Grassy River-Mond Lake Lowlands & Ferris Lake Uplands Provincial Park Management Statement

Approval statement

I am pleased to approve this Interim Management Statement for Grassy River-Mond Lake Lowlands and Ferris Lake Uplands Provincial Park. Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (OMNR 1999) identified this area as a nature reserve class provincial park. The park was regulated in April 2005 (O. Reg. 180/05) under the Provincial Parks Act (1990).

This Interim Management Statement provides direction for the protection and custodial management of Grassy River-Mond Lake Lowlands and Ferris Lake Uplands Provincial Park.

Paul Bewick, Zone Manager
Northeast Zone
Ontario Parks

Date: June 6, 2006

1.0 Introduction

Grassy River - Mond Lake Lowlands and Ferris Lake Uplands Provincial Park exhibits remarkable wetland sites, ridges and upland areas and some dunes. An osprey nesting site exists within the site. The Ferris Lake Uplands are comprised of deciduous and mixed forest stands with extensive exposed bedrock cliffs and communities. The site is located in the townships of Mond, Kemp, Sothman and Halliday, 27 kilometres north of the community of Shining Tree (Figure 1 and Figure 2).

This nature reserve class park protects distinct natural habitats and landforms within this region of Ontario. The park may provide opportunities for education and research, which will benefit both present and future generations.

1.1 Objectives

Grassy River - Mond Lake Lowlands & Ferris Lake Uplands Provincial Park Addition will be managed consistent with the two main objectives for nature reserve class provincial parks:

Protection: To protect provincially significant elements of the natural and cultural landscapes of Ontario.

Heritage Appreciation: To provide opportunities for exploration and appreciation of the outdoor natural and cultural heritage of Ontario.

2.0 Management context

This Interim Management Statement (IMS) provides direction for custodial management of park resources. The direction for resource stewardship, permitted uses, development and operations may be reviewed during future management planning as required.

Park management will follow direction from:

• Provincial Parks Act (1990)
• Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (OMNR 1999) and policy clarification amendments (OMNR 2000) and related direction
• Ontario Provincial Parks Planning and Management Policies (OMNR 1992)
• Crown Land Use Policy Atlas (OMNR 2004a)

In addressing custodial management obligations to protect park features and values and ensure public health and safety, Ontario Parks will ensure that policy and environmental assessment requirements are implemented.

The park superintendent will implement the policies, procedures and legislation that are derived from the above direction and written into this IMS.

2.1 Environmental assessment

As part of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Ontario Parks is a public sector agency which is subject to the Environmental Assessment Act (1990). Park management will be carried out in accordance with legislation, policies and MNR’s A Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves (OMNR 2005).

Figure 1: Regional setting

Enlarge figure 1: Regional setting (PDF)

Figure 2: Park boundary

Enlarge figure 2: Park Boundary (PDF)

3.0 Park features and values

The park includes a linkage between several main lakes in the Mattagami Lake watershed and protects important riparian and groundwater recharge areas.

The park is a low relief area through which the meandering Grassy River and Mond Lake are surrounded by extensive wetlands and dense forests. Forested uplands are situated between Mond and Ferris Lakes in the southern area of the park (Frey and Duba 2002).

3.1 Geological features

The bedrock of the park is in the central Abitibi Subprovince of the Archean Superior Province. In the northeast corner of the park, the area is dominantly overlain by the Archean mafic and felsic metavolcanic rocks of the Halliday supracrustal assemblage. These are intruded by younger ultramafic sill and stocks and lamprophyre dykes (Frey and Duba).

In the northwest corner of the park the dominant bedrock is felsic to intermediate metavolcanic rock, probably ryyodacite in composition.

An area on the north shore of the Grassy River was examined and found to be underlain by mafic metavolcanic rocks that were intruded by dark green lamprophyre dyke.

The Quaternary glacial deposits of the park are late Wisconsinan in age. The park is covered dominantly by bedrock-drift consisting of undifferentiated drift veneer over bedrock, till over bedrock and glaciolacustrine or aeolian sediments over bedrock (Frey and Duba).

Glaciofluvial ice-contact deposits of cobbly to bouldery sand and gravel occur as eskers, kames, subaqueous outwash fans and stagnant ice features. A small, discontinuous, southward trending esker ridge traverses the area east of Mond Lake.

Glaciolacustrine deposits consist of rhythmically stratified to rippled, to massive silt and fine to medium grained sand and lesser laminated clay. These deposits are fairly widespread adjacent to Mond and Ferris lakes and the Grassy River (Frey and Duba).

Aeolian deposits of well sorted, finely stratified to thinly bedded coarse silt to fine sand are rare. These deposits occur as dune fields in the western part of the park, north and south of the Grassy River (Frey and Duba).

3.2 Biological features

Grassy River, together with the Mond Lake Lowlands and Ferris Lake Uplands, contain features not represented in other protected areas in Ecodistrict 3E-5. These features include representations of balsam fir, yellow birch and red maple on lacustrine clay; white birch, cedar, black spruce and white spruce on moderately broken end moraine; white birch and cedar on weakly broken outwash plain; and white birch, cedar, jack pine, poplar, black spruce and white spruce on weakly broken aeolian sands (Alkins 2003).

Other notable features found within the park include: extensive shoreline fens scattered with white pine, sand dunes, an esker/kettle complex topped with jack pine, and a stand of upland old- growth yellow birch that is over 170 years old (Alkins 2003).

The slow, meandering Grassy River flows from headwater lakes, Nugent and Halliday, through to Grassy Lake (Carré 2002). The river bottom ranges from gravel, rock, sand and mud. The Grassy River riparian wetlands are known for wild rice in the Gogama area (Alkins 2003).

3.3 Cultural setting

A detailed survey and analysis of the cultural history and features of the park has not been completed to date.

Future planning for cultural heritage will be done within the context of the provincial framework, A Topical Organization of Ontario History (OMNR 1974). Planning will also involve updates and discussions with other agencies, First Nation communities and interest groups to identify cultural heritage values and features and their significance, within the park. This information may be used to develop management guidelines to conserve and protect representative archaeological or historical values and features, and to provide direction for further research.

3.4 Recreation

Several recreational activities occur in the area. The park supports general natural heritage appreciation activities such as photography and landscape/wildlife viewing in association with the Grassy River canoe route (Carré 2002).

Fishing for perch, walleye, and pike occurs within the park. Mond Lake supports populations of these fish species.

The Grassy River is a documented canoe route recommended for canoeists with intermediate to advanced skills. The route travels along the Grassy River through several lakes to the river’s junction with the Mattagami River. The route finishes in Timmins.

4.0 Aboriginal interests

Grassy Rive-Mond Lake Lowlands and Ferris Lake Uplands Provincial Park is within Treaty #9 (1905-06). The park lies to the east of the Mattagami Indian Reserve.

First Nations have expressed interest in and have shared knowledge of the park and surrounding area. Aboriginal communities have used the area for hunting, trapping, fishing, gathering and travel. These uses, including use of motorized vehicles on existing trails, may continue subject to public safety, conservation and other considerations.

During public consultation on the park boundary, the Mattagami First Nation expressed concern that they continue to have access to the park and be allowed to continue their traditional uses and practices, including the use of motorized vehicles within the park boundary (OMNR 2003).

First Nations and Ontario Parks will work together to address future needs or concerns. Any communications and cooperation between First Nations and Ontario Parks for planning and operations purposes will be done without prejudice to any future discussions or negotiations between the government of Ontario and First Nation communities.

5.0 Stewardship policies

The removal, damage or defacing of Crown property, natural objects, relics and artifacts is not permitted (Provincial Parks Act).

5.1 Terrestrial ecosystems

5.1.1 Vegetation

Harvesting

Commercial forest harvesting and renewal activities are not permitted within this nature reserve provincial park (OMNR 1992; 2004a).

There are no fuel wood cutting permits currently issued within the boundaries of the park. No new permits will be issued (OMNR 2000).

The commercial harvesting of non-timber forest products (e.g. club moss, Canada yew) will not be permitted within the park.

Non-native plants

Non-native plant species will not be deliberately introduced into the park. Where non-native plant species are already established, and threaten park values, a strategy may be developed to control the species (OMNR 1992).

Insects and disease

Insects and diseases may be managed where the aesthetic, cultural, or natural values of the park are threatened (OMNR 1992).

Control methods will follow guidelines established by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) and the MNR. Biological controls, in preference to chemicals, will be used whenever possible (OMNR 1992).

Fire

Grassy River-Mond Lake Lowlands and Ferris Lake Uplands Provincial Park is located within the Boreal Fire Management Zone. In accordance with existing provincial park policy and the Forest Fire Management Strategy for Ontario (OMNR 2004b), forest fire protection will be carried out in the park as on surrounding lands.

Whenever feasible, MNR’s Forest Fire Management program will use techniques which minimize damage to the landscape such as limiting the use of heavy equipment or limiting the number of trees felled during response efforts (OMNR 2004b).

5.1.2 Wildlife management

The park is located in Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 29. The removal and harassment of non-game animals is not permitted in provincial parks (Provincial Parks Act).

Hunting

Hunting is prohibited within the park. The harvest of bullfrogs or snapping turtles is illegal in provincial parks (OMNR 2004c).

Treaty area First Nations are permitted to hunt within Grassy River-Mond Lake Lowlands and Ferris Lake Uplands Provincial Park. Ontario Parks and Mattagami First Nation will maintain communications as required regarding issues of environmental conservation and public safety.

Bear Management Areas

Portions of four licensed (GO29-051, GO29-054, GO29-050, and KL29-037) bear management areas (BMA) are within the park boundary.

The portions of the BMAs located within the park will be removed from the BMA licence. New BMA licences will not be issued for areas within the park.

Trapping

There are portions of three trap line areas, TI-54 ^{footnote 1[1]} GO-17, and GO-22 within the park. These trap lines are issued for First Nation use and are permitted to continue (OMNR 1992; 2000; 2004a).

Transfers of existing trap lines inside this provincial park will be permitted between or to First Nations only (OMNR 1992; 2000). There is one trap cabin (TI-54) located within this park. New trapping operations, including trails and cabins, will not be permitted within this provincial park (OMNR 2000; 2004a). The relocation of existing trails and cabins will be subject to ecological principles and park management planning (OMNR 2000).

5.1.3 Industrial resources

Commercial mineral exploration and extraction, sand and gravel extraction and peat development are not permitted within the park (OMNR 1992).

The land included in Grassy River-Mond Lake Lowlands and Ferris Lake Uplands Provincial Park has been withdrawn from mining activity under the Mining Act (1990).

5.1.4 Access and crossings

Access

The park can be accessed in some areas by tertiary roads. The interior of the park is accessible using a branch of the Grassy River canoe route.

Roads

A network of tertiary roads extends from Kemp Township eastward into the park in Mond Township. Another tertiary road network approaches the north boundary of the park in Halliday Township. A trail roughly follows the hydro line corridor through the park.

First Nations exercising Aboriginal and treaty rights will be permitted to use mechanized vehicles on existing trails within the park to access into or through the park for traditional purposes.

New roads will not be permitted in the park (OMNR 2004a).

Utility corridors

A Hydro One utility corridor crosses the eastern portion of the park in Mond Township. The corridor also parallels the park’s northeastern boundary in Mond and Halliday townships.

Maintenance of this existing utility line will be permitted. Maintenance activities must adhere to the regulations set out under the relevant acts such as the Environmental Assessment Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (1999) and the Pesticides Act (1990). Maintenance activities shall not impact negatively on the values being protected within this park.

All future public utilities (e.g. gas pipelines, transmission lines, communications towers) must avoid park lands wherever possible (OMNR 2004a). Any future utility corridors proposed through the park, where park lands are unavoidable, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Protection of park values will be priority and the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act must be met.

Recreational trails

Canoe Route: The Grassy River canoe route begins just below Canoeshed Lake and travels south on the Grassy River and then through Halliday Lake, Sinclair Lake, Kapiskong Lake, and Peterlong Lake. The route then travels north on the Grassy River to its junction with the Mattagami River. The route then travels north on the Mattagami River to finish in Timmins. This route travels just north of this park, however an alternative branch of this route could include travel from Canoeshed Lake through Relic Lake and then along the portion of the Grassy River that is included within this park to Grassy Lake.

Snowmobile Trails: There are no existing snowmobile trails in the park. An OFSC class C trail and local trail 143 connect approximately 10km to the west of the park.

All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Trails: There are no authorized ATV trails in the park.

Hiking Trails: There are no existing hiking trails in the park.

5.1.5 Adjacent land management

Forestry

The lands adjacent to the park lie within the ShiningTree Forest and the Romeo Malette Forest management units.

The ShiningTree Forest is currently managed by ShiningTree Forest Incorporated. The current forest management plan will be renewed in 2006, at which time the ShiningTree Forest will be amalgamated into the Timiskaming Forest.

The Romeo Malette Forest is currently managed by Tembec – Malette Division. The current forest management plan for this forest is to be renewed in 2007.

Provincial parks

There are two provincial parks located in the surrounding area: West Montreal River and MacMurchy Township End Moraine provincial parks.

West Montreal River Provincial Park (P1715) is a 7,259 hectare waterway park to the east. This waterway park follows a series of linear lakes that are essentially a widening of the West Montreal River. MacMurchy Township End Moraine Provincial Park (P1591) is a 239-hectare nature reserve park located to the south The dominant landform vegetation type present in this site is weakly broken end moraine with sparse forest, mixed coniferous forest, mixed deciduous forest, and dense coniferous forest.

Enhanced management areas

There are no enhanced management areas near the park.

General use area

There are two general use areas adjacent to the park:

The Grassy General Use Area (G1812) lies along the northern boundary of the park and encompasses 29,808 hectares of Crown land. Crown land recreation will be a priority use in this area. Resource management planning will contain guidelines to protect recreational values, historical and archaeological sites and significant fish and wildlife habitat (OMNR 2004a).

The Gogama Resource Area (G1809) general use area encompasses 429,846 ha of Crown land that is located along a small portion of the park’s southern boundary. The primary activity in this area is sustained yield timber production as well as mineral exploration and development. Additional tourism development will also be encouraged as a secondary use, together with limited public recreation opportunities (OMNR 2004a).

Figure 3: Bear Management Areas

Enlarge Figure 3: Bear Management Areas (PDF)

Figure 4: Trap Line Areas

Enlarge Figure 4: Trap Line Areas (PDF)

Forest reserves

There are two forest reserves adjacent to the park. Grassy River-Mond Lake Lowlands and Ferris Lake Uplands Forest Reserve (F1639) abuts the northwest corner of the park boundary (Figure 2). The intent is that the forest reserve will become part of the park if mining tenure is retired through normal processes (OMNR 2004a). Protection of natural heritage and special landscapes are a priority, but some resource use can take place with appropriate conditions.

Grassy River Holliday Lake Forests and Lowlands (F1594) area consists of several parcels of land located one kilometre to the north of park. The intent is that these lands will become part of Grassy River Halliday Lake Forest and Lowlands Conservation Reserve if mining tenure in this area is retired through normal processes (OMNR 2004a). Protection of natural heritage and special landscapes are a priority, but some resource use can take place with appropriate conditions.

Conservation reserves

Grassy River Halliday Lake Forests and Lowlands Conservation Reserve (C1594) encompasses 2,397 ha of Crown land about one kilometre to the north of the park (OMNR 2004a). The management of this area is governed by the general policies within Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy.

Adjacent tourism developments

Two outpost camps are located two kilometres to the east of the park.

5.1.6 Land disposition

The new disposition of land for the private use of individuals or corporations is not permitted (OMNR 2000).

Land use permits, licenses of occupation, unauthorized occupations, patent land

There are no existing private recreational camps, cottage lots or licenses of occupation within the park.

There is one land use permit (LUP) within the park. This is a province-wide LUP issued to Ontario Hydro for their hydro line which travels through the southeast portion of the park.

There are no other LUPs within the park. No new permits will be established within the park. There is one considerable size parcel of patent land which abuts the northwest corner of the park and the adjacent forest reserve (F1639).

Boat caches

There are no authorized boat caches in the park. Boat caches are not permitted (OMNR 1992).

5.2 Aquatic ecosystems

Sustaining quality water resources is fundamental to the protection of park and adjacent land values. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment enforces applicable legislation and regulations pertaining to water quality.

5.2.1 Water management

There are no dams, water control structures or diversions within the park.

New water control structures may only be considered for the perpetuation of natural features and conditions, subject to a planning process (OMNR 2002).

Hydroelectric developments are not permitted within the park (OMNR 1992).

5.2.2 Fisheries management

Mond Lake supports populations of perch, walleye and northern pike.

Fisheries management activities will be aimed, wherever possible, at the maintenance and enhancement of native, self-sustaining fish populations (OMNR 1992).

Sport fishing

Sport fishing is permitted within Grassy River-Mond Lake Lowlands and Ferris Lake Uplands Provincial Park. Any sport fishing activity is governed by the legislation and regulations in the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (1997), as well as the Fisheries Act (1985). The Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary contains more information regarding general regulations and exceptions to these regulations for the area of this park.

Commercial fishing

There are no commercial fishing operations the park. No new operations will be permitted (OMNR 1992).

Commercial baitfish harvesting

There are no active bait fish harvesting licenses within the park. New operations will not be permitted (OMNR 2000).

Fish stocking

Fish stocking of native species may be considered through park management planning. Non- native fish species will not deliberately be introduced to park waters (OMNR 1992; 2004).

6.0 Operations policies

6.1 Recreation management

6.1.1 Motorized recreation

Treaty area First Nations are permitted to use mechanized vehicles (snowmobiles and ATVs) on existing trails only within Grassy River-Mond Lake Lowlands and Ferris Lake Uplands Provincial Park. Mechanized access into the park is for traditional purposes only. With the exception of this provision for First Nations traditional use, no motorized vehicles are permitted.

No new trails for mechanized use will be permitted in the park.

Motorboats

The use of motorized watercraft on the waters contained within the park is prohibited, with the exception of Treaty area First Nations accessing the park for traditional use purposes (OMNR 1992).

Aircraft

Aircraft landings are not permitted within nature reserve class parks (OMNR 2004).

Snowmobiles

There are currently no authorized snowmobile trails within the park boundary. New trail development will not be permitted within this park.

Off-road use of snowmobiles is prohibited within the park.

All-terrain vehicles

There are currently no authorized ATV trails located within the park. New trail development will not be permitted within the park.

Off-road use of ATVs is prohibited within the park.

6.1.2 Non-motorized recreation

Camping

There is one existing, unmanaged campsite located within the park. This campsite is associated with the canoe route and may continue as a non-conforming use.

The development of a campground or new campsite facilities is not compatible with nature reserve policies (OMNR 1992).

Hiking

There are no authorized hiking trails within the boundaries of this provincial park. If there is an identified need, the development of trails will be addressed during future planning. Any trail development is subject to the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act.

Canoeing / kayaking

Existing uses may continue, unless park features and values are threatened. Long-term management direction will be determined through future park planning (OMNR 2004).

6.1.3 Emerging recreational uses

There are emerging recreational uses for which there is limited or no policy to deal with their management (e.g. adventure racing, geocaching, etc.). The park superintendent will use legislation, policy and guidelines that are in place in the interim to manage emerging uses.

6.2 Development

There is no existing development within park boundaries. Infrastructure to protect park features and values may be permitted and developed in response to use, environmental deterioration and environmental protection requirements. Any proposed development within the park is subject to MNR’s requirements under the Environmental Assessment Act.

7.0 Commercial tourism

Infrastructure for commercial tourism does not exist within the park.

Commercial tourism is not compatible with the nature reserve classification of this park (OMNR 1992). No new commercial tourism dispositions (i.e. commercial LUPs) will be issued within Grassy River-Mond Lake Lowlands and Ferris Lake Uplands Provincial Park (OMNR 2004).

8.0 Cultural resources

The management of any cultural resources will be directed toward identification, protection and heritage appreciation (OMNR 1992). Cultural resource surveys of Grassy River-Mond Lake Lowlands and Ferris Lake Uplands Provincial Park have not been completed to date.

Heritage education

Literature and other supporting information may be developed to describe the park in the context of Ontario’s provincial park system. Boundary limits, significant heritage features and permitted uses of the waterway park may be included in park literature.

Prospective park visitors may be informed about the sensitivity and significance of park values through park literature.

9.0 Research

Scientific research by qualified individuals which contributes to the knowledge of natural and cultural history and to environmental and recreational management will be encouraged in the park. Ontario Parks will encourage institutions to undertake research projects. All research programs will require the prior approval of Ontario Parks and will be subject to park policy and other applicable legislation. Ontario Parks may approve the research of any natural or cultural features or values by qualified researchers. Any materials removed will remain the property of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Approved research activities and facilities will be compatible with the park’s protection objective. Any site, which is affected, will be rehabilitated as closely as possible to its original state. Environmental assessment requirements will apply.

Research must contribute to the knowledge of natural and cultural history, and to environmental and recreational management. It must be non-consumptive in order to safeguard protection.

10.0 References

Alkins, M., 2003. Natural Heritage Area Life Science Checksheet - Grassy River - Mond Lake Lowlands and Ferris Lake Uplands Provincial Nature Reserve (P1639).

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

Carré, K., 2002. Grassy River - Mond Lake Lowlands and Ferris Lake Uplands Provincial Nature Reserve Recreation Inventory Report – Version 1.0.

Environmental Assessment Act, 1990.

Fisheries Act, 1985.

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997.

Frey, E. and D. Duba, 2002. P1639 Grassy River - Mond Lake Lowlands and Ferris Lake Uplands Provincial Park (Draft Earth Science Checksheet).

Mining Act, 1990.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 1974. A Topical Organization of Ontario History. Historic Sites Branch, Division of Parks.

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

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 1999. Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2000. Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy Policy Clarification.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2003. Public and Aboriginal Consultation Documentation Form, Ontario’s Living Legacy Protected Area Boundary Refinement Review. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2004a. Crown Land Use Policy Atlas.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2004b. Forest Fire Management Strategy for Ontario. Aviation and Fire Management Branch.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 2005. Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves.

Pesticides Act, 1990.

Provincial Parks Act, 1990.

Appendix A: Background information

• Name: Grassy River-Mond Lake Lowlands and Ferris Lake Uplands Provincial Park (P1639)
• Classification: Nature Reserve
• Ecoregion/Ecodistrict: 3E-5 (Foleyet)
• OMNR Administrative Region/District: Northeast Region, Timmins District
• Total Area (ha) : 2,670
• Regulation date & Number : April 21, 2005 O. Reg. 180/05

Representation

Earth science:

Grassy River - Mond Lake Lowlands and Ferris Lake Uplands Provincial Park is a large area of varied topography from low relief shoreline fens and wetlands straddling the Grassy River to ridges and upland areas. The dominant rock types are rhyodacite and andesite flows of the Halliday supracrustal assemblage, younger lamprophyre dykes and Paleoproterozoic Huronian Supergroup (Cobalt Group/Gowganda Formation) arkose and siltstone, components of the central Abitibi Subprovince in the Archean Superior Province. The Quaternary glacial deposits in the region are late Wisconsinan in age (Frey & Duba 2002).

Life science:

Grassy River, together with the Mond Lake Lowlands and Ferris Lake Uplands, contain features not represented in other protected areas identified in the 3E-5 gap Analysis (Alkins 2003). The features of the park include distinct forest – landform associations, as well as extensive shoreline fens.

Grassy River is a small, slow, meandering river flowing from the major headwater lakes, Nugent and Halliday through to Grassy Lake (Carré 2002). Grassy River houses several moose aquatic feeding areas, an osprey nest, wild rice fields, and waterfowl staging areas. The river supports a warm water fishery; walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum), northern pike (Esox lucius), white sucker (Catostomus commersoni), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), spottail shiners (Notropis hudsonius), and a variety of dace (Alkins 2003).

Mond Lake is a shallow, mid-sized lake (95 ha) situated on the western boundary of the park. The shoreline is lined with black spruce, cedar and intolerant hardwoods. The western boundary supports an open marsh and two wild rice stands (Alkins 2003). Two moose aquatic feeding areas are also located on this lake. The fish species found in this warm waterbody include; walleye, northern pike, white sucker, yellow perch, spottail shiners, and a variety of dace (Alkins 2003).

Cultural resources:

There has been no examination or documentation of the cultural values that may exist within Grassy River-Mond Lake Lowlands and Ferris Lake Uplands Provincial Park.

Recreation and tourism:

The water bodies (Grassy River, Mond Lake, and Ferris Lake), shoreline fens (along Grassy River), uplands and ridges (Ferris Lake Uplands) contribute to providing a setting for natural heritage appreciation. This area supports a variety of recreational uses including fishing, canoeing, trapping, hunting, and general nature appreciation activities (e.g. hiking, landscape and wildlife viewing, photography, etc.).

There is an existing canoe route on the Grassy River. This route is described as being an intermediate to advanced route. The route begins at the Papakomeka Forest Access Road running south from Timmins at the bridge just below Canoeshed Lake and travels south on the Grassy River and then through Halliday Lake, Sinclair Lake, Kapiskong Lake, and Peterlong Lake. The route then travels north on the Grassy River to its junction with the Mattagami River. The route then travels north on the Mattagami River to finish in Timmins.

There are no tourism facilities located within the boundary of this park. This area is used by the First Nations as a traditional fishing, wild rice harvesting, trapping and hunting area.

Inventories

• Survey Level: Earth Science
  • Reconnaissance: Frey & Duba, 2002
• Survey Level: Life Science
  • Reconnaissance: Alkins, 2003
• Survey Level: Cultural
  • Reconnaissance: N/A
• Survey Level: Recreational: Carré, 2002