NOTTAWASAGA VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA No. 02-18-BOD Date: February 23, 2017 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Location: John L. Jose Learning Centre, Tiffin Conservation Area, Utopia, Ont. UPCOMING EVENTS (Visit our website for more information www.nvca.on.ca Nature Days for Homeschoolers – “Get Back to the Sugar Shack” Friday, March 2, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Tiffin Centre for Conservation, Utopia Flood Workshop - Protecting your Family and Property Tuesday, March 6, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Mono Centre Community Centre, 754483 Mono Centre Rd., Mono March Break Family Day – Monday Monday, March 12, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Tiffin Centre for Conservation, Utopia March Break Family Day - Friday Friday, March 16, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Tiffin Centre for Conservation, 8195 8th Line, Utopia Caring for your Horse & Farm Workshop Wednesday, April 4, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Orangeville Library, 1 Mill St., Orangeville Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival Saturday, April 7 & Sunday April 8, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Tiffin Centre for Conservation, Utopia Agenda Page # 1
Transcript
NOTTAWASAGA VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AGENDA No. 02-18-BOD
Date: February 23, 2017 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Location: John L. Jose Learning Centre, Tiffin Conservation Area, Utopia, Ont.
UPCOMING EVENTS
(Visit our website for more information www.nvca.on.ca
Nature Days for Homeschoolers – “Get Back to the Sugar Shack”
Friday, March 2, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tiffin Centre for Conservation, Utopia
Flood Workshop - Protecting your Family and Property
Tuesday, March 6, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Mono Centre Community Centre, 754483 Mono Centre Rd., Mono
March Break Family Day – Monday
Monday, March 12, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tiffin Centre for Conservation, Utopia
March Break Family Day - Friday
Friday, March 16, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tiffin Centre for Conservation, 8195 8th Line, Utopia
Caring for your Horse & Farm Workshop
Wednesday, April 4, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Orangeville Library, 1 Mill St., Orangeville
Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival
Saturday, April 7 & Sunday April 8, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
having been identified as requiring separate discussion, be referred for discussion under Agenda Item #10; and
FURTHER THAT: all Consent List Agenda Items not referred for separate discussion be adopted as submitted to the board and staff be authorized to take all necessary action
required to give effect to same; and
FURTHER THAT: any items in the consent list not referred for separate discussion, and for which conflict has been declared, are deemed not to have been voted on or discussed by the individual making the declaration.
11. CLOSED SESSION Recommendation:
RESOLVED THAT: this meeting of the Board of Directors No. 02-18-BOD move into
closed session at ____a.m. to address matters pertaining to:
Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including Authority staff; and
THAT: Doug Hevenor, Chief Administrative Officer and Sheryl Flannagan, Director,
Corporate Services be in attendance.
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Sticky Note
Provided under separate cover
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Sticky Note
Report will be provided under separate email
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Recommendation:
RESOLVED THAT: the Board of Directors rise from closed session at ____a.m. and
report progress.
ADJOURN
RESOLVED THAT: this meeting adjourn at ___________ to meet again April 27, 2018 or at
the call of the Chair.
Agenda Page # 6
MEDIA RELEASE For immediate release
NVCA seeks 2018 Conservation Champions Utopia, Ontario (Feb 8, 2018) – Do you know a person or organization working to improve our
local environment? Nominate them for a Conservation Champion Award!
The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) is seeking nominations for the 2018
Conservation Champion Awards. These awards recognize environmental champions for their
contribution to the health of the Nottawasaga Valley watershed.
Conservation Champions can be individuals, community groups, municipalities or businesses who
have contributed to an environmental project in the Nottawasaga Valley watershed. The watershed
covers a large part of Simcoe County and portions of Dufferin and Grey.
There is also a Young Conservation Champion category open to individuals age 19 or under.
Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, on-farm stewardship projects; stream and wetland
habitat restoration; tree planting; volunteering in support of the environment; outdoor education;
land donations and easements; financial contributions in support of environmental projects; and
implementing environmental plans and policies.
NVCA will present the awards at the annual Evening of Thanks event on April 17, 2018.
To nominate a Conservation Champion, visit nvca.on.ca or call 705-424-1479. Nominations must be
received by Monday, March 19, 2018.
– 30 –
About the NVCA: The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority a public agency dedicated to the
preservation of a healthy environment through specialized programs to protect, conserve and
enhance our water, wetlands, forests and lands. nvca.on.ca
Media contact: Heather Kepran, Communications Coordinator, 705-424-1479 x254,
NVCA | Management Plan – Wagner Natural Area Page 1
Background The Wagner Natural area supports diverse ecological features, including an online pond system, ravines and a deciduous woodlot with mature sugar maples and black cherry trees. An abandoned air strip provides suitable habitat for unique sand barren vegetation
History The Wagner Natural Area was originally owned by Ron and Freda Wagner. The property was left to NVCA in their will. Prior to the donation, a small residential lot was severed for their son, who still resides on the adjacent lot.
There are no known easements, right of way or restrictions on the Wagner Natural Area property.
Table 1: Location and Legal Information – Wagner Natural Area
Location/Information Details
Address 2688 Horseshoe Valley Road
Area (hectares/acre) 38.57 ha + 1.6 ha (95.33 acres + 3.97 acres)
Lot and Concession Part of Lots 41 & 42, Concession 2, WPR Flos as in RO1265224 (PIN 583660052); Part of Lot 42, Concession 2 WPR Flos as in RO1265221 (PIN 583660045)
Municipality/Town/City Springwater
Nearest Major Centre Midhurst
Access Directions From Barrie, take Highway 400 north, exit Horseshoe Valley Road West, continue to Old Second North property entrance on west side approximately 100 m from corner.
Watershed Matheson Creek – Willow Creek
Ecodistrict 6E
Road Frontages ~625 m on Horseshoe Valley Road West; ~300 m Old Second North
NVCA | Management Plan – Wagner Natural Area Page 2
Location/Information Details
Ownership/Stewardship NVCA
Key Local Partners n/a
Survey Plan # 51R-38249
Roll Number 434103000105007; 434103000105000
Description The Wagner Natural Area is located 2 km from Craighurst at the intersection of Old Second North and Horseshoe Valley Road West. The north and west property boundaries are bordered by private property with a small portion abutting a hydro corridor.
The Wagner Natural Area is comprised of two separate properties totaling 40.19 ha (99.30 ac). The main lot (38.58 ha) is accessible via Horseshoe Valley Road and Old Second North, while the smaller lot (1.61 ha) does not have road access as it is severed from the main property by the hydro corridor. These properties are surrounded by large, low density residential lots, agricultural fields and Simcoe County Forest tracts. The property is part of a large forest complex linking the Copeland-Guthrie Wetland Complex and the Midhurst Swamp Wetland Complex
Land Acquisitions The Wagner Natural Area was donated to NVCA in 2012 by Ronald and Freda Wagner. They initially purchased the property in 1965 and resided on a lot that is now severed from the main property.
As part of the donation of the Wagner Natural Area, future uses were outlined by the donor to allow for recreational and forest management activities, their requests were as follows:
The Lands shall be used and maintained for the primary purpose of recreational and forest management purposes. The forgoing shall not prohibit for good husbandry and harvesting of the timber that may be located on the property from time to time, and be consistent with the powers of the Authority with respect to the management of the lands. The Authority shall have the right to use the Lands for such secondary purposes as may be compatible with the primary purpose such as outdoor education, scientific research and low-impact day-use recreational activities. At its discretion, the Authority may also continue to use the arable land for farming purposes.
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NVCA | Management Plan – Wagner Natural Area Page 3
Tax Status The property is currently entirely enrolled into the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program. There is no portion of the property that is under the Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program. The property donation occurred through Environment Canada’s EcoGifts program.
Goals and Objectives The following objectives work to achieve the goals of the NVCA’s 2014-2018 Strategic Plan while providing direction for the programs and management of the site.
Protect, Enhance & Restore: To protect, enhance and restore the watershed to support a healthy environment, healthy communities and healthy lifestyles by anticipating and taking action to address watershed impacts and pressures.
Learn & Discover: To inspire others - through active collaboration, leadership and innovation – to take action to improve the health of the watershed.
Connect: To connect people to the environment through outdoor watershed experiences.
Purpose of the Management Plan
Preparing a management plan for the Wagner Natural Area provides an opportunity to review previous management plans for the area and assess any changes in objectives or issues.
Completion of the management plan will provide direction for the future of the site and a strategy to implement development projects. The plan will be reviewed annually to assess the results of the projects, and record any changes in strategy or direction for the site. The plan will be updated every 10 years or as required.
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NVCA | Management Plan – Wagner Natural Area Page 4
Site Analysis
Conservation Management
Geology
The soil throughout the property is categorized as a sandy loam with poor to good drainage depending on the location on the property. The main soil type throughout the property is the Tioga soil series, while the western, lower lying portion is part of the Allison soil series. Tioga soils are common throughout Simcoe County and are used for certain cash crops with fertilizers and irrigation needed to balance to low soil fertility and low moisture holding capacity. Allison soils are imperfectly drained and hold more water throughout the year, so have been more frequently used for mixed farming.
Topography
The Wagner Natural Area is generally level with man-made, stream-fed ponds through the centre of the property. The property has a gentle slope at the western edge.
Forestry
The Wagner Natural Area was likely cleared for farming and timber products in the early 1900s, however the sandy soil and steep slopes of the ravines would have limited the farming potential of the site and the property was abandoned for farming and forests were allowed to regenerate. Red Pine planting occurred in some parts of the property in 1959 and in 1973.
Environmental protection and maintenance of a healthy forest were identified as the highest priorities in the original MFTIP application, followed by forest products, recreation and wildlife, then investment and income. When the property was donated to NVCA in 2011, the objectives were slightly altered and environmental protection was identified as the primary objective, followed by forest products, then recreation.
The forest was logged in 1969 by Miller Lumber, then again as part of the Managed Forest Plan in 1999, 2001 and 2009/2010. The recent cuts were considered “maintenance cuts” with the objective of maintaining tree diversity and improving plantation growth. Occasional harvest of cedar posts (dates/quantity not reordered) has occurred within the mixed forest in the western portion of the property (ELC community FOM 6-1; see Table 2 and Appendix 1 - Map 2).
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NVCA | Management Plan – Wagner Natural Area Page 5
Based on the Managed Forest Plan, the next anticipated harvest for the Red Pine plantations is in 2020.
Hydrology
A large open water pond (ELC community OAO) was constructed by damming the tributary of Matheson Creek and dredging the pond to accentuate the former ravines that likely existed prior to the pond construction. The stream-fed pond transects the centre of the property and flows east to west into Matheson Creek and south into the larger Willow Creek wetland complex.
The ponds were once stocked with trout and the remains of a hatchery have been observed along the earthen dam. Currently, the pond supports smaller baitfish and may support bass or other sunfish. The sandy, infertile soil surrounding the pond provide excellent habitat for nesting turtles.
Flora
Ecological Land Classification (ELC) is a system which enables the classification of vegetation systems throughout southern Ontario. Broad ELC surveys were conducted throughout the Wagner Natural Area and ten (10) individual vegetation communities were identified.
Three pine plantations are present in the west and central portions of the property. Conifer forests are present on the steep slopes on either side of the Matheson Creek valley. Younger regenerating forests are present west of the central plantations and south of the east plantation block. Sand barren, cultural meadow and cultural woodland habitats are associated with the abandoned landing strip. Open water habitats are associated with the pond system.
Table 2 below identifies the eight vegetation communities identified on the Wagner Natural Area.
Table 2: Ecological Land Classification of the Wagner Natural Area
Vegetation Type Total
Hectares Percentage of
Total Area Cultural Meadow/ Cultural Woodland (CUM/CUW) 1.8 4.5%
Dry-Moist Old Field Meadow (CUM 1-1) 0.5 1.2%
Red Pine Coniferous Plantation (CUP 3-3) 10.7 26.5%
Fresh-Moist White Cedar Coniferous Forest (FOC4) 1.4 3.5%
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NVCA | Management Plan – Wagner Natural Area Page 6
Vegetation Type Total
Hectares Percentage of
Total Area Dry-Fresh Poplar Deciduous Forest Type (FOD 3-1)
2.6 6.4%
Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple Deciduous Forest Type (FOD 5-1)
10 24.8%
Mixed Forest (FOM) 0.3 0.7%
Fresh – Moist Sugar Maple/Hemlock Mixed Forest Type (FOM 6-1)
4 9.9%
Fresh – Moist Hardwood Mixed Forest Type (FOM 6-2)
2.3 5.7%
Fresh-Moist White Cedar/Hardwood Mixed Forest Type (FOM 7-2)
1 2.5%
Open Aquatic (OAO) 3.9 9.7%
Open Sand Barrie (SBO 1) 1.2 3.0%
White Cedar – Hardwood Organic Mixed Swamp (SWM 4-1)
0.7 1.7
(Refer to Appendix 1 - Map 2: Ecological Land Classification Map)
Fauna
The timing of the site survey was not conducive to wildlife inventories. In-season inventories would be required to fully assess wildlife functions of the Wagner Natural Area.
This property is part of a relatively intact, contiguous forest complex creating a corridor that stretches from Copeland Forest and the Oro Moraine in the northeast to Minesing Wetlands in the southwest. This corridor provides a diversity of habitats for a variety of interior species and wide ranging mammals.
Several interior breeding birds were observed during monitoring including Pine Warbler and Red-breasted Nuthatch within the pine plantation (CUP3-1), Wood Thrush and Ovenbird within the Sugar Maple forest (FOD5-1) and Brown Creeper and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker within the creek valley (FOM6-2).
A variety of wildlife species utilize the property as well, including Red Fox, White-tailed Deer, and Black Bear. The open water pond provides habitat for amphibians and likely turtles.
Species at Risk
Wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) was the only species at risk noted on the property. This species is listed as Special Concern by the Committee on the Status
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NVCA | Management Plan – Wagner Natural Area Page 7
of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO). When a species is listed as ‘special concern’, it is not endangered or threatened, but may become threatened or endangered due to a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats.
Due to the limited surveys, there have been no other species at risk identified on the property, however additional property surveys would likely identify additional forest interior species such as Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)(Special Concern) and Wood Pewee (Contopus virens) (Special Concern). Butternut (Juglans cinera) (Endangered) would also be expected to be found within these habitat types and conditions.
The abandoned air strip may provide suitable habitat for Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) (Threatened). This community type has been classified as a cultural open sand barren (SBO1) through ELC. This community is considered very rare (S2) to extremely rare (S1) at a provincial level. Additional vascular plant inventories may identify the presence of provincially rare species within this community.
Invasive Species/Non-Native Species
There are no significant invasive species throughout the property, with Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) being notably absent from the property at this time. All forestry work should ensure clean equipment be used to avoid seed dispersal on the property. Scots Pine has regenerated in abandoned fields within the cultural woodlands (CUW). Although Scots pine is considered a non-native, invasive species, its presence is a low priority for restoration efforts.
Outdoor Recreation While there is currently no public infrastructure on the Wagner Natural Area, the previous owner’s trails provides a good foundation for the creation of a trail network should one be developed in the future.
The mature deciduous forest and ponds are enough of a focal point that no other infrastructure other than trails/signage would be anticipated for this property. Parking would likely occur at the small entrance off of Old Second North.
Should the property become open to the public in the future, it will be recommended that the property be amended in name from the Wagner Natural Area to the Wagner Conservation Area, reflecting the increase public presence and management requirements of the property.
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NVCA | Management Plan – Wagner Natural Area Page 8
Outdoor Recreation/Nature Appreciation
The property is not currently open to the public. The proximity of this property to other recreational opportunities, such as Horseshoe Valley Resort and Simcoe County Forests may lead to the development of a recreation plan for this property.
Proximity to Midhurst and Barrie will likely see an influx of residents searching for recreational opportunities close to home which will result in increased use (lawful/unlawful) of the property.
When developing the trail network, the current trails on the property are a natural starting point for the trail system on the property. Trails should be established so as to avoid transecting any areas with vernal pool areas, areas of seasonal flooding or areas that are deemed to be ecologically significant.
Trail mapping would be a priority to fully understand the current scope, condition and location of the trail network.
Hunting
Due to the proximity of residences to this property, hunting is not a permitted activity on this property at this time. Should hunting opportunities be investigated in the future, public consultation with the adjacent and nearby neighbours will take place.
Signage
The owner did not specify the preference for signage or not. It is understood, however, once the property is signed it will be considered accessible to the public. The installation of signage should not occur until the property is ready to become accessible to the public.
Parking & Access
There is one access point to the property off of Old Second Road South. This access point provides parking for one vehicle but has not been regularly maintained in order to reduce unlawful entrance to the property.
If developments were to occur throughout this property, this would be the optimal location available to provide public access since Horseshoe Valley Road is a considerably busier road.
If the property becomes open to the public, a fence around the perimeter of the parking area would be required.
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NVCA | Management Plan – Wagner Natural Area Page 9
Management Services
Staff/Maintenance
There is limited staff involvement at this time. NVCA staff conduct annual monitoring of the property to assess for unlawful activities and changes. Informal trail monitoring takes place along the logging trails/paths. As the property is not currently advertised for use by the public, trail maintenance by staff does not occur at this time.
All management, financial and administrative support is provided by NVCA.
Partnerships
There are no partnerships currently in place with this property.
Fundraising
If infrastructure needs increase for the property, a fundraising program would be required. This program would include seeking grants, sponsorships and the support of local community members and community groups.
Past Management Projects & Programs
As part of the Managed Tax Incentive Program, the property has been actively managed for forest products and firewood.
Timber harvesting last occurred on the property 2009-2010; there is no harvesting scheduled to occur on the property before 2020. There is evidence of previous timber harvesting, however no records were kept of these activities.
Existing Management & Maintenance Program
The property is inspected on an annual bases by NVCA staff. There is no property maintenance at this time, since the property is not open to the public.
Public Consultation As this property will be closed to the public until recreational pressures increase, there was no public consultation undertaken for the development of this plan. Public consultations should occur prior to any significant development of the property.
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NVCA | Management Plan – Wagner Natural Area Page 10
Challenges The majority of the challenges NVCA faces with this property relate to keeping recreational users off the property until such a time where the property is open to the public, should this occur.
Conservation Management
Natural Hazards
Natural hazards on the property include mainly hazard trees. There was no vegetation (poison ivy, wild parsnip, etc.) that was identified that posed a threat.
Invasive and Non-Native Species
Scots Pine (low priority)
Outdoor Recreation & Environmental Education
Trails
Should the property become accessible to the public, maintenance schedules will be needed to keep the trails in usable condition and free of hazards.
As trees become overgrown between logging, the trails will get less distinct.
If trails are developed for public use, it is recommended the trails keep to the drier portions of the property to reduce impact to the more sensitive pond and vernal pool areas, and to reduce the need for boardwalks and bridges.
Management Services
Staffing
With this location being a satellite location, remote from main NVCA operations, maintenance and enforcement of the property will be a continuing challenge. In order to properly manage and enforce regulations on the property, additional resources (i.e. time, funding) will be required.
Marketing
Marketing budgets are already low for the various conservation areas and properties owned by the NVCA. If this property becomes open to the public, the
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NVCA | Management Plan – Wagner Natural Area Page 11
Wagner Natural Area will be less developed than other NVCA properties. It does not have full time staff or an interpretive centre, nor can it accommodate formal education programs on a regular basis. These factors make it hard to justify allocating substantial marketing funds and efforts in order to draw attention to the site. Web pages, social media and distribution of conservation area brochures to local towns have been the most efficient way of generating interest in the site. Specifically a conservation areas website, OntarioConservationAreas.ca, will be used as a free marketing source.
Potential Development The developments listed in this section represent future potential developments pending available funding, public interest and resources and highlight some of the future requirements should the property become a conservation area with recreational opportunities.
Partnerships Given the limited financial resources for infrastructure development partnerships will be essential should any recreational development take place. Local community support may be an integral component for funding as well as the monitoring and maintenance of the property.
Potential project partners may include, but is not limited to:
Rotary Club of Barrie
Midhurst Ratepayers Association
Springwater Township
RTO7
Tourism Simcoe and Tourism Barrie
Conservation Management
Forestry Planning
The current Managed Forest Plan is in place until 2024 with detailed management program developed until 2020.
Forest harvesting last took place in 2009-2010; there is no planned timber harvesting until 2020 in portions of the property. Environmental protection has
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NVCA | Management Plan – Wagner Natural Area Page 12
been identified as the priority objective for the property. Other forestry management practices were suggested to include tree planting within the abandoned airstrip, however the ELC has identified this area as a potentially significant ecosystem.
Outdoor Recreation & Education
Trail Development
The property is likely to remain unopened to the public for the foreseeable future. All future trail development will be required to be accessible where feasible, should public trail development occur. This property does have some topographic feature that may make some areas more challenging to be accessible. A trail head map would be developed that identifies sections of the trail that are accessible or not.
The majority of the trails would follow the historic logging trails, however it may be desirable to ‘close the loop’ and link portions of trails together to develop a trail loop network. Trail mapping would be a priority to fully understand the current scope, condition and location of the trail network.
The following are current trail accessibility requirements and should be reviewed prior to trail development:
1. A recreational trail must have a minimum clear width of 1,000 mm.
2. A recreational trail must have a clear height that provides a minimum head room clearance of 2,100 mm above the trail.
3. The surface of a recreational trail must be firm and stable.
4. Where a recreational trail has openings in its surface,
i. the openings must not allow passage of an object that has a diameter of more than 20 mm, and
ii. any elongated openings must be orientated approximately perpendicular to the direction of travel.
Should local recreational pressure increases to such a point where recreational development on the property is feasible, the following is a starting point for initial trail and property development.
Phase I
GPS the location of the trails, develop an associated map that identifies the location of the current trails.
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NVCA | Management Plan – Wagner Natural Area Page 13
The parking lot will be expanded to at least the minimum size for 6 vehicles (19 meters by 8.5 meters). Optimally the parking area will be brushed out, graded and finished with ‘A’ gravel.
Installation of a fence around the expanded parking lot, including gated access appropriate for walk-through visitors and forestry equipment.
The trail will be rerouted around wet areas so that the site is easily traversed in early spring. The trail will be routed in such a way that no bridges or boardwalks are required.
Trail navigation signs will be made clearer by adding directional signs at major crossroads.
A standard ‘swoop’ welcome sign with a map of the trails will be developed and installed.
Update property signage with “permitted activities” signage.
Installation of remote payment system (e.g. Mackay Pay).
Phase II
Lay small stone and stone dust in areas that are difficult to navigate (i.e. wet areas, rough terrain) to ensure trails are deemed accessible.
Parking
If recreational opportunities are to be developed, parking should be created to allow access for 6 vehicles. Further expansion of the parking lot would have to be considered prior to fencing being installed. There is very little variation in the topography near the entrance, and a larger parking area could be facilitated should it be necessary. Gated access to the property would be required for forestry and maintenance equipment
If a trail network and parking are developed, the property will be included as part of the current NVCA remote payment system.
Education/Interpretive Signs
There are no plans for education/interpretive signs at this time.
Facilities
There are no current plans to develop facilities at the site. If funding opportunities arise a recreation plan for the property should be developed outlining all recreational opportunities and requirements.
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NVCA | Management Plan – Wagner Natural Area Page 14
Future Opportunities – Trail Linkages
Long-term trail development planning may include linkages to a broader landscape based trail system, incorporating public trails such as the Ganaraska Trail and Simcoe County Forest trails. NVCA’s role would be to facilitate the connection and promote the linkages.
Future Opportunities – Biological Surveys
At this time, there have been no thorough biological surveys done throughout the property and only a single-day site inspection and summary report have been completed. This site inspection did note, however, the potential of a provincially rare vegetation community has been identified, but requires confirmation.
The connection of this property to a larger, contiguous forested area would also increase the likelihood of identifying interior forest species that have been listed as species as risk, including eastern wood pewee and wood thrush.
Management Services
Maintenance
Development of maintenance procedures will be ongoing on an annual basis as infrastructure is developed.
Hazard trees will be monitored and removed as necessary.
The parking lot trees will be elevated.
Trails will be maintained.
User Fee
If the property becomes accessible to the public, a remote payment system will be put in place to collect day use/annual pass fees.
Marketing
Should it become a conservation area, marketing of the Wagner property will aim to encourage passive recreational use. If required, marketing efforts may include media releases (highlighting infrastructure changes, partnership projects and other activities taking place on the property), social media and website outreach, and advertisements. Marketing efforts would focus on the site’s attractions at each change of season. For example: spring ephemerals and amphibians, winter snowshoeing, fall colour walks with the family at Thanksgiving, and trends and sightings throughout the year.
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NVCA | Management Plan – Wagner Natural Area Page 15
Other Recommendations Listed below are a few proposed initiatives/potential projects that the NVCA would be interested in to enhance future programs, projects, and infrastructure use to complement existing management activities and encourage greater public use at the Wagner Natural Area.
Develop new and maintain existing partnerships to work on projects and expand activities in NVCA lands;
Pursue alternate funding sources, fundraising with user groups, service clubs and look to private partners for sponsorship of capital projects;
Explore public activity and recreation potential;
Partner with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and organizations promoting healthy living;
Implement a lands inventory and monitoring program;
Species surveys and identification – programs to acquire more data on the flora, fauna and species at risk would be valuable.
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NVCA | Management Plan – Wagner Natural Area Page 16
Maintenance Marketing of area Learn & Discover $3,000 NVCA Communications - Staff Time TBD
Other
Other Detailed species and ELC survey, including SAR species and communities
Learn & Discover $4,000 NVCA Staff time TBD
* Costs are estimates for actual costs and based over a 10 year period, and does not include staff time unless otherwise noted ** Partners include municipal and community organizations
Agenda Page # 64
NVCA Management Plan— Dunsmore Natural Area
February 2018
Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority
This management plan was reviewed and approved by NVCA Board of Directors
on February 23, 2018.
For more information, or for a copy of this plan in an alternative format, contact NVCA at 705-424-1479 or [email protected].
Agenda Page # 65
NVCA | Management Plan – Dunsmore Natural Area Page ii
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ........................................................................................... ii
NVCA | Management Plan – Dunsmore Natural Area Page 1
Background The Dunsmore Natural Area is an excellent example of the deciduous forests that were once common throughout the area. The mature trees provide refuge for a variety of wildlife species and the proximity to other forests provides a continuous corridor for wide ranging mammals.
History The property was originally part of a farm extending from Highway 93 to Concession 1 (Old Second Road South) and was severed from the front part of the farm when Highway 400 was built in 1960. The property was purchased in 1981 by the previous owner and donated to the NVCA in 2011.
There are no known historic residences at the site, however historic maps do indicate the property may have been used as part of a First Nations trail network.
There is a Hydro-Electric Power Commission easement that crosses the south east corner of the property (registered in 1950). No other easements are known.
Lot and Concession Part Lots 19 & 20 Concession 1 (Vespra) RO752080, S/T VE15259
Municipality/Town/City Springwater
Nearest Major Centre Midhurst
Access Directions From Barrie, take Highway 400 north, exit Forbes Road, west (left) onto Forbes Road to Old Second Road South, south (left) on Old Second Road South to the property on east (right)
Watershed Willow Creek
Ecodistrict 6E
Road Frontages ~420m on Old Second Road South
UTM Zone 17
UTM Centroid NAD 83; 604 648; 4 923 234
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NVCA | Management Plan – Dunsmore Natural Area Page 2
Description The Dunsmore Natural Area is located approximately 2 km from the Village of Midhurst. It is located on Old Second Road South, which also defines the eastern boundary of the Midhurst Settlement Boundary. Future development is not be likely to occur to the north and south of the property, but is anticipated to occur on the west side of Old Second Road South as part of the Midhurst Secondary Plan. The eastern boundary is defined by Highway 400.
This 46 hectare (114 acre) forested property is surrounded by large, low density residential lots and agricultural fields. This isolated forest provides an important refuge for wildlife species, including forest-interior species, but also provides a link to the Dalston Provincially Significant Wetland to the east and the Little Lake Provincially Significant Wetland complex to the south west.
The property has three (3) municipal land classifications, the majority of the property has been designated as Residential, while smaller portions have been classified as Agricultural and Environmentally Protected (EP). Any future development at the site must take these land designations into consideration.
Land Acquisitions The property was donated to NVCA in 2011, prior to that, the property was owned by William John & Rosemary Dunsmore. The donors initially purchased the property in 1981 from Gladys Sinclair.
As part of the donation, several restrictions were put in place by the previous owners to ensure the maintenance of the ecological integrity of the site, this includes the following:
That the Lands will not be used for any residential purposes (whether seasonal, temporary or permanent), nor for any purpose which includes or involves any manner of alteration, destruction or removal of anything growing or naturally occurring on the land, nor for any commercial purpose, except selective logging
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by the Authority only and only in accordance with good forest management practices.
That no motorized vehicles of any kind may be operated, parked or stores in any way on the Lands except those required for forestry work, maintenance and emergencies and then only under supervision by the Authority.
That no hunting of animals of any kind may be conducted on the Lands, whether for sport, harvesting, in the course of commercial activity or otherwise.
That the Lands will not be sold, either in whole or in part, except to an entity whose primary goal is the preservation and stewardship of environmentally important and/or sensitive land.
That no stormwater, surface drainage, runoff, effluent, or discharge of any substance of any kind, howsoever created, modified or permitted, will be permitted to enter onto the Lands at any time, other than that which may enter onto the Lands as a result of the natural, undeveloped condition of the Lands and any lands adjacent thereto at the time of execution of this Agreement, or where the Owner of the Lands from time to time as taken all reasonable steps to prevent or stop such entry.
That no structure or use of any kind will be permitted to encroach onto any part of the Lands at any time.
In 2016, the restrictions were amended to allow for hunting on the property. See details in hunting section below.
Tax Status The property is currently entirely enrolled into the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program. There is no portion of the property that is under the Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program. The property donation occurred through Environment Canada’s EcoGifts program.
Goals and Objectives The following objectives work to achieve the goals of the NVCA’s 2014-2018 Strategic Plan while providing direction for the programs and management of the site.
Protect, Enhance & Restore: To protect, enhance and restore the watershed to support a healthy environment, healthy communities and healthy lifestyles
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by anticipating and taking action to address watershed impacts and pressures.
Learn & Discover: To inspire others - through active collaboration, leadership and innovation – to take action to improve the health of the watershed.
Connect: To connect people to the environment through outdoor watershed experiences.
Purpose of the Management Plan
Preparing a management plan for the Dunsmore Natural Area provides an opportunity to review previous management plans for the area, and assess any changes in objectives or issues.
Completion of the management plan will provide a clear direction for the future of the site and a strategy to implement development projects. The plan will be reviewed biennially to assess the results of the projects each year, and record any changes in strategy or direction for the site. The plan will be updated every 10 years or as needed.
Site Analysis
Conservation Management Geology
The soil throughout the property is categorized as a sandy loam with good drainage. The soil is part of the Vasey soil series, known to be good for agricultural practices, particularly pasture for livestock and crops.
Topography
The property is generally level with a downward slope in the north western edge. In this same area, there appears to be a historic pond which is seasonally inundated. There is undulating topography towards the eastern edge creating vernal pools.
Forestry
The forest was heavily logged in the 1920s and the remains of Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) stumps can still be seen throughout the property. Most of the area was allowed to naturally regenerate to the exception of stands of Red Pine (Pinus
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resinosa) and European Larch (Larix decidua) which were planted in 1954 and Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) in 1982.
The previous owner undertook regular firewood harvesting and the trees were marked by a certified tree marker. In 2010/2011 a significant harvest (717 saw logs/134,089 board feet and 263 cords of firewood) was cut and removed from the property.
Based on the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program, the next anticipated harvest for portions of the property is in 2026.
Hydrology
The property has several vernal pools along the eastern edge. In the western portions of the property, there are what appears to be spill pills adjacent to some ponds, indicating that some of these ponds appear to be man-made (see Appendix 1 – Image 1). Lower lying areas along the eastern boundary appear to be mainly naturally occurring, but may have become more pronounced after the construction of Highway 400, which altered the natural flow of the water in the area.
Flora
Ecological Land Classification (ELC) is a system which enables the classification of vegetation systems throughout southern Ontario. ELC surveys were conducted throughout the property and five (5) individual vegetation communities were identified. Two sugar maple dominated vegetation communities make up the majority of the property. Table 2 below identifies the five vegetation communities identified on the property.
Table 2: Ecological Land Classification of the Dunsmore Natural Area
Vegetation Type Total
Hectares Percentage of
Total Area White Cedar – Hardwood Organic Mixed Swamp (SWM 4-1) 1.3 2.8%
Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple Deciduous Forest (FOD 5-1) 27 58.2%
Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple – White Ash Deciduous Forest (FOD 5-8) 15.8 34.1%
Dry-Fresh White Cedar Coniferous Forest (FOC 2-2) 0.7 1.5%
(refer to Appendix 1 - Map 2: Ecological Land Classification Map)
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Fauna
The timing of the site surveys were not conducive to wildlife inventories – in-season inventories would be required to fully assess wildlife functions. Three forest-interior woodpecker species were observed during fall 2010 site visits and other forest interior species likely utilize this large forest habitat. A Double Crested Cormorant (Phalacroxorax auritus) fly over is an indication of the proximity of the property to Little Lake.
The vernal pools within the sugar maple forests likely support important amphibian breeding habitat. Several of these features appear to persist into early summer and provide habitat for woodland frogs (Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) and Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) observed). The vernal pools appear to provide preferred habitat for mole salamanders which require breeding pools in close proximity to rich hardwood forests. These pools contribute significantly to forest biodiversity on the property.
Deer sign was evident on the property; however, mixed conifer swamps preferred by deer for overwintering are small on the property. Deer in the general vicinity of the property likely move southeast toward mixed swamps at the west end of Little Lake to find preferred habitat during the winter months. A deer yard is located about 1.5 km east of the property; however, Highway 400 acts as at least a partial barrier to eastward movement from the property.
Species at Risk
Several Butternut (Juglans cinerea), an endangered tree species, were identified throughout the property. All were noted to be in declining condition, likely as a result of butternut canker, some were noted to be in ‘fair’ condition. A Butternut health assessment was not completed on these trees.
No other species at risk were identified on the property.
Invasive Species/Non-Native Species
There are relatively few invasive species throughout the property, with Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) being the most significant species observed. Garlic Mustard was likely introduced as part of the forestry processes and has expanded from the trail network.
The preferred habitat for Garlic Mustard is precisely those which are found throughout the property, rich, moist deciduous forests. Garlic Mustard can be detrimental to the native flora as the allelopathic chemicals in Garlic Mustard suppresses growth of surrounding vegetation.
A population inventory was initiated but the infestation was throughout the entire property. Local groups (neighbours) are optimal for implementing an eradication
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program, commitments of +/- 10 years are to be expected for successful eradication.
Because of the isolated nature of the property and with proper prevention measures (i.e., clean forestry equipment, winter harvesting) eradication may be feasible, however the extensive distribution of the invasion throughout the local landscape reduces the chances of complete eradication.
The presence of native species intermixed with the Garlic Mustard is seen as a good sign that perhaps though widely distributed the vegetation communities have stabilized.
There is also a small, isolated pocket of Phragmites (Phragmites autralis) along the Highway 400 corridor. This population is not a concern because of the low risk of infestation throughout the remaining property. Although occasionally found in moist forests, Phragmites generally requires higher light conditions than those found throughout the property.
Outdoor Recreation There is currently no public infrastructure on the Dunsmore Natural Area, though as population increases in adjacent Midhurst, increased recreational pressures may require the formal development trails and associated infrastructure.
The mature deciduous forest is enough of a focal point that no other infrastructure other than trails/signage is anticipated for this property.
Should the property become open to the public in the future, it will be recommended that the property be amended in name from the Dunsmore Natural Area to the Dunsmore Conservation Area, reflecting the increase public presence and management requirements of the property.
Target Market
Proximity to Midhurst and Barrie will likely see an influx of residents searching for recreational opportunities close to home which will result in increased use (lawful/unlawful) of the property.
Outdoor Recreation/Nature Appreciation
The property is not currently open to the public as per the hunting agreement (see below). It is projected that there will be a tipping point when the population growth and recreational pressures outweigh the suitability as a hunting location. It is anticipated that within the next 5 to 10 years the demand for recreational opportunities will increase too much to allow for hunting access to safely continue.
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It was identified in the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program report that as public lands, the property will be under pressure as population intensity increases. Recreation was noted as a third priority after environmental protection and forest products.
When developing the trail network, the logging trails are a natural starting point for the trail system on the property. All trails should not transect any of the vernal pool areas, areas of seasonal flooding or areas that are deemed to be ecologically significant (i.e. proximity to Butternut trees). See Appendix 1 – Map 3: Trails Network, for existing and proposed trail locations.
Hunting
In 2016, the donor approved a change to the initial donation requirements in that hunting will be permitted on the property. The property is now leased out, on an annual basis, to a group of hunters. This group has been provided exclusive access to the property and have been provided with a key to the gate (see access below). The group pays an annual rental rate of $1,500 for up to a maximum 5 hunters. The number of hunters was determined based on the size of the property and the area suitable for hunting.
Should the potential for conflict between hunting and recreational opportunities (lawful/unlawful) significantly increase above our risk tolerance, then the hunting program will be revaluated.
Signage
The previous owner requested that a sign be installed at the entrance of to the property, including the history of the property. It is understood, however, once the property is formally signed that the property will likely be considered accessible by the public and the installation of signage should not occur until the property is ready to become accessible to the public.
The property currently has two signs erected, including NVCA’s “Section 29 sign” which identified permitted and prohibited uses as well as a “Natural Hazard sign” identifying the potential risks of the area.
See section on interpretive signage below for additional details.
Parking & Access
There is one access point to the property off of Old Second Road South. This access point is gated and locked. There is a small landing on the interior of the gate that has been used as a logging landing area.
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If development were to occur throughout this property, this would be the only location available to provide public access.
If the property becomes open to the public, a fence around the perimeter of the parking area would be required. To accommodate both visitors and logging operations, the parking area would have to be increased in size once it has been fenced. For a small lot, accommodating 6 vehicles, the minimum lot size would be 19 meters by 8.5 meters. The current lot would be ~10 meters by 15 meters when cleared.
Management Services
Staff/Maintenance
There is limited staff involvement at this time. NVCA staff conduct regular monitoring of the property to assess for unlawful activities and changes. Informal trail monitoring takes place along the logging trails. As the property is not currently advertised for use by the public, trail maintenance by staff is limited and is mostly undertaken by the hunting lessee and reported to NVCA.
All management, financial and administrative support is provided by the NVCA.
Partnerships
There are no partnerships currently in place with this property.
Fundraising & Partnerships
As infrastructure needs increase for the property, a fundraising and partnership program is likely to be put into place which would include local community members and community groups, developers and grants.
Past Management Projects & Programs
As part of the Managed Tax Incentive Program, the property has been actively managed for forest products and firewood.
The property was used as part of Ryerson University’s road salt assessment program. Students monitored wells for salt content in snow runoff in the late winter/spring in 2016.
Timber harvesting occurred on the property 2009-2011, there is no harvesting scheduled to occur on the property before 2026.
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Existing Management & Maintenance Program
The property is inspected on a regular bases by NVCA staff. NVCA has also requested that the group that holds the exclusive hunting access to the property report any updates on changes to the property or any unlawful activities taking place on the property.
Public Consultation As this property will be closed to the public until recreational pressures increase, there was no public consultation undertaken for the development of this plan. The public who will be most impacted by development on this property are not yet residing in the area.
Public consultations should occur prior to any significant development of the property.
Challenges The majority of the challenges NVCA will be facing with this property is keeping ahead of the recreational demand for the property while balancing it with the revenue boosting annual hunting program.
Should the increase in passive recreational usage surpass the desire to continue the hunting lease, then this plan should be reassessed to focus on recreational development opportunities and networks (trails, parking, payment structure, etc.). In addition, should the potential for conflict between hunting and recreational opportunities (lawful/unlawful) significantly increase our risk tolerance, then the hunting program will be revaluated.
A more thorough biological assessment (including species at risk surveys) should be completed prior to any future developments.
Conservation Management
Natural Hazards
Natural hazards on the property include mainly hazard trees, there was no vegetation (poison ivy, wild parsnip, etc.) that was identified that posed a threat. The presence of Wood Nettle (Laportea canadensis) was observed, this plant is not considered a noxious plant but does cause discomfort when touched.
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Invasive and Non-Native Species
Garlic Mustard
Phragmites
Outdoor Recreation & Environmental Education
Trails
Should the property become accessible to the public, maintenance schedules are needed to keep the trails in usable condition and free of hazards.
As trees become overgrown between logging, the trails will get less distinct.
If trails are developed for public use, it is recommended the trails keep to the drier portions of the property to reduce impact to the more sensitive vernal pool areas, but also to reduce the need for boardwalks and bridges.
A trail signage plan will be developed to find a balance between too much and not enough signage (including interpretive and wayfinding signs).
Parking and Site Access
The current parking area will require annual/bi-annual maintenance to ensure that it does not become overgrown with trees and shrubs, until such a time where a formal parking area is developed. See recommendations on parking for additional details.
Management Services
Staffing
With this location being a satellite location, remote from main NVCA operations, maintenance and enforcement of the property will be a challenge. In order to properly manage and enforce regulations on the property, additional resources (i.e. time, funding) will be required.
Marketing
Marketing budgets are already low for the various conservation areas and properties owned by the NVCA. If this property becomes open to the public, the Dunsmore Natural Area will be less developed than other NVCA properties. It does not have full time staff or an interpretive centre, nor can it accommodate formal education programs on a regular basis. These factors make it hard to justify
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allocating substantial marketing funds and efforts in order to draw attention to the site. Web pages, social media and distribution of conservation area brochures to local towns have been the most efficient way of generating interest in the site. Specifically a conservation areas website, OntarioConservationAreas.ca, will be used as a free marketing source.
Potential Development The developments listed in this section represent future potential developments pending available funding and interest and highlight some of the future requirements should the property become a recreational destination.
Partnerships Given the limited financial resources for infrastructure development and the minimal staff requirements to annually secure the hunting lease, a partnership will be essential for the successful transition from a closed property to a recreational property. A local community group would be an integral component for funding as well as the monitoring and maintenance of the property.
Potential project partners may include, but is not limited to:
Rotary Club of Barrie
Midhurst Ratepayers Association
Springwater Township
RTO7
Tourism Simcoe and Tourism Barrie
Conservation Management
Forestry Planning
The current Managed Forest Plan is in place until 2030 with detailed management program developed until 2020.
Forest harvesting last took place in 2011, there is no planned timber harvesting until 2026 in portions of the property. Environmental protection has been identified as the priority objective for the property. Other forestry management practices may include Garlic Mustard control, if there is dedicated community involvement.
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Outdoor Recreation & Education
Trail Development
All future trail development is required to be accessible where feasible. This property does have some topographic feature that may make some areas more challenging to be accessible. A trail head map would be developed that identifies sections of the trail that are accessible or less so.
The majority of the trails would follow the historic logging trails, however it may be desirable to ‘close the loop’ and link portions of trails together to develop a trail network. Vegetation growth is now restricting access to what would have been several closed loops which resulted from logging activities.
The following are current trail accessibility requirements:
1. A recreational trail must have a minimum clear width of 1,000 mm.
2. A recreational trail must have a clear height that provides a minimum head room clearance of 2,100 mm above the trail.
3. The surface of a recreational trail must be firm and stable.
4. Where a recreational trail has openings in its surface,
i. the openings must not allow passage of an object that has a diameter of more than 20 mm, and
ii. any elongated openings must be orientated approximately perpendicular to the direction of travel.
When the population density increases to a point where there is a significant demand on the property, the following is a starting point for initial trail and property development.
Phase I
The parking lot will be expanded to at least the minimum size for 6 vehicles (19 meters by 8.5 meters). Optimally the parking area will be brushed out, graded and finished with ‘A’ gravel.
Installation of a fence around the expanded parking lot, including gated access appropriate for walk-through visitors and forestry equipment.
The trail will be rerouted around wet areas so that the site is easily traversed in early spring. The trail will be routed in such a way that no bridges or boardwalks are required.
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Trail navigation signs will be made clear by adding directional signs at major crossroads.
A standard ‘swoop’ welcome sign with a map of the trails will be developed and installed.
Installation of remote payment system (e.g. Mackay Pay).
Phase II
Lay small stone and stone dust in areas that are difficult to navigate (i.e. wet areas, rough terrain) to ensure trails are deemed accessible.
Parking
If recreational opportunities are developed, parking should be enhanced to allow access for up to six (6) vehicles. Further expansion of the parking lot would require significant clearing and grading and is not feasible without significant investment and lot clearing. If public access is to occur, fencing around the parking lot is optimal, since once the roadside gate is open, vehicles are easily able to access the full extent of the property through the logging trails.
A maintenance schedule will be implemented for the parking lot and trails, gravel will be added as required and be maintained every three to five years.
Once the trail network and parking have been developed, the property will be included as part of the current NVCA remote payment system.
Education/Interpretive Signs
In partnership with local interest groups, a series of interpretive signs including natural and cultural features of the property may be developed. The signs would be incorporated into the trail network mapping. Potential topics are to include vernal pools, garlic mustard, indigenous peoples, forest management and natural heritage features.
Facilities
There are no current plans to develop facilities at the site. If funding opportunities arise the following infrastructure would be an asset to the property.
Phase I
Up to 4 benches may be installed on the property to help make the trail more accessible.
Phase II
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As pressure increases, the most likely visitors will be dog walkers. A dog waste disposal system would be an asset to property as a means to ensure a ‘user-maintained’ site. This receptacle will require regular maintenance.
Future Opportunities
Long-term trail development planning may include linkages to a broader landscape based trail system. The Midhurst development is to exclude environmental protected areas (e.g., hazard lands and natural heritage features) which may allow for future natural area linkages to a larger trail network to the Little Lake forest complex. The Authority’s role may be to facilitate the connection and promote the linkages in partnership with local community groups or regional tourism organization.
Management Services
Maintenance
Maintenance procedures will be ongoing on an annual basis, and will develop as infrastructure is increased.
Hazard trees will be monitored and removed as necessary.
The parking lot will be elevated.
Trails will be maintained.
User Fee
If the property becomes accessible to the public, a remote payment system will be put in place to collect day use/annual pass fees.
Marketing
Should it become a conservation area, marketing of the Dunsmore property will aim to encourage passive recreational use. If required, marketing efforts may include media releases (highlighting infrastructure changes, partnership projects and other activities taking place on the property), social media and website outreach, and advertisements. Marketing efforts would focus on the site’s attractions at each change of season. For example: spring ephemerals and amphibians, winter snowshoeing, fall colour walks with the family at Thanksgiving, and trends and sightings throughout the year.
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Other Recommendations Listed below are a few proposed initiatives/potential projects that the NVCA would be interested in to enhance future programs, projects, and infrastructure use to complement existing management activities and encourage greater public use at the Dunsmore Natural Area.
Develop new and maintain existing partnerships to work on projects and expand activities in NVCA conservation properties;
Pursue alternate funding sources, fundraising with user groups, service clubs and look to private partners for sponsorship of capital projects;
Explore public activity and recreation potential;
Partner with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and organizations promoting healthy living;
Implement a lands inventory and monitoring program;
Species surveys and identification – programs to acquire more data on the flora, fauna and species at risk would be valuable.
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Image 1 - Pond in eastern portion of the property
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Image 2 - Example of Forest on Property
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Image 3- 1954 Aerial Photo
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Appendix 2 - Developments Actions
Objective Project Details Connection Cost * Source Tasked Status
Conservation Management
Forestry Planning Management recommendations from the Managed Forest Plan
Protect, Enhance & Restore Pending NVCA 2026
Outdoor Recreation & Education
Trail Development Phase I
Creation of loop trail using logging trails
Learn & Discover $5,000 NVCA and partners**
Material and staff time included
TBD
Trail Development Phase I Parking expansion Learn & Discover see below
NVCA and partners See below TBD
Trail Development Phase I
Trail navigation signs Learn & Discover $2,000 NVCA Materials only, staff time not included
TBD
Trail Development Phase I Trail head map Learn & Discover $1,500 NVCA
Materials only, staff time not included TBD
Trail Development Phase I
Installation of remote payment system
Learn & Discover $300 NVCA Material only, staff time not included
TBD
Trail Development Phase II
Stone dust to improve accessibility
Learn & Discover $4,000 NVCA and partners
Material and staff time included
TBD
Parking Clearing, grading and gravel Learn & Discover $6,000 NVCA and partners
Material and staff time included
TBD
Parking Fence around parking area Learn & Discover $6,000 NVCA and partners
Contractor, staff time not included
TBD
Education and Interpretive Signs
Development and installation of interpretive signs Connect $5,000
NVCA and partners
Capital Project, also includes staff time TBD
Facilities Installation of benches in strategic location on the trails
Connect $3,000 Donation Capital Project, staff time not included TBD
Facilities Installation of dog waste disposal system
Connect $5,000 NVCA and partners
Capital Project, staff time not included
TBD
Future Opportunities
Connection to extensive trail network Connect $4,000
NVCA and partners
Communications- Staff Time TBD
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Objective Project Details Connection Cost * Source Tasked Status
Management Service
Maintenance Hazard trees monitoring/removal
Protect, Enhance & Restore
$10,000 NVCA Staff time TBD
Maintenance Parking lot maintenance Learn & Discover $5,000 NVCA Staff time TBD
Maintenance Marketing of area Learn & Discover $3,000 NVCA Communications - Staff Time
TBD
* Costs are estimates for actual costs and based over a 10 year period, and does not include staff time unless otherwise noted ** Partners include municipal and community organizations
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Staff Report No: 03-02-18-BOD
Date: February 23, 2018
Meeting No: BOD-02-18
To: Chair and Members of the Board of Directors
From: Chris Hibberd,
Director, Watershed Management Services
SUBJECT: Request for Proposal Integrated Watershed Management Plan Recommendation RESOLVED THAT: Staff Report No. 03-02-18-BOD regarding the Integrated
Watershed Management Plan be received and approved.
Purpose of the Staff Report
This report is intended to provide the results of the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the proposed Integrated Watershed Management Plan.
Background
The NVCA’s current Watershed Management Plan, formulated more than 20 years ago, is now outdated. Many of the recommendations set out in the original plan have been carried out, the NVCA’s area of jurisdiction and role have changed, new
information and a better appreciation for watershed features and functions have emerged and new management options and tools are now available. A new
Integrated Watershed Management Plan is needed to provide long term guidance for NVCA management activities.
The development of a new Integrated Watershed Management Plan will support member municipalities in responding to the climate change requirements in the
updated Provincial Policy Statement and provincial Growth Plan. Further, it will support the watershed management components now required under the Growth
Plan.
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As noted in Staff Report No. 77-12-17-BOD, NVCA was approved for funding
from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for grant up to $168,000. The
proposal includes engagement of an external consultant to guide the NVCA
through the process and develop the plan. As part of the plan development
municipal partner and stakeholder engagement is critical part of the process. It
is anticipated that the project will take approximately 18 months to be
completed. NVCA received seven quotes as noted below.
An RFQ was posted on Biddingo and advertised on our website closing on January 19, 2018. The NVCA received a total of six quotes.
Issues/Analysis
NVCA’s senior management team and staff representing technical expertise participating in the watershed plan (GIS, ecology, planning, stewardship,
engineering, and groundwater) reviewed and evaluated the submitted proposals. The staff preferred proposal was received from Ecosystem Recovery with a quote of
$186,085 (excluding GST) and is the second lowest costing. It was determined through staff’s review that this firm provided the best product value. The following outlines some of the key benefits that made Ecosystem quote
the preferred:
The quote price fell with the overall project budget of $223,500 which includes approximately $13,500 of in-kind costs.
The proposal is consistent with the timelines and overall scope of works outlined
in the RFP. Ecosystem proposal including team members with the following expertise:
environmental planning, natural heritage systems, ecological asset evaluation, and water resource engineering.
The consultant team member have completed similar projects with other Conservation Authorities, have good understanding of the Conservation Authorities, and are familiar with the NVCA watershed.
Relevance to Authority Policy/Mandate
The above noted project enable the Authority to move forward with implementation
of components of the NVCA’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.
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Impact on Authority Finances
The FCM approved project total costing is $223,500 including $13,500 of in-kind
support and $210,000 of eligible costs. The $210,000 amount is addressed
through: $168,000 FCM grant; $12,250 municipal cash; and $29,750 from NVCA
reserve. In addition to cash commitment, watershed municipalities also pledged
SUBJECT: Appointment of Officers under the Conservation
Authorities Act; and permit signing authority. Recommendation RESOLVED THAT: Andrew Fera, NVCA Regulations Technician be appointed an officer for NVCA as per Section 10 of Ontario 172/06; Section 28(1) (d) of the Conservation Authorities Act; and FURTHER THAT: the following staff positions be delegated the authority to approve permissions consistent with Board approved policies and guidelines, for a maximum period of 24 months (2 years), under Ontario Regulation 172/06:
