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Home , Ontario, Pigeon Bay, Quetico Provincial Park

Pigeon River Provincial Park

Management Plan

Ministry of The Le Reseau Heritage de rivieres Natural Riven du patrimoine @ Resources System canadien © 1994, Queen's Printer for Ontario

Printed in Ontario,

Additional copies of this publication are obtained only from:

Ministry of Natural Resources Regional Parks 435 James South Suite 221 , Ontario P7E 6E3

Phone: (807) 475-1321

3174-3 (0.4 k, P.R., 94.12.01) ISBN 0-7778-3410-3 APPROVAL STATEMENT

Pigeon River Provincial Park, along with LaVerendrye Provincial Park and portions of , has been nominated into the Canadian Heritage Rivers System as the ­ Voyageurs Waterway. This nomination affords recognition of the rich natural, cultural and recreational resources, not only of Pigeon River Provincial Park itself, but the entire waterway system.

I am pleased to approve the Pigeon River Provincial Park Management Plan, as official policy for the management and development of this park. The plan reflects this Ministry I s intent to protect the natural and cultural features of Pigeon River Provincial Park and maintain and develop high quality opportunities for outdoor recreation and heritage appreciation for both residents of ontario and visitor to the .

Ca eron D. Clark Regional Director Northwest Region Thunder Bay TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

1.0 INTRODUCTION .... · . 1

2.0 PARK CLASSIFICATION • • 2

3.0 PARK GOAL • • • 2 4.0 PARK OBJECTIVES · · · · · · 2 4.1 Protection objective · · · · · ·· · 3 4.2 Recreation Objective · · · · · · · · 3 4.3 Heritage Appreciation Objective ·· · · 3 4.4 Tourism Objective · · · · · · · 3 5.0 PARK BOUNDARY • • • 4 6. 0 PARK ZONING ...... 4 6.1 Natural Environment Zones ...... 4 6. 1. 1 NE1 ...... 4 6.1.2 NE2 ...... 5 6. 1. 3 NE3 ...... 5 6.2 Nature Reserve Zone ...... 5 6.2. 1 NR1 ...... 5 6.3 Development Zones 5 6.3.1 D1 ...... 6 6. 3 • 2 D2 ...... •. 6 6.4 Access Zone ...... 6 6. 4 • 1 Al ...... 6 6.5 Historical Zone ...... 6 6.5. 1 Hl ...... 6

7.0 CANADIAN HERITAGE RIVER SYSTEM • • 7 8.0 RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP POLICIES · ·· ··· · · · 7 8.1 Water Management . . · ···· · · · · · 7 8.2 Vegetation Management · · · · · 8 8.3 Fire Management ··· · · · · 8 8.4 Wildlife Management · · · · 8 8.5 Fisheries Management · · · · · · 8 8.6 Landform Management · · · · ·· · · · · 9 8.7 Cultural Resources Management · · ··· · · 9

ii 9.0 OPERATIONAL POLICIES · . · · · · · · · · 10 9.1 Natural Heritage Education · · · · · · · 10 9.1.1 Park Information · · · · · · 11 9.1.2 Interpretation · · · · · · · 11 9.1.3 Recreational · · · · · · · · · · · · 11 9.2 Recreation Management · · · · · · · · · · · 11 9.3 Tourism Services · · · · · · · · · · 12 9.4 Marketing . . . · · · · · · · · · · 13 9.5 Research . . . . · . · · · · · · · · · · · · 13 10.0 DEVELOPMENT POLICIES . · .. .. 13 10.1 D1 . · ...... 14 10.2 D2 . · . . . 14 10. 3 Al . .. . · ...... 14

11.0 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW · . . . 15 11.1 Implementation Priorities. · . . 15 11.2 Plan Review and Amendment. · 15

12.0 SUMMARY OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION. • • • 16

REFERENCES • • • 18

LIST OF FIGURES

Page

1. Regional Setting · . 1a

2. Zoning Map . . . · 4a 3 • Proposed Development . 14a

LIST OF TABLES

Page 1. Resource Management Policies by Zone Category ... 7a

2. Permitted Recreational Uses By Park Zone. . 12a

3. Implementation Priorities 16

4. Issues and Resolutions ...... 17

iii 1.0 INTRODUCTION diversity of Pigeon River. The Thunder Bay region of Although maps designate a ontario has been described as specific group of mesas south "one of Canada's most scenic of the City of Thunder Bay as landscapes" (Mollard and Janes, liThe Nor' Westers" , 1984) . This statement is residents use the name to refer attested to by the many to the complete range of hills pUblications, on both a extending to Pigeon River. The national and provincial scale, impressive scenery is due to that have used the general the intrusion of diabase, an area, and Pigeon River igneous rock that is injected Provincial Park specifically, parallel to the layering of the for illustrative purposes older rock it invades, to form (Banks, 1989; Bird and Hale, a sill. These sills, referred 1982; Hewitt and Freeman, 1972; to as Logan sills after Sir Mollard and Janes, 1984; Pye, william Logan who first 1969; Theberge et al., eds., described them (Pye, 1969), 1989). The high mesas, cuestas being more resistant to erosion and dike ridges between Thunder than the surrounding rocks form Bay and Pigeon River provide a cap and now stand out in majestic views of relief. Of significance in the Superior. Pigeon River area is a series of narrow, almost vertical, Pigeon River Provincial Park is northeasterly-trending diabase located where the Pigeon River dikes, which served as feeder enters , roughly passages in the formation of 45 kilometres south of the City the above mentioned sills. of Thunder Bay in (Figure 1). The park's Pigeon River Provincial Park, southern boundary, which then called Middle Falls follows the Pigeon River, Provincial Park, was coincides with the established in 1957. This small International Boundary between five hectare holding was Canada and the . classed as a Recreation Park. The is shared with the An additional 902 hectares east State of to the of the park was set aside as a south. Traditionally, the park Park Reserve in 1973. In 1983, has provided a variety of the Ministry of Natural recreational opportunities such Resources produced land use as overnight camping, scenic guidelines to direct future use viewing, picnicking and hiking. of Crown Land throughout the Its focal point, is Pigeon Province. The Thunder Bay Falls (28 metres) , more Land Use Guidelines commonly known as High Falls, (OMNR, 1983) recommended the and its associated steep-walled adjacent Park Reserve be gorge. incorporated into the park and that the subsequently larger Given its relatively small size holding be re-classified (949 hectares), few parks in Natural Environment in the Ontario park system can consideration of its match the physiographic significant natural and

1 FIGURE 1 Regional Setting I~f :' Provincial Park [!J Provincial Park ~Bounqary Waters ~'Canoe Area ~:~~1~~rk Wilderness E·:" CI:I Pigeon River r;-1 Grand Portage ~ Provincial Park L:J State Park

25 0 50 100 km ffi North 11111-1 I I

CANADA ONTARIO

lake Superior

Local SettIng

CANADA

U.S.A.

20 10 o .2 0 km I I I I

1a cultural features. In 1985 (0. recreational attributes, as Reg. 493/85) the Park Reserve well as its geographical was incorporated into the park. setting on the International In 1993, portions of the river Boundary where it abuts Grand bed were added to the park to Portage state Park in bring the current land base to Minnesota. 949 hectares. Since 1985 the park has been managed as a Natural Environment Park 3.0 PARK GOAL through the auspices of an Interim Management statement The goal for Pigeon River pending the completion of the Provincial Park is "to protect Park Management Plan. an outstanding landscape that includes natural and cultural This document, the Park features of provincial Management Plan, evolved from significance and, in so doing, the publ i.c review of the provide compatible recreational Background Information and opportunities." Alternative Concepts document and the Preliminary Management Plan. The approved Park 4.0 PARK OBJECTIVES Management Plan provides the rationale and guidelines by Attaining the above goal would which the park will be managed ensure that Pigeon River over the plan's 20 year Provincial Park contributes to lifespan. The Park Management the achievement of each of the Plan is reviewed regularly four established objectives of throughout this 20 year period the Provincial Parks System, and a mandatory review is held which are as follows: after 10 years. 4.1 Protection Objective

2.0 PARK CLASSIFICATION To protect provincially significant elements of the Pigeon River Provincial Park is natural and cultural landscapes classified as a Natural of ontario. Environment Park. The ontario Provincial Parks; Planning and Pigeon River Provincial Park Management Policies (1992 contains a variety of natural update) describes Natural and cultural resources that are Environment parks as provincially significant. These incorporating "outstanding include: recreational landscapes with representative natural features • a diabase mesa/dike ridge and historical resources to system ( "swarm" ) that some provide high quality consider nationally recreational and educational significant. experiences." • events and processes associated with former glacial Natural Environment status which were restricted to reflects the park's diverse this small corner of the physiography, rich history and province {i.e., the Pigeon

2 River area). 4.3 Heritaqe Appreciation • vegetation associated with objective diabase mesa tops and dike ridges. To provide opportunities to • the opportunity to protect observe and appreciate the clay sUbstrates, which are natural and cultural heritage relatively under-represented in of the Pigeon River-Lake the Provincial Park System. superior area through • the representation of unstructured individual prehistoric, historic and more exploration and/or recent features associated with interpretation and education aboriginal peoples, the fur based on the character and trade, explorers and the timber significance of the park and industry. its immediate area. These resources will be Interpretation programs will protected through appropriate provide park visitors with an zoning and management policies. opportunity to appreciate and understand the area's natural 4.2 Recreation Objective and cultural resources. This includes early exploration, the To provide day use, facility­ , the timber and based camping and backcountry mining industry, as well as the travel opportunities that are park's earth and life science compatible with a provincially features. section 9.1 Natural significant landscape. Heritage Education lists interpretive themes and Pigeon River Provincial Park portrayal techniques for the provides outstanding park. opportunities for a variety of high quality, low-impact recreational uses compatible 4.4 Tourism objective with the character of the park. These activities will allow To provide ontario residents users to experience a dramatic and out-of-province visitors landscape that provides a the opportunity to discover and chronology of geological events experience the distinct natural and processes spanning two and cultural attributes of this billion years. The park's corner of the province in order variable terrain also provides to complement and strengthen excellent vantage points for the area's tourist industry. observing dynamic, ongoing processes associated with the The natural and cultural modern day Pigeon River and its features of Pigeon River juncture with the Lake Superior Provincial Park will serve to shore line. Examples of attract tourists and area activities which afford this recreationalists. The park will experience include canoeing, achieve this through day use kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, and camping opportunities. cross-country skiing, viewing, winter use of the park through snowmobiling and sail and power compatible activities, such as boating. snowshoeing and cross-country

3 skiing, will provide year-round direction the park has been tourism opportunities and, in zoned based on designations doing so, strengthen the described in the ontario tourist industry. The park will Provincial Parks: Planning and also provide a first-hand Management Policies (1978, opportunity to introduce out­ updated 1992). Zoning allocates of-province visitors to not park areas on the basis of only the regional park system their significance for specifically, but the region's protection and their potential tourist infrastructure in for recreation within the general. Given its border context of the park's location the park serves as a classification (Figure 2). "gateway to ontario".

6.1 Natural Environment Zone 5.0 PARK BOUNDARY Natural environment zones Most of the Pigeon River include natural landscapes Provincial Park boundary which permit the minimum level coincides with natural of development required to features. Approximately 8 km of support low-intensity the Lake Superior shoreline recreational activities. makes up the park's eastern Development is I imited (e. g. , boundary. The Ministry intends necessary signs, minimal to extend the present shoreline interpretive facilities) . boundary 200 metres out into Resource management policies Lake Superior from the high are typically more permissive water mark. Doing so would than those for wilderness and incorporate Morin Island and nature reserve zones. Natural its adjacent small rock islet. environment zones often serve Consideration will be given to as buffers between development including the Boundary Islands or access zones and the more pending on-site studies. protective wilderness, Existing boating and fishing historical or nature reserve activities would continue. The zones. Canada-United States border, which runs along the middle of 6.1.1 NE1 (112 hal the Pigeon River, constitutes the southern boundary. Highways The purpose of this zone is: 593 and 61 define the park's northwestern boundary. -to provide opportunities for Acquisition of the 0.4 hectare recreational activities such as parcel where the existing gift hiking, picnicking, viewing, shop is located adjacent to the cross-country skiing and park's northwest corner will be snowshoeing. considered should this parcel -to provide a buffer between become available. Highways 593 and 61 and the nature reserve zone to the south (NR1). 6.0 PARK ZONING This zone is separated into two To provide specific management parts by 61, however,

4 Figure 2 : Park Zoning Map

N A - Access D • Development H • Historical NE • Natural Environment NR· Nature Reserve

NR1 Owen Island c:::J

Utile czr»

Boundary (Lake SuperIor) PIgeon Bay Island~ t:?

CANADA / ,, __,,­ ,,-"- UNifEDS1:ATES"-'-" -"- "

/ ' f " ­ KM . ~.. ,~..-- -'.-. o .5 1 1.5 ~River I I I I for management purposes it is development includes trails, treated as one. necessary signs, minimal interpretive facilities and 6.1.2 NE2 (16 ha) temporary facilities for research and management. The purpose of this zone is: 6.2.1 NRI (690 ha) eto provide a relatively natural setting for part of the The purpose of this zone is to trail system that will be used protect a number of significant to access High Falls. earth and life science eto serve as a buffer between features. These include: the Highway 61 border crossing infrastructure and the historic ethe diabase sill and dike zone (HI) at High Falls and the ridge system and their nature reserve (NRl) protecting associated talus slopes. the dike ridge system to the eraised ridge and swale system north. denoting successional drops in ancestral lake levels. 6. 1. 3 NE3 (20.2 ha) emesa tops associated with ancestral lakes (e.g., Lake The purpose of this zone is: Washburn) that were restricted to this corner of the Lake eto permit motor boat access on Superior basin. the Pigeon River. eparkland vegetation associated eto permit fisheries with the mesa tops. management. ea number of forested deciduous and coniferous swamp This zone includes the Canadian communities as well as thicket portion of the waters of the swamp. Pigeon River. High Falls is ea number of regionally located in this zone. significant plant spec1es. ea lacustrine plain consisting 6.2 Nature Reserve Zone of fine-textured soil substrates presently under­ Nature reserve zones protect represented in the park system significant earth and life (e. g., clay). science features which require management distinct from that This zone is separated into two in adjacent zones. They provide parts by Highway 61, however, a high degree of protection and for management purposes it is opportunities for regulated treated as one. research. Such areas also provide quality opportunities 6.3 Development Zone for low-intensity, resource­ based activities such as Development zones contain the hiking, viewing, photography area of the park geared towards and nature study. Protection the support of intensive day­ is ensured through zoning and use and camping activities. the designation of appropriate They constitute a relatively park uses and the enforcement small portion of most parks. of park regulations. Permitted Development include roads,

5 visitor access structures, favourable detailed site beaches, picnic areas, studies. campgrounds, commercial service .an administration, visitor facilities, and orientation, control and service area. interpretive, educational, .parking and access to trial research and management system. facilities. Two development zones have been designated in 6.4 Access Zone Pigeon River Provincial Park. Any new development will be Access zones serve as staging sUbject to a favourable areas in which to direct and detailed site analysis. The regulate use in areas of a park purpose of this analysis is to geared towards extensive determine whether use or recreation. Development is development will have a typically limited to roads and detrimental impact on the visitor control structures. park's attributes or vice versa. Although use and 6.4.1 A1 (4 ha) development will have some degree of impact it should not The purpose of this 8 metre impair the natural integrity of wide zone is: the resource base. .to provide access 6.3.1 D1 (5 ha) to the Canada-US Custom stations. This is the existing campground and service area. The purpose 6.5 Historical Zone of this zone is to provide: Historical zones encompass the .group camping/dayuse provincially significant opportunities. cultural resources of a park. • administrative facilities. They generally focus on a .access to hiking trails. specific site (e.g., building) .viewing opportunities of and its relationship to the Middle Falls. surrounding landscape. Development is limited to Due to site constraints car trails, necessary signs, camping will be phased out and interpretive, educational, the area converted to a group research and management camping/day use area. The area facilities and historical provides an opportunity to view reconstructions where Middle Falls located just a appropriate. short distance upstream. 6.5.1 H1 (5 ha) 6. 3 • 2 D2 (75 ha) The purpose of this zone is: This area is located east of the border crossing facilities. • to recognize and interpret The purpose of this zone is to the role of High Falls as a provide: barrier to travel and commerce (e.g., logging, native and .a new campground subject to voyageur travel) .

6 The design of viewing and concentrate on protection and interpretation facilities will heritage appreciation of the be as unobtrusive as possible park's natural and cultural so as not to intrude on the resources while permitting view of the falls from the recreation and tourism. American side. Resource protection will vary depending on zone designation (Table 1). 7.0 CANADIAN HERITAGE RIVER SYSTEM A Park Operations Plan will be prepared in keeping with the Pigeon River and LaVerendrye direction provided in the Provincial Parks and the Management Plan. The Operations southern portion of Quetico Plan will provide specific Provincial Park have been operational guidelines for nominated as the Boundary carrying out the management of Waters-Voyageurs Waterway under the park's resources. the Canadian Heritage Rivers System. The Canadian Heritage Commercial removal of natural Rivers System is a cooperative resources from the park is program developed and run by prohibited. the parks' administrations of territorial, provincial and the Status Indians having federal governments to give rights to carry out traditional national recognition to the harvesting important rivers of Canada. The activities shall be permitted primary objective of the to carryon these activities in program is to ensure that those accordance with the terms of rivers which are outstanding their treaty within their examples of Canada's natural treaty areas. and cultural heritage, as well as offering outstanding 8.1 Water Management recreational opportunities, are protected. The nomination of Water management will maintain The Boundary Waters-Voyageurs water quality for fisheries Waterway was accepted by the habitat and recreational Heritage Rivers Board in June purposes. Water quality will be 1986. It is expected to be monitored on a regular basis officially designated as a adjacent to development and Heritage River in 1996. access zones where camping occurs in accordance with Provincial health standards. 8.0 RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP POLICIES Park waters, located along the International Boundary, are Resource stewardship will be under the jurisdiction of the guided by the ontario International Joint Commission Provincial Parks: Planning and (IJC) of the united States and Management Guidelines. Such Canada. The Commission has stewardship policies will jurisdiction over all matters emphasize the overall goal and involving the use, diversion, objectives of the park and or obstruction of the boundary

7 Table 1: Resource Stewardship POlicies by Zone Category

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT POLICIES PARK ZONES D A NR HI NE Lands and Waters exploration/extraction Aggregate extraction Commercial hydro development Water control structures Land disposition-camps, lodges Flora Vegetation management Y Y y* Y Y Commercial logging Insect/disease suppression-native y y y y -non-native Y Y Y Y Y Fire suppression-natural & man-caused Y Y Y Y Y Prescribed burning M Fauna Commercial trapping status Indians Only wildlife population management Y Y Y Y Bait fishing Fish stocking-native species y -non-native species Fish habitat management Y Recreation Management Commercial tourist operations Restrictions on all or specific y y y y y vehicle types Can and bottle restrictions M Party size restrictions Legend y compatible in zone category blank not permitted M may be required * removal of hazard trees on trails only waters. The Ministry of Natural 8.3 Fire Management Resources will work in conjunction with the IJC and All fires will be suppressed. Canadian and American Prescribed burning may be used government agencies to ensure to replace natural processes water quality along the under the proper circumstances. International Boundary. Fire suppression techniques will be used which have as 8.2 vegetation Management minimal effect as possible on the park environment. Management of vegetation within BUlldozing and water bombing the park will be conducted in a with chemical additives will manner which will allow the not be permitted, except in natural succession of critical situations as communities, recognizing that determined by the Park the control of insects, disease Superintendent. and fire may take precedence. with this objective in mind the 8.4 wildlife Management activities described below will be undertaken. wildlife management will be compatible with the management Commercial forestry operations of areas adjacent to the park, are prohibited within the park. and with policies and regulations. The removal of safety hazards such as "danger trees" will be is not allowed. permitted in all zones (e.g., on trails, campgrounds). Areas Fur trapping by non-natives experiencing adverse use will be phased out by the year impacts will be rehabilitated 2010. using plant species native to the park whenever possible. Nuisance animals will be landscaping will be controlled under the strict permitted in the access and supervision of, or directly by, development zones. the MNR. Such control will be exercised when it is essential Vegetation may be removed for for the protection of human development of structures and health and safety, park values, facilities which are consistent or the health of animal with this Management Plan and species. The techniques used, any plans prepared in support such as trapping, relocation, of it. The biological features or shooting as a last resort, of a site will be inventoried will have minimal detrimental before carrying out work to effects on other components of avoid negative impacts on the park environment. significant sites or species. Trees which are removed may be 8.5 Fisheries Management used for park purposes such as firewood. Fisheries management will be done in accordance with the A vegetation stewardship plan Fisheries will be prepared. Management Plan [DFMPJ (OMNR,

8 1989). The DFMP identifies the Waste disposal sites and need for a specific Fisheries dumping are prohibited within Stewardship Plan for the area the park. Garbage collection of Pigeon River Provincial facilities will be located in Park. the access and development zones only. Solid waste and Sport fishing is permitted in sewage generated by park users the park. All fishing activity will be disposed outside the will adhere to the policies and park through local facilities regulations of Division 21 of or in an established area. the Ontario Fishing Regulations. The Park Road, rail and utility line Superintendent may restrict corridors through the park are sport fishing at certain times prohibited. Commercial and locations for the purposes billboards will not be allowed of fisheries management and/or in the park. pUblic safety. There will be no removal of Stocking and spawn collection mineral aggregate from the by permit are allowed. park. Aggregate for park purposes will be imported from The use of live bait for the sources outside the park. purpose of fishing is permitted. A landform stewardship plan will be prepared. Commercial fishing and commercial bait fishing are not 8.7 Cultural Resources permitted. Management

8.6 Landform Management The management of cultural resources will be directed to The management of the park I s protection, heritage land base will be directed appreciation and research. towards maintaining the natural Protection of archaeological landscape. Mineral exploration and historic sites will be and mining are prohibited. achieved through zoning and by limiting the type and amounts Erosion control work to protect of recreational activities and park values and pUblic safety development that occur in these is permitted in the access and areas. development zones. The use of non-structural techniques will The Ministry of Natural be emphasized. Resources will continue to work in conjunction with Ministry of The establishment of roads and Culture, Tourism and Recreation utilities for park purposes in the inventory, protection will be directed by approved and maintenance of site plans. Such projects will archaeological and historic be permitted in the access and sites. If deemed appropriate development zones only and and necessary for the their progress will be closely protection and preservation of monitored. cultural resources, such 9 inventory may include operating Plan will include excavations of archaeological such topics as budget, sites. Excavations by staffing, maintenance authorized licensed personnel schedules, enforcement and with appropriate research emergency services. The permits will be conducted under provisions of the Operating the approval and supervision of Plan will be consistent with the above Ministries. Upon the approved ontario Provincial completion of excavation, the Parks Operating standards and site or portions of the site will be reviewed annually and will be returned to their updated as required. original condition, or will be developed for the purposes of The MNR will encourage through interpreting the cultural partnerships with the private resources inherent in the sector or volunteers, the sites. The type and extent of provision of park services. All such development will be private sector services determined by the findings from considered will be consistent the excavation. with the policies of this plan. Periodic inspection of A Sign Plan will be prepared significant sites will occur which will outline a strategy with protective controls for sign development, and established as required. The placement of directional and removal of artifacts or informational signs. destruction of historical features is illegal. 9.1 Natural Heritage Education

This plan designates an area Pigeon River Provincial Park (02) in the vicinity of the will offer a self-serve level Pigeon River mouth for a future natural heritage education campground and associated program. The primary objective services. An archaeological will be to orient park visitors survey will be part of the site to the park's natural and assessment. Significant recreational attributes. Given archaeological discoveries may its integral relationship with necessitate alterations to the an international border campground design or even crossing the park will also prevent its establishment. serve to introduce out-of­ country visitors to the provincial park system of 9.0 OPERATIONAL POLICIES northwestern ontario. To achieve this the park will Park operations will be managed endeavour to work with the in accordance with the Park Pigeon River Tourist Management Plan. The Operating Information Centre. Plan will provide park staff with the necessary information A Natural Heritage Education required to operate the park on Plan will be prepared. It will a day-to-day basis. In addition provide details regarding the to addressing the operations natural heritage education policies which follow, the program and facilities for the

10 park. The program will River Provincial Park. Printed emphasize use by local material, self-use facilities residents, destination campers and informal personal contact and cross-border visitors. It will be the primary means of will be oriented to park interpretation. The park's main visitors of all ages and a interpretive theme relates to variety of interests. Self-use its geological significance approaches such as publ i cat.Lons (Geology and Landscape) and how and display panels will be used this geology has affected to deliver park information, cultural activities (e.g., the resource interpretation, avoidance of this section of recreational skills and park the Pigeon River by fur management messages. traders; the timber industry having to divert logs around 9.1.1 Park Information High Falls) . Other themes include Pre-European A pUblic information program settlement, Early European will be established which will Exploration, Logging Era, provide visitors with Vegetation, Wildlife Viewing information about the park and and International Relations. its resources, environment and Innovative ways of cooperative facilities. This information portrayal of these themes will will emphasize the visitor's be pursued with other agencies. role in maintaining the park's natural environment, 9.1.3 Recreation appropriate behaviour in parks, safety in the outdoors and Basic recreation information nuisance animals. Park provided on the park map will literature will also advise acquaint visitors with the visitors of commercial services park's attributes, its dangers and attractions in the local (e.g., vertical cliffs) and the area and other provincial skills required to safely parks. interact with it.

A map and information package 9.2 Recreation Management will be produced to enable users to safely explore and use Recreation management will the park. A leave no trace optimize recreational attitude will be promoted in opportunities but, in doing so, order to minimize human impact minimize environmental impacts on the park environment. The in recognition of the park's importance of respecting other significant landscape. users will be stressed. Opportunities will be provided for users to experience the 9.1.2 Interpretation park environment through a number of activities such as Interpretive programs and hiking, canoeing, kayaking, facilities will provide park cross-country skiing, visitors with a greater snowmobiling and snowshoeing. appreciation for and Associated activities include understanding of the natural camping, fishing, picnicking, and cultural features of Pigeon swimming and scenery and 11 wildlife viewing. To facilitate Motorized all-terrain vehicles some of these activities a low­ and off-road dirt bikes are density trail system will be prohibited. Motorized all­ developed that is compatible terrain vehicles will be with the park's goal and allowed for Ministry staff to objectives. This system will service the park should their allow users to come in close use be deemed necessary by the contact with the Pigeon River Park Superintendent. and Lake Superior shorelines as well as providing long distance The possession of cans and views or vistas of the regional bottles in all areas of the terrain (e.g., ) park is permitted. Restrictions from high vantage points. may be imposed should garbage Figure 3 is an example of how problems occur in the nature the trail system might appear. reserve zone. Disposal will be The layout will depend only at designated locations in on detailed site analysis. the development zones. Recreational activities Recreational structures are incompatible with the park goal prohibited in the nature or zones are prohibited or reserve zone. restricted. Prevention of such activities will be through Monitoring of recreational pUblic education of park activities will occur in order visitors concerning appropriate to maintain the park's natural uses in parks in general and character. New or revised the individual zone restrictions on certain designations specifically (see activities may be established, Table 2). if necessary, to maintain the quality of the park's natural Car camping will be moved from and cultural resources but also the existing campground area the level of user experience. (D1) to the area near the river mouth (D2) . This move, 9.3 Tourism Services however, will be dependent on the outcome of a detailed site Although the park's resources analysis of this area. (e.g., High Falls) offer excellent potential to attract Motorboats are a permitted use tourists, the level of services up the Pigeon River to the will be dependent on the extent that water depths environment's ability to permit. Boat caches are sustain such activity. prohibited within the park. Development will be compatible with the park's physical Should an official trail be setting and will not occur established will be where similar facilities and restricted to a narrow corridor services are available nearby. zone (A1) adjacent to Highways The upgrading of existing park 61 and 593. This route would facilities, as well as the allow cross-border snowmobilers instigation of the projected access to Canadian and American development in zone D2, will customs. occur as funding permits.

12 Table 2: Permitted Recreational Uses By Park Zone

PARK ZONES NE1 NE2 NE3 NR1 D1 D2 A1 H1 RECREATIONAL USES PERMITTED Boating (Power) Y campground-car y campground-Group y Canoeing-Kayaking Y Hiking y y y y y y y Mountain Biking Y y y Nature Apprec. y y y y y y y y Orienteering Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Concession M painting/photog. y y y y y y y y Picnic Grounds Y Y Playgrounds Y Y Recreation Prog. Y Y Sailboarding Y Y

Skiing-X-country Y Y Y Y Y y y Snowmobiling-on y* y y y designated trail

Snowshoeing Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Sport Fishing Y Swimming y Legend y permitted use in designated zone M may be permitted in designated zone blank not permitted Note activities not in this list are prohibited within the park * designated trail only The development of commercial qualified individuals which facilities will take place only contributes to the knowledge, in projected development zone inventory and identification of 02 and, failing this, in zone natural and cultural features 01. The Park Operating Plan and to environmental and will detail the location, type recreational management and extent of such development. objectives will be encouraged. It will also provide SUbjects of particular interest specifications and guidelines include archaeology and for the tendering of detailed geomorphology (e.g., raised proposals. shorelines) as well as life science studies (e. g., plant 9.4 Marketing communities and species).

A marketing plan will be User surveys will be undertaken developed for Pigeon River to determine patterns and Provincial Park in accordance extent of park use in order to with established Ministry develop strategies to better policy and procedures. It will distribute use throughout the be reviewed annually and park. revised as required. Marketing activities will be consistent All research programs must be with the Regional Marketing compatible with the park IS Plan. goal, objectives and zoning prescriptions. Such programs The objectives of the marketing require prior approval and must plan are: be conducted in accordance with MNR policy concerning research .to capitalize on the park IS in provincial parks. Research natural and cultural features must also meet all other in order to provide visitors applicable Provincial and with a unique outdoor Federal Government experience within the park goal requirements. Such programs and objectives. will be monitored by Regional .to encourage park visitation Parks. Any archaeological and the use of the park as a research will also require catalyst to stimulate the local approval and monitoring by the and regional economy. Ministry of Culture, Tourism .to encourage park use and and Recreation. Should visitation to low use areas of provincially or nationally the park but in keeping with significant features/resources the park goal and objectives. be found, the Management Plan .to work cooperatively with may be amended to ensure that commercial establishments protection will be provided marketing the park and their through appropriate zoning or services. revision of Plan policies . • to encourage year-round use of the park. 10.0 DEVELOPMENT POLICIES 9.5 Research Development will be implemented Scientific research by through work program planning

13 based on priority and subject 10.1 D1 to the availability of funds. Development will be carried out Pending the outcome of a in accordance with approved detailed site analysis it is site and development plans intended that the existing car which detail the location, type campground in this zone be and extent of development moved to development zone 02 permitted. (Figure 3). Zone D1 will become a group camping/day use area. Where necessary during the The present staff quarters planning stage of development building in this area will within the park, MNR will work continue to serve the same in conjunction with the function. If commercial Ministry of Culture, Tourism facilities are not possible at and Recreation to conduct 02 they may be permitted in D1. archaeological site assessments in the area of the proposed 10.2 D2 development. Should sites be known or discovered to exist in Pending detailed site analysis that area, opportunities for it is intended that zone D2 inventory of the site(s) will serve as the park's be provided. The maintenance administrative and operational and protection of such sites headquarters as well as provide will be directed by research areas for day use activities findings. Modifications to the (e.g., swimming) and a car planned development may be campground to replace the considered dependent upon the existing one in zone D1. significance of the Facilities associated with this archaeological site. purpose include park office and administration buildings, Additional roads and utilities garbage collection facilities, will be permitted in visitor and entry control development zones only and structures and interpretive and construction will be closely informational displays. monitored by MNR. The Development along the river's upgrading, construction and will be as unobtrusive as maintenance of park roads in possible in order to be the development zones will be compatible with the land base conducted on a continuing basis on the American side. as required to implement the Management Plan. This zone also provides the opportunity for the development No development will take place of limited commercial in the nature reserve zone facilities by the private (NR1), except for necessary sector (e.g., an outlet for the signs and trails. sale of camping supplies) should such supplies not be Interpretive, informational and available nearby. directional signs will be installed at appropriate 10.3 A1 locations in accordance with the park's Sign Plan. When and if an official

14 Figure 3 : Proposed Development A Administrative I lVJ Garbage Collection " Operational Centre Facilities ". '. D Campground iii Day Use Facilities N '.'., -,, Ii Parking Facilities 6 Visitor Centre " " II Log Sluiceway " " !E Boat Launch " " " -­Walking Trails " "., •••• Snowmobile Trail " D1 iii ".'. '. Owen ",--...... Island a / Uttle Pigeon Bay czr-

Boundary (Lake SuperIor) Pigeon Bay Island~ t?

KM o .5 1 1.5 I I I I snowmobile trail is established effective upon approval of this access zone Al will serve as a plan and the establishment of corridor to funnel cross-border necessary regulations under the snowmobilers through the park. Provincial Parks Act. The vegetation on this planned corridor will not be removed, 11.2 Plan Review and Amendment however, until this trail is officially established. The Pigeon River Provincial Park Management Plan will be reviewed throughout its 20 year 11.0 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND lifespan where warranted to REVIEW address issues or changing conditions. A mandatory review The management plan will be is scheduled to occur after 10 implemented through work years. The review will be program planning and is subject conducted in the following to the availability of funding. manner: All development, operations and activities undertaken within .review of background the park will comply with the information and data about the Environmental Assessment Act. park resources and use . • review the status of 11.1 Implementation priorities implementation of the approved Management Plan and provincial The implementation of park policies. developments and improvements .identify MNR, other agencies will be in accordance with the and public issues of concern. phases as described in order of .prepare and present issues and priori ty in Table 3. Day use suggested solutions for pUblic facilities will be the highest review and comment. priority (e.g., trail to High .review proposed revisions Falls). Each phase deals with recommended by the pUblic. the preparation and .prepare and receive approval implementation of various plans for plan amendment. and site and development concepts. The phases are not A variety of ongoing monitoring intended to be mutually programs will provide essential exclusive. Work described in a information concerning the subsequent phase may begin implementation of the before work in a preceding Management Plan and the phase is completed. Preferably, effectiveness of approved it would not be started until policies. Such mechanisms as work in the preceding phase is the collection of user well underway. statistics, periodic user surveys and park management Special sources for funding the audits will provide valuable development of facilities will information and feedback to be investigated and utilized as ensure that pOlicies remain fully as possible. current and relevant. Research findings and resource inventory Recreation management work may aid in conducting plan regulations will become reviews.

15 Table 3: Implementation Priorities

RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP DEVELOPMENTS PLANS Phase 1 site Plan for trails Construct trails Archaeological study site Plan for 02 Phase 2 Natural Heritage Reconstruct portion of Education strategy sluiceway Marketing Strategy Phase 3 Operations Strategy Development of 02: day Sign Plan use, campground, services and administration other Fisheries Stewardship possible incorporation Plan of Morin Island and Vegetation Stewardship adjacent islet, and Plan Lake Superior shoreline Landform Stewardship Plan buffer and Boundary Other resource studies Islands (e.g., field studies of Boundary Islands, raised shorelines, etc.,)

12.0 SUMMARY OF PUBLIC these . Newspaper CONSULTATION advertisements were used to solicit public comments, Public consultation for the construct a mailing list and Park Management Plan started announce open houses. with the preparation and distribution of the "Background In addition, meetings were held Information and Alternative with federal, provincial and Concepts" document to municipal representatives and interested and affected with individuals and organizations. officials. Input from the above Approximately 75 copies were process was used to formulate distributed in March, 1994. the Preliminary Management Plan Open houses were held in which was then distributed in Thunder Bay on March 21, 1994 August, 1994 to those people on and the of Neebing the mailing list. An ongoing on March 22 to give the pUblic open display was set up an opportunity to comment on for the summer months at the the Background Information and park office to solicit Alternative Concept document. A comments. The Park Management total of 21 persons attended Plan evolved from comments

16 resulting from the park open outlines the issues that arose house and from the public over the course of this review of the Preliminary planning process and their Management Plan. Table X below subsequent resolution.

Table 4: Issues and Resolutions

ISSUE Response/Resolution/Rationale Park Name The name was changed to Pigeon River to reflect the river's heritage. Also, Middle Falls is not in the park. Incorporate park Most respondents thought the park into LaVerendrye should remain a separate entity. Hunting in park Prohibited; majority felt hunting was a non-compatible use; safety concern Snowmobiling Public felt this was an incompatible use, however, a narrow corridor has been provided to allow snowmobilers access to Canada/US custom stations. Hiking trail system Most respondents felt the trail system should be improved, especially the trail to High Falls. High Falls area Public wanted the viewing facilities improved and part of the sluiceway rebuilt as an historic feature. Relocate campground Opposition expressed about proposed to Lake Superior campground, however, new site offers a beach and swimming. Existing campground is constrained by seasonal wetness. Level of development Development should complement the significance of the park's natural landscape and be unObtrusive from the US side.

17 REFERENCES

Banks, B. 1989. Satellite Images: Photographs of Canada From space. Camden House PUblishing, , ontario. 120p. Bardecki, M. and Boles, B. 1972. The Geomorphology, Vegetation and Floristics of Middle Falls Provincial Park. ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Parks Inventory Series, unpublished report. Bird, S.J.G. and Hale, I.M. 1982. Air Photo Interpretation of the Physical Environment. Bird and Hale Ltd., , ontario. Hewitt, D.F. and Freeman, E.B. 1972. Rocks and of ontario. Dept. of Mines and Northern Affairs, GC13. 145p. Mollard, J.D. and Janes, J.R. 1984. Air Photo Interpretation and the Canadian Landscape. Department of Energy, Mines and Resources. . 415p. ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1983. Thunder Bay District Land Use Guidelines. Thunder Bay District, Thunder Bay, ontario.

Pye, E.G. 1969. Geology and Scenery, North Shore of Lake Superior. ontario Department of Mines. Geological Guide Book No.2. Theberge, J.B. (ed.). 1989. Legacy: The Natural . McClelland & Stewart Inc., Toronto, ontario. 397p.

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