Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve Management Statement
This document provides policy direction for the protection, development and management of the Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve and its resources.
Statement of Conservation Interest
Ministry of Natural Resources
Parry Sound District
Prepared with the assistance of:
Meteek & Company
Huntsville, Ontario
March 2005
Approval statement
We are pleased to approve this Statement of Conservation Interest for Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve.
Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve, situated in Morrison Ward in the Town of Gravenhurst in the District Municipality of Muskoka, is located between Kahshe Lake to the south and Jevins, Silver and Sunny Lakes to the north. This 2144 hectare conservation reserve lies within Hills' ecological Site District 5E-8. It provides representation of red oak and white pine forests growing on thin soils in bedrock barrens. Most of this area is typical of southern Muskoka, with bedrock outcrops and bedrock barrens interspersed with wetland areas and treed uplands, although some areas of shallow soils support mixed forests, particularly in the Three Mile Lake area. The shallow, vegetation-rich Jevins Lake along with swamps and marshes bordering the lake is a provincially significant wetland. The conservation reserve provides habitat for well over 250 species (documented) of vascular plants, including three nationally and provincially rare species, as well as about a hundred species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects.
Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve is one of 378 new protected areas approved through Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy, aimed, in part, at completing Ontario’s system of parks and protected areas. This conservation reserve is situated close to the proposed Kahshe Lake Barrens Conservation Reserve (C38), located to the south, and Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park (P34), encompassing Crown lands to the southeast.
During the "Lands for Life" planning process, the public was widely consulted and provided valuable input into what became Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy. Additional public consultation related to Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve, occurred in November of 1999. Comments received during that time are reflected in this Statement of Conservation Interest. Stakeholders who provided comment during the earlier consultation for this site were subsequently consulted regarding the draft Statement of Conservation Interest and any comments were considered in the finalization of this document.
This document replaces the Statement of Conservation Interest that was approved in March 2001, to reflect one change in provincial direction (regarding mineral exploration) and to also improve the clarity as to MNR's intent for this site. This Statement of Conservation Interest provides guidance for the management of the conservation reserve and provides the basis for the ongoing monitoring of activities. More detailed direction is not anticipated at this time. Should significant facility development or other uses be considered or complex issues arise which require additional studies, more defined management direction, or special protection measures, then a detailed Resource Management Plan will be prepared with full public consultation.
Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve is managed under the direction of the District Manager and the Bracebridge Area Supervisor of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Parry Sound District.
Approved by:
R. Griffiths
District Manager
Parry Sound District
Approved by:
Ron Running
Regional Director
Southern Region
Figure 1 map: Location of Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve (C37)
Figure 2: Site Map – Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve (C37)
1.0 Introduction
Ontario’s Living Legacy, the result of an extensive planning process that began in early 1997, culminated in the approval in July 1999 of a Land Use Strategy that identifies the intended strategic direction for Crown land in central and northern Ontario, including the completion of Ontario’s system of parks and protected areas. This process, which included public consultation, resulted in the recommendation for regulation of 378 new protected areas, including Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve.
Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve is located between Kahshe Lake to the south and Jevins, Silver and Sunny Lakes to the north. It is located in Morrison Ward in the Town of Gravenhurst in the District Municipality of Muskoka (Figures 1 and 2). The conservation reserve consists entirely of Crown lands. It is mainly surrounded by private lands and there are pockets of private land which separate the various sections of the conservation reserve.
Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve contains all or portions of several lakes, including Cornall, Jevins, Little Sunny, Silver, Sunny and Three Mile Lakes. The private land portions of these lakes are well developed for seasonal residential use, and Crown land camping and canoeing are popular on the Crown land portions of these lakes. Highway 11 is situated to the west of the conservation reserve and Muskoka Road 6 (Doe Lake Road) is situated to the east and north (Figure 2).
The Muskoka Heritage Areas Program, a program of the District Municipality of Muskoka to identify natural heritage areas of significance, completed inventory work in the Three Mile Lake area in 1990, and around Jevins Lake in 1991. Both these areas were identified as Muskoka Heritage Areas, meaning that they met criteria as good examples of the District’s natural and cultural heritage (Reid and Bergsma 1994). In 1993 a wetland evaluation was completed for Jevins Lake, and because of its high point score and its significant features the wetland was determined to be provincially significant.
Conservation reserves are established by regulation under the Public Lands Act (O. Reg. 805/94). Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve was included with the first wave of the conservation reserves regulated by Ontario Regulation 461/00 under the Public Lands Act on August 10, 2000.
A Statement of Conservation Interest is prepared under the authority of Procedural Guideline A – Resource Management Planning (PL. Procedure 3.03.05). The purpose of this Statement of Conservation Interest is to identify and describe the values of Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve. The Statement of Conservation Interest also outlines the activities that occur within the conservation reserve and provides guidelines for the management of current and future activities in order to protect the natural and cultural values.
1.1 Background information
| Name | Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve |
|---|---|
| Site Region/District | Georgian Bay Site Region, Site District 5E-8 |
| OMNR Administrative Region/District/Area | Southern Region/ Parry Sound District/ Bracebridge Area |
| Total Area (ha.) | 2,144 hectares |
| Regulation Date | August 10, 2000 (O. Reg. 461/00) |
| First Nations | Robinson-Huron Treaty and Williams Treaty |
| OBM map sheets | 10 17 6300 49750, 10 17 6350 49750, 10 17 6300 49700, 10 17 6350 49700, 10 17 6300 49650 |
| Topographic Map | Gravenhurst 31 D/14 |
| UTM coordinates | 17T 635000 4972000 (centroid) |
1.2 Representation
Earth science representation:
Bedrock
- Grenville Province - Central Gneiss Belt
- Gull River Formation/ Fishog Domain - gneisses and migmatites of diverse origins
Surficial- glacial features, including:
- minor pockets of shallow glacial sediment
- bedrock erosional forms
- glaciolacustrine and glaciofluvial action
- bedrock barrens
Life science representation:
The following landform types and vegetation associations are found:
| Vlla – 2 | 1. Rock barrens: | Open barrens Treed barrens |
| Vlla – 7 | 1. Rock barrens: | Open barrens Treed barrens |
| Vlla – 7 | 2. Wetlands: | Shrub Swamps Marshes (sedge/grass, open water marshes) Poor fen peatlands |
| Vlla – 7 | 3. Upland forests: | Successional deciduous Mature mixed |
Other life science values include 5 rare plants (Bergsma, 1994) and a provincially significant wetland (Jevins Lake Wetland)
Cultural resources representation:
Neither detailed cultural research nor inventory has been carried out for this conservation reserve.
Recent regional evaluation (OMNR, 2003) shows that the lakes adjacent to this conservation reserve have a high potential for cultural heritage sites.
Recreational opportunities:
A recreational inventory was prepared for this site based on existing knowledge and data sources of MNR staff, and site visits (Gavel, 2003). The area accommodates big game hunting, snowmobiling, hiking, wildlife viewing, canoeing, snowshoeing, and limited cross-country skiing, back country camping, and blueberry picking. In addition, fishing for warm-water species occurs on the lakes within and adjacent to the conservation reserve. The Trans-Canada Trail crosses north/south through this conservation reserve’s eastern portions.
1.3 Survey work
| Survey Level | Earth Science | Life Science | Cultural | Recreational | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconnaissance | Noble, 1983; Bajc, 1993; Spek, 1994; Frey & Duba, 2000 | Brunton, 1993; OMNR, 1993; Reid/Bergsma, 1994; Cooper/McDonnell, 2002 | None | Gavel, 2003 | None |
| Detailed | None | None | None | None | Lake surveys for some lakes on file at MNR in Bracebridge. |
| Requirement | Possible additional mapping of Potholes | Monitor use and impacts | Reconnaissance inventory | Monitor use and impacts | None |
2.0 Values to be protected
The conservation reserve is located entirely within Hills' (1959) ecological Site District 5E-8. Values include earth science, life science and recreational/aesthetic with an emphasis on the life sciences. Recreational values enable the appreciation of the natural values by the local and visiting public.
2.1 Earth science
(Earth science information, unless otherwise noted, is taken from Duba & Frey, 2000)
Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve contributes to the conservation of the Grenville continental accretion theme outlined by Davidson (1981, p.107-111).
a) Bedrock:
The bedrock of Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve is within the Fishog Domain, Algonquin Terrane of the Central Gneiss Belt, in the western part of the Proterozoic Grenville Province.
The Fishog Domain consists of older tonalitic and metasedimentary gneisses of quartz-rich and calc-silicate composition. They are intruded by monzonitic plutons, cut locally by anorthosite sills. The youngest rock suites are migmatitic granodiorite and magnetite–bearing syenogranite plutons. The age of the Fishog Domain is inferred to be circa 1450 to 1320 million years, based on associated plutonic rocks dated throughout the Algonquin Terrane. Structurally the gneisses and migmatites form septa between elongated domes of the larger plutons. Near the eastern boundary of the domain, these structures are stretched parallel to the intensely deformed rocks of the Central Metasedimentary Belt Boundary Zone and develop a southeast- plunging lineation. The known metamorphic grade within the Fishog Domain is primarily upper amphibolite. The apparent absence of granulite grade metamorphism distinguishes the Fishog Domain from most of Algonquin Terrane. Its distinctive, strong magnetic signature and plutonic suite suggest that the Fishog Domain tectonic unit (terrane) may be allochthonous (i.e. found in a place other than where they and their constituents were formed) within the Central Gneiss Belt (Easton, 1992a & b)."
b) Surficial:
Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve is mostly contained within the biophysiographic unit of VIIa-7, which is weakly broken (area of gentle slopes, generally less than 5%) bare bedrock plain with organic deposits occupying depressions. A small portion is also included in biophysiographic unit V11a-2, which is weakly broken bedrock plain with pockets of sandy till, as described by Noble (1983). It is typical of the extensive tracts of bare bedrock that occurs in the Algonquin Region, especially along the Georgian Bay coastline. These areas are characterized by the absence of soil except for very shallow pockets of glacial till overburden or localized accumulations of organic soils in minor depressions and lineations in the bedrock.
Drainage is surficial and quite rapid. Extensive beaver activity has resulted in the ponding of water in some of these depressions. Drainage tends to follow the linear depressions between the parallel ridges that are oriented in a north-south fashion.
Potholes, a significant landform feature in Muskoka, are known to occur north of Jevins Lake (Bajc, 1993). The potholes near Jevins Lake are not within the conservation reserve but others, likely within the conservation reserve, are rumoured to occur in the vicinity of Silver Lake. Potholes are circular, bowl-shaped depressions carved into bedrock by eddies of water and sediment from melting glaciers. These potholes are 1 to 3 metres in diameter and from 0.5 to 5 metres in depth. Some inventory work to locate and map these potholes may be advisable.
Site conditions are extreme in bedrock dominated areas. This is due to the general lack of soil, large extremes between night and daytime temperatures and rapid surface run-off of precipitation. The vegetation that can grow here reflects these extreme conditions. Scraggly white pine and red oak are common with scattered deciduous shrub and herbaceous vegetation.
2.2 Life science
(Life science information, unless otherwise noted, is taken from Cooper & McDonnell, 2000,2002.)
The conservation reserve is located within Hills' (1959) ecological Site Districts 5E-8. Part of this site was selected as a candidate area for protection during the natural heritage gap analysis process associated with "Lands for Life", a precursor to Ontario’s Living Legacy. The purpose of the gap analysis was to identify different vegetation and landform combinations that were not presently included in protected areas. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology was used and applied to the following criteria:
- representation of landform-vegetation patterns
- diversity
- condition
- ecological considerations
- special features (Crins and Kor, 1998)
The site was also identified for protection based on the identification of several areas as Muskoka Heritage Areas.
Representation:
The conservation reserve is mostly dominated by landform type VIIa-7 (weakly broken bare bedrock plain with organic deposits occupying depressions). This landform is well-represented in protected areas in Site District 5E-8 since the Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park and all of Kahshe Lake Barrens Conservation Reserve encompass this landform unit as well. A small portion of this conservation reserve is dominated by landform type VIIa-2; this is the only location for this landform type in the Site District, adding significance to the representative values for the site.
Reid and Bergsma (1994) describe the variety of upland, wetland and shoreline community types that are supported in Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve as follows:
- White pine-red oak barrens, thinly scattered trees on open bedrock
- White pine on shallow soils
- White pine with white oak and/or red oak on shallow soils
- Red maple on sites with deeper soils in association with other tree species
- Mixed forests with white birch, sugar maple, white pine, American beech
- Sedge-grass meadows, often in abandoned beaver ponds on wet-mesic soils
- Deciduous shrubs (speckled alder-holly-winterberry) along shorelines or in moist sites with mineral soils
- Leatherleaf shrub bogs (poor fens) or organic soils in wetland areas
- Treed wetlands with black spruce and larch on deep organic soils
- Graminoid bogs (poor fens) dominated by sedges on organic mats
- Beaver ponds with floating and submerged aquatics
- Wetland areas dominated by Virginia chain fern
- Atlantic Coastal Plain assemblages along shorelines of Jevins and Three Mile Lakes.
A wetland evaluation of the Jevins Lake Wetland completed in 1993 includes a vegetation map and shows the presence of 3 wetland types, marsh (including open water marsh), swamp and poor fen. Part of the Jevins Lake provincially significant wetland lies within this site. A complete record of the vegetation communities and species found as well as details regarding the wetland evaluation are found on file at the Ministry of Natural Resources office in Bracebridge. Because of the high total point score as well as the significant features found, the wetland is provincially significant.
It is noted that two areas within this conservation reserve (Jevins Lake and Three Mile Lake areas) have been municipally identified as Muskoka Heritage Areas, based on their significant assemblages of vegetative species.
This conservation reserve is part of a discontinuous band of granite barrens extending from the Kaladar area in Eastern Ontario to Georgian Bay up to and including the French River. These granite barrens present a distinctive habitat type within Southern Ontario with unique environmental factors and specialized plants and animals. As they have limited occurrence in Southern Ontario, granite barrens warrant protection. (Catling, Brownell, 1999).
Condition:
The area’s significant size and quite undisturbed nature make this conservation reserve very important to the natural heritage system. Disturbances are limited to maintained snowmobile trails and Crown land camping, particularly around Three Mile Lake. Hiking and blueberry picking occur infrequently and results in some minor trampling as well as some littering.
Diversity:
The variety of treed and open barrens and wetland communities support a number of plants and animals, a few of which are known to be regionally or provincially rare. The Muskoka Heritage Areas Program found several hundred species of vascular plants in the vicinity of Jevins Lake and Three Mile Lake. The rest of the area has not been inventoried but it is reasonable to expect that the species range would be similar to that found in Kahshe Lake Barrens. In addition, there are a number of plant species (such as white oak, Quercus alba) and animal species (such as five-lined skinks, Eumeces fasciatus) that are found at the northern limits of their range and are therefore infrequently found in Muskoka.
The presence of Atlantic Coastal Plain species adds further to this diversity. Atlantic Coastal Plain species are native to the Atlantic coast from Cape Cod south to Florida and the Gulf Coast of Texas. In Canada there are two pockets of these species – one in central Ontario and the other in Nova Scotia (Keddy and Sharp, 1989). The Ontario populations are believed to have migrated up the Hudson River into the Great Lakes about 11,000 years ago during the time post-glacial Lake Algonquin covered the area east of Georgian Bay. Once new drainage outlets were opened, lake levels dropped and the shorelines receded to present day levels isolating these species on many of the lakes in Muskoka, Parry Sound and Haliburton. These populations are now disjunct by 500 to 1000 kilometres from their home ranges.
Coastal plain species favour wetland and shoreline habitats, which today are undergoing threats from shoreline development both here and in their main range. Therefore, it is important to protect these populations in Ontario and maintain the added diversity they provide in this landscape. Atlantic Coastal Plain species are known to occur along the shore of Jevins Lake. Of interest is a population of Arrow Arum (Peltandra virginica). It is provincially and nationally rare and this is the only known location of this plant in Muskoka (and likely the Site District).
Ecological considerations:
The large size of this area in close proximity to southern Ontario and its close linkage to other protected areas are important. Kahshe Lake Barrens Conservation Reserve to the south, and the Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park (a large 33,505 hectare natural environment park immediately to the east of Kahshe Lake Barrens Conservation Reserve), are in close proximity to Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve.
Special features:
Several species of plants and animals have been identified with varying significance at the local, regional, provincial or national level:
- Flora: Included in the long list of documented vascular plants are species designated as nationally, provincially or regionally rare; the nationally or provincially rare species are listed below with Atlantic Coastal Plain species in bold text:
- Hair rush (Bulbostylis capillaris), Arrow arum (Peltandra virginica), Pennsylvania smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum), Storrey’s Manna (Puccinellia fernaldii), Overlooked dropseed (Sporobolus neglectus), Yellow-eyed grass (Xyris difformis).
- Fauna: A complete inventory of fauna has not been done, although there is information on the plant and animal species found at Jevins Lake and southern Three Mile Lake (Reid and Bergsma, 1994; OMNR 1993). In addition, the area supports good populations of five-lined skinks (Eumeces fasciatus), Ontario’s only lizard. Lake surveys have been completed for some lakes within this conservation reserve. A small deer wintering area occurs within the site, on the east side of Three Mile Lake.
In summary, although landform and vegetation assemblages are well protected in the Site District as well as in Ontario, the area’s strategic location close to populated southern Ontario as well as its special features, including the provincially significant wetland, make this area significant within the natural heritage areas system.
2.3 Cultural values
While no specific cultural studies or inventories have been undertaken within the conservation reserve, and no major cultural resource values have been evaluated or identified to date, recent regional evaluation (OMNR, 2003) provides generalized broad-brush mapping which shows that this conservation reserve includes areas that may have a high potential for cultural heritage sites.
2.4 Recreational/aesthetic values
(Unless otherwise noted, recreation information is from Gavel, 2003)
The distinctive 'barrens' appearance of this landscape, characterized by long, narrow lake and pond-filled depressions and linear bedrock ridges creates an area of high aesthetic value. The site is generally recognized as providing wilderness-type recreation opportunities. It accommodates big game hunting, hiking, sport fishing, Crown land camping and snowmobiling. There is also some local use for snowshoeing, limited cross-country skiing, back country camping, and blueberry picking.
The conservation reserve is a long-standing traditional local hunting area for moose, deer and black bear. There is one Crown land recreation camp in the conservation reserve, authorized through a Land Use Permit. It is located at the southern end of Sunny Lake.
The main lakes of this conservation reserve (Three Mile, Cornall, Jevins, Silver and Sunny) all contain warm- water sport fish species, and are used locally for angling. Three Mile Lake is noted for its muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) fishing.
These lakes are also suitable for canoeing, and experience a moderate level of canoe travel. There are several well-used Crown land camping sites scattered throughout the conservation reserve, especially on the east shore and two islands of Three Mile Lake. The camp sites show evidence of heavy use, including trampling, tree cutting and littering.
There is a snowmobile trail which crosses through the conservation reserve from Sam Cook Road to Doe Lake Road. It is maintained as an Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club (OFSC) trail by the Snow Crest Riders snowmobile club. This follows the same corridor as the Trans-Canada Trail, traversing the eastern part of this conservation reserve. It allows snowmobiling and hiking. All-terrain vehicles are currently restricted from using the Trans-Canada Trail and snowmobile trail, and this restriction will continue.
The site is used locally for hiking and blueberry picking.
The distance of this conservation reserve from urban areas has resulted in a relatively pristine night sky, which enhances the sense of remoteness and wilderness of this site. Pristine night skies are considered a significant value, given the increasingly limited areas of southern and central Ontario that are not heavily affected by light pollution.
3.0 Management guidelines
MNR's Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves came into effect on January 10, 2005. All new MNR projects in conservation reserves, and any new approvals or permits issued, must meet the legal requirements of this Class Environmental Assessment, and any relevant amendments.
3.1 Land tenure
Background:
Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve consists entirely of Crown lands within the Town of Gravenhurst, in Morrison Ward. Private lands about the conservation reserve in each direction.
Unopened road allowances within the conservation reserve are in municipal ownership and therefore not part of the conservation reserve. A Trans-Canada Pipeline and Bell Canada easement crosses the conservation reserve to the east and south of Jevins Lake. This easement is excluded from the conservation reserve.
There are no registered traplines within the reserve. The eastern half of the conservation reserve forms a portion of a large Bear Management Area (BR-53-02). The conservation reserve lies within two commercial Bait Fish Blocks, the majority in PS250, and a small northerly portion in PS239.
A portion of the Trans-Canada Trail crosses the east side of the conservation reserve, from south to north. There are portions of two authorized snowmobile trails, within the conservation reserve. One follows the Trans-Canada Trail corridor, and the other crosses the conservation reserve from east to west.
There is one Crown land recreation camp authorized by Land Use Permit on the south end of Sunny Lake.
Guideline:
The sale of Crown lands within the conservation reserve is not permitted. Exceptions will only be considered under unusual circumstances, such as where a pre-existing, adjacent, privately owned parcel has inadequate area for the installation of a septic system.
New private access or resource access roads, and additions to or upgrading of existing roads are not permitted, including roads intended for seasonal use.
The Trans-Canada Pipeline and Bell Canada easement are recognized as accepted existing uses. Changes to these corridors where they crosses the conservation reserve must meet the requirements of Procedural Guideline B – Land Uses – Test of Compatibility (see Appendix 1) and any Environmental Assessment Act requirements.
While not within a registered trapline area, local trapping may be authorized within this site through resident trapping licences. The Bear Management Area will continue to be authorized for the east half of the conservation reserve. Commercial bear hunting services are not allowed in the west half of this conservation reserve, and this area cannot be incorporated into any future Bear Management Area. The Bait Fish Blocks are permitted to continue.
The existing recreation camp within the conservation reserve is permitted to continue. It may be eligible for "enhanced" tenure, but is not eligible for purchase of land (See Appendix 4). Where authorized in writing, the Ministry of Natural Resources would consider permitting transfer of ownership, or alterations to authorized recreation camps, so long as there are no negative impacts on the values of the conservation reserve.
New recreation camps are not permitted.
The Trans-Canada Trail, and the snowmobile trail that follows the same corridor are authorized to continue, subject to monitoring, as discussed in Section 3.3. The east/west snowmobile trail is no longer authorized, and will be allowed to recover naturally.
Commercial timber harvesting is not allowed within conservation reserves. However, there are limited situations in which abutting land owners can harvest firewood for use on their adjacent property. Specifically, property owners and those with Crown land tenure who have no road access to their properties can apply for permits to cut limited amounts of firewood in the conservation reserve for their own use. This situation would apply only to the authorized recreation camp and water access cottages/camps on Silver Lake and Three Mile Lake that are adjacent to conservation reserve boundaries.
3.2 Development
Background:
Currently access appears to take place from the road accessing Three Mile Lake (Sam Cook Road) as well as from some cottage roads accessing Sunny Lake and Silver Lake from the north. Old Muskoka Road borders the conservation reserve along a portion of its west boundary. In addition, the Trans-Canada Trail crosses the east side of the conservation reserve, from south to north. This is also the corridor for a major Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs snowmobile trail.
There are some well-used Crown land camping sites on Three Mile Lake. This has created a garbage problem, particularly at the parking area outside of the conservation reserve, at the south end of Three Mile Lake.
In the fall of 1999, MNR was approached by the local snowmobile club and the Town of Gravenhurst with a proposal to construct a portion of the Trans Canada Trail through Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve. There were ongoing discussions with the proponents and other interest groups, including the Partnership for Public Lands and a local cottagers association, to resolve issues with respect to this trail. The resulting trail is intended to be used for snowmobiling and hiking but not for all-terrain vehicle use because of concerns relating to the environmental damage they cause, particularly in areas of thin soils such as exist in Jevins and Silver Lake.
Guideline:
New private access or resource access roads, and additions to or upgrading of existing roads are not permitted, including roads intended for seasonal use.
Monitoring of Crown land camping and particularly of the garbage problem will continue to occur. Partners will be sought to help address development issues including garbage collection. In addition, MNR enforcement staff will continue to enforce regulations related to inappropriate disposal of garbage on Crown land. Monitoring of snowmobile and Trans-Canada Trail use will evaluate the effectiveness of all-terrain vehicle controls as well as any other problems that may occur such as inappropriate uses.
Where a work permit from MNR would be required to build a dock or other shoreline structure within the Jevins Lake provincially significant wetland, MNR will not authorize such structures unless it has been demonstrated that they would not have a negative impact on the natural features or ecological functions of the wetland.
Unauthorized works within the conservation reserve will be handled in accordance with the Public Lands Act, and any required removal of these works will be at the expense of those responsible.
New recreational trails may be considered on a case by case basis, as is discussed in more detail in Section 3.3 "Recreational Activities". New recreational trails for motorized vehicles are discouraged and will only be considered under exceptional circumstances if the criteria identified in Section 3.3 have been demonstrated.
No mineral exploration is permitted within this conservation reserve. This policy direction is based on a commitment made by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines in March, 2002. This direction replaces that identified in the 1999 Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (OMNR, 1999), which stated that controlled mineral exploration would be permitted in new conservation reserves which were identified as having provincially significant mineral potential.
Any new development must meet MNR's commitments to protect cultural heritage values (see Section 3.7).
While there is no intent at present to provide or permit any new development in this conservation reserve that would require lighting, should this be considered at some point in the future the MNR will not allow unnecessary, undirected light pollution. This commitment recognizes the wilderness and biological values provided by a pristine night sky.
3.3 Recreational Activities
Background:
Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve is generally recognized as providing wilderness-type recreation opportunities. It accommodates big game hunting, hiking, sports fishing, Crown land camping and snowmobiling. There is also some local use for snowshoeing, limited cross-country skiing, back country camping, and blueberry picking.
Hunting is a traditional activity within this conservation reserve. It focuses on large game species, namely moose, white-tailed deer, and black bear. There is one authorized Crown land recreation camp within the conservation reserve.
The lakes of this conservation reserve offer good angling opportunities, particularly for warm-water species. Three Mile Lake is fished for muskellunge, pike and smallmouth bass. Sunny Lake contains smallmouth bass, pike and yellow perch. Jevins Lake is reported as a good smallmouth bass fishery, and Cornall Lake has a history of good largemouth bass fishing (Gavel, 2003).
These lakes are also suitable for canoeing, and experience a moderate level of canoe travel. There are several well-used Crown land camping sites scattered throughout the conservation reserve, especially on the east shore and two islands of Three Mile Lake. The sites show evidence of heavy use, including trampling, tree cutting and littering. This has been of concern to both recreationists and local land owners and cottagers. Access to these lakes is from locations outside of the conservation reserve, and there has been some concern expressed about parking and garbage issues at such sites.
Guideline:
The current range of recreational activities will continue to be permitted. New activities will be considered on a case by case basis provided they are consistent with maintaining the natural values of the reserve and comply with Procedural Guideline B - Test of Compatibility (Appendix 1). Emphasis will be placed on activities that have a low impact on the environment of the conservation reserve.
Canoe tripping, shore access, camping, and picnicking are permitted uses of the conservation reserve. These uses will be monitored. Portages and camping areas will be monitored to determine an appropriate level of use and maintenance. Cooperative maintenance of portages, campsites and provision of thunder boxes will be encouraged through volunteer efforts. Overuse of the campsites and the subsequent potential to damage of the significant natural environments is a concern, and consideration may be given to establishing number limitations on this type of use. Where overuse develops, or where these uses threaten the values for which this conservation reserve was established, specific uses or areas might be limited, or closed.
Under current policies, non-commercial boat caching is a free use of public land, and can continue. This use will be monitored to ensure that conservation reserve values are not being adversely impacted.
The use of pre-existing recreational trails (trails that existed at the time of regulation of this conservation reserve), and any increase in use of snowmobiles or all-terrain vehicles will be monitored to ensure that conservation reserve values are not being adversely impacted. Depending on the results of monitoring, pre-existing trails may need to be redirected from sensitive areas or eliminated completely. There is no intent to mark or upgrade these trails.
New recreational trails may be considered on a case by case basis provided that they meet Procedural Guideline B – Land Uses – Test of Compatibility (see Appendix 1) and the MNR's Environmental Assessment Act requirements. Public consultation will generally be required during the consideration of changes to existing trails, and will always be required for new trails. New recreational trails will not be permitted in or within 120 metres of the provincially significant wetland unless it has been demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts on the natural features or the ecological functions of the wetland(s). Any new trails must meet MNR's commitments to protect cultural heritage values (see Section 3.7).
New recreational trails for snowmobiles will not be permitted within the boundaries of the provincially significant wetland. In areas outside the provincially significant wetland, new trails or upgrading of existing trails for snowmobiles are discouraged and will only be considered under exceptional circumstances if the following have been demonstrated:
- the trail will be designed to prevent use by all-terrain vehicles
- there is a community need for the trail, as well as community support
- there are no alternative suitable locations outside the conservation reserve
- the trail would meet the requirements applicable to all trails, as identified in the preceding paragraph
New recreational trails for all-terrain vehicles will not be permitted.
The east/west snowmobile trail will be allowed to regenerate naturally on completion of the north/south Trans-Canada Trail.
Off-trail use of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles is not permitted, except for the direct retrieval of game.
Additional new recreational activities will be considered on a case by case basis provided they are consistent with maintaining the values of the conservation reserve and comply with Procedural Guideline B – Land Uses – Test of Compatibility (Appendix 1). Emphasis will be placed on activities that have a low impact on the environment of the conservation reserve.
Monitoring of existing and permitted activities will be undertaken as required to ensure that the conservation reserve values are not being adversely impacted.
3.4 Commercial activities
Background:
There has been no recent commercial forest harvesting or mining activity within the conservation reserve.
The guiding of non-resident bear hunters is authorized through the Bear Management Area that covers the east half of this site. Bait fish harvesting is authorized through Bait Fish Block licences within the conservation reserve. These activities were discussed in Section 3.1 Tenure – Background.
Guideline:
New registered traplines may be considered for Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve. However, new trapline cabins are not permitted within conservation reserves.
The Bear Management Area will continue to be authorized for the east half of the conservation reserve. Commercial bear hunting services are not allowed in the west half of this conservation reserve; this area cannot be incorporated into any future Bear Management Area. The Bait Fish Blocks are permitted to continue.
While non-commercial boat caching is a free use of public land under current policies, and can continue, boat caches for commercial activity are not allowed without specific authorization from the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Conservation reserve regulations do not permit mineral exploration, mining, commercial forest harvesting, hydroelectric power development, the extraction of aggregate and peat or other industrial uses ( Public Lands Act, Ontario Regulation 805/94). Other new commercial activities must meet the requirements of Procedural Guideline B – Land Uses – Test of Compatibility (see Appendix 1).
Food gathering (such as blueberry picking) is permitted for personal consumption only and must be conducted in a sustainable manner, and such that it does not harm the values of the conservation reserve.
3.5 Aboriginal interests
Background:
This site is known to be of interest to First Nation communities. There are 2 treaties associated with the area: the Robinson – Huron Treaty of 1850 and the Williams Treaty, (although a Supreme Court decision in 1994 (Howard) validated that the Williams Treaty surrendered hunting, fishing and trapping rights of those First Nations affiliated with that treaty).
Guideline:
The regulation and management of this conservation reserve will not impede the exercise of existing aboriginal or treaty rights. These rights include hunting, fishing, fur harvesting, gathering of plants for a variety of purposes, and the use of ceremonial sites. It is recognized that the manner in which these rights are carried out is not limited to the manner in which they were carried out in the past, but has evolved over time with changes in technology.
The designation of this area as a conservation reserve or the preparation of this Statement of Conservation Interest will not affect any future First Nation land claim settlement. The conservation reserve designation does not preclude consideration of these lands in the settlement of a claim. If deregulation of part or all of a conservation reserve occurs as part of the settlement of a claim, this will be carried out at no cost to First Nations.
3.6 Natural resource stewardship
3.6.1 General
Background:
Vegetation management for specific purposes is not known to have occurred in the past. Wildlife management and fisheries management have been occurring according to the prevailing policies and legislation.
It is noted that two areas within this conservation reserve (Jevins Lake and Three Mile Lake areas) have been municipally identified as Muskoka Heritage Areas, based on their significant assemblages of vegetative species. Part of the Jevins Lake provincially significant wetland lies within this site.
Management and protection emphasis will be on ensuring that the natural values of the conservation reserve are not negatively affected by current and future activities. Therefore, applications for new specific uses will be carefully studied and reviewed. Necessary studies may be undertaken by proponents, the Ministry, and/or partner organizations.
Guideline – general:
The conservation reserve will be managed by allowing natural ecosystems and processes to function as they would with minimal human interference. Natural values that require particular consideration before any future uses can be approved include vegetation and wildlife (particularly rare species), fisheries habitat and landforms.
The emphasis will be on ensuring that the natural values of the conservation reserve are not negatively affected by current and future activities. Therefore, applications for new specific uses will be carefully studied and reviewed. Necessary studies may be undertaken by proponents, the Ministry, and/or partner organizations.
3.6.2 Vegetation
Background:
Some vegetation community associations may require controlled burns to regenerate them. In general, however, forest fire protection will be carried out as on surrounding lands. This area is classified as an intensive fire management zone where the objectives are to minimize hectares burned, values destroyed and to extinguish fires as soon as possible.
Guideline:
The intent of this site is to allow the existing vegetation communities to evolve naturally.
The OMNR recognizes fire as an essential process fundamental to the ecological integrity of this conservation reserve. In accordance with existing conservation reserve policy and the Fire Management Strategy for Ontario, forest fire protection will endeavour to use "light on the land" techniques, which do not unduly disturb the landscape, in this conservation reserve. Examples of light on the land techniques may include limiting the use of heavy equipment, and limiting the number of trees felled during fire response efforts. Input from the local MNR Area Supervisor would be solicited if a forest fire threatens the area. Opportunities for prescribed burning to achieve resource management objectives may be considered. Plans for any prescribed burning will be developed in accordance with the OMNR Prescribed Burn Planning Manual.
Programs may be developed to control forest insects and diseases in the conservation reserve where these threaten significant values in or adjacent to the site. Where insects or disease threaten significant values, in or adjacent to the site, and MNR determines that control is warranted, control within the conservation reserve will be directed by the MNR as narrowly as possible to the specific insect or disease. Biological control will be used wherever possible. In all cases, regard shall be had for Procedural Guideline B – Land Uses – Test of Compatibility (see Appendix 1).
3.6.3 Fish and wildlife
Background:
The conservation reserve is part of Wildlife Management Unit 53/53A, which allows a regular gun hunt for deer, moose and bear as well as early and late archery seasons for deer. A small deer wintering area exists on the east side of Three Mile Lake. Small game hunting occurs in the area. The conservation reserve is contained within Fishing Division 15 which includes open seasons for most sports fish species.
Guideline:
The relevant Ontario hunting and fishing regulations will guide these activities within Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve. Bait fish harvesting will be managed through the maintenance of the current licencing system.
3.7 Cultural resource stewardship
Background:
No specific cultural studies or inventories have been undertaken within the conservation reserve, and no major cultural resource values have been evaluated or identified to date. Recent regional evaluation (OMNR, 2003) provides generalized broad-brush mapping which shows that this conservation reserve includes areas that have a high potential for cultural heritage sites.
Guideline:
Should the MNR consider either carrying out or permitting new structural development, significant clearing of vegetation or altering of land within this conservation reserve, the MNR will adhere to the cultural heritage resource screening process as is identified in its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Culture. While the purpose of this MOU is to provide a process to identify and protect cultural heritage resources when the MNR is reviewing work permits or disposing of Crown rights under the authority of the Public Lands Act, the considerations and criteria would also enable the MNR to identify high potential cultural heritage areas for other purposes within conservation reserves. If the screening process indicates that the site of a proposed activity is within an area of high cultural heritage potential, the MNR will consult with the Ministry Of Culture to determine the appropriate cultural heritage assessment requirements and will undertake a preliminary archaeological assessment if appropriate.
Interested partners will be encouraged to undertake inventories, studies, and research to document the histories of First Nations, settlement, resource harvest/management and recreation in the area. The MNR will discuss the appropriateness of any proposed archaeological assessment with local First Nations and the Ministry of Culture.
Under the Ontario Heritage Act, a licence is required to carry out any archaeological fieldwork. This includes altering or removing any artefact or any other physical evidence of past human activity.
3.8 Client services
Background:
Access to the conservation reserve has generally been confined to traditional uses for the current commercial and recreational activities. There are no Crown facilities or services developed on or adjacent to the conservation reserve. The information fact sheet for this conservation reserve is currently available to the public through the Parry Sound District Office, the Bracebridge Area Office or via MNR's Internet site, /ministry-natural-resources-and-forestry. Information about the values of this conservation reserve is available at the Parry Sound District Office and the Bracebridge Area Office.
Guideline:
The focus will remain on low key information and self-interpretation of conservation reserve values and features. Consideration will be given to the preparation of an information brochure (with map) to highlight the features for which the area was identified and appropriate uses to ensure the protection of those features.
Consideration will be given to the strategic location of identity signs where the Trans-Canada Trail and OFSC snowmobile trail cross the boundaries of the conservation reserve, and identifying portions of shoreline within the conservation reserve along key travel and access routes. There are no other plans for structural development within this conservation reserve.
3.9 Research
Background:
Research to date has included inventory/reconnaissance level work done by the District Municipality of Muskoka (Muskoka Heritage Areas Program) and the Ministry of Natural Resources (wetland evaluation, 1993), as well as a number of reconnaissance surveys to document earth science, life science and recreation values.
Guideline:
The ministry will encourage further inventory and documentation of natural and cultural values, and the assessment of use/activity impacts on flora and fauna species and habitat. All research will be carried out in a non-destructive manner. Research proposals must follow Procedural Guideline C – Research Activities in Conservation Reserves (Appendix 3).
3.10 Marketing
Background:
There has been no marketing of this conservation reserve to date. Promotion and information about this site has been primarily through the Ontario’s Living Legacy planning process and recent MNR Parry Sound District public consultation regarding the boundaries of this site.
Guideline:
Marketing activities of this conservation reserve will be kept to a minimum. The future may see a shift to providing information on the place of the conservation reserve within a system of natural areas in Muskoka and beyond. Partner organizations like the Muskoka Heritage Foundation will be encouraged to assist in the preparation of such interpretive material. Care will have to be taken to ensure that existing infrastructure can accommodate the uses that evolve from such initiatives.
4.0 Implementation
Administrative responsibility for this conservation reserve belongs to the Bracebridge Area Office of the Parry Sound District of the Ministry of Natural Resources. The Area Office will continue with the custodial care of the conservation reserve and will also seek partnerships with local interests, wherever appropriate. Emphasis will be placed on awareness information highlighting conservation reserve values, and monitoring and managing the current approved uses.
Initial emphasis will be placed on awareness information and the highlighting of appropriate uses. This may be undertaken with the assistance of local groups. MNR will continue to encourage appropriate education and stewardship activities of the Town of Gravenhurst as well as other potential partners such as the Muskoka Heritage Foundation.
Priorities will include:
- Ensure compliance to prescribed management direction of the approved Statement of Conservation Interest
- Ensure compliance with applicable legislation and regulations
- Monitor trail use and access to Trans Canada Trail; monitor site damage that may occur due to inappropriate use
- Encourage shared stewardship of conservation reserve values by encouraging the establishment of a 'Friends of Jevins and Silver Lake' partnership
- Monitor the recreation use of the conservation reserve to identify problems associated with access, maintenance of trails and portages, litter and human waste, and encourage cooperative maintenance of trails, portages, campsites and provision of thunder boxes, and the provision of off-site parking and access facilities, through volunteer efforts
- Rationalize other access locations to the conservation reserve
- Encourage further inventory of the cultural history and resources of the conservation reserve. Support initiatives and the cooperative educational and stewardship activities that could be undertaken
- Monitor and evaluate existing and allowed recreational and commercial use levels and impacts as required to ensure that conservation reserve values are not being adversely impacted
- Encourage further inventory and research of the significant life science resources of the conservation reserve
- Encourage further inventory and research of any pot-holes that are located within the conservation reserve
- Support cooperative ongoing education of resource users with respect to resource and land stewardship values, in order to maintain the ecological integrity of the site and to provide long term recreational opportunities
- Provide client services (e.g. brochure or fact sheet) at MNR offices in Parry Sound and Bracebridge
5.0 Review and revision of the Statement of Conservation Interest
This Statement of Conservation Interest will be amended through a standard process of minor and major amendments. Minor amendments will be processed in a relatively informal manner and will require the approval of the Area Supervisor. These amendments will deal with uses and activities that do not affect any of the policies in this Statement of Conservation Interest (e.g. new uses and/or activities that are consistent with existing permitted uses).
Uses and/or activities that were not anticipated in the approved Statement of Conservation Interest and which may have an impact on the values of the conservation reserve will require a major amendment. This will include an opportunity for public comment and input, and will require the approval of the District Manager and Regional Director.
6.0 References
Bajc, A. F. 1993. Quaternary Geology Component – Muskoka Heritage Areas Program, Sudbury: Ontario Geological Survey.
Brunton, D. F. 1993. Life Science Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest in Site District 5E-8. Huntsville: OMNR, Algonquin Region.
Catling, P. M. and Brownell, V. R. 1999. The flora and ecology of Southern Ontario Granite Barrens: in "Savannas, Barrens, and Rock Outcrop Plant Communities of North America" ed. R. C. Anderson, J. S. Fralish, J. Baskin, Cambridge University Press.
Cooper, W. and McDonnell, J. 2002. Life Science Checksheet for Jevins and Silver Lake (C37) Conservation Reserve. OMNR, Bracebridge Area Office, Parry Sound District.
Crins, W. J. and Kor, P. S. G. 1998. Natural Heritage Gap Analysis Methodologies Used by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Unpublished Paper. Peterborough: OMNR
Davidson, R. J. 1981. A Framework for the Conservation of Ontario’s Earth Science Features. Toronto: Division of Parks, OMNR.
Duba, D. and Frey, E. D. December 2000. C38 Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve. Earth Science report, unpublished.
Easton, R. M. 1992. The Grenville Province and the Proterozoic history of central and southern Ontario, in Geology of Ontario, Ontario Geological Survey, Special Volume 4, Part 2, p. 714 – 904. Toronto: Queen’s Printer.
Gavel, P. 2003. Recreation Resource Inventory Report: Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve (C37).
Hills, G.A. 1959. A ready reference to the description of the land of Ontario and its productivity. Ont. Dept. of Lands and Forests, Division of Research, Maple, Ontario.
Keddy, K. J. and Sharp, M. J. 1989. Atlantic Coastal Plain Flora Conservation in Ontario. Toronto: Natural Heritage League and World Wildlife Fund Canada.
Ministry of Natural Resources. 1993. Wetland evaluation files for Jevins Lake Provincially Significant Wetland. Bracebridge Area Office.
Noble, T. W. 1983. Biophysiographic Analysis, Site Region 5E, Algonquin Region, Ministry of Natural Resources.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1983. District Land Use Guidelines: Bracebridge District.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.1993. Ontario Wetland Evaluation System: Northern Manual.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.1999. Ontario’s Living Legacy: Proposed Land Use Strategy. Peterborough: Queen’s printer for Ontario.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.2003. Cultural Heritage Registered Site Reserves and Areas of High Potential, Parry Sound District, Scale 1:150,000.
Reid, R. and Bergsma, B. 1994. Natural History Evaluation of Muskoka - Final Report of the Muskoka Heritage Areas Program, Bracebridge: District of Muskoka.
Spek, C. M. 1994. An Evaluation of the Earth Science Significance of the Muskoka Post-Glacial Provincial Park Proposal Area. Huntsville, OMNR.
Appendices
Appendix 1 Procedural Guideline B – Land Uses – Test of Compatibility (PL Procedure 3.03.05)
The conservation reserve policy provides broad direction with regard to the permitted uses. The policy provides only an indication of the variety of uses that will be considered acceptable in conservation reserves. The only caution is that "any new uses, and commercial activities associated with them, will be considered on a case by case basis, and, they must pass a test of compatibility to be acceptable."
What does a 'test of compatibility' mean?
An examination of this must start from the premise of why an area is set aside – specifically, its representative natural heritage values. Criteria are then identified to guide compatibility considerations. These criteria apply to the long-term acceptability of both existing uses and new uses.
-
Conformity to SCI/RMP: SCI describe values for which an area has been set aside and the range of appropriate uses that will be permitted in the area. SCI may also speak to the acceptability of other 'new' uses currently not occurring in the area.
The first 'test' is: "do proposed new land uses and/or commercial activities conform to the direction of the SCI/RMP for the conservation reserve? Would the new use(s) depart from the spirit of appropriate indicator land uses in the SCI/RMP?"
- Impact Assessment: If the proposed use(s) pass test 1 it is important to determine their impact on the area before they are approved. This should include the following:
- Impact on natural heritage values: "will the new use(s) impact any natural values in the area? If so how and to what degree? Is it tolerable?"
- Impact on cultural values: "will the new use(s) impact an historical or archaeological values in the area?"
- Impact on research activities: "will the new use(s) affect research activities in the area?"
- Impact on current uses: "will the new use(s) have any negative impact on the array of current uses?"
- Impact on area administration: "will the new use(s) increase administrative costs and/or complexity?" (For example, the cost of area monitoring, security and enforcement).
- Impact on accommodating the use outside the conservation reserve: "Could the use(s) be accommodated as well or better outside the conservation reserve?"
- Impact on socio-economics of the area: "will the new use(s) affect the community(ies) surrounding the area in a positive or negative way?" (For example, will the new use make an area less remote thereby affecting a local tourism industry that is dependent on the area’s remoteness for its appeal?"
- Impact on area accessibility: "does the new use(s) give someone exclusive rights to the area or a portion of the area to the exclusion of other existing uses?"
The following table (Appendix 2) provides a guide of indicator uses for the consideration of uses that may be permitted within conservation reserves. For any specific conservation reserve that test of compatibility should be applied to determine which specific uses are acceptable.
Appendix 2: Indicator uses for conservation reserves: generic and specific
Recreation
| Activities | Generic Policy Permitted? Existing | Generic Policy Permitted? New | Specific Application in Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve (C37) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport fishing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sport hunting | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Food gathering | Yes | Yes | YesA |
| Facility infrastructure | Maybe | Maybe | Maybe |
| Off-trail snowmobiling | No1 | No1 | No1 |
| Off-trail all-terrain vehicle use | No1 | No1 | No1 |
| Rock climbing/caving | Maybe | Maybe | Not applicable |
| Canoeing/kayaking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Motorized boating | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Picnicking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Camping | Maybe | Maybe | Yes |
| Trails: Hiking | Yes | Maybe | MaybeB |
| Trails: Cross country skiiing | Yes | Maybe | MaybeB |
| Trails: Cycling | Yes | Maybe | MaybeB |
| Trails: Horse riding | Yes | Maybe | MaybeB |
| Trails: Snowmobiling | Yes | Maybe | MaybeB |
| Trails: All-Terrain Vehicles | Yes | Maybe | MaybeB |
Science, education & heritage appreciation
| Activities | Generic Policy Permitted? Existing | Generic Policy Permitted? New | Specific Application in Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve (C37) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| General walking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Photography & painting | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wildlife viewing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Outdoor education/interpretation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Collecting | Yes | Maybe2 | Maybe2 |
Commercial activities
| Activities | Generic Policy Permitted? Existing | Generic Policy Permitted? New | Specific Application in Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve (C37) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food harvesting | Maybe | Maybe | No |
| Fishing | Maybe | Maybe | No |
| Bait fish harvesting | Yes | Maybe | Yes3 |
| Fur harvesting | Yes | Maybe | Yes3 |
| Trap cabins | Yes | No | No |
| Resort - outpost camp | Yes | No | No |
| Outfitting - bear management | Yes | No | Yes3 |
| Wild rice harvesting | Yes | Maybe | Not applicable |
Resource management
| Activities | Generic Policy Permitted? Existing | Generic Policy Permitted? New | Specific Application in Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve (C37) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inventory monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Featured species management | Maybe | Maybe | Maybe |
| Natural systems management | Maybe | Maybe | Maybe |
| Insect and disease control | Maybe | Maybe | Maybe |
Industrial activities
| Activities | Generic Policy Permitted? Existing | Generic Policy Permitted? New | Specific Application in Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve (C37) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timber harvesting | No | No | No |
| Mineral exploration | No | No | No |
| Mining | No | No | No |
| Hydro generation | No | No | No |
| Energy transmission corridors | Yes | No4 | No4 |
| Communications corridors | Yes | No4 | No4 |
| Public transportation corridors | Yes | No4 | No4 |
| Resource access roads | Maybe | No | No |
| Private access roads | Maybe | No5 | No5 |
Other activities
| Activities | Generic Policy Permitted? Existing | Generic Policy Permitted? New | Specific Application in Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve (C37) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land disposition | Maybe6 | Maybe6 | Maybe6 |
| Recreation camps | YesC | No | YesC |
Notes:
On generic policy application in conservation reserves:
1For direct retrieval of game only.
2Only as a part of an approved research project.
3Transfer requests will be considered in the context of the Statement of Conservation Interest or Resource Management Plan for each conservation reserve.
4 Existing use is permitted to continue. New transportation corridors, communications lines, and transmission lines are discouraged in conservation reserves except under unusual circumstances where there are no other viable alternatives.
5New private roads, including additions to existing roads, will not be permitted except where there are existing commitments.
6Sale of Crown lands in conservation reserves is not permitted, except for certain minor dispositions (e.g. sale of small parcel of land where adjacent private lot is too small to enable installation of a septic system, or to facilitate legal title to lands where there has been a long-standing encroachment of a dwelling on Crown land) where they do not detrimentally affect the values an area is intended to protect.
On specific policy application in Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve:
AFood gathering is permitted for personal consumption only and must be conducted in a sustainable manner, and such that it does not harm the values of the conservation reserve.
B Existing authorized recreational trails are permitted to continue in conservation reserves as long as there are no significant environmental impacts, and they do not impair the natural features and values for which the area is identified. New recreational trails are not encouraged, but may be considered on a case by case basis provided that they meet the requirements identified in Section 3.3 of this document. New recreational trails for ATVs will not be permitted within this conservation reserve; new recreational trails for snowmobiles will not be permitted within the boundaries of the provincially significant wetland; outside of the provincially significant wetland, new trails for snowmobiles are discouraged and will only be considered under exceptional circumstances if the criteria identified in Section 3.3 have been demonstrated.
C Existing approved recreation camps within conservation reserves are generally permitted to continue. They may be eligible for “enhanced” tenure, but are not eligible for purchase of land (See Appendix 4). New recreation camps are not permitted.
Appendix 3 Procedural Guideline C: Research Activities in Conservation Reserves (PL Procedure 3.03.05)
Purpose
To encourage contributions to the goal of conservation reserves by:
- Providing direction for research activities associated with conservation reserves
- Establishing a process for the review and approval of proposals by researchers which could have an impact on the values protected by the conservation reserve
Definition
Research means any investigation or study of the natural, cultural, economic, management or other features or characteristics of conservation reserves.
Guidelines
Research will be encouraged to provide a better understanding of the natural values protected by a conservation reserve and to advance their protection, planning and management. The Statement of Conservation Interest will define, for each conservation reserve, the key research issues, set out the parameters within which research may occur and identify research needs.
Applications and Approvals
Researchers must apply in writing to the Area Supervisor for permission to conduct research. The request letter must contain a statement explaining why the proposed research should be undertaken in the particular conservation reserve in preference to another location.
Proposals will be reviewed and approved by the Area Supervisor, guided by the Statement of Conservation Interest prepared for each reserve (see Guideline A – Resource Management Planning) and using Guideline B – Land Uses – Test of Compatibility. Permission must be granted in writing, including any conditions to be met in conducting the research, prior to the undertaking of any research project.
Terms and Conditions
Permission to conduct research under this policy will be valid for a period of 12 consecutive months from the date of issue. Permission to continue a research project for an additional period of 12 months or less may be granted upon submission of a written request and a progress report. The Ministry may require the posting of collateral to assure that the terms and conditions of granting permission are met.
The Area Supervisor may suspend or revoke permission at any time for failure on the part of the researcher to meet:
- The intent of this policy
- The requirements under the Public Lands Act, Ontario Regulation 805/94 including all amendments, where applicable
- The requirements under any other Act or regulations of Ontario or Canada, including those governing the taking, handling, storing, confining, fur harvesting, excavating and marketing any specimen, artefact, information or action (for example, scientific collector’s permit)
- The conditions and agreements specified in granting permission
Final Report
The researcher will submit copies of reports, publications and theses following the results of the project to the Area Supervisor.
Appendix 4: Recreation camp tenure
Existing recreation camps within conservation reserves are generally permitted to continue. They may be eligible for "enhanced" tenure, but are not eligible for purchase of land. There are 2 forms of enhanced tenure that may be considered (as per September 22, 2000 direction from MNR's Assistant Deputy Ministers of Natural Resource Management and of Field Services):
- upgrade in the nature or type of tenure (e.g. from a Land Use Permit to a lease); and/ or
- an extension in the term of the tenure (e.g. from 1 year to 10 years)
Applications for enhanced tenure will be approved if determined acceptable using these screening criteria:
- Must follow the review process identified in MNR's land disposition policies:
- MNR District Manager must ensure that there will be no serious, foreseeable resource management or user conflicts as a result of the enhanced tenure
- The intended use/activity will not likely have a negative impact on the values identified in the Provincial Policy Statement, issued under Section 3 of the Planning Act
- The site conforms with the MNR's land use planning direction
- The disposition is reviewed under the MNR's Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves
- The site is not within a Provincial Significant Wetland (PSW). If the site is adjacent to a PSW it must be determined that the proposed enhancement of tenure will not have a negative impact on the function or natural features of the wetland
- If the site is on lake trout lake, a lease will only be considered after such time as the policy on development on such lakes has been approved
- Would not result in increased negative impact on natural heritage, cultural heritage or recreational values of the conservation reserve, or on existing authorized land uses
- Must be subject to consultation with affected First Nations, and be consistent with any aboriginal land claim negotiations or protocol agreements
- All rents, taxes, fees, rates or charges must be paid up
A change in tenure does not convey a commitment to provide for, or agree to, a change in the type or the standard of existing access to the recreation camp.