DRAFT
Ballantrae-Musselman Lake and Environs
Environmental Management Strategy
Prepared for: The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville 37 Sandiford Drive, 4th Floor Stouffville, ON L4A 7X5
Project No. 1252 Date: November 2011
Ballantrae-Musselman Lake and Environs Environmental Management Strategy
Project Team
Staff Role David Stephenson Senior Biologist, Project Advisor Katharina Walton Terrestrial and Wetland Biologist, Project Manager Pat Deacon Terrestrial and Wetland Biologist
Report submitted on November 24, 2011
Katharina Walton, Project Manager
Head Office: 225 Labrador Drive, Waterloo, Ontario, N2K 4M8 Tel: (519) 725-2227 Fax: (519) 725-2575 Web: www.nrsi.on.ca Email: [email protected]
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction ...... 1 2.0 Study Methods ...... 3 3.0 Existing Conditions ...... 4 3.1 Surficial Geology and Drainage ...... 4 3.2 Designated Natural Areas ...... 7 3.3 Vegetation ...... 9 3.3.1 Vascular Flora ...... 9 3.3.2 Vegetation Communities ...... 9 4.0 Wildlife ...... 13 4.1 Birds ...... 13 4.2 Herpetofauna ...... 15 4.3 Mammals ...... 15 4.4 Fish ...... 15 5.0 Natural Heritage System ...... 18 5.1 What is a Natural Heritage System? ...... 18 5.2 How was the Study Area Natural Heritage System Developed? ...... 18 5.3 Establishment of Buffers ...... 19 5.4 The Natural Heritage System ...... 20 6.0 References ...... 25
List of Figures Figure 1. Study Area ...... 2 Figure 2. Designated Natural Areas ...... 5 Figure 3. Municipal and Watershed Boundary Map ...... 6 Figure 4. Vegetation Communities ...... 12 Figure 5. Natural Heritage System ...... 21 Figure 6. Natural Heritage System Establishment ...... 22
List of Tables Table 1. Significant Plants Reported From the Study Area Vicinity ...... 10 Table 2. Significant Bird Species Known from the Vicinity of the Study Area ...... 13 Table 3. Herpetofaunal Species at Risk Reported From the Study Area ...... 16 Table 4. Fish Species Known From the Study Area...... 17 Table 5. Natural Heritage System Establishment ...... 23
List of Appendices Appendix I Bird Species Reported From the Study Area Appendix II Herpetofaunal Species Reported From the Study Area Appendix III Mammal Species Reported From the Study Area
1.0 Introduction
The Ballantrae‐Musselman Lake and Environs Secondary Plan Area is a unique community focused on the Ballantrae settlement area which includes a residential golf course community, and the hamlet of Musselman Lake. Surrounding these areas are rural and environmental lands, including estate lot subdivisions and residential strips. In addition, the community is located on the Oak Ridges Moraine with a range of environmental features. The Ballantrae‐Musselman Lake and Environs Secondary Plan was adopted in 1994. It has been amended a number of times, but has never been subject to a comprehensive review. A number of significant issues have led to the need for a review. These include concerns which impede development in Ballantrae. There is also the need to consider the connectivity of the natural heritage/open space system. Natural Resource Solutions Inc. (NRSI), together with a consulting team led by Macaulay Shiomi Howson Ltd. (MSH), was retained in June 2011 to review the Secondary Plan.
The Town of Whitchurch‐Stouffville has identified the preparation of a comprehensive Environmental Management Strategy as an objective of this study. NRSI was retained specifically to prepare the Environmental Management Strategy for the area covered in the Ballantrae‐Musselman Lake and Environs Secondary Plan (see Figure 1). This Strategy will play an important role in many other aspects of the study such as identification of opportunities and constraints, as well as servicing.
The assessment of the accuracy and relevance of the existing Natural Feature Conservation Areas designated in the existing Secondary Plan is also a study requirement. Key aspects of this assessment are: • Accuracy of the characterization of the natural features and functions in the planning area. • Connectivity within, as well as to areas outside of, the study area. • Consistency with existing policies/guidelines at the provincial, Conservation Authority, and Regional levels.
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 1 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy Ninth Line
Highway 48 York/Durham Line York/Durham
Aurora Road Aurora Road
Highway 48
Ninth Line
Vandorf Sideroad
Hillsdale Drive Line York/Durham
Figure 1 Legend Secondary Plan Study Area Secondary Plan Boundary 0 250 500 1,000 m Municipal Boundary Ballantrae-Musselman Lake and LSRCA Watercourse © 2011 The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville © 2011 The Regional Municipality of York Environs Secondary Plan Review Produced using information under License with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority October 2011 © Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, 2011 © First Base Solutions Inc., 2009 Orthophotography 2.0 Study Methods
Background information on the natural environmental features within the study area was gathered from the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA), the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Aurora District, and the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) Biodiversity Explorer website.
Several studies have been completed that overlap with the study area. The following studies were reviewed: • East Holland River Subwatershed Plan (LSRCA 2010) • Musselman’s Lake Subwatershed Assessment and Stewardship Opportunities Report (LSRCA 2009) • Natural Heritage System for the Lake Simcoe Watershed – Phase 1: Components and Policy Templates (Beacon and LSRCA 2007) • Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (2002) • Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Official Plan, Section 11.0 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake and Environs Secondary Plan (1994) • Whitchurch-Stouffville Natural Features & Greenlands Study (Gartner Lee 2000)
Initial species lists were compiled to provide information on species reported from the local vicinity (10x10km survey squares) using various atlases including the Ontario Mammal Atlas (Dobbyn 1994), Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (OBBA) squares 17PJ37 and 17PJ47 (BSC et al. 2006), and the Ontario Herpetofaunal Summary Atlas (Oldham and Weller 2000). The Natural Heritage Information Centre Biodiversity Explorer Database was searched for provincially rare species (NHIC 2011). All wildlife species identified as nationally significant (COSEWIC 2011) or provincially significant (MNR 2011) were cross-referenced with species and habitats known to occur within the study area.
On August 30, 2011, biologists from NRSI conducted reconnaissance level surveys during which Ecological Land Classification (ELC) data provided by the LSRCA from the Natural Heritage System for the Lake Simcoe Watershed project (Beacon and LSRCA 2007) was reviewed and refined. The Natural Heritage System was mapped through field confirmation, review of oblique aerial photography taken from the study area by Brook McIlroy on August 11, 2011, review of Google Earth images dated September 1, 2009, mapping from the Secondary Plan, LSRCA’s ELC mapping, and natural area mapping provided by the MNR.
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 3 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy 3.0 Existing Conditions
3.1 Surficial Geology and Drainage The study area falls within Ontario’s Greenbelt Plan area and the Oak Rides Moraine, which consists of knobby hills between 290 and 373m above sea level, comprised of irregular layers of unconsolidated sand and gravel deposited by the Wisconsin glacier. The retreating ice left kettle lakes, of which Musselman Lake is one (Stouffville.com 2011). The Oak Ridges Moraine is an irregular ridge of sandy hills stretching 160km from the Niagara Escarpment in the west to the Trent River in the east (MMAH 2009). It is the watershed divide between western Lake Ontario to the south, and Lake Simcoe, Georgian Bay, and the Trent River system to the north.
The Soil Survey of York County (Hoffman and Richards 1955) shows the majority of the study area (the entire central portion) comprised of the Brighton soil series, a sandy loam with good drainage. The soils are well sorted grey, calcareous sand or stratified sand and gravel. The topography is gently sloping. The periphery of the study area, which is the area surrounding the Brighton sandy loam, is Pontypool sand with good drainage. The soil is poorly sorted slightly calcareous sandy outwash. This area has irregular steep slopes. Several areas of variable Muck are located in the southern half of the study area, the largest corresponding to the Musselman Lake Wetland Complex (Figure 2). The Muck areas are depressions with very poor drainage containing well decomposed organic material at least 45cm deep, over mineral materials. The study area also contains a small pocket of Bridgman sand with excessive drainage, and a small area of Tecumseth sandy loam with imperfect drainage. The areas are located in the central west and southwest portions of the study area respectively.
The study area falls almost entirely within the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) jurisdiction, with exception of the extreme southeast corner, which falls within the Duffins Creek Subwatershed of Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) jurisdiction. Within the Lake Simcoe Watershed, most of the study area falls within the East Holland Subwatershed. The northeast quarter of the site falls within the Pefferlaw Brook Subwatershed, and the northwest section of the study area falls within the Black River Subwatershed (Figure 3).
A central feature within the study area is Musselman Lake, with a surface area of 46ha and a maximum depth of 8m. As a kettle lake, it relies on precipitation, surface runoff, and groundwater input, and provides intermittent outflow to a wetland area to its northwest. It eventually drains into the East Holland River. The lands around Musselman Lake have been extensively developed for residential, recreational, and agricultural uses. This has resulted in degraded water quality such as increased water temperature, excessive aquatic vegetation growth, and algae blooms (LSRCA 2009). The study area contains several small headwater streams, which are classified as coldwater, or managed as coldwater (Gartner Lee 2000) (Figure 1).
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 4 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy Musselman Lake Kettles (ANSI - Life Science)
Ninth Line Vivian Infiltration ESA
Highway 48 York/Durham Line York/Durham
Aurora Road Aurora Road Island Lake
Ballantrae Sand Plain Musselman ANSI - Earth Science Lake ESA Musselman Lake Kettles ANSI - Life Science Stanley McKewon Lake (Shadow) Lake Staly Lake
Highway 48
Provincially Significant Musselman East Musselman Lake Lake Wetland Complex
Provincially Significant Musselman Lake Wetland Complex
Ninth Line Musselman Lake Kettle Complex Windsor ANSI - Earth Science Vandorf Sideroad Lake
Musselman Lake Environmentally Line York/Durham Hillsdale Drive Significant Area ANSI - Life Science
Designated Natural Areas Legend Figure 2 Wetland - Local Significance Secondary Plan Boundary Designated Natural Areas 0 250 500 1,000 m Wetland - Provincial Significance Parcel Fabric Ballantrae-Musselman Lake and ANSI - Life Science LSRCA Watercourse © 2011 The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville © 2011 The Regional Municipality of York Environs Secondary Plan Review ANSI - Earth Science Road Network Produced using information under License with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority October 2011 Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) © Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, 2011 Waterbody © Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2011. All rights reserved. Lake Simcoe East Gwillimbury Region Watershed
Scugog
Uxbridge
Pefferlaw Brook Black River
West Holland Newmarket
East Holland Whitchurch-Stouffville Duffins Creek Aurora
Rouge River Toronto Region Watershed Pickering Humber River Richmond Hill Lake Simcoe Key Map
Simcoe Figure 3 Legend County Municipal and Watershed Durham Region Secondary Plan Boundary 01 2 4 6 km Boundary Map York Region Lower Municipal Boundary
Ballantrae-Musselman Lake and © 2011 The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Watershed Boundary © 2011 The Regional Municipality of York Environs Secondary Plan Review Produced using information under License with the Subwatershed Boundary Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority September 2011 © Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, 2011 Lake Ontario © Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2011. All rights reserved. City of Toronto 3.2 Designated Natural Areas The study area falls within the Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) Conservation Plan Area, and contains all components of the Plan: ORM Natural Core Area (Core Area), ORM Natural Linkage Area (Linkage Area), and ORM Countryside Area including Rural Settlement and Settlement Area. The Core Area is found on the west and southcentral portions of the study area. The Linkage Area is found on the east side of the study area, as well as south of the Core Area in the south-central portion of the study area (Figure 4).
Natural heritage features recorded for the study area also include: • Provincially Significant Musselman Lake Wetland Complex; • Provincially Significant East Musselman Lake Wetland Complex; • Musselman Lake Kettles Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) – Life Science); • Musselman Lake Kettle Complex ANSI – Earth Science; • Musselman Lake Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) ANSI – Life Science; • Musselman Lake ESA; • Vivian Infiltration ESA; and • a number of locally significant wetlands.
It should be noted that the Musselman Lake Kettles ANSI (Life Science) overlies the northern portion of the Musselman Lake Kettle ANSI (Earth Science).
The designated natural areas are shown on Figure 2 and are described in more detail below, with information obtained from the NHIC (2011). Although the names and text on many of the wetlands identify them as bogs, the ELC mapping done by Beacon and LSRCA (2007) classifies them as fens. Their report reads:
“Although the word ‘Bog’ is often attached to wetlands as part of their proper name (e.g., Wilfred Bog), no more than a handful of wetlands actually meet the very precise definition for this very rare wetland type within the watershed; only 25 ha of true bogs have been identified within the Lake Simcoe Watershed” (Beacon and LSRCA 2007, p. 22).
Provincially Significant Musselman Lake Wetland Complex This wetland complex is provincially significant and is composed of bog, swamp, and marsh, with primarily organic soils. Colonial nesting blue herons (Ardea herodias) have been recorded from the wetland. The wetland also provides locally significant winter cover for deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and raccoon (Procyon lotor), as well as providing habitat for various other fur bearers including muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), beaver (Castor canadensis), and mink (Mustela vison) (NHIC 2011). It is approximately 50ha in area. The Musselman’s Lake Subwatershed report (LSRCA 2009) reports fen communities from the wetland complex, as opposed to bog communities. 3.7ha are described as open fen wetland.
Provincially Significant East Musselman Lake Wetland Complex This provincially significant wetland complex is made up of 17 individual wetlands containing swamp, marsh, and bog communities. It is 11.2ha in area and was combined with the Ballantrae Bogs wetland complex in 1998 (Gartner Lee 2000).
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 7 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy Musselman Lake Kettles ANSI – Life Science This provincially significant Life Science ANSI overlies the northern portion of the Musselman Lake Kettle Complex ANSI (Earth Science).
Musselman Lake Kettle Complex ANSI – Earth Science This is a provincially significant Earth Science ANSI, containing Late Wisconsian and Port Huron stadial features. The kettle lakes are well developed with deep contours and extend over a large area. The kettles in this area mark the northern extent of Lake Ontario ice (NHIC 2011). The ANSI occupies 258ha (Gartner Lee 2000).
Musselman Lake Environmentally Significant Area ANSI – Life Science This Life Science Site is located to the southeast of the community of Ballantrae.
Musselman Lake ESA The Musselman Lake ESA includes the northwestern portion of the Musselman Lake ESA ANSI and the major portion of the provincially significant Musselman Lake Wetland Complex. It also includes two small portions of the Musselman Lake Kettles ANSI (Life Science). The ESA report describes three separate bogs, all located in the headwater area of the Holland River. The soils are described as Muck, which is very poorly drained, well decomposed organic material. The largest bog, located east of Highway 48, is drained in the spring by an intermittent stream. The bog is donut shaped, with a ring of sphagnum moss encircling a small pond of open water. The central wetland, located west of Ninth Line, is a floating bog, covered mostly in leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata). The eastern wetland is a treed bog surrounded by treed hummocks. The bogs are good examples of wetlands generally found in the boreal system (Ecologistics 1982).
Vivian Infiltration Environmentally Significant Area This large ESA (5,800ha) is a significant infiltration area contributing groundwater to various coldwater streams. It also provides groundwater input to the Oak Ridges Moraine aquifer complex. Most of the area is heavily wooded or contains cultural meadows. The topography is rolling, but relatively flat at the peak of the moraine near Ballantrae. The ESA consists of ice-contact stratified drift on the ORM, made up of fine to coarse sand at least 6m in depth, with very little gravel (Ecologistics 1982). This ESA covers the entire northern portion of the study area.
Locally Significant Wetlands The study area also contains several locally significant wetlands as shown on Figure 2.
The Ballantrae Sand Plain Earth Science Site and Oak Ridges Moraine Till Section Earth Science Site are mentioned in some past reports, as well as the Official Plan. These names are outdated and the areas have been incorporated into wetlands and ANSIs when natural areas mapping was revised on the Oak Ridges Moraine (Followes 2011).
Natural Feature Conservation Areas are designated on Schedule E, and Natural Feature Enhancement Areas are identified on Appendix A of the Secondary Plan for the Ballantrae-Musselman Lake area (Section 11 of the Official Plan). The Natural Feature Conservation Area designation includes lands identified as Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI), Environmentally Significant Areas (ESA), wetlands, kettle lakes, regional forests, upland hardwoods, conifer plantations, existing public parkland,
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 8 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy undeveloped areas adjacent to kettle lakes, lands along the East Branch of the Holland River, and a linkage between Musselman Lake and the ANSI to the east. The purpose of the Natural Feature Conservation Areas designation is to protect and enhance these key natural features in accordance with the policies of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. The Underlying Natural Feature Conservation Area designation recognizes natural features (i.e. sand plain, moraine feature) under an existing residential subdivision and active extractive industrial area. The purpose of the designation is to protect the natural features, while recognizing the existing development.
Additional lands were mapped as Natural Feature Enhancement Areas on Appendix A of the Secondary Plan. These lands were identified in the Natural Features Conservation and Management Plan prepared as a basis for the Secondary Plan as lands contributing to natural systems and processes, as well as providing a linkage between major natural features, and include intermittent streams and swales. The Secondary Plan states these areas should be considered for protection and enhancement.
3.3 Vegetation
3.3.1 Vascular Flora Detailed vegetation inventories were beyond the scope of this study. A search of the study area on the NHIC Biodiversity Explorer (2011) for all 1km squares covering the study area listed no significant vegetation species. Table 1 lists the significant species reported from the study area and vicinity from various background reports, and whether or not they may have been reported from the Secondary Plan study area.
3.3.2 Vegetation Communities The natural vegetation within the study area was previously classified broadly into ELC Community Series by Beacon and the LSRCA (2007). These classifications were verified by NRSI in August 2011 during field work and review of the August 2011 oblique aerial photography. The ELC mapping is shown on Figure 4. The study area contains large areas of natural features, most of which fall within the Natural Core or Natural Linkage designations of the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. The deciduous forest communities (FOD) are dominated by sugar maple (Acer saccharum ssp. saccharum) with various associations, usually dominated by white ash (Fraxinus americana) or trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides). Many red pine (Pinus resinosa) plantations (CUP) are located throughout the study area. Most of these plantations are in various stages of naturalization, with few remaining as a pure plantation. The plantations are naturalizing with sugar maple, white ash, and trembling aspen. Where former plantations are in a high degree of naturalization, they have been classified as a mixed forest (FOM). The study area also contains large areas of cultural meadow (CUM), dominated by a variety of herbaceous species, particularly goldenrod (Solidago species) and asters (Symphyotrichum species) which were observed in late August during the field survey.
The study area also contains extensive areas of wetlands which are either provincially or locally significant. Wetland communities were classified as deciduous swamp (SWD), coniferous swamp (SWC), mixed swamp (SWM), thicket swamp (SWT), meadow marsh
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 9 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy (MAM), shallow marsh (MAS), mixed shallow aquatic (SAM), open fen (FEO), shrub fen (FES), or submerged shallow aquatic (SAS) by Beacon and the LSRCA (2007).
Table 1. Significant Plants Reported From the Study Area Vicinity
Scientific Common 1 2 3 Local SRANK COSEWIC SARO 4 Source Comment Name Name Status
Kalmia polifolia Bog Laurel S5 R8 LSRCA 2009 Reported from Musselman Lake PSW complex. May be found within current study area. Found in bogs and swamps.6 Lycopodium Stiff Club- S5 R5 Ecologistics 1982 Reported from the annotiunum moss Mussleman Lake ESA, it is found in moist forests and thickets.
Panax American S3 E END R4 Gartner Lee 2000 Reported from within quinquefolius Ginseng Whitchurch-Stouffville by NHIC, but outside current study area, as not reported from any sources from within the study area. Grows in moist deciduous woods, especially on rocky, shaded slopes.5 Platanthera Eastern S2 E END R1 LSRCA 2010 Reported from the East leucophaea Prairie Holland Subwatershed. Fringed Found in fens, wet Orchid meadows, marshes, and prairies.5 May be found in study area based on habitat preferences. Viburnum Hobblebush S5 R10 LSRCA 2009 Reported from lantanoides Musselman Lake PSW complex. May be found within current study area. Found in damp woods, cool shaded ravines, and thickets. 6 Viola striata Cream Violet S3 LSRCA 2009 Reported from Musselman Lake PSW complex. May be found within current study area. Found in rich floodplain forests and low, wet woods.5 1NHIC 2011; 2COSEWIC 2011; 3MNR 2011; 4Varga et al. 2000; 5MNR 2000; 6Soper and Heimburger 1994.
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 10 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy Legend Provincial Rank (SRANK) COSEWIC SARO Local Status S1 - Critically Imperiled NAR - Not at Risk NAR - Not at Risk R# - number of SC - Special SC - Special stations for a rare S2 - Imperiled Concern Concern native species S3 - Vulnerable T - Threatened THR - Threatened S4 - Apparently Secure E - Endangered END - Endangered S5 - Secure
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 11 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy CUP FOD CUP FOD MAS FOD CUP CUW CUM CUP FOM FOM FOD FOD
CUW FOD FOM FOD Ninth Line
CUW FOM FOM
CUW FOD FOM CUP FOM FOD Highway 48 FOM FOD CUP
FOD FOD FOD Line York/Durham
CUM FOC FOD CUP FOC CUP CUP FOD FOD OAO CUP Aurora Road Aurora Road CUP SAM CUW CUP CUM CUP CUM CUW CUP CUP OAO FOD CUP CUT FOD FOD CUM SAS FOC FEO SWC FOD SWD CUM FOD FOC
SAS SWD FOD CUW SWM FOD OAO FOC SWT FOD SWD SWD CUP SWT SAS CUW OAO SAS FOM FOD FOM FOC SWT CUT CUP
FOM
SWC Highway 48 FOD MAS SAS FOD CUW
CUT SWM CUW MAM SAS CUP CUT OAO MAS FOD SWD OAO CUM SAS MAS SAS MAS SWD SWT FOM CUW CUP MASFOD FOM MAM MAS SAS FEO SAS SWM CUM SWD SWD SWT CUP FOD OAO CUP CUT CUMMAM CUM Ninth Line CUT SWM FOD CUM FOD SWT SAM CUM FOD SWD FOD SAM Vandorf Sideroad MAS MAS SWD SWD FOD
FOD Line York/Durham FOD Hillsdale Drive MAM CUP
SWT CUT CUP SWT SAM MAS CUM
FOD CUW CUT FOC FOM
Ecological Land Classification Legend
Figure 4 Coniferous Forest (FOC) Cultural Meadow (CUM) Mixed Shallow Aquatic (SAM) Parcel Fabric Vegetation Communities Deciduous Forest (FOD) Cultural Plantation (CUP) Open Fen (FEO) ORM Natural Core Area 0 250 500 1,000 m Mixed Forest (FOM) Cultural Savannah (CUS) Shrub Fen (FES) ORM Natural Linkage Area Coniferous Swamp (SWC) Cultural Thicket (CUT) Submerged Shallow Aquatic (SAS) LSRCA Watercourse Ballantrae-Musselman Lake and © 2011 The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Deciduous Swamp (SWD) Cultural Woodland (CUW) Open Water (OAO) Road Network © 2011 The Regional Municipality of York Environs Secondary Plan Review Produced using information under License with the Mixed Swamp (SWM) Meadow Marsh (MAM) Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority September 2011 © Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, 2011 Thicket Swamp (SWT) Shallow Marsh (MAS) © Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2011. All rights reserved. 4.0 Wildlife
4.1 Birds A list of all birds known from the study area is included in Appendix I. This includes 137 species known from the two OBBA (BSC et al. 2006) squares that cover the study area, as well as several background reports (Beacon and LSRCA 2007, Gartner Lee 2000, LSRCA 2010). The significant species known from the study area are listed in Table 2. Based on the habitat preferences of each species, all of the species may be found within the study area.
Table 2. Significant Bird Species Known from the Vicinity of the Study Area
Common 1 2 3 4 Scientific Name SRANK COSEWIC SARO Habitat Preference Name Cardellina Canada S4B T SC dense, mixed coniferous, canadensis Warbler deciduous forests with closed canopy, wet bottomlands of cedar or alder; shrubby undergrowth in cool moist mature woodlands; riparian habitat; usually requires at least 30ha Chaetura Chimney S4B, T THR commonly found in urban pelagica Swift S4N areas near buildings; nests in hollow trees, crevices of rock cliffs, chimneys; highly gregarious; feeds over open water Dolichonyx Bobolink S4B T large, open expansive oryzivorus grasslands with dense ground cover; hayfields, meadows or fallow fields; marshes; requires tracts of grassland >50ha Ixobrychus exilis Least Bittern S4B T THR deep marshes, swamps, bogs; marshy borders of lakes, ponds, streams, ditches; dense emergent vegetation of cattail, bulrush, sedge; nests in cattails Lanius Loggerhead S2B E (ssp. END grazed pasture, marginal ludovicianus Shrike migrans) farmland with scattered hawthorn shrubs, hedgerows; fence posts, wires and associated low- lying wetland; probably needs at least 25ha of suitable habitat
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 13 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy Common 1 2 3 4 Scientific Name SRANK COSEWIC SARO Habitat Preference Name Melanerpes Red-headed S4B T SC open, deciduous forest erythrocephalus Woodpecker with little understory; fields or pasture lands with scattered large trees; wooded swamps; orchards, small woodlots or forest edges; groves of dead or dying trees; requires cavity trees with at least 40cm dbh; require about 4ha territory Rallus elegans King Rail S2B E END large, shallow, fresh water marshes, shrubby swamps, marshy borders of lakes and ponds with abundant vegetation; territories are 0.3 to 0.5ha Setophaga Cerulean S3B SC SC mature deciduous cerulea Warbler woodland, sometimes coniferous; swamps or bottomlands with large trees; area sensitive species needing extensive areas of forest (>100ha) Setophaga Prairie S3B NAR NAR scrub-land; mixed pine- discolor Warbler oak barrens; old pastures; hillsides with scattered red cedars; avoids thick woods and benefits from cutting and burning of forests Vermivora Golden- S4B T SC early successional habitat; chrysoptera winged shrubby, grassy Warbler abandoned fields with small deciduous trees bordered by low woodland and wooded swamps; alder bogs; deciduous, damp woods; shrubbery clearings in deciduous woods with saplings and grasses; brier-woodland edges; requires >10ha of habitat 1NHIC 2011; 2COSEWIC 2011; 3MNR 2011; 4MNR 2000. Legend Provincial Rank (SRANK) COSEWIC SARO S1 - Critically Imperiled NAR - Not at Risk NAR - Not at Risk S2 - Imperiled SC - Special Concern SC - Special Concern S3 - Vulnerable T - Threatened THR - Threatened S4 - Apparently Secure E - Endangered END - Endangered S5 - Secure
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 14 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy 4.2 Herpetofauna According to the Ontario Herpetofaunal Atlas (Oldham and Weller 2000), 16 species of herpetofauna have been reported from the vicinity of the study area including 2 species of turtle, 4 species of snake, 2 species of salamander, and 8 species of frogs and toads. Appendix II lists the herpetofauna reported from the study area.
Table 3 lists the Species at Risk reported from the Atlas (Oldham and Weller 2000). Based on habitat preference, all of these species may be found within the study area. Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum) was the only significant species reported for the study area from the NHIC Biodiversity Explorer (2011). It is found in agricultural areas, meadows, a variety of forests, river bottoms and bog woods (MNR 2000).
4.3 Mammals Twenty-four mammal species have been reported from the vicinity of the study area based on the Mammal Atlas of Ontario (Dobbyn 1994). A complete list of mammal species reported from the study area and their current status is included in Appendix III. None of the mammals are significant.
4.4 Fish A complete list of fish known from the study area is listed in Table 4. Electrofishing undertaken by boat in Musselman Lake in 2007 revealed the lake has a diverse warmwater top level predator fishery (LSRCA 2009). LSRCA (2009) reports that Cyprinid (minnow) species have been reported from Musselman Lake in the past and are very likely found in the lake, but were not caught by boat electrofishing in 2007. Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) is the only non-native species. One Species at Risk, Redside Dace (Clinostomus elongatus), was reported from within Whitchurch- Stouffville (Gartner Lee 2000) and the East Holland Subwatershed (LSRCA 2010). This species is listed as endangered in Ontario (MNR 2011) and Canada (COSEWIC 2011). Redside Dace is known from relatively small, clear headwater streams with pool and riffle habitats having abundant overhanging vegetation, usually found in meadows, pasture, and shrub habitats (COSEWIC 2007). This species was not reported from within the study area by NHIC (2011).
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 15 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy Table 3. Herpetofaunal Species at Risk Reported From the Study Area
2
1
3
SCIENTIFIC COMMON 4 SRANK SARO NAME NAME COSEWIC Habitat Preference Chelydra Common S3 SC SC permanent, semi- serpentina Snapping permanent fresh water; serpentina Turtle marshes, swamps or bogs; rivers and streams with soft muddy banks or bottoms; often uses soft soil or clean dry sand on south-facing slopes for nest sites; may nest at some distance from water Lampropeltis Eastern S3 SC SC farmlands, meadows, triangulum Milksnake hardwood or aspen triangulum stands; pine forest with brushy or woody cover; river bottoms or bog woods; hides under logs, stones, or boards or in outbuildings; often uses communal nest sites Pseudacris Western S3 T NAR roadside ditches or triseriata pop. 2 Chorus Frog temporary ponds in fields; (Gr. Lakes/St. swamps or wet Lawrence - meadows; woodland or Canadian open country with cover Shield and moisture; small Population) ponds and temporary pools 1NHIC 2011; 2COSEWIC 2011; 3MNR 2011; 4MNR 2000. Legend Provincial Rank (SRANK) COSEWIC SARO S1 - Critically Imperiled NAR - Not at Risk NAR - Not at Risk S2 - Imperiled SC - Special Concern SC - Special Concern S3 - Vulnerable T - Threatened THR - Threatened S4 - Apparently Secure E - Endangered END - Endangered S5 - Secure
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 16 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy Table 4. Fish Species Known From the Study Area
Scientific Name Common Name SRANK1 COSEWIC2 SARO3 Ambloplites rupestris Rock Bass S5 Ameiurus nebulosus Brown Bullhead S5 Campostoma anomalum Central Stoneroller S4 NAR Catostomus commersonii White Sucker S5 Clinostomus elongatus Redside Dace S2 E END Esox lucius Northern Pike S5 Lepomis gibbosus Pumpkinseed S5 Micropterus dolomieu Smallmouth Bass S5 Micropterus salmoides Largemouth Bass S5 Notemigonus crysoleucas Golden Shiner S5 Perca flavescens Yellow Perch S5 Pomoxis nigromaculatus Black Crappie S4 1NHIC 2011; 2COSEWIC 2011; 3MNR 2011. Legend Provincial Rank (SRANK) COSEWIC SARO S1 - Critically Imperiled NAR - Not at Risk NAR - Not at Risk S2 - Imperiled SC - Special Concern SC - Special Concern S3 - Vulnerable T - Threatened THR - Threatened S4 - Apparently Secure E - Endangered END - Endangered S5 - Secure
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 17 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy 5.0 Natural Heritage System
5.1 What is a Natural Heritage System?
A natural heritage system is defined as follows: “A system made up of natural features and areas, linked by natural corridors which are necessary to maintain biological and geological diversity, natural functions, viable populations of indigenous species and ecosystems. These systems can include lands that have been restored and areas with the potential to be restored to a natural state” (Provincial Policy Statement 2005).
The MNR provides guidance in identification of a natural heritage system in their Natural Heritage Reference Manual (MNR 2010). Using the MNR approach, the fundamental components of a natural heritage system consist of cores and linkages. Core areas are generally the building blocks of the natural heritage system and consist of large natural areas which perform vital ecological functions, such as provincially significant wetlands and significant woodlands. Cores are identified based on a number of aspects including size, integrity, shape, rare species and other significant designations, as well as other factors. Linkages, or corridors, are components of the natural heritage system that allow movement of wildlife and plant species. Methods and criteria for identifying core areas and linkages have been well researched and are documented in numerous publications (Environment Canada 2004, MNR 1999, MNR 2010, Ontario Nature 2004). One aspect of identifying cores and linkages, is the need to consider the local context and landscape scale of the planning area. For example Environment Canada (2004) provides the guideline that a watershed should have at least one 200ha forest patch which is a minimum of 500m in width. Therefore, it is key to understand the landscape in and around the study area when identifying natural heritage systems.
5.2 How was the Study Area Natural Heritage System Developed? The study area Natural Heritage System (NHS) is based on the natural features present within the study area which were confirmed through field work and oblique air photo interpretation, as well as the boundaries of the pre-existing natural heritage feature designations. These pre-existing designations include:
• The Natural Heritage System for the Lake Simcoe Watershed (Beacon and LSRCA 2007) which based its NHS on the Provincial Policy Statement (2005) components: significant habitat of endangered and threatened species; significant wetlands; significant woodlands; significant valleylands; significant wildlife habitat; significant Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI); and fish habitat. The Lake Simcoe NHS (Beacon and LSRCA 2007) also added linkages.
• The Great Lakes Conservation Blueprint (Henson and Brodribb 2005) is a large- scale natural heritage system analysis of the Great Lakes Region that identifies specific areas that will help conserve biodiversity. The Blueprint maps protected areas, natural heritage lands, and priority stewardship lands by ecodistrict. It also provides charts with detailed information about species and vegetation communities to be protected. The Ballantrae-Musselman Lake study area falls within the Uxbrdige Ecodistrict 6E-7 of the Blueprint.
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 18 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy
• Natural feature mapping included in the Town’s Official Plan was reviewed and included where it was verified that it included a natural area as opposed to a developed park or other developed area (e.g. residential neighbourhood). Official Plan mapping includes Natural Feature Conservation Areas and Underlying Natural Feature Conservation Areas (Schedule E), Key Natural Heritage and Hydrologically Sensitive Features (Schedule H), and Natural Features Enhancement Areas (Secondary Plan Appendix A).
• The study area NHS includes both Life Science ANSI (Musselman Lake ESA, Musselman Lake Kettles), and both PSW complexes (Musselman Lake, East Musselman Lake). It also contains a large portion of the Musselman Lake Kettle Complex Earth Science ANSI. The ORM Natural Core Area and ORM Natural Linkage Area is included wherever it corresponded to natural features. Streams were included where they were mapped by the LSRCA1 and confirmed in the field. Watercourses provide an excellent opportunity to create linkages between natural features that would otherwise be separated.
Additional guidance was provided by the Oak Ridges Moraine Technical Papers (MMAH et al. undated) which provide direction on implementing the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. The guidelines established for identifying key natural heritage features (Technical Paper 1) and significant woodlands (Technical Paper 7) were used to establish the NHS and more particularly the buffers within the Ballantrae-Musselman Lake study area. Guidelines differ depending on whether the natural feature falls within an ORM Core or Linkage Area, or within an ORM Countryside or Settlement Area.
Significant woodlands are identified as: • any forest 4ha or greater in size in the Countryside or Settlement Area, and • any forest 0.5ha or greater in size in the Core or Linkage Area. This includes the plantations within the study area.
5.3 Establishment of Buffers
Buffers are areas of permanent vegetation surrounding a natural heritage feature in order to protect the feature and its functions by mitigating the impacts of adjacent land use. Typically buffers are required around woodlands, wetlands and watercourses. Woodland buffers are prescribed based on protecting the trees and their root zones, as well as allowing an area for edge trees and limbs to fall without damaging personal property. Aquatic and wetland buffers are required to protect feature, form and function, as well as the species that inhabit them. The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan specifies minimum vegetation protection zones (i.e. buffers) for key natural heritage features.
1 Watercourse mapping received from the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority differs from that received from York Region and the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville. According to field checks, mapping from the LSRCA is more accurate and was therefore used in the NHS mapping completed for this report.
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 19 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy The following buffers are recommended: • A 30m buffer from either side of the watercourse becomes part of the NHS, to remain consistent with ORM (MMAH 2002) and Greenbelt Plan (MMAH 2005) policies, and the Town’s Official Plan. • A 30m significant woodland buffer is implemented for the same reasons (MMAH 2002, MMAH 2005), which is measured from the trunk of the outermost trees. • Cultural woodlands and non-significant woodlands are given a more modest buffer of 10m, measured from the dripline of the trees, which is a standard used by many municipalities. • A buffer is not required for cultural meadows (CUM) or cultural thickets (CUT). • Wetlands have a buffer of 30m, which is consistent with the ORM, Greenbelt Plan, and Official Plan.
5.4 The Natural Heritage System
The proposed NHS and its buffers are shown on Figure 5. Buffers were mapped as explained above; however, where existing development abuts a natural feature, buffer widths were modified. The following modifications were made: • Significant woodland buffers were reduced to 10m adjacent to existing development. • Buffers on streams were reduced to 15m adjacent to existing development. • Musselman Lake was given a buffer of 15m because of adjacent development. • Buffers were eliminated adjacent to roads.
The proposed NHS is clarified on Figure 6 and Table 5, describing the rationale behind the NHS boundary and buffer widths. The numbers in the figure correspond to numbers in the table. The asterix (*) identifies the feature that prescribed the NHS boundary.
The proposed NHS will protect ecological features and functions into the future. Species movement and sustainability is ensured through a connected system both within the study area and to natural features outside the study area boundaries. The NHS will provide a wide range to benefits to the residents of Ballantrae and Musselman Lake, such as clean air, clean water, recreational opportunities, flood attenuation and erosion control, as well as nature appreciation.
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 20 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy Ninth Line
Highway 48 York/Durham Line York/Durham
Aurora Road Aurora Road Island Lake
Stanley McKewon Lake (Shadow) Lake Staly Lake
Highway 48
Musselman Lake
Ninth Line Windsor Vandorf Sideroad Lake Hillsdale Drive Line York/Durham
Legend Figure 5 LSRCA Watercourse Natural Heritage System Waterbody 0 250 500 1,000 m Natural Heritage System
Ballantrae-Musselman Lake and Buffer (varies between 10 and 30m) © 2011 The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Produced using information under License with the Environs Secondary Plan Review Core NHS Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority © Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, 2011 November 2011 1 51 2 52 3 49 4 Ninth Line 50
45 5
Highway 48
11 49 50 Line York/Durham
6 44 Aurora Road Aurora Road 42 8 40 Island 9 48 Lake 7 9 10 43 55 53 9 39 41 47 9 10 54 47 56 38 38 Stanley 46 McKewon 57 37 Lake (Shadow) 36 Lake Staly 35 Lake 12 35 35 30 58 Highway 48 34 31 13 14 Musselman 32 27 Lake 16 15 17 28 29 33 59 18 19 27
26 Ninth Line 20 25 Windsor Vandorf Sideroad Lake 59 59 Hillsdale Drive Line York/Durham 21 60 22 24 23
Figure 6 Legend
Natural Heritage System LSRCA Watercourse 0 250 500 1,000 m Establishment Waterbody Natural Heritage System
Ballantrae-Musselman Lake and Buffer (varies between 10 and 30m) © 2011 The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Produced using information under License with the Environs Secondary Plan Review Core NHS (includes 30m buffer for streams) Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority © Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, 2011 November 2011 Table 5. Natural Heritage System Establishment ORM
# Core Linkage Countryside Settlement Significant Woodland Forest Watercourse Wetland Meadow / Thicket Designated Natural Feature Natural Feature Conservation Area Natural Feature Enhancement Area Adjacent Development Buffer (m) 1 * 30 2 * 0 3 * 30 4 * 10 5 * 10 6 * 10 0 7 NHS boundary cuts through old field to bulk up core area, thereby increasing interior to edge ratio, and to include more of the Natural Feature Enhancement Area. 8 * 30 9 () * 10 10 * 0 11 * 10 Locally significant 30 12 wetland NHS boundary drawn around new development. 13 0 14 * 30 15 * 30 16 * 30 17 * 30 18 * 10 19 * 30 * 30 20 Follows property boundary. * 10+ 21 Feature is 3.83ha in size. 10m buffer from woodland, 30m buffer from internal wetland. 22 * 30 23 * ANSI 30 24 No buffer adjacent to road. 0 25 * PSW 10 26 * 0 27 ANSI* 10 28 * 15 29 Musselman L 15 30 * 30 31 * PSW various 32 * 0 ANSI, 33 * 30 PSW 34 * 30 35 * 10
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 23 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy ORM
# Core Linkage Countryside Settlement Significant Woodland Forest Watercourse Wetland Meadow / Thicket Designated Natural Feature Natural Feature Conservation Area Natural Feature Enhancement Area Adjacent Development Buffer (m) 36 * 30 37 * 30 38 * 30 39 * 10 40 * 30 41 * 0 42 * 10 43 * 0 44 * 10 45 * 10 46 ANSI* 10 47 ANSI* 30 48 ANSI* 0 49 30 50 10 51 ANSI* 30 52 10 ANSI, 53 30 PSW* 54 * ANSI 10 55 * ANSI 30 56 ANSI * 10 57 * ANSI 30 58 * ANSI 10 59 * ANSI 0 60 * 10
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 24 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy 6.0 References
Beacon Environmental and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA). 2007. Natural Heritage System for the Lake Simcoe Watershed, Phase 1: Components and Policy Templates. Prepared for the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the Lake Simcoe Environmental Management Strategy.
Bird Studies Canada, Environment Canada's Canadian Wildlife Service, Ontario Nature, Ontario Field Ornithologists and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2006. Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Website. Information for squares: 17PJ37 and 17PJ47. Available online at: http://www.birdsontario.org/atlas/index.jsp
Chapman, L.J., and D.F. Putnam. 1984. The Physiography of Southern Ontario 3rd Edition. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Toronto, Ontario. Special Volume (Ontario Geological Survey) 2.
COSEWIC. 2007. COSEWIC Assessment and Update Status Report on the Redside Dace Clinostomus elongatus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa.
COSEWIC. 2011. Database of Wildlife Species Assessed by COSEWIC. Last updated July 6, 2011. Available online at: http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/eng/sct1/searchform_e.cfm (Accessed July 2011).
Dobbyn, J.S. 1994. Atlas of the Mammals of Ontario. Federation of Ontario Naturalists.
Ecologistics Limited. 1982. Environmentally Significant Areas Study. South Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority.
Environment Canada. 2004. How Much Habitat is Enough, Second Edition. Published by the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, 2004. Available online at: http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/wildlife/docs/habitatframework-e.html
Followes, E. 2011. Emma Followes, Stewardship Specialist, Aurora District MNR. Email communication September 27, 2011 with Katharina Walton, NRSI.
Gartner Lee Ltd. 2000. Whitchurch-Stouffville Natural Features & Greenlands Study. August 2000. Prepared for the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville.
Henson, B.L. and K.E. Brodribb. 2005. Great Lakes Conservation Blueprint for Terrestrial Biodiversity. Volume 2 Ecodistrict Summaries. Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Hoffman, D.W. and N.R. Richards. 1955. Soil Survey of York County. Report No. 19 of the Ontario Soil Survey. Experimental Farms Service, Canadian Department of Agriculture and the Ontario Agricultural College. Guelph, Ontario. Available online: http://sis.agr.gc.ca/cansis/publications/on/on19/intro.html#report
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 25 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA). 2009. Musselman’s Lake Subwatershed Assessment and Stewardship Opportunities Report. March 31, 2009 Final Draft.
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA). 2010. East Holland Subwatershed Plan.
Lee, H. 2008. Southern Ontario Ecological Land Classification - Vegetation Type List. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources: London, Ontario.
Lee, H.T., W.D. Bakowsky, J. Riley, J. Bowles, M. Puddister, P. Uhlig and S. McMurray.1998. Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: First Approximation and its Application. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southcentral Science Section, Science Development and Transfer Branch. SCSS Field Guide FG-02.
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH). 2009. The Oak Ridges Moraine. Last modified November 10, 2009. Available Online: http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page322.aspx
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH). 2005. Greenbelt Plan. Available online: http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page189.aspx#intro
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH). 2002. Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. Available online: http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page1707.aspx
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), Ministry of the Environment (MOE), and Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). Undated. Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Technical Paper Series. Available online: http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page4808.aspx
Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). 1999. Natural Heritage Reference Manual for Policy 2.3 of the Provincial Policy Statement. June 1999.
Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). 2000. Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide: Appendix G.
Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). 2008. Technical Paper 2. Technical Definitions and Criteria for Significant Woodlands in the Natural Heritage System of the Protected Countryside Area of the Greenbelt Plan (2005).
Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). 2010. Natural Heritage Reference Manual for Policies of the Provincial Policy Statement, Second Edition. March 18, 2010.
Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). 2010. Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List. Last updated September 29, 2010. Available online: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Species/2ColumnSubPage/276504.html
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 26 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). 2011. Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List. Last updated June 8, 2011. Available online at: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Species/2ColumnSubPage/276722.html (Accessed July 2011).
Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC), Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2011. Available online at: https://www.biodiversityexplorer.mnr.gov.on.ca/nhicWEB/mainSubmit.do
Oldham, M.J. and W.F. Weller. 2000. Ontario Herpetofaunal Atlas. Natural Heritage Information Centre, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Available online at: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/nhic/herps/ohs.html
Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. 2001. Guide for Participants. Atlas Management Board, Federation of Ontario Naturalists, Don Mills.
Ontario Nature. 2004. Suggested Conservation Guidelines for the Identification of Significant Woodlands in Southern Ontario. Federation of Ontario Naturalists.
Soper, J.H. and M.L. Heimburger. 1994. Shrubs of Ontario. The Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario.
Stouffville.com. 2011. Whitchurch-Stouffville's Online Directory and Tourism Guide. Online: www.stoffville.com
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. 27 Ballantrae-Musselman Lake - Environmental Management Strategy
APPENDIX I Bird Species Reported From the Study Area
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. Appendices
Appendix I. Bird Species Reported From the Study Area OBBA Scientific Name Common Name SRANK COSEWIC SARO 17PJ37 17PJ47 Reference Ducks, Geese & Swans Branta canadensis Canada Goose S5 CO CO Cygnus olor Mute Swan SNA CO Cygnus buccinator Trumpeter Swan S4 NAR NAR PO Aix sponsa Wood Duck S5 CO PR Anas rubripes American Black Duck S4 PR Anas platyrhynchos Mallard S5 CO CO Lophodytes cucullatus Hooded Merganser S5B, S5N CO PO
Partridges, Grouse & Turkeys Phasianus colchicus Ring-necked Pheasant SNA PO PO Bonasa umbellus Ruffed Grouse S4 CO CO Meleagris gallopavo Wild Turkey S5 PR CO
GREBES Podilymbus podiceps Pied-billed Grebe S4B, S4N CO
HERONS & BITTERNS Gartner Lee 2000, Beacon Ixobrychus exilis Least Bittern S4B THR THR & LSRCA 2007 Ardea herodias Great Blue Heron S4B PO Butorides virescens Green Heron S4B CO PR
VULTURES Cathartes aura Turkey Vulture S5B PR PO
HAWKS, KITES & EAGLES Pandion haliaetus Osprey S5B PR PO Circus cyaneus Northern Harrier S4B NAR NAR PO PR Accipiter striatus Sharp-shinned Hawk S5 NAR PO PO Accipiter cooperii Cooper's Hawk S4 NAR NAR CO CO Accipiter gentilis Northern Goshawk S4 NAR NAR CO CO Buteo lineatus Red-shouldered Hawk S4B NAR NAR CO Gartner Lee 2000 Buteo platypterus Broad-winged Hawk S5B CO PR Buteo jamaicensis Red-tailed Hawk S5 NAR NAR PR PO
CARACARAS & FALCONS Falco sparverius American Kestrel S4 CO CO
RAILS, GALLINULES & COOTS Beacon & LSRCA 2007, Rallus elegans King Rail S2B E END LSRCA 2010 Rallus limicola Virginia Rail S5B PR PO Porzana carolina Sora S4B PR Gallinula chloropus Common Moorhen S4B CO OBBA Scientific Name Common Name SRANK COSEWIC SARO 17PJ37 17PJ47 Reference PLOVERS Charadrius vociferus Killdeer S5B, S5N CO CO
SANDPIPERS & PHALAROPES Actitis macularia Spotted Sandpiper S5 CO PR Gallingo delicata Wilson's Snipe S5B PO PR Scolopax minor American Woodcock S4B PR CO
PIGEONS & DOVES Columba livia Rock Pigeon SNA CO PR Zenaida macroura Mourning Dove S5 CO PR NRSI
CUCKOOS & ANIS Coccyzus americanus Yellow-billed Cuckoo S4B PR PR Coccyzus erythropthalmus Black-billed Cuckoo S5B PR PR
TYPICAL OWLS Otus asio Eastern Screech-Owl S4 NAR NAR PR CO Bubo virgianus Great Horned Owl S4 CO CO Strix varia Barred Owl S5 PR Asio otus Long-eared Owl S4 PO
SWIFTS Chaetura pelagica Chimney Swift S4B, S4N T THR PR PO
HUMMINGBIRDS Archilochus colubris Ruby-throated Hummingbird S5B CO PO
KINGFISHERS Ceryle alcyon Belted Kingfisher S4B CO PR
WOODPECKERS Melanerpes erythrocephalus Red-headed Woodpecker S4B T SC Gartner Lee 2000 Sphyrapicus varius Yellow-bellied Sapsucker S5B PR PO Picoides pubescens Downy Woodpecker S5 CO PR Picoides villosus Hairy Woodpecker S5 CO CO Colaptes auratus Northern Flicker S4B CO CO Dryocopus pileatus Pileated Woodpecker S5 CO PO
TYRANT FLYCATCHERS Contopus virens Eastern Wood-Pewee S4B CO PR NRSI Empidonax alnorum Alder Flycatcher S5B PR PR Empidonax traillii Willow Flycatcher S5B PO PO Empidonax minimus Least Flycatcher S4B PR PO Sayornis phoebe Eastern Phoebe S5B CO CO Myiarchus crinitus Great Crested Flycatcher S4B CO CO Tyrannus tyrannus Eastern Kingbird S4B CO CO OBBA Scientific Name Common Name SRANK COSEWIC SARO 17PJ37 17PJ47 Reference SHRIKES Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead Shrike S2B E (ssp. migrans END Beacon & LSRCA 2007
VIREOS Vireo flavifrons Yellow-throated Vireo S4B PO Vireo gilvis Warbling Vireo S5B PR PR Vireo olivaceus Red-eyed Vireo S5B CO PR
CROWS & JAYS Cyanocitta cristata Blue Jay S5 CO CO NRSI Corvus brachyrhynchos American Crow S5B CO CO Corvus corax Common Raven S5 PO
LARKS Eremophila alpestris Horned Lark S5B PR PR
SWALLOWS Progne subis Purple Martin S4B PO PO Tachycineta bicolor Tree Swallow S4B CO CO Stelgidopteryx serripennis Northern Rough-winged Swallow S4B PR PO Riparia riparia Bank Swallow S4B CO CO Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Cliff Swallow S4B CO CO Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow S4B CO CO
CHICKADEES & TITMICE Poecile atricapillus Black-capped Chickadee S5 CO CO
NUTHATCHES Sitta canadensis Red-breasted Nuthatch S5 CO PR Sitta carolinensis White-breasted Nuthatch S5 CO PR
CREEPERS Certhia americana Brown Creeper S5B PR PR
WRENS Troglodytes aedon House Wren S5B CO PR Troglodytes troglodytes Winter Wren S5B PR CO Cistothorus platensis Sedge Wren S4B NAR NAR PO Cistothorus palustris Marsh Wren S4B PR
KINGLETS Regulus satrapa Golden-crowned Kinglet S5B CO PR OBBA Scientific Name Common Name SRANK COSEWIC SARO 17PJ37 17PJ47 Reference THRUSHES Sialia sialis Eastern Bluebird S5B NAR NAR CO CO Catharus fuscescens Veery S4B CO CO Catharus guttatus Hermit Thrush S5B PR PR Hylocichla mustelina Wood Thrush S4B PR PR Turdus migratorius American Robin S5B CO CO NRSI
MOCKINGBIRDS & THRASHERS Dumetella carolinensis Gray Catbird S4B PR CO Mimus polyglottos Northern Mockingbird S4 PR CO Toxostoma rufum Brown Thrasher S4B PR PR
STARLINGS Sturnus vulgaris European Starling SNA CO CO
WAXWINGS Bombycilla cedrorum Cedar Waxwing S5B CO PR
WOOD-WARBLERS Cardellina canadensis Canada Warbler S4B T SC PO CO Geothlypis trichas Common Yellowthroat S5B CO CO Geothylpis philadelphia Mourning Warbler S4B PR PR Mniotilta varia Black-and-white Warbler S5B PR CO Seiurus aurocapillus Ovenbird S4B CO CO Seiurus noveboracensis Northern Waterthrush S5B PR CO Setophaga caerulescens Black-throated Blue Warbler S5B PR Setophaga cerulea Cerulean Warbler S3B E SC PO Setophaga coronata Yellow-rumped Warbler S5B PR PR Setophaga discolor Prairie Warbler S3B NAR NAR Gartner Lee 2000 Setophaga fusca Blackburnian Warbler S5B PR Setophaga magnolia Magnolia Warbler S5B PR PR Setophaga pensylvanica Chestnut-sided Warbler S5B CO PO Setophaga petechia Yellow Warbler S5B PR CO Setophaga pinus Pine Warbler S5B CO CO Setophaga ruticilla American Redstart S5B PO CO Setophaga virens Black-throated Green Warbler S5B PR PR Vermivora chrysoptera Golden-winged Warbler S4B T SC PO Vermivora chrysoptera x pinus Brewster's Warbler PO Vermivora pinus Blue-winged Warbler S4B PO Vermivora ruficapilla Nashville Warbler S5B PR CO OBBA Scientific Name Common Name SRANK COSEWIC SARO 17PJ37 17PJ47 Reference SPARROWS Pipilo erythrophthalmus Eastern Towhee S4B PR PR Spizella passerina Chipping Sparrow S5B CO CO Spizella pallida Clay-colored Sparrow S4B PR Spizella pusilla Field Sparrow S4B CO CO Pooecetes gramineus Vesper Sparrow S4B PR PR Passerculus sandwichensis Savannah Sparrow S4B CO PR Ammodramus savannarum Grasshopper Sparrow S4B PR PO Melospiza melodia Song Sparrow S5B CO CO Melospiza lincolnii Lincoln's Sparrow S5B PR Melospiza georgiana Swamp Sparrow S5B CO PR Zonotrichia albicollis White-throated Sparrow S5B PR CO
CARDINALS & ALLIES Piranga olivacea Scarlet Tanager S4B CO PR Cardinalis cardinalis Northern Cardinal S5 CO PR Pheucticus ludovicianus Rose-breasted Grosbeak S4B CO PR Passerina cyanea Indigo Bunting S4B CO CO
BLACKBIRDS Dolichonyx oryzivorus Bobolink S4B THR THR CO PR Agelaius phoeniceus Red-winged Blackbird S4 CO CO Sturnella magna Eastern Meadowlark S4B CO PR Quiscalus quiscula Common Grackle S5B CO CO Molothrus ater Brown-headed Cowbird S4B PR PR Icterus galbula Baltimore Oriole S4B CO PR
FINCHES Carpodacus purpureus Purple Finch S4B PR PR Carpodacus mexicanus House Finch SNA CO PR Loxia leucoptera White-winged Crossbill S5B CO Carduelis pinus Pine Siskin S4B PO Carduelis tristis American Goldfinch S5B CO PR
OLD WORLD SPARROWS Passer domesticus House Sparrow SNA CO PR
Legend COSEWIC - Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC 2011) SARO - Species at Risk in Ontario (OMNR 2011)
Provincial Rank (SRANK) COSEWIC SARO S1 - Critically Imperiled NAR - Not at Risk NAR - Not at Risk S2 - Imperiled SC - Special Concern SC - Special Concern S3 - Vulnerable T - Threatened THR - Threatened S4 - Apparently Secure E - Endangered END - Endangered S5 - Secure
APPENDIX II Herpetofaunal Species Reported From the Study Area
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. Appendices
Appendix II. Reptiles and Amphibians Reported From the Study Area
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME SRANK COSEWIC SARO Ontario Ontario Herp Atlas Turtles Chelydra serpentina serpentina Common Snapping Turtle S3 SC SC X Chrysemys picta marginata Midland Painted Turtle S5 X
Snakes Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum Eastern Milksnake S3 SC SC X Nerodia sipedon sipedon Northern Watersnake S5 NAR NAR X Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata Northern Red-bellied Snake S5 X Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis Eastern Gartersnake S5 X
Salamanders Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens Red-spotted Newt S5 X Plethodon cinereus Eastern (Northern) Redback Salamander S5 X
Toads and Frogs Bufo americanus American Toad S5 X Hyla versicolor Tetraploid Gray Treefrog S5 X Pseudacris triseriata pop. 2 (Gr. Lakes/St. Lawrence - Western Chorus Frog S3 T NAR X Canadian Shield Population) Pseudacris crucifer crucifer Northern Spring Peeper S5 X Rana catesbeiana Bullfrog S4 X Rana clamitans melanota Green Frog S5 X Rana pipiens Northern Leopard Frog S5 NAR NAR X Rana sylvatica Wood Frog S5 X
Legend COSEWIC - Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC 2011) SARO - Species at Risk in Ontario (OMNR 2011) Provincial Rank (SRANK) COSEWIC SARO S1 - Critically Imperiled NAR - Not at Risk NAR - Not at Risk S2 - Imperiled SC - Special Concern SC - Special Concern S3 - Vulnerable T - Threatened THR - Threatened S4 - Apparently Secure E - Endangered END - Endangered S5 - Secure
APPENDIX III Mammal Species Reported From the Study Area
Natural Resource Solutions Inc. Appendices
Appendix III. Mammal Species Recorded From the Study Area
Scientific Name Common Name SRANK COSEWIC SARO Ontario Ontario Mammal Atlas NRSI Observed Castor canadensis Beaver S5 X Condylura cristata Star-nosed Mole S5 X Eptesicus fuscus Big Brown Bat S5 X Erethizon dorsatum Porcupine S5 X Glaucomys sabrinus Northern Flying Squirrel S5 X Lepus americanus Snowshoe Hare S5 X Lepus europaeus European Hare SE X Mephitis mephitis Striped Skunk S5 X Mus musculus House Mouse SE X Mustela frenata Long-tailed Weasel S4 X Mustela vison Mink S5 X Myotis lucifuga Little Brown Bat S5 X Odocoileus virginianus White-tailed Deer S5 X Ondatra zibethicus Muskrat S5 X Parascalops breweri Hairy-tailed Mole S4 X Peromyscus leucopus White-footed Mouse S5 X Peromyscus maniculatus Deer Mouse S5 X Procyon lotor Raccoon S5 X Rattus norvegicus Norway Rat SE X Sciurus carolinensis Gray Squirrel S5 XX Sorex cinereus Masked (Common) Shrew S5 X Tamias striatus Eastern Chipmunk S5 X Tamiasciurus hudsonicus Red Squirrel S5 X Vulpes vulpes Red Fox S5 X
Legend COSEWIC - Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC 2011) SARO - Species at Risk in Ontario (OMNR 2011)
Provincial Rank (SRANK) COSEWIC SARO S1 - Critically Imperiled NAR - Not at Risk NAR - Not at Risk S2 - Imperiled SC - Special Concern SC - Special Concern S3 - Vulnerable T - Threatened THR - Threatened S4 - Apparently Secure E - Endangered END - Endangered S5 - Secure SE - Exotic