PREFACE

The Ministry of Natural Resources has three broad programs: outdoor recreation, resource products and land management. l The achievement of the objectives of these programs requires the use of large areas of land and water.

The Ministry normally achieves a large part of its 2 objectives through the use of Crown lands. In Ontario, the

Ministry of Natural Resources is the official custodian and manager of Crown land which covers some 87 percent of the Province. In the

Cornwall District however, less than 2 percent of the land base is

Crown; an additional 2 percent is directly managed by the Ministry.

The Ministry must therefore achieve a significant portion of its objectives by encouraging appropriate uses of private land.

As a result of the foregoing conditions, the potential for land use conflicts and inefficiencies is very high in'the Cornwall

District. The need for land use planning to avoid these problems is urgently required.

An overall planning approach has been established to co- ordinate all the land using programs of the Ministry. This concept finds expression in a strategic land use plan, which is a document stating in general terms how the Ministry of Natural Resources wishes to use or inFluence the use of land and water in Ontario.

The strategic land use plan will be prepared at two levels --- for the province as a whole and for each of three regional areas, northwestern, northeastern and southern Ontario.

1 I Ontario, Ministry of Natural Resources, A Guide to Organization and Management System, Ministry of Natural Resources, 1972.

2~heneverthe term Crown I1landlt is used it refers to lands both above and below water. At the district level, a third level of planning, local in nature, I involves a series of more detailed local or district strategies which will be developed consistent with provincial and regional I strategic land use plans. This report contains information useful for the development

of a district land use plan1 for Cornwall District.

1. Twc) terms, "plan" and "strategy", have been used interchangeably in Ministry planning literature to date. All future planning doc:uments will use the term "strategyttto avoid possible confusion. CORNWALL DISTRICT LAND use PLAN,

BACKGROUND INFORMATION'

Page

Preface

1.1 Plan Procedure 1.2 Data Description 1.3 Plan Revision

2.0 Gerieral Description

2.1 Regional Setting 2.2 Climate 2.3 Lar..dscapeDescription

2.3.1 Relief 2.3.2 Bedrock Geology 2.3.3 Surficial Geology 2.3.4 Soils

2.4 Vegetation

2.4.1 Woodlands 2.4.2 Cleared Agricultural Lands 2.4.3 Wetlands

2.5 Drainage Basins 2.6 Fish and Wildlife 2.7 Early History 2.8 Population & Employment

2.8.1 Population 2.8.2 Employment

2.9 Land Tenure 2.10 Trar~sportationFacilities

2.10.1 Roads 2.10.2 Railways 2.10.3 Air Service 2.1C .4 Water

2.11 Utilities

2.11.1 Power Generation & Transmission 2.11.2 Pipelines 2.11.3 Water Supplies & Sewage Treatment

2.12 Present ~e~$eeof Development Page

3.0 Itesource Analysis

3.1 Minerals and Aggregates

3.1.1 Mineral Potential & Occurrences 3.1.2 Aggregate Potential 3.1.3 Historical Development 3.1.4 Present Activities 3.1.5 Resource Analysis and Trends

3.2 Forest Lands

3.2.1 Timber Use Capability 3.2.2 Historical Development 3.2.3 Present Activities 3.2.4 Resource Analysis and Trends 3.3 Agricultural Lands

3.3.1 Agricultural Land Capability 3.3.2 Historical Development 3.3.3 Present Activities 3.3.4 Resource Analysis and Trends

3.4 Fisheries

3.4.1 Hisborical Development 3.4.2 Fish Productivity 3.4.3 Fish Species, Occurence and Habitat 3.4.4 Sport Fishery 3.4.5 Commercial Fishery 3.4.6 Resource Analysis and Trends

3.5 Wildlife I 3.5.1 Habitat Status 3.5.2 Wildlife Capability 3.5.3 Current Status and Use a) White Tailed Deer h) Moose :) Waterfowl d) Srn:~llGame 3.5.4 Present Commercial Activities a) Trapping 3.5.5 Non-Consumptive Wildlife-Oriented Activities 3.5.6 Resource Analysis & Trends

3.6 Tourism and Outdoor Recreation

3.6.1 Outdoor Recreation Capability 3.6.2 Historical Development 3.6.3 Present Recreation Activity a) Public (i) Provincial Parks (ii) Park Reserves (iii) Crown Lands (iv) Agreement Forests (v) St. Lawrence Parks Commission (vi) Travelling & Viewing b) Private (i) Cottages (ii) Commercial Facilities 3.6.4 Resource Analysis and Trends

4.0 Land Use Constraints and Planning

4.1 Sensitive Areas 4.2 Environmental Constraints 4.3 Disposition Controls 4.4 Ministry Plans

4.4.1 Outdoor Recreation Group 4.4.2 Forest Resources Group 4.4.3 Lands and Waters Group 4.4.4 Mineral Resources Group

4.5 Other Plans 4.5.1 Ministry of Treasury, Economics and Intergovernmental Affairs 4.5.2 Municipal Official ~lans/Ministryof Housing 4.5.3 Ministry of Agriculture and Food 4.5.4 Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Planning Study ( TORPS ) 4.5.5 Ministry of Industry and Tourism 4.5.6 Conservation Authorities 4.5.7 Ontario Hydro 4.5.8 Federal Department o:f Regional Economic Expansion ( DREE )

5.0 Problems and Issues

5.1 Ministry Programs

5.1.1 Unauthorized Occupation 5.1.2 Fish and Wildlife 5.1.3 Timber 5.1.4 Parks and Recreation 5.1.5 Hazard Lands 5.1.6 Sensitive Areas

5.2 Ministry - Other Agency

5.2.1 Interprovincial Boundary Negotiations 5.2.2 Water Management 5.2.3 Water Quality 5.2.4 Conservation Authorities 5.2.5 Other Agencies 5.3, Ministry - Private Sector 5.3.1 St. Regis Indian Reserve 5.3.2 Aggregates and Soils 5.3.3 Urban - Rural Dichotolny Following LIST OF MAPS Page

Regional Setting Topography Bedrock Geology Surficial ~eology Watersheds Location of Dams Land Tenure Transportation Facilities Utilities Generalized Degree of Development Mineral Potential Aggregate Mining Operations Generalized Timber Capabi.Lity Woodlands Improvement Act Agreements Forest Industries and Wood Flow Future Timber Production Areas Generalized Agriculture Capability Fish Spawning Areas General Wildlife Habitat Generalized Wildlife Capability Wintering Areas for Deer Commercial Fur Industry Outdoor Recreation Capability Provincial Recreation Fac.ilities Distribution of Private Cottages ~ommercialRecreation Facilities Recreation Oriented AccommodationEstablishments Sensitive Areas Planning Areas LIST OF TABLES Page

Tab 1e

Population by Official Language 15 Urban - Rural Population (1976) 15 Population 15 Employment 17 Land Tenure 18 Community Water Supply 22 Sewage Treatment Facilities 23 Active Aggregate Extraction Operations 26 Estimated Employment - Wood:; Industry (1977) 32 Areas for Agriculture by Soil Capability 39 Relative Sport Fish Catch Per Unit Effort From Districtwaters 47 Annual Catch and Value of Commercial Fish Harvest 50 Hunting Oriented Recreation 57 Fur Production 1976-1977 61 Provincial Parks Facilities and Use 66 Recreation Oriented Accommoclation 71 Number of Person-Visits to Clntario and Related 72 Travel Expenditure Official Plans 82 Wood Movement into Cornwall District Mills 90 1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Plan Procedure

The Cornwall District Land Use Plan will deal with the

means of achieving objectives and targets for Ministry of

Natural Resourcest programs at the local level. The purpose

of a district land use plan is to: . provide a framework for efficient resource management; . promote good land use practices through Ministry programs; . aid in the avoidance and resolution of conflicts; . provide assistance to municipalities in the preparation of official plans and for making land use decisions; . provide assistance to other agencies and ministries involved in planning.

Additional planning for resource management purposes on

individual sites will be required and will be carried out by

the appropriate operational units of the Ministry.

A planning procedure, based upon the Ministry of Natural

Resources Guidelines for Land Use Planning, will be followed

for the preparation of loci31 plans. The process is grouped

into seven steps:

First - ESTABLISH THE TEIWS OF REFERENCE Second - COLLECT AND ANALYSE INFORMATION Third - DEVELOP THE POLIC!Y (OBJECTIVES AM1 TARGETS) Fourth - DEVELOP THE CONCEPTUAL LAND USE PLAN Fifth - DEVELOP THE LAND USE PLAN Sixth - DEVELOP THE REVIEW PROCEDURE Seventh - PLAN APPROVAL AND IMPLEMENTATION

It is important to note that a continuous program of

public participation is an integral part of this planning

process. 1.2 Data Description

All of the information included in the report is readily

available in Ministry of Natural Resources files, Statistics

Canada publications and other standard reference sources. The

information displayed is selective in nature, and has

frequently been conso1idat;ed for presentation so as to give

the reader a generalized overview of the district and its

resources. New information will be incorporated into the

planning process as it becomes available.

1.3 Plan Revision

It is possible that revision of this plan will be necessary

even in the short term. The need for revision may result from

significant changes in physical state, public wishes or

Ministry policy. Revisions, when required, will be undertaken

upon the decision and direction of the District Manager. The

p,lanning procedure, including public participation, should be

repeated for any revision. -3-

2.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

2.1 Regional Setting The Cornwall District is one of six administrative

Districts in the Eastern Region (Map 1) and covers an area of

5,594 square kilometers. The district includes 22 townships

within the United Counties of Prescott and Russell and the

United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. It is

bounded to the north by the Ottawa River, to the east by the

Province of Quebec, to the south by the St. Lawrence River and

,to the west by the Brockville and Ottawa Districts. The major

urban centres in the district are Cornwall and Hawkesbury.

Only 4.24 percent of the Cornwall District is directly managed

by the Ministry. These lands include Crown land and agreement

forest land.

2.2 Climate

The Cornwall District experiences a continental type of

climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Although the mean

0 July temperature is 21 C throughout the district, the mean

0 0 January temperature ranges from -8.8 C in the south to -11 C in

the north. The frost free period varies from 130 to 135 days.

The growing season is approximately 200 days. The mean annual

precipitation averages iapproximately 91.44 cm and the mean annual

snowfall averages 203 cm.

2.3 Landscape Description

2.3.1 Relief

The land in Cornwall District is generally flat-lying; a

result of the deposition of glacial till on flat time-stone

bedrock. Topographic features associated with glaciation and

deposition include tear-shaped mounds of glaciated material known as drumlins. Beaches formed by the Champlain Sea appear as narrow ridges.

Present rivers have cut deep gulleys into the surficial deposits in some places. Ancient channels of the Ottawa River occur in Russell and Prescott Counties. River valleys and isolated limestone ridges are the only physical features with notable relief that occur in the Cornwall District.

Elevations range from 53 metres above sea level along the

St. Lawrence River and Ottawa River to 114 metres above sea

level near the village of Maxville (~ap2).

2.3.2 Bedrock Geology

Rocks of the Canadian Shield form the basement rock under-

lying the entire district. About one billion years ago, in

the Precambrian Era, limestone, sandstone, and other sedimentary rocks were subjected to heat and pressure and were metamorphosed

into crystaline limestone, quartzite, and gneisses. Igneous rocks'such as granite and diabase intruded into the metamorphic rocks. There are only two areas in the Cornwall District where the underlying Precambrian rocks are exposed. One is

in the northern part of Alfred Township, the other is in East

Hawkesbury Township. Throughout the rest of the Cornwall

district, the under-lying Precambrian rock is covered by bedrock formed during the Palaeozoic Era about 400-600 million years ago. Sediments were deposited in an ancient sea that

covered this area. Sand, clay, and calcium carbonate

eventually formed sandstone, shale, and limestone.

The oldest of the sedimentary rocks that covers the

Precambrian basement is the Potsdam Group/Nepean sandstone.

This cream-coloured rock is composed of a coarse quartz sand.

The sandstone weathers grey and in some places red stains result from iron content.

Lying above the Nepean sandstone is the Beekmantown Group/

March and Oxford Formations. The March Formation is a transition from the Nepean sandstone to the Oxford limestone and is composed of interbedded sandstone and limestone. The

Oxford Formation is composed of thicker beds of grey limestone and blue-grey dolomite.

Overlying these are still younger rocks, of the Chazy

Group/Rockcliffe and St. Martin Formations. The Rockcliffe

Formation is recognized as grey-green shale and grey sandstone while the younger St. Martin Formation is grey limestone with rusty weathering dolomitic layers.

The Trenton and Black River Groups/~ttawaFormation lies above the St. Martin Formation and is composed dominantly of grey limestone with thin layers of shale and some sandstone.

The youngest rocks in the Cornwall District belong to the Ultra, Lorraine and Queenstone Groups/Eastview, Billings,

Carlsbad, Russell, and Queenston Formations. The Eastview

Formation is composed of dark grey limestone. The predominant type of rock found in these formations is shale and ranges from a black colour in the Billings to grey in the Carlsbad, and Russell and to red in the Queenstone Formations. Layers of dolomite appear with the shale in these three youngest formations (Map 3 ) . 2.3.3 Surficial Geology

Ontario has been glaciated a number of times. The most CORNWALL

WLEOZOIC(-ICIAN) ADMFNlSTRATlVE DISTRICT WEENSTON GRWP EASTERN REGION

1 LORRaIN GROUP

, UTKAGROUP

1 If38 TRENTON GRWP . . BLACK RlMR GROUP

I I3 CHAR GRWP . . BEEKM&TOWN GROUP

. . POTSDAM GROUP

PRECAMFjKoRPHosEDsmMEm - GEOLOGICAL CONTACT SOURCES D A WILLIM(l974)unpublidgeolcgical w, AE WILSON11946) G SC Mop 852 A ,

-. , -, . ,>. .-=------. - -- ,r--s .I ''ORK. -7 +- u- - <',-.,A ,. U. s. A. . . -'J ,- .-. . '-,PRoX\(E OF QUEBEC recent glacier retreated from the area about 11,000 years ago.

The glaciers which covered the Cornwall district contained soil and rock debris. This material was deposited as till when the ice melted. These deposits are located largely in Stormont,

Dundas and Glengarry Counties and consist of pebbles, sand, silt, and clay.

After the retreat of the last glacier, a body of salt water known as the Champlain Sea covered much of this area.

Sand, silt, and clay settled onto the sea floor. Most note- worthy of these deposits are the marine clays which are prone

to slippage. The largest areas of these clays are found in

Prescott, Russell, and Dundas Counties. Detailed information

on which slopes are most likely to fail may be obtained from

the slope stability studies of the South Nation, Raisin and

Rigaud watersheds. The Champlain Sea formed beach deposits

of gravel where the water could re-work and redeposit the

material left by the glacier.

Because of their small size, the beach deposits are not

individually identified on the surficial geology map (Map 4).

Sand was deposited on the floor of the Champlain Sea as

well as in river channels after the Champlain Sea had drained.

Most of these sand and gravel deposits are located in Prescott

and Russell Counties.

Organic deposits of peat and muck have accumulated in

low-lying areas. There are a number of such small deposits

but two of the larger organic deposits are the Moose Creek and

Alfred Bogs.

2.3.4 Soils

Soil formulation and productivity are influenced by a

number of interrelated factors such as climate and surficial

geology.

The Cornwall district has undergone three separate periods

of glaciation. The glacial materials which evolved into the

soils of the district were worked by water and wind before

and after glaciation. The resultant soil formation in the

District as well as its related mineral and aggregate deposits

are therefore somewhat disorderly in their distribution and

make-up.

Soil depth in the district is generally deep, ranging

from four to sixty metres. Soil materials include glacial

till, glacio-fluvial and outwash material, organic, alluvial

and lacustrine material. Soil composition varies from muck to

fine sand with drainage varying from good to poor. Three

dominant soil types dominate the district-clay loam, loam and

sandy loam. The main series include Eamer Loam, Bearbrook

Clay Loam, Matilda Loam, Grenville Loam, Morrisburg Clay Loam,

Uplands Sandy Loam, Wolford Clay Loam, Rubicon Sand and Kars

Gravel. Soils are predominantly alkaline with pH levels of

6.0 to 8.0.

The overall productivity of soils in the Cornwall district

for timber and agriculture is good.

2.4 Ve,yetation

2.4.1 Woodlands

The Cornwall District is located in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Forest Region. Local climatic conditions, together

with soil and rock formations have combined to produce a broad

uniformity of tree species associations. Lumbering and

settlement have so modified the forests of this district that

very few, if any, of the original stands remain. The few

remaining natural' forests are largely confined to the poorer

sites. The dominant cover type today is composed of sugar

maple and beech, in association with red maple, birch,

basswood, white ash, large-tooth aspen, oak, red ash, elm and

hickory. The general character of the forest cover is broad-

leaved on deep calcareous soils. On the shallow, acidic or

eroding materials a representation of conifers is usual; particularly white pine and white spruce. Coarse-textured

soils commonly support stands of white and red pine, and wet

sites have spruce and cedar. Cedar is also found on dry, rocky or stony sites.

Woodlands occupy 125 452 hectares of the total land base of 559 436 hectares.

2.4.2 Cleared Agricultural Lands

Agricultural activity in the Cornwall District is wide- spread. In 1976, there were 4 077 census farms (Statistics

Canada, 1976 Census) occupying a total of 335 218 hectares or

60 percent of the total land base.

The total improved land in the district amounts to

260 181 hectares compared to 75 036 hectares of unimproved land,

Fifty-eight percent of all farm land in the district is under crops, mainly corn and hay. Seventeen percent is used for pasture, one percent for summer fallow and two percent for other uses. Twenty-two percent is unimproved land.

2.4.3 Wetlands

Wetlands in the district have been separated into two major categories, marsh and bog areas. Bogs found within the district have peat for a soil base and are typified by vegetation such as willow, alder, blueberries and other low lying shrubs. They are unproductive in terms of timber or agricultural standards but serve as isolated, undeveloped refuge areas for a great variety of wildlife species. The

Alfred-bog ( 4 047 ha ) for example supports a small herd of moose. Other bogs in the area are the Winchester,

Newington and the Moose Creek bogs with a combined area of

approximately 3 500 hectares.

Marsh areas are characterized by cattails, bulrushes,

and various other emergent, floating and submergent aquatic

plants. Marshes can be found throughout the district along

rivers and ponds. Many of these areas are concentrated along

the shoreline of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa River. Marshes

tend to be smaller than bogs but more widely distributed. The

total area of marsh in the district is less than 1 000 hectares;

Marshes are low in productivity as a land base, but are rated

high as staging and nesting areas for waterfowl and songbirds

and as suitable habitat for furbearers.

Wetlands are highly sensitive in nature. When subject to

development in the form of drainage, dredging and filling they

quickly lose their unique character. A current trend to

develop wetlands for marginal agriculture land and for

residential land is resulting in a decline in both the number and extent of wetland areas. The current rate of loss is

unknown.

2.5 Drainage Basins

The Cornwall District is drained to the north and to the

south (Map 5). The South Nation and Rigaud Rivers plus numerous

small creeks drain the entire north half of the district into

the Ottawa River. The Raisin River, Rivisre au Baudet and

Rivisre Delisle drain the remainder of the district southward

into the St. Lawrence River.

There are only two lakes in the district: Loch Garry in

Kenyon Township which is the main water supply for the Town

of Alexandria; and George Lake located partially in Alfred and

North Plantagenet Townships. Both lakes are shallow and

mesotrophic.

Ground water is found in both bedrock strata and

unconsolidated surficial materials. The aquifiers in the

Paleozic bedrock of the district are quite variable. Wells

in these formations have flows that range from 5 litres per

minute to over 3 637 litres per minute. A number of wells in

the northwestern portion of the district have been contaminated

with high salt concentrations. Ground water from unconsolidated

naterials is most readily obtained from layers characteristic

of moraine, spillway and deltaic deposits. Areas of these

deposits'are important as water sources and potential recharge

zones. Numerous dams are located throughout the district

(Map 6). The majority were built for flood control purposes

by conservation authorities, municipalities and private

individuals. The Chesterville dam is the largest in the

district exclusive of those on the St. Lawrence River.

2.6 Fish & Wildlife

The Cornwall district fishery is limited by a lack of

inland lakes.

The major sport and commercial fish species in the district

are of the warm and cool water type. Species commonly found

include northern pike, walleye, smallmouth & largemouth bass,

yellow perch, brown bullhead, muskellunge, American eel and

lake sturgeon.

Most of the terrestrial wildlife present in the district

are those species associated with the mixed forests and

agricultural areas of southern Ontario.

Common species include the ruffed grouse, white-tailed

deer, snowshoe hare, American woodcock, hungarian partridge,

raccoon, red fox and coyote. The only moose herd in eastern

Ontario inhabits the Alfred Bog and Larose Forest.

The St. Lawrence River and, to a lesser extent, the

Ottawa River are heavily used by migratory waterfowl. The

major migratory species of diving ducks include scaup, red-

heads, canvasbacks, goldeneye and bufflehead. Common migrant

puddle ducks, some of which nest in the area, include the

black duck, mallard, greenwing, teal, blue-wing teal, wood

duck and wooded merganser.

In the district migratory geese number 30,000 - 40,000 in the spring and 10,000 - 15,000 in the fall. The Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary supports 2,500 - 3,000 geese

over the summer. - 12 -

2,7 Ear1.y History

The Cornwall District was one of the first areas in

Ontario explored and settled by Europeans. In the early

seventeenth century, from settlements located in Quebec, came

the first explorers and missionaries via the St. Lawrence and

Ottawa Rivers.

Prior to 1763, the area of the Cornwall District was

sparsely populated by various Indian groups. Early Indian

contact with the first European settlers was generally limited

to the trading of furs.

The Royal Proclamation of 1763 was passed in an attempt

to establish Indian rights in advance of encroaching

European settlement. The rights acquired by the St. Regis

band in the Cornwall District through this Proclamation, or

affirmed by it, to islands in the St. Lawrence River have yet

to be satisfactorily resolved.

In 1784, 800 United Empire Loyalists of German descent,

who fought for England during the American Revolution, landed

in Cornwall to settle in Dundas and Stormont Counties.

Glengarry County was colonized in 1786 by Highland Scots of

the Roman Catholic faith along the St. Lawrence and Raisin

Rivers. In 1788 a second contingent of Highlanders came to

settle the northern portion of Glengarry. Further influxes

occurred in 1792, 1803 and 1804.

Prescott and Russell Counties were not developed at the

pace which characterized that of the other three counties in

the district. They were sparsely settled in the early 1800's

by American settlers. Late in the eighteenth century settlers of European extraction were farming the best land in the region. Vast

tracts of low lying land were largely ignored by these groups

in favour of the better drained lands. This cheap land was purchased by what has now become a very numerous French

Canadian colony. Accustomed to life on the flat lands of the

Lower Province, the French naturally adapted to the cultivation

of the semi-swamps of this region.

During settlement of eastern Ontario one of the greatest

difficulties with which the settlers had to contend was the

absence of roads. The St. Lawrence, Ottawa and South Nation

Rivers provided transportation in the summer and a few old

Indian trails provided access for settlers in the back

concessions. Gradually the trees on road allowances were cut

and mud roads were constructed. In low places corduroy roads

were constructed by laying logs side by side. '

Until the Municipal Act was passed in 1850, very little

was done to improve roads. After this date some of the main

roads leading north improved. Tollgates were often erected

along them. In 1916 the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas

and Glengarry passed a bylaw taking over about 644 km of

township roads, thus eliminating tollgates. Once overland

transportation improved, settlement of interior sections of the

district was completed.

Population and Employment

2.8.1 Population

According to Ontario Statistics for 193 Cornwall District

had a population of 147,785. This population is unevenly distributed within the district. Slightly over 41 percent is concentrated in Stormont County.

Cornwall District is considered a slow growth area.

Based on 1971 projections the population by 2001 is expected to increase by 10.6 percent. This compares with a 36.9 percent increase for eastern Ontario and a 45.9 percent increase for the province. Growth by county shows great variation. Dundas County is projected to decrease by 10.4 percent while Russell County will increase by 38.5 percent.

This increase may be explained by its proximity to Ottawa.

The extent to which urbanization has taken place is a measure of development or prosperity. As a whole the district shows an almost even split between urban and rural

(52.18 percent vs 47.82 percent). Even with this split the district is far behind the Ontario average of 81.1 percent urban population. If Stormont County was eliminated from consideration the predominance of rural influence would be more evident. The population of Cornwall District is set apart from the Eastern Region and southern Ontario by its characteristic mix of English and French speaking people,

Only 5.6 percent of the total population of Ontario claim

French as their official language whereas over 44 percent in

Cornwall District claim French as their official language.

Contrasts also occur within the district. Dundas County shows only 3.8 percent French speaking in contract to 78.5 percent in Prescott. TABLE 1

Population hy Official Lan~uwe

French Engl ish

Number Percent Number Percent Total w- Dundas 695 4 17 005 92 18 510 56 19 270 Glengarry 7 840 41 10 700 Prescott 22 855 79 5 590 19 29 100 Russell 15 160 77 4 090 21 19 735 Stormont 18 830 31 39 730 65 61 170

TOTALS 65 380 44 77 115 52 147 785

Source: Ontario Statistics 1978

TABLE 2

Urban - Rural Population 1976 -Area Total Urban Percent Percent Ontario 8,264,465 6,708,520 81 1,555,945 19 Dundas 18 510 6 535 35 11 975 65 Glengarry 19 270 3 495 18 15 775 82 Prescott 29 100 13 840 48 15 260 52 Russell 19 735 7 120 36 12 615 64 Stormont 61 170 46 120 75 15 050 25

TOTAL 147 785 77 110 52 70 675 48

SOURCE: Ontario Statistics 1978

TABLE 3

Population Percent increase 1976 Actual 1971 Actual 2001 (projected) (projected) Dundas 18 510 17 457 15 634 .--10 Glengarry 19 270 18 480 19 135 Prescott 29 100 27 832 31 411 Russell 19 735 16 287 22 561 Stormont 61 170 61 302 67 638 TOTAL 147 785 141 358 156 379 Source: (p. 50 Ontario Statistics 1978) 2.8.2 Employment

The major primary industries in the district are

agriculture, and forest resources. A survey in 1976 identified

over 4,000 farms in the district employing approximately

7,000 people. Two pulp and paper mills are located in the district - Canadian International Paper in Hawkesbury which

has 338 employees, and Domtar Fine Paper Ltd. located in

Cornwall which has 1,396 employees. Clothing and textiles with 18 establishments and 3,218

employees is the largest secondary industry in the district.

These establishments are principally concentrated in the city

of Cornwall, Hawkesbury, Iroquois and Alfred. Further

employment breakdown is on Table 4-

2.9 Land Tenure

The land base in the Cornwall District consists of 559 436

hectares of which 96 percent is patented or privately

owned land. Public lands in the district account for 23 714

hectares, approximately 4.24 percent of the total land base

(Map 7, Table 5). There are two provincial parks in the district - Carillon Provincial Park in East Hawkesbury Township, and South Nation

River Provincial Park in North Plimtagenet Township. Eight

provincial parks operated by the St. Lawrence Parks Commission

are located throughout the district along the St. Lawrence

River shoreline. The area represented by the various parks

is included in the public land category.

The Cornwall Island Indian Reserve is located on Cornwall

Island south of the City of Cornwall in the St. Lawrence River.

TABLE 4

Empl omen t

Counties Employment Total

Stormont

855 1,260 7,070 Forestry 15 105 2.:6 2 - 6 Mines, Quarries & Oil Wells 10 115 175 340 6,710 11,660 Construction 625 1,275 3,345 Transportation, Communication & 21 5 1,420 2,725 700 3,240 6,660 Finance, Insurance & Real Estate 150 105 195 175 605 1,230 Community Business & Personal Service Industry 1,215 1,305 1,735 1,105 5,430 10,790 Public Administration & Defence Industry 485 265 450 670 1,300 3,170 Unspecified or Undefined Industries 615 670 1,005 575 2,060 4,925

TOTAL Labour Force (All Industries) 7,235 6,644 9,276 5,287 23,520 51.961

NOTE: Figures include both sexes 15 years and over. SOURCE: Industries - Canada Census 1971 (Catalogue 94-741) The St. Regis Indian Reserve is located in Quebec with a

number of islands located in the St. Lawrence River within the

Province of Ontario.

There are 21 256 hectares of land under water. These

lands are generally owned by the Province of Ontario and

managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

TABLE 5

Land Tenure

Ownership Area (~ectares) Percent --

Total Land Base

Patented Land 535 722 .O 96 00

Public Land and Agreement Forest Land 23 714.0

Indian Land 1 360.0 - Water Area 21 256.0 -

2.10 Transportation Facilities

2.10.1 Roads

The main travel corridor through the district is Highway

401 which runs parallel to the St. Lawrence River from the

Ontario-Quebec Border to Windsor (Map 8).

Highways 2, 17, 43 and 417 are also major east-west

corridors. Highway 2 runs from South Lancaster along the

north shore of the St. Lawrence River through Cornwall, Long

Sault, Ingleside, Morrisburg and Iroquois. Highway 17, the

Trans-Canada Highway, runs through the northern portion of the

district from Pointe Fortune to Rockland and Ottawa. Highway

43 runs from Alexandria westerly across the district through

Chesterville, Winchester and central Mountain Township. Highway 417 is the main Montreal to Ottawa auto-route which passes through the north central portion of the district.

Highways 31, 138 and 34 are the major north-south corridors in the district. Highway 138 runs from Cornwall through Monkland ending at Highway 417. Highway 34 runs from

Lancaster through Alexandria, and Vankleek Hill ending at

Hawkesbury. Highway 31 runs from Morrisburg through Winchester ending at Ottawa.

The large number of county and municipal roads located throughout the area provide excellent access to nearly every portion of the district.

2.10.2 Railways

Both the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Reilways have main lines operating through the district. The main

CNR line linking Montreal and Toronto passes through the southern portion of the district parallel to Highway 401. The main CPR line passes through the central portion of Stormont,

Dundas and Glengarry Counties. Both railways have major lines between Montreal and Ottawa running through the district. The

CNR line passes through Glen Robertson, Alexandria, Maxville,

Moose Creek, Casselman and Limoges to Ottawa. The CPR line runs through St. Eugene, Vankleek Hill, Plantagenet and Bourget to Ottawa (Map 8).

2.10.3 Air Service

Local charter services are available from two operators in the district: Golden Triangle Air Services in Embrun and

Cornwall Summerstown Airport near Summerstown Station.

Seventeen private airfields are located throughout the district

(Map 8). International air service is available from Montreal

and Ottawa.

2.10.4 Water

The main waterways in the district are the Ottawa and

St. Lawrence Rivers. Both rivers are used extensively for

recreation and commerce. Access points along these rivers

are available in provincial parks, marinas and other

commercial operations.

The St. Lawrence River is part of a seaway system

established in 1959 to permit travel from the Atlantic Ocean

to the Great Lakes. The Seaway is used extensively by other

countries and Canada for import and export and is open for

navigation usually from April 1 to December 15. No inland

rivers in the district are used for commercial transportation.

Recreation facilities on these rivers are also limited due to

low summer flows and water quality problems.

L.ll Power Utilities

2.11.1. Power Generation and Transmission

Most of the power which is used in the Cornwall District is

supplied from stations located in Quebec and Niagara Falls.

Two hydro electric generating stations are located in the

district: Point Fortune, in East Hawkesbury Township, operated

by Hydro Quebec and Robert H. Saunders Generating Station, in

the City of Cornwall operated by Ontario Hydro (~ap9). The

Robert Moses dam, operated by the Power Authority for the

State of New York is located adjacent to the R.H. Saunders

Generating Station. CORNWALL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT EASTERN REGION GENERATING STATIONS r/m TR~-CbNAMPIPELINE (GAS)

m'.'.' TRPNS-NORTHERN PIPELINE ( GAS)

INTERPRWINClAL PIPEUNE (OIL ) I 230 KV --- 1 15 KV. TRANSMISSION LINES TRANSMISSION STATION

..I .I ...._, _..

I

.. .--. .S.:2. ,a- %:< .--7 - , ,< l - In, - - -:, . - 2.11.2 Pipelines

Three pipelines cross the Cornwall District (Map 9). The

Trms Northern pipeline from Toronto to Montreal supplies

this area with refined products such as gasoline and oil. The

Trans-Canada pipeline carries natural gas from Alberta to

Montreal with spurs to local natural gas companies in the

district. The Interprovincial Pipeline carries crude oil to

Montreal where it is refined then redistributed to oil

companies in this area by the Trans Northern Pipeline.

2.11.3 Water Supplies and Sewme Treatment

A large number of municipalities in the district have a

community water supply network (Tables 6 and 7). Most systems

have some form of treatment. Only the City of Cornwall and

the Town of Hawkesbury fluoridate their water supply.

Most of the larger communities located within the district

have some type of sewage treatment facility. The majority

of facilities are owned and operated by the Ministry of the

Environment.

2.12 Present Degree of Development

Currently there is no satisfactory method of expressing

the human impact on a planning area. It is known that the

impact can be high in some areas and low in adjacent areas.

This variation is an important factor to recognize when dealing

with policy alternatives.

The degree of development for the Cornwall District was

calculated using the standards given in the Ministry of

Natural Resources Guidelines for Land-Use Planning. Due to the size of the area and the type of data available, the data TABLE 6

Community Water Supply

Municipality Type of Capacity Source Owner Treatment (MGD)

Alexandria Phys. & Chem., 1.140 Loch Garry Mun . Chlorination Alfred Chlorination .993 M.O.E. Chesterville Chlorination .244 M.O.E. Cheney No treatment .010 Mun . Clarence Creek Chlorination .060 Mun , Cornwall (City) Phys.&Chem., 18.000 Lake Mun . Chlorination St. Lawrence Mun . Flouridation Hammond No treatment .052 Mun . Hawkesbury Phys. & Chem., 3.200 Ottawa River Mun . Chlorination Fluoridation Ingleside Chlorination 2.300 St. Lawrence Mun . River Iroquois Chlorination 1.635 St. Lawrence Mun . River L ' Orignal Chlorination .200 M.O.E. Lancaster Chlorination .110 M.O.E. Long Sault Chlorination .635 Lake Mun . St. Lawrence Morrisburgh Chlorination 2.300 St. Lawrence Mun . River Plantagenet Chlorination .029 M.O.E. Rockland Phys. & Chem., .800 Ottawa River M.O.E. Chlorination St. Isidore de Prescott Chlorination .060 Mun . St. Paschal de Baylon Chlorination .043 Mun . Winchester Chlorination ,382 M.O.E.

Source: Water and Sewage Treatment Works in Ontario, 1976. TABLE 7

Sewage Treatment Facilities

Muni.cipality Type Capacity Receiving Owner Treatment ( MGD Body - Alexandria Lagoon Delisle R. M.O.E. Alfred Lagoon Ruisseau M.O.E. des Atocas Cardinal Lagoon .608 St. Lawrence M.O.E. River Cardinal Communal .080 St. Lawrence Mun . Septic Tank(2) River Chesterville Lagoon .140 South Nation M.O.E. River Cornwall (City) Primary St. Lawrence M.O.E. River Ingleside Primary .300 St. Lawrence Mun . River Iroquois Primary .500 St. Lawrence Mun . River L ' Orignal Extended .210 Ottawa River M.O.E. Aeration Lancaster Lagoon, .147 St. Lawrence M.O.E. Phosphorus Removal Long Sault Conventional .300 St. Lawrence M.O.E. Secondary River Morrisburg Primary, Lagoon .500 St. Lawrence Mun . River Plantagenet Lagoon .160 South Nation M.O.E. River Rockland Lagoon .200 Ottawa River M.O.E. Vankleek Hill Lagoon .120 Little Rideau M. 0. E. Creek Winchester Lagoon ,200 Castor River M.O.E.

Source: Water and Sewage Treatment Works in Ontario, 1976. were first aggregated using the township as the base unit

(Map 10).

The generalization eliminates entire townships being classed on the basis of a small densely developed area.

The only area of high density development is along the

St. Lawrence River south of Highway 401. Moderate degrees of development are found in townships located along the St.

Lawrence River and the Ottawa River. The remaining areas are low due to the large percentage of agricultural land.

3.0 RESOURCE ANALYSIS

3.1 Minerals and Aggregates

3.1.1 Mineral Potential and Occurrences

The mineral potential of the Cornwall District has been

rated as high in areas where limestone of the Ottawa Formation

(mid-Ordovician) occurs (Map 11). Limestone is used as

crushed rock in the aggregate industry.

In general, the remainder of the district has only

moderate mineral potential.

3.1.2 Aggregate Potential

Natural aggregate in the form of sand and gravel is found

in ancient beach deposits formed by the Champlain Sea. Areas

of known possible deposits for future extraction of sand and

gravel and crushed rock are also identified on Map 11.

3.1.3 Historical Development

References to mineral and aggregate operations in Cornwall

District may be traced back to the first settlers. A

predominant limestone ridge running from northwest to south-

east in Cornwall and Roxborough Townships was once used as a

pioneer trail. The limestone of the ridge is quite massive and

was frequently used in the construction of early homes

throughout the area.

Lime kilns and limestone quarries were once common

throughout the five eastern counties of Stormont, Dundas,

Glengarry, Prescott and Russell. Brickyards (Prescott and

Russell Counties), mineral waters and axinite, a source of

boron for local industrial purposes (Prescott County), and

peat (Prescott, Russell and Stormont Counties) were also

found. Most of the activity in these commodities occurred

in the early 1900's.

Construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway in the 1950's and

Highway 401 in the 1960's placed a heavy demand on the easily

accessible aggregate deposits in the southern portion of the

district. Today, most aggregate demands are met from quarry

operations with only limited production from draw pits.

3.1.4 Present Activities

There is no mining activity in the Cornwall District other

than aggregates, peat and lime production.

The majority of aggregate deposits are found in Stormont,

Dundas and Glengarry Counties. According to a 1978 inventory

there are 87 active sand and gravel pits, 53 active sand pits

and 19 active quarry operations in the district (Table 8 and

Map 12).

TABLE 8

Active Aggregate Extraction Operation County Sand and Gravel -Sand Quarry Stormont Dundas Glengarry Prescott Russell

-~ -- TOTAL 87 53 19

Source: Ministry of Natural Resources, Eastern Region, (1978), Pit and Quarry Inventorx, unpublished.

Limestone is crushed by one producer for agricultural

lime near Crysler.

At present there is only one location where peat is being

extracted for peat moss for gardening purposes.

Census returns in 1976 to Statistics Canada revealed that the mineral aggregate production for Prescott and Russell

Counties was 501 537 metric tonnes, Dundas County 435 447 metric tonnes, Stormont County 1 260 462 metric tonnes and Glengarry

County 140 463 metric tonnes. No county within the district is designated under The Pits and Quarries Control Act.

3.1.5 Resource Analysis and Trends

A series of base data reports outlining the boundary of mineral and aggregate deposits, a description of the deposit, and a non-technical analysis of the deposit will be available through the Ministry by 1980 for the five eastern counties.

All information is to be presented on a county basis and ranked according to its potential use rather than its genesis.

This type of approach will provide a better appreciation of the resource by municipal officials and facilitate adoption of regulatory bylaws into local official plans.

At present, the five eastern counties are not designated under the Pits and Quarries Control Act. Municipalities can only adopt bylaws to govern the planning and operation of pits and quarries but cannot exact a tonnage fee for their rehabilitation. It is expected however, that under revised mineral aggregates legislation the five eastern counties will be designated. The Ministry of Natural Resources will likely be requested by the municipalities at this time to provide expertise and guidance to ensure that the local official plans adequately reflect the intent of the new Act.

Policies and procedures for minerals and aggregates should be developed in advance under the District Land Use Plan in order to better prepare the

Ministry for the anticipated workload.

The Ministry is also involved in an analysis of geological features which may constitute a hazard to life and property.

These include the identification of areas of sensitive clays and Wstic (limestone) features. The sensitive clay areas have been mapped but have not been published. Mapping of karstic features has yet to be completed. The extension of the present mineral aggregates policy for inclusion in official plans should be extended to include guidelines for development of these areas.

Pits and quarries may have capability to supply recreational needs of local residents and tourists. The

Challies Public Fishing Area and the Cornwall Recreation Area are rehabilitated quarries which have been stocked with trout. Both fisheries receive a large amount of use during both the summer and winter fishing season. Bicycle paths, cross-country skiing, picnic areas and golf driving ranges could also be considered among the potential uses of abandoned pits and quarries. Should pollution of our natural waterways continue or the demand for quality recreation exceed supply, pits and quarries could be employed to partially meet recreation and other objectives.

The removal of topsoil for sale to nurseries and landscapers.

presents a significant potential problem in the Cornwall

District. The removal of the fertile topsoil has the effect of lowering the agricultural capability of the land through high-grading. Under The Topsoil Preservation Act, 1977 (R.S.O. 1977, c.49 s.2(1) (1)) local municipalities may

pass bylaws to govern the removal of topsoil. Should the

problem persist, this practice could be identified under the

new Aggregates Act; particularly regarding those

aspects associated with the rehabilitation of these lands

to a productive use. The planting of these areas for forestry

uses (eg. hybrid poplar) should also be considered since the

capability class may no longer warrant special reservation

as an agricultural designation.

Peat production is a problem similar to that of topsoil

removal. Sensitive wetlands and wildlife habitats such as

the Alfred Bog are experiencing increased pressure due to

the conversion of peat bog to commercial turf production

and other uses. Peat removal however, does have positive

benefits as well. The Ministry of-NaturalResources is

removing peat at the Mountain Wildlife Area to improve

wildlife habitat by creating ponds. This also is heing done

in the Newington Bog. Carefully managed, the production of

peat can contribute in a positive way to Ministry programs.

A present however, the removal of peat is not directly con-

trolled by statute. Future use conflict in these areas is

therefore, possible.

3.2 Forest Lands

3.2.1 Timber Use Capability

Map 13 indicates the generalized timber capability ratings

for the district. The ratings are those prepared by the Ontario

Land Inventory and are based upon climate, soil depth, soil

texture and moisture conditions. There are no areas of class ADMlNlSTRATlVE DISTRICT

BHK~H~CLASS2)

MODERATE (CLASSES $4.5 ) ROVINCI? OF mL@U (CMS6)

-._ - l'.S. A. I.. ' I." I' , ,. 1 nor class 7 lands within the district. Approximately 70 percent of the district's potential is rated as moderate

(classes 3, 4, 5). Class 6 areas coincide with the two major bogs in the district.

3.2.2 Historical Development

During his first visit up the St. Lawrence River in 1613,

Samuel de Champlain recorded a predominately hardwood forest of many species with pines and other conifers scattered throughout.

The logging industry was one of the first industries established in Ontario. These operations date back to the early days of settlement of the country by the United Empire

Loyalists in 1783.

The industry received its first impetus when the British

Navy decided to purchase large quantities of white pine for masts and white oak for general building.

In England, tariffs for sawn timber were exceedingly high to preserve its sawmilling industries. As a result, the squared timber trade of eastern Ontario prospered.

The first sawmill in Ontario was built in Matilda Township in 1788, one mile downstream from Iroquois. It functioned erratically and was abandoned when, in the same year, a new mill was built featuring a number of saws. This mill operated until it burned ten years later.

In 1805, two United Empire Loyalists, David Pattee and

Thomas Mears, built a large sawmill in Hawkesbury. In 1808, it was sold to William Hamilton. This mill was improved and expanded on a scale superior to that of any other in Canada at the time. It contained 101 vertical saws and 44 circular saws, driven by 72 waterwheels. By 1857, there were 5 mills in this operation which employed 950 men and produced 700,000 board feet of lumber each day.

In 1857, mills began operating in Lemieux, Riceville,

Fournier, Ste. Isidore, Proulx and Lalonde. Timber operations were operating at peak capacity in order to feed the mills supplying lumber to the United States of America. This initial assault on the forest was over by 1860 and the remaining forests were comprised of trees of inferior type and quality.

Today, hardwoods dominate the forested areas with elm, ash, red maple and sugar maple being widespread throughout the district. Large plantations of red and white pine, white spruce and other species have been established since 1928 throughout the district with the major concentration being on lands owned by the United Counties of Prescott and Russell.

These were initially planted to stabilize sandy soils which were subject to severe erosion resulting from poor agricultural practices. This 65 square kilometre area, known as Larose

Forest, is now the second largest agreement forest in Ontario.

3.2.3 Present Activities

The forest industry is an important employer providing

4,000 jobs in 1979 in directly related industries. This represents seven per cent of the district work force. Table

9 gives the estimated employment figures for the various sectors of the forest industry. Estimated Employment - Woods Industry 1977

Employment Type Number of Employees

Woodsworkers Operations and Transport

Manufacturing Industries Sawmills

Pulpmil 1s 1,931

TOTAL CORNWALL DISTRICT 4,131

Source: M.N.R., Cornwall District (1977) unpublished

Source: Statistics Canada, Canada Manpower Commission, Cornwall

Of the total area of the Cornwall District - 22 percent or

125 452 hectares is potentially productive forest land; 79

percent or 99 147 hectares of this is privately owned.

The 25 769 hectares under Ministry of Natural Resources

management consist of Crown land, and municipal, conservation

authority, company and privately owned lands which have been

placed under agreement to be managed for forestry purposes.

There were a total of 375 Woodland Improvement Act Agreements

(Map 14) to 1978, covering 3 335 hectares. Agreements made

under the Woodlands Improvement Act between landowners and the

Ministry of Natural Resources are intended to maximize the

production of forest products on underutilized lands not

currently required for agriculture. These agreements assist

the Ministry by providing the land base necessary to produce

wood fibre and to maintain the local forest industry.

The forests of the district are described under three main cover types: coniferous, hardwood and mixedwoods. The coniferous type is one in which 75 percent or more of the trees are softwoods, the hardwood type is composed of 75 percent or more of hardwoods and all other combinations are classed as mixedwoods.

For the district, the hardwood type predominates occupying 70 percent of the productive forest land, the mixed- wood type occupies 18 percent and the conifer type only 12 percent. The primary growing stock volume in the district is about 8.8 million cubic metres, of which 77 percent is hard- wood. Although 8.8 million cubic metres are present in the district, this amounts to only 93 cubic metres per forested hectare which is substantially lower than the indicated production capability for these sites. In addition to the low quantity of wood the quality is also low due to stand densities and cutting practices.

The annual allowable harvest for forest products in the

Cornwall District is 227 000 cubic metres, of which 97 percent is taken from private lands. This allowable cut indicates the potential of the district and is based on rotation ages for the various species, soil productivity and land ownership. It is however important to realize that the private landowner greatly affects the annual harvest. The actual annual cut in 1978 was 212 000 cubic metres of which 73 percent was used for pulpwood, 14 percent for sawlogs and 13 percent was for fuelwood.

The sawmill industry in 1977 produced 82 400 cubic metres of lumber, and the two pulp mills produced 205 600 tonnes of pulp and 195 000 tonnes of paper. Arrows on Map 15 represent approximate quantities and direction of flow of raw materials.

At the present time there are about 15 000 cubic metres

harvested annually from lands managed by our Ministry.

The Ministry of Natural Resources undertakes an extensive

forest regeneration program to help ensure wood for the future.

In 1979, over 1.5 million tree seedlings were planted on 785

hectares. Fifty percent were w~itespruce and the balance

consisted of red pine, white pine, jack pine and harack.

The Eastern Region is experiencing a shortage of wood

fibre. As a result, the Ministry of Natural Resources and

Domtar Forest Products have been actively interested in the

potential of the fast growing hybrid poplars. Since the first

clones were developed in the Maple District, there have been

many operational and technical problems to overcome. Results

have varied from outstanding to dismal failure. To date, much

valuable information has been collected from research in the

Brockville and Maple Districts and more will be required. A

25 year agreement between the Ministry and Domtar (April 1974)

to March 1999) has added to the progress of the program. This

is the first agreement of this type to be signed in Ontario

between government and industry.

The agreement with Domtar has enabled the Ministry to share

the cost^, risks and benefits involved in the program in a

mutually acceptable arrangement. Domtar purchases sub-marginal

farmland within the Cornwall District and pays all taxes,

levies, penalties and interest charges associated with the land.

- 35 -

In turn, they are guaranteed first right of refusal when the trees are harvested. The Ministry on the other hand has land available for hybrid poplar production trials, as well as hunting and other recreation opportunities. The Ministry also expects to recover plantation establishment costs in stumpage charges at the time the wood is harvested. Without the agreement, opportunities for expansion of the program would be limited.

To date, Domtar has purchased approximately 404 hectares within 40 kilometres of their Cornwall mill. The Ministry has established successful plantations on 135 hectares and planted an additional 182 hectares in April 1979. Because of variations in success, the emphasis of the program will be on

the technological development from 1978-1982. During this period the Eastern Region will limit planting to 242 hectares per year. Presently, the Cornwall District is planning for

the establishment of 161 hectares annually on the Agreement

area.

3.2.4 Resource Analysis and Trends

In order to ensure that an adequate supply of raw

materials will be available for the forest industry, a timber

forecast for the year 2020 has been prepared. It is planned

that by this time, the district will be able to sustain the

continuous harvest of 227 000 cubic metres of wood annually.

All timber producing land in the district (125 452 hectares)

will be required to meet this target. Map 16 shows the

location of these target land areas. They are determined by

utilizing the bottom half of the agricultural capability classes, ie. classes 5, 6, 7 and the lower half of 4. This target will depend greatly on the use of private, lands, with a considerable portion being managed under t.he

Woodlands Improvement Act program.

It is possible that the land base is capable of even greater production with the application of improved management techniques in some areas of the district. Much of the private forested land in particular is not being managed using sound forest management practices. Consequently, this land may be producing far less than its potential in volume and quality of timber. Unless present cutting and management practices are improved on these and other areas, there may result a timber shortage during the latter part of this century. 'l'tie planning process must consider alternate supply, technological improvernent, and product change in its assessment of timber supply. Little if anything can be done however to increase volume produced in the 20 year period of the plan.

Improved management technology in the form of a hybrid poplar program is currently being applied in the district to meet an anticipated shortage of wooti fibre for pulp. If the program proves successful, it could increase the wood supply six fold. New Production areas would be in closer proxin~ity to the mil.1~- an important factor given the current energy constraints and rising costs of trucking material. Present, predictions suggest that this program will double its area by

1987.

Hybrid poplar is now planled under various arrangements only on lands with class 4 or lower on an agricultural capability rating (Canada Land Inventory). Changing attitudes with the agricultural and forestry industries may provide for the planting of hybrid poplar on class 1, 2, or 3 land as a rotation crop t.o be returned to more conventional agricultural crops at a later time period. The higher capability soils would encourage even faster production of fibre and greatly increase the land base readily available for planting.

Fibre production from private woodlots could also be substantially increased. The ma,jority of woodlots are

urrently immature due to a 300 percent overcut in the 1950's.

ith proper management, these areas will be reasonably productive by the year 2020. It has been estimated thaL in

order to rneet the 2020 t,arget for fibre supply, the number of

Woodlands l mprovement Act agreemen t,s on pr i va t e lands shot1 l d bc

doubled, and doubled again in three years.

F~~elwoodprodt~ct,ion frorn private and public land is

increasing in importance as energy costs continue to rise.

The demand for fuelwood and wood fibre could be partially met.

through increased production from private woodlots and greater

application of "whole tree" operations. Whole tree operations

can increase yields by 30 percent.

Forested areas are not only capable of achieving timber

production targets but also related objectives such as

recreation, fish and wildlife production, watershed flow

stabilization and others. The South Nation River Conservation

Iuthority, for example, has approximately 2 700 hectares under

tgreement forest. Co-ordination of programs through planning

will ensure that both timber production targets, conservat,ion and other objectives will be effectively integrated.

3.3 Agricultural Lands

3.3.1 Agricultural Land Capability

Large sections of Cornwall District have a high capability

(Canada Land Inventory capability classes 1, 2 and 3) for

agricultural production (Map 17). This is primarily due to

good soil texture, soil depth and flat topography. Areas of

moderate capability (classes 4 and 5) are found primarily in

the north-west portion of the district. Approximately 10

percent of the district has a low capability (classes 6 and 7)

for growing crops. The Alfred Bog, Moose Creek Bog, and

Mountain Township Provincial Wildlife Area account for a large

percentage of land classed as low capability. Approximately

5 percent of the district is classed as organic soils. Table 10

indicates the number of hectares for each class in each county.

3.3.2 Historical Development

Settlement began in 1784 and was concentrated on the

better farming areas along the St. Lawrence and Raisin Rivers.

Agriculture on the land however was not to become firmly

established until later in the 18th and 19th centuries. This

was primarily due to the easy profits that were possible from

the harvesting of the high quality white pine forests on the

intended farm land. Once the white pine forests were almost

depleted, agriculture was established in earnest. So thorough

were the original settlers in their forest harvest that few

white pine stands may now be found in this part of the province.

3.3.3 Present Activities

In 1976 there were 4,077 farms occupying a total of r MAP 17 CORNWALL ADMlMlSTRATlVE DISTRICT GENERALIZED EASTERN REGION AGRlCULTtlRE I CAPABILITY HIGH (CWSES 1,53 )

WISERATE (ClAEES 4,s)

LOW ( CLASSES 6,7)

@ WLPSSlFIED (ORGANIC1

Fmmx CmdaLd buarlw,SP11 Capablllfy for ;

I

1- - '

- y.1 -2 -> Y -., .(~A , TABLE 1 I"1" - Capab 'or Agr MONT

Source: ARDA Acreages of Soil Capability Classes for Agriculture in Ontario Report No. 8 October 1975 335 218 hectares or 59.92 percent of the total land base

(Statistics Canada, 1976 census). Of this area, 260 181 hectares are improved land.

The farm economy of the Cornwall District is based on dairying. It is estimated that 58 percent of all farmland in the district is planted to corn to provide fodder for cattle.

Cereal grains are also common on most farms.

The percentage of farms with incomes of less than

$2.500. per annum is 14.7 percent. This compares with the provincial average of 12.1 percent. Fifty-seven percent of the total farms in the Cornwall ~istrictearn incomes of $10,000. and over; this equals the provincial average.

3.3.4 Resource Analysis and Trends

The Ministry of Agriculture and Foods municipal drainage program was designed to increase the productivity of marginal farm-lands and to bring into production lands capable of producing crops. The program has been tremendously successful in this respect. It has also produced some unexpected results.

An intricate network of municipal drains are today draining large areas of marginal and sub-marginal land which were formally only suitable as wildlife habitat or the production of timber.

The multiplicity of municipal drains under the aegis of the

Ministry of Agriculture and Food has contributed to increased flood frequency, channel erosion and sedimentation of nearly all waterbodies in the district. Fish habitat, water quality, and recreational potential of the watercourse has been impaired as a result. Since the drains are typically located on private - 41 - land, they do not, except when a natural watercourse is involved, come under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of

Natural Resources.

Recent developments in timber production technology now utilize areas of marginal farmland to produce wood fibre. The hybrid poplar program, Christmas tree farms, and Woodland Improvement Act agreements are examples. Wildlife habitat and soil water retention capability have also been increased as a result of plantings on these lands. An expanded definition of agriculture to include wood fibre production would increase the area of vacant farmland available for planting by making the now excluded class 1-3 lands available for planting on a rotational basis.

Row crops such as corn have grown in popularity in

Cornwall District as in most parts of southern Ontario with the trend to year round dairy production. This crop now occupies 58 percent of all farmed land in Cornwall District.

The open furrows and cultivation technique of the crop frequently lead to erosion and subsequent silting of water- courses. Atrazine and other farm chemicals are also intro- duced to the watercourse some of which encourage the growth of algae and weeds and kill fish populations.

The maintenance of viable agriculture is becoming increasingly difficult in some parts of the district owing to the spread of non-farm residential development in rural areas.

Land is taken out of production due to change in land use and the farmer frequently comes into conflict with his new neighbours because of noise, odours, dust, movement of slow farm machinery and livestock along country roads, and other

formerly acceptable practices associated with farm operation.

3.4 Fisheries

3.4.1 Historical Development

The initial fisheries in the planning area consisted of

subsistence fishing by native people and the early settlers.

The Ottawa and St. Lawrence Rivers supplied a variety of fish

including lake sturgeon, whitefish, eels and Atlantic salmon.

The fish communities of these two systems have changed

considerably in the last 100 years. The deterioration of water

quality, radical changes in flow regimes and the destruction

of spawning habitat were probably key factors in this community

shift. The construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway had perhaps,

the greatest effect by creating 2 reservoirs from one river

and eliminating the Long Sault rapids. In the ensuing 25 years

the commercial and sport fisheries have expanded and shifted

towards warmwater species (yellow perch, sunfish, bullheads,

bass, pike and muskellunge).

3.4.2 Fish Productivity

Detailed information on the long-term fish yield from

the various systems is currently lacking. The productive

waters in the district include Lake St. Francis, Lake St.

Lawrence and the Ottawa River. Its shallow mean depth and

high nutrient load make Lake St. Francis highly productive.

The productivity of Lake St. Lawrence and the Ottawa River

are limited by their significantly greater mean depths.

Inland waters are low in productivity. Production in

the river systems is limited by low summer flows and turbidity. Loch Garry and some bays of the St. Lawrence River are subject

to occasional winterkills.

The South Nation and Raisin Rivers provide spawning and

nursery areas for a portion of the Ottawa River and Lake St.

Francis stocks of walleye and yellow perch. As a result, the productivity in these larger waterbodies is linked to the

suitability of the inland rivers for fish production.

There are several factors which could effect the district's

fish production. These include accelerating changes in water

quality, the continuing adjustment of the fish populations to changes associated with the Seaway construction on the St.

Lawrence, the Carillon dam on the Ottawa River, and the contamination of certain species by various heavy metals and organic compounds, and the impending modification of the

South Nation and Raisin Rivers for flood reduction. All these factors, individually and collectively, will alter both fish production and the species composition of the catch.

3.4.3 Fish Species Occurrence and Habitat

The diversity of species in dstrict waters is extensive.

Most families are well represented with the exception of the salmonids. This diversity is a product of the major watershed

(St. Lawrence) and the predominance of warmwater habitats which tend to support more extensive fish communities. This diversity is enhanced by the **reservoir1'character of the St.

Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers which possess features of both lakes and rivers.

There are two notable aquatic habitat types which are rare. The first consists of three short stretches of coldwater streams capable of supporting trout populations in the district.

These are Allen Creek, Springbrook Creek and a tributary of the

Scotch River. The second rare aquatic habitat consists of the district$ two inland lakes. Both lakes (George Lake and Loch

Garry) are small, shallow, mesotrophic and support small fisheries.

The data available on the district's streams were obtained in provincially-standardized aquatic habitat inventories.

These inventories include information on stream chemistry, physical features and fish species occurrence. In general, district streams are low gradient, moderately turbid and nutrient rich with sand, clay, silt and gravel-rubble bottoms.

They are warmwater rather than coldwater streams. Agricultural practices and the use of stream water by municipalities and industry place high demands on these systems, particularly during periods of low summer flow. In certain localities, the use of the streams by livestock has been detrimental to aquatic habitat quality. The construction of municipal drains has also considerably altered drainage patterns and flow rates.

Major species present in the planning area include yellow perch, walleye, northern pike, brown bullhead, muskellunge, pumpkinseed, carp, American eel, smallmouth bass, rock bass, white sucker and freshwater drum. Population data are not available but there are no general indications that the populations are declining to any degree with the exception of muskellunge. Major factors affecting these populations include the availability of spawning sites, angler and commercial harvest and water quality. One interesting feature of the district's fisheries is the eel ladder at the Robert H. Saunders dm, unique in the province. It was designed to overcome the dam's prevention of the eel's natural migration to Lake Ontario from the sea. Built in 1974, between 500,000 and 1,000,000 eels use the ladder annually. Known spawning areas that have been identified by district staff are located on Map 18.

3.4.4 The Sport Fisherx

Sport fishing is a very popular form of recreation with both local residents and visitors to the district. Approximate creel census figures indicate that 100,000 to 125,000 user days of fishing recreation are generated annually. More than 80 percent of this use occurs during the open water season

(April to October). Lake St. Francis and Lake St. Lawrence are subjected to the greatest fishing pressure during the summer while the Ottawa River becomes a third important locale during the winter months (Table 11). The major target species include yellow perch, walleye, northern pike, brown bullhead and smallmouth bass. Minimal catches of muskellunge are taken in these larger bodies of water. Rainbow trout are occassionally caught in Lake St. Lawrence and Lake St. Francis.

The inland fishery is limited to a small bullhead-largemouth bass fishery in Loch Garry and George Lake and a limited perch-walleye-northern pike fishery on the larger rivers.

There are two small put-and-take trout fisheries in two reclaimed quarries: the Challies Public Fishing Area (brook- trout, rainbow trout) and the Cornwall Recreation Area (brook- trout). Approximately 8,000 - 10,000 fish are stocked annually in each pond and 70 - 90 percent of these fish are captured by anglers. These ponds are fished heavily throughout the legal angling season, providing 12,000 - 15,000 user days annually. This intensive use is a result of the proximity of the ponds to urban areas and the lack of opportunities to fish for trout elsewhere in the district.

The catches per unit effort (CUE) for various species, waterbodies and seasons are presented in Table 11. The CUE index is indicative of the relative success enjoyed by fishermen in the district. It is also a measure of the relative quality of fishing. A high CUE indicates a high quality fishery. It is loosely dependent on the fish population levels, fishing pressure and the type of angler.

Based on the CUE and the number of anglers, the yellow perch fishery is the most important in the district. The walleye and northern pike fisheries are secondary and of a similar magnitude. Although no creel information is available on the bullhead sport fishery, it is thought to fall between the perch and the other fisheries in importance.

The stocking of artificially reared fish is limited to the maintenance of the trout fisheries in the two quarries.

The extensive stocking of bass, muskellunge and walleye which have occurred in the past have been discontinued due to the lack of demonstrable benefits.

3.4.5 The Commercial Fishery

Commercial fishing in the district is controlled by three factors: the economic viability of the fishery, the Ministry's analysis of available species and the level of contaminants in the desired species. From 1973 to 1977 there has been an TABLE 11 1 RELATIVE CATCHES PER UNIT EFFORT FROM DISTRICT WATERS 2 4 5 Species Waterbody Season No. of Total CUE Commen ts Anglers Harvest (Fish/ contacted /year Angler per year hr. )

WalleYe LakeSt. S 32 1974,75.76 average Francis !&I "85 Based on 2 fish captured Lake St. S 0 No data since 1970 Lawrence W 0 Data from 68,69,72, 77 and 78 Ottawa River S 246 Data from 69,73,79 W 259 Data from 67,68,69 73,76,78 South Nation S - No data available River W 140 Data from 76,78

Yellow Lake St. S 1178 Data from 74,75,76 Perch Francis W 283 Data from 67,68,69, 72,74,75,76,77,78 Lake St. S 190 Data from 1970 Lawrence W 80 Data from 72,78 Ottawa River S 246 Based on data from 69,73,79 Data from 67,68,69, 73,76,78 South Nation S - No data available River W 140 Data from 76,78

Northern Lake St. S 146 Data from 74,75,76 Pike Francis W 283 Data from 67,68,69, 72,74,75,76,77,78 Lake St. S 44 Data from 1970 Lawrence W 80 Data from 1978 Ottawa River S 246 Data from 69,73,79 W 259 Data from 67,68,69, 73,76,78 South Nation S - No data available W 140 Data from 76,78

Smallmouth Lake St. S 12 Data from 74,75,76 Bass Francis W 0 No fishery Lake St. S 79 Data from 1970 Lawrence W 0 No fishery

Brook Trout Challies Rec. S 574 Data from 1974 & Rainbow W 82 Data from 69,74,77,78 Trout

Brook Cornwall Rec. S - No data available Trout W 4 5 Data from 68,69,72, 77, 1. Catch per unit effort is the number of fish caught per angler hour. It does not reflect either the number of fishermen or the number of fish harvested i.e. a CUE of .1 could be 1000 anglers harvesting 100 fish and 10 anglers harvesting 1 fish per hour.

2. Where a fishery for a certain species does not occur in a waterbody, the waterbody does not appear in the listing for that species.

3. In some instances there are no data available for a species in a certain waterbody i.e. a summer walleye fishery in the South Nation River despite the fact that a fishery does exist. A CUE equal to zero would be misleading thus a dash is used instead.

4. Comments indicate the years in which the data were gathered. The fewer years of data collection for a species in a waterbody, the less faith should be placed in the accuracy of the CUE.

5. Also known as yellow pickerel.

6. The anglers contacted and the harvest are derived from the creel census data and are not estimates of total anglers or the total harvest, merely relative indications of fishing pressure. expansion in commercial fisheries in terms of the number of

species sought and the catch taken. Table 12 indicates the

quantity and value of various species taken between 1973 and

1978. Brown bullheads were the most important species comprising

40 - 60 percent of the catch in most years. Carp were important

in 1976 and 1977 but the fishery collapsed in 1978 due to excessive

levels of mercury and polychlorinated biphenols. American eels

and sunfish are locally important to the Lake St. Francis

fishery. Lake sturgeon are a major target species in the Ottawa

River. The other species can be considered incidental catches.

The number of licenced commercial fishermen has varied

between 8 and 10 since 1973 but the number of permits granted

to fishermen has increased from 11 to 26 during that period

reflecting an increased variety in the species sought by each

fisherman.

Lake St. Francis is the most heavily fished water with

the Ottawa River ranked second in importance. The fishery in

Lake St. Lawrence, dependent on carp, collapsed in 1978 and was

not operative in 1979.

Total landed value of the catch has varied from a low of

$15,300 in 1973 to a high of $85,698 in 1976. The average from

1973 to 1977 was $39,300.

Contaminants impose limits on the marketability of the

catch and hence, the species sought by the fishermen.

Contaminants include mercury, polychlorinated biphenols and Mirex. 1

1. Information on contaminants in fish from district waters may be obtained from the District Office, M.N.R., Cornwall. - 50 - TABLE 12

DISTRICT COMMERCIAL FISH HARVEST 1973-1978

Lake St. Francis Total Total Value Harvest ( kgs ) Harvest of Catch Species/Year brown bullhe black crappie carp eels sunfish white suckers 439 316 755 415 TOTAL VALUE 1,660 3,716 27,388 33,647 31,893 34,580 132.884 PER YEAR ($)

Lake St. Lawrence Total Total Value Harvest (kgs)- Harvest of Catch ~pecfes~~ear~)(1973-781 3-78)s brown bullhead 18423 1493 685 20600 9,015 black crappie c arP eels sunfish suckers white perch white bass catfish 125 125 2 2 TOTAL VALUE 3,852 10,913 33,104 9,176 2 57,047 PER YEAR ($)

ttawa River Total Total Value Harvest (kgs) Harvest of Catch specles/Y- 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 (kg) (1973-78) ($ brown bullhead 22231 18422 19022 18410 12372 8230 18689 71,194 black crappie carp eels sunfish catfish yellow ~erch 409 570 133 231 1343 1,263 sturgeon 258 668 737 480 2143 7,094 TOTALVALUE 13,640 14,360 15,974 18,947 13,011 9,387 85,319

District Totals Total Total Value Harvest (kgs) Harvest of Catch Species/Year 1973 1974 1975 1976 19.77 1978 (kg) (1973-78) ($ brownbullhead 25027 24082 64076 40261 41200 16999 211648 118,599 black crappie carp eels sunfish suckers white perch yellow perch catfish white bass Seventeen bait fish dealers were issued licences in 1977.

The annual reported catch was 22,004 dozen minnows with a retail

value of approximately $10,985. Golden shiner, lake chub and

bluntnose minnow were predominate in the catch.

3.4.6 Resource Analysis and Trends

The sport fishery is expected to expand in the forseeable

future, following the provincial trend. Major changes in the

species sought will probably not occur. The catches of walleye

and muskellunge may increase as the more intensive management

slated for these species increase the stocks. Yellow perch

and brown bullhead will remain the major target species.

The commercial fishery is at the whim of a variety of

factors including foreign and domestic markets, contaminant

levels, health of the fish stocks and equipment improvements.

Currently the industry is economically viable and should

remain so during the next few years. Expansion of the industrj

to exploit coarse fish species such as suckers is one forseeabl

change in the future.

The level of information on both the resource and its

users is not sufficient to provide figures on future use or

availability. Certainly the allocation of the resource,

particularly brown bullheads, between the sport and commercial

fisheries will be a major problem given expansion in both

activities. Enhancement of the available fish stocks and more 1 intensive management through SPOF , a provincial management

scheme being implemented in 1979, should minimize the problems

^ " le future.

.--ateglcPlan for Ontario Fisheries 3.5 Wildlife

3.5.1 Habitat Status

Historically the planning area has been subjected to

moderately intense logging activity and agricultural development.

Intensive drainage schemes and cultivation have resulted in the

drainage of wetland areas and the clearing of land with

marginal agricultural capability. The flooding of lowlands

associated with the construction of the Seaway and the

Carillon dam on the Ottawa River has offset, to some degree,

the loss of wetlands inland. This pattern of habitat

modification has created an interspersion of 6 general wildlife

habitat types throughout the planning area (Map 19).

The south-central (Area 2) and northwest (Area 3) sections

contain the most extensive forested areas interspersed with

reverting farmland, current farmland and small wetlands. This

constitutes the best ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare and woodcock

habitat. Area 2 is, along with the north half of Mountain

Township, the best white-tailed deer range in the district.

Area 3 (the Larose Forest and surrounding area) and Area 4

(the Alfred ~og)support scattered concentrations of moose.

Area 1 (west central) is similar to Area 2 except it is more

extensively developed for agriculture and, as such, can be

considered as poorer quality habitat for ruffed grouse, snowshoe

hare and deer while being better Hungarian partridge habitat.

The northeast corner of the district (Area 5) is subjected to

intensive agriculture and possesses very little grouse, hare or

deer habitat. The cleared farmland in this area is similar to

Area 1 in being suitable for Hungarian partridge. The extensive wetlands along the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers constitute the primary waterfowl habitat in the district.

Loch Garry and the inland rivers constitute less viable water- fowl habitat with the exception of the extensive floodplains at Brinston and Riceville which are heavily used by migrating waterfowl during the spring.

3.5.2 Capability

The capability of the land base of the district to produce wildlife is high (Map 20).

However, agricultural and timber production uses have a higher priority hence, this capability is seldom realized. The habitat modi'fication practiced in these two competitive land use activities generally do not maximize the production of quality wildlife habitat.

3.5.3 Current Status and Use a) White-tailed Deer

The deer population is currently at a low level, the result of mortality associated with two severe winters (1970,

1971). Predation by dogs and a reduced productivity the following years can be attributed to the severe winter conditions during this time. The recovery of the herd in subsequent years has been extremely slow. The legal harvest, the illegal kill and predation by dogs and coyotes are thought to be contributing to this slow increase by removing a large proportion of the annual productivity.

Habitat is not a limiting condition to deer at this time and the range is probably understocked. Winter conifer cover of sufficient quality will probably be the limiting habitat type should the herd increase substantially. Currently, concentrations of deer occur in scattered pockets in the three southern counties (Map 21). In recent years, the townships of

Mountain, Matilda, Williamsburgh, Osnabruck, Cornwall and

Charlottenburgh have supported the highest concentrations of deer and sustained most of the district harvest. Recent mail surveys (1975-1978) indicated that an average of 705 hunters harvested 95 deer annually for a success rate of 13.4 percent.

The total hunter numbers ranged from 549(1978) to 964(1977).

No trends in the harvest or number of hunters are available subsequent to 1975. Hunter success and the harvest increased substantially after 1973 (the first year following the two severe winters) to its current level. The hunt generates between

2500 and 3000 user days annually. b) Moose

The Alfred Bog and to a lesser extent, the Larose Forest,

rt a moose herd unique in eastern Ontario. Descendants of moose who emigrated from the Quebec side of the Ottawa River, the herd first inhabited the Alfred Bog and has expanded into the Larose Forest in recent years. The Alfred herd expanded until the winter of 1978-1979 when an estimated 3040 animals

(40-50 percent of the herd) died due to a combination of parasitic diseases, social stress and accidents. A controlled hunt was instituted in Larose Forest in 1978 to avoid a similar die-off and to reduce moose-man conflicts. The hunt resulted in a harvest of 20 moose reducing the population from an CORNWALR ADhllNlSTRATlVE DISTRICT EASTERN REGION

DEER YARDS

-...I I

-. +. - estimated 32 moose to 12. No known winter mortality occurred in Larose in 1978-79. The hunt generated 300 user days of recreation and provided a unique opportunity for eastern Ontario residents to hunt moose locally. The private land holdings in the Alfred Bog prevented the initiation of a similar hunt there. Harassment of moose by snowmobilers and poaching are placing additional stress on the Alfred and Larose herds.

The current district population is less than 80 moose.

The Larose herd is expanding as indicated by increased moose sightings in areas outside Larose due to emigration. A controlled hunt will be instituted in Larose as needed to maintain the herd. The Alfred herd is in a state of flux and it may either rebound or continue to decline in the next few years.

C) Waterfowl

Small game and waterfowl hunting are the predominant forms of hunting in the district (Table 13).

Waterfowl utilize the planning area for nesting and as a migratory staging zone. Most of the waterfowl habitat is concentrated along the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers with smaller pockets scattered throughout the inland area. Estimates of waterfowl production are not available however, the production at the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary could be considered indicative. In 1978 a minimum of 70 pairs of

Canada Geese nested successfully and the resident flock numbers 2500-3000 birds. Over 2600 juvenile ducks were banded in 1978 and the majority of those would have been produced adjacent to the sanctuary. Mallards, black duck, wood-duck, blue- winged teal and pintail are the principal species nesting in the area.

The planning area is located on the western edge of the

Atlantic flyway and is a major staging area for a variety of duck species and Canada geese. Annual goose counts peak at 9,000 - 11,000 during October along the St. Lawrence River.

Puddle ducks (mallards, blacks, teal, pintail) are generally less numerous than diving ducks (canvasbacks, redheads, scaup) during the migration although puddlers dominate the harvest.

The low harvest of divers is attributed to the fact that they appear later in the season and are more difficult to hunt.

Concentrations of over 20,000 divers have been observed on

Lake St. Francis during November.

Waterfowl hunting comprises over 50 percent of all hunting in tQe district. Annually 6000 - 8000 hunters harvest 6000 - 9000 geese and 30,000 - 40,000 ducks, generating over

50,000 user days of recreation (Table 13). This represents approximately 3.3 percent of the provincial duck hunting and

19.2 percent of the provincial goose hunting, an obviously significant portion.

Waterfowl hunters consist of locals, as well as a significant proportion of non-local residents and non-residents from Quebec and New York State. The distribution of the harvest and hunters is concentrated along the St. Lawrence

River and the Ottawa River. Temporally, the harvest is concentrated in the first 4 weeks of the season when over

70 percent of the birds are harvested. TABLE 13 1 Hunting Oriented Recreation 2 Spec;-- No. of Estimated Success No. of CA..-=~/UVUL l bU1.L.F: nt Pop. Hunters Harvest Rate User Days Time. Trend Per Year

Deer 705 95 0.134 2500-3000 1975+978 Expanding BGMS

Moose 300 20 0.067 300 1978 Larose-expanding controlled Alfred-declining hunt

Ruffed Grouse 3059 11947 3.9 17802 1976 SGMS~ unknown

Snowshoe Hare 2233 13355 6 .O 14527 II

Hungarian

Partridge 271 1280 4.7 84 3 11

Woodcock 327 1149 3.5 2133 II II

Ducks 4428 34994 7.9 33591 II maintaining

Geese 2 560 7793 3 .O 19662 II expanding

Raccoon 651 4433 6.8 5061 II unknown 5 Coyotes/ Foxes 100-150 350400 (25.0 ( 800 District unknown Reports TOTAL 13729 944 19

1 Does not include non-residents thus underestimates all small game data by 20-30 percent. 2 Animals per hunter per season.

3 Big Game Mail Survey, Ministry of Natural Resources. 4 Small Game Mail Survey, Ministry of Natural Resources.

Estimated from District reports and observations by personnel i) Small Game

Small game populations include ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, Hungarian partridge and woodcock. Very little information is available on the population densities of these species.

Ruffed grouse undergo population cycles and are annually subject to high juvenile mortality during abnormally wet springs.

Hunting pressure, although it can substantially reduce locally discrete populations, does not affect grouse populations over the long-term. Snowshoe hare densities also fluctuate cyclically, peaking approximately once every 9-11 years regardless of hunting pressure. Due to a lack of data, long- term trends in the district's grouse and snowshoe hare populations have not been evident.

Recent surveys indicate that Hungarian partridge populations have been relatively stable over the last 4-5 years. Observations prior to that time indicate that the partridge population declined in the early 1970's to its present level. The reduction in pasture-hay field cultivation and an increase in the acres of corn production is suspected to be responsible.

Short-term variations due to wet spring and summer weather also occur. Woodcock are migratory visitors to the area and their distribution is determined by suitable lowland habitat and their flight distribution. There are small concentrations of woodcock throughout the district.

Ruffed grouse and snowshoe hare concentrations occur in the forested-farmland and forested areas of the three southern counties and the Larose Forest. Hungarian partridge are concentrated in the eastern, western and northwestern parts of the district. Small game hunters1 number 5000 - 6000 annually (Table 13). The harvests of 10,000 - 12,000 grouse and 12,000 - 14,000 snowshoe hare are comparable to other parts of the province

on a unit area basis. Woodcock harvests are minimal (1000-

1500) but the Hungarian partridge harvest (1100-1500) but the

Hungarian partridge harvest (1100-1500 birds) is 10-20 percent

of the provincial total. Grouse and hare hunters are pre-

dominantly local residents while Hungarian partridge hunters

are comprised of a higher proportion of non-local residents

and non-residents. A minimum of 35,000 - 40,000 user days are

generated annually.

Pheasants and bobwhite quail are not native to the

planning area. Limited hunting opportunities for these birds

however are available. There are two private pheasant shooting

preserves (one at Glen Robertson and one at Hallville). In

addition, the Mountain Provincial Wildlife Area is used by

various hunting dog field trial groups and several hundred

bobwhite quail and pheasants are released in the area during

these trials.

Coyote, fox and raccoon hunting, some using dogs, are

also popular in the planning area. A total of 651 hunters

harvested 4433 coons in 1976, 1generat ;ing over 5000 user days.

Similar information on fox and coyote hunting is not available

however spot checks indicated that several hundred user days

are spent annually by 100-200 1 I to harvest less than 50

\his estimate does not include tne number of hunters, harvest or user days by non-residents. The non-resident component (predominantly Quebec residents) is estimated at 20-30% of the total hunters hunting in the district. coyotes and foxes. The increasing value of these long-haired furs is expected to promote the expansion of this sport in the future. These populations are subject to a variety of controls. The incidence of rabies in foxes is increasing in some parts of the district and may be the most important factor in controlling the fox population and its distribution.

Coyote habitat is of good quality in sections of the district and population regulation is probably internally generated with hunting a secondary factor.

3.5.4 Present Commercial Activities a) Trapping

In the 1976-77 season the commercial fur harvest involved a total of 333 trappers. This included 299 resident trappers and 34 farmers trapping on patented land. There are no registered trappers within the district because the small parcels of Crown land are not divided into registered trap lines. Only 214 trappers from the total of 333 trappers were active and they harvested an average of 2.82 pelts (at a total value of $24.74) per day. A total of $134,435. was received for the 15,354 pelts harvested. Table 14 gives the breakdown of the number of pelts and value by species.

Muskrat is the most important species, accounting for 46 percent of the total value. Other significant species include: beaver, raccoon, fox, mink, and coyote. Map 22 gives the number of days of employment and the value of fur produced by township. ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRtCT EASTERN REGION .

32 MMI WYS W EMPLWMENT s10,000, bND WER ROVINCE 0

%5$00 TO 14999

44,999 PNt) worn

-. , ., - %. TABLE 14

Fur Production 1976-77

Species Total No. of Pelts Total Value x Average Value

Beaver

Muskrat

Raccoon

Mink

Fox

Otter

Marten

Coyote

TOTAL

Value per Man Day 5,433/134,435 = $25

Value of Fur Produced per Square Kilometer 5594/134,435 = $24

Source: Ministry of Natural Resources, Cornwall District, (19771, unpublished 3.5.5 Non-Consumptive Wildlife-Oriented Activities

The availability and distribution of the wildlife resource affects non-consumptive uses such as viewing, photography and nature appreciation. An estimated 225,000 user days are spent in personal nature appreciation in the district annually

(Ontario Recreation Survey, 1975). The wildlife resource itself is responsible for generating some portion of this recreation and the demand is g~owing.

The Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary is the single largest center for this type of activity in the district, generating over 30,000 user days annually. School groups and private citizens are the major users. The Larose Forest, the

Mountain Provincial Wildlife Area and the Hoople Creek Wildlife

Area are three other provincially-managed areas where the non- consumptive use of wildlife is important. The lack of Crown land in the district and the relatively poor quality of the natural resources in terms of aesthetics and diversity are the major limiting factors on these activities.

3.5.6 Resource Analysis and Trends

The deer population is expected to maintain its slow rate of increase. The moose population is expanding in Larose but not in the Alfred Bog. Small game populations vary in availability annually but no long-term declines are expected with the possible exception of Hungarian partridge. Waterfowl populations are expected to increase as flyway management becomes more refined, particularly Canada geese which may even reach an undesireably high population level.

Hunting opportunities are linked to the availability of game over the long-term and it is expected they will generally

increase in the district. Non-consumptive wildlife-oriented

recreation is also expected to increase rapidly in the future.

The increasing demands on the wildlife resource will lead to

increased conflicts. The lack of public land will tend to

concentrate consumptive and non-consumptive users in small

areas which could create conflicts. The trend in the use of

private land for wildlife management has been increasing

reluctance on the part of the landowner to allow recreational

activities on his land. This will further concentrate users

both temporarily and spatially and increase the conflicts

between users and private landowners. Maximization of quality

use with a minimum of conflicts through non-regulatory

management will have to be a priority.

3.6 Tourism and Outdoor Recreation

3.6.1 Outdoor Recreation Capability

The Canada Land Inventory was used to identify areas with

recreation capability (Map 23). The first three classes from

the Canada Land Inventory are used to indicate areas of high

capability for intensive activities such as bathing, camping,

lodging, and water skiing. The high capability sites are

limited to a few sites along the Ottawa River and St. Lawrence

River.

Capability ratings in the range of classes 3 to 5 provide

for activities such as travelling and viewing, canoeing,

hiking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. These areas

were considered high capability areas for extensive recreation.

A high rated area normally includes interesting topographic MAP 23 CORNWALL I OUTDOOR ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT EASTERN REGION RECREATION CAPABILIT(

HIGH nuTEnmvE RECRDlD4

HlOH EXTENSlvE FEECREATlOhl

SOURCEC.L I.

, '- ;:A. . , . .. U. S. i\ . / ... -- L-- ---. - :'* .-:p 1.- "--,PRO\TNCE OF QUEBEC patterns with the presence of water. Interesting cultural landscapes, historical buildings, or scenic mixtures of agricultural and forested land contribute to an interesting and attractive landscape for extensive recreation. High rated areas are located along the Ottawa, St. Lawrence, South Nation,

Raisin, Castor and Rigaud Rivers. The Larose Forest, Alfred

Bog and a large portion of Dundas County are rated high for extensive recreation.

The climate does not impose any severe limitations to traditional recreational pursuits.

3.6.2 Historical Development

In the 1950's construction of the Moses-Saunders dam at

Cornwall resulted in the extinction of many small communities such as Aultsville, Wales, Farran's Point, and Dickson"~Landing through flooding. Portions of Highway 2 and the Grand Trunk

Railway were permanently flooded. Much of the early recreation and tourism developments associated with these areas were also flooded out along with many heritage structures and landscapes.

Ontario Hydro purchased lands to be flooded, relocated buildings which could be moved and replaced those that could not. Only scattered remnants of the character of these flooded lands may be seen today. The shoreline east of

Cornwall to the Quebec border was relatively unaltered by the project.

In 1955, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission was established to safeguard and enhance the scenic beauty and historic association of the flooded areas. The St. Lawrence Parks Commission has been directly responsible for providing many recreational facilities along the St. Lawrence River: Upper

Canada Village, Upper Canada Golf Course and Crysler Park to name a few.

The St. Lawrence River shoreline has become one of the districtk major recreational assets. This focus has been heightened by the construction of Highway 401 in the 1960's which greatly improved access to the area.

The recent completion of Highway 417 has yet to create a similar impact on the northern portion of the district.

Owing to the lack of major topographic relief features in the inland portions of the district, low water quality, and competition from nearby recreation areas such as the Adirondacks and the Laurentians, recreational development is restricted to the St. Lawrence River and the Ottawa River.

3.6.3 Present Recreation Activity a) Public i) Provincial Parks

There are two provincial parks in the Cornwall District,

Carillon on the Ottawa River near Chute-5-Blondeau and the South Nation on the South Nation River at Jessop

Falls (Map 24). Carillon Provincial Park provides opportunities for camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing and boating.

Facilities-for winter activities include showshoeing and cross-country skiing. South Nation Provincial Park is open for day use only and provides opportunities for picnicking, fishing and boating (Table 15). TABLE 15

Provincial Parks Facilities and Use

Park Area No. of Camper No. of - (Hectares) Campsites Nights Visitors Carillon 704 416 31,288 143,715

SouthNation 5 11,212

TOTAL 709 416 31,288 154,927

Source: Ministry of Natural Resources, Cornwall District, (1978), unpublished.

Both Ministry administered parks in the district are

classified as recreation parks according to the provincial

park classification system. South Nation Provincial Park is 5 hectares

in size with no anticipated future development planned. It

is anticipated that Carillon Park Provincial Park will provide opportunities

to snowmobile, hunt waterfowl, make maple syrup and host

retriever trials.

ii) Park Reserves

There are no park reserves in the Cornwall District.

Parker Island on the Ottawa River has been identified for

possible designation as a reserve for future park development.

iii) Crown Lands

Most Crown land is available for use by the general

public (Map 7). These lands provide opportunities for

extensive recreational activities including hiking, snowshoeing,

cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and hunting. Intensive

activities such as Crown land camping outside of provincial

parks are not available in the Cornwall District. - €7 -

No estimate of the amount of recreational use received by Crown land is available. iv) Agreement Forests

There are seven agreement forests in the Cornwall District.

Most are available to the public for the same activities as on Crown land. Larose Forest is the most important of these to the provision of recreation opportunities. It has 160 km of snowmobile trails, picnic areas and other facilities. No quantitative user information is currently available.

Various provincial and federal agencies maintain public access points along the Ottawa and St. Lawrence Rivers (M~P24).

Access points maintained by the Ministry of Natural Resources in the Cornwall District are located within provincial parks.

A day use permit is required for use of the park access facilities. No quantitative data are available regarding use.

There are 13 local snowmobile clubs in the Cornwall District who help maintain 2 047 kilometres of public trails with assistance from the Ministry of Natural Resources (~ap24).

In 1977 it was estimated that 325,987 user days were provided on snowmobile trails in the district.

There are nine major cross-country ski areas in the

Cornwall District (Map 24) providing approximately 170 kilometres of trails. An estimated 219,200 user days are provided each year. v) Conservation Authorities Areas

The Raisin Region Conservation Authority has recently established the Grays Creek Conservation Area (M~P7). This area has a marine complex wit )at slips for rent, boat- launching and gasoline facilities. In addition, a day use area offers nature trails, picnic areas, garden plots, and a paved air strip for model airplanes.

The South Nation Conservation Authority has one day use park located in Casselman, along the South Nation River.

Facilities are limited to picnic tables and vault toilets. vi) St. Lawrence Parks Commission

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission manages 2 834 hectares of riverside parklands including 14 major campgrounds from the

Bay of Quinte to the Quebec Border. Within the Cornwall

District, the Commission manages 10 campgrounds (~ap24) plus the following: Upper Canada Village; Crysler Marina;

Upper Canada Golf Course; Crysler Farm Battlefield Park; the Long Sault Parkway; and the Morrison Island Youth Centre.

In 1977, these facilities generated 856,569 user days of recreation and 360,851 camper days from 2,121 campsites. vii) Travelling and Viewing

The Cornwall area has a well developed road system which affords excellent access to Ottawa, Montreal and the United

States. Opportunities for viewing are heightened where road systems are oriented along the rivers within,.thedistrict.

One such system, Highway 2, is also a heritage highway which closely follows the St. Lawrence River.

Viewing and educational opportunities are available throughout the district. These include: parks, gardens, museums, historic buildings, lookouts, power dam, seaway locks, the Larose Forest, Mountain Provincial Wildlife Area, Hoople

Creek Provincial Wildlife Area, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary and Upper Canada Village. Special events include exhibitions, fairs, carnivals, regattas, canoe races, cross- country skiing races, snowmobile rallies and races, car and motorcycle races, and bonspiels. These are held at various communities throughout the year. b) Private i) Cottages

Cottage counts show that there are approximately 960 private cottages in the Cornwall District (Map 25). It is considered that 300 user days per cottage is a reasonable estimate of annual cottage use. Private cottages therefore supply 286,200 user days of recreation annually. ii) Commercial facilities

The Cornwall District is a popular year-round recreation area. Commercial facilities which have been developed to date include downhill skiing facilities, marinas, ice fishing and campgrounds (Map 26) . The number of user days provided by private campgrounds

In 1377 was estimated at 519,939. For tourist establishments such as lodges, hotels, motels, these were estimated to

670,144 recreational user days.

There are five youth camps located in the Cornwall

District (Map 27 and Table 16). ?he camps are operated by youth, community or religious organizations. They have a total capcity of approximately 580 children at any one time.

3.6.4 Resource Analysis and Trends

In 1973, over two million visits were made to the Cornwall

COMMERCIAL RECREATION FAC1LITIE S * DOlmHU SKIING

ms

' ICE FISHING

A PRIVATE CPMPGROUND

S(IIRQ:MNR, CaRNWbLL DISTRICT. 1978

U.S. 'A. 7" -I .. CORNWALL ADMtNISfRATIVE DISTRICT EASTERN REGION ACCOMODATION ESTABLISHMENTS

RENT& COtTMES N C4HUS Rmmi ~4~s ROVIhC'E OK

L Morns m ~~TELS~AU~TS OrJwwwm

VENTORY. 1977

1 ,s.4.

"-,PROV~NCE OF QI;EBEC TABLE 16

Recreation Oriented Accomodation

Townships Rental Cottages Youth Motel and Individual and Cabins Camps Hotel Units Campsites (Capacity)

Alfred Caledonia Cambridge Charlottenburgh Clarence Cornwall (and City of Cornwall ) East Hawkesbury Finch Kenyon Lancaster Lochiel Longueuil Matilda Mountain North Plantagenet Osnabruck Roxborough Russell South Plantagenet West Hawkesbury Williamsburgh Winchester

TOTAL 20 5 1,505 4,466

Source: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Ontario Recreation Supply Inventory, 1977. District. Table 17 summarizes the origins of visitors and related direct expenditures. Total visits include those by cottagers since it is not possible to reliably isolate the cottage visits and their expenditures from the total. Figures are approximate since they are based upon the Ministry of

Industry and Tourismts Seaway Valley Vacation Area. This area does not include the United Counties of Prescott and Russell however, it does include the County of Grenville.

The inflow of money generated through tourism is an important source of income to the economy of the Cornwall

District. In 1973, visitors to the district spent approximately

44.9 million dollars. Visitors from other provinces spent twice as much money on a per visit basis than visitors from

Ontario and the United States. They also represent the most significant tourist market, accounting for 65 percent of the total visitor expenditure.

With a few notable exceptions the recreation resource base of the district is not outstanding. The prime recreation and tourism asset of the area is the St. Lawrence River, the associated St. Lawrence Parks Commission lands and the Ottawa

River.

On the Ottawa River is one major park, Carillon

Provincial Park. Facilities here have not been as intensively used as was initially anticipated. This is due in part to the close proximity of less expensive facilities in Quebec.

A lack of complementary facilities in the area contributes to low attendance.

The Ministry of Industry and Tourism report, Tourism TABLE 17 Number of Person - Visits to Ontario -and 1 Related Direct Travel Expenditure 1973

.ll Visits % of Related % Expenditure Visits Expenditure Expenditure per visit ($millions) ($1

Other Provinces 1,162,000 47.6 29.2 65.0 25.13

United States 410,000 16.8 5.6 12.5 13.66

TOTAL

'he data used is based on the M.I.T. Seaway Valley Vacation Area rhich includes Stormont, Dundas Glengarry and Grenville Counties.

loes not include visits from other foreign countries.

loes not include expenditures by visitors from other foreign :ountries or indirect expenditures on items related to travel Ir recreation by Ontario residents.

Source: Ministry of Industry and Tourism, 1973 Data after 1973 does not break data down by county. Qevelopment-Opportunities, has identified a number of potential development opportunities in the southern half of the district. These include a large urban hotel in Cornwall

(now underway), an animal safari, an amusement (theme) park related to the technological attractions of the St. Lawrence

Seaway, and several others. These suggestions reflect the close proximity of the district to major markets and a water resource which is not conducive to most recreational pursuits.

Opportunities for tourism development are oriented to a waterway image. Trade and commerce is exemplified by large freighters moving by on the river. The commercial shipping element comes best into focus at the seaway dam and lock sites near Cornwall.

The Ministry of Industry and Tourism has identified

Cornwall as a promising centre for a marine touring complex.

Cornwall also has significant potential for small tourism projects such as viewing towers and foot bridges across the

St. Lawrence River which utilize the "seaway" attraction.

In brief, the focus for tourism and recreation will likely continue to be the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers.

Expansion of tourist facilities which take advantage of day visits from the three border crossings are possible. Expansion of opportunities into off-peak seasons, such as the Carillon Provincial

Park initiatives, are desireable.

Local recreation demands may be provided for in interior sectors of the district by increased day use of areas such as

Larose Forest, extended snowmobile and cross-country ski trails, and wildlife management for viewing and -hunting. 4.0 LAND USE CONSTRAINTS AND PLANNING

4.1 Sensitive Areas

There are certain areas of the Cornwall District which

have natural or cultural features that add significantly to

the character of the land or constitute an integral part of an

ecological system. These areas are susceptible to damage if

they are not properly mzinaged. Management of these areas

may mean controlling or regulating developments or uses

which would endanger the characteristic defining the area or it

may mean encouraging non-destructive or complementary uses.

Such areas are referred to as sensitive areas. They have

been identified on the basis of vegetation, fish and wildlife,

geology and landforms, historic and cultural features, and

complexes which combine all four categories (Map 28).

Detailed information may be found in the Cornwall District

Sensitive Areas Report and related files. The =ference

material in these reports is continually being updated as new

information and locations are discovered.

4.2 Environmental Constraints

There are areas in Cornwall District which present

environmental constraints to development because of inherent

natural hazards or sensitivity to use.

I In the Cornwall District,

hazard lands include those areas susceptible to flooding and

areas of unstable marine clay.

If developed,

these hazard lands will pose a risk for the occupants severe

enough to result in loss of life, property damage, or social

disruption.

The areas of unstable marine clay are particularly

hazardous to development. They have been mapped and further

information can be found. In May of 1971, a 28 hectare area

along the South Nation River failed and dropped 9 metres. The

1971 scar extends 486 metres back from the river. An additional,

smaller slide occurred on the same site in 1977.

Flooding is also a major environmental constraint to

development. Floodline mapping has been completed for the

Raisin Region Conservation Authority area. Similar mapping is

only available to date for select areas of the South Nation

River Conservation Authority. Some areas along the Ottawa

and St. Lawrence Rivers are under flooding easement by Ontario

Hydro. All other areas, if information is available at all,

have floodline information contained in their respective.

official plans.

Flooding is a significant problem, particularly along the

Ottawa and South Nation Rivers. Flood prone areas should

therefore be identified as a high priority in the planning for

these areas.

4.3 Disposition Controls

With certain limited exceptions, there is a general policy

against the disposition of Crown lands. No further land use

permits for hunt and fish camps will be issued and no new

cottage lots, either lease or sale, will be created south

of the French and Mattawa Rivers. Where an individual has a

legitimate claim, quit claim letters patent will be considered. Ministry Plans

4.4.1 Outdoor Recreation Group

a) Lake St. Lawrence Wildlife Master Plan

The purpose of the Lake St. Lawrence Wildlife Master Plan

is Itto provide a wide variety of year-round wildlife viewing,

hunting, education and interpretive experiences for the

recreational benefit of the people of Ontario and the economic

benefit of Ontario residents within and adjacent to the

planning areatt. The plan was accepted and approved by the

Minister of Natural Resources on January 5, 1978. To date,

approximately $500,000 has been spent on implementation.

The creation of this master plan was in response to problems and conflicts between consumptive and non-consumptive

users. The plan provides overall goals and objectives for

the 8 093 hectare tract of water and land owned by the St.

Lawrence Parks Commission, Ontario Hydro, the Ministry of

Natural Resources and private individuals along the St.

Lawrence River between Morrisburg and Cornwall. To achieve the goals and objectives of the plan, the planning area was divided into five management units based on land ownership, the potential to provide various forms of wildlife oriented recreation and the compatability of management units. The

Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary and the c~ntrolled hunting area combined are currently known as the Lake St.

Lawrence Wildlife Landowner Extension Agreement.

In order to accommodate controlled hunting within the master plan area on Lake St. Lawrence pursuant to The Game and Fish Act, the Minister of Natural Resources entered into an agreement with the St. Lawrence Parks Commission and

Ontario Hydro. The two agencies have agreed that it is desirable for the Ministry of Natural Resources to develop the wildlife potential and manage the wildlife populations on their lands in order to give the public the opportunity for hunting, education and enjoyment of the aesthetic values of such lands. b) Mountain Provincial Wildlife Area

A master plan will be prepared in 1980 to provide recommendations for the continued use and proposed development of the 1 457hectare former military reserve. c) Larose Forest

In co-operation with the Forest Resources Group, wildlife management consideration will be incorporated into the 1980

Larose Forest Management Plan. d) Carillon Provincial Park Master Plan

The master plan was approved by the Minister of Natural

Resources in October 1977. The plan is the official policy for the preservation, development and management of Carillon

Provincial Park.

4.4.2 Forest Resources Group a) Forest Agriculture Resource Inventoryin Eastern Ontario(FARIN~0)

FARINEO is a program funded under an agreement between the

Ministry of Treasury, Economics and Intergovernmental Affairs and the Federal Department of Regional Economic Expansion (DREE).

FARINEO was initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Natural Resources to provide the resource data upon which recommendations would be based for the optimization of agriculture and forest production in

eastern Ontario.

The project's objective is to conduct a resource

inventory of the present land use, agricultural, forest and

woodlot cover and other uses within the counties of Prescott,

Russell, Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, Grenville and the

Regional Municipality of Ottawa Carleton. At the time of

printing, this inventory had not been completed.

b) Hybrid Poplar Program

Under a DREE agreement the Ministry of Natural Resources

is operating a five year program to promote the use of hybrid

poplar and to develop the technology needed to make the hybrid

poplar program a success. The program sti 3 that 242

hectares per year be planted in the Eastern Region for the

length of the program.

4.4.3 Lands and Waters Group

a) Southern Ontario Coordinated Program Strategy

Most of the Ministry's programs require the use of land

and water as a means of achieving some specific objective.

Land use planning is the process that culminates in the

selection of the appropriate mix of land and water uses to

achieve objectives of all Ministry programs.

This process is implemented through a hierarchy of planning areas where broad decisions are made before

detailed decisions and where an overall context for decision making is understood. The Ministry of Natural Resources planning areas are: The Province of Ontario; the planning

regions; and the administrative districts. The Co-ordinated Program Strategy is that level of planning within which the four southern regions: Algonquin, Central, Southwestern, and Eastern formulate policy and set standards to ensure a consistent approach to planning and liaison with other agencies. b) Cornwall District Land Use Plan

The essence of a district plan is the identification of

appropriate land and water areas for the various b programs. For public land the plan must proviae.. for. all government programs. For private land the :plan mi 1s t identify

those land and water areas which are critical for the

achievement of the Ministry of Natural Resources program

This report provides back]ground information to assist the public and government in analysing--- and-. reacting to proposed policies which are to be used as guidelines to co--ordinate the

land use programs of the Ministry of Natural Resources. These policies will be set out in the District Land Use Plan.

4.4.4 Mineral Resources Group

a) Slope Stability Study

The St. Lawrence River Valley and the Ottawa River Valley

which includes most of Cornwall District, have extensive

deposits of glacially derived marine clays laid down by the

Champlain Sea. These clays are termed 'quick clays' because of their unusual characteristics and susceptibility to

landslide.

Landslides or slippage in marine clay Ideposit ;S are common along stream banks and terraces in the Cornwall District. The unstable nature of these areas adversely affect development and construction activities. The need to establish guidelines

for planning and development in the qt lick clay areas of the

district resulted in a program to classify the slopes and

produce maps upon the computed "factors of safety". Some

mapping of the Ottawa, South Nation, Rigaud, and

and Raisin Rivershhs.: been completed and is available for viewing.

4.5 Other Plans

In order to prepare a plan for the Cornwall District, it

is necessary to consider the plans of other agencies and the

municipalities to determine current policies for the district.

4.5.1 Ministry of Treasury, Economics and Intergovernmental Affairs

This Ministry is preparing a soc:ial and economic plan for

the Province through their '~esignfor Development Program.

Work is currently being undertaken on the Phase I report for

the Eastern Ontario Region whichincludes trheZornwal1 District.

4.5.2 Municipal Official Plans and the Ministry of Housing

Under The Planning Act, municipalities may undertake

studies and make plans to ensure the health, welfare, safety

and convenience of present and future inhabitants. Municipal

official plans provide for consultation with concerned agencies

including the Ministry'of Natural Resources. Once approved by

the Minister of Housing they become the official plan of the

municipality. Municipalities, therefore, play the key role in

shaping the future of the planning region. Plans prepared by

the Ministry of Natural Resources should have regard fa- approved

official plans. In cases when the official plan conflicts with Ministry of Natural Resources concerns, revisions to the official plan or the Ministry's District

Land Use Plan must be considered.

There are 19 single independent or joint planning areas in the district which are preparing or have prepared official plans. These areas and the status of their plans are given in Table 18. Locations of the planning areas are shown on

Map 29.

4.5.3 Ministry of Agriculture and Food

The document A Strategy for Ontario Farmland released in

April 1976 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, declared the

Government's commitment to maintain a permanent, secure and economically viable agriculture industry for Ontario, not only as a producer of food, but as an important component of our economic base, a source of employment, and as the basis of the rural community and the rural way of life. The Green

Paper On Planning For Agriculture: Food Land Guidelines, released in 1977 is intended to assist local governments in planning for agriculture through the preparation of official plans or amendments affecting rural land. The Food Land

Guidelines are an aid in making planning decisions to preserve high capability lands for agriculture.

4.5.4 Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Planning Study (TORPS)

This study is a joint Ontario interministerial undertaking responsible for three major projects concerning tourism and recreation in the Province of Ontarib:

The Ontario Recreation Survey: A detailed study of the participation in recreational activities by Ontario Residents.

TABLE 18

Official Plans

Planning Areas Status of Official Plan

Single Independent Plan in Plan being Plan Date Planning Areas Preparation Approved Approved Approved

Clarence Township Town of Hawkesbury Town of Rockland Russell Township Cambridge Township

Joint Planning Areas

Glengarry Lower Ottawa Valley Lower St. Lawrence North Dundas South Dundas South Nation

Subsidiary Planning Areas

Alexandria and Suburban City of Cornwall Matilda Township x Osnabruck Township x Vankleek Hill Williamsburgh Township x Charlottenburgh Township Cornwall Township x

Source: Ontario Ministry of Housing Planning Profile, August 1977. The Ontario Recreation Supply Inventory: A detailed study describing the supply of recreational facilities within

Ontario.

The TORPS Model: A computerized simulation of the supply and demand for recreation within the province.

Each of these three projects are designed to be used by a wide variety of people involved in the planning of recreational facilities and/or programs throughout the province.

4.5.5 Ministry of Industry and Tourism

The purpose of the plan Tourism Development in Ontario, A

Framework for Opportunity, is to provide a provincial overview for tourism development in the province for the next 5-10 years, with emphasis on the private commercial sector. This is the first phase of a two phase process. The second phase suggests detailed strategies for selected geographic areas

(zones) with the specific objective of identifying investment opportunities in tourism for the private sector. Ontario is divided into 17 zones and each zone is described in the report Tourism Development Opportunities.

The southern townships in the United Counties of Stormont,

Dundas and Glengarry are included within the Trenton-Cornwall

Zone.

The problem noted for this zone is the lack of major attractions to keep tourists within the zone rather than just passing through. The study indicated that commercial attractions, rather than the water resource, are more likely prospects for tourism development. 4.5.6 Conservation Authorities

Two conservation authorities, the South Nation River

conservation authority and the Raisin Region Conservation

Authority, have been established in the district. Both

Conservation Authorities are actively involved in the planning and construction of dams, reservoirs and channel

improvements, providing recreation opportunities, delineating

flood lines, and enforcing fi. ilations. They are:both in

the initial stage of preparing ~~~~~~~'ehensiveplans for their

watersheds.

4.5.7 Ontario Hydro

A Royal Commission on Electric Power Planning has been

established to focus on the broad conceptual consequences of

alternative ways of supplying electrical power during the

period 1983-1993. The report, Planning of the Ontario Hydro

East System, has been prepared to provide background data

and information on planning the future development of the

Ontario Hydro East System for the Royal Commission's enquiry

and for Ontario Hydro's reports on its priority projects.

This report reviews Ontario's growth in population, employment

and productivity and presents Ontario Hydro's basis for fore-

casting load growth. The report deals at length with supply

to the Ottawa and Cornwall &reas.

Two studies that will have a significant effect on the development of the electric power system in the Ottawa-Cornwall area are presently in their final stage of completion. The

Eastern Ontario Generating Station Transmission Egress Study and the Eastern Ontario Generating Station Site Selection Study have been attended by staff from the Cornwall District Ministry

~f Natural Resources.

Maps detailing Ontario Hydro's land holdings in the

Cornwall area are available at the District office.

4.5.8 Federal Department of Regional Economics Expansion (DREE)

In 1978 the Ministry of Treasury, Economics and Inter- governmental Affairs entered into a cost sharing agreement with

DREE for several projects in Eastern Ontario. Two projects operated by the Ministry of Natural Resources in the Cornwall

District are being funded through the DREE program, The Hybrid

Poplar Program and the Forest Agriculture Resource Inventory

in Eastern Ontario. (FARINEO) 5.0 PROBLEMS AND ISSUE,

5.1 Ministry Programs

The District Land Use Plan is an identification of

appropriate land and water areas for the various Ministry

programs. On Crow n land the pl .an mus t provide for all

government programs. On private land the plan must identify

land and water areas which are critical to the achievement of

the Ministry of Natural Resources programs.

In the Cornwall District only 4.24 percent (23 714 hectares)

of the land base is considered public land. The principal problem,

therefore, rests in the achievement of a major portion of this

Ministry's objectives by influencing the use of land rather

than by direct control. Given the present government policy

for increased privatization and financial constraint, the

efficiency and effectiveness of the District Land Use Plan

will depend on a strong spirit of cooperation with local

government and the private sector.

The following list of problems and issues have been

identified by district staff based on their familiarity with

District, community interests and the goals and objectives of

the Ministry of Na Resources. As the planning process

progresses some problems and issues will be resolved while

others will be identified. The remainder of this section

identifies problems and issues identified to date which confront

the Ministry as it attempts to meet its goals and objectives.

For added detail on problems specific to Ministry programs,

refer to the Resource Analysis and Trends sections outlined

in Chapter 3, Resource Analysis. The resolution of these problems and issues and those resulting from Ministry contact with other agencies and the private sector will be one of the major benefits of the land use strategy when completed.

5.1.1 Unauthorized Occupation

During the 200 year period since the first settlement of the district, over 98 percent of the land base has been patented. Unauthorized occupation of the remaining Crown lands and lands managed by this Ministry has not, until recently, been recognized as a significant land management problem.

Some waterfront property owners'and others have made significant alterations to shorelines without obtaining proper authority to occupy Crown land. These improvements include dredging and/or filling the river bed and the construction of docks, boat houses, breakwalls, and boat launching ramps. It is estimated that 2,780 unauthorized occupations (1973-74 internal survey) now exist in the Cornwall District.

The supply of Crown land available for the enjoyment of the people of Ontario in the Cornwall District, particularly along shorelines, is limited.

An intensive and coordinated control program is therefore needed to encourage an attractive shoreline appearance and to provide for a mix of shoreline uses consistent with the goal and objectives of the Ministry of Natural Resources. These include the management of fish and wildlife resources which may be affected by private development along shorelines, unauthorized occupation of the Crown bed, and access. 5.1.2 Fish and Wildlife

Considerable activity has occurred and will likely continue

to occur within the district which may have a significant

effect on the sport and commercial fisheries and wildlife habitat. These include channelization projects by the South

Nation River Conservation Authority, weir and dam construction by the Raisin Region Conservation Authority, development of private wetlands, the proliferation of municipal drains feeding

into natural water courses, and agricultural practices including application of fertilizers and cropping techniques.

The District Land Use Plan will provide for greater input to and control of these activities. The preparation of guidelines which outline this Ministry's concern with the conservation and management of fish and wildlife resources are required as input to the terms of reference and review of private and public development projects. Associated with this requirement is a need for better inventory and assessment of the fish and wildlife resource base- What is not known about these resources presents a greater problem to its management than what is known.

A lack of public land will likely concentrate future users in small areas which could create conflicts between consumptive and non-consumptive users of the wildlife resource.

5.1.3 Timber

There is an increasing problem in the achievement of projected targets for wood fibre production. This is a result of a combination of factors. In the 1950's district forests were overharvested by 300 percent. The majority of woodlots in - 89 - the district are now immature and will require an additional

40 years under proper management to become productive again.

Large areas of land which could be planted under Woodlands

Improvement Act agreements are left fallow due to a lack of staff to encourage private land owners and a shortage of nursery stock. It has been estimated that to reach the current 2020 target for wood fibre supply, the number of Woodland Improvement

Act agreements should be doubled and, in three years, doubled again.

The present annual allowable harvest in the Cornwall District is largely achieved on private lands (97 percent). Much of the difference between the allowable harvest and the actual harvest could be met in the district on existing unmanaged lands through more intensive management practices.

Fuelwood production from private and public land will likely increase in importance as energy costs continue to rise.

Greater emphasis on fuelwood production in timber management plans will likely be required during the planning period.

The chief source of wood for the mills in the Cornwall district is the Province of Quebec and the State of New York

(Table 19). In order for the mills to increase their use of

~oodproduced in Ontario, timber management programs within

;he district on patented land, agreement forest properties and Crown land will need to be intensified.

Alternative sources of wood need to be developed in closer proximity to the mills in the long term due to increasing haulage costs resulting from energy shortages.

The twenty year Forest Management Plan for Larose Forest expires in 1981. The District Land Use Plan should provide the necessary vehicle for the expression of a coordinated

management plan to integrate recreation, fish and wildlife,

and timber concerns.

TABLE 19

Wood Movement into Cornwall District Mills

Wood Origin Cubic Metres Percent of Total

Quebec 438,300 46

New York State 277,900 29

5.1.4 Parks and Recreation

Opportunities for recreation, particularly water-based

bation, in Cornwall District are concentrated along the

St. Lawrence River and, to a lesser degree, the Ottawa River.

Few facilities are provided in the interior area. This is

considered to be a result of low water quality and flat

topographic relief.

Recreation facilities in the district also tend to

concentrate in a few areas and serve a transient population of

tourists. Greater emphasis could be placed on the development

of facilities such as snowmobile and cross-country ski trails,

rehabilitated quarries for swimming and fishing, and other

facilities in the interior areas to better serve the local

population of the planning area.

With a few notable exceptions the recreation resource base

of the district is not outstanding. Man-made facilities and and the creative utilization of the existing natural resource

base must therefore be used to advantage to meet demand.

5.1.5 Hazard Lands

Certain geologic features in the Cornwall District

constitute a hazard to life and property if improperly developed.

These features include sensitive leda or marine clays and some elements of karstdc topography.

Mapping of these features is currently underway and,

when completed, should be incorporated into official plans

with guidelines for their safe development.

5.1.6 Sensitive Areas

Sensitive areas are areas of geological, biological,

historical or cultural importance which require special

management to preserve their integrity. The Sensitive Areas

Report for Cornwall District should be updated and a strategy

developed to provide for their protection under official plans. 5.2 Ministry - Other Agencies

5.2.1 Interprovincial Boundary Nepotiations

The unclear location of the Ontario-Quebec boundary in the

St. Lawrence River and Lake St. Francis has caused each province

difficulty in administrating its hunting and fishing regulations,

resulting in confusion for hunters and fishermen and uncertainty

for cottage owners.

Officials of the two provinces have recommended a

technical proposal for the establishment of a clear, well-

defined, single line boundary. Local public meetings were

also held to discuss the technical proposal.

The technical proposal and comments and adjustments to that proposal are presently being reviewed by senior government officials. Pending the resolution of the boundary proposal, temporary agreement to administer the hunting and fishing regulations in the disputed areas has been worked out between the two provinces.

5.2.2 Water Management

Responsibility for water management in Ontario is divided among several levels of government, as well as several agencies at each level.

Without clear policies and technical guidelines the water management functions undertaken by the Ministry of

Natural Resources cannot operate effectively. As a result a number of problems have become evident. Examples of such problems are as follows: a) The Ministry of Agriculture and Food's single purpose drainage policy has increased the flood frequency, channel erosion and sedimentation of nearly all the waterbodies in the district. Municipal drainage projects that are constructed on natural streams or rivers can be considered "dams", or alterations, as defined by The Lakes and Rivers Improvement

Act.- Formal application to the Ministry of Natural Resources should therefore be required for location and plans approval.

It has become apparent in attempts to exercise control under the Act, that municipalities are either unaware that municipal drains are subject to approval under the Act, where natural water courses are involveior application is made after they are well committed to constructing the drain or they choose to ignore the Act altogether. b) Manipulation of stream flow and lake levels by Quebec

Hydro on the Ottawa River has caused considerable flood and erosion damage to property along the river. Claims, questions, complaints and requests for information by residents whose properties have been damaged are being sent to this office.

This material is being submitted to Ontario Hydro, who, in turn forward all correspondence to Hydro Quebec. Both hydro agencies will jointly attempt to settle the claims submitted.

Damage claims submitted in 1974 have yet to be resolved. c) Numerous wetlands, bogs and marshes are being dredged, drained or filled in, thereby destroying valuable wildlife habitat. The Charlottenburgh marsh is one of the few remaining large wetlands on the St. Lawrence River. Because the marsh is privately owned, it is being dredged and filled in to provide marina facilities, cottages, and beaches.

Few controls are available to prevent these practices before a biophysical assessment can be undertaken to determine their relative value to fish and wildlife. d) Drains constructed through low areas of poplar are providing perfect habitat for beaver. These beavers, by damming the drains, cause considerable localized flood damage. Landowners frequently contact the district office requesting these nuisance beaver and their dams to be removed.

The Ministry has only limited involvement in the control of nuisance beaver on private lands. The Ministry essentially performs an advisory role, putting trapper and landowner in proper contact to resolve the problem. 5.2.3 Water Quality

The long period of settlement and the degree of development within the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River Basin has exacted a high price in the deteriorating quality of its water resources. Streams and lakes have been heavily damaged by discharges of wastes, by polluted runoff from urban and agriculture development, and by increased siltation, erosion and sedimentation from non-point sources.

Health warnings were necessary for Lakes St. Lawrence and St. Francis since recent analysis of sediments and fish by the Ministry of the Environment show mean mercury levels, for the most part, above the acceptable level of 0.5 ppm.

As the collection and analysis program extends to additional waters, it is possible that more contaminated fish will be found, posing severe problems for both the sport and commercial fishery in the district.

The increasing proliferation of aquatic vegetation in

Lake St. Francis is a direct result of the decrease in current velocity brought about by the dredging of the seaway navigation channel and indirectly due to substrate changes and nutrient loading. The tremendous increase of weed growth has adversely affected a variety of recreational uses, shoreline property values, tourist trade and to some extent the commercial fishery.

Rehabilitated pits for fishing and swimming, greater emphasis on inland resources (e.g. Larose Forest and Mountain

Wildlife Area) and Ministry controls on shoreline development will play an increasingly important role in the conservation of the resource base for the long term social and economic benefit of the people of Ontario.

5.2.4 Conservation Authorities

The two conservation authorities in the Cornwall District are currently undertaking watershed studies. The Ministry should avail itself of the opportunity to participate in these planning exercises to better coordinate the management concerns noted below and to enlist the support of the

conservation authorities in the achievement of Ministry programs as suggested in the Re~ortof the workin9 Grou~on the Mandate p~dRole of the Conservation Authorities of Ontario. . Greater coordination is needed to ensure that Ministry

concerns and water table and supply, erosion, and

conservation objectives are effectively integrated on a

watershed basis. . Fish and Wildlife staff should be directly involved in the drafting of terms of reference and other inputs to the

watershed studies. Ministry fish and wildlife objectives

as well as those of the conservation authorities could be

better achieved through a coordinated effort and at a

lower overall cost to the taxpayer.

5.2.5 Other Apencies

The District Land Use Plan will recognize the policies and programs of all federal, provincial and municipal government agencies which may affect the operations of this

Ministry. The number of agency policies are considerable and a review of them in this document would not serve any useful purpose. A detailed summary of relevant policies will be included during the developnent of the land use plan, step 5, of the district planning process. 5.3 Ministry - Private Sector 5.3.1 St. Repis Indian Reserve

The question of the extent of reservation boundaries are

still being debated by the Indian people. They claim that

they have occupied the river from shore to shore between

Valleyfield, Quebec and Audrey Island, Ontario since "time

immemorialt1. A formal land claim has not yet been submitted

by the St. Regis Indians.

In 1968 a by-law passed by the Indian Council required

a person other than a member of the St. Regis Band to obtain

a permit to hunt migratory game birds within the boundaries

of the reserve. This by-law was first enforced during the

1977 hunting season.

To date this Ministry has received no evidence to

indicate that the St. Regis Indians have a basis for any

supervision of hur~ting,fishing or other activities in waters

adjacent to islands presently defined by Canada to constitute

the St. Regis Indian Reserve.

5.3.2 Aggregates and Soils

Aggregate materials are non-renewable resources. The

naturally occurring aggregate within the district is contained

within two geological forms, unconsolidated deposits of sand

and gravel and rock. Most of these resources are located in

rural areas where agriculture is the primary function of the

land. However, these Itavailable" aggregate deposits may not

be sufficient to meet the needs of the district beyond the

year 2010. Unless the public is brought to understand the continuing need for this material, the present diminishing

supply, and the benefit of controls on private land to ensure

its long term production at a reasonable cost, action cannot be implemented to effectively manage them to meet long term demand.

Two problems which render many deposits unavailable

for extraction are legislative restrictions and residential development. In order to ensure that future needs are met, municipalities within the district should include possible aggregate deposits as mineral aggregate extraction areas with supporting policies in their official Plans.

The designation of townships under The Pits and Quarries

Control Act would encourage the efficient and safe extraction of aggregate materials. At present, no townships are designated in the Cornwall District.

The removal of topsoil for sale to nurseries, etc. is a significant potential problem in the Cornwall District.

Rehabilitation and alternative uses of these lands should be considered under the new Aggregates Act and the

District Land Use Plan.

5.3.3 Urban - Rural Dichotomx

Cornwall District shows an almost even split between urban and rural (52 percent vs. 48 percent). Incursions of residential and other developments into rural areas however have impaired the operating efficiency of some farming operations, increased servicing costs to rural municipalities and, in some instances, have adversely affected fish and wildlife habitat and potential timber production areas. Zoning under official plans and implementing bylaws are not always sufficient to permit resource management programs and residential uses to coexist without conflict or impairment.

In summary, the District Land Use Plan deals with the means of achieving objectives and targets for Ministry of

Natural Resources' programs at the local level. The achievement of this requires that the aforementioned problems and issues be adequately addressed.

The total benefit of the District Plan to the Ministry and the people of Ontario will be achieved through the provision of a framework for efficient and effective resource management, the promotion of good land use practices on private and public lands, the avoidance and/or resolution of use conflicts, both internal and external, the provision of assistance to municipalities in the preparation of official plans and other land use decisions, and through the provision of assistance to other agencies and ministries involved in planning.