March 25, 1994

To: MEMO TO FILE

Re: MINOR AMENDMENT - PINERY PROVINCIAL PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN

The following paragraph from page 5 of the Pinery Provincial Park Management Plan (ISBN 0-7729-0290-9)

lnsects and Disease: lnsects and disease that attack the vegetation in the park are considered a natural element and generally are not to be controlled. However, there may be exceptions. Native insects and diseases threatening values for which the Nature Reserve Zones have been established or aesthetic values of the Development Zone will be controlled where feasible. Where control is desirable, it will be directed as narrowly as possible to the specific insect so as to have minimal effects on the other components of the park's environment. Attempts will be made to prevent insect introduction into the park and to eliminate them before they become established. Biological control will be used wherever feasible. be amended to read lnsects and Disease: lnsects and disease that attack the vegetation in the park are considered a natural element and generally are not to be controlled. However, there may be exceptions. Native insects and diseases threatening values for which the Nature Reserve and Natural Environment Zones have been established or aesthetic values of the Development Zone will be controlled where feasible. Where control is desirable, it will be directed as narrowly as possible to the specific insect so as to have minimal effects on the other components of the park's environment. Attempts will be made to prevent insect introduction into the park and to eliminate them before they become established. Biological control will be used wherever feasible.

The designation of the Natural Environment Zones (20% of Pinery) recognized the natural values found in these areas as well as the extensive well developed conifer plantations not normally found in areas designated as Nature Reserve Zone (53 % of Pinery). The original intent of this paragraph was not to eliminate or stop this type of activity from occurring in a Natural Environment Zone and the minor amendment clearly states this.

(APPROVED)

David Johnstone Regional Director Southern Region

To: Director, Environmental Assessment Branch 5th floor, 250 Davisville Ave., Toronto, M4S 1H2

October 4, 1995

Re: Provincial Park Plan Amendments

In compliance with the Environmental Assessment Act, R.S.O. 1990, and exemption order MNR-59/2 made under that act, we are providing you with a copy of the approved amendments for the Rondeau and Pinery Provincial Park Management Plans. These amendments have been approved by Norm Richards, Managing Director, Parks Ontario after completion of the plan amendment process as outlined in the Ontario Provincial Park Planning and Management Policies PM 11.02.03. This process included a 45 day public consultation period.

Peter Sturdy Southwest Zone Manager Parks Ontario 659 Exeter Road, London, Ontario N6E 1L3 (519) 661-2742

cc. MOE, Southwest Region, 985 Adelaide St., S. London, N6E 1V3 Bill Ringham, Parks Ontario, Box 9000, Huntsville, P0A 1K0 Les Kobayashi, Park Superintendent, Pinery Provincial Park & Ipperwash Provincial Park, R. R. #2 , Ontario N0M 1T0 Rick Hornsby, Park Superintendent, , R. R. #1, Morpeth, Ontario N0P 1X0

APPROVAL STATEMENT

Pinery Provincial Park is a complex mosaic of beaches, dunes, wet meadows, savannas and woodlands, that together with its adapted flora and fauna, comprise a rare Great Lakes Basin ecosystem which is considered to be globally threatened.

I am pleased to approve the amendment to the Pinery Provincial Park Management Plan. This amendment reflects the intent of Park's Ontario to protect the biodiversity of this site and maintain the opportunity for heritage appreciation and recreation for park visitors.

Norm R. Richards Managing Director Parks Ontario

Pinery Provincial Park Management Plan

The section 3.4 Fauna on page 5 of the Pinery Provincial Park Management Plan will be amended to include the following:

"3.4.1 White-tailed Deer

White-tailed deer herd reductions will be undertaken when required to protect and preserve the biodiversity of the Oak Savanna ecosystem. Partnerships may be sought and used to complete the herd reduction".

Decision Note Pinery Provincial Park Minor Amendment for Pinery Bicycle Rental Building

Issue: A minor amendment to the Pinery Provincial Park Management Plan to allow for the development of a bicycle rental/storage building. This facility will support the storage and renting of bicycles. The recent development of both an internal park 10 km trail and a 8 km trail from Pinery along Highway # 21 to Grand Bend has not only resulted in an increase use of Pinery by cyclists, but has also created a demand for bicycle rentals by park visitors. In order to facilitate this demand, the development of a bicycle rental and storage building has been proposed. The selected location adjacent to the bicycle trail entrance and the park concession parking lot has been chosen as the most appropriate for this facility. This site will not require any additional support development for parking, washrooms, hydro corridors or refreshments as all these facilities are located in this area.

Will the proposal have a positive or negative impact upon the environment (air, land, water, plants life, animal life and ecological systems)?

This proposal will have neither a positive or negative impact upon the environment. The footprint of the development will be limited to the size of the building plus a customer service area at the entrance to the building. The estimated area covered by this project will be 25 metres by 10 metres, 1/3 of which is on an existing lawn area. The location immediately adjacent to an existing park development limits the creation of any new environmental effects other than those already created by the presence of the existing facilities.

Were existing park inventories or checksheets considered in the site planning process (i.e., we won't be disturbing any known archaeological sites or rare, threatened or endangered species)? Was a site check completed by a knowledgeable person?

The existing park inventories and checksheets were reviewed as part of the preparation of this proposal. In addition, archaeological surveys of the park were also reviewed. No rare, threatened or endangered species or archaeological sites were recorded or identified for this area. Terry Crabe, BSc, Natural Heritage Education/ Resource Management Supervisor, conducted a site survey to identify any additional concerns or environmental impacts that might be created as a result of this development. The proposed development will require the removal of two red oak trees, several small black cherry trees, choke cherry and fragrant sumac and new jersey tea shrubs as well as 40 square meters of lawn.

The results of earlier surveys were supported by the site survey, and the most appropriate location to minimize disturbance to this area was chosen. How the project will contribute to, or support the park's goal and objectives?

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The goal for Pinery Provincial Park is to protect an extensive, provincially significant, freshwater dune system with associated representative floral, faunal and cultural features and to provide high quality educational and recreational experiences. Biking is specifically identified in the recreation objectives of the management plan for Pinery. This project supports the goal of the management plan by “providing a high quality educational and recreational experience” associated with the ability to use the bicycle trail and appropriate with the resources and use of the Pinery site. It also contributes to the achievement of the recreation objective by providing additional “recreational opportunities” for visitors to experience the natural environment of Pinery with minimal environmental impact.

Is a zoning amendment required or is the site in the existing Development Zone?

The proposed project is located in an existing development zone as approved in the current Pinery Provincial Park Management Plan.

Are there any impact on adjacent landowners or any impact on park users?

The proposed project is located adjacent to the Pinery Store/Canoe Rental Parking lot in the centre of the park. There will be no impact on adjacent landowners to Pinery. Park users will be provided with the opportunity to rent bicycles on site. This will support the enjoyment of the natural and recreation opportunities for visitors that are provide by the existing bicycle trail.

Will the project result in significant public reaction at a local or regional scale?

This project will not create any reaction at the local or regional scale.

Is proposal supported by park users survey, comment cards, etc.?

Park user surveys and comments cards have indicated that bicycle rentals are a service that visitors would like to have at Pinery. This service was previously offered in Pinery, but was discontinued due to a redesign of the facilities when the new concession rental for the canoes was developed. Presently, park visitors are required to drive 8 km to Grand Bend to access a bike rental service.

Have Environmental Assessment and Environmental Bill of Rights Requirements been met?

The Director, Environmental Assessment Branch and the appropriate Regional Director, Ministry of Environment, have been advised of the proposed undertaking and copies of site plans will be available for inspection by the public 45 days in advance of project commencement. There are no EBR requirements.

Was any public consultation/notification undertaken?

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A public notice has been placed on the proposed site directing interested persons to contact the park for additional information. Notices will be sent to the Lambton Wildlife Incorporated, Sydenham Field Naturalists and Bosanquet Township.

Ontario Parks Position:

It is recommended that the minor amendment to the Pinery Provincial Park Management Plan be approved to facilitate the development of a new bicycle rental building.

Prepared by: Terry Crabe Natural Heritage Education/ Resource Management Supervisor Pinery Provincial Park April 16, 1998

Checked by: Brian Huis Park Planning Specialist Southwestern Parks Zone, April 17, 1998

APPROVAL STATEMENT

I am please to approve the minor amendment to the Pinery Provincial Park Management Plan as official policy for the management and development of this park. The minor amendment pertains to the development of a bicycle rental building.

The amendment reflects this Ministry’s and Ontario Parks’ intent to protect the cultural, natural and recreational features of Pinery Provincial Park and maintain high quality opportunities for outdoor recreation and heritage appreciation for both residents of Ontario and visitors to the Province.

Approved May 1998 Park Superintendent, Pinery Provincial Park Date

Approved May 1998 Parks Zone Manager, Southwestern Parks Zone Date

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