Statement of Conservation Interest
July 2004

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Ministere des Richesses Naturelles

Approval statement

I am pleased to approve this Statement of Conservation Interest (SCI) for the Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve (C1558).

Direction for establishing, planning and managing conservation reserves is defined under the Public Lands Act and current policy. "Ontario’s network of natural heritage areas has been established to protect and conserve areas representative of the diversity of the natural regions of the province, including species, habitats, features and ecological systems which comprise that natural diversity." (Conservation Reserve Policy 3.03.05, OMNR 1997).

This basic SCI will provide guidance for the management of the conservation reserve and the basis for the ongoing monitoring of activities. More detailed direction at this time is not anticipated. Should significant facility development be considered or complex issues arise requiring additional studies, more defined management direction, such as a conservation reserve Resource Management Plan (RMP), may be developed.

This SCI was reviewed by staff specialists at both the district and regional level of the Ministry of Natural Resources. The public was consulted prior to the regulation of the Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve as well as prior to the approval of this SCI. Comments and concerns registered then are reflected in this Statement of Conservation Interest.

The Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve will be managed under the jurisdiction of the Area East Supervisor of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Chapleau District.

Submitted by:
Rachel Foley
Plan Author
Date: Original signed on Monday July 12th, 2004

Recommended for approval by:
Wayne Fiset
District Manager
Date: Original signed on Monday July 12th, 2004

Approved by:
Rob Galloway
Regional Director
Northeast Region
Date: Original signed on Friday July 16th, 2004

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 (MNR) 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 Beyond 2000).

The Ministry of Natural Resources 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 (1999). The Land Use Strategy 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
  • to enhance hunting, angling and other Crown land recreation opportunities

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 essential 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.

In order to preserve these sensitive areas, they require protection from incompatible uses. The creation of conservation reserves has been identified as a way of providing necessary protection from incompatible uses while still permitting many of the traditional uses that allow the people of Ontario to enjoy our special heritage.

Conservation reserves complement provincial parks in protecting representative natural areas and special landscapes. Most recreational (e.g. angling, hiking, skiing, tourism related uses and nature appreciation) activities that have traditionally been enjoyed in the area will continue, provided that these uses do not impact the natural features needing protection. The management and administration of a conservation reserve are guided by an approved Statement of Conservation Interest (SCI).

An approved Statement of Conservation Interest is the minimum level of management direction established for a conservation reserve. The Statement of Conservation Interest defines the area that is being planned and the purpose for which the conservation reserve has been established. In addition, it provides management direction that will protect its natural and cultural heritage values and demonstrate its compatibility within the larger landscape. In addition, 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. Finally, it is the intent of this SCI to create a public awareness that will promote responsible stewardship of the protected area and surrounding lands.

The Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve is comprised entirely of Crown lands and waters and was regulated in June 2003. This 7,071 ha conservation reserve lies in the geographic Township of Foleyet, in the Territorial District of Sudbury. The guidelines for the management of this conservation reserve are found in this document.

2.0 Goal and objectives

2.1 Goal of the SCI

The goal of a conservation reserve as stated in Conservation Reserve Policy PL 3.03.05 (OMNR, 1997) is to protect natural and cultural 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 to ensure that the Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve will meet this goal through both short and long term objectives.

2.2 Objectives of the SCI

2.2.1 Short term objectives

In order to ensure that the goal of this conservation reserve is met, the following short- term objectives have been identified for this SCI:

  • To identify the state of the resource with respect to natural heritage values and current land use activities for the conservation reserve
  • To manage the conservation reserve to protect the integrity of its natural values via specific guidelines, strategies and prescriptions detailed in this plan

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

2.2.2 Long term objectives

In addition to the short term objectives mentioned above, long term objectives will assist in ensuring that the goal of this conservation reserve is met. The long term objectives for this SCI are:

  • To establish representative targets and validate the site as a potential scientific benchmark
  • To identify research/client services and marketing strategies
  • To provide direction to evaluate future uses or economic ventures

3.0 Management planning

3.1 Planning context

3.1.1 Planning area

The planning area will consist of the regulated boundary for the Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve as defined in section 4.1.3 Administrative Description. This landbase will form the area directly influenced by this Statement of Conservation Interest. The plan will recognize the protection of values within the planning area, however, to fully protect values within the conservation reserve additional consideration within larger land use or resource management plans may be required. 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. The Ministry of Natural Resources in conjunction with other partners will work to ensure that the values are protected during planning and implementation of activities on the surrounding landbase.

3.1.2 Management planning context

The need to complete the parks and protected areas system has long been recognized as an important component of ecological sustainability. This was reaffirmed in 1997 when the Lands for Life planning process was announced. Previous gap analysis studies were used to determine proposed candidate areas that would protect additional representative features. The Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve was chosen as one of the candidate sites and subsequently appeared in the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy as C1558. Following consultations with the public, local aboriginal communities and affected industries, the boundary was finalized and approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources. The site was then formally regulated under the Public Lands Act.

By regulation under the Public Lands Act, this conservation reserve cannot be used for mining, commercial forest harvest, hydro-electric power development, the extraction of aggregates and peat, or other industrial purposes. Most recreational and non-industrial resource uses that have traditionally been enjoyed will be permitted to continue provided that they pose no threat to the natural ecosystems and identified values of the conservation reserve.

Permitted uses in conservation reserves will generally follow the direction expressed in the Land Use Strategy as well as any prior commitments that have been made by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Chapleau District office. Future uses or developments that are proposed for this conservation reserve will be subjected to a Test of Compatibility (Appendix 9.2). Proposed uses and/or developments may also be subject to MNR's Resource Stewardship and Facility Development (RSFD) Class Environmental Assessment (EA), and may be subject to MNR's Class EA for Parks and Conservation Reserves, pending future approval. Considerations for proposals pertaining to cultural resources may be screened through direction provided in Conserving a Future For Our Past: Archaeology, Land Use Planning & Development In Ontario (Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation (MCzCR), 1997) as well as Policy 4.02.01 Cultural Heritage Screening, MNR-MCzCR Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), April 2001.

3.2 Planning process

Management of the conservation reserve includes, as a minimum, the regulation, provision of public information, stewardship, and security of the site. It also includes authorization and setting conditions on permitted uses and ongoing monitoring of compliance with the approved management plan. Management of conservation reserves is the responsibility of the Ministry of Natural Resources at the district level, and will be done in accordance with Conservation Reserve Policy PL 3.03.05 and an approved management plan.

Once a conservation reserve has been established and regulated through the land use planning process, it will undergo a planning exercise to determine the future management of the site. The appropriate plan must be completed within three years of the regulation date.

There are two policy documents that may be prepared: a Statement of Conservation Interest or a Resource Management Plan.

A Statement of Conservation Interest is the minimum level of planning required for a conservation reserve and may take the form of either a Basic Stewardship SCI or an Enhanced SCI. A Basic Stewardship SCI is used for sites where no decisions beyond the Land Use Strategy are required. The Enhanced SCI is used for sites that have one or more issues that need to be addressed.

The highest level of planning for a conservation reserve is a Resource Management Plan and would be written if the conservation reserve were deemed to have numerous complex issues.

Based on the criteria, which can be found in Planning Process for Conservation Reserves: Statements of Conservation Interest and Resource Management Plans, Northeastern Region Guidelines (Schilf & Thompson, 2001), a Basic Stewardship Statement of Conservation Interest was determined to be the appropriate form of management plan for this conservation reserve. No issues have been identified in the Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve that would require decisions to be made beyond what has been previously determined in the Land Use Strategy.

Following the regulation of the Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve in June 2003, local First Nation communities and the public were notified that the management planning for the conservation reserve was underway. This notification occurred via mail- out to the local First Nation communities and stakeholders and an advertisement appeared in two local newspapers during the week of March 1st, 2004. The Ministry of Natural Resources is exempt from providing notification of this planning process on the Environmental Bill of Rights Electronic Registry, under Section 30 of the Environmental Bill of Rights.

A draft version of this Statement of Conservation Interest was available for review by staff from the Ministry of Natural Resources as well as by members of the public and local First Nation communities. Comments provided to the ministry were considered in the preparation of the final document. Upon approval of this Statement of Conservation Interest, public notification will occur via mail-out to interested stakeholders and a notice will appear in the local newspapers.

This SCI is a working document and therefore may require revisions from time to time. For further information on reviews and revisions please see section 6.5 Implementation and plan review strategies.

4.0 Background information

4.1 Location and site description

4.1.1 Location

The Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve totals 7,071 hectares (ha) in size and is located approximately 90 km northeast of the Township of Chapleau, within the Chapleau MNR District in the Northeast Region. Table 1 provides administrative details of the site:

Table 1: Location and Administrative Details for the Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve

This table provides information for the Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve
Name Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve
Site Region / Site District (Hills) 3E-5
Eco Region – Eco District (Crins and Uhlig, 2000) Foleyet Eco-district 3E-5 in the Lake Abitibi Eco-region 3E (Hills 1959, Crins and Uhlig, 2000)
MNR Administrative Region / District / Area Northeast/Chapleau/Area East
Total Area 7,071 ha
Regulation Date June 7, 2003
First Nations James Bay Treaty #9 (local First Nation communities affiliated with this treaty include Brunswick House First Nation, Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation, Chapleau Cree First Nation and Missanabie Cree First Nation)
OBM map sheets 42 B/1 and 42 B/2
UTM reference 387534
Municipality None
Township Foleyet
Status 100% Crown lands
Watershed 4LC
Wildlife Management Unit WMU 31
Forest Unit Pineland-Martel
Nearest Town(s) Foleyet, Chapleau

4.1.2 Physical description

The Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve is located in the central part of Foleyet Eco-District 3E-5, which is found in the Lake Abitibi Eco-region 3E (Hills 1959, Crins and Uhlig, 2000). A general description of the physical characteristics of this region can be found in Appendix 9.1.

Forest Resource Inventory (FRI) data for this conservation reserve shows a good variety of forest communities. The most dominant forest community found within the site is poplar, which forms dominant hardwood, predominant hardwood, hardwood mixed and mixed wood stands, and is found in most regions of the site. White birch is another forest community that has a strong presence within the site. Birch mixed wood has the greatest presence within the site and is found forming a linear arrangement coming from the southwest corner and leading into the centre of the site. This stand type is also found in the northeast section of the site (Map 8.3).

Black spruce forest communities are found throughout the site, though are predominately associated with the lowland areas and are commonly found along the system of streams and wetlands. Jack pine is another community which adds to the diversity of this site and can be found in three somewhat clumped arrangements in the north, west, and southern parts of the site. The majority of the cedar stands are confined to the western part of the site, with the exception of a mixed wood stand located in the eastern part of the conservation reserve. Though present, the following forest communities occupy relatively smaller portions of the site: white spruce mixed woods, black ash mixed hardwood, tamarack pure and dominant conifer stands. (Noordhof et al., 2003)

Wetlands exist primarily along Heart Creek and the Ivanhoe River. The wetlands surrounding the northern branch of Heart Creek include wetland complexes of shore fen, meadow marsh, and sheltered marshlands. Well-developed shore fens in the western branch of the creek give way to thicket swamps and some moderately rich fens toward the headwaters. Poor to moderately rich fens and shore fen complexes are associated with the eastern branch of Heart Creek.

The wetland complex along the Ivanhoe River is located in the southeast section of the site. The Ivanhoe River has been significantly altered by the presence of a water diversion mechanism placed approximately where Ivanhoe River enters the site’s southern boundaries, northwest of Ivanhoe Provincial Park. This has resulted in a very braided river of poor shore fens, tall shrub shore fens, and meadow marshes. Lakeshores contain sheltered marshes and shore fen wetlands with moderately rich fen wetland areas present. There are also some treed and moderately rich fen areas that blend into cedar and tamarack stands. (Noordhof et al, 2003)

The center of this site is dominated by glaciolacustrine deposits with till deposits prominent to the west and ice-contact stratified deposits with sand dunes prominent to the east. Running from the center of the site northwards, are organic deposits along the Hearst Creek. Along the entire western boundary is bedrock drift complex as well as a small portion of the southwest corner being dominated by weakly broken ground moraine (Kristjansoon, 2002). The eastern area is delineated by a series of esker and kettle holes and is a mix of glaciolacustrine deposits, ice-contact stratified drift deposits, bed-rock drift complex deposits and till deposits. In addition, alluvial deposits are found along the Ivanhoe River.

The Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve falls in the Moose River basin, in the tertiary watershed 4LC (OMNR, 2002). There are a number of lakes, chains-of-lakes, and rivers located within the site, including Heart Lake in the east and a portion the Ivanhoe River in the southeast. This portion of the river is stagnant and braided due to the water control structure on the river just before it enters the site, which is used to maintain water levels on Ivanhoe Lake. (Noordhof et al, 2003). Finally, there is a chain of lakes found in the northeast corner of the site just south of the railway, and numerous unnamed lakes located in the west, south, and eastern parts of the site.

4.2 Administrative description

The Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve was regulated as schedule 185 in Ontario Regulation 208/03 made under the Public Lands Act on May 14, 2003 and filed May 21, 2003. The legal description as found in the June 7, 2003 edition of the Ontario Gazette reads as follows:

The Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve is located in the geographic Township of Foleyet, in the Territorial District of Sudbury, containing 7,071 hectares, more or less, being composed of that part of the said township designated as Part 1 on a plan known as C1558 Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve, filed on February 14, 2003 with the Office of the Surveyor General of Ontario in the Ministry of Natural Resources.

4.3 History of the site

First Nations of the region may have utilized the lands of the Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve in the past. There is a suspected native cemetery in close proximity to the site which indicates the area was likely used by Aboriginal people (Finlayson, 2002). An archeological site check will be completed during the summer of 2004 to establish if there are any registered archeological sites within this conservation reserve.

There has been a European presence in the area since the mid 1700's when competition in the fur trade became intense. This is confirmed by the presence of a suspected Hudson Bay outpost camp located near the burial ground mentioned above (Finlayson, 2002). In the 18th century fur trade began decreasing. Logging became the primary industry and soon after the town of Foleyet, which lies directly adjacent to the conservation reserve, was established. The completion of the railway and Highway 101, both of which border the site, further increased activity in the area. The Foleyet Township road, which can be used to access the southwestern portion of the site, dates back to 1947.

4.4 Inventories

The following table indicates what survey work has been done and what is required:

Table 2: Inventory and Survey Information for Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve

Survey Level Earth Science Life Science Cultural Recreational
Reconnaissance Survey (RS) Completed September 22, 2001 Completed September 22, 2001 None completed at this time Completed September 22, 2001
Detailed Preliminary interpretations, November 2002 Draft Life Science Report April 2003 None completed at this time Recreational Report completed and approved, December 2003
Requirement Preliminary interpretation differs from provincial data coverage. As such, a detailed inventory of earth science features needs to be completed to confirm the preliminary interpretations. Following the completion of a life science inventory, additional analysis may be warranted to identify any additional landform/ vegetation combinations. Registered archaeological site check to be completed during the summer of 2004. Given close proximity of two archaeological sites, further cultural study of this area may be warranted. Ground assessment of trails and roads should be completed as time and funding permits to further assess current access and use.

5.0 State of the resource

The natural heritage of Ontario contributes to the economic, social and environmental well being of the province and its people. Protecting areas of natural heritage is important for many reasons, such as maintaining ecosystem health and providing habitat for species in order to maintain diversity and genetic variability. Protected areas also provide scientific and educational benefits, recreational and tourism opportunities, which bolster local and regional economies, and they provide places where people can enjoy and Ontario’s natural diversity while enhancing their own health and well-being. In order to protect this vital natural heritage, a protected areas system which represents the entire range of the province’s natural features and ecosystems, is needed (Natures Best, 1997).

Representation:

Completing the system of parks and protected areas is based on the concept of representation capturing the full range of natural and cultural values by protecting areas that contain the best examples of our history, natural features, species and ecosystems. The complete system must therefore protect a range of natural heritage values based on the geological, biological and cultural diversity of the province. The best examples of representative features are often considered to be provincially significant and may even be nationally or internationally significant. In addition, locally and regionally significant areas also contribute natural heritage values to the protected area system and have therefore been identified in some areas to meet representation targets in each of the site districts.

The primary values of this site are the combinations of old white birch, old white cedar, jack pine and white spruce on laucstrine deposits, which are considered provincially significant. (Noordhof et al, 2003)

Quality of present representation:

The quality of the representation or the current characteristics of the natural features found within the conservation reserve are as important as the overall representative features that are being protected. A number of factors are considered in evaluating a site and they include the following criteria: diversity, condition, ecological factors, special features and current land use activities.

a) Diversity

Diversity is evaluated in terms of the number and range (i.e. amount of richness and evenness) of vegetative communities currently present within the conservation reserve. Natural landscapes and known generalized vegetative communities will be the scale used for this SCI. Future aerial or ground reconnaissance surveys will enhance the MNR's knowledge of these features and possibly allow verification at a lower scale (e.g. species assemblages).

Overall, diversity is considered to be high for this conservation reserve. This rating is a result of the diverse range of forest species, including a number of old-growth forest communities in the form of mixed wood stands. The ranges of wetlands, as described in section 4.1.2, also contribute to the diversity of this site (Noordhof et al, 2003).

b) Ecological factors

Ecological factors refer to the current design of the conservation reserve as noted by its size, shape, and buffering capacity to adjacent land use activities. Generally, larger sites with more diversity are better than small, non-diverse areas; sites with a more rounded or naturally delineated shape are better than long, linear sites; and sites that are linked to or near other protected areas are better than isolated protected areas.

The site is circular in shape, as opposed to linear, which provides a higher interior to edge ratio. As a result, the shape and relatively large size of the site are contributing factors to its ecological integrity. Combinations of both natural and cultural boundaries form the majority of the boundaries for this site. Natural boundaries for the site are formed by creeks and the edge of water bodies in the north and west. Cultural boundaries are formed by both Highway 101, which forms the southeast boundary, as well as the railway line which forms the northeast boundary. The southwestern boundary is marked by the existence of an unnamed road. There are few vectored boundaries for this site.

This conservation reserve is limited in terms of its linkages to the surrounding landscapes. Several factors, including Hwy. 101, the town of Foleyet, the railway line, and adjacent forestry practices limit the site’s continuous linkage with the surrounding landscape.

c) Condition

Condition is the degree of past human and natural disturbances observed or recorded for the site. Major natural disturbances in the Northeast Region are caused by fire, wind damage, floods, or insect and disease infestations. Human disturbances are wide ranging and could include clear-cut areas, mining, railways, roads, trails, dams, cottages, or other development.

Using information gathered from the aerial reconnaissance survey, it was determined that the amount of disturbance could be rated as low (less than 10% currently disturbed) and that the site is in good condition. (Noordhof et al, 2003) The well stocked nature of the site suggests that the impacts from harvesting have been minimal and that other disturbances (secondary roads, trails, and a snowmobile bridge) have not greatly disturbed the area.

d) Special features

Special features include interesting landscapes, habitats or vistas, Species at Risk (SAR) and other earth and life science features, including broader landscape elements that contribute to the natural heritage richness of Ontario.

This site was created because of the provincially significant features include old white birch, old cedar, jack pine, and white spruce contained on lacustrine deposits.

In addition to this, a special feature for the site is the esker and kettle lakes complex in the northeast portion of the site. The site contains a number of valleys and slopes, which result in good drainage and ideal growing conditions. There is a significant esker ridge that runs generally northeast to south, just east of the central portion of the site. This complements the known landform/vegetation diversity of the conservation reserve by potentially creating a number of different habitat conditions. (Noordhof et al, 2003)

e) Current land use activities

As previously mentioned, the quality of the representation or the current characteristics of the natural features found within the conservation reserve are as important as the overall representative features that are being protected. Land use activities can have a substantial impact on the quality of representation.

Currently portions of two bear management areas (BMA), four traplines and one commercial baitfish harvest area (BHA) overlap the Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve. These activities will be permitted to continue within the conservation reserve. The site also has numerous tertiary roads and trails which will be permitted to remain. It is anticipated that there will be little change in the current use of the site.

5.1 Social interest in area

5.1.1 Linkage to local community

This conservation reserve is located directly adjacent to the town of Foleyet and is likely used by local residents for various activities. These activities may include hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, ATV riding, and various other recreational activities. As previously mentioned, there is an extensive network of trails found throughout this site. These trails are well maintained, indicating that they are used quite frequently by local residents.

Access to the southeastern portion of the site can be obtained via Highway 101, which borders the site. In addition, the southwestern portion can also be accessed by using trails and roads that depart from the Foleyet Township Road.

5.1.2 Aboriginal interests

The conservation reserve falls in the area of the James Bay Treaty #9. Though no evidence of Aboriginal use within the conservation reserve has been found, there is evidence suggesting that the surrounding area has been used in the past by First Nations. This is indicated by the presence of a suspected native burial site, which has been identified in close proximity to the conservation reserve (Finlayson, 2002).

5.1.3 Other government agencies, departments or crown corporations

Other agencies or departments that may have an interest in this conservation reserve include the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation, the Ministry of Culture, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. At this time, no other government agency has shown a specific interest with respect to this particular protected area.

5.1.4 Non-government organizations and other industry interest

Industrial sectors that may have an interest in the Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve could include the forestry industry, the mining industry and the tourism industry. Non-government organizations who may have an interest in the Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve could include numerous groups such as the Partnership for Public Lands, the Federation of Ontario Naturalists, Northwatch, Canadian National Railway, the Chapleau Regional Development Corporation, the Foleyet Local Services Board, the Ivanhoe Cottagers Association, the Baitfish Association of Ontario, the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters as well as local snowmobile clubs, trapper councils and hunting and angling organizations.

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs has a continued interest in this conservation reserve, as part of their trail runs through this site (Trail C101F). Both the Partnership for Public Lands and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters both expressed a desire to review the draft version of this SCI.

5.2 Natural Heritage Stewardship

The Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve contributes to the province’s parks and protected areas system. Through formal protection under the Public Lands Act and long-term management direction, the site’s natural heritage values and representative features will be protected.

By allocating these lands to the parks and protected areas system through regulation, the province has ensured a certain level of permanence by distinguishing the site and its values from the surrounding landscape. Each protected area contributes to Ontario’s natural heritage in its own unique way whether it is a contribution to the preservation of an earth science value, a life science value, a recreational or economic opportunity or cultural and historical values.

The site’s earth and life science features, as described in section 4.1.2, make a number of contributions to the provinces natural heritage values. Specifically, this site contributes to life science representation through its provincially significant landform vegetation complex of old white birch, old cedar, jack pine and white spruce contained on lacustrine deposits.

This site is accessible for scientists and educators who wish to study values of the site while continuing to be available for recreationalists who wish to enjoy the opportunities that the site has to offer.

5.3 Fisheries and wildlife

The wildlife found within the site is consistent with typical wildlife found in Ecodistrict 3E-5, including the various types of birds, ungulates and furbearers. Evidence of moose, beaver, ruffed and spruce grouse and snowshoe hare have all been found within this site. In addition, the following furbearing animals have been known to be harvested within the site: wolf, red fox, mink, fisher, weasel, marten, red squirrel, black bear, otter and muskrat.

Four species of sport fish are known to inhabit the waters of the Ivanhoe River. These species include northern pike, walleye, yellow perch and lake whitefish. The Ivanhoe River is the only water body within the site that has been surveyed for the presence of sport fish.

Aerial surveys for moose and for osprey, eagle and heron nests are completed on a district scale on a regular basis. To date, however, no detailed wildlife studies have taken place within the conservation reserve and so the importance of the site to wildlife species, particularly Species at Risk and their habitats, has yet to be determined.

5.4 Cultural heritage stewardship

There are no known cultural heritage values within the Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve and to date no detailed research has been conducted to document any possible cultural heritage values. As previously noted, both a suspected native burial site and remains of an old Hudson Bay Company outpost camp are located in close proximity to this site.

A registered archaeological site check will be completed during the summer of 2004. If any registered sites are found to be within the site, special protection measures may be developed to protect the cultural values and further cultural heritage analysis may be carried out.

5.5 Existing development and land use

This conservation reserve is on Crown Land and does not contain any land use permits (LUP's), patents, licenses of occupation, leases, mining tenure or any other form of land tenure.

Primary and secondary roads border the site and tertiary roads and trails are present within the site. These roads, trails and one snowmobile bridge are the only known infrastructure currently existing within the conservation reserve.

5.6 Commercial and industrial use

This conservation reserve falls within four trapline areas (CP12, CP17, CP22 and CP23) however there are no trap cabins within the conservation reserve. In addition, two Bear Management Areas (CP 30-025, CP-31-018) and one commercial Baitfish Harvest Area (CH0037) also overlap the site.

Though numerous tourism establishments are found within the adjacent townships, the conservation reserve has no outpost camps or main base lodges within its boundaries.

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). Past timber harvesting impacts have been limited and the site is now protected from any future timber harvesting, as outlined in provincial conservation reserve policy.

5.7 Recreational use

Current recreational uses include hunting, canoeing, hiking, fishing, ATV use, and snowmobiling. Use of this site for camping was also confirmed by the identification of a summer campsite found along the Old Channel of the Ivanhoe River. This site included a ring of stones used as a fire pit, a tarp hung from a nearby tree and a small cleared area suitable for erecting a tent.

The tertiary road/trail network and a snowmobile bridge are the only forms of existing infrastructure within the site and there are currently no proposals for new recreational uses or facilities.

5.8 Client services

Visitor services will primarily involve responding to inquiries about basic information such as natural heritage representation and appreciation, permitted uses, access and boundaries. In addition to the provision of public information regarding the protected area, concerns with respect to public safety and area security will be addressed.

6.0 Management

6.1 Management planning strategies

Earth and life science features will be protected from adverse impacts by defining permitted uses, enforcing regulations (Ont. Reg. 805/94 PLA), monitoring site use and mitigating any identified concerns. The land use intent outlined in the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy provides context and direction to land use and resource management within this conservation reserve. Commitments identified in current policy (Conservation Reserve Policy PL 3.03.05 and Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy) will form the basis for the management planning strategies presented within this SCI.

For up to date information on permitted uses, refer to the Crown Land Use Atlas. (/page/crown-land-use-policy-atlas)

New land-use and/or development proposals will be reviewed on a case by case basis. However, a Test of Compatibility (Appendix 9.2) must be passed before any uses or developments are deemed acceptable. The emphasis will be on ensuring that the natural values of the conservation reserve are not negatively affected by current or future activities.

The development of this SCI and the long term management and protection of Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve will be under the direction of the MNR's Chapleau District, Area East Supervisor.

6.2 State of the resource management strategies

The following sections outline some of the management strategies that have been developed to maintain and protect the identified values of the site. A detailed list of permitted uses within this conservation reserve can be found in Appendix 9.3 of this SCI. Additional information can be found in the Land Use Strategy as well as on the Ministry of Natural Resource Crown Land Use Policy Atlas.

6.2.1 Aboriginal interests

Traditional activities and aboriginal rights as defined by James Bay Treaty #9 will not be affected within the boundaries of this conservation reserve. All Aboriginal and treaty rights will continue to be recognized and will not be impacted by the designation of the area as a provincial conservation reserve.

6.2.2 Natural Heritage Stewardship

The management intent of this conservation reserve will be to protect natural ecosystems, processes and features, while continuing to allow compatible, land-use activities.

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 endeavor 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 will be reflected in an amendment to this SCI document. 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 (approval pending). In the interim, the Ministry of the Environment’s Exemption Order 59/2 will apply.

MNR will provide leadership and direction for maintaining the integrity of this site as a natural heritage estate. Research, protection, education and understanding and interpretation of the natural heritage features of the site will be encouraged and fostered through local and regional natural heritage programs and initiatives.

The introduction of exotic and/or invasive species will not be permitted. Programs may be developed to control forest insects and diseases in the conservation reserve where these threaten significant heritage, aesthetic, or economic values. Where control is desirable and possible, it will be directed as narrowly as possible to the specific insect or disease. Biological control will be used wherever possible.

In addition, the collection/removal of vegetation and parts thereof will not be permitted. However, subject to a Test of Compatibility, the Area Supervisor may authorize the collection of plants and/or parts of plants for the purposes of rehabilitating degraded sites within the reserve if required and for research or scientific study.

Exceptions based on a Test of Compatibility may also be made for minor structures for the purposes of monitoring and research for scientific purposes. (See section 6.4).

6.2.3 Fish and wildlife

Fish and wildlife resources will continue to be managed in accordance with applicable policies and regulations prevailing in the area and under the direction of the Area East Supervisor.

Existing trapping, hunting, and sport fishing will be permitted to continue unless there are significant demonstrated conflicts (OMNR, 1999).

6.2.4 Cultural heritage

As previously stated, no cultural resources have been identified in the Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve though identified archeological sites are located within close proximity to this site. If archaeological or cultural resources are discovered within the conservation reserve, proposals pertaining to the development or use of these cultural resources will be subject to MNR's Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects or the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Class EA, pending approval. This may lead to screening through direction provided in Conserving a Future For Our Past: Archaeology, Land Use Planning & Development In Ontario (Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, 1997) as well as Policy 4.02.01 Cultural Heritage Screening, MNR-MCzCR MOU, April 2001.

6.2.5 Existing development and land use

The tertiary road/trail network and a snowmobile bridge are the only forms of existing infrastructure within the site. This development, as outlined above, will be permitted to remain. Future development proposals will be reviewed on a case by case basis, subject to all conservation reserve policies and a Test of Compatibility.

The sale of lands within this conservation reserve is not permitted as per direction outlined in the Land Use Strategy. Road realignment, energy transmission, communication and transportation corridors, resource roads, or construction of facilities are discouraged. Existing resource access roads can continue to be used but new resource access roads will not be permitted. It is recognized that in some circumstances there may be no viable alternatives in which case options to minimize potential impacts to the values of the site will be determined through applicable planning processes. (OMNR, 2000)

6.2.6 Commercial and industrial use

The current level of commercial hunting and trapping will be permitted to continue. New trapping operations may be considered subject to a Test of Compatibility.

Existing commercial bear management operations are permitted to continue. The issuance of new licenses for existing commercial bear hunting operations will be permitted where areas have been licensed or authorized for the activity at any time since January 1, 1992, provided that the activity does not create or aggravate resource sustainability issues. New licenses will not be permitted in areas where a license for commercial bear management has not been issued since January 1, 1992. (OMNR, 2003)

New applications for commercial tourism outpost camps, main base lodges or associated facilities may be considered in the context of this management document and will be subject to a Test of Compatibility.

Industrial activities such as timber harvesting, mining, and new hydro generation will not be permitted within the boundaries of the conservation reserve as per Conservation Reserve Policy 3.03.05. The existing resource access roads and trails will be permitted to remain in use, however no new resource access roads will be permitted.

6.2.7 Recreational use

Currently, no recreational or interpretive facilities exist within the conservation reserve. Future recreational uses and facilities may be considered subject to a Test of Compatibility, however, no new private recreational camps will be permitted.

The use of ATVs and snowmobiles will be permitted to continue on existing trails. Use of motorized vehicles off trail is not permitted except for the sole purpose of retrieving game.

Any new trail development will be subject to a Test of Compatibility. Any new trail development which is determined to be a compatible use should avoid sensitive features including low-lying areas, wetlands, features within the esker-kame-kettle complex, and steep shorelines of any waterbodies.

6.2.8 Client services

Under the direction of the Area East Supervisor Chapleau District, staff will respond to requests for information on the site pertaining to regulated boundaries, natural heritage values, current access and infrastructure, permitted uses, or any additional information that is required.

A general fact sheet regarding the values of this site will be prepared and made available to the public at the Chapleau District Office.

6.3 Specific feature/area/zone

The primary value of this site is the combinations of old white birch, old cedar, jack pine and white spruce on lacustrine deposits, which are provincially significant. All attempts will be made to disturb this community as little as possible. In the event that a portion of the community has to be disturbed to allow for inventory, research, or any other proposed activity, a Test of Compatibility will be completed to determine if such an activity is acceptable.

In the future, if the representative features of the site are threatened by increased use, it may be necessary to regulate access or permitted uses in certain areas. In such a case, special management areas may be developed. These areas would facilitate permitted/restricted activities for the protection of specific values. The creation of these areas would require additional planning beyond this SCI, including public consultation and eventual plan amendment if approved.

6.4 Promote monitoring and research

Scientific research by qualified individuals, which contributes to the knowledge of natural and cultural heritage and to environmental and recreational management, will be encouraged. Research related to the study of natural processes will also be encouraged provided it does not harm the identified values of the conservation reserve.

This site should be considered as a potential monitoring and/or research site. The relatively easy access and undisturbed nature of the site could provide both MNR and associated partners with potential sampling or monitoring areas within the Eco-district. All research programs will require the approval of the Ministry of Natural Resources and will be subject to ministry policy and other legislation. Those interested in pursuing research within the conservation reserve must apply to the Area East Supervisor for approval. Applications to complete the research will follow guidelines as outlined in Procedural Guidelines C Research Activities in Conservation Reserves (Conservation Reserve Procedure PL 3.03.05) or equivalent direction formulated by the MNR Chapleau District Office. Approvals will meet all terms and conditions established by the MNR Chapleau District Office.

The ministry may approve on a case by case basis the removal of any natural or cultural specimen by a qualified researcher. All such materials removed remain the property of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Additional life and earth science requirements, as outlined in Section 4.4, will help to define additional values of the site and further refine management guidelines. As time and funding permits, the completion of more detailed inventories and studies will help to further define the role of this conservation reserve within the system of provincially protected areas.

6.5 Implementation and plan review strategies

Implementation of this SCI will primarily involve monitoring activities to ensure adherence to the management guidelines. Other activities will include funding future life and earth science inventories, preparing a fact sheet highlighting the important natural heritage values of the conservation reserve, and responding to inquiries about the site.

Implementation of the SCI and management of the conservation reserve are the responsibility of the Area East Supervisor. Partnerships may be pursued to address management needs. The Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve SCI will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. If changes in management direction are 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 East 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 (RMP) will be considered or, where a management plan is not considered necessary or feasible, a major amendment may be considered. Both options will involve public and First Nation consultation. Notification may additionally occur on the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry. The MNR Regional Director will approve any major amendments. This SCI and the Crown Land Use Atlas will be amended, as required, to reflect any changes in management direction.

6.6 Marketing strategies

The Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve will be promoted as a distinctive natural area having significant life science values. As previously mentioned, a fact sheet will be prepared to inform the public about these values, however at this time marketing efforts to increase use are not a priority and will be kept to a minimum.

7.0 References

Bostock, H.S. 1970. Physiographic subdivisions of Canada; in Geology and Economic Minerals of Canada, Geological Survey of Canada, Economic Geology Report no. 1:11-30.

Campbell, J. 2002. Recreation Inventory Report Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Chapleau District

Chapman, L.J. and M.K. Thomas. 1968. The Climate of Northern Ontario. Canadian Department of Transport, Meteorological Branch, Toronto. Climatological Studies Number 6. 58 pp.

Crins, W.J. and Peter W.C. Uhlig. 2000. Ecoregions of Ontario: Modifications to Angus Hills' Site Regions and Districts. Revisions and Rationale. 7 pp and map.

Finlayson, William. 2002. An Assessment of the Ivanhoe Lake Cemetery. This Land Archaeology Inc.

Hills, G.A. 1959. A ready reference to the description of the land of Ontario and its productivity: Division of Research Ontario Department of Lands and Forests. Maple, Ont. A-4.

Krisjansson, F.J. 2002, Memorandum (11 pages), Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve, OMNR

Noordhof, J., Thompson, J.E., King, L., Longyear, S., 2003. Draft Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve (C1558) Life Science Inventory Checklist Step 2; OMNR

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1983. Chapleau District Land Use Guidelines.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1993. Ontario’s Natural Heritage. Endangered Spaces Candidate Area Report.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1997. Conservation Reserve policy and procedure PL3.03.05. OMNR. 30 pp.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). 1997. Nature’s Best: Ontario’s Parks and Protected Areas, A Framework and Action Plan. Lands and Natural Heritage Branch, The Natural Heritage Section, Peterborough, Ontario.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1999. Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy. Queen’s Print for Ontario.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. September 2000. Policy Clarification for Conservation Reserves.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2002. Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve (C1558) Fact Sheet.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resource, June 25, 2003. Memo: Direction for Commercial Use Activities in Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves.

Poser, Scott. 1992. Report on the Status of Provincial Parks in the Site Regions and Districts of Ontario Draft Report.

Rowe, J.S. 1972. Forest Regions of Canada. 20 pp.

Schilf, Johanna and John E. Thompson. 2001. Planning Process for Conservation Reserves: Statements of Conservation Interest and Resource Management Plans, Northeastern Region Guidelines. OMNR.

8.0 Maps

Map 8.1: Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve location map

This is map 8.1: Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve location map

Enlarge map 8.1: Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve location map

Map 8.2: Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve values map

This is map 8.2: Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve values map

Enlarge map 8.2: Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve values map

Map 8.3: Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve vegetation map

This is map 8.3: Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve earth vegetation map

Enlarge map 8.3: Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve vegetation map

Map 8.4: Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve earth science map

This is map 8.4: Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve earth science map

Enlarge map 8.4: Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve earth science map

9.0 Appendices

Appendix 9.1: General description of region

Climate

Chapleau District is situated entirely within the Height of Land climatic region of Northern Ontario (Chapman and Thomas, 1968). The climate can be classified as continental, but is somewhat modified by elevation, and particularly in the southwestern part of the District, by the influence of Lake Superior. Most of the District’s precipitation comes in the summer and fall. The frost-free period for the town of Chapleau extends from mid-June to early September, while temperatures range from a January mean of 15.6° C to a July mean of 16.7° C.

Ecoregion and ecodistrict

The Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve is located in the Foleyet Ecodistrict (3E-5) which is located within the larger Lake Abitibi Eco-region (3E). This Eco-region is found to contain moderately to gently rolling bedrock, generally covered by deep deposits of clay, silt, and sand. The Eco-district mimics these characteristics on a smaller scale and is composed of gently rolling plains of thinly covered rock knobs, sandy outwash, and silty depressions.

Forest region

The Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve is found within the Missinabi- Cabonga Section of Rowe’s (1972) Boreal Forest Region. The Missinabi-Cabonga Section contains mixed forests of balsam fir, black spruce and white birch with scattered white spruce and trembling aspen. The presence of eastern red and white pine can be found on rocky shores and ridges, but only to a small degree due to past logging operations. Jack pine is situated along rivers and found in association with black spruce on poor rocky soils. Black spruce is also found in association with tamarack and white cedar in wet lowland areas.

Appendix 9.2: SCI Test of Compatibility

The screening process and associated criteria identified in Table 4.1 of the draft Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves give planning staff more direction than the Conservation Reserve (CR) 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 CR.

This section is taken from the SCI Test of Compatibility NER Guidelines in Planning Process for Conservation Reserves Statement of Conservation Interest (SCI) and Resources 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 recommended that the Screening Process identified in Section 4.2 of A Class EA for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Phase IIB:Draft Class EA (subject to approval by MOE) be used to screen projects and options.

    The Screening Criteria from the draft 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 (CR) 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 CR

    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 CR?
  • If so, how?
  • To what degree?
  • Is it tolerable?

The following information for each CR 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)
  • Future ongoing analysis on the site

Interpretation of background information and current inventory data

Background information files, summaries and other data can also help identify criteria that should be considered in MNR's applicable EA screening process. Criteria that are linked to habitat needs for specific life or earth science features are often first recorded 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 conservation reserve will be the earth, life and recreational check-sheets. These documents determine the current earth and life science values, their present state and their significance. The recreational check-sheets determine 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. There are five categories that are reflected within the screening criteria presented in the draft Class EA document or could be used to develop additional criteria. The five categories are listed below:

  • Representation
  • Condition
  • Diversity
  • Ecological Considerations
  • Special Features

Future ongoing analysis on the site

If during planning specific information is not available to complete impact assessment, this will be documented and the information will need to be acquired before further management decisions are made. 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.

Appendix 9.3: Permitted uses

Commercial uses

This is a table that indicates the commercial uses for Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve
Issue and Activity Permitted Explanation
Commercial fishing - new Maybe New operations can be considered subject to a test of compatibility
Commercial fishing - existing Yes Existing uses permitted to continue unless there are significant demonstrated conflicts
Commercial fishing - transfer Maybe Transfers will be considered within the context of the SCI, subject to a test of compatibility
Bait-fish harvesting - new Maybe New operations can be considered subject to a test of compatibility
Bait-fish harvesting - existing Yes Existing uses permitted to continue unless there are significant demonstrated conflicts
Bait-fish harvesting - transfer Maybe Requests for transfer will be dealt with on an on-going basis subject to a test of compatibility
Commercial bear hunting - new No New operations will not be permitted. New operations are defined as an activity that has not licensed or authorized since January 1, 1992.
Commercial bear hunting - existing Yes Existing operations will be permitted to continue indefinitely. Existing operations are defined as an activity that has been has been licensed or authorized at any time between January 1, 1992 and June 25, 2003.
Commercial bear hunting - transfer Maybe Requests for transfer will be dealt with on an on-going basis and not deferred until the completion of a SCI or RMP
Commercial fur trapping - new Maybe New operations may be considered subject to test of compatibility, including consideration for the associated trails that may be required
Commercial fur trapping - existing Yes Existing uses permitted to continue unless there are significant demonstrated conflicts
Commercial fur trapping - transfer Yes Requests for transfer will be dealt with on an on-going basis subject to a test of compatibility
Trapping cabins - new No Not permitted
Trapping cabins - existing Yes Existing use are permitted to continue, including repair and replacement, as long as the scale and function are not significantly altered. Relocation may be permitted if consisted with protection of natural heritage values.
Trapping cabins - transfer Yes Trapping cabins are included in the transfer of a commercial fur trapping licence
Outpost camps/tourism facilities - new Maybe New tourism facilities can be considered during planning
Outpost camps/tourism facilities - existing Yes Existing authorized tourism facilities can continue unless there are significant demonstrated conflicts. Tourism facilities can apply to upgrade tenure from LUP to lease. Applications will be subject to a test of compatibility.
Outpost camps/tourism facilities - transfer Maybe Requests for transfer will be dealt with on an on-going basis subject to a test of compatibility.
Wild rice harvesting - existing Yes Existing uses permitted to continue unless there are significant demonstrated conflicts
Wild rice harvesting - transfer Maybe Requests for transfer will be dealt with on an on-going basis subject to a test of compatibility
Food harvesting - new Maybe New operations can be considered subject to a test of compatibility
Food harvesting - existing Yes Existing uses permitted to continue
Food harvesting - transfer Maybe Requests for transfer will be dealt with on an on-going basis subject to a test of compatibility

Industrial activities

This is a table that indicates the industrial activities for Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve
Issue and Activity Permitted Explanation
Energy transmission corridors and communication corridors - existing Yes Permitted to continue
Energy transmission corridors and communication corridors - new No New corridors should be discouraged through planning however it is recognized that in some circumstances there will be no alternatives.
Commercial hydro power generation No Not permitted
Commercial timber harvest No Not permitted
Cutting of trees by leaseholders, cottagers, for fuel wood and other small-scale uses No The cutting of trees for non-commercial purposed is not permitted. Exceptions may be authorized by permit, subject to a review and determination of the impact that such cutting would have on natural heritage values. This flexibility is intend only for leaseholders, cottagers and other property owners who do not have road access to their property.
Timber salvage Maybe If provided for in an SCI or RMP, standing, fallen or sunken trees may be removed for resource management purposed.

Such trees may be marketed if economical

Forest renewal in recently harvested areas Yes Renewal can be conducted where it will be of net benefit to the protected area. Review and approval of the proposals must be completed by appropriate silvicultural and program staff responsible for the management of the protected area in order to determine what actions would best support he long- term ecological integrity of the area.
Extraction of peat, soil, and aggregate No Not permitted
Mining and Mineral Exploration No No new exploration on untenured land is permitted. All existing mining land tenure within the conservation reserve including mining claims, leases, licenses of occupation and patents, will remain protected under the Mining Act and will be treated as any other in the Province
Roads - existing Yes Existing authorized roads can continue to be used. With regards to resource access roads, where alternative access does not exist or road relocation is not feasible, road will continue to be available for access. Continued use includes maintenance and may include upgrading.
Roads - new Maybe New roads for resources extraction will not be permitted except for those identified in Forest Management Plans before March 31, 1999 and for which no viable alternative exists.
Private access roads - existing Yes The maintenance of existing roads will be permitted, however upgrading will not be permitted
Private access roads - new No Where there is no prior commitment, new private access roads will not be permitted. Where MNR made a commitment prior to March 29, 1999, to permit a private access road within a recommended protected area, the road proposal will be subject to completion of a public planning process.

Recreational activities

This is a table that indicates the recreational activities for Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve
Issue and Activity Permitted Explanation
Sport fishing Yes Existing and new uses permitted to continue
Sport Hunting Yes Existing and new uses permitted to continue
Motorized boating Yes Existing and new uses permitted to continue
Canoeing/Kayaking Yes Existing and new uses permitted to continue
Non-trail ATV use No Non-trail ATV use may be permitted for direct retrieval of game only
Recreation Trail - existing (motorized and non- motorized) Yes Existing authorized trails can continue unless there significant demonstrated conflicts
Recreation Trail - new (motorized and non- motorized) Maybe New trails can be considered through planning
Private recreation camps - new No Not permitted
Private recreation camps - existing Yes Existing authorized recreation camps permitted to continue and may be eligible for enhanced tenure but not for purchase of land (enhanced tenure being defined as anything beyond the term and form of current tenure). Enhanced tenure is not guaranteed and will be addressed through a screening process, such a test of compatibility.
Private recreation camps - transfer Maybe Requests for transfer will be dealt with on an on-going basis subject to a test of compatibility

Science, education and nature appreciation

This is a table that indicates the science, education and nature appreciation for Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve
Issue and Activity Permitted Explanation
Research Yes Any proposed research activity must be approved by the Area Supervisor.
General Walking Yes Existing and new uses permitted to continue
Photography and Painting Yes Existing and new uses permitted to continue
Wildlife Viewing Yes Existing and new uses permitted to continue
Outdoor Education/ Interpretation Yes Existing and new uses permitted to continue
Collecting No Collecting may only be permitted as part of an authorized research project. The issuance of permits will be considered on a per-site basis.

Other

This is a table that indicates other details for Ivanhoe River Clay Plain Conservation Reserve
Issue and Activity Permitted Explanation
Land Disposition - sale No Sale of land is not permitted with some types of minor exception (road allowances, installation of septic system, etc.) where it does not detrimentally affect the values an area is intended to protect