Pokei Lake White River Wetlands Provincial Park Management Statement

Interim Management Statement
2006

Approval statement

I am pleased to approve this Interim Management Statement for Pokei Lake White River Wetlands Provincial Park. Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (OMNR 1999) designated this area as a nature reserve. This park was regulated under the authority of the Provincial Parks Act (O. Reg. 685/00) in December 2000.

This Interim Management Statement provides direction for the protection and custodial management of Pokei Lake White River Wetlands Provincial Park.

Signed by:
Paul Bewick
Zone Manager
Northeast Zone
Ontario Parks

Date: May 29, 2006

1.0 Introduction

Pokei Lake White River Wetlands Provincial Park is located approximately 15 kilometres southeast of the town of White River and five kilometres south of Highway 17 along the White River (Figure 1 and Figure 2). The park encompasses 1, 768 hectares and is regulated as a nature reserve class park under the Provincial Parks Act (O. Reg. 685/00).

The park was identified as a nature reserve through Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (OMNR 1999). Nature reserves are areas selected to represent the distinct natural habitats and landforms of the province. They are protected for their intrinsic value and educational purposes, as gene pools for research and to benefit present and future generations.

1.1 Objectives

Pokei Lake White River Wetlands Provincial Park will be managed based on the two main objectives for nature reserve class parks:

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

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

2.0 Management context

The purpose of this Interim Management Statement (IMS) is to provide direction to ensure the custodial management of park resources. Future park planning may be undertaken as required to provide direction on significant decisions regarding resource stewardship, development, operations and permitted uses.

Park management will follow direction from:

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

In addressing custodial management obligations to protect park values and ensure public health and safety, Ontario Parks will ensure that policy and Environmental Assessment Act (1990) requirements are implemented.

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

2.1 Environmental Assessment

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

Figure 1: Regional Setting

Enlarge Figure 1: Regional Setting

Figure 2: Park Boundary

Enlarge Figure 2: Park Boundary

3.0 Park features and values

Pokei Lake White River Wetlands Provincial Park is a representative natural heritage area within the southern Boreal forest. The site protects a very large inland riparian wetland system that has formed in the headwaters of the White River (Kershaw 2002).

3.1 Geological features

The park is located within the Canadian Precambrian Shield. The bedrock relief is generally low and is comprised of broad hills and domes on which exposed bedrock is not extensive. In the low lying areas surrounding the White River, the bedrock is poorly exposed along the wetland fringe and wetland flats as low outcrops (Kor 2003).

Surficial materials of the park consist of a thin veneer of stony sand till with some pockets of deeper sediments, likely till and glaciofluvial sand and gravel. Some of the surficial sediments appear to occur as flat plains, possibly representing glaciofluvial outwash areas deposited in early postglacial time. In the low lying areas adjacent to the White River, these deposits are overlain by modern organic deposits of muck and other wetland vegetation (Kor 2003).

3.2 Biological features

Pokei Lake White River Wetlands Provincial Park includes a variety of wetlands types, including marsh, fen and swamps. Open aquatic marshes are found in backwater ponds which occur at intervals along the river’s edge, and connect to it by short channels These backwater ponds are an uncommon feature in this ecodistrict (Morris 2001).

This site is surrounded by young to mature intolerant hardwood and jack pine and black spruce-jack pine ecosites on moderately broken sandy till uplands.

The site provides important flood plain for the White River. Open aquatic marshes provide important breeding habitat for small fish, which would support fisheries in Pokei Lake and the White River. The wetlands likely attract both migrating and breeding waterfowl.

Provincial significance is proposed due to the park’s diverse riparian wetland representations, condition, and hydrological and ecological function (Morris 2001).

3.3 Cultural setting

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

Any future planning will be within the context of a provincial framework, A Topical Organization of Ontario History (OMNR 1974). In addition, updates and discussions with First Nations, other agencies and stakeholders may be carried out to identify cultural heritage values and features within the park and their significance. This information may be used to develop management guidelines to conserve and protect representative archaeological and historical values and features, or to provide direction for further research.

3.4 Recreation

Nature reserve parks are areas selected to represent the distinctive natural habitats and landforms of the province. They are protected for educational purposes and as gene pools for research to benefit present and future generations. As such recreational opportunities are usually limited to non-consumptive activities.

Within Pokei Lake White River Wetlands Provincial Park, nature study and exploration are activities that could be supported by the wetland areas surrounding the White River (Kershaw 2002).

This park is included in the MNR canoe route descriptions for the White and the Pukaskwa rivers. In the White River Canoe Route description there are two campsites located within the park (Kershaw 2002).

4.0 Aboriginal interests

Pokei Lake White River Wetlands Provincial Park is located within the Robinson Superior Treaty area of 1850.

Consultation regarding the regulation of the park boundary was completed with Pic Heron Bay and Pic Mobert First Nations. No issues regarding park regulation were identified.

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

Any communications and cooperation between Aboriginal communities and the MNR for planning and operations purposes will be done without prejudice to any future discussions or negotiations between the government of Ontario and Aboriginal communities.

5.0 Stewardship policies

5.1 Terrestrial ecosystems

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

5.1.1 Vegetation

Harvesting

Commercial forest harvesting and renewal activities are not permitted within the boundaries of this nature reserve provincial park (OMNR 1992, OMNR 2004).

There are no fuelwood cutting permits currently issued within the park. No new permits will be issued (OMNR 2000, OMNR 2004).

The commercial harvesting of non-timber forest products (e.g. club moss, Canada Yew, etc.) is not permitted within the park (OMNR 1992, OMNR 2004).

Non-native plants

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

Insects and disease

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

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

Fire

Pokei Lake White River Wetlands Provincial Park is located within the Boreal Fire Management Zone. In accordance with existing provincial park policy and the Forest Fire Management Strategy for Ontario, forest fire protection will be carried out in the park as on surrounding lands (OMNR 2004a).

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

5.1.2 Wildlife management

Pokei Lake White River Wetlands Provincial Park is located in Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 33. Removal or harassment of non-game animals is not permitted in provincial parks (Provincial Parks Act RSO 1990).

Hunting

Hunting is not permitted within this nature reserve park (OMNR 2003, 2004c).

Bear Management Areas

Prior to park regulation, portions of two (WA33-003 and WA33-004) bear management areas (BMA) were within the boundary of this park (Figure 2).

This use is not permitted in nature reserve parks (OMNR 1992, 2000, 2004).The portions of these BMAs within the park boundary are withdrawn from the licenses.

Trapping

Portions of two trap line areas, WA-36 and WA-37, are within the park (Figure 2).

Commercial fur harvesting will be phased out of this nature reserve park by December 31, 2009 (OMNR 1992, 2000, 2004). No new operations, including trap line cabins and trails, will be permitted (OMNR 2003).

5.1.3 Industrial resources

Commercial mineral exploration and extraction, sand and gravel extraction, and peat development are not permitted within the regulated boundary of Pokei Lake White River Wetlands Provincial Park (OMNR 1992, OMNR 2004).

All land within Pokei Lake White River Wetlands Provincial Park has been withdrawn from mining activities under the Mining Act.

5.1.4 Access and crossings

Access

Access to Pokei Lake White River Wetlands Provincial Park may be provided by the forest access road that runs adjacent to the park on its east side or by aircraft to Pokei Lake itself (Kershaw 2002).

Roads

A forest access road delineates the park’s eastern boundary (Figure 3). The road does not enter the park. No other roads or trails are located within the park (Kershaw 2002).

Figure 3: Bear Management Areas and Trap Line Areas

Enlarge Figure 3: Bear Management Areas and Trap Line Areas

Where existing forest access roads are essential for continued access beyond the nature reserve for forest management or recreation purposes and alternative road access does not exist, or road relocation is not feasible, existing roads will continue to be available for access. Continued use will include maintenance and may include upgrading (OMNR 2004).

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

Utility corridors

There are no utility corridors located within the boundary of the park. All public utilities (e.g. gas pipelines, transmission lines, communications towers, etc.) must avoid park lands wherever possible (OMNR 2004).

Any future utility corridors proposed through the park, where park lands are unavoidable, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Protection of park values will be a priority and the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act must be met.

Recreational trails

The park area is included in MNR's canoe route descriptions for the White River and the Pukaskwa River. Approximately 12 kilometres of the White River are included within this park (Kershaw 2002).

There are currently no authorized trails within the park boundary. If there is a perceived need, new trails (e.g. hiking) may be proposed during park management planning, with public consultation. Any proposed development within the park is subject to MNR's environmental assessment requirements.

5.1.5 Land disposition

No new land disposition for the private use of individuals or corporations will be permitted (OMNR 1992; 2000).

Land use permits, licenses of occupation, unauthorized occupations

There are no land use permits, licenses of occupation or unauthorized occupations within the park.

Patent land

There is no patent land within the park.

Boat caches

There are no authorized boat caches within the park. Watercraft are not permitted to be left unattended in the park without written permission from the superintendent under the authority of the Provincial Parks Act.

5.2 Aquatic ecosystems

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

5.2.1 Water management

There are no dams, water control structures, or diversions within the park. Hydroelectric development is not permitted within the park (OMNR 1992).

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

5.2.2 Fisheries management

The shoreline of Pokei Lake forms the southern boundary of the park but is not within the park. The lake contains walleye and pike populations.

Fisheries management activities will be aimed, wherever possible, at the maintenance and enhancement of native, self-sustaining fish populations (OMNR 1992). Non-native fish species will not deliberately be introduced into park waters (OMNR 1992).

Sport fishing

Sport fishing is permitted within Pokei Lake White River Wetlands Provincial Park. Any sport fishing activity is governed by the legislation and regulations in the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, as well as the federal Fisheries Act. The Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary contains more information regarding general regulations and exceptions to these regulations for the area of this park.

Commercial fishing

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

Commercial baitfish harvesting

There are currently two active bait fish harvesting licenses within the park in McDowell Township (WA 0041) and in Memaskwosh Township (WA 0065) (Figure 4).

Bait fishing is not permitted in nature reserve parks. Areas within the park issued under a baitfish licence will be removed from the legal description of that licence (OMNR 2003).

6.0 Operations policies

6.1 Recreation management

Future planning, with full public consultation, will review direction on motorized and non- motorized recreation uses.

6.1.1 Motorized recreation

Motorboats

Motorized watercraft are not permitted on the waters contained within the park boundary (OMNR 1992).

Aircraft

Aircraft landings are not permitted within this nature reserve park (OMNR 2004).

Snowmobiles

There are currently no authorized trails located within the boundary of this park. No new trails will be permitted.

Off-trail use of snowmobiles is prohibited.

All-terrain vehicles

There are currently no authorized all terrain vehicle (ATV) trails located within the park. No new trails will be permitted.

Off-road use of ATVs is prohibited.

Figure 4: Commercial Baitfish Harvesting

Enlarge Figure 4: Commercial Baitfish Harvesting

6.1.2 Non-motorized recreation

Camping

There are several unmanaged backcountry campsites within the park associated with the canoe route (Kershaw 2002).

Existing use of these campsites may continue unless park values are threatened (OMNR 2004a).

Ontario Parks may assess the condition of existing campsites and will maintain, rehabilitate or close the sites as required. The development of new campground or campsite facilities is not compatible with nature reserve policies (OMNR 1992).

Hiking

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

Canoeing/kayaking

Approximately 12 kilometres of the White River lie within the park and comprise part of the White River and Pukaskwa River canoe routes.

Existing uses may continue, unless park values are threatened (OMNR 2004). Infrastructure to protect park features and values may be permitted and developed in response to use, environmental deterioration and environmental protection requirements.

6.1.3 Emerging recreational uses

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

6.2 Development

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

6.3 Commercial tourism

Infrastructure for commercial tourism does not exist within the park.

Commercial tourism is not compatible with the nature reserve classification of this park. No new commercial tourism dispositions (such as commercial LUPs) will be issued within the park (OMNR 2004).

7.0 Cultural resources

The management of any cultural resources will be directed toward identification, protection, and heritage appreciation (OMNR 1992). No cultural resource surveys have been completed to date within the park.

8.0 Heritage education

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

Prospective park visitors may be informed about the sensitivity and significance of park values through park literature. Information regarding this nature reserve may be included in park literature for adjacent parks.

9.0 Research

Scientific research by qualified individuals which contributes to the knowledge of natural or cultural history, or to environmental or recreational management, may be encouraged in the park. Ontario Parks will encourage institutions, such as universities, to undertake research projects.

All research programs will require the approval of Ontario Parks and are subject to park policy and other applicable legislation. Any materials removed from the park will remain the property of Ontario Parks.

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

10.0 References

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act RSO, 1997.

Kershaw, W. 2002. Pokei Lake White River Wetlands Provincial Park Recreation Inventory Report - Version 1.5. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Kor, P. 2003. Earth Science Inventory Checklist – Pokei Lake White River Wetlands Provincial Nature Reserve. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Mining Act, 1990.

Morris, E. 2001. Natural Heritage Area Life Science Checksheet – Pokei Lake White River Wetlands Provincial Park (P1514). Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

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

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

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1999. Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2000. Ontario Provincial Park Policy as Amended by the Ontario Living Legacy Land Use Strategy.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2003. Directions for Commercial Resource Use Activities in Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves. 5 pp.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2004. Crown Land Use Policy Atlas.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2004a. Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary.

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

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2004c. Hunting Regulations Summary.

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

Pesticides Act, 1990.

Provincial Parks Act, 1990.

Appendix A: Background information

Representation

Earth science:

Bedrock consists of undifferentiated intrusive rocks, primarily foliated to massive tonalite and granodiorite, of the Wawa Subprovince, Superior Structural Province, Canadian Precambrian Shield. Surficial materials consist of a thin veneer of stony sand till, with some pockets of deeper sediments, likely till and glaciofluvial sand and gravel. These are overlain by modern organic deposits of muck and other wetland vegetation.

Life science:

The park includes a variety of wetlands types ranging from marsh, fen and swamps. Headwaters of the site include the White River, Pokei Lake, and Doss Creek. The site is quite diverse relative to other units of this size in the Ecoregion. The presence of black ash, old-growth white cedar, dwarf birch and thick stands of submersed aquatic vegetation suggests that species richness in the site could be relatively high.

Cultural resources:

There has been no examination or documentation of the cultural values that may exist within Pokei Lake White River Wetlands Provincial Park.

Recreation and tourism:

Wetlands adjacent to the White River within the park would support nature study and exploration activities. Other recreational activities that could be supported include canoeing and boating (White and Pukaskwa river canoe routes) and backcountry camping in association with the canoe routes.

Inventories