Long Point Region Conservation Authority Agendas... · 2016-01-28 · Long Point Region...

Long Point Region Conservation Authority

4 Elm St., Tillsonburg, Ontario N4G 0C4 519-842-4242 or 1-888-231-5408 ˖ Fax 519-842-7123 Email: [email protected] ˖ www.lprca.on.ca

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016 @ 6:30PM

TILLSONBURG ADMINISTRATION OFFICE

AGENDA

1. Welcome

2. Additional Agenda Items

3. Disclosures of Interest

4. Deputations

a) Haldimand Seasonal Campers re: Haldimand Conservation Authority Seasonal Camping Rates Pg 1-3

5. Minutes of the Previous Meeting:

a) Board of Directors’ Regular Meeting

– January 13th, 2016 Pg 4-11

6. Business Arising: none 7. Review of Committee Minutes: none

8. Correspondence:

a) Oxford County re: LPRCA 2016 Budget Pg 12 b) Lake Erie North Shore Landowners Association Letter Pg 13

9. Development Applications: (L. Minshall)

a) New Applications Pg 14-16

10. New Business

a) Calendar Review (J. Robertson) Pg 17 b) General Manager’s Report (C. Evanitski) Pg 18-19 c) Forestry Ecological Report (D. Holmes) Pg 20-70 d) Conservation Areas 2016 Approved Capital Projects Pg 71-74 e) Timber Tender – LP-287-16 Landon Tract (D. Holmes) Pg 75 f) Tree Order 2016 (P. Gagnon) Pg 76-77

4 Elm St., Tillsonburg, Ontario N4G 0C4 519-842-4242 or 1-888-231-5408 ˖ Fax 519-842-7123 Email: [email protected] ˖ www.lprca.on.ca

g) Amazing Places Report (J. Robertson) Pg 78- 90 h) Phragmites Update (C. Evanitski) Pg 91-92

11. In-Camera Session: none

PLEASE CALL 519-842-4242 OR 1-888-231-5408 IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND

Long Point Region Conservation Authority 4 Elm Street Tillsonburg ON N4G 0C4 Attn: Field Superintendent Concerned Seasonal Campers Haldimand Conservation Authority 644/645 South Coast Drive R. R. # 1 Nanticoke ON N0A 1L0 January 20th, 2016 Re: Haldimand Conservation Authority Seasonal Camping Rates We the undersigned, write as seasonal campers/residents/tenants at the Haldimand Conservation Authority. It has come to our attention that our yearly fees have been increased for the 2016 camping season, without notice to any of the seasonal campers at any of the LPRCA campgrounds. We understand and agree that there is a clause that states "Rates are subject to change without notice." We the seasonal campers hereinafter referred to as "We", believe that a 26 per cent fee increase from the end of 2015 to the beginning of 2016 ought to have come with notice, simply because of the total increase to campers. This would have given campers the chance/opportunity to move trailers; or come up with the extra funds throughout the winter. A $500.00 rate increase may not seem like a lot to the LPRCA, but for some who live on a budget, that is a lot of money and to have to come up with at the last minute could cause undue hardship. We feel that this is an unjustified rate increase. Haldimand Conservation Authority has not been provided with services that are in any way compared to other parks. Other parks are charging over $2000.00 per season, but have 30 amp service and other facilities for campers to use. Are there services coming to the parks that we have not been made aware of? Seasonal campers are your life line, without your seasonal campers there would not be a family of parks for the Long Point Region Conservation Authority (hereinafter referred to as LPRCA) to watch over. The article written by Monte Sonnenberg that appeared in the Simcoe Reformer on January 15, 2016 indicates that the County of Norfolk has agreed to make a big levy-supported contribution to the LPRCA for major upgrades to campgrounds. All the campgrounds are mentioned in the article, EXCEPT for Haldimand Conservation Authority which is run by the LPRCA. Norfolk County has agreed to a 28 per cent increase because they are afraid to lose campers and the revenue generated by them. There is nothing in the article about Haldimand bringing in the most revenue from seasonal campers, and gets the least amount of funding either.

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Emails and voicemails in the past have gone unanswered from staff at the LPRCA. But, it was obvious on January 19th, that Dana was expecting calls and emails, as some of our campers/residents/tenants have received reply emails from her. Dana has stated that their emails have been forwarded to the Field Superintendent. Yet no one has heard from him directly. Dana has informed a few of the campers/residents/tenants that she does know that the fee increase was a result of the large increase in septic haulage, as the county raised their tipping fees significantly. It is unreasonable to ask for a 29% increase in one year, even Landlords in the Province of Ontario are not allowed to raise rent that much in a year. Making a reasonable increase as the Landlord Tenant Board would allow; you may not loose so many campers this upcoming season. There are a lot of people who are afraid they will have to move their trailers out, or sell their trailers due to this increase. The possibility of this increase causing undue hardship on people is foreseen and ought to have been something that the LPRCA should have taken into consideration. For these reasons, we ask that Haldimand Conservation Authority campers be added to the agenda for the upcoming meeting with the Board of Directors on February 3rd, 2016. We would like to have three or four of our campers/residents/tenants at the meeting to speak to the rate increase. Please advise as to the request to be present, and added to the agenda at the Board of Director's meeting on February 3rd, 2016 status at your earliest convenience. You can contact the following individuals with the response. Paul Shorer (905) 537-4359 [email protected]; Kathee Berry (905) 928-2673 [email protected] and and Gail Obediah (519) 732-5404 Thank you in advance for your consideration, the undersigned: Fred & Jenn Lim-Somerton [email protected] site 111 Paul Shorer (905) 537-4359 [email protected] site 115 Jennifer Dewar site 115 KimMcEwan& Ian McEwan [email protected] site 158 Kathee Berry [email protected] site 120 Tom & Mimi Kai site 143 Crystal Spring Holland [email protected] site 160 Laurie Tingey [email protected] site 4 Gail Obediah (519) 732-5404 site 51 Marc Restivo [email protected] site 308 Carl & Jane Kaiser site 138 George Johnson site 46 Mike & Leslie Ann LeBlanc-Woolf lwoolf@!hwdsb.on.ca site 52 Marion Conville Jim &Brenda McMillan site 157

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mailto:[email protected]

Ediemae Ouellette [email protected] site 2 Marie Wishart [email protected] site 20 Terry Gretzky Roesel [email protected] site 141 Ron Berry site 117 Carol Szydlo [email protected] site 129 Sandi Grummett [email protected] site 24 Debbie Spring site 159 Kim Joseph 905-906-4970 [email protected] site119 Jessie Blair 905-975-0884 [email protected] site 118 Linda Bajic [email protected] site39 Margaret Morgan & Larry [email protected] site 31 Loretta Lickers [email protected] site 123

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FULL AUTHORITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Leroy Bartlett, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus,

Roger Geysens, Craig Grice, Noel Haydt, David Hayes, John Scholten, Tom Southwick

LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS – MINUTES January 13, 2016

Members in attendance: Leroy Bartlett, Dave Beres, Doug Brunton, Robert Chambers, Michael Columbus, Roger Geysens, Noel Haydt, David Hayes, John Scholten and Tom Southwick Staff in attendance: C. Evanitski, J. Robertson, J. Maxwell, D. Holmes, L. Minshall and D. McLachlan Guests: C. McCauley and K. Stanley Regrets: Craig Grice The LPRCA Chair called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm Wednesday, January 13th, 2016 in the Tillsonburg Administration Office Boardroom. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS

MOTION A-1/16 moved: D. Beres seconded: N. Haydt THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors add “Borrowing for Parks Infrastructure and Elgin County Shoreline Management Plan” under New Business as items 10 (e) and (f) to the January 13th, 2016 agenda.

CARRIED DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST None ELECTION OF LPRCA CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN 2016 The Chair and Vice-Chair vacated their seats and C. McCauley assumed the Chair position. He then declared the positions for Chair and Vice-Chair vacant and called for nominations for the Chair. D. Beres nominated M. Columbus. No further nominations were received. Mr. Columbus accepted the nomination. MOTION A-2/16 moved: L. Bartlett seconded: T. Southwick That the nominations for the Chair be closed. CARRIED

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The Acting Chair declared Mike Columbus the Long Point Region Conservation Authority Chairman for 2016. Mr. McCauley then called for nominations for Vice-Chair. T. Southwick nominated D. Beres. C. McCauley called for further nominations for Vice-Chair and received none. D. Beres accepted the nomination. MOTION A-3/16 moved: D. Hayes seconded: N. Haydt That the nominations for the LPRCA Vice-Chair be closed. CARRIED The Acting Chair declared Dave Beres the Long Point Region Conservation Authority Vice-Chair for 2016. The Chair and Vice-Chair thanked the Board and resumed their seats. C. McCauley and K. Stanley were thanked for their service and left the meeting. DEPUTATIONS None MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Staff clarified recorded attendance at the December 2nd meetings. MOTION A-4/16 moved: D. Hayes seconded: N. Haydt THAT the minutes of the LPRCA Board of Directors Regular Meeting held December 2nd, 2015, the LPRCA Budget Meeting held December 2nd, 2015 and the Board of directors Conference Call held December 10th, 2015 be adopted as circulated.

CARRIED

BUSINESS ARISING None REVIEW OF COMMITTEE MINUTES MOTION A-5/16 moved: J. Scholten seconded: N. Haydt THAT the minutes from the Lee Brown Marsh Management Committee meeting of April 24th, 2015 be received as information.

CARRIED

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Staff responded to the request for further information regarding the Robinson Marsh Lease Agreement. CORRESPONDENCE MOTION A-6/16 moved: D. Beres seconded: N. Haydt THAT the correspondence outlined in the Board of Directors’ Agenda of January 13th, 2016 with additions be received as information.

CARRIED DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

a) Staff Approved applications Staff approved eight applications since the last meeting in December: LPRCA-156/15, LPRCA-157/15, LPRCA-158/15, LPRCA-159/15, LPRCA-160/15, LPRCA-161/15, LPRCA-162/15 and LPRCA-163/15. There were no questions or comments.

MOTION A-7/16 moved: D. Hayes seconded: R. Geysens That the LPRCA Board of Directors receives the Staff Approved Section 28 Regulation Applications report dated December 21st, 2015 as information.

CARRIED

b) New Applications

The Planning Department recommended approval for two applications, one to demolish and reconstruct a seasonal dwelling and the second to construct an 8-bay boathouse. No questions or comments.

MOTION A-8/16 moved: L. Bartlett seconded: T. Southwick THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors approves the following Development Applications contained within the background section of the report:

A. For Work under Section 28 Regulations, Development, Interference with

Wetlands & Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulations (R.R.O. 1990 Reg. 178/06),

LPRCA-1/16 LPRCA-2/16

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B. That the designated officers of LPRCA be authorized to complete the approval

process for this Development Application, as far as it relates to LPRCA’s mandate and related Regulations.

CARRIED

NEW BUSINESS a) CALENDAR REVIEW The weather is looking promising for the first event of the season, Guided Snowshoe and Animal Tracking, scheduled for January 30th at Backus. LPRCA staff will be participating in the Future Oxford Expo on January 28th as part of the Reforest Oxford group discussing habitat restoration, tree planting, etc. MOTION A-9/16 moved: L Bartlett seconded: D. Hayes THAT the LPRCA board of Directors receives the January Calendar of Events Report as information.

CARRIED b) 2016 LPRCA BUDGET VOTE Staff summarized the 2016 budget. The overall operating budget stands at $3.8million requiring a municipal levy of $1.4million and the capital budget is $568,200 requiring a general municipal levy of $334,000. The capital levy includes a special levy of $65,000 to Norfolk County to update the Shoreline Management Plan. Norfolk County requested a deferral of the special levy for further discussion. Therefore, the general municipal levy required for capital is $269,000. The subject of borrowing for capital upgrades to reduce the overall levy was again discussed and deferred (see item 11e). MOTION A-10/16 moved: R. Chambers seconded: D. Beres That LPRCA Board of Directors approves the following recommendations regarding LPRCA’s 2016 Operating and Capital budgets;

1. That the 2016 proposed Ontario Regulation 178/06 Permit Fees and Planning Act Review Fees as attached;

2. That the 2016 proposed User Fees for the Conservation Areas as attached;

3. That the 2016 Operating Budget in the total amount $3,818,867 and requiring a

Municipal Levy-Operating of $1,412,680 be approved;

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4. That the 2016 Capital Budget in the total amount of $568,200 and requiring a Municipal Levy-Capital of $269,000 be approved;

5. That the proposed 2016 Consolidated Budget in the total amount of $4,387,067

and requiring a Municipal Levy –Consolidated of $1,746,680 be approved.

Member Municipality/Group Weight Present Yes No

Tom Southwick Municipality of Bayham 4.77 √ √

Robert Chambers County of Brant 6.34 √ √

Leroy Bartlett Haldimand County 7.68 √ √

Craig Grice Haldimand County 7.68 x

Tom Southwick Township of Malahide 0.76 √ √

Doug Brunton Norfolk County 12.50 √ √

Michael Columbus Norfolk County

12.50 √ √

Roger Geysens Norfolk County

12.50 √ √

Noel Haydt Norfolk County

12.50 √ √

John Scholten Norwich Township 7.59 √ √

David Hayes Township of South-West Oxford 7.59 √ √

Dave Beres Town of Tillsonburg 7.59 √ √ 100.00 -7.68 = 74.29 18.03

CARRIED c) LPRCA COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS The GM reviewed the various committees of LPRCA and interest expressed from the various Members as per the December meeting. MOTION A-11/16 moved: R. Geysens seconded: N. Haydt That the LPRCA Board of Directors approves the following appointments for 2016: Dave Beres as Land Acquisition Chair; Doug Brunton and the LPRCA Chair to the Lee Brown Marsh Management Committee; Robert Chambers, Roger Geysens, Noel Haydt and the LPRCA Chair to the Backus Museum Committee; AND Roger Geysens, John Scholten, Noel Haydt, the LPRCA Chair and LPRCA Vice-chair to the Audit Committee.

CARRIED

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d) SERVICE RECOGNITION REPORT There will be two staff and four Board Members recognized at the Annual General Meeting for five years of service. MOTION A-12/16 moved: L. Bartlett seconded: T. Southwick THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors receives the Years of Service Recognition Report as information.

CARRIED e) BORROWING FOR PARKS INFRASTRUCTURE There was significant discussion and various opinions regarding the option of borrowing to fund capital infrastructure projects. MOTION A-13/16 moved: D. Beres seconded: N. Haydt THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors directs the Strategic Planning Committee to further explore borrowing options with Norfolk County as part of its report on dealing with parks infrastructure needs.

CARRIED f) ELGIN COUNTY SHORELINE MANAGEMENT PLAN In response to correspondence received regarding the Elgin County Shoreline Management Plan staff reviewed the process and timeline in the development of the Plan. The Plan began with a collaborative by the four Conservation Authorities within Elgin County, shoreline municipalities and the County of Elgin beginning in 2013 to update the science within the Plan. After much work, a consultant was hired in July 2014 and three public consultations were held in August 2014. The Elgin County Shoreline Management Plan was adopted by the LPRCA Board on November 4th, 2015 and has since been posted on the LPRCA website. The Study notes that the shoreline within Elgin County is subject to risk of erosion. The policies within the Shoreline Management Plan have not changed but the consultant provided updated science and maps regarding erosion rates to incorporate into the Plan. Some members objected to the Study and its findings stating that the study contained predetermined outcomes, old data and restrictive conclusions that lack a balance between conservation and landowners. Therefore, a motion was tabled to reconsider the Board’s previous decision.

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MOTION A-14/16 moved: R. Geysens seconded: N. Haydt THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors moves to reconsider its previous decision to approve the Elgin County Shoreline Management Plan.

CARRIED MOTION A-15/16 moved: T. Southwick seconded: J. Scholten THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors defers implementation of the Elgin County Shoreline Management Plan.

CARRIED With the deferral, LPRCA staff will now revert back to using the 1989 Shoreline Management Plan. It was then proposed to cancel the shoreline study for Norfolk County. Staff noted that Norfolk County has issues with flooding. The study to be undertaken in Norfolk County with the help of the National Disaster Mitigation Program will provide updated science to identify flood hazards, potential impacts, and community and infrastructure vulnerabilities as well as the overall flood risk profile for the area. MOTION A-16/16 moved: D. Brunton seconded: N. Haydt THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors no longer proceeds with the proposed Norfolk County Shoreline Management Plan.

CARRIED MOTION A-17/16 moved: R. Geysens seconded: D. Hayes That the LPRCA Board of Directors does now enter into an “In Camera” session to discuss: personal matters about an identifiable individual, including Conservation

Authority employees; CARRIED

MOTION A-18/16 moved: D. Hayes seconded: R Geysens That the LPRCA Board of Directors does now adjourn from the “In Camera” session.

CARRIED

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MOTION A-19/16 moved: L. Bartlett seconded: D. Brunton THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors receives the Chair’s report as information re: The GM’s 2015 Appraisal.

CARRIED The Chair adjourned the meeting at 9:00pm.

_____________________________ ________________________________ Michael Columbus Dana McLachlan Chair Administrative Assistant

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OFFICE OF THE C.A.O./ CLERK P. O. Box 1614, 21 Reeve Street Woodstock, Ontario N4S 7Y3

Phone: 519-539-9800 Fax: 519-421-4712 Web site: www.oxfordcounty.ca

January 18, 2016 Cliff Evanitski, General Manager Long Point Region Conservation Authority 4 Elm Street Tillsonburg, Ontario N4G 0C4 Dear Mr. Evanitski: Further to the LPRCA delegation to Oxford County Council on January 13th, please be advised that the following resolution was subsequently adopted at the meeting: “That the presentation given on behalf of the Long Point Region Conservation Authority, regarding the 2016 Draft LPRCA Budget, be received as information.” Thank you for attending as a delegation at the request of Council and please extend thanks to Vice Chair Dave Beres as well. Yours very truly, Brenda J. Tabor Clerk Copy to: Peter Crockett, CAO Lynn Buchner, Director of Finance

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Long Point Region Conservation Authority 4 Elm Street Tillsonburg, ON N4G 0C4 (519) 842-7123 fax Distribution List January 20, 2016 Long Point Region Conservation Authority Board Members, I recently sent a letter to all LPRCA board members asking for clarification about your stand on the Elgin County Shoreline Management Plan. Through those questions the Lake Erie North Shore Landowners Association (LENSLA) was attempting to get clarity about the process that went into approving the plan. The LENSLA Executive is of the opinion that board members’ replies to our questions of January 11th, 2016 are no longer pertinent given your authority’s decision to stop implementation of the plan. LENSLAmembersarecontinuingtoadvocatefor: (1) FortheimmediatesuspensionbyCatfishCreek,KettleCreek,andLowerThamesValleyconservation authoritiesinimplementingtheElginCountyShorelineManagementPlan(ECSMP)asadopted; (2) The development of a better ECSMP based on fair public participation, greater diversity of expert analysis, and respect for landowner rights stipulated by law; (3) Increased accountability through improved governance, conduct, and operations of local conservation authorities for County taxpayers. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Long Point Region Conservation Authority board of directors for your actions. You recognized the need for meaningful and fair public engagement when making decisions that have major financial and physical impacts on the community. We would welcome your support when you are speaking with your colleagues at the municipal level or at other conservation authorities. Sincerely, Jed DeCory 2nd Vice President Lake Erie North Shore Landowners Association Distribution List Councillor Leroy Bartlett, Haldimand County Councillor Dave Beres, Town of Tillsonburg Councillor Doug Brunton, Norfolk County Councillor Robert Chambers, County of Brant Councillor Michael Columbus, Norfolk County Councillor Roger Geysens, Norfolk County Councillor Craig Grice, Haldimand County Councillor Noel Haydt, Norfolk County Councillor David Hayes, Township of South West Oxford Councillor John Scholten, Township of Norwich Deputy Mayor Tom Southwick, Municipality of Bayham

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LONG POINT REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY STAFF REPORT

Date: February 3rd, 2016 File: 3.3.1 To: Chair and Members, LPRCA Board of Directors From: General Manager, LPRCA Re: Section 28 Regulation Approval

Development, Interference with Wetlands & Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulations (R.R.O. 1990 Reg. 178/06)

RECOMMENDATION

THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors approves the following Development Applications contained within the background section of this report:

A. For Work under Section 28 Regulations, Development, Interference with

Wetlands & Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulations (R.R.O. 1990 Reg. 178/06),

LPRCA-4/16 LPRCA-5/16

B. That the designated officers of LPRCA be authorized to complete the

approval process for this Development Application, as far as it relates to LPRCA’s mandate and related Regulations.

STRATEGIC PLAN Goal #1 - To develop and maintain programs that will protect life and property from natural hazards such as flooding and erosion. BACKGROUND Application# LPRCA-4/16 Plan 16B, Lot 1-5 Block 37, 70 Wolven Street, Norfolk – South Walsingham

• The proposed work – to construct an approximate 112m2 two-storey single-family dwelling and the associated services/septic system approximately 50 metres from a wetland;

• A satisfactory site plan, section drawing and design drawings were submitted in support of this application;

• A satisfactory Scoped Environmental Impact Study and Slope Stability Assessment were submitted in support of this application;

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• The application is within the regulated area adjacent to a wetland. The hydrologic function of the wetland will not be negatively impacted by this development;

• The application is within the erosion hazard allowance of Lake Erie and the proposal is setback from the long-term stable top of slope and will not negatively affect erosion.

Application# LPRCA-5/16 Concession 4, Part Lot 24, 16 Windham Road #4, Norfolk – Windham

• The proposed work – to construct two greenhouses (8187 m2 ) and storage shed (1516 m2) approximately 85 metres from the wetland;

• A satisfactory site and grading plan were submitted in support of this application; • The application is within the regulated area adjacent to a wetland. The hydrologic

function of the wetland will not be negatively impacted by this development. BUDGET IMPLICATION N/A Prepared by: Approved and submitted by:

Bonnie Bravener Cliff Evanitski Resource Technician General Manager

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LPRCA Application Summary Universal Transverse Mercator - Zone 17 (N)

Map centre: East 553086 m North 4740514 m

Created : 26/01/2016 1:27:38 PM

©LPRCA GIS SERVICES 2011

N

0 20 km

NC-41/09-1

LPRCA-4/16

LPRCA-5/16

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January 26th, 2016 File: 0.1.4.1 To: Chair and Members

LPRCA Board of Directors From: General Manager, LPRCA Re: February Calendar of Events RECOMMENDATION That the LPRCA Board of Directors receives the February Calendar Review Report as information. STRATEGIC GOAL GOAL #2 – Maintain and enhance watershed health GOAL #3 – Link people to the environment through outdoor, education and cultural heritage experiences BACKGROUND Conservation Authority staff attends community events throughout the year to engage new and existing stakeholders. Reaching out to the community helps build awareness for the range of programs and services LPRCA provides.

LPRCA encourages people to get outdoors and connect with nature through seasonal special events offered at Backus Heritage Conservation Area.

What’s On the Calendar? The following conservation activities take place during February. UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES February 1: Online Campsite Reservations Open for 2016 Season

February 20: ‘Frozen’ Winter Fun Day, Backus Heritage CA, 12-3 pm

February 24: Exhibitor, ALUS-Norfolk Participants Information Night, Delhi, 6-9 pm

February 26: LPRCA Annual General Meeting, 1:30 pm

February 26-28: Butler’s Rangers Winter Run, Backus Heritage Village

Prepared by: Approved by:

Janice Robertson Cliff Evanitski Supervisor of Community Relations General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer

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Date: January 26th, 2016 File: 1.1.2

To: Chair and Members,

LPRCA Board of Directors From: General Manager, LPRCA Re: GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT – December 2015 and January 2016 RECOMMENDATION That the LPRCA Board of Directors receives the General Manager’s Report for December 2015 and January 2016 as information. STRATEGIC GOAL Goal #5 Work collaboratively with watershed stakeholders to deliver high-value, efficient and innovative solutions. BACKGROUND The GM and Chair attended the Source Water Protection meeting in Cambridge on December 3rd. There has been some discussion that now that the four Source Protection Plans have been completed for the Lake Erie Region, that the 26-member Source Protection Committee might downsize as there are fewer meetings (typically four per year) and less oversight required. Discussions continue. The following week, the GM and Chair attended the Conservation Ontario meeting in Toronto which included discussions with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change regarding future funding support for implementing source protection plans. December 8th included a meeting with Norwich Council regarding the draft 2016 Budget. Later that afternoon the GM met with SCOR regarding potential sources for infrastructure funding. The GM and his counterparts from Elgin met with County staff on the 9th to discuss the Shoreline Management Plan. On December 16th, the GM attended the U.S. Steel Community Liaison Committee meeting in Nanticoke. A tree-planting partnership with the Haldimand County Stewardship Committee is being investigated. Later that day, the GM met with other stakeholders to review submissions for the second round of Amazing Places Norfolk. Deer Creek and Backus Heritage conservation areas have already been identified as “Amazing Places” for visitors to explore when visiting the region. The Lee Brown Marsh Management Committee met on the 18th. In and around meetings of the Strategic Planning Committee (21st) and ALUS Bayham (23rd), the GM was involved in a number of interview sessions to replace recent LPRCA staff openings. On January 7th, the Chair and GM went before Bayham Council to present the 2016 Budget. The GM was part of the Joint Advisory Committee conference call on the 11th where then Province is continuing to be lobbied for funding to assist with Source Water Protection implementation. The LPRCA draft budget was presented to both South West

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Oxford Township and Norfolk County the following day. The Vice-chair and GM presented the Budget to Oxford County on the 13th. The ALUS Elgin Committee met on the 14th and confirmed the hiring of their new coordinator. On January 19th, the GM made a presentation to about 30 Lions/Lionesses on projects LPRCA is doing in the Town of Tillsonburg. The GM met with Camp Trillium representatives on the 22nd to discuss joint fundraising opportunities. The Chair and GM met with the other four Lake Erie Source Protection conservation authorities on the 25th to review the upcoming budget. As anticipated, cuts in provincial support are being considered in the 2016 work plan. Other meetings in January include ALUS Elgin on the 27th and a Volunteer Program Meeting the same day in Cambridge. Prepared and submitted by:

Cliff Evanitski General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer

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Date: January 26th, 2016 File: 2.1.F.1.6

To: Chair and Members,

LPRCA Board of Directors From: General Manager, LPRCA Re: Ecological Survey of Selected LPRCA Properties for 2015/2016 Silvicultural

Operations

RECOMMENDATION THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors approves the recommendations contained in the report submitted by Blue Oak Native Landscapes titled “Field Surveys for Species at Risk Plants and Provincially Rare Plants at Ringland, Deer Creek, Gibel and Landon Tracts.” BACKGROUND On an annual basis, LPRCA retains an ecologist to survey forested properties that will receive some form of silvicultural treatment. The purpose of the exercise is to ensure that sensitive species are not impacted. This is a very important step in the management process since the new Endangered Species Act came into legislation. Sensitive areas and/or species are identified in the field with blue ribbon as an area of concern plus their location identified with a GPS unit. During the 2015 field sampling season, Blue Oak Native Landscapes conducted data collection on the selected sites over three different time frames to ensure plants and vegetative communities that are present at various times of the year were captured. Results of the various surveys are listed in the attached report and recommendations contained within it will be implemented in the field during marking and timber harvesting operations. BUDGET IMPLICATION Funds were allocated within the 2015 approved budget to support the survey. Prepared by: Approved & Submitted by:

David Holmes Cliff Evanitski Field Superintendent General Manager

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FIELD SURVEYS FOR SPECIES AT RISK PLANTS AND PROVINCIALLY RARE PLANTS AT

RINGLAND, DEER CREEK, GIBEL AND LANDON TRACTS

Report prepared for: Long Point Region Conservation Authority C/o Dave Holmes, Field Superintendent

4 Elm Street Tillsonburg, ON

N4G 0C4 (519) 842-‐4242

Report prepared by: Paul O’Hara

Blue Oak Native Landscapes 113 Locke Street North

Hamilton, ON L8R 3A7

(905) 540-‐9963 [email protected]

www.blueoak.ca

November 30th, 2015.

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Introduction

This report summarizes the results of field surveys for Species at Risk (SAR) plants and provincially rare plants at four Long Point Region Conservation Authority properties: Ringland Tract, Deer Creek Conservation Area, Gibel Tract and Landon Tract. The SAR surveys were completed ahead of proposed silvicultural practices planned for the winter of 2015/2016.

The field surveys were conducted by Paul O’Hara, field botanist and owner/operator of Blue Oak Native Landscapes, from May 2015 to October 2015.

Methods

SAR plants in Ontario were determined by referencing the latest Species at Risk in Ontario List (October 1, 2015). Extant SAR in Ontario are assigned one of three categories:

END (Endangered) – A wildlife species facing imminent extinction or extirpation.

THR (Threatened) -‐ A wildlife species that is likely to become endangered if nothing is done to reverse the factors leading to its extirpation or extinction.

SC (Special Concern) -‐ A wildlife species that may become threatened or endangered because of a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats.

The status of provincially rare species was determined with reference to the Rare Vascular Plants of Ontario, Fourth Edition (Oldham and Brinker 2009). Provincially rare species are ranked as follows:

S1 -‐ Critically imperiled in Ontario because of extreme rarity; often 5 or fewer populations.

S2 -‐ Imperiled in Ontario because of very restricted range; often 20 or fewer populations.

S3 -‐ Vulnerable in Ontario because of a restricted range; often 80 or fewer populations.

In addition, provincially rare vegetation types were also noted with reference to Southern Ontario Vegetation Communities (Bakowsky 1997).

The locations of rare species were recorded by GPS (NAD 83) and are accurate to 10m or less.

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For SAR trees, diameter at breast height (dbh) in centimetres and height in metres was estimated.

All SAR species were flagged with blue flagging. However, not all stems were flagged where clusters of Flowering Dogwood and Black Gum stems were found. In these cases, the stems on the margins of the stand were flagged to mark the whole stand as a protection zone for conservation. For herbaceous SAR, nearby trees on the margins of the SAR population were flagged to indicate a protection zone for conservation.

In addition to surveying for Species at Risk, I did a general inventory of all vascular plants encountered and included it in Appendix 1. With respect to the proposed silvicultural practices, this list provides baseline data with which to track changes to the flora of the individual properties over time.

Results

Results of the SAR field surveys are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1 – SAR Plants, Provincially Rare Plants and Provincially Rare Vegetation Types by Property Property SAR Plants Provincially

Rare Plants Provincially Rare Vegetation Types

Ringland Tract

American Chestnut (END, S2)

Butternut (END, S3?)

Black Gum (S3)

Hill’s Oak (S3)

Dry-‐Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest (FOD1-‐3) (S3)

Buttonbush Mineral Thicket Swamp (SWT 2-‐4) (S3)

Deer Creek CA


Flowering Dogwood (END, S2?)


American Ginseng (END, S2)

Crooked-‐stem Aster (SC, S2)

Panicled Hawkweed (S2?)

Gibel Tract


Butternut (END, S2)

Black Gum (S3) Buttonbush Mineral Thicket Swamp (SWT 2-‐4) (S3)

Landon Tract


Flowering Dogwood (END, S2?)


Pignut Hickory (S3)

Black Gum (S3)

Dry-‐Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest (FOD1-‐3) (S3)

Buttonbush Mineral Thicket Swamp (SWT 2-‐4) (S3)

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SAR Plants

American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) (Endangered, S2) American Chestnut was present at all four of the surveyed properties. Fifty-‐five trees with at least one live stem were recorded at the Ringland Tract, ten trees at Deer Creek CA, one tree at the Gibel Tract, and thirty trees at the Landon Tract.

Eastern Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) (Endangered, S2?) Eastern Flowering Dogwood was recorded at Deer Creek CA (250 to 300 trees and seedlings) and the Landon Tract (about 25 trees and seedlings).

Butternut (Juglans cinerea) (Endangered, S3?) Butternut trees were recorded at all four of the surveyed properties. One tree was documented at Ringland, three trees at Deer Creek CA, two trees at the Gibel Tract and eight trees at the Landon Tract.

American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) (Endangered, S2) American Ginseng was documented at Deer Creek CA. Information on this population is data sensitive and is not included in this report. Data was submitted separately to natural heritage staff at Long Point Region Conservation Authority, the Natural Heritage Information Centre and the enforcement branch of the MNRF.

Crooked-‐stem Aster (Symphyotrichum prenanthoides) (Special Concern, S2) One clump of Crooked-‐stem Aster comprising three stems was found at the edge of a seepage area in a ravine at Deer Creek CA.

Provincially Rare Plants

Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra) (S3) Four Pignut Hickory trees were recorded at the Landon Tract.

Panicled Hawkweed (Hieracium paniculatum) (S2?) Several dozen of stems of Panicled Hawkweed were documented on the forested slopes adjacent to the reservoir at Deer Creek CA.

Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) (S3) Approximately sixty Black Gum stems were recorded at the Ringland Tract, two stems at the Gibel Tract, and one hundred fifty to two hundred stems at the Landon Tract.

Hill’s Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis) (S3) Forty-‐three Hill’s Oak trees were documented at the Ringland Tract.

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Provincially Rare Vegetation Types

Dry-‐Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest (FOD1-‐3) (S3) Dry-‐Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest (Ecological Land Classification Type FOD1-‐3) was observed at both the Ringland and Landon Tracts. These forest areas have dry, sandy soils and were partially dominated by Black Oak (Quercus velutina) with White Oak (Quercus alba), Red Oak (Quercus rubra), Red Maple (Acer rubrum), Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) and White Pine (Pinus strobus) as secondary dominants. At the Ringland Tract, Hill’s Oak was also associated with this vegetation type.

Buttonbush Mineral Thicket Swamp (SWT 2-‐4) (S3) Buttonbush Mineral Thicket Swamps (Ecological Land Classification Type SWT 2-‐4) were observed at the Ringland and Gibel Tracts. All were small sloughs partially dominated by Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) that fill up with water in early spring and dry down by early summer.

Provincially rare vegetation types were not marked with blue flagging, but LPRCA staff are aware of their presence and the protection and enhancement of these areas will be part of the planning activities before silvicultural operations begin.

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Ringland Tract

The Ringland Tract is a 100 acre (40.47 ha) property in Middletown Township in Norfolk County. It is part of the large natural area known as the Courtland Swamp (Gartshore et al. 1987). The Courtland Swamp lies at the headwaters of the Big Creek and the Big Otter Creek watersheds. It was requested by the LPRCA to only survey the area north of the drain that bisects the tract, a 64 acre (25.9 ha) area.

Botanical surveys were conducted on May 13, June 3, June 11, July 8, July 13 and September 16. One hundred and sixty-‐seven (167) vascular plants were recorded (see Appendix 1). Two Species at Risk and two Provincially Rare Species were recorded and are detailed below.

This forested tract is characterized by upland and lowland woods with little relief. The upland woods are dominated by White Pine (Pinus strobus), Red Oak (Quercus rubra), White Oak (Quercus alba), Black Oak (Quercus velutina), Beech (Fagus grandifolia), Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), Red Maple (Acer rubrum), Sassafras (Sassafras albidum), Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), Basswood (Tilia americana), White Ash (Fraxinus americana), Largetooth Aspen (Populus grandidentata) and Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides).

The lowland woods is dominated by Freeman’s Maple (Acer x freemanii), Red Ash (Fraxinus pensylvanica), White Elm (Ulmus americana), Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra), Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) and Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor).

Most of the area of the Ringland Tract surveyed has a rich assortment of native shrub and ground layer species; only four of the 167 vascular plants recorded were non-‐native. The non-‐native Multi-‐flora Rose (Rosa multiflora) and Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) were prevalent in the younger, disturbed woods in the southwest area of the property.

SAR Plants – Ringland Tract

American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) (Endangered, S2) Fifty-‐five American Chestnut trees were recorded at the Ringland Tract. Most were sucker sprouts from old stumps and were affected by Chestnut Blight. However, several small, healthy trees (8cm to 18cm dbh) were also recorded.

Butternut (Juglans cinerea) (Endangered, S3?) One Butternut tree 10cm dbh and 6m ht. was recorded. It had many cankers from the Butternut Canker fungus.

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Provincially Rare Plants – Ringland Tract

Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) (S3) Approximately sixty Black Gum trees and suckers were recorded at the Ringland Tract. They were growing mostly in lowland areas. Most were smaller stems less than 20cm dbh. However, there were a couple larger trees. One tree in the north central part of the tract was 45cm dbh and 22m ht. and based on bark characteristics could be 200-‐300 years old (personal observation, Pederson 2010).

Hill’s Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis) (S3) Forty-‐three Hill’s Oak were documented at the Ringland Tract. The trees were growing with other species of oak (Q. alba, Q. rubra, and Q. velutina) and some trees may be hybrids. Hybrids have been documented between Q. ellipsoidalis and Q. velutina (Hipp and Weber 2008). Most of the Hill’s Oak were canopy-‐size trees growing in close proximity to each other and, at the time of surveying, it was sometimes difficult to find voucher material (fallen leaves and acorns) to examine. There is an absence of seedling and sapling sized Hill’s Oak because of shading from existing oaks and early successional trees like Black Cherry and aspens.

This population should be a priority for conservation and deserves more study. In conversation with Wasyl Bakowsky, Community Ecologist at the Ontario Natural Heritage Information Centre, he commented that, “[he was] unaware of any Tallgrass woodland where Hill’s Oak achieves a high importance value in a stand, so that certainly makes the woodland at the Ringland Tract especially unique and noteworthy.”

Provincially Rare Vegetation Types – Ringland Tract

Dry-‐Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest (FOD1-‐3) (S3) Some of the southwest and central west portions of the area surveyed can be described as Dry-‐Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest (FOD 1-‐3). The Hill’s Oak trees noted above are associated with this vegetation type in the southwest portion of the area surveyed.

Buttonbush Mineral Thicket Swamp (SWT 2-‐4) (S3) A couple small Buttonbush Mineral Thicket Swamps (SWT 2-‐4) were noted in the lowland woods in the west central part of the tract.

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Recommendations

1. All blue flagged areas where SAR and provincially rare plants occur should bethoroughly protected from felling and skidding operations.

2. Silvicultural operations should only occur when the ground is frozen toprotect ground layer species.

3. All forestry equipment should be thoroughly cleaned before silviculturaloperations proceed so that the seed of non-‐native species is not tracked intothe woodland.

4. Populations of Multiflora Rose and Garlic Mustard should be controlled toavoid their spread into the higher quality forest areas of the Ringland Tract.

5. Early successional trees like Black Cherry, Largetooth Aspen and TremblingAspen around the stand of Hill’s Oak could be removed to aid the recruitmentof Hill’s Oak.

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Map 1 -‐ Species at Risk at the Ringland Tract

29

Table 2 – Location and Attributes of Species at Risk and S1-‐S3 Plant Species at the Ringland Tract

Species UTM Easting

UTM Northing

Notes

American Chestnut 531552 4740464 Sapling damaged by fallen tree; pinned to ground. American Chestnut 531520 4740472 Two live suckers 2cm dbh/3m ht. American Chestnut 531518 4740461 Pole-‐sized tree on property border; 80% dieback; 6cm dbh. American Chestnut 531525 4740459 Multiple suckers from old stump; chestnut blight prevalent. American Chestnut 531546 4740463 Three live suckers. American Chestnut 531554 4740465 Pole-‐sized tree 12cm dbh/10m height; relatively healthy. American Chestnut 531552 4740468 Sapling sucker sprout 2cm dbh. American Chestnut 531642 4740549 Healthy tree 10cm dbh/10m ht. American Chestnut 531645 4740537 Tree 13cm dbh/12m ht. American Chestnut 531693 4740375 Tree 9cm dbh/8m ht. American Chestnut 531700 4740366 Couple pole-‐sized suckers 4cm dbh/4m ht. American Chestnut 531688 4740374 Dead pole-‐sized sucker and half a dozen smaller live suckers

<2m in height. American Chestnut 531684 4740376 Pole-‐sized sucker 5cm dbh/6m ht. + small sprout. American Chestnut 531671 4740361 Two stems; 8cm dbh/9cm ht. and 6cm dbh/4m ht. American Chestnut 531625 4740363 Two sucker sprouts; 2cm dbh/3m ht. and 1cm dbh/2m ht. American Chestnut 531627 4740359 Half dozen suckers <2m ht. American Chestnut 531619 4740379 Half dozen suckers <3m ht. American Chestnut 531628 4740380 Three suckers <4m ht. American Chestnut 531629 4740380 One stem 2cm dbh/3m ht. American Chestnut 531631 4740386 Two stems <2m ht. American Chestnut 531704 4740345 One sucker 1m ht. American Chestnut 531702 4740335 Two pole-‐sized trees 5cm dbh/5m ht. American Chestnut 531706 4740332 Half dozen suckers <2.5m ht. American Chestnut 531716 4740327 Healthy tree 10cm dbh/8m ht. American Chestnut 531714 4740321 Healthy tree 7cm dbh/6m ht. American Chestnut 531810 4740275 Two suckers < 2m ht. American Chestnut 531875 4740168 Three small snags with several live suckers <1m ht. American Chestnut 531746 4740178 Healthy pole-‐sized tree 8cm dbh/8m ht. American Chestnut 531673 4740205 Two suckers <2m ht. American Chestnut 531685 4740254 Two suckers 4cm dbh/5m ht. American Chestnut 531636 4740260 Snag with multiple sucker sprouts <2.5m ht. American Chestnut 531586 4740282 Two sucker sprouts <4m ht. American Chestnut 531461 4740276 Healthy tree or sucker sprout 2cm dbh/2m ht. American Chestnut 531700 4740387 Two suckers <1m ht. American Chestnut 531542 4740479 Sucker 2m ht. American Chestnut 531544 4740466 Three suckers <2m ht. American Chestnut 531516 4740441 Half dozen suckers <3m ht. American Chestnut 531542 4740462 Sucker 0.5m ht. American Chestnut 531453 4740319 Vigorous pole-‐sized tree 6cm dbh/8m ht. American Chestnut 531458 4740311 Tree 3cm dbh/2.5m ht. American Chestnut 531835 4740152 Healthy tree 18cm dbh/16m ht. American Chestnut 531798 4740255 Healthy tree 15cm dbh/12m ht. American Chestnut 531746 4740350 Tree 4cm dbh/3m ht. plus one sucker. American Chestnut 531738 4740359 Pole-‐sized snag with 4 suckers <2m ht. American Chestnut 531732 4740368 Healthy tree 10cm dbh/10m ht. with one sucker. American Chestnut 531732 4740371 Healthy tree 7cm dbh/6m ht. American Chestnut 531617 4740561 Healthy sucker 1.5cm dbh/2m ht. American Chestnut 531593 4740506 Healthy tree 2cm dbh/2.5m ht. American Chestnut 531606 4740519 Healthy tree 8cm dbh/8m ht.; deer rub evidence. American Chestnut 531603 4740520 Pole-‐sized snag with 3 suckers <1.5m ht. American Chestnut 531599 4740520 Healthy tree 11cm dbh/8m ht.

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American Chestnut 531597 4740523 Healthy tree 2.5cm dbh/4m ht. American Chestnut 531597 4740528 Healthy tree 4cm dbh/3m ht. American Chestnut 531595 4740525 Healthy tree 6cm dbh/8m ht. American Chestnut 531585 4740524 Relatively healthy tree 2cm dbh/2m ht. Butternut 531895 4740143 Heavily cankered tree 10cm dbh/6m ht. Black Gum 531748 4740166 Six stems; largest stem 12cm dbh/12m ht. with 5 sucker

sprouts <2.5cm ht. Black Gum 531677 4740205 One stem 2cm dbh/3m ht. Black Gum 531681 4740207 One stem 1cm dbh/2.5m ht. Black Gum 531684 4740208 Tree 35cm dbh/18m ht. with 4 suckers <4m ht. Black Gum 531694 4740213 Tree 2cm dbh/3m ht. Black Gum 531682 4740261 Two stems: 7cm dbh/7m ht and 3cm dbh/3m ht. Black Gum cluster 531631 4740275 Approximately 40 stems < 25cm dbh/12m ht. growing on the

edge of a swamp maple slough. Black Gum cluster 531620 4740265 As above Black Gum cluster 531624 4740269 As above Black Gum cluster 531627 4740272 As above Black Gum cluster 531627 4740274 As above Black Gum cluster 531624 4740275 As above Black Gum cluster 531621 4740273 As above Black Gum cluster 531617 4740267 As above Black Gum cluster 531612 4740263 As above Black Gum cluster 531608 4740262 As above Black Gum cluster 531607 4740260 As above Black Gum cluster 531608 4740257 As above Black Gum 531590 4740285 Tree 16cm dbh/12m ht. Black Gum 531583 4740288 Old canopy size Black Gum 45cm dbh/22m ht.; based on bark

characteristics is probably 200+ years old. Hill’s Oak 531891 4740144 Tree 40cm dbh/18m ht. Hill’s Oak 531888 4740135 Tree 50cm dbh/24m ht. Hill’s Oak 531888 4740128 Tree 70cm dbh/25m ht. Hill’s Oak 531888 4740155 Tree 35cm dbh/14m ht. Hill’s Oak 531875 4740152 Tree 35cm dbh/16m ht. Hill’s Oak 531871 4740147 Tree 30cm dbh/14m ht. Hill’s Oak 531863 4740143 Tree 40cm dbh/16m ht. Hill’s Oak 531854 4740144 Tree 45cm dbh/22m ht. Hill’s Oak 531846 4740133 Tree 45cm dbh/22m ht. Hill’s Oak 531842 4740122 Tree 40cm dbh/18m ht. Hill’s Oak 531832 4740109 Tree 50cm dbh/22m ht. Hill’s Oak 531831 4740117 Tree 25cm dbh/14m ht. Hill’s Oak 531826 4740118 Tree 50cm dbh/20m ht. Hill’s Oak 531827 4740120 Tree 30cm dbh/18m ht. Hill’s Oak 531825 4740124 Tree 40cm dbh/18m ht. Hill’s Oak 531826 4740128 Tree 45cm dbh/20m ht. Hill’s Oak 531831 4740133 Tree 18cm dbh/16m ht. Hill’s Oak 531823 4740138 Tree 45cm dbh/22m ht. Hill’s Oak 531838 4740149 Tree 50cm dbh/22m ht.; deer stand in tree. Hill’s Oak 531839 4740167 Tree 20cm dbh/14m ht. Hill’s Oak 531827 4740161 Tree 20cm dbh/12m ht. Hill’s Oak 531793 4739990 Tree 50cm dbh/20m ht. Hill’s Oak 531799 4739988 Tree 20cm dbh/12m ht. Hill’s Oak 531797 4739986 Two trunks 35cm dbh/14m ht. and 50cm dbh/18m ht. Hill’s Oak 531787 4739987 Two trunks 30cm dbh/14m ht. and 55cm dbh/20m ht. Hill’s Oak 531788 4739984 Tree 15cm dbh/8m ht. Hill’s Oak 531802 4739978 Tree 40cm dbh/16m ht. Hill’s Oak 531806 4739979 Tree 25cm dbh/12m ht. Hill’s Oak 531812 4739985 Tree 50cm dbh/24m ht. Hill’s Oak 531811 4739990 Tree 25cm dbh/16m ht.

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Hill’s Oak 531810 4739999 Tree 30cm dbh/16m ht. Hill’s Oak 531808 4730000 Tree 25cm dbh/12m ht. Hill’s Oak 531807 4739995 Two trunks 50cm dbh/20m ht. and 25cm dbh/16m ht. Hill’s Oak 531783 4740000 Tree 45cm dbh/20m ht. Hill’s Oak 531818 4740008 Tree 40cm dbh/20m ht. Hill’s Oak 531817 4740009 Tree 40cm dbh/18m ht. Hill’s Oak 531820 4740010 Tree 20cm dbh/14m ht. Hill’s Oak 531829 4740011 Two trunks 20cm dbh/18m ht. and 55cm dbh/22m ht. Hill’s Oak 531825 4740021 Tree 50cm dbh/22m ht. Hill’s Oak 531845 4740019 Tree 40cm dbh/18m ht. Hill’s Oak 531850 4740020 Tree 65cm dbh/24m ht. Hill’s Oak 531852 4740017 Tree 45cm dbh/16m ht. Hill’s Oak 531857 4740065 Tree 40cm dbh/18m ht.

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Deer Creek Conservation Area

Deer Creek Conservation Area is a 276.5 acre (111.9 ha) property in North Walsingham Township in Norfolk County. It was requested by the LPRCA to only survey a 44 acre (17.8 ha) area on the west side of the Deer Creek reservoir, part of the Big Creek watershed.

Botanical surveys were conducted on May 5, May 6, May 29, June 9, July 9, July 16 and September 8. One hundred and fifty-‐eight (158) vascular plants were recorded (see Appendix 1). Five Species at Risk and one Provincially Rare Species were recorded and are detailed below.

This forested tract area is broken up into three distinct tableland areas intercepted by two narrow valleys. The tableland woods are composed of White Pine (Pinus strobus), Red Oak (Quercus rubra), White Oak (Quercus alba), Black Oak (Quercus velutina), Beech (Fagus grandifolia), Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), Red Maple (Acer rubrum), Sassafras (Sassafras albidum), Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), Bitternut Hickory (Carya cordiformis), Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata), Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), Basswood (Tilia americana), Yellow Birch (White Ash (Fraxinus americana), Largetooth Aspen (Populus grandidentata) and Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides). In the middle and south tablelands there are some planted stands of White Pine and Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana).

Most of the property has a very rich assortment of native shrub layer and ground layer species (woodland flowers, graminoids, ferns, and clubmosses), as well as an absence of common invasive species like Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and non-‐native Honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.); only three of the 158 vascular plants recorded were non-‐native. However, small patches of Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) were found creeping into some of the high-‐quality ground flora areas in the south tablelands.

SAR Plants – Deer Creek CA

American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) (Endangered, S2) Ten American Chestnut trees were recorded at Deer Creek CA. All were sucker sprouts from old stumps affected by Chestnut Blight.

Eastern Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) (Endangered, S2?) Two hundred and fifty to three hundred (250-‐300) Eastern Flowering Dogwood trees and seedlings were recorded at Deer Creek CA. Most larger trees were found on woodland edges and were in relatively good health. This is consistent with Flowering Dogwood observations in other parts of its Ontario range; trees that are exposed to drying winds on woodland edges are less affected by Flowering

33

Dogwood Anthracnose than trees in interior forests (personal observation). It is clear by the number of seedlings found on the property that these trees had good fruit production in recent years.

Butternut (Juglans cinerea) (Endangered, S3?) Three Butternuts were recorded at Deer Creek CA. The tree in the north tablelands is in poor health and is close to the access road/skid trail. The two trees in the south tablelands are canopy-‐sized and are in relatively good health.

American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) (Endangered, S2) American Ginseng was documented at Deer Creek CA. Information on this population is data sensitive and is not included in this report. Data was submitted separately to natural heritage staff at Long Point Region Conservation Authority, the Natural Heritage Information Centre and the enforcement branch of the MNRF.

Crooked-‐stem Aster (Symphyotrichum prenanthoides) (Special Concern, S2) One clump of Crooked-‐stem Aster comprising three stems was found at the edge of a seepage area in the ravine between the middle and south tablelands. Dominant vegetation in the seepage area included Drooping Sedge (Carex prasina), Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis), Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis) and Clearweed (Pilea pumila). Despite some searching along the ravine no other populations were found. Perhaps there are more populations along the same ravine on the private lands to the west. Draper (2012) documented more populations of Crooked-‐stem Aster at the Jackson Tract approximately 4.5km to the southwest.

Provincially Rare Plants – Deer Creek CA

Panicled Hawkweed (Hieracium paniculatum) (S2?) Several dozen stems of Panicled Hawkweed were documented on the forested slopes adjacent to the reservoir on the south tablelands at Deer Creek CA where they take advantage of the higher incidental light.

Provincially Rare Vegetation Types – Deer Creek CA

No provincially rare vegetation types were recorded at Deer Creek CA. However, forests with high-‐quality shrub layer and ground layer species like those found at Deer Creek CA are becoming increasingly rare in southwestern Ontario (personal observation).

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Recommendations

1. All blue flagged areas where SAR and provincially rare plants occurshould be thoroughly protected from felling and skidding operations.


3. All forestry equipment should be thoroughly cleaned before silviculturaloperations proceed so that the seed of non-‐native species is not trackedinto this high quality woodland.

4. Garlic Mustard should be controlled to avoid it spreading any further intothe high quality ground flora .

35

Map 2 -‐ Species at Risk at Deer Creek CA

36

Table 3 – Location and Attributes of Species at Risk and S1-‐S3 Plant Species at the Deer Creek Conservation Area

Species UTM Easting

UTM Northing

Notes

American Chestnut 535002 4729177 Healthy stump sprout 15cm dbh. American Chestnut 535218 4728913 Two one metre high suckers. American Chestnut 535219 4728789 One live sucker 2cm dbh/2m high. American Chestnut 535275 4728701 Three small suckers < 1.5m ht. American Chestnut 535408 4728594 0.4m high sucker. American Chestnut 535416 4728615 Pole-‐sized healthy sucker 4cm dbh/4m ht.; couple other

smaller suckers. American Chestnut 535537 4728760 Two 1.5m high suckers. American Chestnut 535543 4728760 Sucker 1m in ht. American Chestnut 535540 4728767 Sucker 0.5m in ht. American Chestnut 535439 4728599 Tree 3cm dbh/4m ht.; near boat launch. Flowering Dogwood cluster

535005 4729227 Approximately 26 trees in this polygon in the north end of the property.

Flowering Dogwood cluster

535006 4729228 Same as above.


535013 4729226 Same as above.


535001 4729223 Same as above.


535994 4729221 Same as above.


535981 4729211 Same as above.


535022 4729141 Approximately 25 stems along the west property bordering the agricultural field in the north end of the property ranging from 3cm dbh saplings to 20cm dbh large trees. This polygon is approximately 100m x 25m in size. Most trees are in good health.


535015 4729150 Same as above.


535011 4729157 Same as above.


535012 4729156 Same as above.


535008 4729161 Same as above.


535003 4729166 Same as above.


534990 4729199 Same as above.

Flowering Dogwood 535234 4728763 Large dead tree on property boundary; 2 stems 12cm dbh. Flowering Dogwood 535240 4728764 15cm dbh tree with some dieback. Flowering Dogwood 535256 4728733 Two stems 10cm dbh and 6cm dbh. Flowering Dogwood 535516 4728716 Dead stem 8cm dbh. Flowering Dogwood 535517 4728699 4 dead stems ~6cm dbh. Flowering Dogwood 535558 4728796 5 live trees and 4 dead stems in this area Flowering Dogwood 535084 4729285 One live stem near shoreline of reservoir 5cm dbh. Flowering Dogwood cluster

535359 4728624 Couple dozen small seedlings <1m height in this polygon.


535361 4728626 Same as above.


535363 4728625 Same as above.

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535366 4728621 Same as above.


535362 4728618 Same as above.


535372 4728616 Same as above.


535375 4728614 Same as above.


535378 4728613 Same as above.


535379 4728610 Same as above.

Flowering Dogwood 535408 4728594 Seedlings Flowering Dogwood 535419 4728597 Seedlings Flowering Dogwood 535432 4728590 Seedlings Flowering Dogwood 535416 4728621 Several seedlings in poor health. Flowering Dogwood 535414 4728641 Half a dozen seedlings. Flowering Dogwood 535443 4728633 Half a dozen seedlings. Flowering Dogwood 535453 4728655 Tree 6cm dbh/8m ht. Flowering Dogwood 535522 4728709 Seedling Flowering Dogwood 535550 4728871 One 1m ht. seedling in poor health. Flowering Dogwood 535541 4718930 Half dozen seedlings. Flowering Dogwood 535009 4729207 Tree 1.5m ht. Flowering Dogwood 535023 4729210 Several seedlings <0.5m ht. Flowering Dogwood 535029 4729214 Tree 1.5m ht. plus some seedlings. Flowering Dogwood 535077 4729213 Tree 2m ht. Flowering Dogwood 535118 4729189 Seedling 0.5m ht. Flowering Dogwood 535101 4729189 Seedling 1m ht. Flowering Dogwood 535111 4729184 Seedling 0.5m ht. Flowering Dogwood 535110 4729162 Two trees: 3cm dbh/3m ht. and 4cm dbh/3m ht. Flowering Dogwood 535120 4729141 Seedling 1m ht. Flowering Dogwood 535123 4729142 Tree 3m ht. Flowering Dogwood 535112 4729092 Seedlings Flowering Dogwood 535262 4728883 Seedlings Flowering Dogwood cluster

535212 4728917 Several dozen seedlings in this cluster.


535228 4728910 Same as above.


535247 4728912 Same as above.


535270 4728888 Same as above.

Flowering Dogwood 535260 4728707 Several dozen seedlings on the edge of the agricultural field in this area.

Panicled Hawkweed 535413 4728615 Several clumps on cut edge near boat launch. Panicled Hawkweed 535457 4728657 7 clumps. Panicled Hawkweed 535500 4728707 Dozens of plants along the wooded slope next to the reservoir. Panicled Hawkweed 535503 4728698 Same area as above. Panicled Hawkweed 535506 4728704 Same area as above. Panicled Hawkweed 535514 4728703 Same area as above. Panicled Hawkweed 535529 4728712 Same area as above. Panicled Hawkweed 535529 4728711 Same area as above. Panicled Hawkweed 535533 4728714 Same area as above. Butternut 534850 4729124 Tree 35cm dbh. Butternut 535472 4728750 Fairly healthy canopy tree 45cm dbh. Butternut 535363 4728868 Large tree in moderate health 55cm dbh. Crooked-‐stem Aster 535112 4729048 Three stems growing in seepage area at log crossing between

north tablelands and middle tablelands.

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Gibel Tract

The Gibel Tract is a 65 acre (26.3 ha) property in Middletown Township in Norfolk County. The tract lies at the headwaters of the Big Otter Creek watershed.

Botanical surveys were conducted on May 15, May 16, June 2, July 7, July 10 and September 11. One hundred and sixty-‐eight (168) vascular plants were recorded (see Appendix 1). Three Species at Risk were recorded and are detailed below.

This forested tract is characterized by upland and lowland woods with little relief. The upland woods are composed of by White Pine (Pinus strobus), Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), Red Oak (Quercus rubra), White Oak (Quercus alba), Beech (Fagus grandifolia), Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), Red Maple (Acer rubrum), Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), Basswood (Tilia americana), Bitternut Hickory (Carya cordiformis), White Ash (Fraxinus americana), Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis), White Birch (Betula papyrifera), Largetooth Aspen (Populus grandidentata) and Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides). As well, there are some stands of planted White Pine and Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) in the north end of the property.

The lowland woods is dominated by Freeman’s Maple (Acer x freemanii), Red Ash (Fraxinus pensylvanica), White Elm (Ulmus americana), Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra), Cottonwood (Populus deltoides), Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) and Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor).

The 1954 aerial photo shows that about half of the tract was cleared, the forest having recovered in the last 60 years. This is reflected in the low to medium quality of the ground flora (or absence thereof) in some areas of the tract, as well as the presence of several problematic invasive species including Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) , White Mulberry (Morus alba), Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii), and Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata). Despite the historical disturbance, only five of the 168 vascular plants recorded were non-‐native.

SAR Plants – Gibel Tract

American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) (Endangered, S2) One small American Chestnut tree was recorded at the Gibel Tract.

Butternut (Juglans cinerea) (Endangered, S3?) Two Butternut saplings were recorded along the south edge of the Gibel Tract bordering Plowman’s Line.

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Provincially Rare Plants – Gibel Tract

Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) (S3) One sapling and one pole-‐sized Black Gum were recorded in the north end of the property.

Provincially Rare Vegetation Types – Gibel Tract

A couple small Buttonbush Mineral Thicket Swamps (SWT 2-‐4) were noted in the lowland woods in the central part of the tract. Although the locations of these habitats were not recorded, LPRCA staff are aware of their presence and these areas will be flagged before any silvicultural operations begin.

Recommendations



3. Buttonbush Mineral Thicket Swamps (SWT 2-‐4) should be protected fromfelling and skidding operations.

4. All forestry equipment should be thoroughly cleaned before silviculturaloperations proceed so that the seed of non-‐native species is not tracked intothis high quality woodland.

5. Common Buckthorn, White Mulberry, Japanese Barberry and Garlic Mustardpopulations should be controlled.

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1

Map 3 -‐ Species at Risk at the Gibel Tract

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Table 4 – Location and Attributes of Species at Risk and S1-‐S3 Plant Species at the Gibel Tract

Species UTM Easting

UTM Northing

Notes

American Chestnut 528571 4745493 Tree 6cm dbh/6m ht. Butternut 528969 4744827 Sapling 3cm dbh/2.5cm ht.; healthy; beside access road. Butternut 528930 4744765 Sapling 1cm dbh/2m ht.; beside skid trail entrance. Black Gum 528525 4745517 Tree 8cm dbh/7m ht. Black Gum 528525 4745517 Sapling 2cm dbh/2.5m ht.

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Landon Tract

The Landon Tract is a 50 acre (20.23 ha) property in Charlotteville Township in Norfolk County.

Botanical surveys were conducted on May 16, May 28, June 8, July 15, July 17 and September 9. One hundred and ninety-‐four (194) vascular plants were recorded (see Appendix 1). Three Species at Risk and two provincially rare species were recorded and are detailed below.

This forested tract is part of the Dedrick Young Creek watershed and is characterized by upland and lowland woods on the Norfolk Sand Plain with little elevation change. The upland woods are dominated by White Pine (Pinus strobus), Red Oak (Quercus rubra), White Oak (Quercus alba), Black Oak (Quercus velutina), Beech (Fagus grandifolia), Red Maple (Acer rubrum), Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), Basswood (Tilia americana), White Ash (Fraxinus americana), Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis), White Birch (Betula papyrifera), Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata), Bitternut Hickory (Carya cordiformis), Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), and Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides). A couple Tuliptrees (Liriodendron tulipifera) were observed in the south end of the tract. Some of the upland areas are planted with White Pine, Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Red Pine (Pinus resinosa).

The lowland woods is dominated by Freeman’s Maple (Acer x freemanii), Red Ash (Fraxinus pensylvanica), White Elm (Ulmus americana), Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra), Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa), Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) and Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica).

Most of the tract has a rich assortment of native shrub and ground layer species; only 10 of the 194 vascular plants recorded were non-‐native. Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and Orchard Grass (Dactylis glomerata) were observed being tracked along the access road/skid trail into the tract. A population of European Lily-‐of-‐the-‐Valley (Convallaria majus) was observed in the southwest portion of the property. As well, the non-‐native Multi-‐flora Rose (Rosa multiflora) is prevalent in some parts of the tract.

SAR Plants – Landon Tract

American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) (Endangered, S2) Thirty American Chestnut trees with at least one living sucker sprout were recorded at the Landon Tract. Most were sucker sprouts from old stumps and were affected by Chestnut Blight.

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Eastern Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) (Endangered, S2?) About 25 Flowering Dogwood trees and seedlings were documented at the Landon Tract. Many of the trees were observed close to the skid trail in the northeast corner of the tract where they take advantage of higher light levels.

Butternut (Juglans cinerea) (Endangered, S3?) Eight Butternuts were documented at the Landon Tract. Butternut Canker was observed on some of the larger trees while younger trees are relatively healthy.

Provincially Rare Plants – Landon Tract

Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra) (S3) Four Pignut Hickory trees were recorded in the south end of the tract growing with Black Oak, White Oak and Red Oak.

Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) (S3) Approximately 150-‐200 Black Gum trees and suckers were recorded at the Landon Tract, growing in mostly in lowland areas. Several cut Black Gum stems were observed along the Dedrick Young Creek/drain, apparently damaged by drain brushing activities.

Most Black Gums observed were smaller stems less than 20cm dbh. However, several larger Black Gums 40-‐50cm dbh were observed and based on bark characteristics could be 200+ years old (personal observation, Pederson 2010).

Provincially Rare Vegetation Types – Landon Tract

Dry-‐Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest (FOD1-‐3) (S3) Some of the forest in the south end of the Landon Tract is best described as Dry-‐Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest (FOD1-‐3), a provincially rare vegetation type (Bakowsky 1997). In these areas Black Oak occurs with White Oak, Red Oak, White Pine and Pignut Hickory, with American Hazel (Corylus americana), Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica), and Bracken Fern (Pteridium aquilinum) in the shrub and ground layers. In this same area bordering Charlotteville Road 7, Dry-‐spike Sedge (Carex siccata) and Flowering Spurge (Euphorbia corollata) were observed. Both are prairie and savanna affinity species.

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Recommendations



3. Silvicultural practices should preserve and enhance the integrity of any areasof Dry-‐Fresh Black Oak Deciduous Forest (FOD1-‐3).

4. All forestry equipment should be thoroughly cleaned before silviculturaloperations proceed so that the seed of non-‐native species is not tracked intothe woodland.

5. Populations of problematic invasive species like Multiflora Rose, GarlicMustard, Orchard Grass and European Lily-‐of-‐the-‐Valley should be controlledto avoid their spread into the higher quality forest areas of the Landon Tract.

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Map 4 -‐ Species at Risk at the Landon Tract

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Table 5 – Location and Attributes of Species at Risk and S1-‐S3 Plant Species at the Landon Tract

Species UTM Easting

UTM Northing

Notes

American Chestnut 550514 4736861 Snag with one live stem 5cm dbh/3m ht. and some smaller suckers; blight present.

American Chestnut 550516 4736869 Couple dead trees; no apparent live suckers. American Chestnut 550499 4736865 Tree 18cm dbh/12m ht. with 80% dieback; numerous suckers. American Chestnut 550489 4736865 One small sucker. Dead Flowering Dogwood stem here as well. American Chestnut 550481 4736868 Dead tree; no apparent suckers. American Chestnut 550476 4736874 Multiple suckering tree with stems of different sizes; some

alive some dead. American Chestnut 530489 4736893 Half a dozen small suckers. American Chestnut 550487 4736911 Two suckers 1.5m ht. American Chestnut 550362 4736843 Small sucker. American Chestnut 550461 4737079 Dead sucker 15cm dbh; 2 small living sprouts. American Chestnut 550366 4737137 Sucker 2cm dbh/2m ht. American Chestnut 550371 4737164 Snag 20cm dbh riddled with blight with multiple suckers. American Chestnut 550379 4737189 Snag 15cm dbh with multiple living suckers. American Chestnut 550145 4737112 Snag 20cm dbh with multiple 1m high suckers. American Chestnut 550140 4737112 Snag 45cm dbh with no apparent suckers. American Chestnut 550216 4737088 Knee-‐high sapling on mound. American Chestnut 550400 4736643 Half dozen suckers < 2m ht. Tuliptree at this waypoint as well. American Chestnut 550349 4736705 Sucker 1.2m ht. American Chestnut 550333 4736709 Pole-‐sized suckers 5cm dbh/4m ht. plus numerous smaller

suckers. American Chestnut 550344 4736726 Numerous small suckers <1m ht. American Chestnut 550336 4736731 Three suckers < 2m ht. American Chestnut 550338 4736754 Tree 6cm dbh/2.5m ht. American Chestnut 550345 4736747 One living sucker 7cm dbh/6m ht. plus two dead suckers. American Chestnut 550353 4736755 Multiple suckers <3m ht. American Chestnut 550264 4737027 Tree 12cm dbh/7m ht. American Chestnut 550552 4736944 Healthy tree 6cm dbh/6m ht. American Chestnut 550549 4736935 Multiple sucker sprouts < 2m ht. American Chestnut 550171 4737105 Snag 10cm dbh/8m ht with multiple suckers <1.5m ht. American Chestnut 550284 4736799 Couple suckers ~1m ht. American Chestnut 550321 4736766 Three suckers <1.5m ht. from pole-‐sized snag. American Chestnut 550346 4736732 One sucker ~0.5m ht. American Chestnut 550373 4736719 One sucker ~0.5m ht. Pignut Hickory 550443 4736708 Large canopy tree 55cm dbh/25m ht. Pignut Hickory 550435 4736664 Two trees beside eachother: 18cm dbh/10m ht. and 4cm

dbh/4m ht. Pignut Hickory 550604 4736840 Tree 35cm dbh/16m ht. Flowering Dogwood 550481 4736901 Three saplings <4m ht. Flowering Dogwood 550480 4736899 Sapling 3cm dbh/3.5m ht. Flowering Dogwood 550370 4737161 Tree near skid trail. Flowering Dogwood 550383 4737176 Four trees <2.5m ht. Flowering Dogwood 550389 4737171 One tree 2cm dbh/2m ht. Flowering Dogwood 550382 4737170 Tree 6cm dbh/5m ht. Flowering Dogwood 550379 4737190 Tree 3cm dbh/3m ht. Flowering Dogwood 550355 4737191 Half dozen suckers from old stump 2m to 3.5m ht. Flowering Dogwood 550397 4736648 Many seedlings < 1m ht. Flowering Dogwood 550347 4736753 Three trees 2m, 1.5m, and 0.5m ht. Flowering Dogwood 550383 4737188 Two trees beside each other beside skid trail; both 2cm

dbh/2.5m ht. Flowering Dogwood 550218 4737278 Bent over sapling 1.5m ht. Butternut 550515 4736830 Canopy tree 40cm dbh/23m ht.; has canker; dead branches in

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crown. Butternut 550440 4736855 Leaning tree 35cm dbh/18m ht.; canker present. Butternut 550334 4737207 Snag 35cm dbh with 3 small knee-‐high suckers on west side of

skid trail. Butternut -‐ -‐ Large canopy tree 80cm dbh/28m high with lots of dead

branches in crown. Tree was flagged in blue flagging but neglected to record UTM; too busy admiring it. Based on next waypoint recorded it is probably close to Black Gum cluster (550423 4736950).

Butternut 550388 4736652 Tree on west property boundary 20cm dbh/14m ht.; looks relatively healthy.

Butternut 550582 4736744 Healthy tree 12cm dbh/6m ht.; near east entrance at road. Butternut 550540 4736925 Tree 2cm dbh/2m ht.; growing on bank of drain. Butternut 550422 4736661 Roadside tree ~25cm dbh/15m ht. Black Gum 550511 4736794 Tree 4cm dbh/3.5m ht. Black Gum 550512 4736793 Tree 8cm dbh/8m ht.; at least 8 seedlings or suckers around

this tree; not all stems flagged. Black Gum 550507 4736800 Tree 8cm dbh/3m ht.; tree with broken top. Black Gum cluster 550454 4736861 One large canopy tree 40cm dbh/20m ht. and numerous pole-‐

sized trees and suckers. Black Gum cluster 550452 4736865 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550451 4736865 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550449 4736865 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550443 4736875 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550439 4736857 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550441 4736854 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550402 4736851 Couple dozen trees and suckers from 25cm dbh/15 ht. to

seedlings. Black Gum cluster 550392 4736856 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550382 4736860 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550384 4736857 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550362 4736845 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550369 4736836 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550370 4736836 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550378 4736837 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550385 4736841 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550387 4736849 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550480 4736950 Couple dozen or more small trees and suckers < or equal to

12cm dbh. Black Gum cluster 550474 4736943 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550488 4736941 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550501 4736945 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550500 4736951 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550491 4736956 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550423 4736950 Two dozen trees and suckers 1cm dbh to 25cm dbh. Black Gum cluster 550427 4736965 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550429 4736965 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550433 4736961 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550437 4736955 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550442 4736951 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550447 4736950 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550454 4736954 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550375 4736778 Several dozen trees and suckers ranging in all sizes from

seedlings to an ancient tree 45cm dbh/22m ht Black Gum cluster 550374 4736780 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550373 4736782 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550375 4736790 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550368 4736793 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550362 4736794 Same as above.

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Black Gum cluster 550365 4736796 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550359 4736801 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550361 4736799 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550351 4736805 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550347 4736809 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550359 4736815 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550356 4736816 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550351 4736817 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550357 4736820 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550376 4736815 Same as above. This is the location of the largest tree in this

cluster. Black Gum cluster 550380 4736828 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550352 4736832 Same as above. Black Gum cluster 550334 4736824 Same as above. Black Gum 550303 4736836 Tree 20cm dbh/12m ht. Black Gum 550304 4736839 Tree 5cm dbh/4m ht. Black Gum -‐ -‐ Another old Black Gum 45cm dbh/22m ht with balding bark

and a dozen or more suckers and seedlings in a 6m radius. Flagged but neglected to take UTM. Very near above waypoint. Photo of tree included in Appendix 2.

Black Gum 550531 4736930 Six small trees 1m to 3m ht. along north side of drain.

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APPENDIX 1 Vascular Plant List for Ringland,

Deer Creek, Gibel and Landon Tracts

# SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME SRANK RINGLAND DEER CR. GIBEL LANDON 1 Acer rubrum Red Maple S5 x x x x 2 Acer saccharum Sugar Maple S5 x x x 3 Acer x freemanii (Acer rubrum X Acer

saccharinum) SNA x x x

4 Actaea pachypoda White Baneberry S5 x x x 5 Actaea rubra Red Baneberry S5 x x x 6 Adiantum pedatum Northern Maidenhair Fern S5 x x x x 7 Ageratina altissima White Snakeroot S5 x x 8 Agrimonia gryposepala Hooked Agrimony S5 x x x 9 Alisma subcordatum Southern Water-plantain S4? x 10 Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard SNA x x x x 11 Ambrosia artemisiifolia Annual Ragweed S5 x 12 Ambrosia trifida Great Ragweed S5 x x 13 Amelanchier laevis Smooth Serviceberry S5 x x x 14 Amphicarpaea bracteata American Hog-peanut S5 x x 15 Anemone americana Round-lobed Hepatica S5 x x 16 Anemone quinquefolia Wood Anemone S5 x 17 Anemone virginiana var.

virginiana Virginia Anemone S5 x x x

18 Antennaria sp. Pussytoes x 19 Apios americana American Groundnut S5 x 20 Apocynum sp. Dogbane x 21 Aquilegia canadensis Wild Columbine S5 x 22 Aralia nudicaulis Wild Sarsaparilla S5 x x x 23 Aralia racemosa American Spikenard S5 x 24 Arisaema triphyllum Jack-in-the-pulpit S5 x x x x 25 Aronia melanocarpa Black Chokeberry S5 x 26 Asarum canadense Canada Wild-ginger S5 x 27 Asclepias exaltata Poke Milkweed S4 x x x 28 Asclepias incarnata Swamp Milkweed S5 x 29 Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Milkweed S4 x 30 Athyrium filix-femina var.

angustum Northeastern Lady Fern S5 x x x x

31 Berberis thunbergii Japanese Barberry SNA x 32 Betula alleghaniensis Yellow Birch S5 x x x x 33 Betula papyrifera Paper Birch S5 x x x 34 Bidens frondosa Devil's Beggarticks S5 x 35 Boehmeria cylindrica False Nettle S5 x x x 36 Botrypus virginianus Rattlesnake Fern S5 x 37 Brachyelytrum erectum Bearded Shorthusk S4? x x x 38 Cardamine concatenata Cut-leaved Toothwort S5 x 39 Cardamine diphylla Two-leaved Toothwort S5 x x 40 Cardamine pratensis Cuckoo-flower SNA x 41 Carex albursina White Bear Sedge S5 x 42 Carex arctata Black Sedge S5 x x x 43 Carex bebbii Bebb's Sedge S5 x 44 Carex blanda Woodland Sedge S5 x x x 45 Carex bromoides Brome-like Sedge S5 x x x 46 Carex cephalophora Oval-leaved Sedge S5 x 47 Carex communis Fibrous-root Sedge S5 x x x 48 Carex comosa Bristly Sedge S5 x 49 Carex crinita Fringed Sedge S5 x x x x 50 Carex deweyana Dewey's Sedge S5 x x x x 51 Carex gracillima Graceful Sedge S5 x x x x 52 Carex granularis Meadow Sedge S5 x 53 Carex grayi Asa Gray Sedge S4 x 54 Carex intumescens Bladder Sedge S5 x x x 55 Carex lacustris Lake-bank Sedge S5 x 56 Carex laevivaginata Smooth-sheathed Sedge S4 x 57 Carex laxiculmis var. laxiculmis Spreading Sedge S4 x x x x 58 Carex laxiflora Loose-flowered Sedge S5 x x x x 59 Carex leptonervia Finely-nerved Sedge S4 x x 60 Carex lupulina Hop Sedge S5 x x 61 Carex pedunculata Long-stalked Sedge S5 x x 62 Carex pellita Woolly Sedge S5 x 63 Carex pensylvanica Pennsylvania Sedge S5 x x x 64 Carex platyphylla Broad-leaved Sedge S5 x 65 Carex prasina Drooping Sedge S4 x

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66 Carex radiata Stellate Sedge S4 x x x 67 Carex rosea Rosy Sedge S5 x x x x 68 Carex scabrata Rough Sedge S5 x 69 Carex siccata Dry-spike Sedge S5 x 70 Carex sparganioides Burreed Sedge S5 x x x 71 Carex stipata Awl-fruited Sedge S5 x x 72 Carex swanii Downy Green Sedge S4 x x 73 Carex tenera Slender Sedge S5 x x 74 Carex tribuloides Blunt Broom Sedge S4S5 x 75 Carex trisperma Three-seeded Sedge S5 x 76 Carex tuckermanii Tuckerman's Sedge S4 x 77 Carex vulpinoidea Fox Sedge S5 x 78 Carex woodii Wood's Sedge S4 x 79 Carpinus caroliniana Blue-beech S5 x x x x 80 Carya cordiformis Bitternut Hickory S5 x x x 81 Carya glabra Pignut Hickory S3 x 82 Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory S5 x x 83 Castanea dentata American Chestnut S2 x x x x 84 Caulophyllum thalictroides Blue Cohosh S5 x x 85 Celastrus scandens Climbing Bittersweet S5 x 86 Cephalanthus occidentalis Common Buttonbush S5 x x x 87 Chelone glabra White Turtlehead S5 x x x 88 Cicuta maculata var. maculata Spotted Water-hemlock S5 x x 89 Cinna arundinacea Stout Woodreed S4 x x x 90 Circaea canadensis Broad-leaved Enchanter's

Nightshade S5 x x x

91 Claytonia virginica Narrow-leaved Spring Beauty S5 x 92 Clematis virginiana Virginia Virgin's-bower S5 x 93 Clinopodium vulgare Field Basil S5 x 94 Clintonia borealis Blue Bead-lily S5 x x 95 Collinsonia canadensis Canada Horse-balm S4 x x x 96 Conopholis americana Squaw-root S4? x 97 Convallaria majalis European Lily-of-the-valley SNA x 98 Coptis trifolia Goldthread S5 x 99 Cornus alternifolia Alternate-leaved Dogwood S5 x x x 100 Cornus amomum Silky Dogwood S5 x 101 Cornus canadensis Bunchberry S5 x 102 Cornus florida Eastern Flowering Dogwood S2? x x 103 Cornus racemosa Gray Dogwood S5 x x 104 Cornus rugosa Round-leaved Dogwood S5 x 105 Corylus americana American Hazelnut S5 x x x x 106 Crataegus punctata Dotted Hawthorn S5 x 107 Cryptotaenia canadensis Canada Honewort S5 x 108 Dactylis glomerata Orchard Grass SNA x 109 Dendrolycopodium dendroideum Round-branched Tree-

clubmoss S5 x x x

110 Desmodium canadense Showy Tick-trefoil S4 x 111 Desmodium glutinosum Pointed-leaved Tick-trefoil S4 x x x 112 Desmodium nudiflorum Naked-flowered Tick-trefoil S4 x 113 Dichanthelium sp. Panicgrass x 114 Dichanthelium latifolium Broad-leaved Panicgrass S4 x 115 Diervilla lonicera Northern Bush-honeysuckle S5 x x x x 116 Dioscorea villosa Wild Yam S4 x x x 117 Diphasiastrum digitatum Southern Ground-cedar S5 x x x 118 Dirca palustris Eastern Leatherwood S4? x 119 Doellingeria umbellata var.

umbellata Flat-top White Aster S5 x x

120 Dryopteris carthusiana Spinulose Wood Fern S5 x x x 121 Dryopteris intermedia Evergreen Wood Fern S5 x x 122 Dryopteris marginalis Marginal Wood Fern S5 x x 123 Elaeagnus umbellata Autumn Olive SNA x 124 Elymus hystrix Bottlebrush Grass S5 x x 125 Elymus riparius Eastern Riverbank Wildrye S4? x 126 Elymus villosus Hairy Wildrye S4 x 127 Equisetum arvense Field Horsetail S5 x x 128 Equisetum hyemale Common Scouring-rush S5 x x x 129 Equisetum variegatum Variegated Horsetail S5 x 130 Erythronium americanum Yellow Trout-lily S5 x x x x 131 Euonymus obovatus Running Strawberry Bush S5 x x x 132 Eupatorium perfoliatum Common Boneset S5 x x 133 Euphorbia corollata Flowering Spurge S4 x 134 Eurybia macrophylla Large-leaved Aster S5 x x x 135 Fagus grandifolia American Beech S4 x x x x 136 Festuca subverticillata Nodding Fescue S4 x x x 137 Fragaria vesca Woodland Strawberry S5 x x

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138 Fraxinus americana White Ash S4 x x x x 139 Fraxinus nigra Black Ash S4 x x x x 140 Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green Ash S4 x x x 141 Galium aparine Cleavers S5 x x x 142 Galium circaezans Wild Licorice S5 x x 143 Galium lanceolatum Lanceleaf Wild Licorice S5 x x x 144 Galium palustre Marsh Bedstraw S5 x 145 Galium triflorum Three-flowered Bedstraw S5 x 146 Gaultheria procumbens Eastern Teaberry S5 x x x 147 Gaylussacia baccata Black Huckleberry S4 x x 148 Geranium maculatum Spotted Geranium S5 x x x 149 Geranium robertianum Herb-Robert S5 x 150 Geum canadense White Avens S5 x x x 151 Glyceria striata Fowl Mannagrass S5 x x x 152 Hamamelis virginiana American Witch-hazel S5 x x x x 153 Helianthus divaricatus Woodland Sunflower S5 x 154 Helianthus strumosus Pale-leaved Sunflower S5 x 155 Hesperis matronalis Dame's Rocket SNA x 156 Hieracium paniculatum Panicled Hawkweed S2? x 157 Hydrophyllum canadense Canada Waterleaf S4 x 158 Hypericum punctatum Common St. John's-wort S5 x x x 159 Ilex verticillata Black Holly S5 x x x 160 Impatiens capensis Spotted Jewelweed S5 x x x 161 Impatiens pallida Pale Jewelweed S5 x x 162 Iris versicolor Harlequin Blue Flag S5 x x 163 Juglans cinerea Butternut S3? x x x x 164 Juglans nigra Black Walnut S4 x x x 165 Lactuca biennis Tall Blue Lettuce S5 x x 166 Laportea canadensis Wood Nettle S5 x x 167 Lapsana communis Common Nipplewort SNA x x 168 Leersia virginica Virginia Cutgrass S4 x x 169 Lilium michiganense Michigan Lily S5 x 170 Lindera benzoin Spicebush S5 x x x x 171 Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip Tree S4 x 172 Lobelia cardinalis Cardinalflower S5 x 173 Lobelia siphilitica Great Blue Lobelia S5 x 174 Lonicera canadensis Canada Fly Honeysuckle S5 x x x 175 Lonicera dioica Limber Honeysuckle S5 x x x x 176 Ludwigia palustris Marsh Seedbox S5 x 177 Luzula multiflora ssp. multiflora Many-flowered Woodrush S5 x x 178 Lycopus americanus American Water-horehound S5 x 179 Lysimachia ciliata Fringed Loosestrife S5 x 180 Lysimachia thyrsiflora Water Loosestrife S5 x 181 Maianthemum canadense Wild Lily-of-the-valley S5 x x x x 182 Maianthemum racemosum False Solomon's-seal S5 x x x x 183 Maianthemum stellatum Star-flowered False

Solomon's-seal S5 x x x

184 Malus coronaria Sweet Crabapple S4 x 185 Matteuccia struthiopteris Ostrich Fern S5 x 186 Medeola virginiana Indian Cucumber-root S5 x x x x 187 Menispermum canadense Canada Moonseed S4 x x 188 Mentha arvensis Field Mint S5 x 189 Milium effusum Tall Millet S4S5 x x x 190 Mitchella repens Partridge-berry S5 x x x x 191 Mitella diphylla Two-leaf Bishop's-cap S5 x x x x 192 Monotropa uniflora Indian-pipe S5 x x x 193 Morus alba White Mulberry SNA x 194 Muhlenbergia frondosa Common Satin Grass S5 x 195 Nyssa sylvatica Black Gum S3 x x x 196 Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive Fern S5 x x x x 197 Oryzopsis asperifolia White-grained Mountain-

ricegrass S5 x x x

198 Osmorhiza claytonii Hairy Sweet Cicely S5 x x x 199 Osmunda claytoniana Interrupted Fern S5 x x x 200 Osmunda regalis Royal Fern S5 x x x 201 Osmundastrum cinnamomeum Cinnamon Fern S5 x x x 202 Ostrya virginiana Eastern Hop-hornbeam S5 x x 203 Packera aurea Golden Ragwort S5 x 204 Panax quinquefolius American Ginseng S2 x 205 Parathelypteris noveboracensis New York Fern S4S5 x x x x 206 Parthenocissus inserta Thicket Creeper S5 x x x 207 Penthorum sedoides Ditch-stonecrop S5 x 208 Persicaria sp. Smartweed x x 209 Persicaria virginiana Virginia Smartweed S4 x 210 Phalaris arundinacea Reed Canary Grass S5 x x

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211 Phlox paniculata Fall Phlox SNA x 212 Phryma leptostachya Lopseed S4S5 x x x 213 Phytolacca americana Common Pokeweed S4 x 214 Pinus banksiana Jack Pine S5 x 215 Pinus resinosa Red Pine S5 x x 216 Pinus strobus Eastern White Pine S5 x x x x 217 Pinus sylvestris Scotch Pine SNA x 218 Poa alsodes Grove Bluegrass S4 x x x 219 Podophyllum peltatum May-apple S5 x x x x 220 Polygonatum pubescens Hairy Solomon's Seal S5 x x x x 221 Polystichum acrostichoides Christmas Fern S5 x x x 222 Populus deltoides ssp. deltoides Eastern Cottonwood S5 x 223 Populus grandidentata Large-tooth Aspen S5 x x 224 Populus tremuloides Trembling Aspen S5 x x 225 Potentilla norvegica Norwegian Cinquefoil S5 x 226 Potentilla simplex Old-field Cinquefoil S5 x x x x 227 Prenanthes alba White Lettuce S5 x x x 228 Prosartes lanuginosa Yellow Mandarin S4 x 229 Prunella vulgaris ssp. vulgaris Self-heal SNA x 230 Prunus serotina Wild Black Cherry S5 x x x x 231 Prunus virginiana Choke Cherry S5 x x x x 232 Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Fern S5 x x 233 Pyrola elliptica Shinleaf S5 x x 234 Quercus alba White Oak S5 x x x x 235 Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak S4 x x x 236 Quercus ellipsoidalis Hill’s Oak S3 x 237 Quercus macrocarpa Bur Oak S5 x x x 238 Quercus rubra Northern Red Oak S5 x x x x 239 Quercus velutina Black Oak S4 x x 240 Ranunculus abortivus Kidney-leaved Buttercup S5 x x 241 Ranunculus recurvatus Hooked Buttercup S5 x x 242 Rhamnus alnifolia Alderleaf Buckthorn S5 x 243 Rhamnus cathartica Common Buckthorn SNA x 244 Rhus copallinum Winged Sumac S4 x 245 Ribes americanum Wild Black Currant S5 x x x x 246 Ribes cynosbati Prickly Gooseberry S5 x x 247 Rosa blanda Smooth Rose S5 x x x 248 Rosa carolina ssp. carolina Carolina Rose S4 x 249 Rosa multiflora Multiflora Rose SNA x x 250 Rosa palustris Swamp Rose S5 x x 251 Rubus allegheniensis Alleghany Blackberry S5 x x x 252 Rubus flagellaris Northern Dewberry S4 x x 253 Rubus hispidus Bristly Dewberry S4S5 x x 254 Rubus idaeus ssp. strigosus Wild Red Raspberry S5 x x x x 255 Rubus occidentalis Black Raspberry S5 x x x 256 Rubus odoratus Purple-flowering Raspberry S5 x 257 Rubus pubescens Dewberry S5 x x x 258 Salix eriocephala Heart-leaved Willow S5 x 259 Sambucus canadensis Common Elderberry S5 x x 260 Sambucus racemosa Red Elderberry S5 x x 261 Sanguinaria canadensis Bloodroot S5 x x x 262 Sassafras albidum Sassafras S4 x x 263 Schizachne purpurascens Purple False Melic S5 x 264 Scirpus atrovirens Dark-green Bulrush S5 x x 265 Scirpus pendulus Rufous Bulrush S5 x 266 Scutellaria lateriflora Mad Dog Skullcap S5 x x 267 Silene antirrhina Sleepy Catchfly S5 x 268 Smilax herbacea Herbaceous Carrionflower S4 x 269 Smilax tamnoides Hispid Greenbrier S4 x x x x 270 Solidago altissima ssp. altissima Eastern Late Goldenrod S5 x x 271 Solidago caesia Blue-stemmed Goldenrod S5 x x x x 272 Solidago flexicaulis Zigzag Goldenrod S5 x x 273 Solidago nemoralis ssp.

nemoralis Gray-stemmed Goldenrod S5 x

274 Solidago patula Northern Rough-leaved Goldenrod

S5 x

275 Solidago rugosa var. rugosa Northern Rough-leaved Goldenrod

S5 x x x

276 Spiraea alba White Meadowsweet S5 x x x 277 Symphyotrichum cordifolium Heart-leaved Aster S5 x 278 Symphyotrichum lateriflorum Starved Aster S5 x x x 279 Symphyotrichum

prenanthoides Crooked-stem Aster S2 x

280 Symphyotrichum urophyllum Arrow-leaved Aster S4 x x x x 281 Symplocarpus foetidus Skunk Cabbage S5 x x x

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282 Taxus canadensis Canadian Yew S4 x 283 Thalictrum dioicum Early Meadow-rue S5 x 284 Thalictrum pubescens Tall Meadow-rue S5 x x 285 Thelypteris palustris Eastern Marsh Fern S5 x x 286 Tiarella cordifolia Heart-leaved Foam-flower S5 x x x 287 Tilia americana American Basswood S5 x x x x 288 Toxicodendron radicans Climbing Poison Ivy S5 x x 289 Toxicodendron rydbergii Rydberg's Poison Ivy S5 x x x x 290 Trientalis borealis Northern Starflower S5 x x x x 291 Trillium erectum Red Trillium S5 x x x x 292 Trillium grandiflorum White Trillium S5 x x x 293 Triosteum aurantiacum Orange-fruited Horse-gentian S5 x x 294 Tsuga canadensis Eastern Hemlock S5 x 295 Ulmus americana American Elm S5 x x x 296 Urtica dioica ssp. gracilis Slender Stinging Nettle S5 x 297 Uvularia grandiflora Large-flowered Bellwort S5 x x x 298 Vaccinium angustifolium Late Lowbush Blueberry S5 x x x 299 Vaccinium corymbosum Highbush Blueberry S4 x x 300 Vaccinium pallidum Early Lowbush Blueberry S4 x 301 Verbascum thapsus Common Mullein SNA x 302 Verbena urticifolia White Vervain S5 x x 303 Veronica anagallis-aquatica Water Speedwell SNA x 304 Veronica officinalis Common Speedwell SNA x 305 Viburnum acerifolium Maple-leaved Viburnum S5 x 306 Viburnum lentago Nannyberry S5 x x x 307 Viburnum opulus ssp. trilobum Highbush Cranberry S5 x 308 Viburnum rafinesquianum Downy Arrowwood S5 x x x x 309 Viola labradorica Labrador Violet S5 x x 310 Viola pubescens var. pubescens Downy Yellow Violet S5 x x x 311 Viola sororia Woolly Blue Violet S5 x 312 Vitis aestivalis Summer Grape S4 x x 313 Vitis riparia Riverbank Grape S5 x 314 Xanthium strumarium Rough Cocklebur S5 x 315 Zanthoxylum americanum Northern Prickly Ash S5 x

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APPENDIX 2 – PHOTO GALLERY

Suckering American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) at the Landon Tract.

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Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) seedlings at Deer Creek CA.

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Fruiting American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) at Deer Creek CA.

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Foliage of Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) in spring at the Landon Tract.

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Old Black Gum with sucker at the Landon Tract. Bark is beginning to bald indicating that it is probably over 150 years old.

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Panicled Hawkweed (Hieracium paniculatum) in fruit at Deer Creek CA on September 8th 2015.

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Multi-‐trunked Hill’s Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis) at the Ringland Tract. Blue fagging was mysteriously removed, perhaps by a hunter as there is a deer stand close to this tree.

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Rich ground layer at the Gibel Tract including Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), Sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis) and various sedges (Carex spp.).

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Downy Green Sedge (Carex swanii) (S4) at Deer Creek CA on June 9th 2015.

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Canada Fly Honeysuckle (Lonicera canadensis) in flower at Deer Creek CA. Native shrubs like this are becoming an increasingly rare sight in the highly disturbed forests of Carolinian Canada.

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Thick growth of Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) (S4) in the northeast corner of the Gibel Tract bordering the Fody Automotive Plus property.

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Leatherwood (Dirca palustris) (S4?) along the reservoir shore at Deer Creek CA on May 5, 2015.

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Poke Milkweed (Asclepias exaltata) (S4) along the north border of the Ringland Tract on June 11th 2015.

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Crooked-‐stem Aster (Symphyotrichum prenanthoides) in flower at Deer Creek CA on September 8th 2015.

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References

Bakowsky, W. 1997. Southern Ontario Vegetation Communities. Natural Heritage Information Centre. Peterborough, Ontario.

Draper W. 2012. Field Surveys for Species at Risk, Provincially Rare Plants and Provincially Rare Vegetation Types. Ecoplans report prepared for Long Point Region Conservation Authority.

Fernald, M.L. 1920. Some Variations on Cardamine pratensis in America. Rhodora, January, pp. 11-‐14.

Hipp A. L. and J. A. Weber. 2008. Taxonomy of Hill’s Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis: Fagaceae): Evidence from AFLP Data. Systematic Botany 33(1): 148-‐158.

Gartshore, M.E., D.A. Sutherland, J.D. McCracken. 1987. The Natural Areas Inventory of Haldimand-‐Norfolk. Volume 1. Natural Areas, Norfolk Field Naturalists, Simcoe.

Lee, H.T., W.D. Bakowsky, J. Riley, J. Bowles, M. Puddister, P. Uhlig and S. McMurray. 1998. Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: First Approximation and Its Application. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southcentral Science Section, Science Development and Transfer Branch, SCSS Field Guide FG-‐02.

Oldham, M.J. and S.R. Brinker. 2009. Rare Vascular Plants of Ontario, Fourth Edition. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Peterborough, Ontario. 188pp.

Pederson, Neil. 2010. External Characteristics of Old Trees in the Eastern Deciduous Forest. Natural Areas Journal, 30(4): 396-‐407.

Sutherland, D.A. 1987. The Vascular Plants of Haldimand-‐Norfolk. Pages 1-‐152 in The Natural Areas Inventory of the Regional Municipality of Haldimand-‐Norfolk -‐ Volume II: Annotated Checklists. Norfolk Field Naturalists, Simcoe Ontario.

1954 Aerial Photos are available on the University of Toronto Map and Library website: http://maps.library.utoronto.ca/data/on/AP_1954/index.html

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List. Updated October 1, 2015. https://www.ontario.ca/environment-‐and-‐energy/species-‐risk-‐ontario-‐list

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Thank You Thanks to LPRCA Field Superintendent Dave Holmes and Forestry Technician Debbie Thain for their assistance with the SAR survey.

Special thanks to Debbie Thain for plotting the SAR maps in this report.

About the Author Paul O’Hara is a field botanist, landscape designer and native plant gardening expert. Paul earned an Environmental Engineering Diploma from Sault College (1996) and an Ecosystem Management Diploma from Sir Sandford Fleming College (1997). Since 1991, Paul has worked in a wide variety of horticulture, botanical consulting, ecological restoration and native plant gardening capacities in both the private and public sectors. Since 2004, Paul has been the owner/operator of Blue Oak Native Landscapes (www.blueoak.ca). His main business activities include designing and building native plant gardens and naturalization projects, habitat inventory, and working with Species At Risk.

Paul was an expert botanical surveyor for the Halton Region Natural Areas Inventory (2004), co-‐authored the Flora of Halton Region (2006) and has worked on numerous Species At Risk surveys and reports including Hoary Mountain Mint (2000), Few-‐flowered Club-‐rush (2000), Wild Camassia (2001), Red Mulberry (2000-‐01, 2011), Flowering Dogwood (2007), Cucumber Magnolia (2008) and Blue Ash (2012). Paul continues to do freelance habitat inventory work for various private businesses and public institutions in Southern Ontario. Paul lives in Hamilton.

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Date: January 26th, 2016

File: 1.4.1

To: Chair and Members, LPRCA Board of Directors

From: General Manager, LPRCA

Re: Conservation Areas 2016 Approved Capital Projects

RECOMMENDATION

THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors receives the staff report dated January 26th, 2016 regarding Conservation Areas 2016 Capital Projects as information.

BACKGROUND

At the January 13th, 2016 Board of Directors meeting, the 2016 LPRCA Budget was approved which identified capital projects at various conservation areas. The following outlines anticipated start dates for the various projects:

Haldimand CA Hydro Upgrade ($18,000) – Tenders prepared and advertised by the end of February.

Norfolk CA Water Intake Upgrade ($40,000) – ASI Marine Services has been obtained to start the project as soon as lake conditions permit. Pricing obtained for precast cistern to increase water storage for treatment.

Waterford North CA Hydro Upgrade ($40,000) – Tenders prepared and advertised by the end of February.

Backus Heritage CA Hydro Upgrade ($50,000) – Tenders prepared and advertised by the end of February.

Backus Heritage CA Water System Upgrade – Pricing obtained for precast cistern to increase water storage for distribution. Actual well refurbishing cannot be undertaken until the timeframe July 1st to September 30th to satisfy the Department of Fisheries and Oceans guidelines “Destruction of Fish Habitat”.

Also, attached for your information is a list of capital projects undertaken in conservation areas for the years 2011 to 2016.

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BUDGET IMPLICATION All capital projects have been identified in the 2016 approved budget. Staff has also submitted a pre-proposal under the Province’s Tourism Development Fund for funding to support business plans for the conservation areas as per the 2014-2018 LPRCA Strategic Plan. Prepared by: Approved & Submitted by:

David Holmes Cliff Evanitski Field Superintendent, LPRCA General Manager, LPRCA

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2016

Haldimand CA Hydro Upgrade $18,000 18,000$ Norfolk CA Water Intake Upgrade $40,000 40,000$ Waterford North CA Hydro Upgrade $40,000 40,000$

2015

Waterford North CA Gatehouse $3,817 3,817$ Haldimand Washroom Rebuild $8,487 8,487$

2014

Waterford North CA Security Fencing $11,196 11,196$

2013

Norfolk CA Road Resurfaced $16,519 $16,519Deer Creek CA Privies Replacement $32,485 $32,485

2012

C.A Water System Upgrades $10,000 $30,986 $40,986Park upgrades for 4 parks $15,411 $15,411

2011

C.A. Water System Upgrades $40,410 $40,410Camping Reservation System $25,322 $25,322

Total $123,013 $169,620 $292,633

Reserves Total $'s

Conservation Parks

Capital Levy

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2016Backus Hydro Upgrades 50,000$ 50,000$ Backus Water System Upgrade 50,000$ 50,000$

2015Backus Mill Restoration 111,871$ 111,871$ Museum Siding and Window Replacement 14,700$ 494$ 15,194$ Roof Replacement Education Center -$ -$ Two Village Log Cabins Repair and Chimney Repairs 8,000$ 8,000$

2014Backus Cabin 5,672$ 5,672$ Backus Gatehouse 10,000$ 43,386$ 53,386$ Backus Washroom Campground A 45,000$ 1,407$ 46,407$ Backus Dam Deck 3,415$ 3,415$

2012Upgrade 10 campsites to serviced 8,382$ 8,382$ Backus Phone system upgrade 4,853$ 4,853$

2011Roof Replacement Homestead Office 6,480$ 6,480$ Repair Grist Mill Exterior 25,430$ 25,430$ Paint Education Centre Exterior 8,000$ 8,000$ Roof Repairs Education Center 16,119$ 16,119$

Total 246,964$ 54,374$ 111,871$ 413,209$

Campground 163,382$ 50,465$ 213,847$

Backus Heritage and Education Services

Capital Levy Reserves Total $'s Donation

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Date: October 27th, 2015 File: 1.3.7.1

To: Chair and Members, LPRCA Board of Directors From: General Manager, LPRCA Re: Timber Tender: LP-287-16 RECOMMENDATION THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors accepts the tender submitted by Porter Lumber Ltd. for marked standing timber at the Landon Tract West for a total tendered price of $38,100.00. STRATEGIC PLAN Goal #2 Maintain and enhance watershed health; and Goal #3 Work collaboratively with watershed stakeholders to deliver high-value, efficient and innovative solutions. BACKGROUND As part of the ongoing forestry program of the LPRCA, staff prepared a prescription/operating plan for the western portion of the Landon Tract and then implemented the marking program in the field. Once completed, tenders were prepared and distributed to various interested sawmills and timber buyers. Results of the tendering process are as follows:

1) Porter Lumber Ltd. $38,100 2) Townsend Lumber Inc. $29,375

The bid submitted by Porter Lumber Ltd. is well within the expected bid range and LPRCA has previously successfully dealt with this watershed-based company. BUDGET IMPLICATIONS Funds are to be applied towards the 2016 Forestry Operations Budget that anticipates $310,000 in revenues. Prepared by: Approved and submitted by:

David Holmes Cliff Evanitski Field Superintendent General Manager

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Date: January 25th, 2016 File: 3.0.1.3 To: Chair and Members, LPRCA Board of Directors From: General Manager, LPRCA Re: 2016 Tree Order Confirmation

RECOMMENDATION THAT the LPRCA Board of Directors approves the 2016 tree order as presented by the Lands & Waters Supervisor at its regular meeting of February 3rd, 2016. STRATEGIC PLAN Goal #2 Maintain and Enhance Watershed Health BACKGROUND Every year LPRCA staff purchases trees from selected nurseries to support the Healthy Watershed Services department’s various restoration projects (Private Land Tree Planting Program, 50 Million Tree Program, OPG/FC, Clean Water projects etc.) In 2016, Staff would like to order the following materials:

Tree/Shrub Seedlings Source and Cost

15,000 White Pine 10,000 1+2 (Somerville - 0.60/tree) 5,000 2+2 (Somerville - 0.72/tree)

11,000 Red Oak 5,000 1P, (St. Williams – 1.02/tree) 6,000 1+0 (Somerville – 0.71/tree)

2,000 White Oak 1P (St. Williams – 1.13/tree)

1,300 Black Cherry 1P (St. Williams – 1.61/tree) 1+0 (Somerville – 1.26/tree)

100 Red Cedar 1P+ 0 BR (St.Williams – 1.88/tree) 2,000 Silver Maple 1+0 (Somerville – 0.67/tree) 1000 Black Walnut 1+0 (Somerville – 0.90/tree) 500 Bitternut Hickory 500 2+0 (Somerville – 1.32/tree) 500 Shagbark Hickory 500 3+0 (Somerville – 1.50/tree) 100 Buttonbush 1P (St.Williams – 1.07/tree) 2,000 Bur Oak 1P+ Transplant (St.Williams – 1.29/tree) 100 Red Maple 1P (St.Williams – 1.07/tree) 500 American Sycamore P+1 (Somerville – 1.26/tree)

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2 100 Ninebark 1P (St.Williams – 1.07/tree) 100 Dwarf Chinquapin Oak 1P (St. Williams – 1.13/tree)

1,000 Black Oak 500 1P (St.Williams – 1.18/tree) 500 1P+Transplant (St.Williams – 1.29/tree)

100 Nannyberry 1P (St. Williams – 1.07/tree) 100 American Hazel 1P (St.Williams – 1.18/tree) 1,000 Trembling Aspen 1P (St. Williams – 0.97/tree) 1,000 Large Tooth Aspen 1P (St. Williams – 0.97/tree) 2,000 White Spruce 2,000 1.5+1.5 (Somerville – 0.59/tree) 7,500 White Cedar 7,500 2+2 (Somerville – 0.72/tree) 200 Hackberry 1P (St. Williams – 1.13/tree) 1,000 Norway Spruce 1.5+1.5 (Somerville – 0.59/tree) 1,000 Tamarack 1,000 J+1 (Somerville – 0.62/tree) 100 Choke Cherry 1P (St.Williams – 1.02/tree) 100 Gray Dogwood 1P (St.Williams – 1.61/tree) 100 Common Elder (Black Elderberry) 1P (St.Williams – 1.07/tree) Total = 51,500 BUDGET IMPLICATION The total cost of the above order (not including tax) is: Somerville $26,308.00 St. Williams $16,168.00 These stock numbers are a best estimate based on current demand; however, this demand may change and the total costs may increase or decrease prior to the planting season. This is a cost recovery program and therefore if the costs do increase it will have no effect on the budget. Prepared by: Approved and submitted by:

Paul Gagnon Cliff Evanitski Lands & Waters Supervisor General Manager

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January 27th, 2016 File: 5.3 To: Chair and Members

LPRCA Board of Directors From: General Manager, LPRCA Re: Amazing Places Initiative RECOMMENDATION That the LPRCA participates as a site partner in the expanded Amazing Places initiative and that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation be approved; AND THAT the Chair be directed to sign the MOU. STRATEGIC GOAL GOAL #3 – Link people to the environment through outdoor, education and cultural heritage experiences BACKGROUND Amazing Places is based on a mapping project launched by the Fundy Biosphere Reserve in New Brunswick. The Amazing Places project is a sustainable tourism initiative that highlights must-visit destinations that are rich in natural or cultural history, have breathtaking scenery, and are often home to extraordinary wildlife. In 2014, the Long Point World Biosphere, together with two other Ontario biosphere reserves, received funding to implement an Amazing Places program. The public was encouraged to nominate their favourite amazing places within the three biosphere regions. At that time, Backus Heritage and Deer Creek conservation areas were recognized as two of the ten Amazing Places in Norfolk County. Based on the success of the pilot program, the three biosphere reserves received funding to expand the Amazing Places project to include 10 more locations in each biosphere, for a total of 60 Amazing Places across Ontario. Last summer a second round of nominations was successfully completed with LPRCA conservation areas nominated. LPRCA not only works to protect, conserve and restore natural habitats, it also helps people understand, enjoy and look after the natural environment. The Amazing Places initiative will help residents and visitors to the Long Point area connect with nature through outdoor, education and cultural heritage experiences. A main goal of this project is to provide information about the natural, cultural and historical aspects of these properties that make them so special. LPRCA staff will work with the Long Point Biosphere to identify appropriate interpretive signage and develop cross-marketing opportunities for each of identified property. 78

BUDGET IMPLICATIONS Locally Amazing Places is led by the Long Point World Biosphere in partnership with Norfolk County and supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. LPRCA staff time to support communications and marketing efforts will be covered within the 2016 budget. Prepared by: Approved by:

Janice Robertson Cliff Evanitski Supervisor of Community Relations General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer

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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

FOR AMAZING PLACES SITE PARTNERS

January 2016

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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

FOR AMAZING PLACES SITE PARTNERS

Between

Long Point World Biosphere Reserve (hereinafter referred to as LPWBR)

And

Long Point Region Conservation Authority

(hereinafter referred to as the Site Partners)

Together, hereinafter referred to as Parties.

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to establish terms and conditions of a collaborative working relationship between the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve and Long Point Region Conservation Authority for the ‘Amazing Places’ site(s): Backus Heritage Conservation Area, Deer Creek Conservation Area, Sutton Conservation Area, and Joe Csubak Viewing Area .

2. Background & Objectives of “Amazing Places” Program

Amazing Places are opportunities to educate and inspire visitors about their natural, cultural and heritage surroundings and to create a connection that can quickly become powerful and deeply personal.

Amazing Places is a mapping project launched by the Fundy Biosphere Reserve in New Brunswick. It began with the desire to guide visitors beyond the national park boundaries, and especially promote hiking in the region’s vast but unknown trail networks.

Through the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the Ontario Trillium Foundation, three biosphere reserves in Ontario have launched an Ontario Amazing Places pilot project, which will highlight the biospheres’ unique environmental significance for interpretation and trail planning.

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As the project grows, it will encourage people to get out and explore the Amazing Places in Ontario’s biosphere reserves, highlighting unique biodiversity, topography, landscapes or views that depict the character of each region.

The project will map existing and potential trails and attractions to guide visitors within and beyond the biosphere reserve boundaries to select sites. Eventually the Amazing Places sites will be searchable with digital maps, and use smartphone technology for navigation and nature interpretation.

The Amazing Places project will also build tourism product as it will be marketed through tourism partners.

1.1. The program is based on biosphere reserves’ commitment to promoting sustainable tourism, which is as follows:

"Sustainable Tourism actively fosters appreciation and stewardship of the natural, cultural and historic resources and special places by local residents, the tourism industry, governments, and visitors. It is tourism which is viable over the long term because it results in a net benefit for the social, economic, natural and cultural environments of the area in which it takes place" (Tourism Industry Association of Canada & Parks Canada, 2005).

1.2 The objectives of “Amazing Places” are:

• To celebrate the UNESCO biosphere reserve designation; • To connect people with nature and culture, both residents & visitors; • To create a “bucket list for the biosphere” – a network of Amazing Places; • To collaborate with partners to create regional economic impact through

sustainable tourism. 1.3 Each Amazing Place satisfies the following program criteria:

1. The place is amazing. 2. The place is publically accessible. 3. The place has cultural, historical or biological significance. 4. The place will handle increased visitation. 5. Written approval is obtained from the landowner(s). 6. Credible information (verifiable expert information) and high quality media

content can be obtained. Each of these criteria is explained in more detail in Appendix 1.

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3. LPWBR Commitment 3.1 LPWBR commits to having a signed Memorandum of Understanding with each Amazing Places Site Partner, prior to including the site in the official AP program, as noted in the criteria. 3.2 Program staff will meet with the landowners (i.e., managers, operators, legal title) of each site, to assess what program elements would fit the capacity, partner’s current and future plans, and promotion strategies at the site, as well as develop ideas about how to combine resources with other partners to maximize the visitor experience (e.g., marketing and packaging). 3.3. LPWBR is the lead organization for the Amazing Places program at the regional level, while other biosphere reserves in Ontario are the lead in their regions. LPWBR is dedicated to quality control, ensuring program criteria is met for all Amazing Places, and facilitating productive partnerships. LPWBR is not a marketing organization.

4. Program Development 4.1 Program staff will work with Site Partners to prepare the Amazing Place for visitors and marketing purposes. Some of the activities may include:

i. Visitor-readiness survey ii. Signage plan iii. Market-readiness survey iv. Content development (photography, text, interpretive materials) v. Marketing plan – in conjunction with existing plans.

For example, the “Visitor-Readiness” survey will assess things like:

• Parking capacity • Proximity and maintenance of washrooms • Garbage disposal • Accessibility (cars, bicycles, motorcycles, wheelchairs, etc) • Other assets (water fountain, interpretive guides) • Nearby accommodations and restaurants/food outlets

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4.3 Results from the Visitor-Readiness survey will indicate what infrastructure is needed, if any. In some cases, an infrastructure plan and budget will be developed to make the site visitor-ready. Cost-sharing opportunities among partners will be discussed, at each site, and for the regional program, according to grants and resources available. 4.4 Discussion about visitor tracking, to measure or estimate numbers of visitors, will be held. Data collection is an important part of determining the success of the program. Some sites will have methods to collect this data already, others will need to design a method. (This could include a URL on the sign, inviting people to visit the mobile site describing the Amazing Place, and track with web analytics, or a motion-sensor trail counter). 4.5 Site Partners will develop their own site maintenance plan, if one does not exist, For example: maintenance of trails, replacement of infrastructure (boardwalks), maintenance of washroom facilities, or cleaning of vandalism on signs.

5. Promotion & Marketing 5.1 Site Partners will assist with a “Market-Readiness” survey to assess how the Amazing Place will be promoted. Existing marketing plans will be reviewed to identify opportunities for cross-promotion and joint marketing.

5.2 The market-readiness survey will assess things such as:

• Approaching signage – on roadways leading to destination • On-site signage - at or near the location (parking lot, trailhead) • Use of the Amazing Places logo on maps and materials • Link or promote Amazing Places website and mobile website • Partner cross-promotion: advise visitors to the AP network • Use of Trip Advisor descriptions and ratings, and other outlets

5.3 Results from the market-ready survey will indicate what marketing products and tactics are needed. In some cases, a site-specific marketing plan for the site and a budget will be developed. Cost-sharing opportunities among partners will be discussed, in order to combine resources and leverage grants available. In-kind support for the production of marketing plans and products will also be sought. Examples include:

e.g., the Site Partner and LPWBR share high quality content (photos, text, video) or costs of sign design, production and installation.

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e.g., Installation costs and materials, or additional interpretive signage may be developed as a partnership.

e.g., Site Partners may wish to include the AP logo on their existing signage or marketing products, following the branding guidelines but at their own expense.

Cases such as these will be discussed in the marketing plans that are created.

5.4 Additional marketing strategies that are identified for the program will be assessed for each site, including:

• Video creation – for identified online outlets • Story-telling with high quality materials/content • Contests, as developed in partnership • Passport program to link all AP sites into a route/network • Tourism & trade shows with partners • Other opportunities identified with partners

5.5 Site Partners will provide, as much high quality content for use in the program as possible. This includes: high resolution images and text, according to the Branding Guidelines. Site Partners will be encouraged to “tell the stories” of their places, using local, traditional, and technical knowledge to give readers and visitors a unique experience and rare information. 5.6 Site Partners will follow AP Brand Guidelines (available upon request) for their own marketing purposes, with full recognition by LPWBR of existing brand requirements and guidelines (eg. Ontario Parks, Parks Canada). 6. Customer Service

6.1 If Site Partners have front-line staff, those employees should be knowledgeable about:

• UNESCO world biosphere reserves • Long Point World Biosphere Reserve • The Amazing Places program in Ontario, • The regional network of AP sites & how to access them • Ideally, staff are also able to identify area accommodation & food outlets, or

direct people to the AP web-based sites. 6.2 The Site Partner commits to stocking AP marketing materials.

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6.3 The Site Partner commits to collecting visitor data, (visitation statistics, visitor comments about the experience, etc.) and to the best of their ability, to sharing that information with the LPWBR. 7. Conflict Resolution 7.1 In the event of a conflict, the LPWBR’s Amazing Places Steering Committee chair will meet with the Site Partner to identify solutions. If conflict persists, the issue shall be brought to the LPWBR Board of Directors to assist with resolution, in the interests of both partners and the Amazing Places program. Specifically:

I. Site Partners will receive a phone call & letter outlining the problems and recommended solutions;

II. If the problem persists beyond a reasonable time (noted in writing), then a meeting will be held, attended by both Parties and the Chair of the AP Steering Committee to discuss a course of action and address the problem in a timely fashion.

III. If the problems identified in the original letter are not resolved to the satisfaction of the AP Steering Committee, then the AP Site Partner risks removal from the AP program by the LPWBR Board of Directors.

8. Legal Nature of Memorandum of Understanding 8.1 This MOU is not intended by either partner to create any legal, binding or contractual relations. It simply represents the partners’ desire to cooperate, collaborate and to exchange information and knowledge for the purpose described in section 1. 8.2 In addition, the partners acknowledge that this MOU does not constitute an association for the purpose of establishing a partnership or joint venture and does not create an agency relationship between LPWBR and (the Site Partner) and that it in no way implies any promises or undertaking to conclude any subsequent agreement. It is further acknowledged that any agreements will be subject to all applicable legislations. 8.3 Neither partner has incurred expenses or obligations on reliance on this MOU justifying a remedy in restitution, quantum merit or otherwise.

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9. Principal Contacts and Notices The principal contacts for this MOU are listed below. All changes and notices shall be addressed accordingly to the following representatives:

10. Authority The Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) reflects the common objectives and shared responsibilities as outlined in the previous pages, and was signed on the dates below on behalf of the LPWBR and the (Site Partner).

_____________________________ Site Partner representative Site Partner organization ____________, _________________,2016

_____________________________ Brian Reichheld Long Point World Biosphere Reserve.

Simcoe, _________________, 2016

11. Witness

In witness whereof, this MOU has been duly sealed and executed as of the first date written above. _________________________

FOR AMAZING PLACES SITE PARTNER FOR LONG POINT WORLD BIOSPHERE RESERVE

Name: Name: Brian Reichheld

Title: Title: Sustainable Tourism Project Manager Address: Address: 50 Colborne St. South, Simcoe, ON N3Y

4H3

Phone: Phone: 519-428-5870 ext. 1295 Email: Email: [email protected]

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APPENDIX 1. Criteria for Selecting Amazing Places These criteria have been developed through the experience of four UNESCO biosphere reserves in Canada. Some are essential criteria to follow, and others may be adapted to the local context, ideally in discussion with the national Amazing Places committee, under the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association (CBRA). For an effective public nominations campaign, the following key messages help people determine whether their ideas meet the first 3 criteria:

7. Is the place amazing? Following the definition of “Amazing Places” (above) the public is asked to indicate in their nomination of places, what makes the place amazing? Online nominations allow for people to upload a photo or describe using text what features or experiences make that place “amazing.”

8. It is publically accessible? The goal is to make each Amazing Place accessible to the public and so there should be no private property of individuals. Rather, there may be national or provincial parks, conservation areas, museums, historic sites, private sector companies or tourism operators (e.g., farm, winery, ecotourism). There may be a mix of Amazing Places that are free to the public, while others have an entrance fee (e.g., park pass, parking fee, guided tour, campsite fees, etc.).

9. Does it have cultural, historical or biological significance? Public nominations should be encouraged to recognize outstanding sites for cultural, historical, or biological reasons. “Biodiversity hotspots” can help promote the mandate of UNESCO biosphere reserves. Cultural sites may require special treatment, with full discussion from partners after the nomination period (e.g., meeting with First Nation, cultural group, etc.)

There are several other criteria that will help your selection committee choose the best “Amazing Places” for your biosphere reserve.

10. Can the place handle increased visitation?

The selection committee will have to discuss the human carrying capacity of various sites at different times of year. Some sites will be “visitor-ready” with parking and washroom facilities, while others will have no infrastructure and may need to be developed before they meet this criteria. Note that a sample Visitor-Ready Survey is available from the lead Biosphere Reserve.

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In biosphere reserves where there is First Nations, Innu or Metis traditional territory, it is important to establish a partnership that meets the interests of all parties. In any case, there will be a mix of sites that are “easy” access (e.g., for beginners, or accessible by car) and others will be “moderate” or “difficult” or “wilderness” categories. Full information about access for visitors should be provided in the site description, with the help of partners. 11. Can written approval by the landowner be obtained? This is an essential criteria in most Amazing Places programs. A clear written agreement about what the program goals are, what is provided by the biosphere reserve and what is expected of partners is important for commitment and good communication. In addition, funders like to see written participation agreements in place before investing in a program. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Amazing Place site partners is recommended.

Note that the written agreements will be different depending on the site partners. Each of the following will have their own formats and requirements that can be adapted into an agreement: local government, provincial or national park, non-profit organization, private business, First Nation chief and council. In a case where the Crown is the landowner (e.g. federal waters or Crown lands) then the Biosphere Reserve will inquire about an agreement for promoting the place with the relevant agency. They may also wish to partner with an ecotourism business that has legal access to the Amazing Place, and will facilitate sustainable tourism, education and marketing (e.g., boat charter, outfitter, etc.). 12. Can credible information (verifiable expert information) and high quality

media content be obtained? In order to ensure a quality program, credible and factual information must be provided for interpretive purposes. “Amazing Places” is giving visitors to the site a unique perspective, with new and exciting information about the place that they may not get anywhere else! Please ensure that credible sources are used – and checked by experts with technical or local/traditional knowledge. High quality content for various media is extremely important and is considered another essential criteria. Standards are provided in the Amazing Places Style Guide (in development) for the use of logos, tag lines, photographs, other images, video, and sound. While gorgeous nature photography will be needed, UNESCO’s theme of “people & nature in balance” can be well reflected in pictures that include people. For certain Amazing Places, there will be seasons or times of the year that your program will promote more than others.

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Other strategic design elements of Ontario’s Amazing Places (2014)

• Mix of access styles: motorized, hiking, cycling, paddling, etc. • Within 40km of the biosphere reserve (40km+ defines a tourist) • Spread geographically throughout the biosphere reserve • Visitor-ready with washroom and parking accessibility • Mix of both biological & cultural hotspots • Potential for Amazing Places signage

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Date: January 26th, 2016 File: 1.1.4

To: Chair and Members, Long Point Region Conservation Authority From: General Manager, LPRCA Re: Phragmites Update RECOMMENDATION That the Long Point Region Conservation Authority receives the Phragmites Update Report as information; AND that the Chair be authorized to send an invitation to both Ontario’s Premier and Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry to visit the work being conducted by the Lee Brown Marsh Management Committee in controlling this invasive. BACKGROUND Phragmites is a rapidly spreading grass that can reach heights of five metres or more and is considered by some scientists to be the most aggressive invasive species of marsh ecosystems in North America. It poses a significant threat to biodiversity, society and the economy. It forms large, dense stands that negatively impact wildlife, block shoreline views and recreational access, pose fire risks, and impede drainage in roadside and agricultural ditches. There are no natural controls for Phragmites and therefore, human action is required to keep this plant in check. It is estimated that control projects in Ontario range between $865 and $1,112 per hectare (Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy, 2012) and that land managers in the United States spend over $4.6 million per year restoring habitats impacted by Phragmites (Hazelton et al., 2014). Because this plant grows so rapidly once established, the longer the plant is ignored the more effort and money is required to get it under control. Due to the significant, negative impact of this plant, many groups including a number in the Long Point Region watershed are starting to take action. LPRCA’s Lee Brown Marsh Management Committee, as well as, staff recognized this significant issue a number of years ago. Committee members and staff met with the experts of the day to design a plan to deal with this invasive recognizing the potential environmental, social and economic impact on the approximate 800-acre complex. While LPRCA is doing a good job of controlling Phragmites at the Lee Brown Marsh, a number of challenges still exist in dealing with the invasive. These include:

• the lack of appropriate herbicides to deal with infestations in wet areas; • the lack of a coordinated plan to stop continued spread;

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• the lack of infrastructure to enable rapid response; • the lack of financial and logistical support for community groups trying to deal

with local invasions; and • the lack of an effective public awareness campaign.

The Common Reed Control in Norfolk County Workshop was hosted at the Backus Heritage Conservation Area on January 15th, 2015. Marsh Manager Kim Brown was one of the presenters. The Workshop attracted over 80 stakeholders. Again, the group felt that the single greatest factor hindering control of this invasive is the availability of a government-approved control spray for Canada. Conservation Ontario has started a letter writing campaign to the province to lobby provincial support in dealing with Phragmites. The Lee Brown Marsh Management Committee has taken it a step further and has suggested at their last meeting that the Premier be invited to this region to witness firsthand the work done by the Committee and staff. BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS No funding has been identified in the 2016 Budget for special Phragmites projects. Prepared by:

Cliff Evanitski General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer

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