C1702-Northern Claybelt Forest-SCI Final

Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve

Statement of Conservation Interest

January, 2005

Ministry of Natural Resources

Ministere des Richesse naturelles

Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

Hearst District Ministry of Natural Resources

APPROVAL STATEMENT

I am pleased to approve this Statement of Conservation Interest for the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve.

The Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve was created to protect a large complex of land and water ecosystems that are characteristic of the Northern Claybelt Forest. Its combined size, location, within the claybelt and diversity of natural features make an important contribution toward the conservation of northeastern Ontario’s biological diversity. Regulated in March 2004, the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve is the second largest conservation reserve brought forward in the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy in the Northeast Region (OMNR 1999). It is located 40km northwest of Timmins and 60 kilometres south of Kapuskasing straddling the Groundhog River Waterway Provincial Park and the Nat River. Hicks Oke Bog Provincial Nature Reserve forms a portion of the site’s northern boundary.

Direction for establishing, planning and managing conservation reserves is defined under the Public Lands Act, the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy , and other applicable policies. The specific direction for managing this conservation reserve is in the form of a basic SCI, which defines the area to which the plan applies, provides the purpose for which the conservation reserve has been proposed, and outlines the Ministry of Natural Resources’ management intent for the protected area. It will provide both the foundation for continued monitoring of activities and guidance for managing the conservation reserve. More detailed direction at this time is not anticipated. However, should significant facility development be considered or complex issues arise requiring additional studies, more detailed management direction in the form of special protection measures, or a detailed Resource Management Plan, will be prepared with full public consultation.

The public was informed and consulted prior to the regulation of the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve under the Public Lands Act as well as during the preparation and review of this Statement of Conservation Interest.

The Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve will be managed under the jurisdiction of the Hearst District Ministry of Natural Resources under the supervision of the Kapuskasing Area Office Supervisor as designated by the Hearst District Manager.

Compiled by: Patrick Burrough

Recommended for approval by: Original Signed on March 24, 2005 R. David Scott Date District Manager Hearst District

Approved by: Original Signed on April 10, 2005 Rob Galloway Date Regional Director Northeast Region

Ministry of Natural Resources i Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

Table of Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1

2.0 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ...... 2 2.1 GOAL OF THE STATEMENT OF CONSERVATION INTEREST ...... 2 2.2 OBJECTIVES ...... 2 2.2.1 Short Term Objectives...... 2 2.2.2 Long Term Objectives...... 2 3.0 MANAGEMENT PLANNING...... 3 3.1 PLANNING CONTEXT ...... 3 3.1.1 Planning Area ...... 3 3.1.2 Management Planning Context...... 3 3.2 PLANNING PROCESS ...... 4 4.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ...... 5 4.1 LOCATION AND SITE DESCRIPTION ...... 5 4.1.1 Location...... 5 4.1.2 Physical Site Description...... 5 4.2 HISTORY OF THE SITE ...... 7 4.3 INVENTORIES ...... 7 5.0 STATE OF THE RESOURCE...... 7 5.0.1 REPRESENTATION ...... 7 5.0.2 QUALITY OF PRESENT REPRESENTATION ...... 12 a) Diversity...... 12 b) Ecological Factors...... 13 c) Condition...... 15 d) Special Features ...... 15 e) Current Land Use Activities...... 16 5.1 SOCIAL /E CONOMIC INTEREST IN THE AREA ...... 16 a) Linkage to Local Communities ...... 16 b) Heritage Estate Contributions ...... 16 c) First Nations ...... 17 d) Mining Interests ...... 17 e) Forest and Fire Management History ...... 17 f) Other Government Agencies, Departments or Crown Corporations...... 18 g) Non Government Organizations and other Industry interests ...... 18 5.2 NATURAL HERITAGE STEWARDSHIP ...... 18 5.3 FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE ...... 18 5.4 CULTURAL HERITAGE STEWARDSHIP ...... 19 5.5 LAND USE /C URRENT OR PAST DEVELOPMENT ...... 19 5.6 COMMERCIAL USE ...... 19 5.7 TOURISM /R ECREATIONAL USE /O PPORTUNITIES ...... 19 5.8 CLIENT SERVICES ...... 19 6.0 MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES...... 19 6.1 MANAGEMENT PLANNING STRATEGIES ...... 19 6.2 “S TATE OF THE RESOURCE ” MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES ...... 20 6.3 PROMOTE INVENTORY MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT REPORTING AND RESEARCH ...... 22 6.4 IMPLEMENTATION AND PLAN REVIEW ...... 22 6.5 MARKETING ...... 23

Ministry of Natural Resources ii Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

7.0 REFERENCES ...... 24

8.0 MAPS...... 25 MAP 1: INSET OF ONTARIO SHOWING LOCATION OF KAPUSKASING ...... 25 MAP 1B - GEOLOGY ...... 26 MAP 2: SITE MAP OF THE NORTHERN CLAYBELT FOREST COMPLEX CONSERVATION RESERVE ...... 26 MAP 2A – FOREST COMMUNITIES ...... 26 MAP 2B - STOCKING ...... 26 MAP 2C - AGE ...... 26 MAP 2D – STANDARD FOREST UNIT ...... 26 MAP 3A – VALUES ...... 26 MAP 3B – WETLANDS ...... 26 MAP 4 – DATA GATHERING ...... 26 MAP 5 – OLD GROWTH ...... 26 MAP 6 – HISTORY ...... 26 MAP 7 – FIRE ...... 26 9.0 APPENDICES ...... 26 APPENDIX A: PERMITTED USES TABLE ...... 26 APPENDIX B: SCI TEST OF COMPATIBILITY ...... 26 APPENDIX C: STATEMENT OF CONSERVATION INTEREST AMENDMENTS ...... 26

Ministry of Natural Resources iii Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

1.0 Introduction

The Province of Ontario is home to a broad range of climate types, geography, and plant and animal species, all of which contribute to the variety and abundance of natural resources found here. The Ministry of Natural Resources is the lead conservation and resource management agency in the province and is therefore responsible for the management of these resources, in particular, forests, fisheries, wildlife, mineral aggregates and petroleum resources, Crown lands and waters, and provincial parks and protected areas (MNR 2000).

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is committed to the protection of natural and cultural heritage values and as such has developed strategies that will maintain the integrity and sustainability of the parks and protected areas system. Recently the Government of Ontario conducted a major land use planning exercise, which resulted in the release of the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (MNR 1999). The Land Use Strategy (LUS) focuses on four specific objectives that were established to guide the planning process. These are: to complete Ontario’s system of parks and protected areas; to recognize the land use needs of the resource-based tourism industry; to provide forestry, mining, and other resource industries with greater land and resource use certainty; and to enhance hunting, angling and other Crown land recreation opportunities

The planning and management of this conservation reserve is consistent with the policies outlined in the Land Use Strategy. This conservation reserve is regulated under the Public Lands Act (PLA) . Prior to its regulation, MNR met the Environmental Assessment Act requirements for the establishment and management of this conservation reserve.

Ontario’s network of natural heritage areas has been established to protect and conserve areas that represent the diversity of the natural regions of the province, including the species, habitats, special features and ecological systems which comprise that natural diversity. Protecting these natural heritage areas is the cornerstone to the sustainable management of natural resources. It ensures that representative sites are retained in their natural state and can continue to contribute to Ontario’s natural environment (MNR 1997a).

In order to preserve these sensitive areas they require protection from incompatible uses to ensure their values will endure over time. Conservation reserves have been identified as a way of providing necessary protection from incompatible uses such as forestry and aggregate extraction, while still permitting many of the traditional uses that allow the people of Ontario to enjoy our special heritage. An approved Statement of Conservation Interest (SCI) or a Resource Management Plan (RMP) will guide the management and administration of each conservation reserve.

The management direction for this conservation reserve is a Statement of Conservation Interest. As a stewardship document, the SCI is the minimum level of management direction established for this conservation reserve. SCIs define the area that is being planned, the purpose for which the conservation reserve has been proposed, and it outlines the Ministry of Natural Resources’ intent for the protected area. This SCI will govern the lands and waters within the regulated boundary of the conservation reserve. However, to ensure MNR protection objectives are being fully met within the conservation reserve, the surrounding landscape and related activities must consider the site’s objectives and heritage values. In addition, it is the intent of this SCI to create public awareness that will promote responsible stewardship of protected areas and surrounding lands. With management partners such as Ontario Parks, industry, local governments, etc. the MNR District Offices will be able to pursue and advance sound environmental, economic and social strategies and policies related to the protection of conservation reserves and provincial parks.

The purpose of this SCI is to identify and describe the values of the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve and outline the Ministry’s management intent. The management direction will protect the site’s natural heritage values for the benefit of all Ontario residents and demonstrate its compatibility within the larger sustainable landscape. This direction will comply with land use intent as stated by the Ontario’s Living Legacy Lands Use Strategy (MNR 1999).

Ministry of Natural Resources 1 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

The Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve is the second largest conservation reserve (68,128 hectares) brought forward in the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy in the Northeast Region (OMNR 1999). Its combined size, location within the claybelt, and diversity of natural features make an important contribution toward the conservation of northeastern Ontario’s biological diversity. Dominant representative features within this site include lacustrine deposits with dense coniferous forest, mixed coniferous forest, sparse forest, and fen. This site’s abundance of peatlands serves to enhance the existing Hicks Oke Bog Provincial Nature Reserve. This conservation reserve also includes portions of two provincially significant life science sites. The Nat River Uplands (Fortune Township Uplands) contains stands of old growth poplar/aspen, spruce and white birch over two different bedrock formations, and a portion of Enid Creek surrounded by young and old growth spruce on two different landform types. The guidelines for the management of this conservation reserve are found in this document.

2.0 Goals and Objectives

2.1 Goal of the Statement of Conservation Interest The goal of a conservation reserve, as stated in Policy PL 3.03.05 (MNR 1997a), is to protect the natural heritage values on public lands while permitting compatible land use activities. The goal of this Statement of Conservation Interest is to provide the framework and direction to guide management decisions in order to ensure the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve will meet this goal through both short and long-term objectives.

2.2 Objectives

2.2.1 Short Term Objectives Objective 1: To define the purpose for which the conservation reserve has been identified and to outline the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ management intent for the protected area.

Strategies: • By identifying the state of the resource with respect to the natural heritage values being protected; • By identifying current land use activities that are occurring on the land base.

Objective 2: To determine the best management strategy to protect the integrity of the values in the site.

Strategies: • By determining the land use compatibility of current and potential land uses; • By developing specific guidelines and prescriptions to manage existing and potential land uses.

Objective 3: To create public awareness of the values within this conservation reserve and promote responsible stewardship of the protected area.

Strategies: • By creating fact sheets and pamphlets describing this conservation reserve and the resource(s) or values that it contains and protects. • By seeking partnerships with local stakeholders to ensure the values of the site are properly protected.

This Statement of Conservation Interest meets the planning requirements for conservation reserves as determined in Procedure PL 3.03.05 which states that management plans must be written within three years of the regulation date (MNR 1997b ).

2.2.2 Long Term Objectives Objective 1: To determine the long term management goals of the conservation reserve.

Ministry of Natural Resources 2 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

Strategies: • By identifying the research needs, client services, and marketing strategies necessary to determine the position of this conservation reserve among the system of parks and protected areas in Ontario.

Objective 2: To determine the representative targets of the site.

Strategies: • By identifying the scientific values in relation to provincial benchmarks; • By identifying any monitoring or research necessary to identify and maintain the integrity of these characteristics beyond this plan.

Objective 3: To provide direction for the evaluation of new uses or economic ventures proposed.

Strategies: • A Test of Compatibility shall be undertaken to evaluate the impact of suggested use(s), either positive or negative, on the protected values and administrative needs of the conservation reserve.

3.0 Management Planning

3.1 Planning Context

3.1.1 Planning Area The planning area for this site will consist of the regulated boundary for the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve as defined in section 4.1.3 Administrative Description . This land base will form the area directly influenced by the Statement of Conservation Interest. Although, this conservation reserve enormous size serves to protect and buffer the site’s interior core values from outside land use activities, the surrounding landscape and related activities must carefully consider the site’s values to ensure that the protection objectives are being fully met within the conservation reserve. From an earth science and life science perspective the conservation reserve is provincially significant. Also of significance, two provincially significant raised beach/spit complexes in the west portion of the site are very susceptible to erosion should the vegetation cover be disturbed. The Ministry of Natural Resources, in conjunction with other partners, will work to ensure that the values are protected during additional planning and implementation of activities on the intervening landscape. Any strategies noted within this plan related to the site’s boundary or beyond will need to be presented for consideration within a larger planning context.

3.1.2 Management Planning Context The Ontario Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (1999) describes the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve as a large complex of land and water representing ecosystems that are characteristic of the Northern Claybelt Forest. Its combined size, location within the claybelt and diversity of natural features make an important contribution toward the conservation of northeastern Ontario’s biological diversity. The site was then regulated as Schedule 59?, in Ontario Regulation 686/00? made under the Public Lands Act , December 20, 2000? and filed December 21, 2000? amending Ontario Regulation 805/94? (Conservation Reserves).

Once a Conservation Reserve is passed into regulation, it must be determined what level of management planning is required to fulfill the protection targets. This Statement of Conservation Interest will only address known issues or current proposals with respect to permitted uses or potential economic opportunities brought forward during this planning stage. However, in terms of approving future permitted uses and/or development(s), there are established mechanisms in place to address such proposals. Any future proposals will be reviewed using the Procedural Guideline B – Land Uses – Test of Compatibility Public Lands Act Policy PL 3.03.05 (MNR 1997) or other MNR environmental screening processes (see Appendix B).

Ministry of Natural Resources 3 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

Consideration for proposals pertaining to cultural resources may be screened through Conserving a Future for our Past: Archaeology, Land Use Planning & Development in Ontario , Section 3 (MCzCR, 1997) and MNR’s history in establishing Area of Concern (AOC) descriptions and prescriptions for cultural heritage resources within forest management plans (FMPs)

These planning tools will help refine the review process once the proposal satisfies the direction and intent of the Public Lands Act , associated policies and this planning document.

3.2 Planning Process

There are two policy documents that address the planning process; a Statement of Conservation Interest (SCI) is the minimal requirement for providing planning direction and a Resource Management Plan (RMP) that deals with more complex issues (where several conflicting demands are placed on the resources). The guidelines for the preparation of these documents is outlined in Procedural Guideline A – Resource Management Planning (Conservation Reserves Procedure PL3.03.05 Public Lands Act ). The appropriate plan must be completed within three years of the regulation date.

For current planning purposes, the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve will be managed under the auspices of a Statement of Conservation Interest. Interested parties from both the private and public sectors were consulted during the Ontario’s Living Legacy (OLL) planning process from candidate conservation reserve to regulation. The public was consulted during the conservation reserve’s creation and final regulation. The responses and concerns brought forward during that consultation period are reflected in this Statement of Conservation Interest.

Public consultation will be solicited during a review of any future land use proposals that would require new decisions to be made. In addition, any future proposal and/or any new, significant management direction considered will be published on the Environmental Bill of Rights registry (EBR).

The SCI is a policy document that will provide background information, identify values to be protected and establish management guidelines for use in the administration of the reserve.

The implementation of the policy will be the mandate of the MNR at the district level, however associations with various partners may be sought to assist in the delivery. It must be noted that this SCI is a working document and it will be necessary to make revisions to it from time to time. As part of public consultation, initial consultation was solicited from the public, First Nation communities, and stakeholders that may have an interest in the conservation reserves in the Hearst District by means of direct mail. Also, newspaper ads were placed in five local papers in Kapuskasing, Heasrt, Chapleau, Cochrane and Timmins that may have an interest in the conservation reserves in the Hearst District. They are listed below: LeNord (Hearst)– French The Weekender (Hearst/Kapuskasing)– French & English Northern Times (Kapuskasing) – English Chapleau Express – English Timmins Daily Press– English Cochrane Times Post-English/French The purpose of the consultation was to notify that the management planning for the six conservation reserves within the Hearst District was beginning and: 1. MNR is collecting comments and information regarding these SCIs to assist in making decisions and determining future public consultation needs 2. Respondents will be notified when the draft statements of conservation interest are available for review. At that time a copy of the draft would be provided to interested persons or organizations upon request

The Ministry of Natural Resources is exempt from providing notification of this planning process on the Electronic Bulletin Registry, under Section 30 of the Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR).

Ministry of Natural Resources 4 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

Note that public consultation will be solicited during a review of any future land use proposals that would require new decisions to be made. In addition, any future proposal and/or any new, significant management direction considered will be published on the Environmental Bill of Rights registry (EBR).

4.0 Background Information

4.1 Location and Site Description

4.1.1 Location Name Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Eco- Region 3E-3 Eco-District (Hills 1959) Eco-Region Lake Abitibi Eco-District (Crins Smokey Falls Ecodistrict 3E-1 and Uhlig 2000) Folyet Ecodistrict 3E-5 MNR Administrative Northeast Region Hearst (Timmins, Region/ Chapleau) District/Area Size 68,128 ha Nearest Town Timmins Townships Watson, Belford, Hicks, Poulett, Montcalm, Oke, Aitken, Fortune, Moberly, Byers OBM Number 470051900 Map Name Kamiskotia Lake, Manning Lake, Elf Lake, Griffin Lake ο Latitude/ Longitude 48 45’55”N ο 82 03’43”W Elevation Minimum: 290 m Maximum: 330m Watershed Moose River Basin Wildlife WMU 30 Management Unit Forest Gordon Cosens, Smooth Rock Falls, Romeo Malette Table 1: Location and administrative details for the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve

4.1.2 Physical Site Description

The Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve is the second largest conservation reserve brought forward in the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy in the Northeast Region (OMNR 1999). It is located 40km northwest of Timmins and 60 kilometres south of Kapuskasing straddling the Groundhog River Waterway Provincial Park and the Nat River. Hicks Oke Bog Provincial Nature Reserve forms a portion of the site’s northern boundary. The site’s boundaries are mainly a combination of natural waterway boundaries and vectored boundaries. Road access to the site is limited; several roads approach the site predominantly where clearcutting has occurred. A secondary road forms a small portion of the southern boundary in Fortune Township. The interior of the conservation reserve is only accessible by boat during the summer; snowmobile in the winter or by air to selected landing sites.

Ministry of Natural Resources 5 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

The majority of the site is underlain by lacustrine deposits with pockets of weakly broken bedrock, moderately broken bedrock, strongly broken bedrock, weakly broken outwash deposits, and weakly broken ground moraine. Surficial geological features include two isolated raised (abandoned) beach/spit complexes in the west-central portion of the site, which are considered to be provincially significant.

The Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve contains numerous different forest stand types. Black spruce forms the majority of the vegetative cover of the conservation reserve, with pure black spruce stands covering 41% of the site. The black spruce dominant conifer community ranks second in abundance at 20% site coverage followed by treed muskeg at 14% site coverage. Treed muskeg, for the most part, has been reclassified as treed fen, treed bog, and open bog based on the information gathered during the aerial reconnaissance survey (Thompson 2000). Forest communities, other than black spruce dominated stands, include various poplar, jack pine, white birch, balsam fir, white spruce and cedar dominant stands.

The majority of the conservation reserve is aged between 150-179 and 120-149 years of age respectively which suggest it originated from a large scale disturbance (e.g. fire). There is a concentration of 90-119 year old stands in the southwest adjacent to the Ivanhoe River boundary. Almost the entire site consists of old growth.

1 Fens: Peatland with water table at or above the surface with very slow water movement through communities via seepage that results in a more mineral, nutrient and oxygen-rich environment than bogs. Generally fens contain peat accumulations greater than 40 cm deep. Sometimes floating mat with sedges, mosses, shrubs, and sparse tree layer present. Indicator plants include: Larch ( Larix laricinea ) and Eastern White Cedar ( Thuja occidentalis ) or Black Spruce ( Picea mariana ), Speckled Alder ( Alnus incana ), Dwarf Birch ( Betula pumila ), Bluejoint Grass ( Calamagrostis canadensis ), assorted sedges, Sweet Gale ( Myrica gale ) with ericaceous shrubs present – especially in more nutrient poor fens (Harris et al. 1996).

2 Bogs: Peatland with water table at or near the surface with surface often rising above surrounding terrain. Sites are strongly acid and nutrient poor. Bogs contain peat accumulations of more than 40 centimetres deep. Species include Sphagnum spp. or Peat Mosses and ericaceous shrubs including Bog Rosemary ( Andromeda glaucophylla) , Leatherleaf ( Chamaedaphne clayculata) , Creeping Snowberry ( Gaultheria hispidula) , Bog Laurel ( Kalmia polifolia) , and Labrador Tea ( Ledum groenlandicum) (Harris et al. 1996).

Ministry of Natural Resources 6 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

4.1.3 Administrative Description

The legal description of the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve, regulated as Schedule 59 in Ontario Regulation 686/00 made under the Public Lands Act on March ?, 2004 and filed on March ?, 2004 amending Ontario Regulation 805/94

The Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve is located within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Hearst, Chapleau and Timmins District administrative areas.

The Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve is also located almost entirely (65,164 ha) within the legal boundaries of the Gordon Cosen Forest Sustainable Forest License area and a portion (2,964 ha) within the Romeo Malette Forest Sustainable Forest area, and spans three MNR Districts – Hearst, Chapleau, Timmins.

4.2 History of the Site

This site’s abundance of peatlands serves to enhance the existing Hicks Oke Bog Provincial Nature Reserve. The majority of the conservation reserve consists of a low, level plain of lacustrine clay, silt, and minor sand related to glaciolacustrine deposition in glacial Lake Barlow-Ojibway. There were two forest reserves within the conservation reserve; one located in the northeast corner and the other was in the southwest corner. Prior to regulation of the site in March 2004, the mining claims for these two areas had lapsed and as a result they were included as part of the conservation regulated area. Prior to being a proposed protected area (Land Use Strategy, 1999) there has been some harvesting of the site. Harvest areas are located along the northern boundary of Oke Township, and in the southeast portion of the conservation reserve in Moberly and Fortune Townships. The silvicultural prescription for the harvest areas are either natural and/or artificial regeneration. The amount of disturbance, man-made or natural is considered low and relative to the conservation reserve large size has a minimal effect on the overall integrity of the site.

4.3 Inventories Table 2 indicates the current status of natural heritage inventory that has occurred or that will be required in the near future.

Survey Level Earth Science Life Science Cultural Recreational Other Reconnaissance 2001(Kor) 2000(Thompson) 2001(Malenfant Aerial Photo Aerial Survey and Thompson) Interpretation Aerial Survey Detailed Further Aerial Requirements reconnaissance survey Table 2: Inventory and Survey Information for Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve

5.0 State of the Resource

5.0.1 Representation

Ministry of Natural Resources 7 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

River Waterway Provincial Park (Photo 1) and the Nat River. Hicks Oke Bog Provincial Nature Reserve forms a portion of the site’s northern boundary. The site’s boundaries are mainly a combination of natural waterway boundaries and vectored boundaries. Road access to the site is limited; several roads approach the site predominantly where harvesting has occurred. A secondary road forms a small portion of the southern boundary in Fortune Township. The interior of the conservation reserve is only accessible by boat during the summer; snowmobile in the winter or by air to selected landing sites.

Photo 1 - C1702 – Northern Claybelt Forest Complex C.R. The Groundhog River along the north portion of the site’s western boundary. The photo was taken from the south looking north. Photo taken by: John Thompson (Sept 28/00)

The Ontario Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (1999) describes the conservation reserve as a large complex of land and water representing ecosystems that are characteristic of the Northern Claybelt Forest. Its combined size, location within the claybelt, and diversity of natural features make an important contribution toward the conservation of northeastern Ontario’s biological diversity. Dominant representative features within this site include lacustrine deposits with dense coniferous forest, mixed coniferous forest, sparse forest, and fen. This site’s abundance of peatlands serves to enhance the existing Hicks Oke Bog Provincial Nature Reserve. This conservation reserve also includes portions of two provincially significant life science sites. The Nat River Uplands (Fortune Township Uplands) contains stands of old growth poplar/aspen, spruce and white birch over two different bedrock formations, and a portion of Enid Creek surrounded by young and old growth spruce on two different landform types.

The Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve was located within Cochrane Ecodistrict 3E- 3 (Hills 1959). The Ecodistrict boundaries were recently revisited and as a result the conservation reserve now falls within the Smokey Falls Ecodistrict 3E-1 and Folyet Ecodistrict 3E-5 (Crins and Uhlig 2000). All of these Ecodistricts are found within the Lake Abitibi Ecoregion which is characterized as flat to gently rolling glacial clay and sandplain with locally extensive peatlands and wetlands, broken throughout by glacial features such as moraines, eskers and kame/kettle complexes with Canadian Shield exposures. The Cochrane Ecodistrict (3E-3) is described as having a plain of clay and silt, very high to moderate in lime, shallow to moderately deep over bedrock and covered by at least six inches of peat over most of the area. This area is characterized by black spruce broken by stands of white spruce, balsam fir, poplar and white birch on esker and rock ridges, also along streams wherever fire has prevented the accumulation of peat. The Smokey Falls Ecodistrict (3E-1) is characterized by a smooth plain of clay and loam, moderate to high in lime, shallow to moderately deep over bedrock with a fairly high percentage of muskeg. The Folyet Ecodistrict (3E-5) consists of gently rolling plains of thinly covered rock knobs, sandy outwash and silty depressions. Regional vegetation includes good stands of spruce, poplar, and birch on fresh sites on moderately sloping terrain. White and red pine occurs on sand ridges, while American elm and eastern white cedar only occur in protected areas. The forest climate for this site is mid-humid, mid-boreal (Hills 1959, Poser 1992).

Ministry of Natural Resources 8 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

The Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve is found within the Northern Clay Section (B.4) of Rowe’s (1972) Boreal Forest Region. The Northern Clay Section is characterized by widespread black spruce stands, which occupy both the gently rising uplands and the lowland flats coexisting with sedge fens and sphagnum-heath bogs. Tamarack is occasionally found with black spruce and is more common in younger stands. Extensive areas of black spruce-cedar swamp occur more commonly in the western portion of this section than in the east, with cedar only reaching tree size at swamp borders. Areas with improved drainage either due to relief changes, shallowly buried coarse drift, or locations beside rivers and lakes contain hardwood or mixedwood stands of trembling aspen, balsam poplar, balsam fir, white spruce and black spruce. Areas that are drier in nature such as old beaches, eskers, and outwash deposits are dominated by stands of jack pine, while white birch is also found on sandy soils.

The earth science inventory checklist by Kor (2001) indicates that the majority of the conservation reserve consists of a low, level plain of lacustrine clay, silt, and minor sand related to glaciolacustrine deposition in glacial Lake Barlow-Ojibway. Minor outcrops of granitic bedrock occur in the southeast portion of the conservation reserve in the form of smooth bare outcrop knolls. Therefore, Kor’s (2001) interpretation of the site’s geology is relatively consistent with the provincial landform coverage.

Other surficial geological features include two isolated raised (abandoned) beach/spit complexes in the west-central portion of the site, which are considered to be provincially significant. The most northerly beach/spit complex is located in Poulett Township and is ringed with white birch dominant communities. The other beach/spit complex is located in Montcalm Township and is lined with poplar dominant communities and pockets of old growth white pine (Photo 2). Small ice-contact esker-kettle complexes occur scattered throughout the region, the best example of this feature within C1702 begins at the south shore of Manning Lake and includes Aitken Lake and Lower Aitken Lake (Photo 3). Well-developed levee systems occur along the Ivanhoe River, Groundhog River, Nat River and some of their larger tributary channels. The greater soil development and depth attributable to these levee systems provides conditions favourable for the establishment of tree species other than black spruce. A well-developed abandoned river channel scar occurs along the west bank of the Groundhog River in Poulett Township (Kor 2001).

Photo 2 - Beach/spit complex (provincially significant) in Montcalm Township taken from the NE Photo 3 - Esker-kettle complex with Aitken Lake looking SW. The beach ridge provides low-relief areas in the foreground and Lower Aitken Lake in the with soil where hardwoods (Po mixedwood) grown in background. The photo was taken from the north contrast to the surrounding sea of black spruce (Sb pure). Photo taken by: John Thompson end looking south. The forest communities around Aitken Lake on the right side include Po mixedwood and Sb pure. While on the left side of the lake, forest communities include Sb/Bw true mixedwood and Sb dominant conifer. Photo taken by: John Thompson

Ministry of Natural Resources 9 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

The Northern Claybelt Forest Complex C.R. contains numerous different forest stand types. However, the representation of the different stand types on C1702 is very unbalanced. Black spruce overwhelmingly dominates the vegetative cover of the conservation reserve, with pure black spruce stands 3 covering 41% of the site. The black spruce dominant conifer community ranks second in abundance at 20% site coverage followed by treed muskeg at 14% site coverage. Treed muskeg, for the most part, has been reclassified as treed fen, treed bog, and open bog based on the information gathered during the aerial reconnaissance survey (Map 3b - Wetlands) (Thompson 2000). Forest communities 4, other than black spruce dominated stands, include various poplar, jack pine, white birch, balsam fir, white spruce and cedar dominant stands. These different species assemblages are for the most part associated with the conservation reserve’s rivers and creek systems where greater soil development and depth provide richer conditions favourable for these species (Map 2a – Forest Communities). The FRI data for this conservation reserve was verified during the aerial reconnaissance survey and was determined to be accurate (Thompson 2000).

Area Summary based on Standard Forest Area Summary based on Forest Community Unit

% % TOTAL FOREST COMMUNITY AREA (ha) TOTAL SFU AREA (ha) AREA AREA SB PURE 28,459 41.8% SB1 35,015 51.4% SB DOMINANT CONIFER 13,939 20.5% TREED MUSKEG 9,279 13.6% TREED MUSKEG 9,279 13.6% LC1 6,069 8.9% BRUSH/ALDER 2,461 3.6% PO1 3,085 4.5% PO MIXEDWOOD 2,432 3.6% MW2 2,924 4.3% SB PREDOMINANT CONIFER 1,747 2.6% BOG 2,700 4.0% SB MIXEDWOOD 1,627 2.4% BRUSH/ALDER 2,461 3.6% SB CONIFER MIXED 995 1.5% SP1 1,942 2.9% PO HDWD MIXED 885 1.3% SF1 1,004 1.5% PO CONIFER DOMINANT 843 1.2% BW1 788 1.2% PO PREDOMINANT HDWD 828 1.2% PJ1 686 1.0% PJ DOMINANT CONIFER 436 0.6% MW1 627 0.9% PO/SB TRUE MIXED 420 0.6% PJ2 439 0.6% BW MIXEDWOOD 361 0.5% OPEN MUSKEG 181 0.3% PJ PURE 306 0.4% ROCK 81 0.1% BW PREDOMINANT HDWD 236 0.3% TOTAL 67,280 98.8% BW HDWD MIXED 193 0.3% OPEN MUSKEG 181 0.3% PJ PREDOMINANT CONIFER 172 0.3% BF PREDOMINANT CONIFER 167 0.2%

3Conifer stands are defined as follows: pure conifer stands contain 100% conifer trees in the canopy; dominant conifer stands contain less than 10% cover of hardwoods in the main canopy and predominant conifer stands contain less than 20% cover of hardwoods in the main canopy. Similarly hardwood stands may contain no conifer in canopy (pure hardwood), less than 10% conifer (dominant hardwood) or less than 20% conifer cover (predominant hardwood) (modified after Taylor et al 2000).

4Mixedwoods are defined as follows: hardwood mixedwoods are stands dominated by hardwoods with less than 30% cover of conifer in the main canopy; similarly conifer mixedwoods contain less than 30% hardwoods in the canopy. Mixedwoods contain approximately equal percentages of conifer and hardwood trees and true mixedwoods contain a 50:50 split between conifers and hardwoods (modified after Taylor et al 2000).

Ministry of Natural Resources 10 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

PO DOMINANT HDWD 163 0.2% PO PURE 159 0.2% PJ CONIFER MIXED 124 0.2% CE DOMINANT CONIFER 105 0.2% SB/BW TRUE MIXED 98 0.1% ROCK 81 0.1% LA DOMINANT CONIFER 73 0.1% PJ MIXEDWOOD 69 0.1% BW CONIFER DOMINANT 65 0.1% BW/SW TRUE MIXED 62 0.1% PO/SW TRUE MIXED 61 0.1% PO/BF TRUE MIXED 57 0.1% BW PURE 44 0.1% PO/PJ TRUE MIXED 41 0.1% BW/SB TRUE MIXED 36 0.1% BF DOMINANT CONIFER 35 0.1% BF PURE 29 0.0% SB/PO TRUE MIXED 8 0.0% PO/CE TRUE MIXED 2 0.0% TOTAL 67,280 98.8%

* Percentage of Area is calculated based on entire site area of 68128 hectares. Total is less than 100% to account for areas coded other than MNRCODE 200 or forest stand.

All stocking categories are present on the conservation reserve (0-100%) (Map 2b – Stocking Distribution). The bulk of the conservation reserve is aged between 150-179 and 120-149 years of age respectively (Map 2c – Age Distribution). Much of the 120-149 age class is associated with several of the waterways (Groundhog River, Nat River, Belford Creek and Poulett Creek). The dominance of one age class (150- 179) across such a vast portion of the conservation reserve suggests that much of this site’s vegetation originated from a single large scale disturbance, most likely fire, approximately 167 years ago. There is a concentration of 90-119 year old stands in the southwest adjacent to the Ivanhoe River boundary. Most of the area in the 0-29 year age category has been recently harvested. Small isolated pockets of stands ranging in age from 0-89 years are scattered throughout the conservation reserve. Almost the entire site consists of old growth (Map 5 – Old Growth).

Similar stands have been merged together into standard forest units (SFU), providing an overall ecological picture of the conservation reserve (Map 2d – Standard Forest Units). The vegetative nature of this conservation reserve is largely controlled by the lowland black spruce (SB1) standard forest unit, which covers approximately half of the conservation reserve. There is an abundance of treed muskeg on site (14%), which has been largely reclassified as treed fen, treed bog and open bog based on the information gathered during the aerial reconnaissance survey (Thompson 2000). Stands containing a combination of lowland black spruce, larch and cedar (LC1) are relatively abundant (9%). Other standard forest units represented on site include relatively equal proportions (~ 4%) of poplar (PO1), rich upland mix (MW2), BOG, and Brush/Alder. Standard forest units containing jack pine and jack pine mixed (PJ1, PJ2, MW1), white birch (BW1) and spruce pine (SP1) and are also represented on the conservation reserve. Much of the site’s forest community diversity is associated with the rivers and creek systems. The soil development along the waterway’s banks allows for the establishment of species other than black spruce resulting in distinct ribbons of different vegetation (Map 2d – Standard Forest Units).

The aerial survey performed provides a more detailed description of the different wetland 5 types than does the FRI data. However, given the enormous size of the site not all the wetlands could be viewed during the

5 Wetlands were classified after Arnup et al. 1999.

Ministry of Natural Resources 11 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

aerial survey. For this reason, the wetlands map (Map 3b – Wetlands) contains the aerial survey descriptions, where this information is available, while the remaining wetlands are classified using the FRI descriptions. The Claybelt Region is characterized by glaciolacustrine clay deposits, flat topography, poor drainage, and extensive stands of black spruce. The low relief of the land in conjunction with the extensive clay deposits restricts drainage, which is reflected in the extensive areas of peatland within the conservation reserve. The various peatland ecosystems include treed fen, treed bog, and open bog and occur mainly in the northern portion of the conservation reserve. Along the site’s numerous tributaries are areas of alder thicket swamp, tall shrub (alder) shore fen, graminoid shore fen, poor fen, quaking bog, and open bog. The conservation reserve contains few lakes, of the one’s that were viewed during the aerial survey the following wetlands were observed in or within close proximity to these lakes; open water marsh, meadow marsh, open bog, quaking bog, semi-treed bog and floating mats. Beaver activity was observed in Belford Creek along the western boundary, so it is likely that other creeks have also been affected by beaver activity (Thompson 2000).

The Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve lies within the Moose River Basin in 4LC/4LD tertiary watersheds (OMNR 2002). Few lakes are present within the conservation reserve, which is typical of the Claybelt (Rowe 1972). Aitken Lake and Lower Aitken Lake are part of an esker/kettle complex and are located in the eastern portion of the conservation reserve. Manning Lake, in the northeast corner, is the largest lake on site and is described as a shallow lake with an interesting series of gravel islands (Malenfant and Thompson 2001). The wildlife values for this site include traplines KA-06, KA-07, KA-08, KA-09, KA-10, KA-11, T107, T129, CP5, CP6 (Map 3a). Two bear management areas (TI-30- 041& CP-30-031) cover a minute portion of the conservation reserve along the southern margin. Several moose aquatic feeding areas are scattered throughout the eastern portion of the site. Pike and walleye are found in Aitken and Lower Aitken Lakes, while a trapper’s cabin and a tourist outpost camp are both located on Aitken Lake (Thompson 1998). Two other trapper’s cabins are located within the conservation reserve; one occurs at the junction of Nat River and Poulett Creek while the other is found along the Ivanhoe River in Belford Township. The Groundhog River is known as a world class sturgeon fishery, while the Nat River and its many feeder streams contain naturally reproducing brook trout (Malenfant and Thompson 2001). The Groundhog river is a well-established canoe route that takes approximately 8 day to complete the entire route and is rated as advanced (C-I-II) with white water and some strenuous portages (Missinaibi Headwaters Outfitters 2003). Although, the Groundhog River itself is not part of the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve, C1702 does provide additional buffering of this provincially significant river system and its associated sturgeon habitat.

5.0.2 Quality of Present Representation a) Diversity Diversity is a measure of the site’s life and earth science heterogeneity. It is based on the number and range (variety) of the natural landscape features and landforms of earth science values and the richness and evenness of the life science component. Presently, a formal diversity rating 6 based on the landform/vegetation combination criteria could not be performed at this time. The lack of an earth science map does not allow for an overlay of the vegetation communities on the different landforms. However, a preliminary diversity rating of high has been assigned at this time based on the number of different forest communities (33) and wetland types (12) (Map 2a – Forest Communities and Map 3b – Wetlands). The zonal Po/Ce true mixed forest community has been subtracted from the total forest communities, because it does not provide adequate representation of this community on the conservation reserve. This diversity rating may change once a formal earth science map is prepared.

Zonal communities are defined as fractured forest communities less than 10 ha in size that buffer interior or core site values, but have very little core area themselves. They are also defined as typical forest

6Diversity rating, developed by John Thompson & Jake Noordhof (2003), is based on the size of the conservation reserve versus the number of landform:vegetation (SFU/HU) combinations. For CR’s <500 ha, high diversity is >25 L:V combinations, medium for >15 L:V, and low for <15 L:V. For areas 500 – 2000 ha, high is >30, medium >20 and low <20. For areas >2000 ha, high >35, medium >25 and low <25 L:V combinations.

Ministry of Natural Resources 12 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

communities for the given climate and topography in which they occur. As the number of zonal forest communities increases diversity tends to decrease. There is only one zonal forest community (Po/Ce true mixed) less than 10 ha in size on the site’s boundary that is not found elsewhere on the conservation reserve, therefore, the diversity rating is not adversely affected by this criteria. The Sb/Po true mixed stand is less than 10 ha, but is located in the middle of the conservation reserve and is therefore not zonal by definition in that this stand is not fractured.

Much of the site’s forest stand diversity is found along the site’s waterways. The three forest community areas differ significantly from the typical black spruce forest community found within the conservation reserve. They are located on the north side of the Ivanhoe River in the southwest portion of the site, the banks of the Nat River, and the Fortune Township Uplands along the southern boundary.

The top two forest communities (Sb pure and Sb dominant conifer) cover 61% of the site, which classifies the site as significantly skewed 7. The vegetative nature of the conservation reserve is largely controlled by the black spruce communities as is characteristic of the Northern Claybelt Forest Region (Rowe 1972). The dominance of the conservation reserve by black spruce does not serve to reduce the site’s diversity rating given that this species ratio is expected and typical of the Northern Claybelt Forest condition, especially considering the extensive landbase that the conservation reserve covers.

Presently, development stage is not considered when determining diversity, however, upon reviewing the FRI data it is likely that taking developmental stage into consideration might significantly increase the number of different forest communities. Even though the conservation reserve is fairly even-aged, it covers such a large area that most age classes are represented.

The present size and configuration of the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve has changed significantly since the gap analysis candidate site boundaries, so a diversity comparison between the gap analysis candidate site data and the present configuration of the conservation reserve is not possible (Thompson 1998)

b) Ecological Factors Wherever possible, a site’s boundaries should be created to include the greatest diversity of life and earth science features to provide the maximum ecological integrity. It should be ecologically self-contained, bounded by natural features and include adequate area to buffer the core ecosystems from adjacent land use activities (OMNR 1992). This site is bound by a combination of natural and vectored boundaries, except for a minute portion of road-formed boundary along the southern margin. Rivers and creeks form most of the site’s natural boundaries. Much of the site’s western border is formed by natural waterways, which include Belford Creek, the Groundhog River, Ivanhoe River and Otapingshewee River. Boundaries that follow natural features such as water bodies are preferable, because they provide an ecological break in the landscape which aids in preserving the ecological integrity of the site by decreasing vegetation community dissection and the probability of trespasses and also increase the diversity of the site by the addition of another landscape feature (i.e. river and river banks).

Much of the eastern boundary is vectored along the Aitken Township line. The north and south boundaries are mainly a combination of both natural and vectored boundaries. Nat River, Enid Creek and a small portion of Bartlett Creek form natural boundaries along the southern margin, while Hick’s Creek, South Creek and several lakes form natural boundaries along the northern margin. Many of the conservation reserve’s extensive peatlands along the north, south and eastern margins are dissected by the site’s boundaries.

Much of the site’s forest stand diversity is found along the site’s boundaries. The use of Ivanhoe River as the site’s boundary creates a natural break in the landscape leaving these forest stands intact. The Ivanhoe

7Evenness of the site defined as strongly skewed (top 3 communities capture >=60% of the site in area), moderately skewed (30-59%) or slightly skewed to even (<30%).

Ministry of Natural Resources 13 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

River in conjunction with the 200m buffer on the south side of the river should provide sufficient protection of this diverse assemblage of forest stands integral to the diversity of the site.

Another forest stand diversity area of significance occurs on the arm of land that juts into Fortune Township called the Fortune Township Uplands. This section of land is bound by Nat River on the east, a road in the south, and Bartlett Creek for a small portion on the west side. The presence of these natural and cultural breaks reduces the amount of forest stand dissection, also the visible cues (Nat River, Bartlett Creek and the road) on the ground reduces the probability of a trespass. The remainder of the Fortune Township Upland’s boundary is vectored causing the dissection of several forest stands containing atypical species grouping within the conservation reserve. These stands include jack pine predominant conifer, jack pine conifer mixed, and white birch mixedwood. In spite of the dissection of these stands, a significant portion of these stands (>10 ha each) lie within the bounds of the conservation reserve which is deemed enough area to provide a buffer from outside influences while still maintaining an acceptable amount of stand interior core area.

Currently we do not have minimum size standards for conservation reserves under different landscape conditions. However, a minimum size standard of 2000 ha has been established for natural environment parks by Ontario Parks (OMNR 1992). This minimum standard was considered necessary to protect representative landscapes as well as allow for low intensity recreational activities. The Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve is 68,128 ha, which greatly exceeds the minimum standard. It is the second largest conservation reserve brought forward during the Ontario Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (1999) in the Northeast Region. This conservation reserve’s enormous size will serve to protect and buffer the site’s interior core values from outside land use activities. Also, the site’s abundance of waterway boundaries, especially along the western portion reduces the risk of trespasses. The core values of the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve are further protected and buffered from outside land use activities by the presence of adjoining protected land. Hicks Oke Bog Provincial Nature Reserve shares a common boundary with the conservation reserve along the northern margin.

The impact of human recreational activities within the bounds of the conservation reserve is also anticipated to have a minimal impact on the site’s ability to maintain its core values over the long-term. Recreational activities will likely be restricted to remote wilderness and backcountry travel with canoeing or kayaking the most probable form of transportation (Malenfant and Thompson 2001). A number of factors will serve to restrict the amount of people that will use the conservation reserve. They include limited road access, lack of a trail system (snowmobile/ATV), and the predominance of lowland black spruce vegetation, which is difficult to traverse during the summer. The interior of the conservation reserve is inaccessible for the most part, unless using the waterways, a snowmobile in the winter or by air to selected landing sites. It is likely that the only portions of the site that will receive significant recreational pressure will be the site’s waterways; the Groundhog, Ivanhoe and Nat Rivers. The Groundhog River is known as a world class sturgeon fishery, while the Nat River and its many feeder streams contain naturally reproducing brook trout (Malenfant and Thompson 2001). While the Groundhog River is not technically part of the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve; they are adjacent to each other and the latter provides additional buffering to a portion of the Groundhog River. Having two adjoining protected areas strengthens the ecological integrity of both sites.

Much of the western portion of the conservation reserve is surrounded by mining claims mainly within the townships of Watson, Belford, Nova, Montcalm, and Strachan.

The original site boundaries and present regulated site boundaries are very similar with only a few minor boundary changes. Along the northern margin, the original site boundary for C1702 use to include a portion of Hicks Oke Bog Provincial Nature Reserve, but has since been pushed back to provide a common boundary between these two protected areas. The small island of land to the north of the conservation reserve is indirectly connected to C1702 through a shared boundary with the Hicks Oke Bog Provincial Nature Reserve creating a complex of protected area. The boundaries along the western portion of the conservation reserve have been altered and now follow the natural waterways in the area (Belford Creek, Groundhog River, Otapingshewee River and Ivanhoe River), which is an improvement from the original vectored nature of portion of this boundary (Appendix 1: History Map).

Ministry of Natural Resources 14 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

It is anticipated that the ecological integrity and the core values of this conservation reserve will be maintained in the long-term given the size of this site and provide a landbase large enough to buffer the interior core areas of the conservation reserve from outside land-use activities on the surrounding landscape.

c) Condition Condition is the amount of disturbance, man-made or natural, within a conservation reserve. The disturbance of the site is rated as low 8. The primary human disturbance to the conservation reserve is the blocks of clearcutting that have occurred on site. The harvest blocks are a fairly substantial size, but relative to the immense size of the conservation reserve the disturbance to the overall integrity of the site is considered to be minimal. The largest clearcut is located along the northern boundary in Oke Township to the east of Hicks Oke Bog Provincial Nature Reserve. This area has been left to naturally regenerate. The remaining clearcuts are located in the southeast portion of the conservation reserve primarily in Moberly and Fortune Townships. Of the two clearcuts located in Fortune township, the most westerly one has been planted. The other harvest block in Fortune Township has been partially planted while the remaining area has been left to naturally regenerate (Thompson 2000). The silvicultural prescription for the clearcuts located in Moberly Township is unknown. A secondary road forms a small portion of the southern boundary in Fortune Township. One cannot gain access to this road coming from the east as the bridge has been removed over Nat River. Geological exploration has also occurred in a bog in the southwest portion of the conservation reserve. Some poplar blowdown was observed along the western shore of Lower Aitken Lake (Thompson 2000).

d) Special Features There are several rapids within the conservation reserve on Ivanhoe River, Nat River and Otapingshewee River. Three rapids are located on the Ivanhoe River, the first of which straddles the site’s boundary with only a portion of it located within the conservation reserve. The other two rapids on Ivanhoe River are very picturesque and are located in the southwest portion of Montcalm Township (Photo 4). Another rapid is located on the Nat River in the southern portion of Aitken Township (Thompson 2000). The Otapingshewee Rapids are located on Otapingshewee River just before the junction with the Groundhog River.

Photo 4 - Photo of one of the rapids on Ivanhoe River taken from the north looking south. Forest communities include poplar conifer dominant and black spruce dominant conifer on right side of river while jack pine mixedwood is on the left side of the river. Photo taken by: John Thompson

8Rating based on the amount of area currently under some form of known disturbance. High is >20% of the area, medium 10 to 20 %, low <10% and pristine <1%.

Ministry of Natural Resources 15 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

Small pockets of white pine were observed on the beach/spit complex that is located in Montcalm Township during the aerial reconnaissance survey (Thompson 2000). The occurrence of white pine is unique because this species is at the northern limit of its range (Farrar 1995).

e) Current Land Use Activities

Current land use activities within or near the conservation reserve include tourist outpost camp, trapping, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, canoeing, and kayaking. A number of factors will serve to restrict the amount of people that will use the conservation reserve and include the limited road access, lack of a trail system (snowmobile/ATV), and the predominance of lowland black spruce vegetation, which makes it difficult to traverse during the summer. The interior of the conservation reserve is inaccessible for the most, unless using the waterways, a snowmobile in the winter or by air to selected landing sites. It is likely that the only portions of the site that will receive significant recreational pressure will be the site’s waterways; the Groundhog, Ivanhoe and Nat Rivers.

Few lakes are present within the conservation reserve, which is typical of the Claybelt (Rowe 1972). Aitken Lake and Lower Aitken Lake are part of an esker/kettle complex and are located in the eastern portion of the conservation reserve. Manning Lake, in the northeast corner, is the largest lake on site and is described as a shallow lake with an interesting series of gravel islands (Malenfant and Thompson 2001). The trapline areas for this site include KA-06, KA-07, KA-08, KA-09, KA-10, KA-11, T107, T129, CP5, CP6 (Map 3a). Two bear management areas (TI-30-041& CP-30-031) cover a minute portion of the conservation reserve along the southern margin. A trapper’s cabin and a tourist outpost camp are both located on Aitken Lake (Thompson 1998). Two other trapper’s cabins are located within the conservation reserve; one occurs at the junction of Nat River and Poulett Creek while the other is found along the Ivanhoe River in Belford Township.

5.1 Social/Economic Interest in the Area a) Linkage to Local Communities

The Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve is located approximately 40 kilometres from Timmins and 60 kilometres south of the Town of Kapuskasing. As previous pointed out it is anticipated that the impact of human recreational activities within the conservation reserve should be minimal because of limited road access, lack of trail system and predominance of lowland black spruce vegetation.

Recreational activities will likely be restricted to remote wilderness and backcountry travel with canoeing or kayaking the most probable form of transportation via the Groundhog River.

Some of the other recreational/commercial activities that the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve represents may include wildlife viewing, photography, fishing, hunting. Hunting, trapping and fishing are long-standing traditional activities and they are also a vital part of the local economy. Economic benefits are seen at local establishments from bear and moose hunting parties as well as fishing enthusiasts, and trapping provides a source of income to local trapline holders. b) Heritage Estate Contributions Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve contributes to the province's parks and protected areas system by its regulation, representation and long term management of the site’s natural heritage values.

By allocating these lands to the parks and protected areas system through regulation the province has ensured a certain level of permanence by identifying the site and its values from the surrounding landscape.

Ministry of Natural Resources 16 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

The site’s representation makes a number of contributions to the provinces natural heritage estate. From the earth science perspective this site’s elements of glacial Lake Barlow-Ojibway in combination to the size and complexity enhances its significance. The most important geological features are two beach/spit (provincially significant) complexes located in the western section of the site contribute to the earth science targets for the Postglacial and Holocene Environmental Theme.

The Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Life Science elements is considered provincial significant. A particular note: 1. It encompasses a large tract of undisturbed old growth core area in a Region (Northern Claybelt Forest). 2. The Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve includes sections of two provincial significant life science sites (Nat River and Enid Creek). 3. Provides representation of a fire driven system where the natural structure and processes have not been altered or compromised by human activity. The Hicks Oke Bog Provincial Nature Reserve which forms a portion of the site’s northern boundary in combination with the Groundhog River Water Provincial Park connectivity to the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve has resulted in terms of ecosystems and overall landscape integrity to be significantly symbiotic and complimentary.

The Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve as the second largest conservation reserve brought forward in the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy in the Northeast Region and containing such a large tract of undisturbed land also provides a valuable opportunity for scientific research; however, limited road access will serve to make research more difficult. c) First Nations The Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve lies within the of Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (N.A.N) Treaty # 9 Area. The protection of this area as a conservation reserve and the Statement of Conservation Interest are not meant to infringe on the Treaty and Aboriginal Rights of any First Nation in any way. Traditional uses such as hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering will be respected. At the present time, there are no known land claims by First Nations for the area in question. d) Mining Interests This conservation reserve has no mining tenure within it. Mining and surface rights have been withdrawn from staking within the conservation reserve boundaries under the Mining Act (RSO 1990 Chapter M.14). Mining will not occur in any regulated protected area. e) Forest and Fire Management History

The MNR recognizes fire as an essential process fundamental to the ecological integrity of conservation reserves. In accordance with existing Conservation Reserve Policy and the Forest Fire Management Strategy for Ontario, forest fire protection will be carried out as on surrounding lands.

Whenever feasible, the MNR fire program will endeavour to use “light on the land” techniques, which do not unduly disturb the landscape, in this conservation reserve. Examples of light on the land techniques may include limiting the use of heavy equipment or limiting the number of trees felled during fire response efforts. Opportunities for prescribed burning to achieve ecological or resource management objectives may be considered. These management objectives will be developed with public consultation prior to any prescribed burning, and reflected in the document that provides management direction for this conservation reserve. Plans for any prescribed burning will be developed in accordance with the MNR Prescribed Burn Planning Manual, and the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves.

The dominance of one age class (150-179) across such a vast portion of the conservation reserve suggests that much of this site’s vegetation originated from a single large scale disturbance, most likely fire, approximately 167 years ago (Appendix 2).

Ministry of Natural Resources 17 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

The site provides representation of a fire driven system where the natural structure and processes have not been compromised or altered by human activity. f) Other Government Agencies, Departments or Crown Corporations Other Government Agencies that may have an interest in the site include the Ministry of Citizenship (MCzP), the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation (MTCR). Although there are no known cultural heritage values present at this time if values were identified in the site the MNR would work with the MCzP to ensure proper protection of any cultural heritage resources. The MNR will also work in conjunction with the MTCR to identify/enhance any potential tourism opportunities, in particular where resource-based tourism (RBT) potential is identified. RBT operations include hunting and fishing as well as eco-tourism opportunities. Proper evaluation will be undertaken where opportunities are identified to ensure consistency with the management policies of this conservation reserve.

g) Non Government Organizations and other Industry interests Non Government organizations who may express an interest in the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve could include: the Partnership for Public Lands, the Federation of Ontario Naturalists, Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters, Trapper’s Councils (Hearst, Chapleau and Timmins MNR Districts) and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

The MNR will work in conjunction with any association who identifies an interest or compatible use potential within the site.

Other industries or companies that may have an interest in conservation reserve may include the Prospector’s Association, the Sustainable Forest Licensee (Spruce Falls Inc., Tembec Inc. Timmins), and the Aggregate Producer’s Association. The interests of these companies or industries may be limited to recognizing the boundaries and values protected within in order to uphold the MNR’s management policies within the conservation reserve.

5.2 Natural Heritage Stewardship The two beach/spit complexes in the west portion of the site contribute to the earth science targets for the Postglacial and Holocene Environmental Theme. The levee systems along the rivers are well-developed and preserved providing excellent examples of landform and process in the region (regionally significant, Kor 2001).

The Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve life science targets contributions includes: • A large tract of undisturbed old growth core area in the Northern Claybelt Forest region of Ontario • Portions of two provincially significant life science sites (Nat River Uplands and Enid Creek) • Provides representation of a fire driven system where the natural structure and processes have not been compromised or altered by human activity.

The Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve contains stands of spruce, poplar, and birch on fresh sites on moderately sloping terrain. White and red pine occurs on sand ridges, while American elm and eastern white cedar only occur in protected areas.

5.3 Fisheries and Wildlife The wildlife values for this site include traplines KA-06, KA-07, KA-08, KA-09, KA-10, KA-11, T107, T129, CP5, CP6 (Map 3a). Two bear management areas (TI-30-041& CP-30-031) cover a minute portion of the conservation reserve along the southern margin. Several moose aquatic feeding areas are scattered throughout the eastern portion of the site. Pike and walleye are found in Aitken and Lower Aitken Lakes, while a trapper’s cabin and a tourist outpost camp are both located on Aitken Lake (Thompson 1998). Two other trapper’s cabins are located within the conservation reserve; one occurs at the junction of Nat River and Poulett Creek while the other is found along the Ivanhoe River in Belford Township. The Groundhog River is known as a world class sturgeon fishery, while the Nat River and its many feeder streams contain naturally reproducing brook trout (Malenfant and Thompson 2001). This area is within Wildlife Management Unit 39.

Ministry of Natural Resources 18 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

It is not known if any vulnerable, threatened or endangered species exist on or near the site. Further detailed habitat studies may be warranted.

5.4 Cultural Heritage Stewardship There are no known cultural heritage values within the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve and no detailed research has been conducted as of this date to document possible cultural heritage values. If archaeological/ cultural resources are discovered within the conservation reserve proposals pertaining to the development/use of these cultural resources may be screened through direction provided in Conserving a Future For Our Past: Archaeology, Land Use Planning & Development In Ontario (MCzCR 1997).

5.5 Land Use/Current or Past Development There were two mining claims within the conservation reserve; one was located in the northeast corner and the other was in the southwest corner. The mining claims tenure had lapsed and will be included as part of the regulated conservation reserve. Much of the western and southern portion of the conservation reserve is surrounded by mining claims mainly within the townships of Watson, Belford, Nova, Montcalm, and Strachan. In the near future Falconbrigde is scheduled to begin operations of a new mine located approximately 2 kilometres south of the conservation reserve southern boundary in Montcalm Township.

5.6 Commercial Use This site includes traplines KA-06, KA-07, KA-08, KA-09, KA-10, KA-11, T107, T129, CP5, CP6 (Values - Map 3a). Two bear management areas (TI-30-041& CP-30-031) cover a minute portion of the conservation reserve along the southern margin. a trapper’s cabin and a tourist outpost camp (fishing & hunting) are both located on Aitken Lake (Thompson 1998). Two other trapper’s cabins are located within the conservation reserve; one occurs at the junction of Nat River and Poulett Creek while the other is found along the Ivanhoe River in Belford Township.

5.7 Tourism/Recreational Use/Opportunities The impact of human recreational activities within the bounds of the conservation reserve is also anticipated to have a minimal impact on the site’s ability to maintain its core values over the long-term. Recreational activities will likely be restricted to remote wilderness and backcountry travel with canoeing or kayaking the most probable form of transportation

5.8 Client Services Currently visitor services at the MNR Kapuskasing Area Office, Hearst District Office are limited to responding to inquiries about access, natural heritage features and boundaries. No formal information or interpretive facilities currently exist within the conservation reserve.

Other client services include providing clients with maps, fact sheets and other information gathered on the area, such as the Earth, Life and Recreational Inventory work.

6.0 Management Guidelines

6.1 Management Planning Strategies The land use intent outlined in the OLL Land Use Strategy (MNR 1999) provides context and direction to land use, resource management, and operational planning activities on Crown land. Commitments identified in the above strategy and current legislation (Policy 3.03.05 PLA ) will form the basis for land use within Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve. Management strategies for these uses must consider the short and long-term objectives for the reserve. For up to date information on permitted uses refer to the Crown Land Use Atlas (http://crownlanduseatlas.mnr.gov.on.ca).

Protected areas will be managed to retain and/or restore natural features, processes and systems. They will also provide opportunities for compatible research, education and outdoor recreation activities (MNR

Ministry of Natural Resources 19 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

1997c). Proposed uses and development will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. A Test of Compatibility, (Procedural Guidelines B – Land Uses PL 3.03.05) must be passed before they are deemed acceptable. The emphasis will be on ensuring that the natural values of the conservation reserve are not negatively affected by current and future activities. Therefore any application for new specific uses will be carefully studied and reviewed via the above environmental screening process.

Management strategies will also be consistent with the objectives of increasing public awareness, promoting responsible stewardship, providing marketing opportunities, and identifying inventory, monitoring, and research opportunities.

6.2 “State of the Resource” Management Strategies The development of this SCI and the long-term management and protection will be under the direction of the MNR’s Kapuskasing Area Office Supervisor, Hearst District. The following section will deal with the management strategies that are specifically laid out to maintain, protect and enhance the existing natural heritage values and land use activities of the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve.

Natural Heritage Values The management intent for the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve will be to allow for natural ecosystems, processes and features to operate undisturbed with minimal human interference while providing educational, research and recreational activities. Forest ecosystem renewal will only be entertained via a separate vegetative management plan.

Forest fire protection will be provided as per fire strategies used on surrounding public lands, under the direction of the provincial fire strategy. All wildfire occurrences will be considered a high priority and will actively be suppressed. Prescribed burning will be conducted only under the direction of the provincial fire strategy and authorized for the conservation reserve under a separate vegetative management plan. Prescribed burning may be utilized if deemed necessary to emulate natural disturbances and renew forest communities, prepare seed beds for research and/or education purposes or to meet additional objectives determined within a separate vegetative management plan. Consideration for the life science values will be the governing priority in any future vegetative management plan.

Defining compatible uses, enforcing regulations and monitoring and mitigating issues will protect all earth and life science features. Industrial activities such as commercial timber harvest and new hydro generation will not be permitted within the conservation reserve. Extraction of unconsolidated sand, gravel, soils or peat is not permitted. Energy transmission, communication and transportation corridors or construction of facilities are discouraged within the boundaries of the conservation reserve. Such structures negatively impact on the quality of representation features that require protection. Alternatives should be reviewed via larger landscape planning processes. New roads for resource extraction and/or private use will not be permitted. Other activities that do not pass a Test of Compatibility will be prohibited (MNR 1997a).

The introduction of exotic and/or invasive species will not be permitted. Programs may be developed to control forest insects and diseases where there is a concern that significant values may be compromised. Remedies must focus on the outbreak or infestation. Native biological or non-intrusive solutions should be applied whenever possible.

The collection/removal of vegetation and parts thereof may be permitted subject to a Test of Compatibility, the Area Supervisor may authorize such activities for purposes of wild rice harvesting, food harvesting, removing exotic species, rehabilitating degraded sites within the reserve, collecting seeds for maintaining genetic stock and/or for inventory or research. The cutting of trees for non-commercial purposes (e.g. fuelwood) is not permitted.

MNR will provide leadership and direction for maintaining the integrity of this site as a heritage estate. To ensure MNR protection objectives are being fully met within the conservation reserve, activities on the surrounding landscape should consider the site’s objectives, heritage values and the design flaws currently present. MNR via input and plan review will ensure the conservation reserve’s values are considered in local and adjacent land use strategies and plans. Research, education and interpretation will be encouraged

Ministry of Natural Resources 20 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

to provide a better understanding of the management and protection of the natural heritage values and will be fostered through local and regional natural heritage programs, initiatives and partnerships .

Fisheries and Wildlife Sport fishing and hunting will be permitted within this conservation reserve. Fishery and wildlife resources will continue to be managed in accordance with specific policies and regulations defined by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the Kapuskasing Area Office Supervisor. Management of these resources will have consideration for the earth and life science features contained within the site.

Cultural Heritage Values It is not known if cultural heritage values exist in the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve, however, if values are confirmed management would be consistent with Conserving a Future For Our Past: Archaeology, Land Use Planning & Development In Ontario (MCzCR 1997).

Land Use/Past and Existing Development The sale of lands within the conservation reserve is not permitted as per the OLL LUS (MNR 1999). No new recreational camps will be permitted. Road realignments, telecommunications and other resource networks will be discouraged from crossing the site and interrupting the conservation reserve’s natural state . New roads for resource extraction and/or private use will not be permitted.

Through the Ministry’s plan input and review program, applications for more intense use will be reviewed to ensure natural heritage values within the conservation reserve are considered and protected in planning decisions on adjacent private land.

Any new developments (e.g. tourism developments) proposed for the conservation reserve must go through a Test of Compatibility to ensure that the activity is permitted and to ensure the natural heritage values within the site are protected. If a proposal is considered, public consultation may be required. If accepted, an amendment of the SCI would be required.

Social/Economic Interest

The conservation reserve’s relative remoteness and lack of current uses established within the site may help ensure that its fragile vegetative communities, as well as provincially significant earth and life science features. Future managers will have to balance the need to maintain the quality of the current representation and the needs of current or future users.

Commercial Activities Commercial, non-industrial activities such as fur harvesting, baitfish harvesting and Bear Management Areas will be managed according to prescriptions in the Land Use Strategy (MNR 1999). Fur harvesting traplines and bait fishing operations will be permitted to continue since there are no demonstrated conflicts between these activities and the values being protected. New operations would be subjected to a Test of Compatibility to ensure that the wildlife populations could sustain additional activity. Existing Bear Management Areas (BMAs) will be permitted to continue, however, new operations will not be permitted as per the Land Use Strategy (MNR 1999). MNR managers will work with operators to ensure that the natural heritage values within the conservation reserve are respected.

Aboriginal Interests Traditional activities and aboriginal rights as defined in the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (N.A.N) Treaty # 9 Area and other relevant Acts will not be affected within the boundaries of this conservation reserve.

Tourism and Recreation

Ministry of Natural Resources 21 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

The earth and life science features and their protection shall be the overall theme for tourism and recreation within the conservation reserve. There is tourist outpost camp located in the northeast section of the conservation reservation on Aitken Lake. Future economic or development proposals must go through a Test of Compatibility to ensure the natural heritage features are well protected. Future trail development must consider the values found within the boundaries of the site, the rationale for developing trails within the site and the availability of current access through the site and surrounding areas. Furthermore, any new trail development will require a ‘Test of Compatibility’. Sensitive areas previously discussed should be avoided

Client Services Under the direction of the Kapuskasing Area Supervisor, Hearst District natural heritage staff will respond to public, non-government organizations (NGOs), industry and MNR partner requests for basic information on the site. Such requests could include but are not limited to the following; regulated boundaries, values, current access and infrastructure, permitted uses, role that Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve plays as a natural heritage estate and within the greater provincial parks and protected area system and any additional information that is required to meet good customer service.

6.3 Promote Research, Inventory and Monitoring Scientific research by qualified individuals or institutions, which contributes to the knowledge of natural and cultural history and to environmental and recreational management, will be encouraged. Research programs will be subject to ministry policies and other legislation.

Approved research activities and facilities will be compatible with the protection objective. Any inventory, monitoring, assessment reporting or research developments or facilities will not be considered until a Test of Compatibility is conducted and proposal is approved by the Kapuskasing Area Supervisor, Hearst District.

The Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve is a large tract of undisturbed land that potentially provides a valuable opportunity for scientific research. In terms of landscape the Hicks Oke Bog Provincial Nature Reserve, portions of Groundhog River Waterway Provincial Park and Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve ecosystems are geographically connected and therefore may afford valuable information only derived by incorporating of ongoing inventory, monitoring, assessment reporting or research activities. However, limited road access will serve to make inventory, monitoring and research activities more difficult and costly.

To advance conservation reserve custodial management, future managers will need to monitor the current state of the conservation reserves resources at least at the community and landscape levels within and adjacent to the conservation reserve and its surrounding environment. Such monitoring could include: evaluating and reporting on changes such as; natural disturbances (i.e. fire, insect/disease, wind throw, etc.), human disturbances (i.e. forest harvesting, access and/or other land use activities) as well as management prescriptions (i.e. rehabilitation efforts and/or vegetative management planning).

Ongoing evaluations and reports will have to rely on current and new technologies such as satellite imagery, global positioning systems (GPS), supplementary aerial photography (SAP) and/or aerial/ground reconnaissance surveys/assessments conducted periodically and placed within a GIS database. Such tools could help managers spatially record affected areas, severity of perturbations or management action as well as consider the sensitivity of values, the design of the CR and determine the future desired condition of the site. Monitoring efficiencies could be enhanced via partnerships and internal coordination within MNR.

6.4 Implementation and Plan Review Implementation of this SCI will primarily involve monitoring activities to ensure adherence to the management guidelines. Other activities may include funding future life and earth science inventories and responding to inquiries about the site.

Implementation of the SCI and management of the reserve are the responsibility of the Area Supervisor. Partnership may be pursued to address management needs. Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve SCI will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. If changes in management direction are

Ministry of Natural Resources 22 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

needed at any time, the significance of the changes will be evaluated. Minor changes, which do not alter the overall protection objectives, may be considered and approved by the Area Supervisor without further public consultation and the plan will be amended accordingly. In assessing major changes, the need for a more detailed Resource Management Plan will first be considered. Where a management plan is not considered necessary or feasible, a major amendment may be considered with public consultation. The Regional Director will approve major amendments.

6.5 Marketing Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve will be marketed as a distinctive natural area having significant earth and life science values. In this regard, a fact sheet may be prepared to inform the public about these values and their role within the greater parks and protected area system and current access. Marketing efforts to increase use are not a priority at this time and will be kept to a minimum.

Ministry of Natural Resources 23 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

7.0 References

Arnup, R., G.D. Racey and R.E. Whaley. 1999. Training manual for photo interpretation of ecosites in northwestern Ontario. NWST Technical Manual TM-003.127p.

Bridge, Simon; Watt, Robert; Lucking, Greg; and Naylor, Brian; 2000. Landscape analysis for forest management planning in boreal northeastern Ontario. OMNR, Northeast Science & Technology, 36p. Crins, W.J. and P. Uhlig 2000. Ecoregions of Ontario: Modifications to Angust Hills’ Site Regions and Site Districts revisions and rationale. Farrar, J.L. 1995. Trees in Canada. Fitzhenry and Whiteside Limited and the Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada.

Hills, G.A. 1959. A ready reference to the description of the land of Ontario and its productivity.

Kor, P. 2001. Earth science inventory checklist: Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve (C1702). Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Malenfant, C. and J.E. Thompson 2001. Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve – C1702 Recreation Inventory Checklist. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Missinaibi Headwaters Outfitters 2003. http://www.missinaibi.com/route.htm

Nicholson, J., King L. and S. Longyear 2003. Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve – C1702 Life Science Checklist – Step 2. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1992. Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies, 1992 Update.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1999. Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy, Queens Printer for Ontario, Toronto, ON. 136p.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2002. MNR districts and major basins of Ontario.

Poser, S. 1992. Report of the status of provincial parks in the site region and districts of Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Report.

Rowe, J.S. 1972. Forest regions of Canada. Dept. of Fisheries and the Environment. Canadian Forestry Service. Publ. No. 1300. 172pp.

Taylor, K.C., R.W. Arnup, B.G. Merchant, W.J. Parton and J. Nieppola. 2000. A field guide to forest ecosystems of northeastern Ontario. 2 nd Edition. Northeast Science and Technology NEST Field Guide FG-001.

Thompson, J.E. 1998. Lands for life natural heritage reference binder: Boreal east planning area. Northeast Region, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Thompson, J.E. 2000. Aerial reconnaissance survey for Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Thompson, J.E and J. Noordhof 2003. Edit Model for Northeast Region Life Science Checksheets. OMNR Internal Report.

Uhlig, P., A. Harris, G. Craig, C. Bowling, B. Chambers, B. Naylor and G. Beemer. 2001. Old growth forest definitions for Ontario. Ont. Ministry of Natural Resources, Queen’s Printer for Ontario, Toronto. ON. 27p.

Ministry of Natural Resources 24 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

8.0 Maps

Kapuskasing N

Toronto

Map 1: Inset of Ontario showing location of Kapuskasing; larger map showing location of the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve in relation to Kapuskasing.

Ministry of Natural Resources 25 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

Map 1b - Geology

Map 2: Site map of the Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve .

Ministry of Natural Resources 26 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

Map 2a – Forest Communities

Map 2b - Stocking

Ministry of Natural Resources 27 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

Map 2c - Age

Map 2d – Standard Forest Unit

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Map 3a – Values

Map 3b – Wetlands

Ministry of Natural Resources 29 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

Map 4 – Data Gathering

Map 5 – Old Growth

Ministry of Natural Resources 30 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

Map 6 – History

Map 7 – Fire

Ministry of Natural Resources 31 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

9.0 Appendices

Appendix A: Permitted Uses Table

Permitted Uses Table for Conservation Reserves As Per Policy

Activities Conservation Reserve Policy Policy Clarification Permitted? Y=Yes, N=No, M=Maybe Existing New

Recreation Sport Fishing Y Y Sport Hunting Y Y Food Gathering Y Y Facility M M Any new facilities are subject to a “test of Infrastructure compatibility” and approval by the Area Supervisor. Rock Climbing M M Rock climbing and/or caving is permitted where it does not detrimentally affect the values to be protected. Canoeing/ Y Y Kayaking Motorized Y Y Boating Picnicking Y Y Camping M M Camping is permitted where it does not detrimentally affect the values to be protected.

Trails Hiking Trails Y M Any new hiking trails will be subject to a “test of compatibility” and approval by the Area Supervisor. Cross-Country Y M Any new cross-country skiing trails are subject Skiing Trails to a “test of compatibility” and approval by the Area Supervisor. Cycling/ Mountain Y M Any new cycling trails are subject to a “test of Biking Trails compatibility” and Approval by the Area Supervisor. Horse Riding Y M Any new horse riding trails are subject to a “test Trails of compatibility” and approval by the Area Supervisor. Snowmobiling Y M Any new snowmobiling trails are subject to a Trails “test of compatibility” and approval by the Area Supervisor. Non-Trail M M Non-trail snowmobiling is only permitted for the Snowmobiling retrieval of game. ATV Trails Y M Any new ATV trails are subject to a “test of compatibility” and approval by the Area

Ministry of Natural Resources 32 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

Supervisor. Non-Trail ATV M M Non-trail ATV use is only permitted for the Use retrieval of game.

Science, Education and Heritage Appreciation Research Y Y General Walking Y Y Photography and Y Y Painting Wildlife Viewing Y Y Outdoor Y Y Education/ Interpretation Collecting N N Collecting may be permitted as part of an authorized research project. The issuance of permits will be considered on a per-site basis.

Commercial Activities Food Harvesting M M Any new food harvesting is subject to a “test of compatibility” and approval by the Area Supervisor”. Fishing Y M Any new commercial fishing is subject to a “test of compatibility” and approval by the Area Supervisor. Baitfish Y M Any new baitfish harvesting operations are Harvesting subject to a “test of compatibility” and approval by the Area Supervisor. Transfer requests for existing baitfish operations will be considered on an on-going basis subject to a review of potential impacts. Trapping Y M Any new traplines are subject to a “test of compatibility” and approval by the Area Supervisor. Transfer requests for existing traplines will be considered on an on-going basis subject to a review of potential impacts. Trap Cabins Y N Resort – Outpost Y M Any new outpost camps/resorts are subject to a Camps “test of compatibility” and approval by the Area Supervisor. Transfer requests for existing outpost camps/resorts will be considered on an on-going basis subject to a review of potential impacts. Outifitting – Bear Y N Transfer requests for existing Bear Management Management Areas will be considered on an on-going basis subject to a review of potential impacts. Wild Rice Y M Any new wildrice operations will be subject to a Harvesting “test of compatibility” and approval by the Area Supervisor.

Resource

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Management Inventory/ Y Y Monitoring Featured Species M M Any new featured species management is Management subject to a “test of compatibility” and approval by the Area Supervisor. Natural Systems M M Any new natural systems management will be Management subject to a “test of compatibility” and approval by the Area Supervisor.

Industrial Activities Timber N N Harvesting Mineral N N Exploration Mining N N Hydro Power N N Generation Energy Y N New communication lines and transmission Transmission corridors are discouraged from within Corridors/ conservation reserves but can be considered Communication under unusual circumstances where there are Corridors no other viable alternatives and where the line/corridor does not significantly impact the values the site is trying to protect. Approval from the Area Supervisor is required. Transport Y N Corridors Resource Access Y N Existing roads can continue to be used. Roads Continued use will include maintenance and may include future upgrading. New roads for resource extraction will not be permitted, with the exception of necessary access to existing forest reserves for mineral exploration and development. Private Access Y N Roads Fuelwood Cutting N N The cutting of trees for non-commercial purposes may be authorized by permit subject to a review of the impact of the values to be protected. This flexibility is only for leaseholders and property owners who do not have road access. Extraction of N N Peat, Soil, Aggregate

Other Activities Land Disposition M M Sale of Crown lands in a conservation reserve is not permitted, except for certain minor dispositions (e.g. sale of road allowance in front of existing cottage, sale of small parcels to provide adequate installation of a septic system) where it does not detrimentally affect the values

Ministry of Natural Resources 34 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

the area is intended to protect. Renewals of existing leases or land use permits will be permitted. Tourism facilities can apply to upgrade tenure from LUP to lease. Requests for transfer of tenure will be considered on an on-going basis. New leases or land use permits will be allowed for approved activities. Private Y N Transfer requests for existing private recreation Recreation camps will be considered on an on-going basis Camps subject to a review of potential impacts. (Hunt Camps) Existing private recreation camps may be eligible for enhanced tenure (i.e. lease) but not purchase of land.

Ministry of Natural Resources 35 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

Appendix B: SCI Test of Compatibility

From the SCI Test of Compatibility NER Guideline in Planning process for Conservation Reserves Statement of Conservation Interest (SCI) and Resource Management Plans (RMP) Northeast Region Guidelines Version 2.1 September 17. 2001 Appendix 4, page 44.

Test of Compatibility:

1. Conformity to SCI – This is not applicable to evaluating current or new uses that come forward during the SCI planning process. However, the SCI should include a statement that speaks to the required screening of any future use or uses that are not covered in the current SCI.

2. Screening Process – proposed uses for the area must be assessed before they are approved. To establish a minimum standard, NER recommends that the Screening Process identified in Section 4.2 of A Class EA for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves be used to screen projects and options.

The Screening Criteria from the Class EA (Table 4.1) is further detailed below within the context of SCI planning.

3. Impact Assessment – the Test of Compatibility from the Conservation Reserve Policy PL 3.03.05 identifies the classes of values and main concepts that need to be considered in determining the impacts of uses on a specific Conservation Reserve. These include: • Natural heritage • Cultural • Research activities • Current uses • Area administration • Accommodating the use outside the CR • Socio-economics • Area accessibility.

The class EA (Table 4.1) presents similar values and concepts under the following considerations: • Natural environment • Land use, resource management • Social, cultural and economic • Aboriginal

The above considerations and classes of values are meant to assist planning staff in answering the following questions for any potential use: • Will the new use impact any values within the Conservation Reserve? • If so how? • To what degree? • Is it tolerable?

The new screening process and associated criteria identified in Table 4.1 of the Class EA gives planning staff more direction than the Conservation Reserve Policy 3.03.05. However this section attempts to assist planning staff by providing some direction for further interpreting the criteria to complete a Test of Compatibility for uses within a Conservation Reserve.

The following information for each Conservation Reserve is available and can be used to assess the required criteria: • Background information and current inventory data • Current inventory evaluations (e.g. earth, life and recreational check-sheets)

Ministry of Natural Resources 36 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

• Future ongoing analysis on the site

Interpretation of Background Information & Current Inventory Data:

Background information files, summaries and other data can be beneficial in determining additional criteria that could be added to or address criteria already mentioned in the EA screening process. Criteria that are linked to habitat needs or specific life or earth science features are often first record during a District’s initial review of a site. Databases such as NRVIS or documents such as Lake Survey files, Site District Reports or Forest Management Plans can identify the location of values and sometimes determine a value’s significance or sensitivities.

Current Inventory Evaluations:

The most current state of the resource for a specific OLL Conservation Reserve will be the earth, life and recreational check-sheet. These documents determine the current earth and life science values, their present state and their significance. The recreational check-sheets determine current recreational features and current and potential recreational activities and feature significance and sensitivity to present and future uses.

For earth and life science check-sheets, five (5) major sections are completed that include; representation and the quality of the representation (e.g. based on condition, diversity and ecological considerations) and special features. These five categories are reflected within the screening criteria presented in Class EA document or could be used to develop additional criteria. Some thoughts concerning the five categories are further discussed below.

Representation:

Representation within OLL inventoried sites contain the type, number, location and shape of the community based values within the Conservation Reserve. For example the number of different forest cover types, wetland and freshwater communities, earth science features or recreational features defined in recreational check-sheets. The survey determines if the values are totally within the site or if the value straddles the site’s boundary? This section and the significance section of the check-sheet can help you define significant earth or life science features, important wildlife habitat, or record the location and extent of old growth within a site or other features. Representation determines not only specific communities or special features but establishes the core protected areas within the Conservation Reserve, which is a value that has to be protected as well. Finally, any list of screening criteria should mention the affect a potential permitted use may have on the quality of the representation present within the site . The quality of the site’s representation is mentioned in the following three categories below.

Condition:

Condition is the level of natural and human disturbance that the site has experienced to date. The major natural disturbances in Northeast Region include; burned, blown down, flooded or insect effected stands or areas. Human disturbances could include; clear-cut areas, mining related sites, drainage areas, ditches or pits, utility corridors, railways, roads, hiking or ATV trails, assess points, dams, cottages or other facilities on site. Such actions or structures can effect the site negatively by influencing specific special features (e.g. nest sites or wildlife travel corridors) or severing significant communities or the Conservation Reserve’s core protected areas. This section could help interpret the following screening criteria; affect on water quality, specific species or habitat needs or criteria that speak to undisturbed core protected areas. Such core protected areas criteria could include for example - affect a permitted use or potential use has on natural vegetation and habitat through fragmentation or how use could affect easily eroded or sensitive wind blown deposits?

Diversity:

Ministry of Natural Resources 37 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

This is a measure of the site’s life and earth science heterogeneity. For earth and life sciences the evaluation is based on the number and variety of natural landscape features and landforms for earth science values and the relative richness and evenness of a site’s life science components. For our life science check-sheet inventory we determine richness by counting the number of vegetative cover types present within a site and evenness as the proportion of each cover type represented within a site. So an OLL site that has many cover types of roughly the same size is more diverse than a site with few cover types or where a site has the same number of cover types but has reduced evenness (e.g. one cover type dominates with the other cover types present but with little area devoted to them). Criteria that speak to all aspects of diversity should be part of any screening process.

Ecological Considerations:

This is where we discuss the design of the site, its strengths and weaknesses and potential problems that may arise during planning. Ecological considerations include; size, shape, buffering capacity from adjacent land use activities, watershed location and linkage to the larger landscape. Generally speaking the following are some rules of thumb ; • Larger sites are preferred over smaller sites because of their greater potential for ecological diversity and stability. • Rounder sites are better than elongated sites for they have more intact core and can buffer adjacent land use activities better than elongated sites. • Sites that contain headwaters have more control over environmental inputs than sites located down stream. • Biological boundaries that are linked to larger undisturbed lands are better than cultural boundaries such as roads or railway lines that sever the site from its larger landscape for long periods of time. Cultural boundaries are preferred over vector boundaries that can divide or fragment core protected areas

So by looking at the size, shape and location of a site with respect to its larger environment, planners may be able to address specific screening criteria. Such screening criteria could include; affect water quality or quantity, affect on fish and wildlife habitat and linkages, affect of drainage, sedimentation and erosion, potential long term planning problems because a site is very small in size or linear in shape, etc.

Special Features:

Of all the data that is collected within a site, the special features section may be the most easily understood values. Generally landscape and habitat values are mentioned under the representation section of the check-sheet with specific values such as; Old Growth, Species at Risk (SAR), colonial birds, moose aquatic feeding areas, raptor nests, etc. are presented within this section. Data are available from FMP’s or NRVIS databases as well as fish and wildlife files and reports and know recreation values available from District staff. The Class EA screening criteria contains a number of these values.

Note: Within the check-sheets be sure to review the significance level , recommendations and associated documentation listed with any particular check-sheet. For more information on check-sheet development see J.E. Thompson, 2001. Life science check-sheets information template. OMNR internal report. 6pp.

Future Ongoing Analysis on the Site:

If during planning specific information is not available to complete impact assessment analysis, then SCI’s should not the information gap and document the need to collect the required information in the future. In addition, future inventory, monitoring, assessment and research within the Conservation Reserve may also help planners and managers deal with future uses and impact assessments.

Ministry of Natural Resources 38 Northern Claybelt Forest Complex Conservation Reserve Statement of Conservation Interest

Appendix C: Statement of Conservation Interest Amendments

Ministry of Natural Resources 39