C2228

April 2003

Prepared for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources,
Northwest Region

By Rebecca Zeran and Natalie Kolody
OLL Resource Managers
MNR, Nipigon District

Approval page

Statement of Conservation Interest for
Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve C2228
Nipigon District
Northwest Region

The purpose of this Statement of Conservation Interest is to identify the natural heritage values of the Conservation Reserve and to identify the activities which occur at this location. This Statement outlines the activities which will be permitted and those which will be prohibited. From this outline, the management direction for the site can be determined.

Approved by:
Ian Hagman, District Manager, Nipigon District Date

Approved by:
Charlie Lauer, Regional Director, Northwest Region Date

1. Introduction

On July 16, 1999, the Ontario Government released Ontario’s Living Legacy (OLL) Land Use Strategy (LUS) to guide the planning and management of Crown Lands within a large part of northern and central Ontario. A major component of this Land Use Strategy was the establishment of 378 new protected areas in this part of Ontario. This commitment will be the largest expansion of Provincial Parks and other protected areas in the history of Ontario.

The Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve (C2228) is one site within this expansion of Ontario’s protected areas.

Conservation Reserves are areas of Crown land set aside by regulation under the Public Lands Act to complement provincial parks in protecting representative natural areas and specific landscape features. Most recreational activities (e.g. hiking, skiing, tourism related uses, nature appreciation) and non-industrial commercial activities (e.g. fur harvesting, bait fishing and commercial fishing) that have traditionally been enjoyed in the area will continue – provided that these uses do not impact upon the natural features requiring protection. Recreational hunting and fishing are permitted uses within all new conservation reserves identified through the OLL Land Use Strategy. Commercial timber harvesting, mining, aggregate extraction and hydroelectric development are prohibited in conservation reserves.

The Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve is located just north of Kagianagami Lake in the Ogoki Forest Management Unit. The site is located approximately 100 km north-east of the Ombabika Bay, Lake Nipigon. The site is located approximately 160 km (by air) northwest of Geraldton and approximately 22 km southeast of the Attwood River Conservation Reserve (C2249). Access is mainly by air.

The Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve contains representative landform and vegetation types, including mixed forest types on weakly to moderately broken outwash deposits and bedrock. More detail on the natural values of the site can be found in the attached Earth Science Report, Life Science Report and the Recreation Resource Assessment Report.

The purpose of this Statement of Conservation Interest is to identify the natural heritage values of the Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve; this Statement also identifies the activities occurring within the reserve. Through a set of management guidelines, this statement will outline the activities which will be permitted and those which will be prohibited. From this outline, the management direction for the area can be determined.

2. Background information

Name Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve
Site Region / Site District 2W-3
OMNR Administrative
Region / District / Area		 Northwest Region/ Nipigon District/ Geraldton Area
Total Area (ha) 677 hectares
Regulation Date Slated for regulation in 2003/04.
Interested First Nations Eabametoong First Nation, Marten Falls First Nation
Lat./Long. 51° 03'49"/ 87° 48'48"
OBM 2016440056500
FRI Stands Specific numbers for the FRI stands occurring within the conservation reserve can be obtained by contacting the Information Management Team in Nipigon or in Geraldton
General Location Located just north of Kagianagami Lake in the Ogoki Forest Management Unit. The site is located approximately 100 km north-east of the Ombabika Bay, Lake Nipigon and is situated approximately 160 km northwest of the Town of Geraldton.
Access Access is mainly by air.

3. Representation targets

This section provides a summary of the earth science, life science and cultural resource values represented in the site. It also outlines existing and potential recreational opportunities available.

Life Science Representation The site contains representative vegetation types, including mixed forest types (OLL Factsheet, 2002).
Earth Science Representation The site contains representative landform types, including weakly to moderately broken outwash deposits and bedrock.
Cultural Resource Representation Little is known regarding the cultural values of the Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve.
Recreational Opportunities Few recreational opportunities exist within the conservation reserve.

4. Survey information

This section provides an overview of the inventories completed, their level of detail and any further inventory work required.

Survey Level Life Science Earth Science Cultural Recreational
Reconnaissance Yes,
Aug. 2002		 Yes,
Aug. 2002		 No Yes,
Aug. 2002
Detailed No No No No
Requirement No further requirement No further requirement No further requirement No further requirement

5. Natural & cultural heritage values

This section provides a description of the key natural and cultural heritage values of the site and their condition relative to past and present resource use and management activities. It also addresses the sensitivity of these values to future land use and management activities.

Forest Values – The forest cover on this site is representative of the surrounding area and is predominately fire origin mature stands.

Vegetation Values – The site contains representative vegetation types, including mixed forest types.

Geologic Values – The site contains representative landform types, including weakly to moderately broken outwash deposits and bedrock.

Fish & Wildlife Values – Caribou calving grounds are located just south of the conservation reserve and moose wintering areas are located just adjacent to the west side of the conservation reserve. It is likely that these animals also utilize the land within the conservation reserve.

Recreation & Tourism Values – The conservation reserve contains very little, if any, recreation or tourism potential.

Cultural Values – No known cultural values have been documented within the site.

Aboriginal Values – The site may have been used historically by First Nation peoples for traditional hunting, gathering and cultural activities. The MNR has no record that would indicate the levels of historical use for these activities, however, should any be discovered, they will be given appropriate priority and protection. Nothing in this Statement of Conservation Interest in any way affects existing Aboriginal or Treaty Rights.

6. Management guidelines

The following topics briefly indicate the existing situation within the Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve and outline the new and existing management guidelines to be implemented and/or followed. A copy of the Land Use Policy Report for the Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve can be viewed on the Crown Land Use Atlas Website (/page/crown-land-use-policy-atlas).

6.1 Land tenure

The Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve consists entirely of Crown land. Sale of lands is not permitted. No private land or development currently exists in the area; no future disposition or development will be permitted. No commercial land or development exists within the site; no future disposition or development will be permitted.

6.2 Existing and proposed development

There is no existing development within the conservation reserve; no new development will be permitted. The area will be managed primarily for low-impact recreation, hunting, public nature appreciation, educational experiences and scientific study.

6.3 Recreational activities

6.3.1 Summary

Tourism No known tourism capability exists within the site.
Recreational Fishing Low potential for recreational fishing within the site. No private recreation camps exist in the site.
Recreational Hunting Potential exists for recreational hunting, however, remote location and lack of tourist facilities will severely limit use.

6.3.2 Guidelines

Low-intensity, non-structural activities that do not negatively impact the site values (e.g. viewing, camping, hunting, etc.) are permitted. ATV and snowmobile usage is permitted to continue where it does not adversely affect the values being protected. Snowmobile and ATV use off trails is not permitted except for the direct retrieval of game. Access to the site by non-mechanized means is the preferred method.

Existing authorized trails (hiking, snowmobiling) can continue unless there are significant demonstrated conflicts. New trails can be considered through planning.

No private recreation camps exist in the conservation reserve; no future development will be permitted.

6.4 Commercial activities

6.4.1 Summary

Mining No mining claims exist within the conservation reserve.
Aggregate No operations to exist on site
Forest Harvest Mature forest cover on the site is commercially merchantable.
Wild Rice None observed on site.
Trapping One trapline overlaps the conservation reserve: GE 206.
Bear Management Areas None overlap the site.
Outpost Camps/Outfitters None exist within the site.
Commercial Fisheries No commercial fishing operations are present within the site. No baitfish blocks overlap the reserve.

6.4.2 Guidelines

The site forms part of one trapline. Existing trapping activities will be permitted to continue unless there are significant conflicts. No trap cabins are known to exist within the conservation reserve; new cabins are not permitted. The maintenance and repair of existing trails and cabins is permitted, as long as the scale and function of the trail or cabin is not significantly altered. New trapping operations can be considered subject to the test of compatibility.

No tourist outpost camps, lodges or outfitting operations exist in the site; new operations will not be permitted. No bear management areas exist in the site; new BMA operations will not be permitted.

No baitfish operations exist in the site; new operations will be considered subject to the "test of compatibility."

No other commercial activities are known to exist within the conservation reserve boundaries and no new commercial activities will be permitted (i.e., mining, hydroelectric development, logging, aggregate extraction, road development, utility corridors, peat development and topsoil removal).

The area of the Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve will be removed from the Ogoki Forest Sustainable Forest License when it is regulated. Currently the site is interim protected. The area has also been officially withdrawn from staking by means of a withdrawal order.

6.5 Aboriginal interests

All First Nations with a potential interest in the Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve are members of the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN). Letters from the District were sent out December 2, 2002 to Aroland First Nation, Constance Lake First Nation, Eabametoong First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation, Long Lake #58 and Marten Falls Fist Nation, informing them of the regulation process and inviting them to comment and consult on the boundaries. Consultation efforts are currently underway between these First Nations and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Nothing in this Statement of Conservation Interest in any way affects existing Aboriginal or Treaty Rights.

6.6 Natural Resources Stewardship

6.6.1 Vegetation management and fire management

The area will be managed in accordance with relevant existing policies. Natural ecosystem processes and features will, for the most part, be allowed to occur with minimal human interference.

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 reflected in the document that provides management direction for this conservation reserve. 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).

6.6.2 Fish and wildlife management

Fisheries and wildlife will be managed in accordance with existing policies. Opportunities for wildlife viewing will be encouraged.

6.6.3 Landforms

No management requirements exist for this category, except that significant and unique landforms should be afforded continued protection as a natural resource.

6.7 Cultural Resource Stewardship

There are no requirements for management of cultural resources at this time based on existing information. The Ministry of Natural Resources will continue to work with the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation’s (MCzCR) regional chief archaeologist to identify archaeological sites requiring further protection. To date there has been no field survey to assess cultural resources in the Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve and the potential for archaeological finds is unknown.

6.8 Client services

Nipigon District and the Information Management Team staff will be the primary contact for responding to inquiries about the basic level of information such as access, nature appreciation, scientific study requests, wildlife viewing opportunities, hunting, permitted uses and boundaries.

6.9 Research

Non-destructive scientific research by qualified/recognized Canadian institutions or organizations that will contribute to the Ministry of Natural Resource’s natural heritage information base will be encouraged. All research programs will require the approval of the Ministry of Natural Resources and will be subject to ministry policy and other relevant legislation.

6.10 Marketing

Activities will include producing a fact sheet highlighting the importance of the reserve and responding to inquiries about the site. There are no other requirements at this time.

7. Implementation

Implementation of this Statement of Conservation Interest will primarily involve monitoring activities to ensure adherence to management guidelines. The conservation reserve will be managed under the supervision of the Information Management Team supervisor (Nipigon District) and the Geraldton Area supervisor. Any affected clients will be notified of any amendments to this Statement of Conservation Interest.

The Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve is slated for regulation in 2003/04 under the Public Lands Act, following the process set out in the Ontario’s Living Legacy Protected Areas Regulation Implementation Manual (MNR, 2000).

8. Review and revisions

Any changes that may occur to the management direction outlined in this Statement of Conservation Interest for the Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve will be evaluated for their significance. Minor changes, which do not alter the overall protection objectives, may be considered and approved by the Area Supervisor. Local consultation may also be required, as determined by the Area Supervisor. In the case of major changes, the need for a more comprehensive Resource Management Plan will be considered first along with any legislated notification requirements that may exist at that particular time. Any major amendments to this document will require public consultation and the approval of the District Manager and Regional Director.

9. Public consultation

9.1 Results of past consultation

The Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve has been a part of the land use planning and consultation process during:

  • Lands for Life round table consultation (June 1997 to July 1998)
  • Ontario’s Living Legacy consultations (Fall 1998, Spring 1999)
  • OLL Site Regulation and Public Consultation Process (September 2002)

During the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy site regulation and public consultation process for the Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve, contact was made with local stakeholders. In September of 2002, letters from the District Manager were sent to First Nations, representatives from the forestry industry, trappers, municipalities, landowners, prospectors, fish and game clubs, trail and recreational clubs, and tourist operators/outfitters. Newspaper advertisements were also released at this time.

One written comment and one verbal comment were received regarding the Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve (see Appendix 7 for a copy of the OLL Public and Aboriginal Consultation Documentation Form for the Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve). Please see Section 6.5 for an account of the comments put forward by First Nations. Concerns that arose with respect to the establishment of the conservation reserve were addressed accordingly.

9.2 Present and future consultation

Further widespread consultation is not deemed necessary at this time because of the extensive consultation that has already occurred to date.

Once the Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve has been formally regulated under the Public Lands Act, notification letters will be sent to all members of the public who expressed interest in the site. Notices will also be sent to all First Nations, industry and municipal organizations potentially affected by the regulation of this site.

10. References

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. (1999). Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy, Queen’s Printer for Ontario, Ontario Canada.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. (2000). Protected Areas Regulation Implementation Manual, Internal Document.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. (2002). Kagianagami Lake Conservation Reserve (C2228) Fact Sheet. July 2002.