Lake, the water boundary and the during the first Tuesday following Restoule River OLL addition, will be Thanksgiving until April 30 the subject to regulations outlined in the following year. This applies to both the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, original park and the new Ontario's Federal Fisheries Acr. Provincial Living Legacy addition, as follows: Recreational F ishing Re gulations, and the North Bay District Fisheries o Hunting in the NEl and NE6 zones Management Plan. Some ongoing also includes all waters contained fisheries management practices that may within the zones: occur in park waters include: lake o Hunting in zones other than those surveys, habitat assessments and outlined is prohibited. inventories; habitat improvement; fish o Hunters will be permitted to population and stocking assessments; transport unloaded encased and creel surveys; and, Walleye and Lake locked firearms during regular Trout stocking programs. provincial hunting seasons. o Hunting regulations will comply Restoule, Stormy and'Clear Lakes, as with those outlined in the Fish and well as Restoule River, provide excellent 1B Wildlife Conservation Act and 7.3 VegetationManagement P rovincial H unting Re g ulations. be . Where bear hunting is permitted in A Vegetation Management Plan will maintaining the park, a License to Provide Bear developed with a view to Hunting Services maY be issued, visitor safety, park aesthetics and to renewed or transferred. perpetuate natural succession processes. Brushing and clearing operations will be 7.2.2 Trapping conducted under the direction of the Park Superintendent. The Vegetation Plan will include direction In accordance with the PolicY for Management plant trapping in the Ontario's Living Legacy to control and eradicate non-native weeds. Efforts Land Use Strategy (1999), trapping will species and/or noxious be permitted to continue indefinitely will be made to ensure that non-native within original park boundaries as well plant species are not introduced. as the new Ontario's Living LegacY addition. Trapping will not be permitted The Vegetation Management Plan will in park Nature Reserve zones (except for also guide the management of the Red trapping by Status Indians exercising Pine plantation situated in Natural treaty rights) and as such, will be phased Environment zone NE7, between the out of Nature Reserve Zones by 2010. Access zone split, and the bordering (Fire Transfers of active licences, permits or Natural Environment zone NE3 other types of authorization will be Tower Trail). The plantation will be permitted, subject to a review of thinned to allow for natural regeneration potential impacts and the normal types to occur, and will create a greater of transfer or renewal conditions that diversity ofplant species and habitat for the apply within a protected area- No new wildlife species. Trees cut during operations will be permitted. If a plantation thinning process may be used commercial license is revoked, for facility repairs and upgrades, as wood surrendered or unallocated, all portions chips for trails, or for other similar of the registered trapline within the park projects. will be rescinded from the trapline's legal description. Trees in the park will not be cut for the purpose of providing firewood' Windfall Occasionally, animals maY become a trees will be left to decompose naturally, pose a health or safety threat, nuisance and conflict with Park unless they park management objectives. Trapping of or are an interference to regular nuisance animals may be conducted operation. under the direction of the Park Superintendent. Vegetation may be planted for campsite regeneration and for increased naturally All operations and develoPment vegetated buffers between sites. Only activities undertaken within the park will species native to the park will be used. have due regard for all animal species, their habitat requirements and In the Natural Environment zones, plant movements. succession will progress unimpeded. 19 Where safpty hazards exist along trails, suppression techniques which have the vegetation may be removed in least residual impact on the park's association with brushing operations and natural environment will be used routine trail maintenance. whenever possible. Natural succession in Nature Reserves 7.5 Landforms will progress unimpeded. Vegetation obstructing trails in this zone will be The main beach along Restoule Lake, hand tended. within the Development zone, has been replenished in the past using sand from Commercial timber harvesting is external sources. Wave action and prohibited within park boundaries. longshore drift have caused beach erosion. In order to maintain a quality The occurrence of insects and diseases recreation beach, various rehabilitation native to the forest region, in which the techniques may be utilized, such as park is situated, is recognized as an adding sand as required to enhance integral component of the Park's aesthetics and to encourage recreational ecology. Insect infestations and diseases use. Beach improvements are subject to in Historical and Nature Reserve zones approval by the Department of Fisheries will normally be allowed to progress and Oceans, who is responsible for naturally. If such outbreaks threaten assessing the impact of shoreline values which the zone was defined to projects on fish habitat and spawning protect, they will be controlled. areas. Measures to control non-native insects 7.6 MineralExploration and disease that infest vegetation may be permitted in all zones where aesthetic or Mineral exploration and mining are not natural values are threatened. Where permitted within the original boundaries control is desirable and feasible, it will or the OLL addition of Restoule be directed as narrowly as possible to the Provincial Park. specific threat to minimize the effect on other elements of the park environment. 7.7 Cultural Resources Biological rather than chemical controls will be used whenever possible. If An in-depth cultural inventory of the required, control measures will be park will be encouraged. The last prescribed in the Vegetation historical assessment of the park was Management Plan. completed in 1911. Cultural history identified will be depicted through the 7.4 Fire Management park's NHE program. Given the capital investment in facilities The fire tower may be upgraded if within the park and the degree of required to maintain structural integrity, development adjacent to the Park, or to facilitate the construction of stairs natural and human-caused fires in all and viewing platforms. zones will be suppressed. Fire 20 7,8 RecreationalResources schedules, enforcement and emergency services. This plan will be consistent The existing hiking trails are heavily with the approved Ontarict ProvinciaL used, especially during peak park Parks Operating Stttndards, and will be operating seasons. Measures to control reviewed annually and updated as trail erosion will be implemented. Added required. surfaces, such as crushed rock screenings or wood chips may reduce compaction of 8.1 Natural Heritage Education soil and damage to exposed roots. Trails will be clearly marked and signed to The purpose of Natural Heritage reduce deviation from the main route. Education NHE) in Restoule Provincial Boardwalks, bridges and stairs may be Park is to provide park visitors with constructed along trails to assist with opportunities to learn through erosion control and to ease difficulty of interpretive programs and facilities, extreme terrain. Trails are discussed thereby increasing visitor awareness of further in Section 8.3.1. Restoule Provincial Park's significant natural, cultural and recreational Priority will be placed on enhancing features. viewing areas on all trails when possible. Platforms may be constructed along the Restoule Provincial Park presently offers River Trail to provide viewing a seasonal level of NHE service. This opportunities of the Restoule River level of service desisnation reflects: Nature Reserve. Platforms may also be constructed around the perimeter of . Significance of natural features in the Restoule River Nature Reserve (NR2) park; and at the peak of the lookout on Fire . The quantity of park visitors Tower Trail. A boardwalk through the (occupancy and visitation rates); campground marsh (NE5) will also be . Proximity of the park to a major considered. tourist area; . Number of education programs 8.0 OPERATIONS POLICIES offered; and o The number of park visitors Operations policies deal with topics such attending programs and utilizing the as Natural Heritage Education, park' s recreation and interpretive recreation management, the provision of facilities. recreation and tourist services, business planning and research. Programming will include the three components of Natural Heritage The Park Operating Plan will be updated Education: information. interpretation regularly to provide park staff with the and recreation. The park Natural necessary information required to Heritage Education PIan will be operate the park on a day-to-day basis. In evaluated annually and revisions made addition to addressing operations as required. policies, the plan will include such topics as budget, staffing, maintenance 21 8.1.1 Information 8.1.3 Recreation Information will be conveyed to park Interpretive programs will be developed visitors through a variety of mediums, to enhance the camper's recreation including: park brochures and tabloids, experience in the park and to provide the self-use trail guides, interpretive signs opportunity for recreational skills and displays, and through Programs development. This may take the form of developed and conducted by the park programs exploring park interpretive NHE staff. Interpretive information will themes by canoe or trail. Self-guided identify park features, management, trails already exist, providing a facilities and local attractions. recreational hiking experience. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining and 8.1.2 Interpretation enhancing existing trails and developing new hiking or biking opportunities. Interpretive themes for Restoule Outdoor skills enhancement activities Provincial Park are divided into major will be developed where possible. These and minor. While park interpretation will include such activities as canoeing may include any aspect of the park, the instruction and a variety of outdoor skills following will be the primary focus. oriented interpretive Pro grams. Maior 8.2 Research 1. Earth Science: Canadian Shield and Scientific research by qualified in Grenville P rovince feature s. Emphasis individuals will be encouraged will be placed on the series of faults and Restoule Provincial Park. Approved dykes that make up the Restoule River. research activities and facilities must be compatible with the park's protection 2. Life Science: objective. Research must comply with a) Cliff-face ecology. Emphasis will be Provincial Park Policy on research placed on the sensitivity of the cliff face activities in parks, and will require features and the fragile living conditions written approval of the Park for plant species. Superintendent. Research activities wil- b) Wetland communities. Restoule also conform to the Ontario Parks Provincial Park incorporates a wide Research and Information Strate gy, variety of wetlands, which include: which identifies corporate priorities with rivers, streams, bogs, fens, swamps and respect to current science, research and marshes. information needs. Minor Emphasis for future research projects at Restoule Provincial Park will be placed 1. Historical / Cultural: on: a study on the ecologY of the a) Logging history Exposed Bluff Nature Reserve (NR4) to b) Homesteading determine the age of the potential old growth trees established on the rock 2. Resource Management'. Fire response face, and a cultural resource inventory to 22 search for remnant artifacts from the resource appreciation. Proposed new homesteading era. trails (also see Figure 5) are as follows: 8.3 Recreation Management . There is an existing trapper's trail bisecting the south-western portion During the average camping season. of the park. This trail will be there are roughly 48,000 visits to properly identified, marked and be Restoule Provincial Park; the majority of made available for park visitors. The visitors are campers. According to park trail is approximately four kilometres surveys, most visitors had previously in length and could potentially be visited the park, and the majority of used for day hiking or biking campers surveyed made the park their experiences, or as a staging point for main trip destination. Restoule interior camping. New backcountry Provincial Park can therefore be camping opportunities could be classified as a destination park. Day provided through hike-in access to Visitor and Camper Surveys suggest that interior sites situated along the the main recreational activities in which Restoule River. Access would be park visitors participate include provided from secondary trails swimming. hiking. viewing scenery, deviating from the existing trapper's fishing, boating and biking. trail, leading to the river edge; o A new bicycle trail may be 8.3.1 Trails developed in the Natural Environmentzone NE7 to sustain Restoule Provincial Park has increasing popularity of this sport. two maintained hiking trails and a This new trail would be more combined hiking/biking trail. The total challenging and would be geared length of this network is approximately toward more experienced riders. The 10 kilometres. The Fire Tower Trail is bike trail loop would be a minimum self-guided and approximately seven of five kilometres in leneth. kilometres in length. The one kilometre River Trail provides for a more leisurely hiking experience. There is a two kilometre hiking and biking trail located in DevelopmentZone D1; this area is being kept in reserve for future campground development if required. Recent Camper and Park Day Visitor support the need for new and Surveys Fire Tower Trail improved trails within Restoule Photo: Doug Hamilton Provincial Park. New trails may be established to increase the recreation The Ontario's Living Legacy addition potential of the park, and to provide will be evaluated for its potential to opportunities for park exploration and support interior trails. Trails could provide access to proposed interior campsites, or serve as an access for park establish an implementation maintenance and emergency response arrangement. staff. Two separate walk-in campgrounds, Proposed hiking and biking trails will be only one of which is presently used, are located where possible on old trails located in the eastern half of the original and/or roads. Hiking trails will be park in zones NE4 and D l. In order to monitored for erosion, and mitigation maintain the present integrity of the measures will be implemented as sites, no new development will occur in required. A feasibility study will be these areas. prepared prior to the implementation of new trails to determine if they are an 8.3.3 Winter Use appropriate addition to the park's trail infrastructure. New trails will be Presently there are no winter activities or assessed for their suitability through services offered in the park, with the approved site plans prior to construction. exception of ATV and snowmobile Site-specific life science, earth science access in designated areas. and cultural inventories will be conducted to ensure protection of natural 8.3.4 Recreation and Tourist Services park values. Canoeing continues to be a popular 8.3.2 Backcountry Camping activity among park visitors, according to park user surveys. In response to this, Restoule Provincial Park has high canoe and other non-motorized potential for providing backcountry watercraft rentals may be offered in the camping. The relatively undeveloped park. With the increase of bicycle use in southwestern half of the original park, in Restoule Provincial Park, bicycles are conjunction with the undisturbed presently being offered on a rental basis. shoreline, offers opportunity for hike-in and canoe accessible sites. 8.3.5 Adjacent Lands and Waters The Stormy Lake/Restoule River Environmentally sensitive use of corridor will be evaluated for potential to adjacent Crown lands and waterways support interior canoe accessible will be promoted. campsites. Location and number of sites will be determined following a more in- 8.3.6 Private Recreation Camps depth analysis of the area. Existing campsites will be used where Eight Land Use Permits (LUP's), in the appropriate. form of private recreation camps, are located within park boundaries along the A backcountry implementation plan will Stormy Lake/Restoule River OLL be prepared prior to the development of addition. any interior sites. This plan will assess existing sites for their suitability; Existing authorized LUP's will be propose new sites for development; and allowed to continue and may be eligible 24 for enhanced tenure, but not purchase of boundaries and are permitted only on the lands. Enhanced tenure is defined as trails and routes within the OLL addition an upgrade in the nature or tyPe of (Natural Environment zone NE6) tenure, and/or an extension in the term of designated by the Park Superintendent. the tenure. Establishment of new private Exemptions may be granted for specific recreation camps will not be permitted circumstances through permission by the within park boundaries. Park Superintendent. This may include operation and management of the Recreation camp LUP holders may apply trapper's trail in zone NEI and NE2; as a for facility improvements, but may not means of access through the park's increase size or capacity of the camp. No Access zone; and, for access to private new roads will be developed for access recreation camps and cottages located to camps in the OLL addition. within park boundaries. Any patented land located within the ATV's and snowmobiles will be park boundaries will remain patented permitted in the portion of the Access land. Ontario Parks may consider zone leading along Highway 534 to the purchasing the properties in the future on Stormy Lake boat launch only during the a willing-seller, willing-buyer basis only. first Tuesday following Thanksgiving until April 30 the following year. 8.3.7. Motorized Vehicles Motorized vehicles are not permitted in Nature Reserve zones. During the annual seasons of May I until Thanksgiving Monday, motorboats will 8.4 Marketing be limited to motors of 10 horsepower or less along the Restoule River portion of A Marketing Strategy, in conformance the Ontario's Living Legacy park with the Park Business Plan, will be addition (Natural Environment zone prepared to promote Restoule Provincial NE6). During the seasons of the first Park. This strategy will establish Tuesday following Thanksgiving until direction: April 30 the following year, motorboats in this same area will be limited to o To promote Restoule Provincial Park motors of 40 horsepower or less. as a recreation resource to the local Exemptions may be granted by the Park communities; Superintendent for specific o To demonstrate Restoule Provincial circumstances. This may include park Park as an integral element of the management and operations, law tourism market benefiting from and enforcement and emergency response. bringing benefits to the local Motorboat horsepower restrictions will business sector; and, ensure greater protection for significant o To ensure that Restoule Provincial and sensitive aquatic flora and fauna Park is included in promotional species and habitats. activities associated with tourism in local communities. ATV's and snowmobiles are not permitted within original park 25 Objectives outlined in the Park Business 9.1 Camping and Alternative Plan include: Accommodation r Attract new visitation from Campsites subject to high use will be immediate markets, within a 150-km rehabilitated. Site rehabilitation radius; processes, such as planting native o Contact local schools for visitation vegetation species for buffers or to speed and partnership projects; the rehabilitation process, may be o Boost visitation in both shoulder and required. peak periods; gradually o Promote day-use visitation; Interior campsites will be phased-in upon completion of the . Encourage greater exposure ofthe planning process. Suitable local economic community to park management be utilized first, and visitors. existing sites will upgraded if required in order to provide proper site amenities, including a tent Emphasis on marketing will be focused pad, pit, toilet pit, etc. on existing and new facilities and fire services as they materialize; for example, park business plan will address the backcountry camping, canoeing and new The and environmental effects of trails will be promoted through feasibility yurts and fixed roof published documents, such as the park establishing accommodations in the park. If tabloid, and incorporated into visitor these facilities would be related activities and programs. approved, in Development zones D1 and Marketing will be used to increase the situated Favorable locations include the length of visits to Restoule Provincial D2. campgrounds and the reserve Park by promoting park use in shoulder existing campground. seasons, promoting new trails, camping experiences, services and facilities. Roads and Parking Emphasis will be placed on attracting 9.2 Internal outdoor groups to use new hiking trails, and parking areas may be bicycle trails, backcountry camping Park roads upgraded as required. In the case of experiences and canoe excursions using increases in beach, day-use, or interior Restoule Provincial Park as a drop-off camping opportunities, new parking and pick-up location. areas may be added within the 9.0 DEVELOPMENT Development zones. POLICIES No new roads will be developed in the Ontario's Living Legacy park addition. The purpose of this section is to provide a concise development concePt for Comfort Stations Restoule Provincial Park, and to identify 9.3 priorities for new development and the Two comfort stations are situated within redevelopment of existing facilities. the park, one in each of Kettle Point and Putt's Point Campgrounds. A third 26 comfort station may be added in Bell's visitor access control during the spring Point Campground. Shower facilities and autumn seasons. may be added to existing buildings as demand requires. Comfort stations will 9.7 Natural Heritage Education also be upgraded or replaced as required. Facilities 9.4 Day-use Facilities The park's NHE office is presently located adjacent to the day-use area. It Docking and boat-launching facilities serves as the summer headquarters for along Restoule and Stormy Lakes may the NHE staff, and facilitates a variety of be refurbished and upgraded. Additional programs and displays. Since it is not a docking slips may be added, depending convenient walking distance from the on the level of use. campgrounds and due to its lack of parking space, it is recommended that New trails proposed for the Restoule the NHE office be relocated to a more Provincial Park include a four kilometre appropriate area, central to the hiking trail and a five kilometre biking campgrounds. An outdoor amphitheatre trail. These trails are discussed in more may be constructed at the new location detail in section 8.3.1. of the office to accommodate a greater variety of programming. New seasonal 9.5 Utilities and permanent educational displays will offer greater educational experiences for Utility systems such as the water system, park visitors, reflecting the park's level sewage system and electrical system are of activity. adequate for the present needs of the park. Upgrades to these utilities will be implemented as needed and as funding permits. 9.6 Park Maintenance and Operations Facilities Restoule Provincial Park's maintenance facilities are presently sufficient for the requirements of the park. Upgrades to Stormy Lake Boat Launch the maintenance infrastructure will be Photo: Doug Hamilton implemented accordingly and as funding permits. 9.8 Park Store The main park office is currently situated A park retail outlet may be considered within the maintenance compound. A for Restoule Provincial Park in order to new park office constructed in consolidate services that are currently conjunction with the gatehouse facility at provided by the park. Current existing the entrance to the park is required in services include the sale of ice, park order to accommodate more efficient merchandise and recreational rental 27 items, such as bicycles and canoes. A 10.1 ResourceStewardshiP park retail outlet operation may be considered once: . Prepare study on the Exposed Bluff Nature Reserve; o A feasibility study and business case . Prepare Park Cultural/Archeological are prepared to determine if this is an Study; appropriate facility for Restoule . Prepare Vegetation Management Provincial Park; and, Plan: o An appropriate site is selected in an . Implement interpretive signs at fire area central to all campgrounds and tower; that will not negativelY imPact . Implement erosion control and natural features of the Park. monitoring measures on trail system. The park retail outlet maY also be 10.2 Development incorporated into an existing structure, such as the current park office within the o Evaluate and develop new hiking and maintenance compound, or within the bicycle trail network, following the proposed new park office location, development of a trail which includes the main gatehouse. implementation pl anlfeasibility study. Evaluate OLL addition for Ontario Parks will continue to be trail potential; sensitive to the interests of neighboring o Evaluate site locations and private sector businesses. Park develop/upgrade water accessible management will enter into consultation interior campsites; to seek approval for the expansion of the o Prepare business plan for yurts and services provided by the park retail fixed roof accommodation ; outlet should those new services be o Construct new park office; deemed to be in direct competition with o Evaluate alternatives and prepare site existing local service providers. plan for the relocation of the NHE office and the construction of an 1.0.0 IMPLEMENTATION outdoor amphitheatre; STRATEGY . Implement park viewing platforms and boardwalks; The projects and activities described in . Upgrade comfort stations. this plan and listed below will be implemented dePending on the 10.3 Operational / Administration availability and allocation of funding each year, and according to the priorities o Prepare Marketing Strategy; established by Restoule Provincial Park. o Maintain Park Operating Plan; Prior to implementing these projects, r Implement motorboat engine size MNR will undertake additional restrictions; as required evaluations and consultations . Develop park retail outlet operation; Environmental to meet policy and o Maintain boundary markings. Assessment Act obligations. 28 10.4 Social and Economic Impact invitation consisted of newspaper Analysis notices, bulletin board notices throughout the park, and newsletter As noted in section 4.4, Restoule mailings to the public, adjacent Provincial Park makes a significant landowners, and stakeholder groups. A contribution to the economies of the notice was also posted to the Restoule community, Patterson and Environmental Bill of Rights Hardy Townships and the Province of Environmental Registry inviting Ontario. participation. A mailing list was compiled containing names of those who The MNR Social and Economic Impact expressed interest, in addition to those Model is used to estimate the impact of on Ontario Parks' mandatorv mailins the expenditures associated with list. Restoule Provincial Park. Two public information sessions were The average initial total expenditure by held in July 1998 to address, early in the park visitors and by Ontario Parks to planning process, concerns of park users, operate Restoule Provincial Park is adjacent landowners and interest groups. approximately $850,000 annually. The One session was held in the village of average Provincial Gross Output (the Restoule for the citizens of the local total value of goods and services sold by community, and one session was held in businesses during a normal year of Restoule Provincial Park for park operations) is approximately $2.2 visitors. Notice of these meetings was million. Restoule Provincial Park also outlined in the Invitation to Participate. supports the equivalent of roughly 24 A Terms of Reference was written prior person years of employment annually. to the information sessions and distributed upon request. The development of new hiking and biking trails, new interior campsites and A Background Information File was roofed accommodation has the potentiai compiled in August 1998 and was made of increasing recreational activity during available upon request at the Restoule the peak operating season in the summer, Provincial Park Office, North Bay MNR as well as encouraging more visitation in District Office and Ontario Parks Central the spring and autumn shoulder seasons. Zone Offrce. Invitations to review the An increase in the number of visitors file were issued, and consisted of will increase the contribution to the local newspaper notices, newsletter mailing to economy, and new development will those on the mailing list, and a notice help support the area's tourism was posted to the Environmental Bill of infrastructure. Rights Environmental Registry. 11-.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATION The Preliminary Management Plan stage was initiated with postings in the park An Invitation to Participate was issued in during the summer of 2001 to encourage June 1998 to solicit input for the participation in the planning process. management planning process. The The management planning mailing list 29 was increased to include those on the The release of this approved MNR North Bay District's mailing list Manasement Plan will also include: for the Ontario's Living Legacy Restoule Provincial Park addition. A public notice informing the public of a final opportunity to review the The Preliminary Management Plan was plan for a period of 45 days after its released to the public on August 15, formal release; and, 2001, with and open house August 28, A posting of a Decision Notice on 2001. Comments on the preliminary plan the Environmental Bill of Rights were accepted until September 28,2001. Environmental RegistrY. A newspaper notice preceded the release of this document, and an Environmental Bill of Rights posting coincided with the release date. The predominant themes in the comments have been reflected in the contents of this management Plan. Public consultation for the preliminary plan resulted in the following changes: r A horsepower limitation on the Restoule River will be implemented, rather than a seasonal motorboat restriction; o Changes in zoning have been applied in order to clarify areas of the park open to hunting. Through this, the hunting zone was extended to include a traditional hunting ground in the eastern-half of the original park. The north/south portion of the Restoule River bisecting the original park has been included in the NR2 Nature Reserve zone. This meets the level of protection intended for this aquatic environment; . The proposed non-OLL park addition located in the southeast corner of the park has been removed; . Clarification has been provided with regard to ATV and snowmobile use within park boundaries. 30 I2.O REFERENCES Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Hunting Regulations Summary 2001, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Queen's Printer for Ontario ,2001. Fisheries Acr, R.S.F-14, 1985. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Frey, E. and Duba, D., Draft Earth Land Tenure Map, 1:50,000. North Bay Science Inventory, Pl53 Restoule District, 1998. Addition,2000. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Hope, Douglas, The Historical Loring Deer Yrtrd Map,7:50,000. North Background of Restoule Provincial Bay District, 1998. Park, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 1971. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, North Bay District Fisheries Kershaw, H.M., Life Science Inventory Management Plan I 987-2000, Queen's for Restoule Provincial Park, Devlin Printer for Ontario, 1989. Consulting Services, 1997. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, ,4 North Bay District Land Use Guidelines, Re s earch and Info rmation Strate gy : 1983. Setting Priorities. Occasional Paper Number 2., Ontario Parks, Planning and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Research Section, 1997. Ontario's Living Legacy Land Use Strategy, Queen's Printer for Ontario Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 1999. Base Map Informatioru, 1:50,000. North Bay District, 1998. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario P rovincial P arks Mnnag ement Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Planning Manual, Park Operations Benr Management Areas and Traplines Section, Provincial Operations Branch, Map,7:50,000. North Bay District, Toronto, 1994. I 998. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario P rovincial P ctrks O perating Environmental As s es sment in Ontario Standards, Provincial Parks and Natural Provincial Parks: An Interim Field Heritage Policy Branch, Toronto, 1992. Reference fctr StaJf, Corporate Policy and Planning Secretariat, Huntsville, 1994. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Provincial Parks Planning and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Management P olicies, Provincial Parks Fish and WildliJ'e Conservation Act, S.O. and Natural Heritage Policy Branch, 1991, c.41. Toronto, 1992. 31 Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Spek, C.M., Restoule Provincial Park Park Statistics 1993 - 1997, Ontario Earth Science Checksheet, Ontario Parks Parks, Park Operations and Development Central Zone Planning and Research Section, Peterborough. Section, 1997. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Rec reational F ishing Re gulations Summary 2001, Queen's Printer for Ontario,2001. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Resource Allocations Map, 1 :50,000. North Bay District, 1998. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Resource Values Map, l:50,000. North Bay District, 1998. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Restoule Provincial Park Interim Manag ement Statement, 1986. Ontario Parks, OMNR, A Rec onnais sance Lfe S cienc e Inv entory of the Proposed Addition to Restoule P rovinc ial P ark, Huntsville, March 200r. Ontario Parks, OMNR, Provincial Park Day Visitor Survey Summary Tables 1996, Planning and Research Section. Ontario Parks, OMNR, Provincial Park Camper Survey Summary Tables 1996, Planning and Research Section. Ontario Parks, OMNR, Restoule P rovincial P ark Addition Recreation Re s o urc e Inv ent o ry Re p ort, Huntsville, March 2001. Patten, Bruce, Restoule Provincial Park Geological Report, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, I 972. 32 (0.5 k P.R., 02-07-31) rsBN 0-7794-3361-0