Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park Management Statement
This document provides direction on the management of Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park.
Approval Statement
I am pleased to approve this Interim Management Statement for Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park. Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (1999) identified this area as a natural environment class park. Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park was regulated under the Provincial Parks Act in June of 2003 (O. Reg. 210/03).
This Interim Management Statement provides direction for the protection and management of Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park This document will govern all activities occurring within the park and focus on custodial management required to protect park values and to ensure public safety.
Signed by:
Paul Bewick
Zone Manager
Northeast Zone
Ontario Park
Signed on: May 16, 2006
1.0 Introduction
Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park is located on the Ottawa River, twenty kilometres north of the Town of Mattawa (Figure 1). The park contains 1,934 hectares of Crown land that has been regulated under the Provincial Parks Act as a natural environment class park (O. Reg. 210/03) (Figure 2). The park contains an esker/outwash complex and steep hills of broken rock knob terrain. Located along the Ottawa River in Ecodistrict 5E–6, these valley landforms shelter remnant old growth forests and over seventeen different landform–vegetation associations.
Natural environment parks protect significant resources and provide high quality recreational and educational experiences in an attractive outdoor setting.
1.1 Objectives
Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park will be managed in accordance with the four objectives for provincial parks:
Protection: To protect provincially significant elements of the natural and cultural landscapes of Ontario.
Recreation: To provide provincial park outdoor recreation opportunities ranging from high–intensity day–use to low–intensity wilderness experiences.
Heritage Appreciation: To provide opportunities for exploration and appreciation of the outdoor natural and cultural heritage of Ontario.
Tourism: To provide Ontario’s residents and out–of–province visitors with opportunities to discover and experience the distinctive regions of the Province.
2.0 Management Context
The purpose of this Interim Management Statement (IMS) is to provide direction to ensure the custodial management of park resources. Future park planning may be undertaken as required to provide direction on significant decisions regarding resource stewardship, development, operations and permitted uses.
Park management will follow direction from:
- 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);
- Ontario Crown Land Use Policy Atlas (OMNR 2004);
- Provincial Parks Act RSO (OMNR 1990) and regulations.
In addressing custodial management obligations to protect park 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 Interim Management Statement for Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park.
2.1 Environmental Assessment
As a part of the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Ontario Parks is a public sector agency which is subject to the Environmental Assessment Act. Management of this natural environment park will be carried out in accordance with legislation, policies and MNR’s Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves.
3.0 Park Features and Values
Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park protects a provincially significant representative life science natural heritage area. The park complements the adjacent Upper Ottawa River Provincial Park. The park area is the only representation of strongly broken rock–knob terrain and provides a good example of an esker outwash complex. The valley landforms within the park shelter remnant old growth forests and over 17 different vegetation associations (OMNR 2004).
3.1 Geological Features
The park’s bedrock geology shares regional significance with the Upper Ottawa River Provincial Park in its representation of clastic siliceous metasedimentary gneisses of the Tomiko Terrane. The surficial geology is locally significant. The esker–kame complex of the park is locally significant and is a common glaciofluvial landform in the provincial park system. The Ottawa River fault valley is a locally significant component of the Lake Timiskaming–Ottawa–Bonnechere Graben, a major regional crustal fracture system that continues to be tectonically active.
3.2 Biological Features
The park has a wide range of habitats which create a high site diversity. The park includes dry, well drained esker ridges; dry shallow soils on rock uplands; dry south and east facing steep talus slopes; mesic west and north facing slopes and valley bottoms; wet kettle basins and lakeshore marshlands including beaver modified drainage; and rich alluvial plains (Bergsma 1995, Kershaw 2001). This rich variety of habitat supports 17 different vegetation associations. Floral diversity is greatest in the areas of deep soils associated with till and ice contact deposits.
Eighty percent of the park consists of moderately broken shallow sandy till upland with remnant older growth forests of white pine, eastern hemlock, red oak, sugar maple, yellow birch, American beech and basswood. Younger forests on this landform consist of mixed and deciduous stands. The remaining area encompasses moderately broken ice contact deposits with older growth forests of white pine, sugar maple, eastern hemlock and red pine. The younger forests in these areas are composed of white birch and poplar stands with scattered white pine (Kershaw 2001, Bergsma 1995).
The forests provide a home to many species of warblers and forest interior breeding birds including Barred owls and Broad–winged Hawks. A deer wintering area occurs along the park’s southern boundary. The interior contains favourable late wintering habitat for moose. Some of the small beaver ponds are considered good moose aquatic feeding areas (Bergsma 1995).
Alexander and Crooked lakes, as well as smaller kettle lakes and beaver creeks, are located within the park. These lakes and the Turcotte Ponds are part of a coldwater system which provides habitat for coldwater species such as brook trout and lake trout.
There are no known species at risk within the park. A number of southern species in the area are near their northern biogeographic range limit (e.g. American beech, basswood, hobblebush and silver maple). Bergsma (1995) notes that the ferns Botrichium matricariifolium and Dryoperis triploidea, which are located in the park, are locally significant species.
Figure 1 – Regional Setting
Enlarge Figure 1 – Regional Setting
Figure 2 – Park Boundary
Enlarge Figure 2 – Park Boundary
3.3 Cultural Setting
Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park is located in an area that is rich with cultural history. It lies adjacent to the Ottawa River; a 1,200 km–long water way that has been used for centuries by Aboriginal peoples, followed by Europeans in pursuit of furs, timber and land. Alexander Lake was named after Alexander Antoine, a past leader of the Antoine First Nation community and a famous Hudson Bay trapper (OMNR 2002).
No investigation or analysis of the park’s cultural heritage has been completed at this time.
Future planning for cultural heritage will be done within the context of a provincial framework, A Topical Organization of Ontario History (OMNR 1974). Planning will also involve updates and discussions with other agencies, First Nations 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, or to provide direction for further research.
3.4 Recreation
Natural environment class provincial parks incorporate outstanding recreational landscapes with representative natural features to provide high quality recreational and educational experiences. This park provides an excellent opportunity for interpretation and recreation.
Former forestry roads provide access to the park from Highway 533. Additional access is provided by the Ottawa River, which flows along the park’s eastern boundary.
The park’s landform features provide a variety of recreation opportunities including nature appreciation, hiking, boating, canoeing, snowmobiling, hunting and fishing. A number of park lakes provide fishing opportunities. These include Alexander Lake (brook trout), Crooked Lake (lake trout and splake), Ottawa River (walleye, northern pike), Clear Lake (lake trout) and the Turcotte Ponds (brook trout).
Along the park’s eastern boundary, the Ottawa River provides a variety of boating, angling, canoeing, kayaking and backcountry camping opportunities.
Although there are no authorized trails, ATV and snowmobile use occurs on the old logging roads for recreational and access purposes.
Three parcels of private land are located within, but excluded from, Alexander lake Forest Provincial Park; one parcel is located on the Ottawa River and two parcels are located on the north shore of Crooked Lake.
There is one land use permit for a private recreation camp located on Alexander Lake.
4.0 Aboriginal Use
Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park lies within the 1850 Robinson Huron Treaty area. The park is located east of Nipissing First Nation. Discussions between Antoine Algonquin First Nation, Dokis First Nation, Mattawa North Bay Algonquins, Nipissing First Nation and the MNR have occurred regarding the regulation of Alexander Lake Forest.
First Nation communities have expressed interest in and have shared knowledge of the park and surrounding area. Aboriginal communities may have used the area for hunting, trapping, fishing, gathering and travel. These uses may continue, subject to public safety, conservation and other considerations.
Any communication and cooperation between First Nations and MNR 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 in provincial parks (Provincial Parks Act RSO 1990).
5.1 Terrestrial Ecosystems
5.1.1 Vegetation
Harvesting
Commercial forest harvesting and renewal activities are not permitted within the boundaries of this natural environment class park (OMNR 1992).
There are no fuelwood cutting permits currently issued within the boundaries of Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park. No new permits will be issued (OMNR 2000).
Timber salvage and sunken log retrieval is not permitted (OMNR 2000).
New operations for the commercial harvesting of non–timber forest products (e.g. Wild Rice, Canada Yew, etc.) will not be permitted within the boundary of Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park (OMNR 1992).
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 measures will follow guidelines established by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) and MNR. Whenever possible, biological controls will be given preference over the use of chemicals (OMNR 1992).
Fire
Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park is located within MNR’s Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Fire Management Zone. In accordance with existing provincial park policy and the Forest Fire Management Strategy for Ontario, forest fire protection will be carried out in Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park as on surrounding lands (OMNR 2004a).
Whenever feasible, MNR’s Fire 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 2002).
5.1.2 Wildlife Management
Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park is located in Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 41. The removal or harassment of non–game animals is not permitted (Provincial Parks Act RSO 1990).
Hunting
Sport hunting is permitted in Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park (OMNR 2004, 2004c).Safety and conservation issues with respect to hunting may be considered during future planning, which Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park Interim Management Statement – 2006 will include public consultation. Any hunting activity that occurs within the park is subject to the regulations under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, as well as the Migratory Birds Convention Act. Harvesting bullfrogs and snapping turtles is illegal in provincial parks (OMNR 2005c).
Bear Management Areas
There are no bear management areas (BMAs) within the park. A BMA (NB 41–59) is located just south of the park in Mattawan Township (Figure 3).
New bear management area licences will not be issued in the park (OMNR 2003).
Trapping
The park includes portions of two licensed trap lines: NB–48 and NB 49 (Figure 3).
Existing commercial fur harvesting may continue indefinitely, subject to sustainable resource management and local management needs (OMNR 2003).
New operations, including trap line cabins and trails, will not be permitted (OMNR 2000). The relocation of existing trails and cabins may be subject to ecological principles and the protection of park resources (OMNR 2000, 2001).
"Existing use" is defined as use that is supported by an active license, permit or other formal authorization. If this authorization lapses the activity is no longer considered an existing use (OMNR 2000). However, if there is a record of activity since January 1, 1992 then the license can be re-issued (OMNR 2003).
Transfers of active trapline licenses are permitted, subject to a review of potential impacts and the normal transfer or renewal conditions that apply. Transfers include situations where a license is surrendered with a request that it be immediately reissued to another individual or organization that is assuming an existing operation. Trap cabins are considered part of a trapline and would be transferred with the trapline for the purposes of trapping. If a trapline license is revoked or surrendered, all portions of the registered line within the park will be rescinded from the legal description of the trap line (OMNR 2001).
5.1.3 Industrial Resources
There are no existing mining claims within the park boundary. The lands within the park have been withdrawn from mining activity under the Mining Act. Mineral exploration and mineral extraction are not permitted within provincial parks (OMNR 1992).
As outlined in the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy, commercial timber harvesting and hydro development are not permitted in the Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park. Aggregate extraction is not a permitted use in provincial parks (OMNR 1992, OMNR 2000).
5.1.4 Access and Crossings
Access
Road access to the park is from Highway 533 and roads that branch off this highway.
The Ottawa River, which flows along the park’s eastern boundary, provides water access to this area of the park.
Figure 3 – Trap Lines and Bear Management Areas
Enlarge Figure 3 – Trap Lines and Bear Management Areas
Utility Corridors
There are no utility corridors within the park. All public utilities (i.e. gas pipelines, transmission lines, communications towers, etc.) must avoid park lands wherever possible (OMNR 2004).
The number of new utility corridor crossings will be minimized where possible. New corridors will be located and managed to reduce their impact on recreational, biological, cultural, geological and aesthetic values.
Any proposed future utility corridors 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 MNR’s Environmental Assessment requirements must be met.
Recreational Trails
There are currently no authorized trails within the park. New trails (e.g. hiking) may be developed if the need arises. Any proposed development within Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park is subject to MNR’s Environmental Assessment requirements.
Roads
Highway 533 travels along the park’s western edge. Three roads branch from Highway 533. One road branches from the highway near the park’s northwest corner, providing access to two private parcels of land on Crooked Lake.
A second road enters the park at the northwest corner of Clear Lake. This road provides access to private lots within and adjacent to the park. A branch of this road extends into the northeastern portion of the park, forming a loop. Another branch crosses the park’s southern boundary and passes through Crown land to reach Highway 533 south of the park. There are two bridges along this southeastern section of road within the park.
A third road branches from Highway 533 and follows the southern shore of Clear Lake, providing access to a private lot located adjacent to the park on the south eastern corner of Clear Lake. The road continues along the southern boundary of the park for approximately 2.5 kilometres, then turns south through Crown land to reconnect with Highway 533 at a more southerly point. A short section of road extends into the park north of Harrington Lake.
Where existing forest access roads are essential for continued access beyond the park for forest management or recreation purposes, and alternative road access does not exist or road relocation is not feasible, existing roads will continue to be available for access (OMNR 2004). Continued use will include maintenance and may include upgrading. Any upgrading or maintenance activity within Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park is subject to MNR’s Environmental Assessment requirements. New road development will not be permitted within Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park (OMNR 2004).
The park superintendent will work with private land holders to maintain adequate access to private lots within the park.
Aggregate resource extraction is not permitted within the park. An external source of aggregate is required for road maintenance and improvements.
5.1.5 Adjacent Land Management
Forestry
The lands adjacent to the Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park are located within the Nipissing Forest Management Unit (FMU # 754). The Nipissing Forest is currently managed by Nipissing Forest Resource Incorporated under a Sustainable Forest License (SFL). The forest management plan for this management unit has recently been reviewed and is scheduled for its next review in 2009 (OMNR 2005a).
Ottawa River Provincial Park
Ottawa River Provincial Park was also identified in Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy. This new waterway park extends both north and south of Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park along the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. In its entirety, the park extends over 150 kilometres, from Parkman Township in the north to the Ontario Power Generation dam at Rolfton in the south. This park contains a variety of recreational, scenic and cultural values.
5.1.6 Adjacent Water Management
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has a water power lease extending to the 588 foot contour along the Ottawa River. This contour follows the park’s boundary at the water’s edge of the Ottawa River.
OPG is a member of the Ottawa River Regulatory Planning Board. This organization manages the principal reservoirs of the Ottawa River Basin. The goal of the board is to provide protection against flooding along the Ottawa River and its tributaries, particularly in the Montreal Region, and at the same time maintain the interests of the various users particularly in hydro–electric energy production.
5.1.7 Land Disposition
No new land disposition for private use by individuals or corporations will be permitted (OMNR 1992; 2000a).
Land Use Permits, Licenses of Occupation and Unauthorized Occupations
There is one land use permit (LUP) within the park. This recreation camp is located on Alexander Lake. Direction for land use permits for recreation camps is derived from Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (OMNR 1999). The existing authorized land use permit will continue to be permitted within the park.
Existing authorized LUPs for recreation camps may be eligible for enhanced tenure but not purchase of land. Recreational camp LUPs cannot be changed to commercial land use permits unless this is supported during a review as part of park management planning. Enhanced tenure, is defined as a possible extension of the term of the land use permit for recreation camps up to 10 years or upgrade in tenure (i.e. land use permit to lease) (OMNR 2000a).
Enhanced tenure for an LUP for a recreation camp is not guaranteed. Requests for enhanced tenure, or to transfer recreation camps, will be reviewed based upon the following criteria:
- Continued compliance with the conditions of the land use permit for recreation camps
- Current land disposition policies for land use permits
- Consistency with park objectives to sustain values – no effects on heritage values and/or conflict with other uses
- Consistency with Aboriginal land claim negotiations or protocol agreements
- All rents, taxes, fees, rates or charges are paid and in good standing
An extension in the term of tenure for an existing private recreation camp LUP does not convey a commitment to provide for a change in the type or the standard of existing access to the private recreation camp.
An existing recreation camp LUP holder can relinquish their land use permit. The LUP holder is responsible to have existing improvements removed including, but not limited to, the sale of any existing improvements. MNR may consider purchase of improvements.
There are no known unauthorized occupations within Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park.
Patent Land
There are four private parcels of land within the park. Two are located on the north shore of Crooked Lake, one is located on the Ottawa River and the other is located on Clear Lake.
There are several private land holdings just south of the park situated around Clear Lake. Private land is not included within the park boundary and as such park policy does not apply to these areas.
Boat Caches
There are no authorized boat caches within the park. Boats are not permitted to be left unattended in the park without written permission from the superintendent under the authority of the Provincial Parks Act.
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 boundaries, nor will any be permitted in the future (OMNR 1992).
5.2.2 Fisheries Management
Fisheries management will complement the maintenance and enhancement of native, self–sustaining fish populations (OMNR 1992).
Sport Fishing
Sport fishing is permitted within Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park (OMNR 1999, 2004). Any sport fishing activity is governed by the legislation and regulations in the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (1997), as well as the Federal Fisheries Act (1985). The Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary (2005–2006) (Northeastern, Division 26) contains more details regarding general regulations and exceptions to these regulations for the area of Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park.
Commercial Fishing
There are no commercial fishing operations within the park. No new operations will be permitted (OMNR 1992).
Commercial Baitfish Harvesting
There is one baitfish license for Antoine Township (NB 1313). Existing commercial bait fishing may continue indefinitely, subject to sustainable resource management and local management needs as well as possible conditions which may be identified fisheries management plans or future park planning. (OMNR 2000, 2003). New operations will not be permitted (OMNR 2000).
Fish Stocking
In the past, Crooked Lake was stocked with splake. Put–and–Take Lake was stocked with brook trout. If consistent with the North Bay MNR District Fisheries Management Plan, stocking of these lakes may continue.
Additional stocking of native species may be considered through future park management planning (OMNR 2004). Non–native fish species will not be deliberately introduced into park waters (OMNR 1992).
6.0 Operations Policies
6.1 Recreation Management
6.1.1 Motorized Recreation
Motorboats
The use of motorboats is permitted to continue, unless park values are being threatened. Long–term management direction for private and commercial boat use will be determined through future planning.
Aircraft
Aircraft landings are permitted within natural environment parks (OMNR 2004). All aircraft landings are subject to regulation and valid aircraft landing permits issued by the park superintendent under the authority of the Provincial Parks Act (1990).
Snowmobiles
There are no designated snowmobile trails in the park. Proposals for new trails may only be considered through future planning with public consultation (OMNR 2000).
Snowmobile use on established routes for accessing private land in–holdings, LUP areas and recreational ice fishing may be permitted to continue should evaluations determine that such use does not conflict with the protection of park features and values or with other recreational uses.
Off–trail snowmobile use is prohibited unless authorized by the superintendent under the authority the Provincial Parks Act and consistent with provincial park policy.
All–Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
There are no authorized all–terrain vehicle trails located within the park.
Proposals for new trails may only be considered through future planning with public consultation (OMNR 2000).
Off–road use of ATVs is prohibited unless authorized by the superintendent under the authority the Provincial Parks Act and consistent with provincial park policy.
6.1.2 Non–Motorized Recreation
Camping
There are no designated camping facilities within the boundary of Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park. Any existing backcountry use is permitted to continue unless park values are being threatened (OMNR 2004).
Limited backcountry camping facilities may be developed if there is an identified need. Infrastructure to protect the park features and values will 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 Environmental Assessment requirements.
Hiking
There are no authorized hiking trails within the park.
Unauthorized hiking trails and other non–mechanized trails which are documented may be permitted to continue unless such trails threaten park features and values, create user conflicts or raise safety/liability issues.
If there is an identified need, the development of new hiking trails may be considered. Trail infrastructure to protect park values and features will be permitted. Any proposed development within the park is subject to MNR’s Environmental Assessment requirements.
Canoeing/Kayaking
Existing uses may continue, unless park values are threatened (OMNR 2004). Infrastructure to protect park features and values may be permitted and developed in response to use, environmental deterioration and environmental protection requirements.
6.1.3 Emerging Recreation Uses
There are emerging recreational uses for which there are limited policies to deal with their management (e.g. adventure racing, geocaching, etc). The park superintendent will use legislation, policy and guidelines which are in place 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.
6.3 Commercial Tourism
Infrastructure for commercial tourism does not exist within this provincial park. New commercial tourism facilities may be considered where consistent with park policy (OMNR 2004). Any development must meet the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act.
7.0 Cultural Resources
An assessment of cultural resources specific to Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park has not been conducted at this time. The management of any cultural values within the park will be directed toward protection and heritage appreciation (OMNR 1992).
8.0 Heritage Education
Basic literature and supporting information may be developed to describe Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park in the context of Ontario’s provincial parks and protected areas. Boundary limits, significant heritage features and permitted uses of the natural environment park may be included in park literature.
Prospective park visitors may be informed about the sensitivity and significance of the park through park literature. Visitors may also be informed about the presence of, and need to respect, adjacent private lands through park literature.
9.0 Research
Scientific research by qualified individuals that contributes to the knowledge of natural or cultural history, or to environmental or recreational management, may be encouraged in the park. Ontario Parks will encourage institutions to undertake research projects.
All research programs will require the approval of Ontario Parks and are subject to park policy and other applicable legislation. Ontario Parks may approve the research of any natural or cultural features and values by qualified researchers. Any materials removed will remain the property of Ontario Parks.
Approved research activities and facilities will be compatible with the park’s protection objective. Any site which is affected by research will be rehabilitated as closely as possible to its original state. Environmental assessment requirements will apply.
A Forest Ecosystem Classification (FEC) plot is located within the park. This 100m2 plot is used by MNR to sample forest cover types. Sample plots are located in mature uniform forest stands with uniform conditions. The data obtained from these plots provides information on the overstory species composition, stand structure, understory vegetation and soil–site characteristics. These plots also provide the opportunity to monitor forest change over time.
10.0 References
Bergsma, B.M. November 1995. Life Science Inventory Checklist Site District 5E–6: Antoine Esker and Alexander Lake Forest.
Carre, Krista and Tracy Harper. January 2002. OLL Implementation Database: Alexander Lake Forest (P123).
Frey, Edward and D. Duba. 2002. Earth Science Checksheet: Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park.
Kershaw, Will. March 2001. Natural Heritage Area – Life Science Checksheet: Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park.
Kershaw, Will. March 2002. Recreation Assessment: Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park.
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. 2001. Trapping in new OLL Parks.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2002. A letter from the Antoine First Nation to the North Bay District OMNR office.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2003.Directions for Commercial Resource Use Activities in Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves. 5 pp.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2004. Crown Land Use Policy Atlas.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2004a. 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.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2005a. List of Forest Management Units and Forest Management Plan Renewal Schedule 2005.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2005b. Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary 2005–2006.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2005c. 2005 Hunting Regulations Summary.
Pesticides Act RSO, 1990.
Provincial Parks Act RSO,1990.
Appendix A: Background Information
| Name | Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park |
|---|---|
| Classification | Natural Environment |
| Ecoregion/Ecodistrict | 5E–6 (Tomiko) |
| OMNR Administrative Region/District | Northeast / North Bay |
| Total Area (ha) | 1,934 |
| Regulation Date & Number | June 2003 (O. Reg. 210/03) |
Representation
Earth Science
The park is on the northeastern margin of the Tomiko Terrane, at the north end of the Ontario Central Gneiss Belt of the Proterozoic Grenville Province on the Canadian Shield, which formed some 2.2 billion years ago.
The Tomiko Terrane is one of four lithotectonic terranes in the Central Gneiss Belt. This geological environment is part of the modern organization of the complex products of the mid–Proterozoic Grenville orogenic events. As such, geological occurrences of the Tomiko Terrane in Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park are regionally significant in representing the conservation of the Grenville continental accretion theme. The main rock types in the park are siliceous metasedimentary gneisses of the Tomiko Terrane.
Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park contains locally significant sand and gravel deposits and a very thin, discontinuous ground moraine of sandy till, that is Late Wisconsinan age, some 10,000 to 10,500 years ago. The ground moraine is a rolling feature that was laid down as glacial ice advanced through the area. The moraine underlies outwash esker ridges and kettle depressions that formed under glacial ice as it was melting out of this area. An esker ridge forms a peninsula on the south side of Crooked Lake. The area is flanked by a series of small kettle basins to the east and north of Crooked Lake, including the Turcotte Ponds. These features surround broken rock–knob bedrock hills in Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park.
Life Science
Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park encompasses two distinctive physiographic landform units—strongly broken rock knob uplands and an esker complex. Due to past timber harvesting activities, the associated vegetation features include a mixture of remnant old growth forest patches in the upland rock knob sites and younger aged stands in the lower outwash landform (Bergsma 1995). The park contains 17 different vegetation associations.
The majority of the park consists of mature mixed forests of white pine, eastern hemlock, red oak, sugar maple, yellow birch, American beech and basswood and younger mixed and deciduous stands on moderately broken shallow sandy till upland. The remaining areas of the park are covered by mature forests of white pine, sugar maple, eastern hemlock and red pine and younger stands of white birch and poplar with scattered white pine on moderately broken ice contact deposits (Kershaw 2001, Bergsma 1995).
Cultural Resources
There has been no examination of the cultural values that may exist within Alexander Lake Forest Provincial Park.
Recreation and Tourism
The park landscape provides a variety of recreation opportunities including nature appreciation, hiking, boating, canoeing, snowmobiling, hunting and fishing. Crooked Lake, Alexander Lake and the Turcotte Ponds provide habitat for cold water species such as brook trout and lake trout.
Three private land parcels are located within Alexander lake Forest Provincial Park; one on the Ottawa River and two on the north shore of Crooked Lake. These private land holdings are excluded from the park land base. One land use permit for a private recreation camp is located on Alexander Lake. ATVs and snowmobiles use the old logging roads for recreational purposes and access to camps and private property.
Inventories
| Survey Type | Earth Science | Life Science | Cultural | Recreational |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconnaissance | Frey & Duba, 2002 | Kershaw, 2001 | Kershaw, 2002 |