2003-090 To Adopt Amendment No. 16 to the Official Plan, As Amended
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE
BY-LAW NO. 2003-090
Being a By-Law to Adopt
Amendment No. 16 to the Official Plan, As Amended
WHEREAS The Corporation of the Township of Oro-Medonte is empowered to
update its Official Plan as required;
AND WHEREAS the process for considering such an Amendment was in
accordance with Sections 17 and 21 of the Planning Act, R.s.O. 1990 C.P 13.
AND WHEREAS the amendments to the Official Plan are deemed to be
appropriate and in the pUblic interest:
NOW THEREFORE the Corporation of the Township of Oro-Medonte enacts as
follows:
1. THAT Amendment Number 16 to the Official Plan, attached hereto, is
hereby adopted and;
2. THAT this by-law shall come into force and take effect as specified in
the Planning Act R.s.O. 1990, C.P. 13
By-law read a first and second time this 21st day of August, 2003.
By-law read a third time and finally passed this 21st day of August,
2003.
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE
<:
I M~':J.~,N
c) Nick McDonald, Meridian Planning Consultants Inc" re: Report dated August 7,2003, Oro
Moraine and Aggregate Resources Official Plan Amendment, (OPA #16),
Motion No.5 (Amendment #1)
Moved by Dickie, Seconded by Marshall
Be it resolved that the motion with respect to OPA #16 be amended to include that:
1. Item #36, Appendix 1 to the Official Plan (as included in OPA #17), and
2, Schedules A-1, A-2, A-3 and A-4, as modified;
be included in the OPA #16,
Carried,
Motion No.6 (Amendment #2)
Moved by Dickie, Seconded by Marshall
Be it resolved that Council amend the motion with respect to OPA #16 by retaining the designation
of the Hillway Equipment Property on the 12'" Line (as previously described in the current
Township Official Plan).
Carried,
Recorded Vote Requested by Councillor Hough
Councillor Hough Nay
Councillor Hughes Nay
Councillor Marshall Yea
Councillor Bell Yea
Deputy Mayor Dickie Yea
Councillor Fountain Yea
Mayor Craig Yea
Motion No.7
Moved by Fountain, Seconded by Marshall
Be it resolved that the report from Nick McDonald, Meridian Planning Consultants Inc" dated
August 7,2003, Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources Official Plan Amendment, (OPA #16) be
received and adopted; that
1, Item #36, Appendix 1 to the Official Plan (as included in OPA #17), and
2, Schedules A-1, A-2, A-3 and A-4, as modified;
be included in the OPA #16; and that the designation of the Hillway Equipment Property on the
12'" Line (as previously described in the current Township Official Plan) be retained; and that the
Clerk be authorized to bring forward the appropriate by-law to adopt OPA #16 to the Oro-Medonte
Official Plan for Council's consideration,
Carried as Amended,
Recorded Vote Requested by Mayor Craig
Councillor Bell Yea
Deputy Mayor Dickie Yea
Councillor Fountain Yea
Councillor Hough Yea
Councillor Hughes Yea
Councillor Marshall Yea
Mayor Craig Yea
Page 4
Special Council Meeting Minutes- August 21, 2003
OFFICIAL PLAN
AMENDMENT NO.16
(ORO MORAINE AND
AGGREGATE RESOURCE
POLICIES)
TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE
August, 2003
File # 2080
I'tANiNltG CON~UL1""""S INC.
ME IDIAN
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT
3
PART I:
THE INTRODUCTION
4
1.0
BACKGROUND
4
2.0
LOCATION
4
3.0
BASIS FOR THE AMENDMENT
4
PART II
THE AMENDMENT
6
PART In THE APPENDICES
Appendix A: Meridian Planning Report dated August 7, 2003.
Appendix B:
Natural Heritage Evaluation of Oro Moraine prepared by Azimuth
Environmental
Appendix C:
Discussion Paper on Land Use Options prepared by Meridian Planning
Consultants.
Appendix D:
Discussion Paper on Aggregate Resource Extraction, Issues prepared by
Meridian Planning Consultants.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
This Official Plan Amendment was adopted by The Corporation of the Township of Oro-Medonte by
By-law Number 2003-090 in accordance with Sections 17 and 21 of the Planning Act R.S.O. 1990
c.P. 13, on August 21,2003.
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE
BY-LAW NO. 2003-090
Being a By-Law to Adopt
Amendment No. 16 to the Official Plan, As Amended
WHEREAS The Corporation of the Township of Oro-Medonte is empowered to
update its Official Plan as required;
AND WHEREAS the process for considering such an Amendment was in
i accordance with Sections 17 and 21 of the Planning Act, R.5.0. 1990 c.P 13.
AND WHEREAS the amendments to the Official Plan are deemed to be
appropriate and in the public interest:
NOW THEREFORE the Corporation of the Township of Oro-Medonte enacts as
follows:
1. THAT Amendment Number 16 to the Official Plan, attached hereto, is
hereby adopted and;
2. THAT this by-law shall come into force and take effect as specified in
the Planning Act R.S.O. 1990, c.P. 13
By-law read a first and second time this 21st day of August, 2003.
By-law read a third time and finally passed this 21st day of August,
2003.
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE
~<M~
M R, J. NEIL CRAIG
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
CONSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT
Part I: The Introduction, provides general information regarding the Oro Moraine and
aggregate extraction in the Township that provide the basis for the Official Plan
Amendment. Part I: The Introduction does not constitute an operative part of
Amendment No. 16 to the Official Plan.
Part II: The Amendment, provides the details of the Official Plan Amendment. Part II: The
Amendment, including Schedules A 1, A2, A3 and A4 constitute the operative part of
Amendment No. 16 to the Official Plan.
Part III: The Appendices, provide more specific information regarding the Amendment and the
background work that led to the preparation of the Amendment. Part III: The Appendices
do not constitute an operative part of Amendment No. 16 to the Official Plan.
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
3
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
PART I: THE INTRODUCTION
(this is not an operative part of Official Plan Amendment No. 16)
1.0 BACKGROUND
The intent of this Comprehensive Amendment to the Oro-Medonte Official Plan is to
include new policies on the Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resource extraction. These
policies were developed after a considerable period of study and public review and are
intended to provide Council with the tools required to assess applications on the Ora
Moraine and to assess applications to establish new gravel pits in the Municipality.
2.0 LOCATION
The Oro Moraine polices apply to all lands that are within the Oro Moraine Planning Area
as shown on Schedule A-1 to this Amendment. The policies respecting aggregate
resource extraction apply to all lands within the Township of Oro-Medonte.
3.0 BASIS FOR THE AMENDMENT
Council has long recognized the importance of the Oro Moraine to both the character and
natural heritage of the Township. The Oro Moraine, also known as the Bass Lake Kame
Moraine, is a large geologic feature that is over 17,000 hectares in size and covers about
20% of Oro-Medonte. The Moraine is also the prime groundwater recharge area in the
Township, given its generally granular composition.
The Oro Moraine is the heart of the natural heritage system of Oro-Medonte. This area
has historically been an area of resource competition, since its topography is attractive for
ski resorts, its natural features are attractive for housing and its composition is attractive
for sand and gravel operations. It is expected that there will continue to be pressure for
development in this area in the future. On this basis, the Township has completed a
review of the land use policies that should apply to the Moraine. Assisting in the review
of the land use policies is a Working Group made up of residents/landowners, staff
members, agency representatives and politicians. Work on the project began in the Fall of
2001.
In October 2002, the Township completed reports on the Oro Moraine that are attached
to this Amendment in Appendices Band C. A report prepared by Azimuth on behalf of
the Township in Appendix B reviewed the natural heritage features and functions on the
Moraine and recommended that at least 50% of the Moraine be considered significant in
accordance with the Provincial Policy Statement and protected from development. On the
basis of this work, the Township's planning consultant (Meridian) prepared a Discussion
Paper that described a potential framework for land use planning on the Oro Moraine.
This Discussion Paper is contained in Appendix C.
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21,2003
4
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Council also determined that there was a need to review the policies in the existing
Official Plan that dealt with aggregate extraction in the Township to determine whether
they continue to be appropriate, in terms of managing the use of this resource. The
context of the review was to ensure that the policies reflect an evolving 'Environment First'
philosophy that is held by many in the Township. A Discussion Paper on aggregate
resources is contained in Appendix D.
In reviewing the aggregate extraction policies, it was not the intent of Council to limit the
ability of existing landowners holding licenses from carrying out extraction. Rather, it was
the intent of the review to identify areas where aggregate extraction could potentially take
place in the future, under certain conditions. In addition, areas in which extraction should
not occur. for primarily environmental reasons, were also identified.
It is recognized that municipalities are required by the Province to ensure that lands are
available for aggregate extraction in the future, if they have the potential to be used for
such a purpose. Given that aggregates are used in the construction industry and to a
very large extent are key to the continuing growth in the economy, the intent of the
Province is to ensure that as large a supply as close to market is available for extraction
in the future. This Provincial intent or interest is recognized in this Amendment.
The product of this work is this Amendment. This OPA updates the Vision section of Plan
and includes a number of goals and strategic objectives to guide land use decision-
making in the Township. In addition, the OPA introduces the 'environment-first'
philosophy into the Official Plan and establishes two new land use designation for the
Oro Moraine. The focus of the new designations will be to protect ecological features and
functions and the function of the Oro Moraine as a major recharge area while directing
development to appropriate locations. New policies on aggregate extraction are also
included in this OPA. The intent of these policies is to ensure that a balance is struck
between protecting natural heritage features and the need to ensure that as much of the
Provincial resource is available for extraction. A Planning Report prepared by Meridian
which summarizes the comments made by the public is attached as Appendix A.
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Ora-Medonte
Ora Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
5
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
PART II: THE AMENDMENT
(This is the operative part of Official Plan Amendment No. 16)
ITEM #1
The Introduction section of the Official Plan is replaced by a new Introduction
Section as set out below
INTRODUCTION
"The preparation of the first Official Plan of the Township of Oro-Medonte began in July 1995 and
was concluded in February 1997. The process involved a considerable number of people with an
interest in the future of Oro-Medonte. The process resulted in a vision of the municipality that is
expressed in this Plan. This vision recognizes:
· the location and importance of the environmental features and natural resources of the
Township;
· the rural character of the area;
· the socio-economic characteristics of the area; and,
· the needs of present and future residents.
In July 2001, Council initiated a review of the Official Plan to ensure that the policies of the Plan
clearly articulated the desire to protect the Township's natural heritage features and related
ecological functions for future generations. The result of this review was the inclusion of
comprehensive policies on the Oro Moraine and aggregate extraction that are now included within
this Plan.
The goals, objectives and policies contained in this Plan are intended to guide the decisions of public
authorities and private interests in order to maintain the Township as a livable and attractive
community. No public work can be undertaken nor shall any Zoning By-law that does not conform
with the Official Plan be passed by Council after the Plan has been approved. It is intended that this
Plan serve as the basis for managing change in the Township to the year 2023.
In preparing this Official Plan, the Council of the Township of Oro-Medonte has had regard for the
policies of the Provincial government contained in a Policy Statement that came into effect on May
22, 1996. In addition, this Official Plan, as amended, is deemed to conform with the County of
Simcoe Official Plan, which came into effect in 1999."
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Om Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
6
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
ITEM #2
The Structure of the Plan section is replaced by a new section as set out below.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE PLAN
"This Official Plan is divided into five parts, each of which is described below:
Part A (Vision, Goals and Strategic Objectives and land Use Concept) contains the Vision of the
Township. This Vision was prepared by Council and is based on an understanding of past and
future trends and the wishes of the Township's residents. The goals and strategic objectives that
form the basis of the Plan flow from the Vision. These goals and strategic objectives also establish a
framework for the remaining policies in the Plan. This section of the Plan also describes how it is to
be implemented through a series of land use designations. Part A also contains the settlement area
strategy that is intended to ensure that the Plan's intent is clear on where new residential
development will occur and how it will be serviced.
Part B (Environmental and Open Space land Use Policies) contains policies that apply to all of
the natural heritage features and major Open Space lands within the Township, including lands
within the Oro Moraine Planning Area. This section also contains the policies dealing with rivers and
streams, floodplains. watershed planning and hazardous slopes throughout the Township. In
addition, policies that specify the requirements for water resource and stormwater management
reports and environmental impact studies are contained in this section.
Part C (land Use Policies) contains the land use policies that apply to all lands in the Township not
dealt with in Part B.
Part D (General Development Policies) contains policies that deal with land use planning matters
such as water and sewer servicing, transportation. cultural heritage resources and the subdivision of
land. These policies apply to the whole of the Township.
Part E (Plan Implementation and Administration) describes how the Vision, Goals, Strategic
Objectives and Policies of the Official Plan will be implemented.
Part F (Definitions) contains the definition that assist in the interpretation of the Official Plan."
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
7
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
ITEM #3
Section A1 (the Vision) in the existing Official Plan is replaced with a new Section A1.
"Ai THE COMMUNITY VISION
The primary purpose of the Official Plan is to provide the basis for protecting the Township's natural
heritage system while managing growth that will support and emphasize the Township's unique
character, diversity, civic identity, rural lifestyle and cultural heritage features and to do so in a way
that has the greatest positive impact on the quality of life in Oro-Medonte.
The Official Plan is one of a series of municipal policies, guidelines and regulations that will direct the
actions of the Township and shape growth and development. The Official Plan establishes a vision
for the future land use structure of the Township and, as a result, is intended to serve as the basis
for managing change over the next twenty years, until 2023.
According to the people of Oro-Medonte, the excellent quality of life is what makes the Township a
desirable place to live. This quality of life is created, in large part, by the rural character of the
community, the open countryside, farmland, extensive wooded areas, the Oro Moraine, lake Simcoe,
Bass Lake and a number of small settlement areas. Rather than being dominated by man-made
structures and landscaped yards, the Township has an open, relatively natural and rural character.
These are the qualities that, taken together, contribute to the identity of the community that is of the
greatest importance to the residents.
The Township has a number of significant environmental and topographical features that contribute
to the 'sense of place' felt by many of the Township's residents. These features include the rolling
upland areas that recharge groundwater to the headwaters of six watersheds, the vast forest tracts
and the healthy wetland areas that support diverse wildlife communities. These areas, taken
together, form parts of a natural heritage system that extends over a wide area of the Township. The
protection of these attributes is a key underlying principle in this Official Plan and for this reason, this
Official Plan establishes an 'environment-first' philosophy in the Township. Simply stated, this means
that the protection of the environment shall take precedence over development.
This Official Plan recognizes and enshrines the concept of landform permanence and the need to
permanently protect certain landforms. These include the extensive natural heritage system, which is
made up of the Oro Moraine and the wetlands, stream and valley systems in the Township. Other
lands to be preserved in large measure so that they will always form part of the Township's landscape
include the rural area, significant woodlands and major open space areas.
The Oro Moraine is the heart of the natural heritage system of Oro-Medonte. This Plan recognizes
the Oro Moraine landform as significant for planning purposes. This area has historically been an
area of resource competition, since its topography is attractive for recreational uses, its natural
features are attractive for housing and its mineral aggregate resources, which are considered to be
an important Provincial resource in the area, are sought after by the aggregate industry. The Oro
Moraine is also one of the major groundwater recharge areas in the County of Simcoe. Given that
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
8
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
the population of the Township relies solely on groundwater for drinking water, it is the intent of this
Plan that the function of the Oro Moraine as a recharge area be protected for future generations. It
is expected that there will continue to be pressure for development on the Moraine in the future. On
this basis, this Plan includes a comprehensive policy framework which directs development away from
significant natural heritage features and from aggregate resource areas on the Moraine.
Given that the Oro Moraine serves as the headwaters for a number of river systems that extend into
adjacent municipalities, Council is willing to cooperate with these adjacent municipalities, the County
of Simcoe and the appropriate agencies on any further analysis of the Oro Moraine. The purpose of
such an analysis would be to document the importance of the Oro Moraine in the wider region.
The agricultural areas of the Township are also considered to be an important component of what
makes up the character of the community. These areas must be preserved for future agricultural use
so that they can continue to serve an important role in the local economy. The fragmentation of
agricultural areas and the introduction of incompatible uses in these areas will be strongly
discouraged by this Official Plan.
The rural area is considered to be an asset to the community. It is the intent of the Official Plan to
protect this asset by only encouraging development in the rural area that is compatible with the open
space, agricultural and natural character of the area.
Encouraging additional economic development in the Township is also a key goal of this Official Plan.
The establishment of a positive business environment that provides jobs and prosperity to Township
residents is a key component of this Plan. On this basis, this Plan encourages the development of
additional uses in the rural area to provide appropriate opportunities for rural residents and additional
economic activity will be encouraged on lands in the vicinity of the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport and
the Highway 11/7'h Line Interchange for industrial and commercial purposes.
The Township has historically had one of the higher population growth rates in the County of Simcoe.
This is the result of the increasing attractiveness of the Township's recreational and rural character
and its location next to the growing Cities of Barrie and Orillia where major urban services and
employment opportunities are available. The permanent population of the Township in 2001 was
approximately 19,000. In the summer months, the total population swells to approximately 25,000
people as seasonal residents who live full time in the Greater Toronto Area migrate to their second
homes. This population is concentrated in a number of small rural settlement areas, along the
shoreline of Lake Simcoe and in a number of residential clusters in the central area of the Township.
This Plan anticipates that the existing pattern of development will remain unchanged in the future. It
is expected that the Township's permanent population will increase by approximately 8,000 to 10,000
people over the next twenty years to 2023.
The new Official Plan assumes that the high quality of life now enjoyed by the Township's residents
can be maintained and enhanced if the area's natural heritage features, natural resources and rural
character are preserved. However, change is inevitable and it must be managed in an efficient and
orderly manner and every effort to promote economic activity that does not negatively impact on the
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
9
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Township's attributes must be made. It is the therefore the intent of this Plan to provide Council with
the tools to consider and mitigate the impacts of change on the qualities that make the Township a
desirable place to live.
This Plan designates enough land for commercial, industrial and residential uses to last until the year
2023. Amendments to the Plan to permit such development, unless specifically anticipated by the
policies of this Plan, may be considered by Council if the intent of the Amendment is to refine land
use boundaries or is the result of a broader policy review. As this Plan only designates land for
existing recreational uses, it is anticipated that Amendments to this Plan may be necessary to permit
additional recreational uses in the Township.
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
10
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
ITEM #4
Section A2 of the existing Official Plan is replaced by a new Section A2.
"The following goals and strategic objects are intended to implement the Vision of this Plan.
A2
GOALS AND STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
A2.1
NATURAL HERITAGE
A2.1.1
Goal
It is the goal of this Plan to protect and enhance significant natural heritage features and
related ecological functions in the Township.
A2.1.2
Strategic Objectives
a) To ensure that the protection of significant natural heritage features and their
associated ecological and hydrological functions takes precedence over the
development of such lands.
b) To ensure that an understanding of the natural environment, including the
values, opportunities, limits and constraints that it provides, guides land use
decision-making in the Township.
c) To ensure that the function of the Oro Moraine as a significant recharge area is
protected.
d) To require that the land use planning process contributes to the protection,
maintenance and enhancement of water and related resources and aquatic
ecosystems on an integrated watershed management basis.
e) To prevent the loss or fragmentation of significant woodlands and wildlife habitat
areas and the ecological functions they provide.
f) To prohibit the loss or fragmentation of all Wetlands and Areas of Natural and
Scientific Interest and the habitats and eCc;>logical functions they provide.
A2.2
GROUNDWATER
A2.2.1
Goal
It is the goal of this Plan to protect the function of the Oro Moraine as a significant
recharge area in the wider region.
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
11
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
A2.2.2
Strategic Objectives
a) To maintain and enhance surface and groundwater resources in sufficient quality
and quantity to meet existing and future needs on a sustainable basis.
b) To ensure that significant recharge and discharge areas are protected from
development that may have an impact on their function.
c) To require the continual monitoring of the groundwater resources on the Oro
Moraine.
d) To participate in programs that are intended to provide additional information on
groundwater resources in the Township.
A2.3
MINERAL AGGREGATE RESOURCES
A2.3.1
Goal
It is the goal of this Plan to ensure that mineral aggregate resources are protected
for long term use while ensuring that extraction occurs in a manner that has minimal
impacts on the environment and character of the Township.
A2.3.2
Strategic Objectives
a) To ensure that as much of the mineral aggregate resource area in the Township
as is realistically possible is available to supply mineral aggregate needs, provided
the extraction can occur with minimal environmental and social impacts.
b) To encourage the proper management of mineral aggregate operations to
minimize potential negative environmental and social impacts.
c) To ensure that all operations are developed and maintained to the highest
standard.
d) To ensure that resource uses do not have an impact on significant natural
heritage features.
e) To ensure that all pits are progressively rehabilitated.
A2.4
AGRICULTURE
A2.4.1
Goal
It is the goal of this Plan to preserve areas demonstrating high capability for agricultural
production for that purpose.
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
12
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
A2.4.2
Strategic Objectives
a) To ensure that agriculture remains an integral part of the economy of the
Township and the County.
b) To ensure that non-agricultural uses which may have an impact on the viability of
farm operations are not permitted.
c) To encourage the establishment of farm-related uses and other secondary uses
on farm properties to improve the livelihood of area farmers.
d) To encourage the establishment of uses and activities on farm properties that
highlight the importance of agriculture and its history in the Township.
e) To encourage the maintenance of the character of agricultural areas by
maintaining farm buildings and other elements of the built and natural landscapes
that contribute to that character.
A2.5
RURAL CHARACTER
A2.5.1
Goal
It is the goal of this Plan to protect, maintain and enhance the natural, agricultural and
open space character of the rural area.
A2.5.2
Strategic Objectives
a) To preserve and enhance the Oro Moraine as a unique and important landform
feature of the Township.
b) To restrict development that has a negative impact on the open and natural
character of the existing rural area.
c) To require that aggregate extraction operations are sited in locations that will
have a minimal impact on the rural character of the area.
d) To ensure that there is a clear spatial delineation between the Barrie and Orillia
urban areas and the rural and agricultural area of Oro-Medonte.
e) To discourage the intrusion of land uses that are incompatible with the rural
character and/or resource activities of the area.
f) To encourage the development of passive low-intensity recreational uses in the
rural (not agricultural) areas of the Township, provided the use has a minimal
impact on the character of the rural area and is properly sited.
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
13
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
A2.6
GROWTH AND SETTLEMENT
A2.6.1
Goal
It is the goal of this Plan to direct most forms of residential development to settlements
where full sewer and water services are available or can be made available in the future.
A2.6.2
Strategic Objectives
a) To direct the majority of new residential growth to settlements.
b) To direct the majority of highway commercial and employment uses to appropriate
locations along the Highway 11 corridor.
c) To prohibit the development of new residential subdivisions outside of the
settlements.
d) To encourage the more efficient use of land in settlements, where appropriate.
e) To ensure that development in settlements occurs in a cost-effective, rational and
environmentally sound manner by preparing Secondary Plans and/or
Comprehensive Development Plans to address, among other things, matters
related to servicing, roads, parkland and the need for community facilities.
f) To ensure that all new development is, or will be provided with, adequate park
and school facilities.
g) To ensure that the development pattern is efficient and does not lead to
inefficiencies or a decline in the level of municipal service.
h) To encourage the establishment of full municipal services in the larger
settlements.
A2.7
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
A2.7.1
Goal
It is the goal of this Plan to create jobs and to provide opportunities for economic
development.
A2.7.2
Strategic Objectives
a) To foster a competitive and positive business climate in the Township.
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
14
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
b) To facilitate opportunities to provide a range of goods and services to the public
by ensuring that the land use planning framework is supportive of development,
as appropriate.
c) To establish, maintain and enhance employment areas that provide a range of
job opportunities and a broad range of commercial and service facilities geared
specifically to meet the needs of residents of the Township and the wider area.
d) To encourage the development and diversification of the tourism industry in the
Township.
e) To strengthen the role of the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport in the regional
economy wherever possible to stimulate local economic activity.
f) To encourage the concentration of economic activity along Highway 11 in one
new area for employment, tourism and retail uses at or near the intersection of
the 7th Line and Highway 11 to take advantage of the location of the airport.
g) To encourage wherever possible through the land use planning process the
retention and expansion of existing businesses in the Township.
h) To carefully monitor local and regional trends with respect to the supply of land for
employment to ensure that an adequate supply in appropriate locations is
available at all times.
Q To protect lands that have the potential of being used for agricultural purposes
from incompatible development to ensure that farming op'erations can operate
with the maximum degree of flexibility and efficiency.
j) To encourage the development of home-based businesses provided the
proposed use is compatible with adjacent uses and the rural character of the
area.
k) To encourage the protection of the Township's natural attributes, such as its rural
character and its natural heritage system, to ensure that the recreational and
tourism uses that rely upon these attributes continue to thrive.
~ To encourage the development of aggregate resource extraction operations in
appropriate areas in accordance with the 'environment first' objectives of this
Plan."
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
15
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
ITEM #5
A new Section A3 replaces all of Part C of the existing Official Plan as set out below:
"A3 LAND USE CONCEPT
The land use designations in this Plan are divided into two broad categories. The
Environmental and Open Space category applies to lands throughout the Township that
are considered to be significant from a natural heritage and/or open space perspective.
The remaining land use category applies to the remaining lands in the Township.
The land use designations in each category are intended to implement the Vision, Goals
and Strategic Objectives of this Plan.
A3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL AND OPEN SPACE
The land use designations within the Environmental and Open Space category are
described below:
A3.1.1
The Oro Moraine Planning Area
The Oro Moraine is considered to be the heart of the Township's natural heritage system.
Designations within this classification include the Oro Moraine - Natural Core/Corridor
Area and the Oro Moraine - Enhancement Area
A3.1.2
Environmental Protection One
The Environmental Protection One designation is intended to include the following
significant features:
. All wetlands;
. Provincially significant Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest;
. significant portions of habitat of endangered or threatened species;
. significant wildlife habitat areas; and,
. any other areas that have been determined to be environmentally significant as a
result of a development review process.
All other lands that are within the natural heritage system because of the ecological
functions they provide are located in the Environmental Protection Two overlay
designation. A description of the intent of the Environmental Protection Two designation
is in Section C3.1.
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
16
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
A3.1.3
A3.1.4
A3.2
A3.2.1
A3.2.2
Environmental Protection Two
The Environmental Protection Two overlay designation applies to components of the
natural heritage system that are not included within the Environmental Protection One
designation or within the Oro Moraine Planning Area either because they are not
considered to be significant or because insufficient information was available at the time
the Plan was prepared to support the designation of these features in the Environmental
Protection One designation.
The natural heritage system within the Environmental Protection Two overlay designation
represents a complex network of natural areas and the lands that support the ecological
functions critical to the survival of these areas.
Major Open Space Area
This designation applies to lands that are the site of large land holdings owned by a
public authority that are used, or have the potential to be used, for passive or active
recreational uses or resource uses.
OTHER LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
Agricultural
Lands designated Agricultural meet one or more of the following criteria:
a) They consist of areas where prime agricultural land predominates. Prime
agricultural lands include specialty crops and or/Classes 1,2 or 3 for potential
agricultural capability according to the Canada Land Inventory;
b) they consist of lands which, in spite of varying market conditions, are considered
to be viable ongoing operations;
c) they support intensive farming operations; and/or,
d) they are surrounded by or contiguous to other agricultural operations.
Rural
The Rural designation generally includes all of the rural areas in the Township that do not
satisfy the criteria for lands in the Agricultural designation.
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
17
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
A3.2.3
Rural Settlement Area
The Rural Settlement Area designation applies to the following rural service centres or
residential communities:
a) Warminster f) Guthrie j) Oro Station
b) Moonstone g) East Ora k) Prices Corners
c) Craighurst h) Edgar Q Shanty Bay
d) Forest Home Q Jarratt m) Hawkestone
e) Rugby
Horseshoe Valley and Sugarbush are also considered to be settlement areas by this
Plan. However, these settlement areas are placed in separate designations as a result of
their unique nature.
A3.2.4
Rural Residential
This designation applies to estate/country residential areas in the Township.
A3.2.5
Shoreline
The Shoreline designation generally applies to those lands which have already been
developed for permanent and seasonal residential uses in close proximity to Lake Simcoe
or Bass Lake.
A3.2.6
Restricted Rural
The Restricted Rural designation applies to all undeveloped lands surrounding the City of
Orillia that were located in the Township of Orillia and all undeveloped lands adjacent to
the City of Barrie.
A3.2.7
Recreational
Lands designated Recreational are the site of all major private recreational uses.
A3.2.8
Industrial
The Industrial designation applies to a number of properties in the vicinity of Highway 11.
A3.2.9
Commercial
The majority of the lands designated Commercial are located in the vicinity of Highway 11.
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
18
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
A3.2.10 Airport
The Airport designation recognizes the location of the 240 hectare Lake Simcoe Regional
Airport.
A3.2.11 Mount St. Louis/Moonstone
The Mount St. Louis/Moonstone designation is located in Lots 11 and 12, Concession VII
in the former Township of Medonte and applies to lands surrounding a major ski resort.
A3.2.12 Mineral Aggregate Resources
The Mineral Aggregate Resources designation is divided into two categories - Licensed
and Potential. The Licensed category applies to mineral aggregate operations that are
licensed in accordance with the Aggregate Resources Act. The Potential category
applies to lands which are deemed to be appropriate for future extraction, provided all of
the policies of this Section of the Plan can be met.
A3.2.13 Special Purpose Community Area
The Special Purpose Community Area designation applies to two existing residential
areas within the Ora Moraine Planning Area. These two areas were developed as
retirement communities in the past and primarily functioned as such on the date this Plan
was adopted by Council
A3.2.14 Horseshoe Valley Road
The policy area applies to lands on both sides of Horseshoe Valley Road. A number of
land use designations specific to this area are contained within this Section of the Plan.
A3.2.15 Oro Centre Industrial/Commercial
This Secondary Plan Area applies to the main employment area in the Municipality
centred on the th Line/Highway 11 interchange."
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
19
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
ITEM #6
A. The following sections are renumbered:
. Section 81 is renumbered to Section A4
. Section B 1.1 is renumbered to Section A4.1
. Section B 1.2 is renumbered to Section A4.2
. Section B1.2.1 is renumbered to Section A4.2.1
. Section B1.2.2 is renumbered to Section A4.2.2
. Section B1.2.3 is renumbered to Section A4.2.3
· Section B1.2.4 is renumbered to Section A4.2.4 and the text is deleted and
replaced with the following:
"A4.2.4 Craighurst
It is expected that there will be pressure for growth in Craighurst over the planning period
since it is:
. centred on the intersection of two major highways;
. located adjacent to Highway 400;
. within easy access to employment and shopping in Barrie; and,
. located at the gateway to a major recreational area centred on Horseshoe Valley
Resort.
On the basis of the above, a Secondary Plan shall be prepared for Craighurst prior to the
development of any new residential Plans of Subdivision. Such a Secondary Plan shall
deal with such issues as parkland, road access and servicing on a comprehensive basis.
Given the location of Craighurst on the Oro Moraine, the preferred means of servicing in
Craighurst is on the basis of full municipal services."
B. The following sections are also renumbered:
. Section 81.2.5 is renumbered to Section A4.2.5
. Section B1.2.6 is renumbered to Section A4.2.6
. Section 81.2.7 is renumbered to Section A4.2.7
. Section 81.2.8 is renumbered to Section A4.2.8
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
20
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
c.
In addition, Section E2.2.1 is deleted and replaced by a new Section A4.3
as follows:
"A4.3
SPECIAL POLICY FOR HORSESHOE VALLEY ROAD
It is the intent of this Plan that new residential, commercial and institutional uses be
directed to the following areas along Horseshoe Valley Road:
a) the Craighurst settlement area;
b) the Horseshoe Valley settlement area;
c) the Sugarbush settlement area;
d) the Buffalo Springs development;
e) the Jarratt rural settlement area; and,
f) the Prices Corners settlement area.
The expansion of any of the above areas must be based on and justified by a review of
the need for additional development in the Horseshoe Valley Road area. In addition to
justifying the need for the expansion, such a review would assess the impact of additional
development in the area on the:
. rural character of the area;
. function and safety of Horseshoe Valley Road;
. natural heritage features and related ecological functions of the Oro Moraine;
and,
. groundwater recharge function associated with the Oro Moraine.
Any expansion shall require an Amendment to this Plan, with such an Amendment only
being considered in the context of an Official Plan Review in accordance with Section
E6."
D. Section B1.3 is deleted
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
21
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
ITEM #7
A new heading entitled "Part B - Environmental and Open Space Land Use Policies" is
added to the Plan
A new Section B1 is also included within the Official Plan as shown below:
"81 ORO MORAINE PLANNING AREA
B1.1 OBJECTIVES
It is the intent of this Plan to:
a) recognize the Oro Moraine as the most significant landform feature in the
Township of Oro-Medonte;
b) establish policies that will maintain and enhance the significant natural heritage
features and ecological functions of the Oro Moraine;
c) establish a balanced relationship between development and nature by preserving
significant natural heritage features and ecological systems on the Oro Moraine
while providing for all types of development, including aggregate extraction;
d) maintain, improve and where possible, restore the health, diversity, size and
connectivity of significant natural heritage features, hydrologically sensitive
features and related ecological functions;
e) maintain natural stream form and flow characteristics and the integrity and quality
of watercourses;
f) establish a policy framework to review and consider development applications on
the Oro Moraine;
g) encourage the protection of aggregate resources in locations generally outside of
the significant natural heritage features on the Oro Moraine for future use;
h) protect and enhance the rural character of Oro Moraine;
Q direct development to appropriate locations that would have no negative impacts
on significant natural features and ecological functions and the character of the
Moraine;
j) encourage private landowners to practice good stewardship and enhance natural
features and functions on the Moraine wherever possible; and,
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
22
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
k) implement the 'Environment-First' objectives of this Plan.
B1.2 LOCATION
The Oro Moraine has an area of 17,000 hectares and occupies about 20% of the
Township of Oro-Medonte. The Moraine was formed about 12,000 years ago when a
receding glacier deposited tons of sand and gravel in this part of Ontario.
The boundaries of the Moraine were established initially by the Ministry of Northern
Development and Mines and is shown on Schedule A 1 to this Plan. In order to provide
an appropriate boundary for planning purposes, this Plan establishes the Ora Moraine
Planning Area. The boundaries of the planning area are generally 500 metres from the
edge of the Oro Moraine boundary. The policies of this Section are intended to apply to
all lands within the Oro Moraine Planning Area.
B1.3
NATURAL HERITAGE FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS
B1.3.1
Features
As noted in the Vision to this Official Plan, the Oro Moraine is considered to be the heart
of the natural heritage system in Oro-Medonte. The Oro Moraine is the site of the
following significant natural heritage features:
a) wetlands;
b) Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest;
c) woodlands;
d) stream corridors;
e) recharge areas; and,
f) discharge areas.
Definitions for the significant features identified above are contained in Part F of this
Plan. The location of each significant feature is shown on Schedule A-2. As the entire
Moraine functions as a significant recharge and discharge area, these features are not
identified on Schedule A-2.
81.3.2
Functions
The Oro Moraine:
a) functions as a major groundwater rechargeldischarge area for groundwater and
six watersheds;
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
23
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
b) provides habitat for wildlife;
c) provides base flow to Provincially significant wetlands located at the base of the
Ora Moraine;
d) contains large woodland areas that foster bio-diversity and which contain rare
species; and,
e) contains one of the largest concentrations of natural areas in Simcoe County.
B1.4 CHARACTER
In addition to the features and functions of the Oro Moraine as described in Section
B1.3, the Oro Moraine also has a distinctive rural and natural character that contributes to
the quality of life enjoyed by the Township's residents.
This character is represented by the large number of woodlot complexes, the rolling
topography and the open and natural setting of the lands on the Moraine. In addition,
given that much of the Oro Moraine is undeveloped, the undeveloped nature itself
contributes to the character of this significant landform.
It is the intent of this Plan to ensure that this character is protected and enhanced for
future generations. It is on this basis, and on the basis of the features and functions
associated with the Moraine, that policies that restrict certain types of developments in
certain areas have been developed and are contained within this Official Plan.
B1.5 LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
There are two specific land use designations that apply only to lands within the Oro
Moraine Planning Area as set out below:
II Ora Moraine - Natural Core/Corridor Area; and,
· Ora Moraine - Enhancement Area
The policies applying to the above designations are contained within this Section of the
Plan.
There are a number of other land use designations that apply to certain lands on the Oro
Moraine as set out below:
II Agricultural;
· Rural;
· Restricted Rural;
· Open Space;
.. Recreational;
It Rural Settlement Area;
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
24
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
. Rural Residential;
. Mineral Aggregate Resources
. Residential (Sugarbush and Buffalo Springs);
. Horseshoe Valley Village;
. Horseshoe Valley Low Density Residential;
· Horseshoe Valley Resort Facility;
. Horseshoe Valley Medium Density Residential; and,
. Horseshoe Valley Recreational.
The land use policies for the above designations are contained within other sections of
the Plan and are also subject to the relevant policies of Part B of this Plan.
B1.6
GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT
B1.6.1
Objectives
The entire Oro Moraine functions as a significant groundwater recharge area in the
County of Simcoe. The Moraine is also the headwaters for a number of river and stream
systems that feed into Georgian Bay, Bass lake and Lake Simcoe. Much of this water
discharges from the flanks of the moraine and pools in a series of Provincially significant
wetlands located at the base of the moraine before flowing downwards to its destination.
Discharge from the Moraine also feeds a number of river and stream systems in the
Township and Bass lake and lake Simcoe.
All of the drinking water on the Oro Moraine comes from groundwater sources. The
majority of the drinking water used is extracted from municip~1 wells in Craighurst,
Horseshoe Valley and Sugarbush.
Given this reliance on groundwater for primarily human use, and the role water plays in
sustaining the Oro Moraine natural heritage system, it is the objective of this Plan to:
a) manage water resources in a manner that ensures their continued availability
while maximizing both environmental and economic benefits;
b) support the preparation of watershed and sub-watershed plans, as required, to
assist in the proper management of water as a key resource;
c) protect existing surface and ground water quality from degradation and to
improve and restore water quality where degraded;
d) incorporate source protection objectives into the land use planning process to
ensure that the sources of water are not compromised in the future as a result of
land use decisions;
e) avoid competition for water supplies through appropriate regional planning
initiatives and decision-making processes;
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21. 2003
25
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
f) encourage the establishment of water conservation measures as a way to meet
water supply needs in the same manner that alternatives to create new supplies
are investigated; and,
g) educate the public on the value of protecting the resource and how they can
contribute to its protection.
B1.6.2
Development Policies
Given the significance of the Oro Moraine from a groundwater perspective. the following
policies apply to major development applications, as defined in Section B1.6.3, on the
Oro Moraine:
a) All permanent and intermittent streams, wetlands and discharge areas such as
seepage areas and springs are considered to be hydrologically sensitive features
and their function shall be protected.
On this basis, no development within 30 metres of the stable top of bank shall be
permitted. In addition. all major applications for development within 120 metres of
a hydrologically sensitive feature shall be supported by a hydrological evaluation
that:
o demonstrates that the use or development will have no negative impact on
the hydrologically sensitive feature or the function of the feature itself;
ii) identifies planning, design and construction practices that will maintain and
improve or restore, the health, diversity and size of the hydrologically
sensitive feature and its connections with nearby components of the
natural heritage system; and,
iii) identifies an area that should be retained or planned to be in a vegetated
state adjacent to the feature to protect its function.
b) It is a goal of this Plan to ensure that groundwater can be used by man in a
sustainable manner without compromising the ecological and hydrological integrity
of the Oro Moraine. On this basis, it is a long term goal of this Plan that
watershed and appropriate sub-watershed plans be prepared in accordance with
Section B5.5 of this Plan.
Until such plans are prepared. all major development applications shall be
supported by studies that demonstrate that the ecological and hydrological
integrity of the Oro Moraine will not be compromised if the development is
approved. In addition, the studies shall include a modeling component to
characterize groundwater and surface water flow systems on the site and on
nearby lands and identify what water conservation measures will be utilized. The
studies shall indicate that:
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
26
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
i} the quality of groundwater and surface water in the area will be maintained
and, where possible, improved or restored; and,
ii) the quantity of water available for other uses in the area and which
contribute to threshold flow in rivers and streams will not be affected.
B1.6.3
Definition of Major Development
For the purposes of this Section of the Plan, major development is defined as:
. any development requiring an Official Plan Amendment;
. a Secondary Plan;
. any gravel pit development that requires a re-zoning (including expansions);
. any major recreational use; and,
. any other major rezoning application.
B1.6.4
Continued Monitoring
It is the intent of this Plan that a three-dimensional groundwater model be established for
each of the sub-watersheds emanating on the Oro Moraine. The intent of the model is to
ensure that an appropriate information base is available to assess future applications for
development. In addition, in order to test the impacts of water use on the Oro Moraine, it
is the intent of this Plan that all major water users participate in a long term monitoring
plan to measure changes in the groundwater regime over the long term.
B1.7 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDIES
No development requiring a Planning Act approval shall be permitted unless an
Environmental Impact Study is completed and approved by Council, subject to the
comments of the appropriate agencies. In considering such an Environmental Impact
Study, Council shall be satisfied that the health, diversity, size and connectivity of the
natural features on the site and on adjacent lands will be maintained and, where
possible, improved or restored if the development is approved.
The need to carry out such a study may be waived and/or scoped by Council if the
proposed development is minor in nature and/or is located in an area that is not the site
of or near any significant natural heritage features and/or if the subject lands are within a
Draft Approved subdivision or are zoned to permit a use that is permitted by the
implementing zoning by-law.
The requirements for an Environmental Impact Study are contained in Section C2
(Requirements for an Environmental Impact Study) of this Plan. The scale and the
contents of a required Environmental Impact Study shall be determined at the time the
development is proposed.
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
27
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
B1.8 PROTECTING AND MAINTAINING RURAL CHARACTER
It is the intent of this Plan to protect the natural and rural character of the Oro Moraine
wherever possible. On this basis, Council may require, as a condition of any Planning Act
approval, that:
a) uses be designed to blend in with the existing topography and vegetation;
b) existing trees are maintained wherever possible;
c) existing hedgerows and original farm fences and rock fences along property lines
are maintained;
d) all signage, if required, reflects the rural and natural character of the area;
e) all lighting, if required, is subdued and appropriate for the use; and,
1) existing buildings, structures, barns and other agricultural buildings are upgraded
and/or restored wherever possible
B1.9
GENERAL POLICIES
B1.9.1
Use of Lands in Private Ownership
Where any land within the Oro Moraine Planning Area is held under private ownership,
this Plan shall not be construed as implying that such areas are free and open to the
general public.
81.9.2
Transfer of Lands into Public Ownership
Council shall work with the County and the appropriate conservation authorities and other
public agencies, such as the Province, to develop and implement a land securement
strategy that would result in the transfer of environmentally sensitive lands within the Oro
Moraine Planning Area into public ownership. However, given the financial limitations of
every level of government, this policy does not imply that all lands within the Oro Moraine
Planning Area will be purchased by the Township or other public agency.
In addition, Council shall make an effort to obtain lands from the Province and the County
as they become available to ensure that these lands become permanent components of
the Township's natural heritage system.
Council shall also consider every opportunity to obtain the dedication of lands within the
Oro Moraine Planning Area through the development approval process. However, such
dedications will not be considered as part of the required parkland dedication set out by
the Planning Act.
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
28
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
B1.9.3
Conservation Easements/Land Trusts
Council shall support efforts to register conservation easements that have the effect of
promoting wise environmental management practices on private lands. These easments
may be held by conservancy groups. These groups shall be encouraged by Council to
acquire such easements and obtain lands that would be managed wisely for future
generations.
B1.9.4
Planning, Design and Construction Practices
The proponent of any major development (as defined in Section B1.6.3 of this Plan) shall
identify planning, design and construction practices that will ensure that no buildings or
structures or other site alterations impede connectively between significant natural
heritage features and hydrologically sensitive features.
B1.9.5
Forestry Operations
Forestry operations shall be carried out in accordance with accepted forestry
management practices and in accordance with the County of Simcoe Tree Cutting By-law.
B1.9.6
Site Alteration
The re-grading and alteration of land within the Oro Moraine - Natural Core/Corridor Area
designation will not be permitted unless specific permission has been obtained from
Council. In order to implement this policy, Council will ensure that a Site Alteration By-law
applies to lands within this designation.
B1.9.7
Use of Site Plan Control
All development within the Ora Moraine Planning Area is within a Site Plan Control Area,
with the exception of aggregate extraction operations.
B1.9.8
Zoning By-law Implementation
The boundaries of the Ora Moraine - Natural Core/Corridor Area and Ora Moraine -
Enhancement Area designations are delineated on Schedule A-1. The extent and exact
location of the boundaries are intended to be delineated in the implementing Zoning By-
law.. Such lands will be placed in appropriate environmental zones in the implementing
Zoning By-law.
The zoning by-law shall also incorporate general setbacks for lot lines, buildings,
structures, parking areas and other similar facilities from lands within the Ora Moraine -
Natural Core/Corridor and Ora Moraine - Enhancemen Area designations.
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
29
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
81.10 LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
81.10.1 Oro Moraine - Natural CorelCorridor Area
81.10.1.1 Objectives
It is the objective of this designation to:
a) restrict development in the most sensitive area of the Oro Moraine;
b) encourage the retention and enhancement of the natural heritage features and
functions in the natural core area;
c) maintain and where possible, improve and restore linkages between key natural
heritage features to facilitate the movement of plants and animals; and,
d) restrict development in areas that contribute to and support the function of the
lands in the Oro Moraine - Natural Core Area designation.
81.10.1.2 Location
The Ora Moraine - Natural Core/Corridor Area designation applies to lands that are
considered to be site of the most significant natural heritage features on the Ora Moraine
as described in Section B1.3 of this Plan. These features include all wetlands,
Provincially significant Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest, and significant woodland
and wildlife habitat areas. Although each of these components is shown on Schedule A-
2, all of these features combine to form an interconnected system of natural heritage
features on the Oro Moraine that are all tightly integrated with each other. The extent of
this designation is shown on Schedule A-1. The individual components of the Natural
Core/Coffidor Area designation are shown on Schedule A-2.
81.10.1.3 Permitted Uses
Permitted uses in the Ora Moraine - Natural Core/Corridor Area designation are limited to
the following:
a) single detached dwellings and accessory uses on existing lots;
b) home occupations;
c) passive, non-motorized recreational uses;
d) existing agricultural uses;
e) fish and wildlife management;
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro~Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
30
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
f) conservation uses;
g) flood and erosion control projects;
h) renewable resource management uses, such as forestry; and,
Q bed and breakfast establishments in single-detached dwellings.
B 1.10.1.4 Development Policies
In addition to the other relevant policies in Part B of this Plan, the following policies apply
to lands within the Om Moraine - Natural Core/Corridor Area designation:
a) In accordance with the intent of this Plan to maintain and protect significant
natural heritage features and the rural character of the Oro Moraine, the creation
of new lots for residential purposes is not permitted.
b) Notwithstanding the above, the creation of a new residential lot may be
considered if the result of the application is the dedication of lands to a public
authority or another non-profit group. In addition, new residential lots may be
considered if the remnant parcel will be subject to a long term (over 21 years)
conservation easement.
c) The development of buildings or structures is not permitted on lands within any
wetland or Provincially Significant Area of Natural and Scientific Interest shown on
Schedule A-2.
B1.10.2 Oro Moraine - Enhancement Area
B1.10.2.1 Objectives
It is the objective of this designation to:
a) increase the spatial extent of the Natural Core/Corridor Area by encouraging the
fe-vegetation of open areas that existed when this Plan was adopted;
b) improve and restore linkages between significant natural heritage features to
facilitate the movement of plants and animals; and,
c) restrict development in areas that contribute to and support the function of the
lands in the Om Moraine - Natural Core Area designation.
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Ora-Medonte
Ora Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
31
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
B 1.10.2.2 Location
The Ora Moraine - Enhancement Area designation applies to lands that, as a result of
their current use and location, could either potentially function as linkages between areas
designated Ora Moraine - Natural Core/Corridor Area or can, if re-vegetated, become an
integral part of the Natural Core/Corridor Area. In addition, some of these area are also
considered to be outliers, which are considered to be small areas of significance which
are not physically connected to lands within the Natural Core/Corridor Area designation.
B1.10.2.3 Permitted Uses
Permitted uses in the Oro Moraine - Enhancement Area designation are limited to the
following:
a) single detached dwellings and accessory uses;
b) home occupations;
c) home industries;
d) passive, non-motorized recreational uses;
e) agricultural uses;
f) fish and wildlife management;
g) conservation uses;
h) flood and erosion control projects;
Q renewable resource management uses, such as forestry; and,
j) bed and breakfast establishments within single-detached dwellings.
B1.10.2.4 Development Policies
In addition to the policies in Part B of this Plan, the following policies apply to lands within
the Oro Moraine - Enhancement Area designation:
a) The creation of new lots for residential purposes is permitted in accordance with
the policies of the Rural designation.
b) Notwithstanding the policies of the Rural designation, the creation of a new
residential lot may be considered if the result of the application is the dedication
of lands to a public authority or another non-profit group. In addition, new
residential lots may be considered if the remnant parcel will be subject to a long
term (over 21 years) Conservation easement."
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
32
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
ITEM #8
Section D1 (Environmental Protection One) is re-numbered as Section B2. In
addition, the words 'provincially significant' and '(Classes 1, 2 and 3)' are deleted
from the first bullet point.
ITEM #9
Section F (Overlay Designations) is deleted in its entirety and a new Section B3
added as follows:
"B3 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TWO
B3.1 OBJECTIVES
It is the intent of this Plan to:
a) protect environmentally sensitive areas from incompatible activities and uses that
would have a negative impact on any natural features and functions;
b) maintain and enhance the ecological integrity of the natural heritage system;
c) prevent the loss or fragmentation of woodland features and the habitats and
ecological functions they provide; and,
d) protect significant wildlife habitat areas.
B3.2 LOCATION AND DEFINITION
The Environmental Protection Two overlay designation applies to components of the
natural heritage system that are not included within the Environmental Protection One
designation and not within the Oro Moraine Planning Area.
The limits of the Environmental Protection Two designation are shown on the schedules
to this Plan and are considered to be approximate. Some of the features within the
Environmental Protection Two overlay designation may be significant enough to warrant
their designation within the Environmental Protection One designation after further study.
Schedules A and/or B would be amended if necessary to reflect the additional feature(s)
located through further study.
Official Plan Amendment Na.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Ora Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
33
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Lands within the Environmental Protection Two designation include the following:
a) woodlands;
b) unevaluated wetlands;
c) Regionally significant areas of natural and scientific interest;
d) other wildlife habitat areas; and,
e) fish spawning and nursery areas.
It is recognized that the rivers and streams in the Township are important components of
the Township's natural heritage system. Although these watercourses are not within the
Environmental Protection Two designation, they are considered to be environmentally
and hydrologically significant and they are dealt with specifically in Section B5 of this
Plan.
The individual components of the natural heritage system are shown on Schedule 'B' to
this Plan and are defined in Part F of this Plan.
83.3 PERMITTED USES
The uses permitted in these areas shall be those permitted by the underlying designation
provided the use conforms to the policies of this section.
83.4 CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH DEVELOPMENT MAY OCCUR
New development on lands within the Environmental Protection Two overlay designation
is generally discouraged by this Plan. The development of any use in the Environmental
Protection Two overlay designation that requires either an amendment to the Zoning By-
law or to this Plan shall also be subject to the preparation of an Environmental Impact
Study (EIS) and a Management Plan (MP) to the satisfaction of Council and the
appropriate agencies before such an amendment is adopted. An EIS and MP may also
be required if other approvals under the Planning Act are required.
The development of lands that are located adjacent to the Environmental Protection Two
overlay designation that require an amendment to the Zoning By-law or to this Plan may
also be subject to an EIS and MP if the environmental feature is deemed to be sensitive
to development on adjacent lands. Adjacent lands are defined as all lands within:
a) 50 metres of a woodland;
b) 120 metres from a wetland;
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
34
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
c) 50 metres of any ANSI;
d) 50 metres of any wildlife area; and,
e) 30 metres of any fish spawning and nursery area.
The EIS and MP required by this section must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of Council,
that the proposed development can occur without having a negative impact on the
natural features and ecological functions of the area. The study requirements for an EIS
and a MP are contained in Section B5."
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
35
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
ITEM #10
A new Section B4 is inserted as set out below.
"84 OPEN SPACE
B4.1 OBJECTIVES
It is the intent of this designation to:
a) ensure that the use and development of open space lands is consistent with the
'environment-first' philosophy of this Official Plan;
b) ensure that all open space lands are used in a manner which reflects their
capacity for public use;
c) ensure that the impacts of the use of the open space lands on adjacent land
uses and the character of the surrounding neighbourhood are minimized; and,
d) ensure that the residents of the Township have access to a properly planned and
accessible open space network.
B4.2 LOCATION
The Open Space designation as shown on Schedule A-1 to this Plan applies to the major
open space lands that are in public ownership and which function as passive or active
recreational areas in the Township. The lands in public ownership in the Ora Moraine
Planning Area are shown on Schedule 'A-2'.
B4.3 PERMITTED USES
Permitted uses in the Open Space designation are limited to passive and active
recreational uses, conservation uses, forestry uses in accordance with good management
practices and accessory uses. Community facilities, such as public community centres,
infrastructure and utilities may also be permitted in the Open Space designation provided
the ecological integrity of the area is maintained and the scale of the use is compatible
with the character of adjacent development.
B4.4 FUTURE PLANNING
Each parcel of land designated Open Space shall be planned to both accommodate
public use and minimize the impacts of that public use on the environment and adjacent
residential areas. Given the 'environment-first' philosophy of this Plan, the development
of additional parking areas, community facilities and other infrastructure should be carried
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
36
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
out in a manner that ensures that the natural features and functions of these open space
areas are protected and/or enhanced.
Additional development in Open Space areas shall be conditional upon the preparation
of comprehensive plans that assess:
a) The potential arrangement of uses, activities and facilities on the site;
b) The adequacy and location of parking on the site;
c) The need for public washroom and change room facilities in the area;
d) The adequacy of the road network in the area; and,
e) The means by which pedestrian movement in the area can be accommodated in
a safe manner.
This policy shall not apply to lands owned by the Federal, Provincial or County
governments.
B4.5 ZONING BY-LAW IMPLEMENTATION
All lands in the Open Space designation shall be placed in an Open Space Zone in the
implementing zoning by-law."
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Om Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
37
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
ITEM #11
A new Environmental Management section is added to the Official Plan. Below is a
description of the changes:
1. A new Section 85 is inserted.
2. Section G3 is deleted and replaced by Section 85.1 as shown below.
3. The heading of Section G1 is deleted and replaced with 'Rivers and Streams' and
renumbered as Section 85.2.
4. Section G.1 and G1.2 are renumbered 85.2.1 and 85.2.2.
5. Section F2 is deleted.
6. Section G1.3 is renumbered as Section 85.3
7. Section G1.4 is renumbered as Section 85.4
8. Section 85.5 is added as shown below.
9. Section G2 is renumbered as Section 85.6.
10. Section 85.7 is added as shown below.
11. Section G4 is renumbered as Section 85.8
The new Sections are below:
--85 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 08.JECTIVES
It is the intent of this Plan to:
a) recognize and protect all rivers and streams and other bodies of water in the
Township from development that may have an impact on their function as an
important component of the natural heritage system;
b) ensure that development does not occur on lands that are unstable or
susceptible to flooding;
c) encourage improvements to air quality wherever possible;
d) facilitate the acquisition of land which is the site of significant natural features by
public authorities for conservation purposes;
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
38
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
e) ensure that agricultural uses are appropriately developed and managed;
f) ensure that development does not occur on hazardous slopes;
g) protect the quality of water available for drinking water purposes;
h) ensure that the integrity of the Township's watersheds are maintained or
enhanced;
Q encourage the further study of natural heritage features and functions;
j) identify what is required to support an application for development in an area that
is considered to be ecologically sensitive; and,
k) identify what information is required to support an application that may have an
impact on the hydrological resources of the Township.
B5.1
POLICIES
B5.1.1
Environmental Impact Studies
Where the policies of this Plan require that an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) be
prepared, such an EIS shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of this
section.
85.1.1.1 Purpose of an EIS
The purpose of an EIS is to:
a) collect and evaluate all appropriate information in order to have an understanding
of the boundaries, attributes and functions of relevant natural heritage and
related ecological and hydrological feature(s); and,
b) make an informed decision as to whether or not a proposed use will have a
negative impact on the related significant natural heritage features and related
ecological functions of the Township.
Any EIS required by this Plan must describe the natural heritage features and ecological
functions, identify their significance and sensitivities and describe how they could be
affected by a proposed use. The EIS should give consideration to the relevant aspects
and inter-relationships of various components of the natural heritage system on and off
the site. In addition, the EIS must address how the proposed development will protect,
maintain or restore the significant natural features and ecological functions of the natural
heritage system.
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Ora Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
39
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Any EIS must be approved by Council, in addition to the other appropriate agencies,
before a planning application that facilitates the development that is subject to the EIS is
accepted by Council.
85.1.1.2 Contents of an EIS
The determination of the level of effort required to prepare an EIS shall be agreed to in
advance with the appropriate agencies and shall be scoped as required. Once
agreement on the scope of the EIS is determined, all or some of the items below may
need to be carried out:
a) a description of the proposed undertaking;
b) a three season survey of trees, shrubs and herbaceous vegetation on-site and
classification of community types using criteria as standardized by the Ecological
Land Classification for Southern Ontario (Lee, et aI., 1998);
c) a three season survey of bird, mammal and reptile and amphibian species and an
assessment of potential wildlife species based on available habitat types with the
bird survey being undertaken during the peak period for migratory and breeding
bird activity (i.e. May and June of the field season);
d) a list, based on the abovementioned inventories, of any vegetation or wildlife
species observed and reported on-site that are designated rare, threatened or
endangered by a government agency;
e) a description of the location and characteristics of all wetlands, watercourses or
waterbodies and the associated quality and type of aquatic or fish habitat (e.g.,
cold / warm water) including observed and recorded fish species present with
reference to fish sampling data or benthic/invertebrate studies should accompany
the field data on watercourses/fisheries;
f) an overview of site geology, topography and soil types, including data obtained
from hand-augered holes or test pits;
g) an overview of site hydrology describing recharge and discharge areas, and
characteristics of existing or new wells;
h) a discussion of existing and proposed sources of potential contamination (e.g.
gas stations, machinery repair operations, etc.)
i) a description of ecological functions and interrelationships (e.g., ground water
discharge maintaining a cold water trout stream, wildlife passage corridors,
provision of habitat for rare species, vegetation of steeply - sloped lands that
function to prevent erosion, etc.)
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
40
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
j) how the proposed use affects the possibility of linking components of the natural
heritage system by natural corridors that mayor may not be identified on the
schedules to this Plan;
k) a discussion of the off-site impacts within the core as a whole, including a
discussion on the features for which the .entire core area as a whole was originally
identified and an assessment of how the proposed development would impact
features and functions of the entire core or linkage unit; and,
I) a Management Plan (MP) identifying how the adverse effects will be avoided over
the construction period and the life of the undertaking and how environmental
features and functions will be enhanced where appropriate and describing the
net effect of the undertaking after implementation of the MP. The MP shall also
establish the limits of buffers and setbacks adjacent to watercourses,
waterbodies, valleys, wetlands and vegetation to protect the natural feature and
its attributes and/or function from the effects of development.
B5.1.1.3 Description of Changes
Any EIS shall describe what changes the proposed development will have on:
a) ground and surface water recharge and discharge;
b) predicted ground water use and potential for interference with nearby wells (e.g.,
well yield, water quality);
c) ground water quality or quantity as it affects the natu'ral environment (e.g.
discharge to surface, aquifer conditions);
d) surface water quality (e.g., sedimentation, temperature, flow volume);
e) terrestrial wildlife habitat quantity or quality (e.g., loss of deer wintering yards,
cover for wildlife movement, increased potential for bank erosion);
f) aquatic or fish habitat quantity or quality (e.g., water warming from removal of
streambank vegetation, potential for destruction or alteration of a fisheries
resource);
g) wildlife movement corridors;
h) the ecological function of the natural environmental features;
Q noise and traffic levels and their impacts on wildlife as compared to existing
conditions (e.g., truck traffic from excavation activities);
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
41
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
j) the potential for fragmentation or isolation of portions of a core-designated area
or breakage of an identified linkage as a result of the proposed change in land
use;
k) remaining vegetation and wildlife habitat within the rest of the core or linkage (in
the Ora Moraine Planning Area) from potential changes of the proposed
development within a portion of the core;
I) the potential for off-site discharge of materials (e.g., storm water runoff, effluent,
odours. air. emissions) as a result of the proposed development;
m) erosion potential from improper grading and construction techniques or because
of failure to provide mitigation for steep slopes or unstable soils;
n) the compatibility of the proposed land use with surrounding land uses within the
rest of the core area and/or associated linkages;
0) flooding or changes in storm water retention capabilities as a result of the
proposed land use or changes to flood attenuation capabilities of lands within the
rest of the core or linkage; and,
p) the duration of the effects, the size of the area affected, the sensitivity of the'
feature to change and any loss of ecological functions either within the area
proposed for development or within the core/linkage area as a whole.
In addition to the above, the EIS shall describe the positive impacts that may occur as a
result of mitigation.
B5.1.1.4 What an EIS Should Demonstrate
The EIS should demonstrate, where applicable, that the proposed use will:
a) not have a negative impact on natural features and related ecological functions;
b) not discharge any substance that could harm air quality, groundwater, surface
water and associated plant and animal life;
c) be supplied by an adequate supply of water and that the groundwater taking
associated with the use will not harm existing water supplies, surface water
features and associated plant and animal life;
d) not cause erosion or siltation of watercourses or changes to watercourse
morphology;
e) not interfere with groundwater recharge to the extent that it would adversely
affect groundwater supply for any use;
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
42
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
f) not cause an increase in flood potential on or off the site;
g) maintain/enhance/restore/rehabilitate the natural condition of affected
watercourses, and protecUenhance/restore/rehabilitate aquatic habitat;
h) not significantly affect the scenic qualities of the area;
o not encourage the demand for further development that would negatively affect
the function of natural heritage areas;
J) enhance and restore endangered terrestrial and aquatic habitat where
appropriate and feasible;
k) not interfere with the function of existing or potential natural corridors;
I) not lead to a significant reduction in the forest resource or interior forest habitat in
an area; and,
m) not lead to species loss or negative impacts on endangered or threatened
species and/or their habitat.
85.5
WATERSHED PLANNING
85.5.1
Objectives
It is the objective of this Plan to:
a) support the preparation and implementation of sub-watershed plans within the
Township and area;
b) ensure that there is an appropriate balance between the objectives of water
supply management, habitat protection, flood management and land use to
protect and enhance water quality for future generations;
c) protect and/or restore streams, groundwater discharge and recharge areas and
wetlands for the benefit of fish, wildlife and human uses;
d) ensure that any sub-watershed planning process is open and transparent;
e) ensure that necessary resources are provided for the implementation of
watershed and sub-watershed plans; and,
f) ensure that sub-watershed plans contain goals and objectives that are
appropriate for the watershed and implementable by the Township and
landowners; and,
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
43
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
g) ensure that watershed and sub-watershed plans are designed to be continuously
improved as new information and science becomes available.
B5.5.2
Watersheds In Oro-Medonte
A watershed is an area of land that drains into a river, lake or other water body. Unlike
municipal boundaries, watershed boundaries are defined by nature and, as a result,
watersheds often overlap a number of jurisdictions. Within each of these watersheds is a
number of sub-watersheds. It is the long term intent of the Township that a sub-
watershed plan be prepared for each sub-watershed.
B5.5.3
The Intent Of A Sub-Watershed Plan
The intent of sub-watershed plan is to provide direction and target resources for the
better and effective management and restoration of a given sub-watershed. Such plans
are intended to:
a) serve as a guide for improving water quality, reducing flood damage and
protecting natural resources in a sub-watershed;
b) identify problem areas and target these areas for rehabilitation and/or
enhancement;
c) prevent existing watershed problems from worsening as a result of future land
development, public work activities and agricultural and other activities; and,
d) provide an opportunity for multiple jurisdictions with varying priorities to coordinate
their efforts and accept their responsibility for the impact their actions have both
on upstream and downstream areas.
Council shall have regard to the above when making decisions on the priority given to the
preparation of sub-watershed plans. The responsibility for preparing sub-watershed plans
rests with the appropriate conservation authorities. It is the intent of this Plan that
Council assist the relevant conservation authority in the preparation of these plans.
It is recognized that, due to the size of the Township and the funding limitations of all
levels of government, the preparation of sub-watershed plans in Oro-Medonte is a long
term prospect. In this regard, Council shall work with the conservation authorities in
identifying priority areas for study.
B5.5.4
Contents Of Subwatershed Plans
All sub-watershed plans shall contain the following:
a) a detailed assessment and integrated analysis of the natural heritage features,
areas, functions and linkages on a sub-watershed basis;
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
44
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
b} a characterization of the sub-watershed in terms of its environmental resources;
c} a summary of the existing environmental issues;
d) preparation of a prediction impact analysis to determine the potential for stressors
within the sub-watershed;
e} the identification of alternative management solutions for the watershed; and,
f) detailed management strategies for the implementation of the sub-watershed
plan including guidelines for development, stormwater management strategies
and ongoing monitoring programs for the sub-watershed plan.
B5.5.5
Implementation
All applications for development shall conform with the recommendations made in an
approved watershed or sub-watershed plan, if one is in place.
B5.7 TREE PRESERVATION/PLANTING
The following policies apply to treed areas outside of the Environmental Protection One,
Environmental Protection Two and the Oro Moraine Natural Core/Corridor area
designations:
a} There are wooded areas within the Township that are not within the
Environmental Protection One and Two or the Oro Moraine Natural Core/Corridor
Area designations, primarily because of their small size or their location within
settlement areas. However, these areas also contribute to the character of the
community. It is a policy of this Plan that such areas be retained in their natural
state, whenever possible and appropriate, as a condition of development
approval.
b} The County and Township, in making public work decisions, shall have regard to
the existence of trees and make every reasonable effort to protect them. If trees
will be lost due to a public work, it is a policy of this Plan that replanting programs
be initiated to compensate for the loss of trees.
c} Council shall require the planting of trees of appropriate quality, size and species
that are indigenous to the area as a condition of development approvals
wherever possible. Particular attention will be paid to surface parking lots and the
softening of their visual impact on adjacent lands and streets.
d} Council may undertake a tree planting program along major roads in the rural
settlement areas wherever possible to create, over time, a canopy of trees that
will enhance the character of the community and contribute to the aesthetics of
the area.
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Ora-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21,2003
45
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
ITEM #12
Section H8 (Waste Disposal Sites) is moved to a new Section B5.9.
ITEM #13
Section H5 (Land Use Compatibility) is moved to a new Section B5.10
ITEM #14
Section H6 (Contaminated Sites) is moved to a new Section B5.11
ITEM #15
Section H7 (Electric Power Facilities) is moved to a new Section B5.12
ITEM #16
Section H4 (Natural Corridors and Potential Natural Corridors) is moved to a new Section B5.13
ITEM # 17
A new heading, entitled Part C land Use Policies is added to the Plan.
ITEM 18
Section 02 (Agricultural) is moved to a new Section C1
ITEM # 19
Section 03 (Rural) is moved to a new Section C2
ITEM # 20
Section 04 (Rural Settlement Areas) is moved to a new Section C3
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21,2003
46
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
ITEM # 21
Section D9 (Rural Residential) is moved to a new Section C4
ITEM # 22
Section D10 (Shoreline) is moved to a new Section C5
ITEM # 23
Section D11 (Restricted Rural) is moved to a new Section C6
ITEM # 24
Section D6 (Recreational) is moved to a new Section C7
ITEM # 25
Section D7 (Industrial) is moved to a new Section C8
ITEM # 26
Section D8 (Commercial) is moved to a new Section C9
ITEM # 27
Section 012 (Airport) is moved to a new Section C10
ITEM # 28
Section D13 (Mount St. Louis Moonstone) is moved to a new Section C11
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
47
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
ITEM #29
Section D5 (Mineral Aggregate Resources) is deleted and replaced with a new
Section C12 as follows.
"C12
MINERAL AGGREGATE RESOURCES
C12.1
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this designation are to:
a) recognize existing mineral aggregate operations and protect them from activities
that would preclude or hinder their continued use;
b) protect known aggregate deposits and areas of high potential mineral aggregate
resources for possible future resource use;
c) ensure that new mineral aggregate operations are sited in locations that will not
have a negative impact on the significant natural features and ecological
functions of the Oro Moraine;
d) ensure that the haul routes used are appropriate;
e) ensure that extraction areas are progressively rehabilitated;
f) ensure that extractive activities are carried out with minimal environmental and
social impacts; and,
g) minimize conflicts between incompatible land uses.
C12.2
LOCATION
The Mineral Aggregate Resources designation shown on Schedule A to this Plan is
divided into two categories - Licensed and Potential. The Licensed category applies to
mineral aggregate operations that are licensed in accordance with the Aggregate
Resources Act. The Potential category applies to lands which are deemed to be
appropriate for future extraction, provided all of the policies of this Section of the Plan
can be met.
The lands considered suitable, in principle, for aggregate extraction and designated
Mineral Aggregate Resources (Potential) in the Ora Moraine Planning Area were
identified on the basis of a review of natural heritage features and functions on the Oro
Moraine, the character of the area and the location of existing haul routes.
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
48
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
In some cases, areas which have high potential for resource use on the Oro Moraine are
not designated Mineral Aggregate Resources (Potential) if the resource area is
considered to be environmentally significant, where extraction would have a significant
impact on the character of the area andlor can only be accessed by roads which currently
do not function as haul routes. Given that the . protection and enhancernent of the
significant natural heritage features and ecological functions and character of the Oro
Moraine is a strategic objective of this Plan, the protection of these features, functions
and the character of the area shall take precedence over the development of these same
lands.
C12.3
PERMITTED USES
Permitted uses on lands designated Mineral Aggregate Resources include:
a) the extraction of stone, gravel, sand and other aggregates and associated
operations such as crushing, screening, washing and aggregate storage;
b) agricultural uses;
c) passive non-motorized recreational uses, such as walking trails and nature
interpretation centres;
d) forestry and resource management uses; and,
e) wayside pits and quarries and portable asphalt plants for road works in the area.
Concrete batching plants and asphalt plants may be permitted subject to re-zoning,
provided the use ceases once extraction on the site ceases.
C12.4 DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
C12.4.1 Relationship between the Township and the Ministry of Natural Resources
The Ministry of Natural Resources licenses and regulates pits and quarries under the
Aggregate Resources Act. It is the intent of this Plan to ensure that there is open and
transparent consultation between the appropriate Provincial Ministries and agencies, the
proponent, the Township, the County and other affected municipalities before licenses
are issued or modified, in order to ensure that new operations or expansions to existing
operations are carried out in a manner that is consistent with the goals and objectives of
this Plan.
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Ora Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21,2003
49
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
C12.4.2 Development Adjacent to Lands in Mineral Aggregate Resources
Designation
When new development (through a Planning Act application) is proposed within 300
metres of lands within the Mineral Aggregate Resources designation, Council shall be
satisfied that the proposed use is compatible with the current operation of a mineral
aggregate resource operation and with future operations located on lands within the
Mineral Aggregate Resources designation. In some cases, setbacks between the uses
may be required to minimize conflicts.
C12.4.3 New Mineral Aggregate Operations or Expansions to Existing Operations
All new mineral aggregate operations shall require an Amendment to the Zoning By-law if
the subject lands are designated Mineral Aggregate Resources (Potential).
The establishment of new mineral aggregate operations on the Oro Moraine on lands not
designated Mineral Aggregate Resources will require an Amendment to the Official Plan
in accordance with the policies of this section. Amendments to the Official Plan will not
be considered for any portion of the subject lands that are located within the Ora Moraine
- Core/Corridor Area designation.
Applications to develop new mineral aggregate operations on lands not within the Om
Moraine Planning Area and on lands not designated Mineral Aggregate Resources will
require an Amendment to the Official Plan and will be considered on a case-by-case
basis in accordance with the policies of this Section.
Expansions to existing mineral aggregate operations may require either an amendment to
the official Plan and/or Zoning By-law, depending on the designation and zoning of the
expansion lands.
Any application for Amendment to the Official Plan and/or the zoning by-law shall be
supported by studies that address:
a) the potential impacts of the operation on:
. the significant natural heritage features and ecological functions on the
site and in the area:
. nearby communities;
. agricultural resources and activities;
.. the character of the area;
.. the quality and quantity of groundwater and surface water;
.. the built or cultural heritage resources in the area;
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Ora Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
50
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
. significant geologic formations on the site and in the area;
. the groundwater recharge functions on the site and in the immediate
area; and,
. nearby wells used for drinking water purposes.
b) the effect of the increased truck traffic on the environment and the residences in
the area and other land uses in the area;
c) the suitability of the proposed haul routes;
d) the effect of the noise, odour, dust and vibration generated by the proposed use
on adjacent land uses;
e) how the natural features and functions on the site and in the area can be
protected and/or enhanced as part of the design of the operation and through
progressive rehabilitation;
f) how the impacts from the proposed operation on adjacent uses will be mitigated;
and,
g) how the site will be progressively rehabilitated to accommodate subsequent land
uses after the extraction is completed.
Some of the above information shall be contained in an Environme~tal Impact Study that
is prepared in accordance with Section B5.1.1 of this Plan.
In addition, if the application applies to lands on an existing haul route, Council shall be
satisfied that existing operators on that haul route are compensated appropriately for any
works that they may have completed to initially upgrade the road for truck traffic.
In addition to the above, the appropriate studies shall take into account the added
impact of the proposed operation on the items listed in this Section that also take into
account the impacts from existing operations in the immediate area.
In considering the added impact of the new operation to existing known impacts, Council
shall ensure that mitigation measures intended to lessen the added impact are reviewed
and applied as required. During the course of this review, phasing options shall be
considered as one means to minimize the combined impacts of the proposed and existing
operations on the general area.
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
51
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
C12.4.4 Maintaining Natural Corridors
In considering any application to develop a new mineral aggregate extraction use, every
effort will be made to retain natural corridors at all times during the life of the facility that
link significant natural heritage features on adjacent lands. For the purposes of this
policy, natural corridors should have a width of between 100 and 120 metres.
C12.4.5 Township Haul Routes
Council recognizes that one of the most significant impacts of aggregate extraction is the
use of area roads for truck traffic. It is a policy of this Plan to encourage the
establishment of new aggregate operations on the established Township haul routes
shown on Schedule A-3 to this Plan. Existing haul routes that are intended to be used
only on a limited basis by existing operations are identified on Schedule A-3 as Township
Haul Routes (Limited). All haul routes will be regulated in accordance with the policies of
this Plan and the provisions of a By-law passed under the Municipal Act.
Given that there are no lands designated Mineral Aggregate Resources (Potential) on
roads that are not considered haul routes as shown on Schedule A-3, one of the
components of any Official Plan Amendment to establish a new mineral aggregate
resource use will be an amendment to Schedule A-3. Prior to considering such an
amendment, Council shall be satisfied that the new haul route:
a) will not have an impact on existing residents and businesses along the proposed
haul route, taking into account the scale, nature and, location of existing
development and the scale of the proposed operation;
b) is, or will be, constructed to an appropriate standard for truck traffic;
c) will have a minimal impact on the character of the area; and,
d) the length of the new haul route is minimized as much as possible and is located
an appropriate distance from an adequate County of Simcoe road.
In addition to the above, Council shall be satisfied that the County Road(s) that will be
used by the increased truck traffic can accommodate the increased traffic in a manner
which has minimal impacts on existing residents and businesses along the County Road.
C12.4.6 Areas of Potential Mineral Aggregate Extraction
The protection of known high quality resources shall take precedence, wherever possible,
over any use that would preclude their further extraction. Other known areas in the
Township where resources may be present are identified on Appendix 1 to this Official
Plan.
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
52
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
It is the intent of this Plan that the lands identified on Appendix 1 be protected from uses
and/or activities that may hinder the effective and economical extraction of aggregate in
the future. However, there may be cases where the economical and/or physical
extraction of aggregate is not feasible and/or appropriate. In such cases, other uses may
be permitted, if it can be shown to the satisfaction of Council that:
a) the area is sterilized by existing development; or,
b) the extraction would have a negative impact on significant natural heritage
features or ecological functions; or
c) the aggregate is low in quality; or,
d) there is not enough aggregate in the area to justify its economical extraction.
C 12.4. 7 Rehabilitation
The progressive rehabilitation of all aggregate operations within the Township is a goal of
this Plan. Council will work with existing operators and new applicants and the Ministry of
Natural Resources to ensure that all licenses have appropriate progressive rehabilitation
plans.
If a site is to be rehabilitated to a natural state, it is the intent of this Plan that natural self-
sustaining vegetation be established and restored. If the site is to be rehabilitated to
agricultural use, it is the intent of this Plan that substantially the same land area and soil
capability for agriculture is restored.
C12.5
IMPLEMENTING ZONING BY-LAW
The implementing zoning by-law shall place all existing mineral aggregate operations in a
zone that permits quarries, sand and gravel extraction operations and wayside pits and
portable asphalt plants for road works in the area. Lands that are not the site of licensed
operations, but are within the Mineral Aggregate Resources designation will be placed in
a zone that prohibits uses which could potentially compromise the use of these same
lands for extraction purposes in the future.
The implementing zoning by-law may contain setbacks for extraction operations from
adjoining properties designated for residential purposes by this Plan, municipal right-of-
ways and property boundaries."
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Ora-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
53
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
ITEM # 30
A new Section C13 is included in the Plan:
"C13
SPECIAL PURPOSE COMMUNITY AREA
C13.1
OB.JECTIVES
The objectives of this designation are to:
a) recognize existing residential developments that are not within settlement areas in
the Township;
b) ensure that these areas continue to be used in a manner which respects the
'Environment-First' objectives of the Official Plan; and,
c) ensure that the impacts of uses on lands adjacent to these areas on lands within
the designation are considered as part of any development review process.
C13.2
LOCATION
The Special Purpose Community Area designation shown on Schedule A-1 to this Plan
applies to two existing residential areas within the Oro Moraine Planning Area. These two
areas were developed as retirement communities in the past and primarily function as
such on the date this Plan was adopted by Council
C13.3
PERMITTED USES
Permitted uses on lands designated Special Purpose Community Area include:
a) mobile homes;
b) Community Centres; and,
c) Recreational uses for the exclusive use of the residents in the facility.
C13.4 DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
C13.4.1 Maximum Number of Units
The implementing Zoning By-law shall restrict the maximum number of mobile home units
on each of the lands subject to this policy to the number that existed on the date this
Plan was adopted by Council. Any additional development, over and above the
maximum set out in the implementing By-law, will require an amendment to the Zoning By-
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
54
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
law. Prior to considering such an amendment, Council shall be satisfied that the
expansion is:
a) compatible with the character of the community;
b) can be serviced with an appropriate water supply and means of sewage disposal;
and,
c) will be located in an area where there will be no negative impacts on natural
heritage features and related ecological functions.
C13.5
IMPLEMENTING ZONING BY-LAW
The implementing zoning by-law shall place each of the parcels within the Special
Purpose Community designation in Exception Zones which restrict the number of mobile
home units to the number that existed on the date the Plan is adopted by Council. \I
ITEM # 31
Part E of the Plan (except Section E4) is renumbered as Section C14 and all section numbers are
modified accordingly.
ITEM # 32
Section E4 of the Plan is renumbered as Section C15 an all section numbers are modified
accordingly.
ITEM # 33
Part H of the Plan is renumbered as Part 0 and all section numbers are modified accordingly.
ITEM # 34
Part J of the Plan is renumbered as Part E and all section numbers are modified accordingly.
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
55
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
ITEM # 35
A new Part F is added to the Plan as follows:
Part F - DEFINITIONS
The following are definitions of certain terms used in this Official Plan.
Adjacent Lands
Means those lands contiguous to a specific Natural Heritage Feature or area where it is likely that
development or site alteration would have a negative impact on the feature or area.
Agricultural Use
Means an activity consisting of animal husbandry, horticulture, beekeeping, dairying, field crops, fruit
farming, fur farming, market gardening, pasturage, poultry keeping, mushroom farming or any other
farming activity and may include growing, raising, small scale packing and storage of produce in a
building, structure or part thereof and other similar activities customarily carried out in the field of
general agriculture.
Area of Natural and Scientific Interest
Means an area that has been identified as having earth or life science values related to protection,
scientific study or education, and further identified by the Ministry of Natural Resources using
evaluation procedures established by that Ministry as amended from time to time.
Bed and Breakfast Establishments
Means a single detached dwelling in which a maximum of three rooms are provided with or without
meals for hire or pay for the traveling public.
Character
Means a collection of physical and man-made features which collectively serve to create a distinctive
set of attributes which positively contribute to the appreciation of an area.
Compatible
Means the development or redevelopment of uses which may not necessarily be the same as or
similar to the existing and adjacent development, but which can coexist with the adjacent uses
without negative impacts.
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
56
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Connectivity
Means the degree to which significant natural heritage features are connected to one another by
links such as plant and animal movement corridors, hydrological and nutrient cycling, genetic transfer
and energy flows through food webs.
Conservation Use
Means an area of land that is generally left in its natural state and which is used to preserve, protect
and/or improve components of the natural heritage system of other lands for the benefit of man and
the natural environmental and which may include, as an accessory use, hiking trails and/or cross
country ski trails, buildings and structures such as nature interpretation centres and public information
centres.
Development
Means the creation of a new lot, a change in land use, or the construction of buildings and structures
requiring approval under the Planning Act, but does not include activities that create or maintain
infrastructure authorized under an environmental assessment process or works subject to the
Drainage Act.
Ecological Features
Means naturally occurring land, water and biotic features that contribute to ecological and
hydrological integrity.
Ecological Functions
Means the natural processes, products or services that living and non-living environments provide or
perform within or between species, ecosystems and landscapes, including hydrological functions and
biological, physical, chemical and socio-economic interactions.
Ecological Integrity
Means the condition of ecosystems in which:
a) the structure, composition and function of the ecosystems are unimpaired by stresses
from human activity;
b) natural ecological processes are intact and self-sustaining; and,
c) the ecosystems evolve naturally.
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Ora Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
57
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Endangered Species
Means any native species, as listed in the Regulations under the Endangered Species Act. that is at
risk of extinction throughout all of a significant portion of its Ontario range if the limiting factors are not
reversed.
Enhance
Means, as applied to the natural heritage/environmental policies of this Plan, strengthening the
components of a natural area through management measures to increase stability, biodiversity and
long-term viability. Means, in other respects, to complement and strengthen the character of the
Township, community, neighbourhood, site or structure.
Fish habitat
Means the spawning grounds and nursery, rearing, food supply, and migration areas on which fish
depend directly or indirectly to carry out their life processes.
Forest Management
Means the management of woodlands, including accessory uses such as the construction and
maintenance of forest access roads and maple syrup production facilities,
a) for the production of wood and wood products, including maple syrup;
b) to provide outdoor recreation opportunities;
c) to maintain, and where possible improve or restore, conditions for wildlife; and,
d) to protect water supplies.
Fragmentation
Means the division of a natural heritage feature into smaller components that do not have the same
ecological functions as may have existed before their division.
Golf Course
Means an outdoor public or private area operated for the purpose of playing golf and includes a par
three golf course, a miniature golf course and putting greens and which may include, as accessory
uses, restaurants, retail stores selling golf equipment and accessories, fitness centres, a dwelling unit
for a caretaker, a golf driving range and other buildings or structures devoted to the maintenance,
administration and operation of the golf course.
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
58
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Groundwater Discharge
Means water that travels from under the ground to the surface and which forms part of the base flow
of rivers and streams.
Groundwater Recharge
Means the replenishment of subsurface water:
a) resulting from natural processes, such as the infiltration of rainfall and snowmelt and the
seepage of surface water from lakes, streams and wetlands; and
b) resulting from human intervention, such as the use of stormwater management systems.
Groundwater Resources
Means water from underground that is required to sustain ecological features and provide drinking
water for humans and animals.
Habitat of Endangered, Rare and Threatened Species
Means land that:
a) is an area where individuals of an endangered species, a rare species or a threatened
species live or have the potential to live and find adequate amounts of food, water,
shelter, and space needed to sustain their population, including an area where a species
concentrates at a vulnerable point in its annual or life cycle and an area that is important
to a migratory or non-migratory species; and,
b) has been further identified, by the Ministry of Natural Resources or by any other person,
according to evaluation procedures established by the Ministry of Natural Resources, as
amended from time to time.
Hydrological Features
Means,
a) permanent and intermittent streams;
b) wetlands;
c) kettle lakes and their surface catchment areas;
d) seepage areas and springs; and,
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21,2003
59
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
e) aquifers and recharge areas.
Hydrological Functions
Means the functions of the hydrological cycle that include the occurrence, circulation, distribution,
and chemical and physical properties of water on the surface of the land, in the soil and underlying
rocks, and in the atmosphere, and water's interaction with the environment including its relation to
living things.
Hydrological Integrity
Means the condition of ecosystems in which hydrological features and hydrological functions are
unimpaired by stresses from human activity.
Hydrologically Sensitive Features
Means a hydrological feature that is potentially sensitive to changes in surface and groundwater flow
that may result from development.
Landform Features
Means distinctive physical attributes of land such as slope, shape, elevation and relief.
Landform Permanence
Means the retention of a landform in an unaltered state.
Mineral Aggregate
Means gravel, sand, clay, earth, shale, stone, limestone, dolostone, sandstone, marble, granite, rock
or other material prescribed under the Aggregate Resources Act suitable for construction, industrial,
manufacturing and maintenance purposes but does not include metallic ors, asbestos, graphite,
granite, mica, nepheline syenite, salt, talc, wollastonite, mine tailings or other material prescribed
under the Mining Act.
Mineral Aggregate Operation
Means:
a) lands under license or permit, other than for a wayside pit or quarry, issued in
accordance with the Aggregate Resources Act, or successors thereto; and
b) Associated facilities used in extraction, transport, beneficiation, processing or recycling of
mineral aggregate or in the production of secondary related products.
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Ora-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
60
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Mountain Bike Facility
Means an area of land with trails used by non-motorized mountain bikes and which may include, as
accessory uses, restaurants, club houses, retail stores, selling mountain bike equipment and
accessories, fitness centres, a dwelling unit for a caretaker and other buildings or structures devoted
to the maintenance, administration and operation of the mountain bike facility.
Natural Heritage Features
Means features and areas that are important for their environmental and social values as a legacy of
the natural landscapes of an area.
Natural Heritage System
Means a collection of Natural Heritage Features in a defined area that are functionally related to
each other.
Outdoor Storage
Means an area of land used in conjunction with a business located within a building or structure on
the same lot, for the storage of goods and materials.
Negative Impact
Means any negative change to the ecological integrity of a natural heritage feature and its
associated ecological functions.
Significant
Means:
In regard to wetlands and Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest, an area identified as
provincially significant by the Ministry of Natural Resources using evaluation procedures
established by the Province, as amended from time to time;
in regard to other features and areas, ecologically important in terms of features,
functions, representation or amount, and contributing to the quality and diversity of an
identifiable geographic area or natural heritage system. Criteria for determining
significance may be recommended by the Province, but municipal approaches that
achieve the same objective may also be used.
in regard to other matters, important in terms of amount, content, representation or effect.
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Ora Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
61
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Site Alteration
Means activities, such as fill, grading and excavation that would change the landform and natural
vegetative characteristics of a site.
Stable Top of bank
Means the line, established or approved by the appropriate Conservation Authority staff, which
defines the transition between tableland and sloping ground at the crest of a slope associated with a
watercourse.
Stream Corridor
Means an area of land on both sides of a river and stream which contribute to the ecological
functions of the stream.
Threatened Species
Means any native species that is at risk of becoming endangered through all or a portion of its
Ontario range if the limiting factors are not reversed.
Threshold Flow
Means the critical flow required to maintain aquatic habitat and the ecological functions of a river or
stream.
Wellhead Protection Area
Means the surface and subsurface area surrounding a water well or well field that supplies a public
water system and through which contaminants are reasonably likely to move so as eventually to
reach the water well or well field.
Wetland
Means land such as a swamp, marsh, bog or fen <not including land that is being used for agricultural
purposes and which no longer exhibits wetland characteristics) that,
a) Is seasonally or permanently covered by shallow water or ahs the water table close to or
at the surface;
b) has hydric soils and vegetation dominated by hydrophytic or water-tolerant plants; and,
c) has been further identified, by the Ministry of Natural Resources or by any other person,
according to evaluation procedures established by the Ministry of Natural Resources, as
amended from time to time.
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
62
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Wildlife Habitat
Means land that:
a) is an area where plants, animals and other organisms live or have the potential to live
and find adequate amounts of food, water, shelter and space to sustain their population,
including an area where a species concentrates at a vulnerable point in its annual or life
cycle and an area that is important to a migratory or non-migratory species; and
b) has been further identified, by the Ministry of Natural Resources or by any other person,
according to evaluation procedures established by the Ministry of Natural Resources, as
amended from time to time.
Woodland
Means a treed area, woodlot or forested areas, that provides environmental and economic benefits
such as erosion prevention, water retention, provision of habitat, recreation and sustainable harvest
of woodland products.
ITEM # 36
Schedules A-1, A-2, A-3 and A-4 are added to the Official Plan and replace those portions of
Schedules A and B that apply to the Oro Moraine Planning Area.
ITEM # 37
Appendix 1 is added to the Official Plan.
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
Oro Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants August 21, 2003
63
Schedule A-1
land Use - Ore-Moraine
Official Plan
Amendment No. 16
*
u
~
@
"
~
"
LEGEND
"
ORO MORAINE CORE I
CORRIDOR AREA
ORO MORAINE
ENHANCEMENT AREA
RESIDENTIAL
l1li RURAL SETTLEMENT AREA
_ RURAL RESIDENTIAL
_ RESTRICTED RURAL
lu ;;;"'-:'-''''''''/-j EDGAR CENTRE
.. :.:?L'(j;:"l'_ SPECIAL POLICY AREA
BJIIIB SPECIAL PURPOSE
_ COMMUNITY AREA
I I AGRICULTURAL AREA
~lli~ RECREATION
I I RURAL AREA
"
~ MINERAL AGGREGATE
~ RESOURCE AREA - LICENCED jifj
~ MINERAL AGGREGATE I!
f~1!K."ilW RESOURCE AREA - POTENTIAL
III
-
Fw-~
LI
MAJOR OPEN SPACE
OPEN WASTE
DISPOSAL AREA
ORC MORAINE
BOUNDARY
ORC MORAINE PLANNING
AREA BOUNDARY
;ilE~liIWI
j/,-_-.-....
Au1Po'Sf.21, 2003
~
-
~
"
"
"
"
00
'r
it
..If
I U
Y
j.J
;1 "
L '/
v I
/,;
If
@
00
"
"
M .
C1;;; ~
'\
"
~
"
00
00
00
OO,~
"
<-
I~
"f$'
"~,, \
"
"
"
I "
'-,-~
"
I----J
q
J
~ ~
L
[~.".'-.- 1
P
I P
L
V \...I -:;
bl , h
::;
, z,,: _ ]
~ ;1; ".1. r. "['-
~
~~~ i\ L
"-
-
;:: "'
,"r-- -" \ , ~ ~1f:
' I . ~ "), _d- ;>C~ ~,r
" i
~, . . - ',/ .JV L :L
-
Y,J \ _.#" S j .' .
1/
-,
h
,/
,
,
. [
Zt.
-,
/
~
TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE
.~
--:;~ v' \ '\
,
~
,
J1
r1
---.,
~.
L \
to
.
.
-~
,
" ri'\
.
;::l
.I ~.~
r i
. ("~."[
""r
,
I
.~ -
.
,/
\
.
-
-
r--
""^
'\
'\
,
"'1~
!
.Jt
!
=
<112
,
-~~E~
""'-
, i'::{:?
"--
I?
.
-
~
r'\..
..
::::5
,
h
,
.
I
.
'''''"'''
ru
'''''"'''
,
,
,-Y:
rJ1
,;jI
_/~
I~
~ .1"
N.T,S,
Schedule A-2
Natural Heritage Features
on the Ore-Moraine
Official Plan
Amendment No. 16
~
~
~
~
~
~
"
~
'-
~
-
~ -
Legend ~
.. ~
CORE AREAS
~
I I CORRIDOR AREAS ~
.. POTENTIAL RE-VEGETATION ~
AND ENHANCEMENT AREAS
.. ~
OLmIERS
.
- PROVINCIALLY
SIGNIFICANT WETLANDS -
-
- LOCALLY
SIGNIFICANT WETLANDS ~
t",;""""'''t''J PRQVINCIALL Y ~
",l'",'\"/,,,"IJ." SIGNIFICANT ANSI'S
@
- OTHER ANSI'S - I/'
- CORE DEER "
WINTERING AREA
f---j -
PUBLICLY OWNED LANDS
-
I 1111 ORC MORAINE .
BOUNDARY
-
I I ORC MORAINE PLANNING -
AREA BOUNDARY "
"
Note:
All lands within the Core Areas,
Con1dor Areas and Outliers are
consk:lered to be 5lgnlllcantWoodlands.
"
.
"(J
I" ~_
, ;IIERIDIAN
(!/...-_""",...
, AugLllli21,2003
~
- J
" 1
- '-I
..
.
TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE
,/
. ~'5I:, .'t\ ri
. ~ ,1,/ ~~ ----.
rv .
,".
.~
& .."'A""b&..
..,,'" .<10$&4
...
..
..
~
t'
.
.<EX
I;"
I,. .,
.
<q'J
'"
.-J
}X
-."
j,-
'" h
I PI'- . P
.
r"' ,
If 0,'1 /
V
"
'l~
1
J
L
1/ I
-
--;b
---;l'- '/1
~
~~
'[
('
~
-
,," h
.~
~
!~
~~
, J, 1&
~
-
~ , ~
J j
",,
j\ ,
" # ~ !
~
1<::; f=J- -
"~
( ~b.L ==fr
'"' f J
I
. r ..,---" ~ ,
,
/
5 . '"
-
1\
~~
-~
)T
"
,
'''''"'''
-'\
1%,
.
(mmm)
"
(-
...
,U t
o. "1
.>'
-',,~\"
[ [;)
.
~ L
.
u
,
'lXI', :~y
i:"(
r
I~
~,
-c;
',,,-
!
r)c
L
'-
~
a."
r
L~ Jt
~FFS ~
~ ." '". 1/-
~ , .. . v-'"'
. I, f/
-
-~
L
,-:y
"k-
N.T.S.
Schedule A..3
Official Plan Amendment NO.16
Township of Oro-Medonte
f~~k/
//
~~J
I. ';07
'/',L
/-/"
~/ "
(~J ~
"",..J
/;:/ '" "ee "m
: 1t/0:J~
. ,
: ] ,'"
6!1 I L
i. ihV
,,// r b ,--'
,-I I~~ j if ~= '" ~~'~1~/~~;'b II
. tJl~li"""'_'____'_ ) , r
. ~;-I 1,,___ ,,"i~n" 1__, U ~1
, i fJrll~ ~: ,~ or r~ l-
I" It> I;;' .:. .:. I'''' .. \
i~l~i-I~T-.-I' i~~-r:f-~' i ~,I; f\
lL m 'T- fl-- J
, %'& 1--,;- 1'.....
~ :, -"~7 ., C- _,-,,~Cf:--~=(:'4
;rJeL- ,-",::i=-l=i#i B ~~'.SI<I kd, iru:t
r~=' .w____ _.L ,~=~ I L_..._._.. 1:
. C~ ____,I, _'",L", _ ,. ~-- 1___, [
-
.
.
: ~=/_--\
-,--
'nI -~- "['--
" --"T' ,
: ~J- 1
-J
"_J w,
I .-
1--
,
mem,
-e--:,- ,,1
.
. i
. 'I
. ~JL
.
-- ---
.
r-" "
,--1--
lof
- .~.: rtlC'
~~ ,,~
/
.
.
'd . d'
-
.
I
easien l~ '
.."
"'. !
.r
- ,-- I,
"
"
. ! riC;C
:~lne 1 I.
/"",'___,'I~:-'L-.L ~__I
: !;:;=~, ~=~~~~~=~ -.:.~."':.CCl
.I~--~ ~'
: I;;; II_T_J-,~J _
"'--,--
-
"
I
.
e-
m ,30/31 Sideroal: _'
. e---J i
,--"
. I b I
.
" v-
. .J I
. u 'I
.
eL- _LI
.
.
--'c
~
.
::01
-,
--
m",l
-
.
"
.
~
,me
1-"
LEGEND
I,,,
oil
I_m I, ,0
,-- -
--'
~=u
__m /--
..r\"-.
!-------
- ~
fi "'-
,ilr
IT ! --Of,::
,--
\ci\"
~
~
Township Haul Routes
Township Haul Routes (Lim~ed)
19 c . I EwlJr 7
.1-:f,,$T~ i "'!
.t-.~L ---,'
i 9[')('7-111- 1_
f~J i
',),/ ,;/ ;,.em
. ;,,~/
2':: I i
T'
_11=
" ~~-I
[J .",__J I,:::::::
1'1
I
I ~'..,
j
! '"
T
il ~~;
em'__'
e-
I,
1-,1
Ri
'__em
,1'
';1-__ I/i~
!._..,"'---,'j ~----
" hi- I
'1-,)--" 1- I J
----
,,---".--
. 1-- ii' i II i II~
';; IJ i
I'L
"r,..- II"
I
~ !;
I.
"
.
,----
P'~--
I' '
.
" Ii;C '1
:: r=,m~F~~C;= l~rl:;;:L [
u t~~.Jll- -] ,d pt,.)-
I ~+Ii-
,~= c",.!Q ",::~-::I;-__
"
"1,_) L_.,.",-
~- ..-' -~I'c- "',
~I ~~=~_, __~r::~~,. - "IJn - I
"fQ., ,- .1 ~y--" "'
. ".,,~:
I "~'/ ~<:;'-..__.
, "-:1'<::, ~~--
. ,,"~ ""
5 "'~~ "';~ :::. "" I
. ""'-~'" J
" "
"'" ~ '"
, "" ~_.
"'''''
,'_I'
-- r--I-,.
~I
i
I:'J liL"''''{
JII!'- ".
'C
" I,.
" ..
J~~r~"
I
,j
i 1.__ I I
;fJO
,
- p
. ell ,~d ,- ~-tE=
i l< I i 'lTI "-'=b4~:V'-'
!<+nJc.. j~ ~'ri~7'1~
t r~ :;I~ #' I'" ~---~ .
1-"'- ~ ' g. )f T J-' !"'_"~ Ii(
I' /J Dr' - --- ,- .
~" Jj-"-~/ I (~
._____;;>"" (oafuw
:sf- ;
. , >_on
f'
I
-, ';--
. fi'l)/
.'[; ,
'i~ T"l-]'--
~___ C:-.J
--"-
m
.-,---
-
"
,
,.....,..,~ . i,-~
TO Jili:
_/,V I
.
Oi '" ! I
UIi1li",' !~':~.'. X'- ' i
""IFJ. ~. //
j{ I!~Jlli~" me rl~;' ;;".... .
!II __ __ ,1'11i',~j:. ""~ 1,111,');
.
.
"--L
"
,
.
.
-
.
,
"
.
~
(IMIdO 1$.(1 :;XtO 25.0tm
Lake
Simcoe
SCALE 1 : 4(),OOO
Note; NotToScajtn*'&!'!~t(tt1J11U ~
Schedule A-4
Official Plan Amendment 16
III
IV
V
...
;;-
CD
...
Z
o
::I-
::r
Legend
~ Horseshoe Valley - Low Density Residential
~::::::::::::::::::::::::::::j Horseshoe Valley - Medium Density Residential
I!!!I!I Horseshoe Velley. Resort Fecility
I I Horseshoe Velley Village
Recreational
2
1
1
2
3
4
N.T.S.
I
~ :E:UCI I Om Moraine Boundary
. ';IIEIiIIlWl
{A:...-..............
AuguBt21,2003
f
Township of
Oro-Medonte
Appendix 1
to the Official Plan
LEGEND
E3 Ora Moraine Boundary
_ Prtmary Aggregate Resources
III Secondary Aggregate Resources
-
,-
~"E~!
"'~21.2003
.... 'OlIO...........
-
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
PART III: THE APPENDICES
(this is not an operative part of Official Plan Amendment No. -->
Appendix A:
Meridian Planning Report dated August 7, 2003,
Appendix B:
Natural Heritage Evaluation of Ora Moraine prepared by Azimuth
Environmental
Appendix C:
Discussion Paper on Land Use Options prepared by Meridian Planning
Consultants,
Appendix D:
Discussion Paper on Aggregate Resource Extraction Issues prepared by
Meridian Planning Consultants.
Official Plan Amendment No.16
Township of Ora-Medonte
arc Moraine and Aggregate Resources
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultents August 21, 2003
64
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
REPORT TO ORO-MEDONTE
COUNCIL
ORO MORAINE AND
AGGREGATE RESOURCES OPA
(OPA # 16)
August 7, 2003
Prepared by
() tlf.1YPJA~
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1,0 INTRODUCTION 1
2,0 REVIEW OF VERBAL SUBMISSIONS AT PUBLIC MEETING 1
3,0 REVIEW OF WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS 9
4.0 CHANGES TO OPA # 16 SINCE PUBLIC MEETING 18
4,1 T ex! Changes 18
4,2 Mapping Changes 19
5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 20
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The intent of this report is to assess both the verbal submissions made at the formal public
meeting held on June 3, 2003 and to address and respond to the written comments (25+) that
were submitted at the public meeting and up to June 20, 2003, This report then concludes with a
recommendation that a modified Official Plan Amendment be adopted by Council.
2.0 REVIEW OF VERBAL SUBMISSIONS AT PUBLIC MEETING
A total of 15 individuals spoke at the formal public meeting held on June 3, 2003. Below is an
overview of their submissions and a response.
2.1 Ron Armstrong
I
I
I
I
I
I
Mr. Ron Armstrong and Mr. Matthew Price, both representing Mr. Armando Pompeo, made a
submission regarding the need to designate additional lands for estate development on the Oro
Moraine, Mr. Pompeo is the owner of 19 acres of land in lot 1, Concession 5, These lands are
located immediately to the west of the Oro Hills subdivision and to the east of the Township Fire
Station on the 4th line. It is the opinion of Mr. Armstrong that there is a need to ensure that there
is an adequate supply of land for larger lot estate development in the Township. Mr. Price
indicated that homes on such properties would sell for between $650,000 and $1,000,000,
At the present time, the subject lands are designated Rural. This designation will not change as a
resull of the adoption of OPA # 16, The existing Official Plan prohibits the development of new
estate subdivisions in the rural area. This policy was included in the Official Plan in 1995 to
ensure that most new residential development was directed to existing settlement areas where
community facilities and services will or can be made available. In addition, 'Section E2.2 of the
Official Plan states that the development of lands between the development nodes along
Horseshoe Valley Road is not contemplated by the Official Plan. This policy was included within
the Official Plan by the Ontario Municipal Board in 1994 and has been carried forward ever since.
The intent of this poiicy is to ensure that development along Horseshoe Valley Road is
concentrated in development nodes that have been approved for development.
I
On the basis of these two above policies, an application for an estate subdivision on the subject
lands would not conform with the policies of the existing Official Plan, It should be noted that the
two above referenced policies are intended to be carried forward and remain in the Official Plan
as part ofthe Official Plan review,
On the basis of the above, no changes to OPA # 16 are required or needed,
I
I
2.2 Lillian McConnell
I
I
I
Ms, McConnell indicated that she supported the policies of the Official Plan respecting
development along Horseshoe Valley Road, It was her recommendation that the policies remain
unchanged, Ms. McConnell also indicated that she had some concerns about how the haul
routes would be enforced by the municipality. She indicated that, in a number of cases, she is
aware of roads not identified as haul routes actually being used as such.
RESPONSE TO SUBMSSIONS
0'0 Moraine/Aggregate (OPA #I 16)
P,epared by
(J m.Rl!!tA~
1
August!, 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
In response, a key component of a long term municipal strategy respecting haul routes is a
passage of a By-law under of the Municipal Act that would identify which roads are confirmed as
haul routes and which roads are not. Such a By-law would also provide the municipality with the
ability to levy fines and lay charges against any operator/contractor who is found to be using a
road that is not confirmed as a haul route. Such a By-law will be prepared and provided to
Council for consideration by no later than September 2003, OPA # 16 establishes the basis for
the preparation of such a By-law under the Municipal Act.
On the basis of the above, it is recommended that no changes be made to OPA # 16,
2.3 Hartley Woodside
Mr. Woodside indicated that he has some concerns about the use of the 7'" line between the
Bass lake Side Road and Horseshoe Valley Road as a haul route, Mr. Woodside indicated that
the decision of the Ontario Municipal Board in 1994 on a number of pits on the 7'" line indicated
that traffic on this component of the 7'" line would be restricted to 100 trips per week. Mr.
Woodside also indicated that he had some concerns about the preference for full municipal
services for Craighurst established by OPA # 16 Mr. Woodside wanted to know whether there
would be further pubiic meetings in Craighurst on this issue.
In response, OPA # 16 identifies the portion of the 7'" line between the Bass lake Side Road
and Horseshoe VaUey Road as a haul route (limited), The intent of OPA # 16 is to recognize that
a limited number of trucks use this road, On the basis of a review of the decision of the OMB and
discussions with Township staff, it has been determined that a maximum of 20 trips per day for
local deliveries were provided for on this portion of the 7'" line as per the original road
agreement. This agreement has now lapsed. On this basis, it is recommended that the 'limited'
connotation be included within the OPA and that the new Municipal Act Haul Route By-law
contain this same restriction, This means that no additional truck traffic over what is currently
permitted would be allowed on this portion of the 7'" line, if a new application to develop a pit was
submitted to the municipality.
With respect to Craighurst, it is my opinion that the preferred means of servicing in Craighurst
should be on the basis of full municipal services, This ensures that there is municipal care and
control of the servicing and that a lesser amount of land is required for development. In addition,
it provides an opportunity to focus development on the Oro Moraine in defined areas rather than
in a dispersed manner. It should be noted that it is the preference of both the Province and
County as well to require full services in settlements such as Craighurst.
However, it is recognized that the residents of Craighurst have not yet been given an opportunity
to provide formal comments to Council on the proposal to establish a Secondary Plan for the
community, Given that the Oro Moraine exercise is now virtually complete, the Craighurst
Secondary Plan process will again be proceeding through the planning process, On this basis,
there will be further public meetings in late summer/early faU dealing with the Secondary Plan.
RESPONSE TO SUBMSSIONS
Oro Moraine/Aggregate (OPA /I 16)
Prepared by
()m.RlQ!~H
2
August 7, 2003
I
I
I
I
It should also be noted that the Township is in receipt of an application to develop 183 lots in the
north-east quadrant of the community on the basis of full municipal services. This application can
not be formally be considered by Council until the Secondary Plan that provides for this type of
development has also been adopted by Council and approved by the County of Simcoe,
Notwithstanding the above, it continues to be my preference that full services be established in
the Community of Craighursl. On this basis, it is recommended that no changes be made to OPA
# 16.
I
I
I
I
I
I
2.4 Mary Rose
Ms, Mary Rose made a submission on behalf of Mr. Tibor Habernathy who owns land in Part of
Lot 13, 14 (Oro) , Ms, Rose would like the limits of the Oro Moraine Planning Area to be refined to
specifically exclude her client's lands. It is Ms. Rose's perception that the inclusion of the lands
within the planning area will have an effect on her client's ability to create a new lot for residential
purposes.
At the present time, the 79 acre property is primarily located within the Agricultural designation.
New lots for residential purposes are only permitted if the lot is for a bona fide farmer or is an
infilling lot. In both circumstances, in order to qualify, the original lot has to have an area of 95
acres or more. In this case, Ms, Rose's client does not qualify for a lot in accordance with the
existing policies of the Official Plan, Ms, Rose is aware of the existing policies and plans to make
a submission on the Official Plan review process as well,
I
I
I
I
OPA # 16 proposes to include her client's lands within the planning area. In addition, OPA 1# 16
identifies a portion of the lands as being within the Natural Core/Corridor area designation, The
creation of new lots in this designation is not permitted by the OPA. The lands on which the lot is
proposed to be created by Ms. Rose's client will be designated Enhancement Area by OPA # 16,
The lot creation policies of the Rural designation will apply to lands within the Enhancement Area
designation, The amended Rural policies (through OPA # 17) will provide Ms, Rose's client with
the permission to apply for an infilling 101.
On the basis of the above, it is recommended that no changes be made to OPA # 16,
2.5 Kim Viney
I
I
I
I
I
Kim Viney is one of the owners of Hardwood Hills Mountain Bike and Cross Country Ski Centre,
located between the 5th and 6th Lines on the north side of County Road 11. Ms, Viney inquired
whether the permission to establish a 25 unit accommodation facility will continue to be in the
Official Plan following the adoption of OPA # 16. In addition, Ms. Viney inquired about how the
landfill site owned by the County of Simcoe will be dealt with by OPA 1# 16, Ms. Viney also
inquired whether there would be a definition for cross country-ski facility in the proposed
Amendment.
In response to the accommodation issue, it is proposed to place the Recreational designation on
the lands which are the site of activity area associated with the Hardwood Hills facility. The intent
is to recognize the level of activity and the use of the site for major recreational purposes in the
RESPONSE TO SUBMSSIONS
Ora Moraine/Aggregate (OPA 1# 16)
Prepared by
(JtllilmAH
3
August 7, 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Township of Oro-Medonte. The policies of the Recreational designation within the existing
Official Plan do not explicitly provide for the development of accommodation facilities as
accessory uses. On this basis, there are two options, The first is to retain this portion of the
property within the Rural designation, where the permission for accommodation facilities exists.
The second option is to provide for accessory accommodation facilities in the Recreational
policies in the parent Official Plan.
Given the size of the Hardwood Hills facility and its importance to the economy of the
municipality, it is my recommendation that the activity area be designated Recreational and that
there be a permission included within the Official Plan that would provide for the establishment of
'accessory accommodation facility' on the lands, It should be noted that this permission currently
exists within the Official Plan, As a result, other than a land use designation change, the policies
applying to the Hardwood Hills property are very similar.
With respect to the landfill site, OPA # 16 places the entire 50 acre landfill site located to the west
of the Hardwood Hills lands within a designation that recognizes its location. Given that the
landfill site is owned and operated by the County and is regulated by the Ministry of Environment,
the municipality has limited control over the use of the landfill site itself. However, there are a
number of policies in the existing Official Plan which are designed to ensure that the uses around
both existing and closed landfill sites are compatible with the landfill site itself. These policies are
contained within Section H of the Official Plan and are not proposed to be changed,
With respect to the definition of a cross-country ski facility, such a definition already exists in the
Zoning By-law and there is no need, in my opinion, to include such a definition in OPA # 16,
2.6 Bill Stonklls
Mr. Stonkus is the owner of about 220 acres of land within lot 4, Concession 7 (Oro). These
lands are located directly to the south of the Diamond Valley subdivision, which is currently being
developed. Mr. Stonkus indicated that he bought the subject property in 1989 as an investment
and that it has always been his long-term plan to develop a number of large, 5 to 20 acre estate
lots on the property.
I
I
I
I
The lands are currently designated Rural by the Official Plan. The policies of the existing Plan do
not permit the establishment of new estate residential subdivisions in the Rural area. In addition,
Section E2.2 of the Official Plan also restricts the expansion of each of the development nodes
along the Horseshoe Valley Road corridor, unless the expansion is being considered in the
context of an Official Plan review and provided the need for the identification of additional lands
has been provided.
As a result, Mr. Stonkus is limited by the existing policies in the Plan with respect to dividing the
property into a number of lots. However, Mr. Stonkus does have the ability to create one new lot
as-of-right in accordance with the Rural policies of the Official Plan, which allow for the creation of
one new residential lot from every parcel of land that is 95 acres or greater in the Rural
designation.
I
RESPONSE TO SUBMSSIONS
Oro MoraIne/Aggregate (OPA # 16)
Prepared by
(J!1lRlIDAH
4
August 7, 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
The intent of the above policies is to direct growth to existing settlements and to preserve the
character of the rural component of the municipality. It should be noted that the potential exists to
add 2,400 additional dwelling units to the Moraine in already approved developments, These
additional dwelling units will add about 6,000 additional people to the Moraine as well,
OPA # 16 places the entirety of Mr. Stonkus's property in the Natural Core/Corridor Area
designation. According to the work carried out be Azimuth Environmental, these lands are
included within parts of polygons 104 and 133, Polygon 104 is a natural forest polygon that
encompasses 380 ha. It received a score of 71.5 mainly on the basis of its large size, multiple
habitat types, is in the main recharge area, has reportedly provincially threatened species, has a
high proportion of interior forest and has older stand ages. It is also adjacent to other sizeable
forested areas, Polygon 133 is a succesional forest polygon that encompasses 141 ha. It
received a score of 45, mainly on the basis of riparian habitat, headwater areas, size and
proximity with other large forested areas.
As a result of the identification of the lands within a Natural Core/Corridor area, the permission to
create new residential lots is not proposed to be carried forward. However, the deveiopment of a
new dwelling on any existing lot of record within the Natural Core/Corridor Area designation will
continue to be permitted,
It is my opinion that, given the location of the property in the centre of a large Natural
CorefCorridor Area, the designation of the lands as proposed is appropriate. On this basis, no
changes to OPA # 16 are required.
2.7 Ernie Dryden
Mr. Dryden indicated that, on behalf of the Ora Moraine Association, the Association was very
pleased with Council's commitment to protecting the environment. However, the Oro Moraine
Association continues to have concerns about the long term effects of any development on water
and whether there will be enough policy and regulation to control water use in the future, In
addition, Mr. Dryden indicated that the Association has some concerns about including criteria
within the Official Plan that provide the basis for considering significant changes to the OffICial
Plan. However, Mr. Dryden recognized that not having criteria within the Plan leaves it open to
the Ontario Municipal Board to establish their own criteria which may not be as well thought out
and appropriate as the criteria now within the Plan. Mr. Dryden admitted that he was uncertain
about the most appropriate approach.
In response, it is my opinion that OPA # 16 elevates the importance of the function of the Oro
Moraine as one of the main groundwater recharge areas in the County of Simcoe. In addition,
there are a number of policies which require the preparation of detailed hydrological assessments
to support major development applications anywhere on the Moraine, Notwithstanding the
above, it continues to be recognized that the Municipality has little, if any, control over water
taking, since the Ministry of Environment is responsible for issuing permits to extract more than
50,000 litres of water per day on average. While the permit process is improving, there is no
formal opportunity for public input into the process and the decisions are still made only by the
Ministry of Environment based on their criteria.
I
RESPONSE TO SUBMSSIONS
Oro Moraine/Aggregate (OPA II 16)
Prepared by
()[l~~
5
August 7, 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
It is recognized that this lack of control is a cause of concern for many residents, On this basis, it
is recommended that, as part of the Official Plan review, policies regarding water taking be
included within the Official Plan to provide the basis for requiring zoning changes for water
takings, These policies would require the preparation of appropriate supporting studies and
potentially entering into of monitoring agreements prior to the favourable consideration of a larger
well on the Oro Moraine and the remainder of the Township of Oro-Medonte.
With respect to Mr. Dryden's concerns about including criteria within the Official Plan for
significant changes, it has always been my opinion that the most appropriate way to manage
change is to establish at the outset the criteria that would need to be fulfilled in order for major
changes to be considered, Not including the types of criteria creates uncertainty and the potentiai
for approvals at the Ontario Municipal Board level that could not be anticipated,
On the basis of the above, it is recommended that no changes be made to OPA # 16,
2.8 .Janice Laking
Ms. Janice Laking owns land within Lot 6, Concession 6 (Oro). These lands are located at the
south-east corner of Bass Lake Sideroad and the 5th Line, Ms, Laking has been interested in
obtaining a severance on her 30 acre property for some time. The existing Official Plan
designates her property Rural and new lots in the Rural designation are only permitted if the lot
has an area of 95 acres or more,
The lands are proposed to be placed in the Natural Core/Corridor Area designation, since it is
part of polygon 104, which is one of the larger polygons (380 ha) and is central to the study area.
It received a score of 71.5 mainly on the basis of a large number of vegetation communities and
multiple habitats, stand age, interior habitat and a provincially threatened species. It is also part
of the main recharge area,
2.9 Chris McGuckin (Lafarge)
Mr. McGuckin indicated that Lafarge Canada had a number of concerns with respect to the
proposed Amendment. Specifically, it was indicated that not enough land will continue to be
designated for resource extraction once the Amendment is approved. In addition, it is Mr.
McGuckin's view that a balance has not been struck between providing lands for resource
extraction and protecting the environment. In addition, it is Mr. McGuckin's view that the
Township shouid set aside as much land as possible for extraction in the future, Lastly, Mr.
McGuckin indicates that the Township is not having regard to the Provincial Policy Statement
which requires that municipalities ensure that as much of the resource area is available for
extraction.
In response, it is my opinion that a balance has been struck in terms of identifying lands that are
considered to be significant from a Natural Heritage perspective and by identifying lands which, if
certain criteria were met, are suitable for aggregate extraction. Approximately 50% of the
Moraine is affected by the Natural Core/Corridor Area designation. The remainder of the Moraine
can be utilized for extraction purposes, provided a number of criteria have been met.
RESPONSE TO SUBIlASSIONS
Oro Moraine/Aggregate (OPA #I 16)
Prepared by
()m.R1!!!AN
6
August 7, 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
With respect to the issue of significance, the Provincial Policy Statement allows for local
municipalities to develop methodologies for establishing and classifying significant natural
heritage features. Once a significant feature has been identified, the test then becomes whether
development can occur without having a negative impact on that feature, In the case of the Ora
Moraine, given the nature of the natural heritage features and their spatial extent, it is our opinion
that any major development within the Natural Core/Corridor Area will have a negative impact on
the significant Natural Heritage feature.
On the basis of the above, no changes to OPA # 16 are proposed,
2.10 Ron Suwala
Mr. Suwala owns about 100 acres of land in the east half of Lot 2, Concession 5 (Ora) south of
the Ora Hills subdivision, Mr. Suwala is concerned about the impacts of the proposed policies on
his ability to realize some economic benefits on his property, At the present time, Mr. Suwala's
lands are designated Rural by the Official Plan, While the list of permitted uses is relatively
extensive, the lot does not front on an open municipal road that is maintained on a year round
basis. As a result, permissions to establish the majority of the as-of-right uses cannot be
obtained unless the road is brought up to municipal standards, In addition, the existing Official
Plan prohibits the development of subdivisions on the property.
OPA # 16 proposes to place the entire Suwala property in the Natural Core/Corridor Area
designation, The property is being designated as such as the result of its scoring by Azimuth
Environmental, which identified that the property has a score of 41.5. This property is the site of
polygon 88 and parts of 111 and 308. Polygon 88 received a score of 41.5, mainly on the basis
of polygon size (144 ha), old stand age, high number of vegetation communities with interior
habitat and is part of the main recharge area. Any score over 30 leads to the conclusion that the
lands are significant and should be protected,
Given that the Suwala's do not have road access at the present time, it is difficult to determine
whether any use of the property is feasible in accordance with the policies of the existing Official
Plan. It is appreciated that the subject lands are now proposed to be piaced in the Natural
Core/Corridor area designation and that the permitted uses and development policies within that
designation are more restrictive than in the Rural designation. The permitted uses in the Natural
Core/Corridor Area designation are:
a) single detached dwellings and accessory uses on existing lots:
b) home occupations;
c) passive, non-motorized recreational uses;
d) existing agricultural uses;
e) fish and wildlife management;
f) conservation uses;
g) flood and erosion control projects;
h) renewable resource management uses, such as forestry; and,
i) bed and breakfast establishments in single-detached dwellings,
On the basis of the above, no changes are recommended to the OPA # 16,
RESPONSE TO SUBMSSIONS
Ora Moraine/Aggregate (OPA # 16)
Prepared by
(Jm.~N
7
August 7, 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
2.11 Bill Soles
Mr. Soles, representing the Big Cedar Residents Association, indicated that he supported the
efforts of the municipality with respect to the preparation of a planning document to manage
change over 20 years, However, Mr. Soles is deeply concerned about the effects of water taking
on the Moraine on the recharge function of the Moraine and on neighbouring land uses. It is on
this basis that Mr. Soles requests that the Township ensure that the protection of water be
factored into every decision made on the Oro Moraine. As noted previously, groundwater
impacts on the Moraine are highlights in OPA # 16 and a policy on water taking is proposed to be
included by OPA# 17,
2.12 Bill Fitzgerald
Mr. Fitzgerald, who indicates that he had drilled in excess of 600 holes on the Oro Moraine
looking for gravel, indicates that the mapping prepared by the Ministry of Northern Development
and Mines respecting the location of deposits on the Oro Moraine is not entirely accurate. Mr.
Fitzgerald indicated that there may be other areas on the Moraine that are much more suitable
than the existing areas that are currently developed as a pit. On this basis, Mr. Fitzgerald
suggests that the Township not undesignated lands and that anyone be given an opportunity to
submit applications provided all of the relevant criteria have been met.
In response, the intent of the planning process leading up to the preparation of OPA # 16 was to
identify areas which, because of their environmental significance, were considered to not be
suitable for aggregate extraction and other uses such as subdivisions and golf courses. All of the
areas which are within the Natural Core/Corridor designation are considered to be significant,
based on a methodology developed by Azimuth Environmental in accordance with the training
manual prepared by the Ministry of Natural Resources, it is within these areas that such uses
would, if developed, have a negative impact on the features and functions of the area,
As was noted in response to the Lafarge submission, a considerable amount of land remains
available on the Oro Moraine for aggregate extraction, provided certain criteria are met. Many
municipalities do not predesignate for extraction purposes and require the submission of Official
Plan Amendments. On this basis, Oro-Medonte can be considered a leader in this regard, in
terms of maintaining an aggregate designation on lands that are not licensed for extraction
purposes, On lands outside of the Natural Core/Corridor area, applications to develop new pits
will be considered, provided all of the criteria in the Official Plan have been satisfied.
It is on the basis of the above that we believe that a balanced approach to protecting the
environment and providing for resource extraction has been struck by this Amendment. No
changes are therefore recommended to OPA II 16 as a result of this submission,
2.13 Anne Gulot, APAO
Ms, Anne Guiot from Skelton Brumwell appeared on behalf of the APAO and indicated that the
APAO was of the view that the policies respecting aggregate extraction were too restrictive. My
response to the APAO is the same as my responses already provided in this report,
RESPONSE TO SUBMSSIONS
Oro Moraine/Aggregate (OPA /I 16)
Prepa,ed by
(Jm.RllUAH
8
August 7, 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
3.0 REVIEW OF WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS
A number of written submissions were also received by the Township. These submissions are
listed below:
1. February 25, 2003 John Laking
2. March 3, 2003 Janice laking
3, May 6, 2003 Wm, Stonkus
4. May 20, 2003 Walter Pazuk
5, May 29, 2003 Pat and Jim Woodford
6, June 2, 2003 Ernie Dryden (Oro Moraine Association)
7. June 3, 2003 Ron Wallace
8. June 3, 2003 Gary Bell (Hillway Equipment limited)
9, June 3, 2003 Anne Guiot , APAO
10. June 3, 2003 Mary M, Rose (Mr. Tibor Harbernathy)
11, June 3, 2003 Jack Haggerty (Horseshoe Valley Property Owners
Association)
12. June 9, 2003 J.R.M, (Mack) Williams
13. June 9, 2003 Sandy Agnew
14. June 11, 2003 Judy (Neufeld) Johnston
15. June 11, 2003 Bryan Johnson (Hillway Equipment limited)
16, June 11, 2003 Andrew Fyfe (City of Orillia)
17. June 16, 2003 Randall S, Hoover (Bass lake Ratepayer's Association)
18. June 16, 2003 Ingrid VanderMarel
19, June 16, 2003 Wm Stonkus
20, June 18, 2003 Christopher McGuckin (Lafarge Canada)
21. June 19, 2003 Wayne J. VarGOe
22, June 26, 2003 Jamieson Gourley (Walter Pazuk)
A summary of each of the submissions and our brief response to each is below:
RESPONSE TO SUBMSSIONS
Oro MoraIne/Aggregate (OPA 1116)
Prepa,ed by
(Jm.Rl!!!A~
II
August 7, 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
1 John Laking and February 25, 2003 Their property scored between This area includes
Terry Oram-Laking 30-50 on significant features and mainly polygons 111
will not permit new residential and 88. Polygon 111
3619 Line 5 North lots, Support the environment, received a score of 32,
but a sweeping brush across the mainly on the basis of
whole area does not do this while polygon size (62 ha), a
providing for a strong township, moderate number of
vegetation communities
Many people have managed with interior habitat and
lands with future plans in mind is part of the main
and carried out under the By-laws recharge area, tt also
of those times, Grandfathering forms part of a larger
clause needed to keep flexibility. block with adjacent
polygons 88 to the west
Specific property purchased to and 104 to the south.
build a Bed & Breakfast with a Polygon 88 is a large
large enough lot to attain a natural forest block that
severance at a later date, Meet received a score of
aU requirements except they have 41,5. ltis a large
not owned the land long enough polygon (144 ha) with
to earn severance and a lot substantial interior (45
already was severed in 1976. ha). It also received its
Infuriating to change By-law as ranking on the basis of
this portion of land is not a large number of
environmentally pleasing and the vegetation
large lot would maintain rural communities, proximity
character. Lot would also provide and stand age. No
better security with an additional change to OPA # 16 is
neighbour, as trespassing is a proposed.
problem. Agree with large uses
over large areas, but overall
application too rigid.
2 Janice Laking March 3, 2003 Have owned 30 acre property for Response contained
23 Letitia SI. 30 years. Requested further within Section 2.8 of
Barrie information at Nov. 12/02 meeting report,
North Part Lot 6, but received none to date, Object
Con. 6 to focus on "protecting 42,000
acre swath of rolling land before
Barrie encroaches." No scientific
'uslification for Meridian
RESPONSE TO SUBMSSIONS OJ !1[Rl!!!AM
Ora Moraine/Aggregate (OPA # 16) 10
P,epared by August 7, 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
proposals. Either public
ownership or carefully controlled
development recognizing existing
rights is needed,
3 William Stonkus May 9, 2003 Owns 220 acre property since Response contained
lots 3 and 4, Con. 7 1989, No doubt that rural within Section 2,6 of
character and appeal is wanted, report
but this plan short on details and
verified facts and adds
controversial terms (sensitive
areas, environmental impact,
heritage features, significant) can
only lead to confusion.
location, function, size,
"significance" scores arbitrary,
Document looks repetitive under
different headings to fill pages.
Property a retirement investment
at significant cost not to create a
150 lot subdivision, but something
that could be sold off over time,
Wants to address Council.
4 Walter Pezuk May 28, 2003 Request to be notified of decision Noted
on OPA. 103 Dunlop Street East,
Barrie ON, l4M 1A6
5 Jim Woodford May 29, 2003 "Environment First' an admirable No comment
philosophy, but one must learn
something about the environment
to practice it. Reports suggest no
earthworms or insects live on the
Moraine. Data is recycled from
the Internet and EIS at the
Township, not Moraine research.
Strange ecosystem!
Term 'hydrological
A2.1.1: Why are hydrological functions' has been
functions absent? "Protect is added
admirabie and achievable, It is
impossible for humans to
enhance nature and the word No comment
should be deleted throughout the
OPA.
RESPONSE TO SUBMSSIONS
Oro Moraine/Aggregate (OPA II 16)
Prepared by
(Jm.RlRJAM
11
August 7, 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
A2.1.2b: If this is to work, Council Database to be
will have to put consulting jobs up developed over time as
for public tender and hire natural more information
environment experts, Citizen's becomes available,
Ecological Advisory Committee
would help,
B5,1,1.2: Is a waffling section.
Should be a mandatory and as
needed section, Need a new
Section b, 1.1 ,5 entitled
"Assessment, Evaluation and Noted
Verification of an EIS," Without it
the process is meaningless,
Failure to establish database of
site-specific Moraine flora and
fauna and a Citizen's Ecological
Committee would be invaluable,
Naturalists living in area have
knowledge, experience Do not agree. Footer on
unavailable to consultants, document had incorrect
date.
Offers consultants, Council,
Committee an opportunity to
refute his criticism through a
walking tour of the Moraine. Has
offered before and been refused'
and offered three times to
establish Ecological Advisory
Committee, and refused,
Why was draft OPA (dated
January 31, 2002 and prepared
by Meridian> not presented to
pUblic when it was written to give
Committee a chance to see firm's
ideas? Draft allegedly written
before most Committee meetings
and open houses. Is it possible
there was a mistake and there is
a logical explanation? If not, asks
Council to thoroughly investigate,
6 Ernie Dryden June 3, 2003 Whole ofTownship depends on Noted
Oro Moraine groundwater. Heartened by draft
Association OPA policies protecting water and
recharQe/discharQe function of
RESPONSE TO SUBMSSIONS
Ora Moraine/Aggregate (OPA #I 16)
P,epered by
(JrilRl!!!AM
12
August 7, 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Moraine. Encourages Mayor and
Deputy Mayor to impress Simcoe
County Council as they appear to
flounder on hard issues,
Ultimately, provincial legislation is
needed and was promised. Will
be writing Premier Eves but
encourages Council to prompt
them on the issue,
Also recommend Council seek
legal advice on how to get out the
expensive box of Official Plan
appeals, Applications to change
significant policies should only
occur at five year review.
7 Ron Wallace June 3, 2003 Would appreciate documentation Noted
1793 Une 10 North as offered in last paragraph
including all relevant maps,
particularly aggregate extraction
area.
8. Gary Bell June 3, 2003 Designating Haul Routes on a Do not agree. OPA
Skelton Brumwell and Schedule and amending A-3 if a required for new pit in
Associates (Hillway haul route designation is required any event
Equipment LId,) is counterproductive. Current
licensing not on haul routes has
been very well managed to
Council satisfaction through
development agreements.
Not designating significant Do not agree. OPA
aggregate resource lands as such required for new pit.
because they lack access to a Designation of road to
haul route disregards PPS C12 be considered at same
Mineral Aggregate Resources time.
Objective: "protect known
aggregate deposits and areas of
high potentiaL for future resource
use," Placing non-designated
haul route accessible sites on an
Appendix not as clear or useful to Designation applying to
public as opposed to one Hillway lands to be
Schedule, removed
RESPONSE TO SUBMSSIONS
Oro Moraine/Aggregate (OPA # 16)
Prepared by
(J~lmAM
13
August 1, 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Hillway Equipment Lands on Line
12 does not corroborate proposed
C12.4.5, Should be revised,
9 Trudy Paterson and June 3, 2003 Draft OPA does not recognize Response contained in
Anne Terry Guiot, mineral aggregates as provincially Sections 2,9 and 2,12
Skelton Brumwell and significant resource on Moraine. of this report
Associates
(APAO) Aggregate resources sterilized
through broad protection of non-
provincially significant natural
heritage features. By reducing
the area of Mineral Aggregate
Resources designation the extent
of significant aggregate resources
to be protected is also reduced.
Some significant aggregate
resources excluded from
protection because they do not
have access to an existing haul
route. "Realistically possible" to
protect and make these available.
Request draft OPA be revised to
reflect above and provide a
revised copy to them prior to
consideration of adoption,
10 Mary M. Rose for Dr. June 3, 2003 Propose modification to Planning Response contained in
Tibor Harbernathy Area boundary to exclude area Section 2.4 of this
zoned EP and MAR2 from OPA. report
11 Jack Haggerty June 3, 2003 Have watched commitment to Noted
Horseshoe Valley "quality of life" issues grow over
Property Owners past year. It has been a pleasant
Association surprise to see this work unfold in
a direction we feel will benefit all
residents in the years to come. It
would have been easy to give in
to development forces knowing
confrontation and appeais to the
OMB would occur. Vision and
four pillars in existing OP
provided a real sense of purpose
and direction, Ask Council to
"Stav the Course" and implement
RESPONSE TO SUBMSSIONS
Oro Moraine/Aggregate (OPA # 16)
Prepared by
(Jm.RlR!~H
14
August 7, 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
an amended Plan to protect open
spaces and clean water.
12 J,R.M, (Mack) June 9, 2003 Has owned property since 1946. Noted, Scored less
Williams Reforested old farm around 1955 than 30. Lack of
West half of lot 2, and has been thinning plantations designation does not
Con 5 (Oro) since 1977. Manages his forest preclude public
like most County Forest dedication or
properties and a trail system conservation easement.
exists as well. Was surprised his
land was not designated Natural
Heritage, but it is slowly moving
towards a natural forest. A
residence may be reestablished
on site, but it will be self-sufficient.
A working properly managed
forest can financially help
landowners to be good stewards
and will maintain of enhance
desired natural features of
Moraine. May help reduce
fragmentation of landscape.
Reforestation has dramatic
effects on ground water and
stream quality that had been
harmed (Ganaraska River).
Forest cover can screen
aggregate operations.
. Resounding successes in
exhausted pits becoming part of
the forested landscape.
Forestry potential in enhancing
agriculture should be kept in
mind.
Trees and forest enhance quality
of life. Urban centers have many
wooded areas or forestry
departments. Will mitigate
settlement effects, link forest
areas and screen desired uses,
Clearing areas for settlements
can kill or weaken trees throuoh
RESPONSE TO SUBMSSIONS
Oro Moraine/Aggregate (OPA # 16)
Prepared by
() !'!LRl!!!AH
15
August 7, 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
unnatural exposing. Can bring
tourism to area as his experience
with his own property and Simcoe
County Forests shows,
Forest plays a role in most points
listed under intent of the Plan,
Good stewardship can be
fostered through conservation
easements like a Managed Forest
Tax Incentive Program. May be a
sound investment to maintain
forest landscape, Proactive
approaches useful and
intervention needed to pursue
specific objectives,
large areas are maintained under
managed forests to preserve
water supply, and a similar
approach can be used here,
Is delighted to see section on
preservation and planting. Site
design can easily incorporate
more planting that would enrich
communities,
13 Sandy Agnew June 9, 2003 Strongly supports policy and Noted
protection of natural features and
ecological functions of Moraine,
14 Judy (Neufeld) June 11, 2003 long time resident and farmer. Noted
Johnston land can't be used for
subdivisions, gravel, golf courses,
or farming but are taxed to
present assessed value which
would be too high under Plan.
Amendment should be looked
over more carefully before more
lawsuits and OMB hearings arise,
wasting taxpayer money.
15 Bryan Johnston June 11, 2003 long time land owner and farmer Lands potentially to be
in Oro. His land is part of a used by Hillway, These
current pit application and asked lands are to be
Council to maintain current policy undesignated
RESPONSE TO SUBMSSIONS
Ora MoralnelAgg,egate (OPA 1# 16)
Prepared by
()!1lR1!!!AH
16
August 7, 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
for new gravel Haul Routes,
Unfair and does not accomplish
anything but confusion, especially
when current Agreement policy
works well. It is good that Mineral
Aggregate Resources Potential
designation remains, What does
it really mean that 12th Line is not
a Haul Route?
16 Andrew Fyfe, Senior June 11, 2003 No policy, financial impact on Noted
Planner, City of Orillia Ori/lia, With policy focused on
either the Moraine's natural
heritage features or
housekeeping measures, there is
no concern,
17 Randy Hoover, Bass June 16, 2003 Appreciate the leadership of Noted
Lake Ratepayers' Council when protection of
Association environment and resources from
those seeking to exploit that
heritage is, at this time, supreme.
In full support.
18 Ingrid VanderMarel June 16, 2003 Our generation and those before Noted
26 Cathedral Pines, have ravaged earth and we now
RR#1 Barrie need to make decisions with the'
future in mind, Gravel of the
moraine is a non-renewable
resource and the perfect
percolation material left for our
water will never return. Stand
firm in your resolve and adopt
OPA as proposed.
19 Wm Stonkus June 16, 2003 Mentioned many of the same Response contained
points as in May 6, 2003 letter within Section 2.6 of
this report,
20 Christopher June 19, 2003 Disappointed APAO comments Response contained in
McGuckin, lafarge have not been adequately Section 2.9 of this
Canada incorporated into draft OPA: report.
- no regard to PPS on providing
availability to as much
aggregate as realistically
Dossible
RESPONSETOSUBMS~ONS
Oro Moraine/Aggregate (OPA # 16)
Prepared by
()t!lR1RlAN
17
August T, 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
- restricts access with existing
conditions and locally
significant natural heritage
features
- does not achieve appropriate
balance between protection of
significant aggregate
resources and significant
natural heritage features
(numbers indicate otherwise),
- should be no prioritization of
Moraine aggregate resources,
- sufficient evidence not been
given to warrant exclusion of
aggregate extraction in Natural
Core/Corridor Areas.
Removal of Mineral Aggregate
Resource designation based
upon regionally (not provincially)
significant features.
Any attempt to manage
aggregates based on existing
haul routes is short-sighted, does
not recognize geographical
limitation and non-renewable
nature of extraction.
Haul routes can be designed to
mitigate impacts on community.
Draft OPA not progressive, does
not permit opportunities for
habitat creation and
enhancement. No recognition of
interim land use of production and
final rehabilitation is required
under Aggregate Resources Act.
Oro Moraine is not a major
supplier of aggregates at
provincial (1.5% oftotal) and
County (20% of total). Important
supplier of local construction
aggregate and protection of finite
resource is essential for
continued orowth in local,
RESPONSE TO SUBMSSIONS
Ora Moraine/Aggregate (OPA # 16)
Prepared by
(JJt1l~H
18
August 7, 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
regional economy,
Please provide final areas of land
designated as "Mineral Aggregate
(License)" and "Mineral
Aggregate (Potential)."
21 Wayne Varcoe, Cliff June 19, 2003 OPA subjects company to Response contained in
Varcoe Ltd, competitive disadvantage by Section 2.9 of this
eliminating acquiring, developing report
power within Planning Area,
Limiting extraction along haul
routes directs economic cost of
extraction in Oro-Medonte beyond
economically viable point for Cliff
Varcoe Ltd. Present areas of
extraction cannot be used to
predict large presences of
aggregate. Quite possible
outlined areas are not viable
while neighbouring areas are
highly viable. Most producers are
presently having great difficulty
meeting market demands and are
tuming customers away.
Not enough good biological
evidence to support the
wholesale restriction on
aggregate extraction within Plan
Area. Geological knowledge is
not detailed enough at present to
accurately predict existence of
resources with any certainty,
22 Jamieson Gourley June 26, 2003 Requires notice on behalf of Mr. Noted
W. Pazuk.
RESPONSE TO SUBMSSIONS
Oro Moraine/Aggregate (OPA if 16)
Prepared by
(J IllilillAM
19
August 8, 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
4.0 CHANGES TO OPA # 16 SINCE PUBLIC MEETING
On the basis of some of the comments made on the OPA by members of the public and agencies
and as a result of some further consideration of the policies and mapping, a number of minor
changes are included within the version of OPA # 16 which is being recommended for adoption
by Council. A description of these changes are below,
4.1 Text Changes
1. Section A2,1.2 a) has been amended by adding the words "and hydrological" after the
word "ecological",
2. Section A2.6,2 b) has been modified by adding the words "appropriate locations along"
after the words "employment uses to", The intent of this change is to ensure that the
locations for highway commercial and employment uses along Highway 11 are
considered to be appropriate,
3, A new strategic objective has been added to Section A2,7.2 and it reads as follows:
"d) to encourage the development and diversification of the tourism industry in the
Township."
This change is being made to ensure that tourism development in the Township
continues to be a strategic objective of the municipality.
4, Section B1.1 c) has been modified by adding the following words at the end of this sub-
section "while providing for all types of development, including aggregate extraction. "
5, Sections 131.10,1.4 b) and section 131.10.2.4 d) is modified by adding the following words
at the end "or another non-profit group. In addition, new residential lots may be
considered if the remnant parcel will be subject to a long term (over 21 years)
conservation easement,"
6. Section 03.4 a) and d) are modified by deleting the word "significant" the intent of this
change is to ensure that EIS's are prepared to support developments around any
woodland or wildlife area within the Environmental Protection Two overlay designation.
7. Section 135,1.1,1 c) is deleted, This section is not required as the issue is covered in sub-
sections a and b, in addition the word "critical" in the first paragraph is placed by the
word "significant.
8. Section 135,1.1.3 k) is modified by adding the words "(in the Oro Moraine Planning Area)
after the word linkage.
9. Section 135.1,1.4 a) is modified by adding the words "related ecological" before the word
functions.
RESPONSE TO SUBMSSIONS
Ora Moraine/Aggregate (OPA # (6)
Prepa,ed by
(J [1lRlillAM
20
August 8, 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
10, Section B5.1,1,4 i) is modified by adding the words "the function of natural heritage
areas" after "effect" and deleting the words "wetland function or contiguous wetland
areas" .
In addition to the above, a number of typographical errors were corrected and a number of
sections were renumbered to ensure that the Official Plan Amendment is appropriately formatted,
4.2 Mapping Changes
A number of minor mapping changes were also made to the Schedules, These are as follows:
1. The lands under application for rezoning by Hillway Equipment Limited have been
redesignated from Mineral Aggregate Resources to Agricultural.
2, The Edgar Special Policy Area designation has been placed on the affected lands,
However, portions of the north-west and north-east sections of the property have been
placed in the Oro Moraine Core/Corridor Area designation.
3. The Recreational designation has been applied to the activity area associated with the
Hardwood Hills property, the Settlers Ghost Golf Course and the golf course on
Horseshoe Valley Road east of Jarratt (Frank Whibley),
4, The Enhancement Area designation has been added in the vicinity of Coulson Mountain
in Lot 2, Concession 8 and is also shown on the Environmental Schedule as well as an
outlier.
5. The 'Mineral Aggregate Resource - Licensed' designation has been placed on the Squire
property in Lot 7, Concession 7 as a result of the approval of OPA # 14.
6. The 'Mineral Aggregate Resource -Licensed' designation on the Truax property in Lot 7,
Concession 10 has been corrected.
5.0 RECOMMENDATION
It is my opinion that the attached OPA # 16 is appropriate, in the public interest and should be
adopted, On this basis, it is recommended that:
Council receive this report;
. Pass a By-law adopting OPA # 16 to the Oro-Medonte Officiai Plan,
Respectfully Submitted
Nick McDonald, MCIP, RPP
Partner
NM/jrw
RESPONSE TO SUBMSSIONS
Oro Moraine/Aggregate (OPA # 16)
Prepared by
(Jt1lRJmA~
21
August 8, 2003
I
",/
I -@-
/', '
I
I
'I '~m
il
:1
I
I
I
I
il
:1
il
II
il
'I
I
:1
Natural Heritage Evaluation and
Recommendations for Preservation of
Environmentally Significant Areas
On the Oro Moraine
Prepared For:
Township ofOro Medonte
Prepared By:
Azimuth Environmental
Consulting, Inc.
September, 2002
AEC 01-051
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
-
1/
-@ZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL
/' ," CONSULTING, INC.
Environmental Assessments & Approvals
September 16th, 2002
AEC 01-051
Township ofOro Medonte
Box 100
Oro, Ontario
LOL 2XO
Attention:
Ms. Andria Leigh
Re:
Natural Heritage Study ofthe Oro Moraine and Recommended Core
Areas and Linkages.
Dear Ms. Leigh:
Azimuth Environmental Consulting (Azimuth) is pleased to submit our draft report
entitled "A Natural Heritage Study of the Oro Moraine and Recommendations for
Potential Core Areas and Linkages" to the Oro Working Committee for review and
comment.
It is the recommendation of this report that a scoring cut-off of 30, based on methodology
and landscape ecology principles approved for use in this process, be adopted as a basis
for delineating core areas and linkages within the study area. This cut-off is
. recommended to protect ecologicaJ and hydrological features and functions of the
moraine identified as significant and worthy of protection in the long-term planning
process of the Township. Results of this study have also generated an extensive and
flexible database of background information for the use of the Township when
considering applications for changes in land use.
Yours truly,
AZIMUTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING INC.
fmt~0 < <;?;ufit
Dr. Martha G. Scott, PhD.
Senior Ecologist
MGMS:
-~~----~~,~,~-~-~
~~~--~~
111 Saunders Road, Unit 2, Barrie, Ontario L4M 6E7
telephone: (705) 721-8451; fax: (705) 721-8926 info@azimuthenvironmental.com
--._---
---_._--~----~------~~-----~~~-~-
~~-~
I
1*
I
I
I
:1
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
,
I
I
I
I
I
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Transmittal Letter
1
1.0 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................1
2.0 STUDY OBJECTIVES...............................................................................................3
3.0 STUDY METHODOLOGY .......................................................................................3
3.1 Approach to Developing the NHS Evaluation Protocol......................................... 3
3.2 Implementation of the Methodology....................................................................... 6
3.2.1 Delineation of Polygons (Habitat Patches) ........................................................ 6
3.2.2 Field Confirmation..... .................... ..... ... ............................. ............. ................. 8
3.2.3 Polygon Metrics ................................................................................................ 8
3.2.4 Map Overlays ...................,........................................................... ..... .........,...... 8
3.3 Factors Selected for Development ofNHS Evaluation System............................... 9
3.3.1 Landscape Level Factors................................................................................... 9
3.3.2 Polygon Metrics Factors ................................................................................. 10
3.3.3 Conununity Level Factors............................................................................... 11
3.3.4 Species Level Factors ..................................................................................... 12
3.3.5 Hydrological Factors........................... ............................................................ 12
3.3.6 Special Designations ....................................................................................... 12
3.4 Design of the Rating Scheme................................................................................. 13
3.5 Evaluation of Polygon Scores......;..................................................................... 21
3.6 Delineation of Proposed Natural Heritage Areas............................................... 21
4.0 STUDY RESUL TS....................................................................................................23
4.1 Analysis of Landscape Level Factors .................................................................... 23
4.1.1 General Description of Oro Landscape........................................................... 23
4.1.2 Scoring Patterns for Landscape Factors.......................................................... 25
4.2 Analysis of Polygon Metrics............................,.....................................................26
4.2.1 General Characteristics of Polygon Size and Shape....................................... 26
4.2.2 Scoring Patterns for Polygon Metrics ............................................................. 29
4.3 Analysis of Conununity Level Factors .................................................................. 29
4.3.1 General Characteristics of Vegetation Communities...................................... 29
4.3.2 Scoring Patterns for Vegetation Communities ............................................... 33
4.4 Analysis of Species Level Factors ......................................................................... 33
4.4.1 General Characteristics of Oro Species .......................................................... 33
4.4.2 Scoring Patterns for Species Factors............................................................... 36
4.5 Analysis of Hydrological Factors .......................................................................... 37
4.5.1 General Description of Hydrological Factors................................................. 37
ii
*
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
~
~
I
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
~
~
IJ
~
~
'~
IJ
I~
;;j
~
4.5.2 Scoring Patterns for Hydrological Factors...................................................... 37
4.6 Analysis of Special Designation Factors ...............................................................38
4.6.1 General Description of Specially Designated Areas....................................... 38
4.6.2 Scoring Patterns for Special Designations...................................................... 39
5.0 PROPOSED NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEM..................................................40
5.1 Recommended Core Areas and Linkages.............................................................. 40
5.2 Opportunities for Future Enhancement.................................................................. 42
5.3 Delineation of Core Areas and Linkages ............................................................... 43
6.0 CONCLUSIONS .......................................................................................................45
8.0 REFERENCES..........................................................................................................47
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................ II
LIST OF TABLES ..........................................................................................................111
LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................111
LIST OF APPENDICES ................................................................................................ IV
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Explanation of Scoring Criteria
Table 2. Resources used to Evaluate NH Features of the Oro Moraine
Table 3. Summary of Polygon Distribution by Class Type
Table 4. Summary of Polygon Metrics Data
Table 5. Summary of Vegetation Community Characteristics
Table 6. List of Common Canopy Tree Species in Forested Polygons
Table 7. List ofVTE's reported for the Study Area
Table 8. Scoring Statistics
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Study Area Base Map
Figure 2. Composite Air Photo Base Map
Figure 3. Features and Constraints
Figure 4. Hydrological Features and Special Designations
Figure 5. Composite Map of Landscape Polygons
III
I
I*'
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Draft for Discussion
September 18'h, 2002
Figure 6. Agricultural Areas
Figure 7. Combined Forested Areas
Figure 8. Natural Forest Areas including Treed Wetland
Figure 9. Managed Forest Areas
Figure 10. Successional Forest Areas
Figure 11. Rural Residential, Recreational and Miscellaneous Areas
Figure 12. Scoring Summary
Figure 13. Scoring Intervals between 0 and 30
Figure 14. Scoring Intervals between 30 and 50
Figure 15. Scoring Intervals between 50 and 70
Figure 16. Scoring Intervals over 70
Figure 17. Sensitivity Analysis A (based on cut off of 30)
Figure 18. Sensitivity Analysis B (based on cut off of 50)
Figure 19. Cores and Linkages (Based on Cut-off of 30)
Figure 20. Sample of Access Database
Figure 21. Landscape Polygon Summary (provided on CD only)
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A. Oro Plant Species
Appendix B. Oro Bird Species
Appendix C. Oro Mammal Species
Appendix D. Oro Herpetile Species
Appendix E. Supplementary OMNR Documentation (pSW's, Wildlife Habitat)
Appendix F. Excerpts from the Natural Heritage Reference Manual (OMNR, June 1999)
Appendix G. Sample Abstracts of Relevant Landscape Ecology Papers.
IV
*
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
~
~
IJ
I]
IJ
IJ
,
..
..
~
~
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Azimuth Environmental Consulting Inc. (Azimuth) was retained by the Township of Oro
Medonte to prepare a report summarizing existing environmental features and functions
of natural areas on the Oro Moraine landform and to recommend a naturallwritage
system (NHS) that identifies environmentally significant areas for incorporation into the
Township's Official Plan.
Azimuth's role is to provide technical advice to the Township's Oro Moraine Committee.
This committee includes members of Council, Township staff, MNR, Simcoe County,
LSRCA, the City of Barrie, local developers, members of the public and the Township's
planning consultant (Meridian Planning). The committee is charged with preparing the
technical study and ultimately providing recommendations to Council. This report
represents one component of the committee's undertaking and is a building block for
future land use designations to protect the form and function of the Oro Moraine. As part
of the process, public information meetings have been held on two occasions to present
the information collected to date and to seek direct input from members of the public
regarding the study methodology and information presented here. At least two additional
public information meetings are planned to address options for planning designations and
a Council public meeting for amendments to the Official Plan.
The approach selected to develop a natural heritage system for a landform the size of the
Oro Moraine uses both principles of landscape ecology and published databases that
contain more detailed information on vegetation and wildlife species. Although this
study uses primarily a landscape ecology approach, we intend the database to be flexible
and to have the potential to be updated to include data from site-specific natural history
studies as they become available. The following principles and benefits of ecosystem
preservation outlined in the Natural Heritage Reference Manual (MNR, 1999) have been
,adapted for use in this study:
.. On a global scale, natural areas provide:
1. climate moderation;
2. maintenance of hydrologic cycles;
3, provision of habitat for species;
4. production of oxygen and absorption of carbon dioxide;
.. On a local scale, natural areas function in;
I. cleaning, conveyance, storage and provision of water;
I
1
1*
1
;1
1
1
1
1
I
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
2. improvement of air quality;
3. prevention of erosion;
4. conversion and storage of atmospheric carbon;
5. provision of greenspace for human activities;
6. aesthetic, psychological and quality of life benefits to humans;
7. economic benefits of the forest industry - fuel- wood, timber, maple syrup,
Christmas tree farming, etc.;
8. benefits of wetlands - removal of excess nutrients, trapping of sediments,
recharge and discharge of ground water, flood attenuation and control,
stabilization of shorelines - monetary savings in infrastructure costs; and
9. protection of species at risk by preserving their habitats - prevention of
extirpations and extinctions.
The goal of natural heritage planning is to ensure that ecosystems remain diverse and
functional with or without development. Core areas and naturally vegetated linkages
(corridors) are established to protect identified ecological and hydrological features and
functions and to focus settlement into more concentrated areas, thereby minimizing the
environmental effects of anthropogenic disturbance such as fragmentation and isolation
of sensitive habitat.
Within most landscape level ecological analyses (See Appendix G for sample abstracts),
the theory is advanced that natural ecosystem remnants are embedded in a matrix of
anthropogenic land use. In the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), for example, remnant
landscape patches such as the Humber River Valley Corridor are surrounded by urban
development that includes massive subdivisions and large areas of commercial and
industrial designation. MacArthur's theory of island biogeography (MacArthur and
Wilson, 1967) forms the basis for the approach that remnant ecosystems are essentially
islands suspended in a sea of urban development, considered to be the "water" or matrix
component of the model. Studies have shown that the degree of biodiversity is generally
smaller in "islands" that are isolated from each other by development or as a result of the
small size of these islands. So, the concept that reduction of the size of natural areas and
their isolation has a negative impact on species abundance is key to the interpretation of
natural heritage information and to the arguments made in this study
2
)4{
Draft for Discussion
September1Sili,2002
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
~J
~
IJ
~
~
~
~
IJ
ill
~
2.0 STUDY OBJECTIVES
The following objectives are addressed by this study:
. To integrate existing mapping, databases and background information on the Oro
Moraine to create a series of map overlays;
. To produce a series of map overlays at a scale fine enough to permit identification
of environmental features unique to the Oro Moraine (previous mapping exercises
have been completed at much larger scales, - e.g., 1 :50,000);
. Using the methodology described in a subsequent section of this report (after
Natural Heritage Reference Manual, MNR, June 1999)), to examine the
relationships that exist between units of natural, self-sustaining vegetation on the
Oro Moraine and to identifY areas where anthropogenic influence, such as rural
residential subdivisions and other settlement concentrations, have the potential to
impact the natural environment;
. To identifY environmentally significant areas that could be adversely impacted
from development activities and to assess the level of protection required to
maintain existing environmental features and functions;
. To recommend a natural heritage system that will protect ecosystem biodiversity
and unique and sensitive features of the moraine landform;
. To develop a dynamic environmental database that is capable of incoIporating data
from ongoing/future inventory and natural history based studies;
. To provide environmental information of use to municipal plannets and residents of
the Moraine who are contemplating development of all or a portion of their
property;
. To define criteria and attributes, on an individual landscape unit basis, to assist in
the undertaking of future Environmental Impact Studies;
. To recommend potential core areas and linkage areas that should be maintained
and/or enhanced in the future.
3.0 STUDY METHODOLOGY
3.1 Approach to Developing the NHS Evaluation Protocol
The development of an NHS Evaluation system useful to planning required the
development of a spatially based rating scheme that would allow the identification and
delineation of core areas and linkages that should receive high preservation priority. To
achieve this it was necessary to develop 1) a landscape map of habitat patches delineated
at a scale relevant to planning: and 2) criteria to rate the habitat patches delineated as to
their ecologicallhydrological significance in the context of the Oro Moraine landform.
3
1
1%
1
1
1
1
1
1
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
i
1
I
1
,
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
The theoretical basis for the methodology has been taken directly from principles
outlined in the Natural Heritage Reference Manual for Policy2.3 of the Provincial Policy
Statement (Ministry of Natural Resources, updated June, 1999 - excerpts in Appendix F).
Primary source scientific literature was also consulted to confirm the validity of concepts
used. Recent publications (Wagner, 2001, Bender, 1998, Theobald, 1998, and Miller et
al., 1997) emphasize the need to study habitat from a landscape ecology perspective that
partitions natural areas into patches with defined "edge" and "interior" components.
Various attributes of the resulting mosaic of patches are analyzed to determine their
contribution to maintaining biodiversity and protecting the habitat of sensitive species. A
similar approach is also being used in the design of the Oak Ridges Conservation Plan
(May 2002) and planning to protect significant forested lands in a number of other
municipalities (Reid 2002).
There are three basic approaches outlined in the Natural Heritage Reference Manual
(June 1999) that can be used to identify significant natural heritage areas or features
within the local landscape:
. An Overlay Approach: integrates natural heritage features and areas listed in
Policy 2.3.1. By overlaying various individual components on a map, a network
or grid system is developed to allow the identification of landscape polygons that
have potential significance.
. A Functional or Top-down Approach: identifies features, functions and
linkages on the landscape, independent of the definitions of components as
defined in Policy 2.3 .1. This approach assigns significance on the basis of
primary ecological functions and features of the landscape. This approach must
have regard for the Natural Heritage Policy.
. An Inventory or Bottom up Approach: identifies significant features and areas
based on "on-site" or field evaluations and inventories and compares these
inventories against specific significance standards.
The methodology of this study relies most heavily on the integration of the "overlay" and
"top-down" approaches.
Overlays were developed using aerial photographs, MNR forest resources inventory
sheets (MNR 1978) and Natural Heritage Infonnation Centre (NHIC) vulnerable,
threatened or endangered species (VTE) mapping in addition to EIS reports prepared at
time of application for development of specific land units on the Oro Moraine. These
spatial data were used to define polygons of similar habitat types (based on land cover).
These various sized habitat patches served as the basic spatial units for analysis (See
3.2.1).
4
)/
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
I
I
I
I
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
Our study methodology relies most heavily on the top-down approach because it provides
a means of evaluating the significance of an area in a more comprehensive manner than
possible using an inventory or bottom up approach. For example, an inventory may
reveal no species of conservation concern. This may truly be the case or the failure to
fmd such species may simply reflect sampling inefficiencies such as survey timing, not
enough sampling effort, highly cryptic or secretive species, poor observation conditions,
etc.). Therefore, rating habitat patches based solely on their species composition presents
a significant risk of not properly assigning the significance a polygon may deserve. By
evaluating habitat patches in a broader context of ecosystem composition, structure,
functions and linkages we greatly increase the criteria that we can use to assess the
significance of a habitat patch. This multi-criteria approach ensures the greatest success
at properly assigning the value of a polygon or assemblage of polygons within the Oro
Moraine study area. Our rating system ultimately used species level inventory data and
so also incorporated the bottom up approach to a degree (data extracted from various
sources, See Appendices A - D). Details of the rating system used in this study are
provided in Table I and explained in detail in a subsequent section.ofthe report.
This study approach will provide the following information that will be useful to planners
and decision makers:
· A cumulative score reflecting the potential presence of environmental features and
functions for every landscape unit on the moraine. The cumulative score will be
linked to a high, medium or low preservation priority using an arbitrary sensitivity
analysis based on various scoring cut-offs;
. A map that shows the potential location of natural core areas, natural linkage areas,
existing settlement concentrations, existing rural land use concentrations (rural
residential, farm operations, etc. - equivalent to Countryside areas in the Oak
Ridges plan) and existing licensed aggregate extraction operations so that the
location of future development can be concentrated into specific areas of low
potential environmental significance;
. A list of factors, in the form of an access database that should be incorporated into
future EIS requirements at time of application for any future development. The list
can target specific information requirements to specific classes oflandscape units;
· Flexibility to incorporate data and information from future scientific studies as new
information becomes available and the ability to adjust the scoring and ranking data
accordingly;
. Background information, in the form of detailed appendices, of use in municipal
planning.
5
1
1%
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Draft for Discussion
September18ili,2002
1n addition to the benefits listed above, conservation of natural heritage areas ensures that
ecosystems/landscapes remain functional by helping to conserve biodiversity.
(Bio )diversity is the variability that exists amongst organisms, populations and
communities. For the purposes of this study, the key function of maintaining biodiversity
in natural areas was addressed by looking at several attributes of habitat:
. Size of patch and amount of forested interior potentially available to support a
large number of species;
. Examination of habitat and biodiversity at the community level. Usually, the
most effective way to preserve species is to manage or conserve habitat within
which they are found. This study will use existing 1998 aerial photography,
background infonnation and field confinnation to characterize significant
community types and to detennine diversity of canopy species within forested .
lands;
. Landscape level biodiversity - refers to the variety of ecosystems/communities
that can be found within the landscape. Assemblages of contiguous (neighboring)
naturally - vegetated habitat patches are particularly useful for maximizing habitat
diversity. The size, arrangement and degree of interconnection between habitat
patches are of particular importance and were also examined in this study.
A variety of existing databases and published environmental reports were consulted to
detennine details of vegetation community type and species inventories not addressed by
the field component of this study. Table 2 outlines resources used in the completion of
the study and the preparation of this report:
3.2 Implementation of the Methodology
3.2.1 Delineation of Polygons (Habitat Patches)
Following the delineation of the study area by the Committee (Figure 1), infrared
photographs taken in 1998 sourced from the County of Simcoe were scanned and
assembled into a composite aerial photograph of the Oro Moraine (Figure 2). The limits
of the photomosaic included the SOOm buffer to the geological boundary of the moraine.
Landscape units or polygons were traced onto the composite satellite imagery as a
separate information layer. The Oro Moraine and lands immediately adjacent to the
moraine boundary (within the sOOm boundary) were all divided into landscape categories
or units using the categories outlined below. The exercise resulted in the delineation of
approximately 340 discrete polygon units. The size, shape and location of identifiable
boundaries as well as the general species composition oflandscape units or "polygons"
6
*
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
I]
I]
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
were verified, wherever possible, by field investigation to determine whether changes in
land use had occurred since the last available aerial photography for the area was
undertaken in 1998. Field investigations are discussed more fully in a later section of this
report.
The following broad categories of landscape unit were selected to fulfill objectives of this
study. Features and functions of each unit were scored using the rating scheme presented
in Table 1 of this report. Each polygon was assigned an identifYing label from the
following list as well as a unique identifier number:
. Natural Forest (F) - was subdivided into coniferous, mixed, deciduous and
wetland (containing a high percentage of wet-adapted species) at time of site visit
and using FRl sheets. This unit was used for privately-owned forested lands;
· Managed Forest (MF) - mostly coniferous plantations managed by the County of
Simcoe for softwood lumber production, although cultural plantations on fann
properties will also be identified as "Coniferous Plantations" (CP), as opposed to
"Managed Forest" since the degree of management of privately owned conifer
plantations is unknown;
· Successional Forest - divided into early, mid and late successional based on
available FRl data and field notes;
· Old Field Successional (OF) - a subclassification included on the mapping with
successional forest
· Reforestation Area (RF) - also a subclassification of successional (early
successional). Note that reforestation areas cannot be included in the delineation
of core areas because of the agricultural land use, i.e. Christmas tree fanning, that
many of these polygons represent;
. Agricultural (A) - actively cultivated or fanned agricultural land
· Rural Residential (RR) - includes low - density subdivisions, residential
properties on lots severed from rural land use, and small hamlets such as
Craighurst, Jarrett and Everett.
. Aggregate Extraction - existing and licensed pit operations - i.e. already
committed (AE)
· Recreation Area (RC) - polygon used for active recreational pursuits such as
downhill or cross-country skiing, golf, mountain bike riding, etc.
Note that these categories are not related to existing municipal Official Plan designations
or zonings. They identify units of the moraine landform that will be scored for the
factors described in Table 1. As well, the categories simply provide a nomenclature base
to allow discussion and are not part of the ranking process. For example, a landscape unit
7
1
1*
1
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
~
I
I
I
I
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
classified as "late stage successional" has characteristics that may overlap with "natural
forest". The rankings are based on specific characteristics so that a unit would not
achieve a higher rank simply on the basis ofthe category to which it was assigned.
3.2.2 Field Confirmation
Field investigation was undertaken during a two week period in May of 2002, prior to
leaf out, to confirm the nature, location and extent of naturally vegetated landscape units
on the moraine. The field - work was necessary to verify that the boundaries of the
polygon units as shown on the study mapping (See Figure 21 - foldout) were appropriate.
In addition, general characteristics of the vegetation communities were recorded such as
topographic information, type of farming activity, successional stage of old field
communities, dominant canopy species if accessible, etc. Although the identification of
specific ecosite types using the ELC was not possible because some units were not in
proximity to roadways and public access points, it was possible to assign general labels
such as "maple - dominated Deciduous Forest" to many of the forested communities, and
to identify basic characteristics of cultural plantations and basic wetland types. The FRI
sheets were subsequently used to estimate number of stand types per polygon, the
presence of specific canopy species and number and age of stand types.
3.2.3 Polvgon Metrics
It was possible to determine the approximate area, in ha, of all natural vegetation units on
the moraine, the area of forested interior (using a 100m offset from the feature boundary)
and the amount of edge. All polygons of O.Sha or larger were scored for metrics factors
and included in the study. Straight - line distance to the nearest polygon with natural
vegetation characteristics was also evaluated to determine the interconnectedness of
existing habitat. The proximity measurement facilitated the evaluation of potential future
linkages and is related to potential wildlife use of clustered habitat patches. Specific
information concerning the scoring for polygon metrics is explained in Table 1.
3.2.4 Map Overlavs
The following parameters have already been incorporated into the Autocad mapping
system:
. the boundary of the Oro Moraine (the study area boundary shown in Figure 1).
This boundary was agreed upon by the Oro Moraine Committee and is comprised
of the geological boundary of the physical landform of the moraine as mapped by
Dr. Peter Bamett Ontario Geological Survey (Bamett, 1992) and a SOOm buffer to
the moraine that includes portions of provincially significant wetlands known to
have hydrological connections to the moraine. The landform mapping at the
eastern tip of the moraine has not been published recently by OGS so this
delineation was completed by Azimuth and directly reviewed by Dr. Barnett;
8
*
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
I
I
I
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
,
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
. significant hydrological features documented in previous studies (Azimuth, 2001)
such as the location of recharge areas, discharge areas, headwaters, location of
watercourses, etc.;
. location of areas of primary aggregate resource potential and existing aggregate
licenses;
. location ofEP lands, ANSI's, provincially significant wetlands and other areas
already protected in some way by the provincial or municipal planning process; and
. location of already committed areas of development such as estate residential and
urban settlement.
New layers, such as the VTE mapping obtained from the Midhurst District Office of the
OMNR were added to the existing series of map overlays. New environmental
information derived from this study was overlain onto this mapping system, with each
polygon designation type (eg. MF - Managed Forest) shown as a separate layer. The
overlay process facilitated the visual identification of areas where a number of significant
or sensitive features overlap.
Ultimately, mapping of the scores assigned to each polygon unit was overlain on the
study area mapping and the combination of the scores assigned and the abovementioned
parameters assisted in identifying areas recommended to form part of future core and
linkage areas. The incorporation of the recommended areas in planning decisions will be
undertaken by Meridian Planning through the Committee and will be formalized as part
ofa proposed document to amend the OP of the Township ofOro Medonte. This report
makes recommendations solely on the basis of biological and hydrological features and
functions.
33 Factors Selected' for Development of NHS Evaluation System
The following factors were selected as the basis for the rating scheme to prioritize
landscape units. Details of the assessment scheme are provided in Table 1 and the
following description of each factor outlines the rationale for its inclusion in the rating
scheme (based on Appendix B of the Natural Heritage Reference Manual- Key Concepts
in Natural Heritage System Planning and guidelines published by the TRCA, 2001 -
Draft. See Appendix F for excerpts from Reference Manual).
3.3.1 Landscape Level Factors
Landscape level factors examine the relationships between landscape units or polygons
within an identified geographical area and look for large - scale patterns in land use,
location of environmental features, percentage cover of naturally vegetated polygons or
landscape units (LU) and location of potential disturbance from human activities
9
1
1*
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Draft for Discussion
September 18ili,2002
(anthropogenic disturbance). The following are factors associated with landscape level
effects:
. Distribution and Rarity in the Landscape: The factor of rarity measures the
relative abundance and degree of distribution of a particular landscape unit within a
defined geographical area. The factor was selected to ensure that the full range of
natural features (eg. wetland, forest, alvar, sand dune, etc.) that occur in an area is
protected. The function of rarity within the landscape scores unique features
highly, such as an alvar that represents the only example of this particular
vegetation community type in the local area;
. Degree of Disturbance: Patches that have been exposed to minimal disturbance
are generally more productive than patches that are more highly disturbed.
Anthropogenic disturbance (i.e. disturbance linked to human activities) can have a
major impact on features and functions of natural areas. Adjacent land use can play
a vital role in sustaining natural areas and was evaluated as a part of this study; and,
. Degree of Topographic Complexity: natural areas that have a complex
topography, as defined by criteria of the Soil Pedological Institute (Department of
Agriculture and the University of Guelph, 1985), tend to contain a greater variety
of plant diversity and may support a greater number of ecological functions than
areas with homogeneous (i.e flat) topography (Lee et. al, 1998). A three point
system was used to describe topographic complexity in this study (See Table 1).
3.3.2 Polvgon Metrics Factors
Metrics factors rely on published studies of the relationship between species distributions
/species richness of flora and fauna and patch size, shape and interconnectedness. Based
on these detailed primary source studies, general principles have been established that
show, for example, that larger vegetation patches with high amounts of undisturbed
interior tend to provide higher quality habitat for breeding bird populations, especially for
species that are secretive or are susceptible to habitat fragmentation. The following
metric factors were evaluated in this study:
. Patch Size: It is generally accepted that large habitat patches are more useful3than small patches because of the following factors:
1. Large patches are more resilient to disturbance - contain less exotic, invasive
species.
ii. Large patches contain intact food webs and nutrient cycles
iii. Large patches pennit successional stages in community development
10
JI
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
~
~
I,
J
11
I,
~~
IJ
II
~
~
I)
I~
~
I]
IV. Large patches contribute more to biodiversity - meet more of the habitat
requirements of a greater number of species and have a higher amount of
critical interior habitat
v. Large patches are capable of supporting larger population sizes of species and
thereby increase chances of reproductive success;
. Patch Shape: Habitat patch shapes that provide a large area of vegetated interior
and minimize edge are generally preferred over patches that have a larger edge to
interior ratio. The edge to interior ratio is considered to be vital to sustaining
numerous wildlife populations, such as some birds and the more secretive species
of mammals, reptiles and amphibians..
. Fragmentation/Connectedness: Large areas of contiguous habitat are more
ecologically valuable than fragmented habitat; therefore, fragmenting natural
areas should be avoided. Small patches restrict the movement of animals and
plants (dispersed by seeds, propagules), lead to lower habitat diversity, are more
easily damaged by disturbance and are usually associated with a loss of ecological
function. The issue of connectedness will be investigated by quantifYing the
relative distance between patches of naturally - sustaining vegetation and
assigning value to contiguous or closely clustered patches. The consideration of
arrangement and proximity is important because closely clustered habitats
facilitate wildlife movement and help to maintain hydrological linkages.
3.3.3 Community Level Factors
Community level factors examine the diversity of vegetation communities that occur in a
given geographical area. Assemblages of contiguous (directly connected) vegetation
community types are evaluated highly since many wildlife species require a range of
habitat types to complete phases of their life cycle.
. Number of Vegetation Community (Stand) Types: This factor was evaluated
using a combination of the Forest Resource Inventory Sheets (MNR 1978) and
field confirmation to determine numbers of vegetation community types (eg.
mixed forest, deciduous forest, cultural coniferous plantation or old field
successional) with a list of the most dominant species;
. Age of Forest Stands: Stand age provides an indication of the maturity offorest
stands and also their potential to have or develop old growth characteristics.
Stand age is often related to the diversity of species present in the community and
may relate to the presence of cavity trees or snags that provide shelter and nesting
sites for species of birds and small mammals.
11
11
1%
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Draft for Discussion
September 18ili, 2002
33.4 Species Level Factors
Although no species inventories were undertaken for this current study, a number of
published databases (eg. the Forest Inventory Resource Paper (OMNR), the Ontario
Breeding Bird Atlas, the Oro-Medonte Natural Heritage Background Report (1995),
status lists of rare species for Simcoe County (NHrC database and ErS studies completed
for the study area (see attached list)) were used to assess types of habitat required to
support species known to be present in the local area. The following species level factors
were assessed:
· Canopy Species Diversity: Species number were approximated for dominant
and subdorninant forest canopy tree species from existing background studies and
databases (Le. Forest Resource Inventory Sheets, 1978), where possible. In
addition, some detailed species inventories have already been undertaken on the
landform of the Moraine. Copies of these documents were obtained from the
Township ofOro Medonte and were used to verify the accuracy of some of the
estimated data used in the scoring process. Correction of scores using existing
ErS data was undertaken following the assignment of an estimated species
diversity score using the protocol outlined in Table 1. Corrected scores were
assigned only tO'patches that were determined at the end of the study to have been
previously evaluated as part of an ErS process for the municipality;
33.5 Hvdrological Factors
The occurrence of water bodies - (lakes, creeks, streams), wetlands and other functions
(seeps, recharge/discharge areas) are important features of a landscape, are intrinsically
connected to the maintenance of particular types of vegetation and should be protected
wherever possible. Forested headwaters are particularly sensitive in that they help to
maintain existing cold water base flow to watercourses.
33.6 Special Designations
· Species Rarity: Habitat patches that contain rare species, or have the potential
environmental resources to support populations of species at risk, are considered
more valuable than patches than do not contain such species. There are five types
ofrarity:
1. species are scarce but occur over a wide geographical range;
11. species that only inhabit one place;
Ill. species geographically separated from their main range;
IV. species at the edge or limit of their range; and
12
*
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
,
,
~
~
~
~
~
I]
~
~
v. declining species that were once abundant and are now depleted.
The potential to support species at risk was scored in the ranking scheme presented in
Table 1 using information obtained ITom the Midhurst District Office of the MNR. VTE
data were provided to Azimuth as lkm2 buffer polygons surrounding historical
observations of species at risk. In some cases, the scientific names of the species were
not identified because of the sensitive nature of the data and the need to avoid further
anthropogenic disturbance to known habitats.
3.4 Design ofthe Rating Scheme
Table I shows the factors, mode of data collection, data entry type, classes and subjective
scores that were assigned to each polygon with natural, self-sustaining vegetation. A
smaller subset of the scoring was undertaken for agricultural lands and successional lands
that do not exhibit all characteristics of a natural environment but may have some
ecological features and functions of value in natural heritage planning. This exercise was
performed for all other forested landscape units or polygons within the agreed upon
boundary of the moraine, including County of Simcoe Managed forests, that are generally
actively managed for deciduous understory regrowth. It should be noted that provincially
significant wetlands located outside of the boundary of the study (i.e. the 500m boundary
to the geological landform) were recognized for their value as adjacent lands and for their
hydrological connections to the landfonn. All of these wetlands are already protected by
their provincially significant status. '
The final stage in the exercise was to compare the sums of scores for each landscape
polygon and to broadly identify natural core and significant linkage areas based on
various scoring cut-off scenarios. Planning decisions can then be based on the sensitivity
of potential core areas and linkages. Areas for future enhancement of environmental
features were also identified as part of this exercise.
13
-
-
-
----
-
-
-
-
* Exnlanation of Scorine Criteria
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
Environmental Factor Data Source Data Entry Class Intervals Subjective Scoring Comments
Scheme
Landscape Level Factors
Representation and Aerial photos, field Enter a code based on the A - Agriculture No score is assigned for
Distribution confirmation, MNR class intervals AE - Aggregate Extraction this variable. The land use
Ia) Land Use Category Forest Resource CP - Conifer Plantation designations. along with a
Inventory Sheets LF- specific polygon number
M - Miscellaneous will be used as an identifier
MF - Managed Forest for the unit and for the
NFd - Natural forest (deciduous) purposes of identifYing
NFc - Natural forest (conifer and usually adjacent tand use interfaces
wetland) later in the rating process.
NF - natural mixed forest Note that land use
NFw - other wetland unit designations are not re]ated
OF - Otd field (carty successional) to existing zoning or to the
PIF - Police and Fire Departments municipal land use
RC - Recreation designation system,
RF - Reforestation - Tree Farm
RR - Rural Residential
SF - Successional Forest
Ib) Funetion of Vegetation Percentage Rarity - calculated as a The score for rarity was assigned as an uall The rarity score was not This factor was examined
Community Rarity in the ealculations from air percentage of the or nothing score" for vegetation units assigned since no LV type because natural areas that
Landscape photos OCCUJTCDce of the land use dominated by wet-adapted vegetation. could be considered rare are rare within a defmed
category on the entire Wetland indicator species were found in within the context of the geographical area (ie. - the
moraine. approximately 19% of the polygons within landform of the moraine landform of the moraine)
. (combined area of unit x theatudy area, but most of this wetland and its adjacent tands.. have more ecological value
(ha)ltotaJ area of moraine vegetation was present in provincialty because they provide locany
(ha)) significant vegetation in the buffer area to unique habitat that may
the landform of the moraine, A small provide resources for locally
percentage of forested lands 00 the moraine significant species of
itself contain wetland vegetation, Although wildlife.
the percentage of managed forests (conifer
plantations) was lower (approximatety
J(J"/o), planted forested does not possess an
of the features necessary to be considered a
natura] environment
Maximum Score: 5
14
~ Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
'" Environmental Factor Data Source Data Entry Cia.. Interval. Subjective Scoring Comments
Scheme
9) Anthropogenic Disturbance Ak photo. to as.ess Units were evaluated to Very high disturbance - > 25% of the unit 0 Bonus points are assigned
(Matrix influenee) adjacent land u.e as.ess the degree of lies within an area of aggregate extraction. for the lack of anthropogenic
disturbance to natural High di.turbance - 0 - 24% of the unit lie. 1 disturbance rather than
features and functions within an area of aggregate extraction .ubtracting points for the
related to human ""dlor unit lie. within 0 - 49m ofRR, AE, presence of disturbance
activities. Rural Settlement (hamlet) or REC I""d u.e factors. In most cases, there
residential, recreational Moderate disturbanee: . Unit lie. between 2 is the anticipation that
and aggregate extraction 50 and 199m of the above land uses natural units disturbed by
activities were considered Low disturbance: . Unit is located more 3 aggregate extraction
to be .ource. of than 200m from the above land u.es activities witt be
disturbance. These rehabilitated through future
activities witt bave Proximity to potential source of disturbance replanting programs,
varying degrees of impact only needs to occur along one interface to
on wildlife communities result in the score being assigned.
that utilize the natura1ly-
vegetated units, Maximum Score ~ 3
6b) Topographic Complexity Field notes, contour Select from the following 75% or greater of unit level to gentle slopes 1 Complex topography
mapping provided by general categories provides niches for more
the County of Simcoe At least 50% of unit moderate to strong 2 species of wildlife
to the township of slopes - no areas of very strong to steep
Oro Medonte - done slopes - some level of complexity
as an overlay on
Autocad mapping base At least 50% of unit very strong or steep 3
Ontario Pedological slopes - portions of unit show toPOgraPbic
Institute - Department complexity and the full range of grades are
of Agriculture present
Document Maximum Score: 3
Metrics Factors: Air Photos imported Enter patch size in m:l <5ha 1 This factor was used for NF
2) Pateh Size into Autocad 2000. (polyline area calculated 5-20ba 2 (natural forest) polygons and
Boundaries of from Autocad images) 21-35ha 3 for managed forest (MP)
polygons were 36-50ha 4 polygons,
confirmed in the field 51 - 75ha 6
in May, 2002, 76 - 100 8
101 - 200 10
>200 12
Maximum Score: 12
3) Pateh Shape Air Photos subject to Record brief description No score assigned for this, Descriptor located only in
field confinnation of shape A descriptor only. Access Database.
- --
~Dc;"'i"C';JI 1Il""",,~ ~
- -
......... -
-
-
-
i:o. ,~
-
-
15
..JIIJ..._...............
-
-
-
_.-
-
-
-
-
-
- -
-
-
-
-
-
--
~ Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
, 7Environmental Factor Data Source Data Entry Class Intervals Subjective Scoring Comments
Scheme
33) Area of Forested Interior Air Photos Enter Area in ffi2- None (all edge) 0 Assumes that the larger the
<or=4ha I area of forested interior - the
Calculated as total patch >4 - <or~6ha 2 greater the significance for
area (m2) minus area of >6-<or= IOha 3 wildlife
forest edge (m2), A 100m >1()-<or~25ha 4
setback was chosen as a >25 -< or~ 50 ha 6
standard for the setback >50-<or= 100ha 8
>100 - < or= 150ha to
>150 ha 12 Maximum Score 12
3b) Area of Forest Edge Air Photos Enter Edge Area in m' Use in Edge:lnterior
Measured as t OOm in Calculation
ftom all sides.
3e) Edge to Interior Calculation Two previous Enter the ratio of: area High: >3 0 Class Intervals have been
parameters - is related (m2) of edge habitatJ area Medium: > 1.5 - 3.0 2 confinned by test data
to the sbape of the (m2) of interior habitat Low: >or= I. 1.5 4
pateb Very Low: <1.0 6 Maximum Score 6
Fragmentation/Connectedness Air Photos Enter a score of three or One score possible An all or nothing score - 3 In this evaluation, the
4a) Number of Linkage Areas- zero for agricultural lands points assigned for presence of hedgerows that
Hedgerows on Agricultural depending on presence 0' hedgerow feature. connect other forested units
Lands absence of hedgerow across agricultural lands was
feature. . scored, The potential
significance of hedgerow
features would need to be
determined as part of a
future EIS process to ensure
that the scored hedgerows
provide viable wildlifu
passage corridors.
Maximum Score 3
16
~ Draft for Discussion
Septernber1Sili,2002
, Environmental Factor Data Source Data Entry Class Intervals Subjective Scoring Comments
Scheme
5) ArrangementJProximity of Air Photos Enter distance (m) to Four Each Compass Point:
Patches nearest patch of self- Contiguous 3.0
sustaining vegetation. o ~ SOm to nearest unit 2.5
Perform this operation for >50m - < or = 100m to nearest unit 2,0
all four compass points > I 0 1m - < or = 200m to nearest unit LO
(N,S,E,W). For > 200m. < or = 400m to nearest unit 0.5
contiguous vegetation, the > 400m to nearest unit 0
score of 3 was assigned of
any portion of the
perimeter of the patch was
continuous with natural
vegetation in the adjacent
patch. Maximum Score: 3 x4=12
Community Level Factors Field investigation,
6) Hahitat Diversity/Complexity existing inventories,
use of air photos
6a) Approximate Number of Used Forest Resource Enter number of forest I stand type I This factor is a reflection of
Vegetation Community Types Inventory Papers and stand types in polygon 2 - 3 stand types 2 community diversity and is
compared their units unit (data collected in 4 - 6 stand types 4 considered a benefit for
with vegetation 1978 by MNR). Stands 7 - 20 stand types 8 witdlife
polygons. Done fo, were assessed on relative > 20 stand types t2
MF, NF and SOme SF percentage of dominant
units canopy species, Maximum Score: 12
6b) Stand Age Used Forest Resource Note: Data were <or 54 years 1 Although forest management
Inventory papers to corrected hy edding 24 55 - 74 years 2 activities may have removed
record the range of years to values estimated 75 - 99 years 4 some mature, old"growth
stand ages, the age of in 1978. We assume that tOo - t24 years 6 individuals, the stand age
the oldest stand jn the the units have the > or = 125 years 8 data indicate a potential for
unit. potential to contain trees trees ofthe estimated age,
of the entered age and Stands with potential old
also potentially older growth specimens shoutd
individuals, The score recejve protection from
was assigned based on development or at least a
age of the oldest stand more detailed BIS to
within the unit. The full determine whether stands
range of ages is included with old growth
in the row database. characteristics still exist.
Maximum Score; 8
17
.~--~~~~~~~~~~~~.
...
~ t/"',,,.."\ i1'
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
:r;{ Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
.. Environmental Factor Data Source Data Entry . Class Intervals Subjective Scoring Comments
Scheme
Species Level Factors Forest resource Enter approximate 'I Domin~t Canopy Species (monoculture) I
7.0 a) Vegetation Species inventory sheets - numbers of canopy tree 2 - 3 Canopy species 2
Diversity/Complexity MNR, 1978, field species for each polygon 4 - 6 Canopy spedes 3
confinnations unit. (estimated from 7 - 9 Canopy species 4
existing inventory) > or = 10 Canopy species 8
Maximum Score: 8
Results of Environmental Existing EIS studies, Data entered in report N/A These data could not be No score assigned.
Impact Studies and Other the Ontario Breeding Appendices A, B, C and scored for because
Inventoires. Bird Atlas data for D, Data subject to future inventory infonnation was
squares within Region updates. Tables will be not available for all
13 that fall within provided in Excel or polygons within the class
boundaries of the Access so data can be (Eg, NF, MF, S or A),
study area. easily added.
Hydrologic Values Overtay of first and IdentifY stream locations Presence of one watercourse within unit 3
lOa) Riparian Interface. second order on mapping and look for Presence of two watercourses within unit 6
watercourses, ponds overlap with tandscape Presence of three or more watercourses
and SWM facilities on units. within unit. 12
polygon mapping.
Note: watercourse
characteristics,
potential fish habitat,
etc, of streams and
creeks has not been
verified in the field, Maximum Score 12
lOb) Presence of Headwaters Identified from overlay of Presence of forested headwaters 3
riparian features on Presence of headwaters on agricultural 3
polygon unit mapping lands - vegetation unconfinned Maximum Score 3
tOe) Presence of Mapping provided by Units were assessed in
RechargeIDischarge Areas a previous background relation to their presence
study by Azimuth within identifiad recharge
(February 2001) or discharge areas. Maximum Score 3
Ua) Special Designations Existing mapping of lf1andscape unit overlaps No special designations Q
specially designated any with any special Provincially significant wetland or ANSI 7
and protected areas designations, score
accordingty
Maximum Score: 7
18
Draft for Discussion
'~ September 18th, 2002
Data Entry Class Intervals Subjective Scoring Comments
r Environmental Factor Data Source
Scheme
lIb) Species Rarity NHIC database Units in which there were Regionally rare I point
8a) Historical Observations records provided by historical occurrences of Provincially threatened - 8
the Midhurst District VTEts scored bonus points
office of the MNR points - if available, the Species lists provided for
Data given in the furm name of the species of
of I km' boxes that concern is indicated in the polygons in Access
were overlain on database, Some species database
polygon base mapping names are not revealed
in Autocad, due to the sensitive nature Maximum Score: 9
of the threatened species,
19
I'll.. ..~-.P......... io..,'"
..., -r "~"'''''----_-JIII'
:1
il%
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
i
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Draft for Discussion
September 18ili, 2002
Table 2. Resources Used to Evaluate NH Features ofthe Oro Moraine.
Natural Heritage Feature Information Source Publisher and Date
or Function of Publication
Methods of Natural Natural Heritage Reference OMNR, June 1999
Heritage Assessment Manual for Policy 2.3 of the
Provincial Policy Statement
Autocad Base Mapping of Township of Oro Medonte- Township ofOro
the Oro Moraine Study Base mapping. Special Overlays Medonte. 2001.
Area with existing such as watercourses and areas of
watercourses, EPl lands, primary aggregate resource on
etc. the base mapping are shown in
Figures 3 and 4.
Number of Stand Types, Forest Resource Inventory Sheets Midhurst District
Stand Ages, Number of for Oro Moraine Study Area. Office of the OMNR,
Canopy dominants (species These data were used to estimate FRI Sheets, 1978.
composition of stands) values for each polygon
identified in this study.
Number of observations of Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas
avian species in lkrn2
blocks covering the Oro
moraine landsform and
estimated numerical
abundance values for each
species observation.
Species inventories for EIS reports prepared as part of A complete list is
flora, fauna and, in a few existing development appended to this
cases,herpetiles,for applications in the Township of report. (See
specific polygons within the Oro Medonte. Appendices A, B, C
study area. and D) for lists
specific to the moraine
and their locations.
Mapping of Vulnerable, NHlC database (2002) and OMNR, 2002
Threatened and Endangered information provided by the
species identified on the Midhurst District Office of the
Oro Moraine (includes OMNR.
historical occurrences).
Recent Articles on Eg. Joumal of Ecology, Joumal A list of relevant
landscape ecology and the of Conservation Biology, Journal citations on these
relationship of patch of Landscape Ecology. topics is appended to
20
*
Draft for Discussion
September lSili,2002
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
&
I
I,
I"
~
II
II
11
~
I~
I
I,
metrics and wildlife use of the reference section
habitat published in peer- of this report (See
reviewed scientific journals. Appendix G).
Information on criteria used Significant Wildlife Habitat Ontario Ministry of
to assess the value oflands Technical Guide and attached Natural Resources,
as potential animal appendices. October 2000 (See
movement corridors and Appendix E).
information on making
decisions regarding
significant wildlife habitat.
3.5 Evaluation of Polygon Scores
For each polygon unit, this exercise involved tabulating scores for factors described in
Table I and inserting these scores (compiled in an Access database) as a layer on the
mapping system so that patterns of natural areas could be visualized and evaluated.
Following a first-cut analysis of the data, the scoring system underwent minor
modifications and refinement (documented in a letter to the Committee, June, 2002).
Data from this exercise were then provided for public comment to provide an opportunity
for additional information to be incorporated into the database and to provide residents
with an opportunity to discuss study objectives and the potential output of the scoring
exercise. Public meetings to solicit this information are ongoing.
3.6 Delineation of Proposed Natural Heritage Areas
The assigned cwnulative score is the sum of scores assigned for each of the factors
outlined in Table 1. The next step in the evaluation of the existing natural heritage
system involved identification of potential core areas and linkages by examining groups
of polygons that achieved similar scores. Units that would be retained using various
scoring cut-off levels (i.e. levels with an interval cutoff of 10 were initially considered,
and groupings of 0 to 30, 30 to SO, SO to 70 and greater than 70 were agreed by the
Committee as appropriate divisions)) were mapped on the base mapping and the resultant
patterns ofland use polygons formed the basis of recommendations by Azimuth
concerning target preservation areas.
Once an appropriate cut-off score was identified, complexes of retained polygons were to
be recommended as natural core areas. Some criteria identified by the Oak Ridges .
Moraine Conservation Plan could were used in this process; however, the unique features
of the Oro Moraine and the smaller size of the landform required the development of
criteria with relevance to the local landscape. For example, some modifications to the
recommended size of acceptable core areas were made since the Oak Ridges Plan does
21
l'
.*
I
I
.
.
.
.
.
I
.
I
I
.
I
:
.
I
I
.
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
not recognize core areas of less than 500ha in area. Because the Oro Moraine is a much
smaller landfonn, minimum core area requirements should be adjusted to reflect locally
important features and attributes of the Oro Moraine. Final recommendations regarding
the size and extent of core areas and the scoring cut-off will be established in consultation
with the Oro Moraine Committee, Township staff and their planning consultant, Meridian
Planning and members of the general public who are continuing to express opinions
concerning potential targets. Azimuth's recommendation was based solely on
ecologicallhydrological features and functions.
Units and complexes of units that received low scores should be considered to have lower
preservation priority in the NHS. As previously stated, one objective of this study was to
identifY settlement concentrations where future development can be accommodated in
such a way as to reduce anthropogenic stress on sensitive environmental areas present
within core and linkage areas where no development is feasible - i.e. the core areas will
be considered "no touch zones".
Some polygons that have low cumulative scores but contain at least one special feature,
however, should be initially protected, subject to conflnnation by a detailed EIS.
Examples of factors that could trigger initial protection include possible presence of
VTE's as indicated by the OMNR mapping or the presence of a riparian feature that could
trigger DFO considerations.
Based on infonnation ITom this report, recommendations are made concerning significant
natural areas worthy of retention as the ToWnship develops a land use strategy for the
Oro Moraine. The delineation of areas here is based on biological factors and will
subsequently be used by the Township and their planners as one of the factors for Official
Plan designations and the resultant planning decisions. Scores for occurrence of species
of concern can be updated at any time that verified observations are recorded with the
NHIC or the OMNR.
This planning tool will remain useful into the future because of the flexibility of the
database and its capacity to be updated as new studies are published.
22
%
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
4.0 STUDY RESULTS
4.1 Analysis of Landscape Level Factors
4.1.1 General Description ofOro Landscape
The study area is approximately 17, 331 ha. A total of331 discrete polygon units were
identified and numbered within the agreed-upon boundary (Landscape Polygons - Figure
21 on CD) Table 3 shows the number of units in each class, the percentage of the total for
each class on a unit basis and the percentage of the total for each class on an area basis
(i.e. - percentage of total study area including 500m buffer). Figure 5 shows a composite
map of the location of all land use polygons assessed in this study. Figures 6 - II show
the polygon locations broken down by class. It should be noted that a high concentration
of active agricultural lands are present around the periphery of the moraine and that
sizeable tracts of agricultural land are located in the southwest and southeast comers of
the moraine (Figure 6). Figure 7 shows the combined area of all forested lands in the
moraine.
Table 3. Summary of Polygon Distribution by Class Type for the Study Area.
Landscape Unit Class Number of Polygon Percentage of Total Percentage of
Units (on a unit basis) Total (on an area
basis)
Active Agriculture (A) 63 19 34.2
Managed Forest (MF) 38 11.5 9.7
Conifer Plantation (CP) 23 7.0 0.7
Recent Reforestation (RF) 6 1.8 0.2
Total Plantation 67 20.3 10.6
Natural Forest Areas (NF) 105 32 40.8
Successional Forest (SF) 57 17.2 6.3
Includes 5 OF units
Miscellaneous (M) 5 1.5 0.3
Active Aggregate (AE) 7 2.1 1.3
Rural Residential (RR) 22 6.6 3.4
Recreation/Residential 5 1.5 3.1
(Re)
It is apparent ITom Table 3 that naturally forested polygons (NF), a category that includes
deciduous woodlots, mixed forest and coniferous forest that is generally forested wetland,
make up the largest percentage of the study area and also the highest percentage of
23
II
..
II
'at
..
..
~
~
I]
I,
~J
IJ
~
~
~
~
~
~
I,
J
I":
)'
'"
&
J
1
1*
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
I
I
-
I
I
I
I
Draft for Discussion
September 18ili, 2002
polygon units. Active agriculture is the second most common land use comprising 19%
of the polygons and 34% of the study area. Cultural pine plantations constitute the third
most abundant land use, with a combined total of 20.3% of the polygons and 10.6% of
the landform area. The combined area of all forested lands on the moraine (Figure 6) is
57.7%. This percentage would be considered high in the Township as a whole and
noteworthy within South Central Ontario.
The combined total of Miscellaneous (M), Active Aggregate (AE), Rural Residential
(RR) (comprised mostly of rural residential subdivisions and small hamlets such as Edgar
and Craighurst), and RecreatonlResidential (RC)(Figure 11) land use is 8.1 % of the total
study area. Recreational uses often overlap with rural residential developments. In
Horseshoe Valley, for example, recreational uses including downhill ski slopes, golf
courses and tennis facilities are interspersed with condominium and single detached
residential units. In some cases, development commitments in various stages of
application for municipal approval (locations shown in Figure 11) are already focused
around existing areas of development. Similarly, existing aggregate licences (Figure 11)
that have not yet become operational are located in the identified areas of primary
aggi-egate resource potential (Figure 3).
As explained in the section on methodology, three landscape level factors were evaluated
in this study - rarity in the landscape, degree of anthropogenic disturbance and level of
topographic complexity. Following an evaluation of Table 3, it is apparent that no land
use designation (based on natural vegetation) could be considered rare within the local
landscape. The pattern ofland use allocation was that upland deciduous forest and
managed County of Simcoe coniferous plantation interspersed with tracts of active
agricultural land were widely distributed across the landscape of the geological landform
of the moraine. Only Coulson Swamp that is located in the northeast portion of the
moraine, close to the landform boundary could potentially be considered rare because of
the presence of wet-adapted species of flora and fauna (See Appendix A for Rowanwood
Extension). However, the 500m buffer to the moraine is mainly comprised of mixed and
coniferous swamp wetland interspersed with pockets of open water marsh. Thus, within
the total study area no units of natural vegetation could be considered rare. Rarity of a
land use designation is different from the presence of rare species, dealt with in a later
section of this report.
The entire landform of the moraine experiences some degree of anthropogenic
disturbance with a few exceptions, the second factor evaluated in the landscape level
category, although most of the impact can be identified as low to moderate.
Anthropogenic influence is evident on all of the lands in active agriculture that are
24
%
Draft for Discussion
September1Sili,2002
..
IJ
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
I~
I
.'
I,
>J
I)
II
I~
I]
primarily used for the pasturing of livestock and/or the cultivation of hay. Horse farm
enterprises are particularly common on the Moraine.
Deciduous woodlots also experience low - level anthropogenic disturbance ftom selective
logging and maple syrup production. During the site visit in May 2002, it was observed
that vacuum extraction is one method used to collect sap for syrup production.
Several areas of higher - level disturbance from human activities are present on the
moraine. The largest area of disturbance is associated with lands in proximity to large
recreational units such as Horseshoe Valley and some of the larger rural subdivisions,
although it should be pointed out that existing areas of development have been designed
with retained patches of natural forest, minimal area of manicured lawns and retained
wildlife corridors (i.e. patches of forest between ski runs on steep slopes of Horseshore
Valley) that connect with Copeland Forest to the north. A second area of existing
disturbance is located along the 7ili Line haul route and in proximity to existing active
aggregate extraction (Figure 3 and others) along the Seventh and also along the 9ili and
13 th Lines. Forested tracts in proximity to the I st to 6th Lines and the lOth Line are the
least disturbed on the Moraine. Vehicular traffic on north south roads, with the exception
of the 3'd, 7th and 13th Lines is relatively low. East- west traffic on Horseshoe Valley
Road, and Old Barrie Road is somewhat heavier, although no major areas of traffic-
related disturbance were identified within the study area.
The third landscape level factor, topographic complexity, is an important consideration in
the evaluation of quality of habitat for wildlife. More infonnation on the relationship
between the presence of ridges and topographic depressions and provision of habitat for
wildlife is provided in a later section of this report. Many areas of steep slopes and
undulating, complex topography were identified on the moraine. Horseshoe Valley and
lands south of Horseshoe Valley Road at the intersection of the Fifth Concession Line are
good examples of this complex topography.
4.1.2 Scoring Patterns for Landscape Factors
On the Oro Moraine, the current level of ftagmentation and isolation is relatively low and
many large, relatively undisturbed remnant ecosystems remain, with the potential to
adequately preserve and retain existing features and functions into the future. Scoring for
anthropogenic disturbance is one way to assign value to less disturbed natural
communities and to flag communities where disturbance may already be impacting
significant ecological and hydrological features and functions.
In this study, scoring for anthropogenic disturbance was assigned to assess higher levels
of disturbance to natural areas such as the impact of aggregate extraction, large-scale
~
25
I~
ik
I~
~
1
1*
I
I
I
1
1
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Draft for Discussion
September ISili,2002
recreational land use (such as the Horseshoe Valley Resort and Condominium complex)
or the presence of rural residential subdivisions on adjacent lands. Figure 11
(ResidentiallRecreationalJPitsfMiscellaneous) shows the location within the study area of
potential sources of anthropogenic disturbance. Polygon units that lie within or adjacent
to these areas received no points in the scoring system. Units that were relatively
undisturbed, (i.e. not located adjacent to features) on Figure 11 received bonus points
because anthropogenic influence was low to moderate and therefore would have less
impact on existing natural features and functions.
Since, as mentioned above, no polygon classes that delineate landscape patches with
features and functions of a natural environment were identified as rare within either the
Township or the County of Simcoe, a score for the factor of rarity (See Table 1) could not
be assigned even to mixed or coniferous forested units of wetland vegetation since
wetland communities almost completely encircle the moraine within the buffer lands
(Figure 4) and even penetrate onto the landform of the moraine itself near Coulson
(Coulson East and Coulson West wetlands - See Appendix E for wetland summaries).
In terms of topographic complexity, scores ranged ITom 1 - 3. Flatter agricultural lands
present in the south and southwest sections of the moraine received low scores in this
category, as did flat, low-lying wetlands located in the 500m buffer to the moraine.
Topographically complex lands, that received the maximum score of 3, were located
along the Fifth Line east of Horseshoe Valley and throughout large portions of the Rugby
West ANSI. Many other smaller units received high scores in this category (See Access
database - raw scores).
4.2 Analysis of Polygon Metrics
4.2.1 Genera'! Characteristics ofPolvgon Size and Shape
Table 4 provides maximum and minimum sizes for the areas of individual polygons and
maximum and minimum sizes for forested interior. The forested interior factor is
considered essential to understanding the extent of "undisturbed" wildlife habitat that
exists in the local area and the extent of resources available to support avian, herpetile
and mammalian populations of various sizes (See Appendix E). As shown in Table 1,
this evaluation used two measures based on polygon metries to assess extent of
productive habitat for flora and fauna - the "forest interior" parameter and the "edge to
interior ratio" parameter, that is essentially a measure relating to polygon shape.
Numerous papers published in primary source, peer-reviewed scientific literature support
the hypothesis that patch size, shape and relative amounts of edge as compared to forest
interior are correlated with ecological features and functions (Appendix G).
26
%
Draft for Discussion
September 18ili,2002
~
~
It
..
~
--
--
~
~
~
I~
~
It
It
It
I~
I.'"
'-f
oJ
I~
ii
I)
Reference to Table 4 shows that the landform of the Oro Moraine contains several tracts
of land with large contiguous area of natural forest vegetation. The mean area ofNF
polygons was 88.7 ha and the largest contiguous forested area on the moraine is 955ha.
This 955 ha polygon included the Rugby West ANSI and other forested blocks linked
across the lOili Line Road. The polygon also extends northwards across Bass Lake
Sideroad and abuts the Bass Lake PSW, assessed as a separate unit. The mean area of
forested interior was 44 ha. Generally speaking, forested blocks ofless than
approximately 7ha did not have a measurable interior, using a 100m offset.
In addition, the majority of forested polygons on the landform of the moraine itself are
upland deciduous forest (NF or NFd) or coniferous plantation managed by the County of
Simcoe for selective harvesting of softwood lumber. Similarly, forested polygons that
fall within the 500m buffer to the geological landform of the moraine are generally
comprised of low-lying coniferous swamp or mixed swamp combined with marsh and
wet meadow habitat. These wetland areas are designated NF or NFc for the purposes of
the scoring exercise. The majority of these wetlands are already designated as P
rovincially significant and thus have a high level of protection trom a planning
perspective.
It should also be noted that, in some cases, the polygons are "pure" in that they are
entirely comprised of a single type of natural vegetation such as upland deciduous forest
or lowland mixed swamp. Other forested polygons may be considered "complex" in that
they represent a physical and continuous association amongst units of self-sustaining
vegetation that share similar characteristics. An example of a complex polygon would be
the Rugby ANSI (Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest - Polygon 172)
that is physically contiguous with portions of the Bass Lake PSW through an existing
north-south corridor of forested lands. In this instance, NF, NFd and NFc units are
already linked. They share in cOlTIlllon the fact that they are all naturally - occurring units
of forest as opposed to deliberately cultivated "plantations". The high scores achieved
for size and amount of forested interior for this type of complex polygon assign merit to
the inherent diversity of wildlife habitat and diversity of plant and animal populations
that can exist within such a large complex.
27
Class Total Area Mean Area Minumum Maximum Mean Area of Max. Area of
(ha) (ha) Unit Area Unit Area Forested Interior (ha)
(ha) (ha) Interior(ha)
A 5935 87 1.1 1161 NA NA
MF 1688 43 1.3 320 15.2 140.6
CP 117 4.5 0.8 21 0.09 1.54
RF 39 6.6 0.8 18 0.2 1.2
Total 1844
Plant.ation
NF 88.7 1.8 955 44 534
NFc 34.5 2.4 97.4 19.5 58.5
NFd 30.3 1.0 381 11.2 199
NFm 55.4 55.4 55.4 18.5 18.5
NFw 10.03 10.03 10.03 0.43 0.43
Total NF 7055
OF 18.1 3.9 54.1 NA NA
SF 18.5 0.6 140.8 0.08 4.0
RR 587 21.5 1.2 138.3 NA NA
AE 229 32.7 7.6 55.4 NA NA
RC 535 107.1 9.9 418.7 NA NA
M 58 6.6 1.8 14 NA NA
P/F
1
1%
1
I
I
I
1
I
1
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
I
I
Draft for Discussion
September 18fu,2002
Table 4, Summary of Polygon Metrics
Note: Fire and Police station are essentially a subset of the Miscellaneous designation
(M).
Size was not the only significant criterion evaluated in this study and small polygons can
also have considerable merit from a preservation standpoint, especially if they contain
potential habitat for rare flora or fauna or if they contain a riparian feature that may
provide fish habitat or ephemeral breeding habitat for herpetiles. These features were
scored as separate factors so that they conld be evaluated as a separate query within the
Access database and subsequently used as mechanism to trigger an EIS in the event that
these small areas are not protected within core areas,
Proximity ofNF, MF or S polygons to other polygons with self-sustaining vegetation (i.e.
- other NF or MF units) was used in this study as a measure of the availability and
accessibility of patches of habitat for use by wildlife. It was assumed that closely
associated patches of forest would facilitate movement of bird and mammal species
between patches and would also promote genetic diversity amongst populations.
28
*
Draft for Discussion
September 18ili, 2002
,
Ij
..
..
..
..
--
IJ
I]
11
.oJ
I"
.'
I,
J
IJ
I'
J
"
I
I
I
I
4.2.2 Scoring Patterns for Po1vgon Metrics
Polygons of greater than 50ha in area and having greater than 25ha of forested interior
achieved relatively high scores for polygon metrics (6 points or greater). Approximately
10 polygons achieved maximum scores of 12 points each for area and interior factors.
Low edge to interior ratios achieved the highest scores as a result of a large area of
interior combined with a shape (square or rectangular) that minimized edge. Irregularly
or linearly shaped polygons tended to score lower for this factor.
Scoring for the proximity factor was also based on a sliding scale (Table 1) with a
maximum achievable score of 12. If, for example, an NF polygon was completely
surrounded or directly contiguous at some point along each of its north, south, east and
west boundary with an MF polygon, then the polygon would achieve 12 points. One
hundred metres was considered to be a cut off point for scoring well in this factor (2
points per side). If naturally vegetated units were more than 400m away from the
polygon boundary, then no points were assigned.
In the case of agricultural lands, the scores assigned for polygon size were reversed
because a small farm patch that is surrounded by NF or MF polygons has more value than
a large agricultural tract surrounded by NF or MF units. From both a natural heritage
planning perspective and an ecological perspective, it is desirable to retain these small
units of agricultural land or allow them to revert to natural vegetation to prevent future
ftagmentation and/or the introduction of additional edge effects to the NF, MF or S units
that would occur if these small units were developed more intensively.
4.3 Analysis of Community Level Factors
4.3.1 General Characteristics of Vegetation Communities
Table 5 summarizes general characteristics of the vegetation communities present in
naturally forested and managed forest polygons within the study area. Data on the
number of forested stands (Columns 2 - 4 of Table 5) is essentially a measure of
community biodiversity, since stands (as defmed within the context of the MNR's Forest
Resource Inventory of 1978) are roughly equivalent to "ecosite" types as identified by the
Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario (Lee et al., 1998). Forest stands are
delineated by the relative proportions of dominant and subdominant species identified
within the unit, as well as by the average age of the constituent species and the diameter
and height of the inventoried trees. Basically, a stand according to the FRI (MNR, 1978)
represents a cohort (unit of even-aged individuals) of canopy species that were
historically established around the same time and share similar characteristics. Since the
FRI data were overlain on the landscape polygons identified in this study, it was possible
to estimate the community structure of each individual polygon for which MNR records
29
1
1%
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
were available. This inventory thus provided more information than could be determined
rrom aerial photography alone and allowed characterization of communities that were not
accessible to Azimuth during field reconnaissance.
For both Managed Forest and Natural Forest polygons, the minimum number of stands
per polygon was one, signifying a monoculture. Within the managed forests, a pure stand
of pine was the most commonly encountered monoculture, while in the NF category,
sugar maple was the only monoculture stand documented. On the moraine, a majority of
the stands are dominated by sugar maple and/or American beech. Table 5 also indicates
that there is a greater stand number within NF (maximum of 35 stands per polygon) as
compared to MF (maximum of 14 stand types per polygon) polygons.
Examination of the factor of stand age (Table 5, Columns 5 -7) reveals that the average
stand age within NF polygons at the time of completion of the study was 64 years. The
range of the data for NF polygons was rrom 54 to 139 years. These data are based on
FRl information collected in 1978 and adjusted, by adding 22 years to the 1978 data, to
reflect potential stand ages of these communities in 2002. It shou1d be pointed out that
stand age data give an indication of the average age of the cohort of individuals in the
stand. There will of course be younger individuals because of recruitment and
development of saplings within forest canopy gaps and old growth individuals that
reportedly range up to 200 years for some trees on the moraine (personal communication
with Kevin Reese (Forester) MNR). This study assumes that logging and clearing
activities have not substantially changed the demographics of the forest communities and
that the possibility for old growth forest development is higher in the 139 year old stands
as compared to the 54 year old stands.
Data for the MF (Managed Forest) polygons indicate that the oldest portions of the
selectively logged plantations are approximately 65 years in age.
30
Jt
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
Table 5. General Characteristics of Vegetation Communities
Class Avg. # of Min. No. Max. No of A vg. Age of Minimnm Maximum Avg. # of Minimum Maximum
Forest Stands of Stands per Forest Stands per Age per Age per Canopy Sp. #of #of
per Polygon Stauds Polygon Polygon Polygon Polygon Per Canopy Canopy
per (yrs.) (yrs. ) Polygon Species Species
Polygon
MF 3.1 I 14 52 64 2.9 1 7
CP 1 1 1 47 69 1.3 1 4
NF 5.9 1 35 69 yrs (Avg. Age 54 139 5,4 1 16
ofY oungest (One cedar
Stand in thicket of
Polygon) 9yrs-
90 yrs. (Avg. could have
Age of Oldest been SF)
Stand in
Polygon)
SF- Successional Forests were classified, based on field notes, into early, mid and late successional stages. The breakdown, on a
polygon unit basis, is as follows:
ES (early successional: 21.3%)
MS (mid successional- 17%)
LS (late successional- 21.3%)
TFP (Apparent Christmas Tree Farm Production -19,2%)
NE (Not evaluated because of lack of access)
Note: Table 5. Based on Data from FRl Sheets obtained from the Midhurst District Office of the OMNR, Published 1978. and
matched to Polygon Numbers assigned by Azimuth.
*SF: FRl Data Sheets were only available for a small number of SF polygons. Generally speaking, community, species
number and age data were estimated from field observations and are documented in separate columns of the raw Access
Database. Data included in this table are derived solely from FRl sheets and thus represent only a subset of the SF data.
31
~~~~~~~--~~~~~~~~~~
Page 32 is a blank page
*
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
,
,
,
~
~
~
~
~
~
IJ
~
~
~
~
~
11
~
I,
ii
I
~
.'
4.3.2 Scoring Patterns for Vegetation Communities
It is assumed for the purposes of scoring, that communities comprised of high numbers of
stands per polygon, older stand ages and higher numbers of canopy species per polygon
have a higher species diversity, provide a greater number of niches for the development
of understory shrub and herb species and provide a greater complexity of food and shelter
resources for wildlife. Results of this study indicate that NF polygons of large size
frequently had the highest scores for vegetation community factors and, in a number of
cases, scored the maximum of 28 points for the combination of community and species
level factors approximated from FRI sheets.
4.4 Analysis of Species Level Factors
4.4.1 General Characteristics of Oro Moraine Species
Table 6 and Appendices A (Plant List), B (Bird List), C (Mammal List) and D (Herpetile
List) describe more specific details of existing species inventories for the Oro Moraine
and associated buffer lands that lie within the 500m buffer to the moraine. The Access
database contains lists of abbreviations of species that were inventoried in the FRI sheets
prepared by the MNR in 1978. Species lists and stand data from the FRI sheets were
overlain on the polygon base mapping so that specific associations of species could be
identified for each forested polygon where data were available. Table 6 summarizes
patterns of canopy species occurrences by polygon type. Only MF and NF polygons are
included in this table because the MNR inventory generally did not include data for
polygons identified as successional forest or for agricultural hedgerows. Similarly, BIS
reports used as a source of the detailed appendices were usually undertaken on forested
tracts, with little information on agricultural lands. The access database contains
information on the specific polygons inventoried.
Several patterns can be detected by an examination of Table 6. Managed forests and
conifer plantations of the moraine contain mostly pine species, with red pine and Scots
pine being the most abundant. Smaller amounts of jack pine, white pine, white spruce,
and soft (likely red) maple are also present within managed forests. Existing EIS reports
that contain information on areas of pine plantation confirm that deciduous species
including sugar maple, red maple, basswood, black cherry and American beech seedlings
are present as understory recruitment species within County of Simcoe managed stands.
As stand thinning takes place over time, the conifer plantation will gradually be replaced
by a successional replacement stand primarily of hardwoods. This type of management
strategy will ultimately result in an enhancement offorested habitat within the study area.
Species lists for understory shrubs were not included in the FRI inventory data.
33
1
1%
1
I
1
1
1
1
1
I
I
1
1
I
I
1
I
I
1
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
Data for canopy species number supports the opinion that there is a high correlation
between the NF designation and the number of species recorded within the canopy as
compared to species diversity recorded within the MF or CP designation. NF polygons
had a mean canopy species number of 5.4 and a maximum number of 16 species recorded .
within a patch whereas MF polygons had a mean canopy species number of only 2.9 and
a maximum species number of 7. Higher numbers of canopy species within a polygon
are assumed to indicate greater community-level diversity and to indicate that a greater
variety of food resources are available for wildlife, as compared to food and shelter
, resources available in a monoculture.
Table 6. List of common Canopy Tree Species in Forested Polygons (MF and NF), based
on FRl Sheets (MNR, 1978) and Field Notes.
ADB* Common Name Latin Name Occurrence in Occurrence in
Code MF Polygons NF Polygons
Coniferous Species:
Ce Eastern White Cedar Thuja occidentaUs X
He Eastern Hemlock Tsuga canadensis X
Sw White Spruce Picea glauca X X
L Tamarack Larix laricina X
Pw Eastern white pine Pinus stobus X X
. Pr Red Pine Pinus resinosa X X
Ps Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris X
Pj Jack Pine Pinus banksiana X
Dominant Deciduous (Hardwood) Species:
Mh Hard Maple (mostly Acer saccharum X
Sugar Maple)
Be American Beech Fagus grandifoUa X
Ms Soft Maple Acer rubrum or Acer X X
saccharinum
Aw White Ash Fraxinus americana X
Po Poplar (mostly Populus tremuloides X
Trembling Aspen)
Or Red Oak Quercus rubra X
Associate Hardwood Species (usually present in lesser amounts)
Cb Black Cherry Prunus seratina X
Ab Black Ash Praxinus nigra X
Bw White Birch Betula papyrifera X
By YeHow Birch Betula alleghaniensis X
Bd Basswood (Am. Linden) Tilia ameticana X
lw Ironwood (Hop Ostrya virginiana X
Hornbeam)
34
*
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
~
~
11
I
I
11
,
,~
~
~
~
~
I~
~
I
Bn Butternut Jug/ans cinerea X
W Black Walnut? Jug/ans nigra X
B ? X
S ? X
· ADB = Access Database
Note: Species lists are available for all polygons evaluated in the 1978 inventory in the ADB. Blank fields
in Access indicate that the polygon contained stands that were not evaluated in the inventory. Deciduous
species present in the understory of managed/conifer plantations are not included in this list of canopy
species.
Appendix A provides a detailed summary list of plant species inventoried from five sites
on the moraine. Site locations are indicated in the Table description and photocopied
pages of the sites from the original EIS reports are also appended so that specific details
of habitat type can be matched to species lists. Most of the sites are from forested areas
in proximity to the 7th Line haul route and in proximity to the Rugby ANSI. Two of these
sites were inventoried twice, during different seasons, to produce a total of seven species
lists. The diversity of tree, shrub and herbaceous species is impressive, with a total of
over 350 species having been inventoried to date. In most cases, high diversity from the
actual inventories matched a high rating given to the involved polygons on the basis of
the rating scheme used in this report.
Not all of the inventories were confined to forested tracts and the list includes grasses,
sedges and herbs typical of old field successional and more disturbed habitats in addition
to forests.
Similarly, Appendix B reports details of the bird species list. Column A of Appendix B
lists birds reported in EIS reports from the abovementioned five sites on the moraine.
Columns B - E report lists documented by the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas for the four
Atlas squares that lie within the limits of the study area. Atlas square numbers are
included in the appendix. One hundred and twenty seven species of birds have been
reported for the Oro Moraine. In addition to the tufted titmouse, considered Provincially
rare by the NHIC and assigned a 1km2 buffer box around historical records of the species
occurrence, eastern bluebird, black billed cuckoo, black-throated blue warbler, black-
throated green warbler, the pine warbler and the grasshopper sparrow were suggested by
Bobolink Enterprises (January 1992) to be at least locally uncommon. The Ontario
Breeding Bird Atlas also records observations of the pied-billed grebe, Virginia rail, wild
turkey, golden-crowned kinglet, pine warbler, fox sparrow, magnolia warbler, alder
flycatcher, pine siskin and Swainson's thrush that are relatively uncommon as compared
to other squares for Region 13 that comprises all of Simcoe County.
35
J
I
1%
I
I
,I
:1
I
I
,I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
It should be noted that the list contains a number of forest interior bird species that
require large areas of relatively undisturbed habitat for breeding, feeding and
reproductive success. Both red and white-breasted nuthatch and a diversity of warblers
are included in this list. The waterfowl species, shorebirds and other species that require
wetland habitat to complete all or a portion of their life cycle are present in northern and
southern portions of the study area; whereas the geological landform of the moraine tends
to contain more species of upland forested habitats. A good representation of raptor
species are also recorded, indicating that a combination of forest habitat and adjacent
agricultural lands are present to provide an abundant source of small-mammal prey.
Appendix C reports 18 species of relatively common large and small mammals compiled
from existing EIS report undertaken on the physical landform of the moraine. Although
not documented by the E1S reports, habitat for northern and perhaps southern flying
squirrels is also present on the moraine. In addition to relatively common frog, toad and
snake species, the list includes the Jefferson Salamander that is considered to be
provincially rare. This species does not yet appear on the list provided by the MNR.
4.4.2 Scoring Patterns for Species Factors
Data for species inventories were not scored because inventory information was not
available for the complete set of polygons evaluated in the study. Although species
diversity, with the exception of dominant canopy tree species, and diversity of habitat for
wildlife, were not evaluated directly, these factors were evaluated indirectly by an
assessment of size of forested interior, degree of topographic complexity and presence of
special features such as identified VTE records and presence of riparian habitat. The
factor of topographic complexity is an important indicator of habitat diversity in that the
presence of ephemeral habitat for herpetiles is often linked to the presence oftopographic
depressions within forested lands that accumulate seasonal standing water for breeding
and feeding. In addition, these depressions provide refugia for species of birds and
mammals during a variety oflife history stages.
Scoring for canopy species number was similar to scoring for vegetation community
characteristics in that higher numbers of dominants and associates, as recorded on the
FRI sheets, resulted in higher scores for the polygon. There was a positive correlation
between high scores for vegetation community factors and the species factor.
36
*
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
~
~
~]
~
~
IJ
~
~
~
~
IJ
II
4.5 Analysis of Hydrological Factors
4.5.1 General Description of Hvdrological Factors
Hydrological factors considered in this study include recharge/discharge function,
presence of riparian (watercourse) features and presence of headwaters.
Previous ground water and hydrogeological studies undertaken on the moraine by
Azimuth (2001) indicate that there is a close hydrological connection between recharge
function on the upland areas of the moraine and discharge function within the 500m
buffer to the moraine that lies outside ofthe geological boundary of the landform
(undulating line on Figures 1,2, and 3). This discharge function is important in
maintaining the function of provincially significant wetlands that encircle the moraine
such as Copeland Forest, Hawkestone, Bass Lake, the Orillia Filtration Swamp and the
Coulson Swamp that exists partially within the geological boundary of the landform.
Specific details of these wetlands and a summary of their attributes and functions are
provided in Appendix E. Recharge on the moraine itself is a function of the sandy soils
that exhibit excellent infiltration capacity.
A number of cold - water streams including Willow Creek, Matheson Creek and
Hawkestone Creek in the south and Coldwater and Sturgeon Rivers in the north are
present on the moraine and some tributaries have their headwaters in for~sted areas. For
the purposes of this study, the presence of one or more potential riparian features within a
forested or agricultural polygon was considered to provide a diversity of significant
habitat for birds, herpetiles and small mammals that require water to complete part of
their life history strategy and also to provide potential fish habitat. Although fisheries
information for the Oro Moraine is scant, cold - water fisheries including habitat for
Brook trout is known to exist on the moraine. The recently published Willow Creek
Subwatershed Study (NVCA, 2001) provides additional information on watercourses and
fisheries of the southwestern portion of the moraine.
The presence of forested headwaters is significant in that these lands should be protected
from development to ensure that the base flow to existing watercourses is not impacted
by changes in local hydrology or drainage patterns.
4.5.2 Scoring Patterns for Hvdrological Factors
Scoring patterns for riparian features ranged from 0 (no watercourse present within the
polygon or within SOm of a polygon boundary) to 12 (presence of three or more
watercourses within the polygon or within SOm of one of its boundaries). Three points
were assigned for each watercourse that traversed a polygon. If the headwaters of a first
or second order tributary to a watercourse were contained within a forested or agricultural
37
1
1*
1
1
1
1
1
1
I
1
1
1
1
1
I
I
1
I
I
Draft for Discussion
September 18'\ 2002
unit, then a further 3 points were assigned for the headwater feature. Most wetland
polygons within the 500m buffer to the moraine, including Hawkestone, Coulson Swamp,
Copeland Forest and the Bass Lake Wetland scored highly (the maximum of 12 points)
for the riparian feature and most headwater points were assigned to NF units near the
periphery of the upland portion of the moraine.
Polygons received points (maximum of three) if they were present within the major zones
of ground water recharge/discharge factor since all land on the moraine falls into one or
the other of these two categories. A maximum score of 18 points could potentially be
assigned for hydrological factors and a number ofNF polygons achieved the maximum
score.
4.6 Analysis of Special Designation Factors
4.6.1 General Description of Speciallv Designated Areas
Two environmental features were considered to have special significance from a natural
heritage perspective - the presence of an existing provincial designation such as a
provincially significant wetland or a provincial Life Science ANSI and the potential
presence within the polygon of a plant or animal species of special concern. Records of
historical occUlTences ofVTE's were used to score for rare species, although it is
recognized that field reconnaissance is required to confirm the presence 'or absence (as
noted in the methods, this type of survey is poorly suited to defining absence) of species
of concern. Table 7 contains the species list used to score for the rare species factor.
One of the EIS reports examined for species inventory information reported the presence
of a rare salamander (Jefferson's salamander) that does not appear in the MNR record
system. This type of finding emphasizes the importance of identifying sensitive habitats
followed by site-specific investigations for proposed land use changes in areas where
sensitive habitat exists.
38
*
Draft for Discussion
September 18'\ 2002
Table 7. Description of Vulnerable, Threatened or Endangered Species reported for the
Study Area (Data obtained from the Midhurst DistTict Office of the MNR, June, 2002)
Common Name Latin Name Status Habitat Information
Avian Species:
Tufted Titmouse Baeolophus bieolor S2S3/05 Mixed and/or deciduous
woodlots. Nests in cavity tTees.
Fonns mixed flocks with
nuthatches, small woodpeckers
and chickadees.
Vascular Plant
Species:
Tuberous Indian Arnoglossum S3/0405 Damp rocky grasslands and
Plantain plantagineum prairies.
Bluets Hedyotis eaerulea SH/05 Lawns, clearings and forest
margins. Flowers in
March/April (early spring).
Ram's Head Ladies' Cypripedium S3/03. Moist to wet cedar woods.
Slipper arietinum Provincially Partial shade. Blooms in late
rare. May - June but not reliably
every year.
American Oinseng Panax quinquefolius S3/04 Mesic upl!!lld forest. Rich,
Cosewic:THR moist woodlands. Flowers
from July to August. .
Herpetile Species:
Blandings' Turtle Emydoidea Found in proximity to marshes,
blandingii lakes, small streams (riparian
habitat). Wanders about on
land. Prefers downed woody
debris. Similarities to spotted
turtle (also rare).
Note; Recent or historical occurrences of these species were scored and information reported in the ADB
for each polygon located within the tkm2 buffer established by the NHIC.
4.6.2 Scoring Patterns for Special Designations
The Midhurst District Office of the MNR provided infonnation on one provincially and
nationally rare species of plant that is found on the Oro Moraine. Polygons within the
lkm2 boundary of the historical species observation were assigned a score of8. At the
request of the MNR, the species name and specific location cannot be released because
39
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
~
,
I]
I]
I)
~
~
,
~
~
,
~
1
1%
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
I
I
I
I
I
I
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
this practice sometimes leads to removal of the species or damage to the population.
Polygons containing other species that are locally rare were assigned a score of 1.
5.0 PROPOSED NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEM
Results of the spatia! examination of polygon types on the moraine and the quantification
of their ecologica! features and functions has resulted in the creation of a good "picture"
of the location of remnant ecosystem patches of sufficient size and environmental
significance to warrant protection by inclusion in a core area basically a "no touch"
zone. The data a!so indicate that there are naturally occurring linkages or connections
between these potential core areas that provide both north-south and east-west wildlife
passage corridors across the moraine. If forested lands are protected within these natural
linkages, then some biological and hydrological connections between upland forest on the
geological landform of the moraine and low-lying wetland areas north and south of the
moraine can be maintained and enhanced. Corridors are important for facilitating gene
flow between disparate populations of plants and animals and for protecting identified
recharge/discharge areas that influence local hydrology.
The following sections discuss various preservation scenarios and makes a
recommendation concerning a potential preservation target (approximately 80% natural
area retention) that would adequately protect existing natural areas from'isolation and
fragmentation from future and planned development.
5.1 Recommended Core Areas and Linkages
Cumulative scoring statistics are presented visually in a scoring summary diagram
(Figure 12) and broken down into intervals (0 ~ 30, 30 - 50,50 -70 and scores greater
than 70) in Figures 13 - 16. The fact that the provincially significant wetlands to the
north and south of the moraine and the provincially designated Rugby West ANSI both
scored in the highest category (scores over 70) indicates that the methodology has
functioned appropriately to identify areas of environmental significance.
For the purposes of visualizing potential core areas and linkages and recommending an
appropriate preservation target, two scenarios (analyses of environmental sensitivity) are
presented here - one to analyse the degree of natural area retention achieved using a
scoring cut-off of 30 (Figure 17) and another using a scoring cut-off of 50 (Figure 18).
These scoring cut offs were selected because an examination of the database showed that
at least one significant suite of factors was generally contained in polygons that scored 30
or higher. Areas that scored highly in the polygon metrics factor usually also scored
highly in the vegetation community factor for reasons discussed in earlier sections of the
40
*
Draft for Discussion
September18ili,2002
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
I]
I)
~)
I.J
..
..
It
Ij
IJ
IJ
report. For these reasons, we recommend that a cut-off of 30 be considered to indicate
polygons with significant natural heritage.
Table 8 shows the area of naturally - vegetated land (ha), the percentage of the
forested/natural area that this represents and the percentage of the total study area that
would be retained in its existing condition if various scoring cut offs were selected.
Table 8. Scoring Statistics
Scoring Greater Area (ha) As Percentage of As Percentage of
than: Forested Area (%) Study Area (%)
0 17330.51 173.5 100.0
10 17314.66 173.3 99.9
20 14817.4 148.3 85.5
30 8416.98 84.3 48.6
40 7404.99 74.1 42.7
50 6721.2 67.3 38.8
60 6344.09 63.5 .36.6
70 4940.81 49.5 28.5
80 3465.2 34.7 20.0
If a scoring cut-off of 30 were selected, then approximately 84% of existing
forested/naturally vegetated (combined NF, MF, and S lands including wetland that is
partially comprised of marsh) land within the study area would be protected. The pattern
oflands that scored 30 or greater is shown in Figure 17. In addition to already-protected
wetland, five new and large areas on the upland portion of the moraine would be
protected. On the western side of the moraine, the large contiguous area represented by
Copeland Forest is already linked to large forested blocks to the east and south of an
existing rural subdivision. Three large forested blocks encircle the existing aggregate
operations in the vicinity of the 7ili Line. The Rugby West ANSI is also physically linked
through a narrow existing corridor to wetland located north of Bass Lake Road and west
of the lake itself. Two significant forest stands are also located in the narrow eastern
portion of the moraine.
If a scoring cut off of 50 were selected, 67.3% of the existing forested lands would be
protected. This represents approximately 39% of the study area. Figure 18 shows the
size and location of potential core areas and linkages that would be retained using this
scenario. Although the same basic core areas for retention described above are still
visible, lands that provide potentially important east west and north south linkages would
be lost and the core areas would become more isolated ftom each other. Assuming that
failure to protect the intervening lands might result in future
41
1
1%
1
1
1
I
I
I
I
1
I
1
1
1
1
1
I
I
'.~
,
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
urbanlresidentiallrecreational/aggregate development around the core areas, the issue of
ftagmentation of natural areas and the introduction of more edge effects and disturbance
impacts comes into play.
Since the cut off of 30 results in the identification of lands with at least one
environmentally significant feature, it is the recommendation ofthis report that a target of
at least 80% of existing natural areas (i.e. the 30% cut oft) be adopted as a basis for
identifYing core areas and linkages to be retained. This recommendation is in keeping
with the objective of protecting large, contiguous forested blocks that will maximize
habitat for wildlife and protect resources. This cut off will also serve to protect the
important recharge function of the moraine, will protect base flow to existing
watercourses and will help to maintain the existing water budget (through
evapotranspiration of treed vegetation) that serves to protect ground water.
It is also recommended that a percentage of agricultural lands be retained since the
combination of cultivated fields and adjacent forest provide resources needed by certain
species of wildlife (eg. white-tailed deer, raptars) that utilize both types of habitat.
Protecting agricultural lands that fall within potential core areas or around the periphery
of core areas would therefore be beneficial.
5.2 Opportunities for Future Enhancement
The following specific environmental recommendations should be considered during the
planning process to ensure that existing ecological and hydrological features and
functions are retained into the future:
. Retain all existing linkages including those that exist across Horseshoe Valley
Road to the west of Horseshoe Valley and the north-south linkage to the east of
Craighurst. Future development of Craighurst will lessen existing linkages
between Copeland Forest and forested lands on the western side of moraine if
these linkages are not protected andlor enhanced through the planning process;
. Strengthen east-west linkages to the north of the area of aggregate potential along
the Seventh Line;
. If possible, create a new linkage between the Rugby ANSI block and the large
block of forested lands further to the west that includes the Coulson Swamp.
· North- south linkages are generally absent in the southern portion of moraine. If
possible, new linkages should be created to join Hawkestone swamp with forested
lands to the north of Old Barrie Road;
. Lands within identified significant core areas and linkages should be "no touch"
zones with extremely limited land use options. Active recreational facilities such
42
;t
Draft for Discussion
SeptemberlSlli,2002
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
~
I
J
~
~
I)
It
~
~
~
~
~
as golf courses and other uses such as aggregate extraction should not be located
in these areas;
. In situations where agricultural land use is located in the center of an otherwise
contiguous core area (example - the agricultural lands in the middle of the core
area in the western portion of the moraine), it is advised that future non-farm,
recreational and potentially aggregate extraction areas should be restricted on
these agricultural lands since future development would be result in edge impacts
to adjacent forested lands;
. All forestedlnaturallands not included in core areas should be researched in the
Access database at the time of application for development to determine whether
features such as potential VTE's or watercourses are present. Scores for these
factors should then trigger a site specific EIS with appropriate field inventories;
and,
. The database should be updated by the Township as new EIS reports and other
inventories (eg. that being prepared by the Couchiching Conservancy) become
available so that the information remains accurate and current.
5.3 Delineation of Core Areas and Linkages
The previous sections discuss the quantitative ranking of polygons using enviromnental
criteria. The next step is to prioritize areas based on the envITomnental criteria that can
be protected through Official Plan policy. This section makes recommendations in this
regard. There are a number of criteria that must be considered in defining priority areas,
however, this represents the first iteration. It is expected that current land uses within
these areas would be permitted, but that proposed changes in land use would be required
to meet certain minimum criteria. Primarily, for core areas and linkages, form and
function must be maintained, which would preclude many types of proposals. The
planning criteria are described in the companion document prepared by Meridian
Planning.
Areas are prioritized as core areas, linkages or corridors and outliers. Core areas are
large contiguous blocks of polygons with a rank greater than 30. Linkages and corridors
are smaller blocks of polygons that provide a link between core areas.
Outliers are individual or small groups of polygons that are not part of cores and do not
provide a linkage function. Proposed changes to land use in outlier areas may be subject
to less restrictive criteria than in core areas.
Other polygons are also identified that, although they scored less than 30 points, are
strategically located within otherwise contiguous core blocks. It is intended that these
43
1
1*
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Draft for Discussion
Septemberl8fu,2002
polygons would infill within core areas and would be subject to the same land use
restrictions as core areas.
The results of this evaluation are shown in Figure 19.
As can be seen ITom Figure 19, the western and central portion of the moraine contains a
high concentration of core areas and existing north - south linkages. Enhancement
and/or creation of an additional linkage across the Fourth Line (between two core areas)
would benefit wildlife passage in an east-west orientation across the moraine. The
linkage block extending south, just east of the Third Line should be left since the Dalston
PSW is located to the south of the moraine outside of the recognized study area. Some
wildlife movement and population interaction would therefore be possible ITom the
Copeland PSW in the north southerly all the way to the Dalston PSW. Several other
natural linkages exist between the eastern portion of the Copeland Forest that lies within
the study area and the large, proposed core block located in the center of the moraine.
This proposed core area extends essentially ITom west of the Fifth Line to east of the
Ninth Line. The block passes to the north of the Seventh Line haul route that does
represent an anthropogenic disturbance for polygons in the southcentral portion of the
moraine.
The core area on the Seventh Line coincides with the one of the primary aggregate
extraction areas. This area includes a number oflicensed pits as well as a significant area
of the primary mineral resource. The existing land use have already fragmented and
isolated the core area in this location. Forested areas on adjacent lands to these
operations should be examined in detail using the EIS protocol to ensure that significant
areas are preserved and protected when additional pits become operational. A number of
EIS reports have already been undertaken for these lands and the species inventories have
been appended to this report. The long term capability of the core areas will benefit if the
Township and MNR encourage licensed pits to have closure plans that include returning
the lands to natural vegetation. Active revegetation that incorporates planting of native.
trees are preferred to promote succession.
In the eastern section of the moraine, one linkage area joins the Rugby ANSI to the Bass
Lake PSW. Several proposed east - west linkages also connect the Bass Lake PSW to the
large central core block (near Coulson). All three of these linkages could be enhanced
and strengthened by the incorporation of adjacent land to widen the linkages. It is
essential to protect the core area containing the Rugby ANSI ITom further disturbance
since it is the largest core area on the eastern side of the moraine.
44
*
Draft for Discussion
SeptemberlSfu,2002
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
~
II
I
J
IJ
~
~
~
~
~
~
PSW lands (Bluff s Creek and the Orillia Filtration Swamp) located in the southeastern
comer of the moraine are narrow and dissected in morphology. At least an EIS process
should be undertaken prior to application for development of lands adjacent to the
already protected PSW lands to ensure continued preservation of features and functions
of these wetlands. Since the majority of the adjacent lands are currently in agricultural
land use, an enhancement and/or protection strategy is feasible.
There are no existing north south linkages in the eastern portion of the moraine and
existing and licensed aggregate operations occupy the central portion of the eastern lobe
of the moraine. It would be advantageous, from an environmental perspective to connect
the core area containing the Rugby ANSI with the southeastern wetlands; although this
would require that a number of agricultural lands be returned to natural vegetation. The
feasibility of this enhancement is not addressed by this study.
The adoption of the potential location of core areas and linkages would fulfill objectives
of this study to protect and retain as many large areas of natural vegetation and wildlife
habitat as possible.
6.0 CONCLUSIONS
This report has confirmed that significant natural areas occur within the study area and
particularly on the landform of the moraine. The majority of these significant lands are
classified as natural forests that show a high degree of biodiversity and the recommended
core areas are of sufficient size to provide large areas of undisturbed forested interior.
Identified natural areas have been overlain on the existing base mapping of the Township
of Oro Medonte and a detailed description of attributes of approximately 340 polygon
units has been prepared in the form of an Access database.
From a natural heritage perspective, the analysis supports the adoption of a scoring cut
off of 30 that would result in the protection of ecological and hydrological.features and
functions unique to the local area. Within the context of the whole Township, the Oro
Moraine presents an opportunity for preserving large areas of forested land as yet
relatively undisturbed by human activities. This high concentration of natural areas is
uncommon in South Central Ontario.
45
Page 46 is a blank page
~
Draft for Discussion
September18fu,2002
I
I
,
,
,
,
,
~
~
,
,
~
,
,
,
~
~
~
~
8.0 REFERENCES
As, Stefan. 1999. Invasion of Matrix Species in Small Habitat Patches. Journal of
Conservation Ecology (online) 3(1): 1.
Barnett, P. 1992. Quaternary Geology of Ontario, in Geology of Ontario, OGS Special
Volume 4, Part 2.
Bender, DJ., 1998. Habitat loss and population decline; a meta-analysis of the patch size
effect. Ecology. March, 1998.
(http://www.findarticles.comlcf 0/m2120/n2 v79/20574296/print. ihtml).
Ecoplans Limited. 1995. Township ofOro-Medonte Natural Heritage Background
Report.
Gannan, S.L. and G.A. Bradshaw. 1993. Landscape Analysis in Ecosystem
Management. Indicators of Sustainable Development Workshop.
(I:tttp://mf.ncr.forestry.ca/conferences/isd/gannaneng.html).
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 Department and Transfer Branch. SCSS Field Guide FG-02.
MacArthur, R.H. and E.G. Wilson. 1967. The theory of island biogeography. Princeton
University Press, Princeton, N.J. 203 pp.
Ministry of Natural Resources, June 1999. Natural Heritage Reference Manual for Policy
2.3 of the Provincial Policy Statement. Version 2.0.
Ministry of Natural Resources. 1978. Forest Resource Inventory Sheets for the Oro
Moraine (Sheet Numbers - 445793SW, 445793SE, 445793NE, 445792NW).
Ministry of Natural Resources. June 2002. A Natural Heritage Strategy for the Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources, Southcentral Region.
Ministry of Natural Resources. October 2000. Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical
Guide.
47
1
1*
1
1
1
I
I
1
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
'~1
I
I
I
I
Draft for Discussion
September 18th, 2002
Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC). 1998. Known Rare Species (71) Simcoe
County. List based on current and historical element occurrence records in the NHIC
database.
Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. November 01, 2001.
Ontario Institute of Pedology, Guelph Agriculture Centre and University of Guelph.
1985. Field manual for Describing Soils. Third Edition (Section on Topography).
Reid, Ron. 2002. Evaluation of Significant Woodlands in Southern Ontario: A Review
of the State of the Art. Draft. Prepared by Ron Reid (Bobolink Enterprises) for the
Federation of Ontario Naturalists.
Reese, Rachel. 2001. The Application oflsland Biogeography to the Design of Nature
Reserves - final. Montesuma, New Mexico, USA. (not peer reviewed).
Theobald, D.M., 1998. Tools Available for measuring Habitat Fragmentation. Presented
at the Colorado Chapter of the Wildlife Society Annual Meeting, Grand Junction,
Colorado, January 22nd, 1998.
Theobald, D.M. and N.T. Hobbs. 1999, Calculating Landscape Fragmentation using a
Gradient-based Approach. ESRl User Conference, San Diego, CA.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, February 27, 2002. State of the Ecosystem
- Terrestrial Natural Heritage Draft document.
48
45'
,
..J.
"
",
+Z
"
40
..
"'/7
47 '.
, \- ~
-~-~,).:::::..... '--
..
,
, "
~'Ii",' .
3'tI ~ ~';:'''~'!I.o.
" f'r':'~~-
_.,:9; :X
.".-'
'>~
"
"
"
"
'"
""
"
"
eo '.
'" .,
"
'"
17 "J
/
"
"
_,.,c,....'"'~
"
"~~.".=."'
(;(/.;;;ZK"(){,'-'.;y/,,,/,.:~
/::t?fX5)K41y:>:!i
~:Jt;lif:/(iJtdf:Fg
f...,
j, ',,",' '.f:,~
!.:__.:,c.' ~"" ,<I .)}
"
i-~",,-,r-"~-'''''
'"._,,,--,,
ill "
'~'- '
\
.
\
.
"
;;g>>
'f '
,
c.
,
,
,
..
."f....
'.
__I!_ ("--
. ,',
:(11" Rn:-( d. '11-:
-
/./1- I.) 'oJ
2> 8
<
,
" "./"
::d:'\
[ \
~
','!.-:.__J
)".
.L'
-
r
,...~";."c;..,,,::
-;;:i',j';k;d
-
,
I
Z ,h.)
" .i
"
,
,
bJr
<.t-.:-,--.
iF~"
,y"
W'.
e
,
,
'-..'/
!.>
~i
~\\.
/:
I '
.
0<
wx
x'"
&:
>>XI
,
~~..
\
,
.
........""J,
~.........~~
I
1'-
n
!
)
ii ~
(~ ~...~......
. ,
I""'q~ ...... \
')'..
/
c,j' .
'.
,
'......~
"
.
,)
I
/
t
.
//
,
(
.
'\LJ '
{;;~~t-" '~. )
-', ,..:'! i~\f~/,~'(, I,!,
'J/..
,".)
"
'/,
1:"1. "'.
-'-',
,
;"
"
-' "'~". "f ','
'>/' \
,
"
,.
u....~.
,.~.~- -
yt.... ~
.,.
~0~
j(XA
,
"
~ ~~M
,
i,' . '''\
rlf;{ i,'/"~., "'1
~~~" "c,.'
,,- "-""~'l"-'''';," :--/" '-,
{ lJ- J'1%;:""",~'
.' \~"
,.(!~
~"I""i1
" """
J -
i
\ ,
i
I {
.c; 1ti k::
, ~
~
iO
:;:r 17
"
.
<
z
\"
,_
l....
~
Z'
:;
;;
,
,l.~
" !<~
I~~~~
~
,
1
.
,
~,
---,
!
, "
i ~
,A
,
"
,
",:;.i;;';;,ij~_"
J....
/;,
~
"
'-"
\.
,
-"I~~,."
\
\
-~'ffi
-'~,
"
,
"
/.
i'
-, .......w.....'"
. ,
\-i""~.-'-
C:,
''(1
,
I
~
, K'x':'I
'<i ~
I
y., (DfdW'.)
'"
'JIi"
"",,'
'{'-"f'
I
I
..
1'"
~,
r,\f...
'~",
''''''\,
" .
i,
i)
,
I i,..j~~...t:
"
\
I\i.,
'--~
.
ii'
"
i,']
i
<::id~ Rd.
/-i
" i
,-' "-~~,
'i\"-i..,,, I
'i..,. '_.~,
I ~ I
(,,-r
I I
I
I
'i(
I
\
...../ I
;;
,
Z I
~
.
I
~
-
,
., ......,i r ii,) I
'III _;,."J~<____G'~_' X
.'
i
"
I,
/tvr.-.---.... /
/
I
~
\
. L,#
."
R.l
\
/ !("
" ,
,
'-,
'I ..
, !
.
,
.
\
" ,
'. .'
.
..
i
"'.
,
w ~;f'"
~;ji~~. ,
,
" ,-
'/';;'>-'_':..."'/ o;.~::;:-'~~
,
--~"~'-'-" .".-',
"
,/'~-"-"'"
\
'"
i
"0
.E.
.
.
"
,"
,
.
:,.", .m","w"'~g~~
f.
",'I V//j;7?:%0';;'
<:'1'11'
i i'(
'. {;f:?
" ,?/,j;;,
~'.~
..
..
\
\'
,
'I
"
~. ..~it:1
"
'L
~.,:.....~~
~" ~
">,
I,' ",--,."
~~. "~-' <,~ ('f
...... ",...~
,<"
.' ,
, .
i
"
/'~~
......~~~ ~
I '
.
I
/
I
~,.'" .. J:
.
"-,
,
,
',\L
.
.
c.
.
~
~
, '1V)
~'
"
..
,
,
,
~
,
,
......~ ~~
.
i
>,~ lil'i
,
"
(D~Ll.JA)
~~
t,
Ot.
,'-(.
",
.,~.
,
,
~
:I. _
, .f! i
I/' ,..,L
_ , i
'. , .,
---~',.~~ \(~ ~ '~--
-'...."i_.ii.'i"~
"
i
~._,,,.j")
Li.> i",
"
C
~
'"
i
c
~
to
LEG EN D:
_______ STUDY BOUNDARY
g~~~gW~~g~~~~w~" MQ~NE BOUNDARY
~~ LICENSED AOOREGATE PITS
~ DEVELOPMENT COMMITMENTS
I 'if:: '(; '----,..' ''"I
r:--:',:~:c:-, ''-',>':j,S':S''/;,j DESIGw...TED AOOREGATE RESOURCES
I ' OllTUERS
;';(er', 8/; >;;,s, .....'"
iC'/,-"'-
~ AREA5 TO BE CQNSIDERED FOR
~ REVEGETATlON
LINKAGES
CORE AA EA.S
I" , >
.
.
, ~'i,i6i:"'I:(llgc ".1> "=;.
".
,
~ ,.,. ~
I< , " "
" .
* - ~ ~ ~
0 - ~ ~
"
.
. ~ ~ '" '"
".
.(;1ZIHUrl' E,I'V,'IW'III'E,IT4l
,. -"'-'~ C::W~l;1 TIft'S. II'iC:.
ORO MORAINE
NATURAL HERITAGE STUDY
CORES & LINKAGES
(BASED ON CUT OFF OF 30)
100Dm 0 1000m
1_ _' I
H~IZClNT AI.. SCALE 1: 75,000
Pmject No.;
Drawing No.
01-051
19
Data IS8ued:
SEPTEMBER 2002.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
List of Appendices
Appendix A. Vascular Plant Species ofthe Oro Moraine
Appendix B. Bird Species of the Oro Moraine
Appendix C. Mammal Species of the Oro Morame
Appendix D. Herpetile Species of the Oro Moraine
Appendix E. Supplementary OMNR Documentation
Appendix F. Excerpts from the Natural Heritage Reference Manual (June 1999)
Appendix G. Sample Abstracts of Relevaut Landscape Ecology Papers
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Appendix A
Vascular Plant Species
I
I
ORO MORAINE PLANT SPECIES
I
Location:_List of woody and herbaceous species recorded on the landform of the Moraine. Project: 01-051
Area A: Rowanwood Extension of Coulson Swamp, Area B. South half of Lot 7, Coucession 10, (Township
ofOro). Area C. West half of Lots 7, 8, 9, Concession 7, (Township ofOro). Area D. South half of Lot 7,
Concession HI, (Township of Oro). Area E. Lots 2 and 3, Concession 9, (Township of Oro). Area F: Lots 2
and 3, Concession 9, (Township of Oro). Area G: Lot 41 and Part Lot 42, Concession 2, (Township of Oro
Medonte ).
I
I
FAMtL Y SPECIES COMMON NAME Area Area Area Area Area Area Area
A B C D E F G
EnUISETACEAE HORSETAIl. FAMILY
EQuisetum sp. X
EQuisetum arvense L. Field HOTsetait X X X X
Eouisetum fluviatile SWamo Horsetail X
Eaulsetum hvemale L. SCQurimN''Ush X X
Eauisetum scirnoides Michx. Dwarf Scourinll-rush X
Eouiselurn svlvalicum Wood Horsetail X X
LYCOPODIACEAE CLUBMO S FAMILY
LVCoDodium annotinum Bristlv Clubmoss X X
LvcoDodium clava/um RunniJ11! Pine Club Moss X
Lycopodium dendroideum Pricklv Tree Clubmoss X X
Lycopodium dipitatum X
Lycopodium lucidulum Shinio!! Club Moss X
Lycopodium obscurum Flat-branched tree Clubmoss X X
OSMUNDACEAE ROYAL FERN FAMILY
Osmunda cinnantomeo L. Cinnamon Fern X
Osmunda claytoniana Clavtnn's Fern X X X
Osmunda reKalis Roval fern X X X X
DENNSTAEDTlACEAE "'HCKEN FAMILY
Pleri'dium DQuilinum (LJ Kuhn Eastern Bracken X X X X
ASPLENIArEAE SPLEENWORT "AMIL Y
Athrvium (ilix-(emin4 (L,) Roth Northeastern Ladv Fern X X X X X X
CrvsoPteris bu/bifera fL.) Bern Bublet Fern X X
DrvoPteris SP. Unidentified Wood Fern X
DrvoPleris bootit" Bootls Wood Fern X
Dryopteris carthusiatUl (Vill.) RP. Spinulose Wood Fern X X X
Fuchs .
DryoPleris clintonia Clinton's Wood Fern X
Drvopteris cnstata (L.) Gray Crested Wood Fern X X X X
DrvoPteris goldiaM Goldie's Fern X
DrvoPteris intermedia Intermediate Wood Fern X X
DrvoVleris manrinalis fL.) Gray Manrinal Wood Fern X X
DrvoOleris sDinulosa Sninulose Shield Fern X
Matteuccia strulkionleris fL.J Todaro American Ostrich Fern X X X
Onodea sensibilis L. Sensitive Fern X X X X
OPHIOGLO,<<AC/AE
Botrvckium ob/iouum Temate Orarn> Fern X
Botrvchium virf1inianum Rattlesnake Fern (C'-rrnnP Fern) X X X
THELYPTER/DACEAE BEECH FERN FAMILY
Thelypteris noveboracensis X 'X X
Thelvpteris palustris {Salish'> Schott MarshFem X X X X
POLYPODlACEAE POLVPODYFAMILY
Adiantum Det/arum Northern Maidenhair Fern X X X X X
Asplenium plaNneuron Ebonv Soleenwort X
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
K:f AzimuthlBiologyfHerbaci'}us.doc
I
9/3/2002
Custonteris bulbifera Bulblet CvstoDteri, X X X
Cvstooteris frayiIis Fragile (Brittle) Fern X
Phevovteris connectiIis X
Po/vstichum acrostichoides Christmas fern X X X X
PlNACEAE PINE FAMILY
Abies balsamea Balsam Fir X X X X X X
Larix /aricina Tamarack X X X X
Picea vlauca White soruce X X X X
Pinus resinasa Red pine X X X
Pinus strobus White pine X X X X X
Pinus sv/vestris Scots pine X X X X
Tsuva canadensis Eastern hemlock X X X X X
CUPRESSACEAE CYPRESS FAMILY
Thu;a oeeidentaUs White Cedar X X X X
TYPHACEAE CAITAILFAMILY
Tv;'ha an;;'~,~/ifOlia Narrow-Jeaved cattaiJ X X
Thnha latfroUa L. Broad - leaved CanaB X
ALlSMATACEAE WATER-PLANTAIN
FAMn,y
Alisma Dlanta{7o~nnuatica Water Plantain X
POACEAE GRASS FAMILY
A~;ostis p'iuantea Roth. Redtou X X
A urostis stolonifera C""",iDg Bent Grass X X X
Brachvelvtrum erectwn {Roth Beauv. Bea11Ied Shortbusk X
Bromus inermis T .P1Jss. Smooth Brome Grass X X
Calamagrostis canadelt$is (Michx.) Canada Blue-joint X
Beauv.
Cinna latifolia Sweet Reed Grass X X X
Dacfulis ~/omerata L. On:hard Gruss X
Danthonia-s;'icatafL.} R. & S. Povertv Oat Grass X X
Di~itaria sanvuina/is Large Crab Grass X
Ei;;;'us htlstrix L. Bottle-Brush Grass X
ii;';;"us renens ' Quack Grass X
Glvceria urandis Reed Meadow Grass X
G/vceria striata flam.) A.8.Hitchc. FOM Manna Grass X X X X
Leersia oMJ7oides fl.. I Sw. Rice Cut Grass X X X
Muhlenberu-ja mexicana (LJ Trin. Muhlv Gruss lSarin GrasS) X
On170nsu; asoeri(olia RouR:h-leaved Mountain Rice X X
Pahicum caoilJare Witch Grass X
Phalaris arundinacea L. Reed Canarv Gras, X X
Phleum DroteJJSe L Timothv X X X X
Poa comnressn L. Cam.da Blue Grass X
Poa nralensis L. Kentucky Blue Grass X
Selaria viridis Green Foxtail X
Phrnumites australis Common reed X
CYPERACEAE SEDGE FAMILY
Carex so. Unidentified Sedt!e X
Carex a/bursina White Bear Sedge X
Carex aauatilis Water Sedge X
Carex arctata Comuressed Sedge X X X
Carex bebbii (Bailev) Fern. Bebo', Sedge X X X
Carex blanda X X
Carex comosa . Bristlv Sedee X X
Carex communis Common SedJ!;e X
Carex crinita FriDged Sedge X X
Carex dewevana Schw. Dewev's Sedge X
Carex echinata Lesser Pricklv sedo-e (Eu~an\ X
K:/ AzimuthlBiologylHerbacious.doc
2
9/3/2002
I
I
I
,
,
,
Ij
It
IJ
II
II
11
I,
11
j'
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Carex flava Yellow Sedec X X X
Carex i!racilIima Schw. Grnceful Sed.e X X X
Car-ex hystericina Muhl. ex Willd. Porcunine Sed2e X X X
Carex interior Interior Sedge X
Carex intumescens Bladder Sedpe X X X
Car-ex laxi{lora Distant-flowered Sedge X
Carex leDtatea Bristle sta1ked Sedge X
Car-ex /uDulina HOD Sed.e X
Car-ex Deckii Peck's Sedue X
Car-ex Dedunculata Peduncled Sed.e X X X
Car-ex nensvlvanica Lam. Pennsv\vat\1ca Sed2e X
Car-ex pJantaxinea Lam. Plantain-leaved Sedec X X
Carex radiala X
Car-ex scabrata Rou-h Sed-e X X
Carex scovoria Poi.nted Broom Sed...:e X
Carex sterilis Similar to Inland Sedue X
Car-ex savala Muh/. ex WilId. Awl-Fruited Sede.e X X
Carex tenera Straw Sed.e (Do. Grass) X
Carex vull1inoidea Michx. Fox Tail Sede:e X X X X
EJeocharis acicu/aris Needle Snike-Rusb X
Eleocharis vlridi~carinatum Snecies of rush X
Scirous atrovirens WilId. Blacf (Dark Green 1 Bulrush X X X X
Scirous cverinus Woolm~s X X
Scirpus rubrotinclus {microcarnus} Small-fiuited bulrush X
LEMNACEAE DUCKWEED FAMILY
Lemna minor L. Common Duckweed X
JUNCACEAE RUSH FA Y
Juncus bufonius Toad Rush X
Juncus dud/evi Dudlf'V's Rush X
JunCU$ effusus L Rush X X X
Juncus nodosus Knotted Rush X X
June:w; tenuis Willd. Path Rush X X X
ARACEAE ARUM FAMILY
Arisaema triohvllum Jack.in-the-Pulnit X X X X X X X
LlLlLArRAE LILY FAMILY
Allium tricaecum Ail. Wild Leek, Ra~< X
Clintonia borealis Blue Bead !..ilv X X
Ervthronium americanum Trout Lilv X X X
Maianthemum canadense Desf. Canada Mayflower X X X X X
Maianthemum racemosum (L.) Link. False Solomon's-Seal X X X X
SSD. racemosum
Maianthemum ste//alum Stanv False Solomon's Seal X
Maianthemum trifolium Three-leaved False Solomon's S. X
Po!wonatum biflorum Smooth Solomon's Seal X
Po/vvonatum lJubescens i/ldJ P'JrSh Solomon's Seal X X X X X
Smilax herbacea L Camon-flower X X
Smilax hispida Greenbrier X
StreptolJus roseus Michx. Rose Twisted Stalk X X X X
Trillium erectum L. Wakerobin X X X X
Trillium vandiflorum (MichxJ Salisb. White TriUium X X X X X
Uvularia J!rondiflora Sm. Lame Bel1wort X X
IRIDACEAE YD'. FAMILY
Iris versicolor L. Wild Blue Fla. X
SisYrinchium montanum Little Blue.eved Grass X
ORCHIDACEAE ORC1m> FAMILY
Cypripedium reKinae ShDWV Ladies' SliDDer X
Epipactis helleborine (1.> Crantz Hel1eborine X X X
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
K:/ AzimuthlBiologylHerbacious.doc
3
9/3/2002
GENTIANACEAE
Gentiana nuberulenta DowUv nentian X
SALlCACEAE WILLOW FAMILY
PODulus alba L. White PODlar X
PODulus balsamifera L. Balsam Pontar, Hackmatack X X X X X X
POT1ulus deltoides Eastern Cottonwood X
Ponulus vrandidentata Michx. Lari!c- Toothed Asnen X X X X
Populus tremuloides Michx. Tremblinv A<men X X X X X
Sa/Ix bebbiana SarI!. Bebb's WiUow X
Salix discolor Muh/. Pussv Willow X
Salix vediciIlaris BOI! Wi110w X
Salix Detio/aris Slender Wi110w X
Salix Durourea L. Basket Willow X
Salixsn. hvbrid shruh willow X
BETULACEAE BIRCH FAMILY
Alnus ruJ?osa S~kled Alder X X
Betula alleJ!haniensis Yel10wbircb X X X X X
Betula DaDvrifera White birch X X X X
Corylus cornuta Beaked hazel X
Ostrva vlnriniana HOD Iwmbeam {Ironwood} X X X X X X
FAGACP"E BEECH FAMll. v
Farms r!randifolia American beech X X X X X X
I Ouercus rubra Red Oak X X
ULMACEAE ELM FAMH"Y
Ulmus americana American Elm X X X
JUGLANDACEAE WAL FAMll.Y
Jurrlans cinerea L. Butternut X X X X
URTICACEAE NETTLE FAMILY
Pilen pumila ClealWeed or Richweed X X
Urtlea canadensis Wood Nettle X
Urtica dioica L. subs]). uacilis (Ait.) American StinJring Nettle X X X X X
ARISTO'OCHIACE"E BmTHWORT I?AMILY
Asarum canadense L. Wild Gimzer X X X X
POLYGnNArEAE RU TFAMILY
Polvvonum aviculare Prostrate Knotweed X
Polvvonum convolvulus Wild Buckwheat X
PolvvonlJ.m oersicaria L. Lady's Thumb X X
Polvvonum hvdropiper Smartweed X
Rumex acetosella Red Sorrel X X
Rumex crispus L. Curlv Dock X
Rumex verticil/oms Water Dock X
CHENOPODIACEAE
Chenopodium album Lamb's Quarters X X
PORTULACACEAE PURSLANE FAMILY
Claytonia caroliniana Carolina Snrinf! Beautv X
ALSINACEAE rHlCKWEED FAMILY
Cerastium fontanum Baumg. Mouse-eared Chickweed X X
Ceras/iurn vulJfoJum laruer Mouse-eared Chickweed X
Stellaria lom!ifolia wno-Ieaved Chickweed X
SJe/laria media Common Chickweed X X
K:/ AzimuthlBiologylHelbacious,doc
4
9/312002
I
,
,
,
,
It
It
It
It
.'
I
.
.
I
I
I
.
I
I
I
I
I
CARYOPHYLLACEAE PINK FAMILY
Sanonaria officinalis L. Bouncinu-bet X
Si/ene vulvaris (Moench) Garcke Bladder Campion X X
RANUNCULACEAE BUITERCUP FAMILY
Actaea nachvnoda Ell. White Baneberry X X X X X
Actaea rubra (Ait.) Willd. Red Baneberry X X X X X X
Anemone canadensis L. Canada Anemone X X
Anemone cvlindrica Grav Lon2-fruited Anemone X X
Anemone virviniana L. Thimbleweed X X X X
Anuilevia canadensis L. Wild Columbine X X
Caltha l1alustris L. Marsh-mariJ!:old X X X
Clematis viruiniana L. Virgin's-bower X X X
Henatica OCUli/oba Heart Liver Leaf X X X X
Ranuncu/us aoortivus Kidnev-leaved buttercun X X
Ranuncu/us aens 1. Tall ButtercUD X X X
Ranuncu/us recurvatus Poir. Hooked ButtercUD X
Thalietrum dioicum Earlv Meadow Rue X X
Contis vroenlandica Gotdthread X X
BERBERIDACEAE BARBERRY FAMILY
CaulonhvIlum thalictroides fL.) Michx. Blue Cohosh X X X X X
Podonhvllum ne1tatum L. MaY-Apple X X
FUMARIACf?AE FUMITORY FAMILY
Dicentra canadensis Squirrel - Com X
CRUClFERAE MUSTARD FAMILY
Alliaria officinalis Garlic mustard X
Barbarea vulvaris R. Br. Yellow Rocket X
Ca;;$el/a bursa-nus/oris Shepherd's Purse X X X
Den/aria dinhvlla Michx. Tootbwort X X
~imum cheiranthoides Wormseed Mustard X
Lenidium camnP~tre Field s X X
NastuNium microphy//um (Hoenn.) Water Cress X
Reinchenb.
ThlasDi arvense Penny Cress X
SAXlFRAGACEAE SAXIFRAGE FAMILY
Mite/la dinhv/la Bishpp's Cap /Miterwort) X
Tiare/la cordifoIia L. Foam Flower X X X X X X
GROSSULA CEAE GOOSEBERRY F Y
Ribes americanum Wild Black Currant X
Ribes rvnosba/i L. Pricklv GoosPhPn-v X X X
ROSACEAE ROSE FAMILY
Afl"rimonia fl"rVOoseDala Wallr. Ammonv X X
Cra/aeflUS SD. Hawthorn sn. X X X X X X X
Fraf!aria vesco Wood strawberry X X X
Fraflaria viIViniana Dcne. Common strawberrv X X
Geum a/ennicum Jacn. Yellow Avens X X X X
Geum canadense Jacn. White Avens X X
Malus domestica Bor/ch. Apple X
Potentilla norvevica Rou2b Cinauefoil X
Potentilla recta L. Roulrl1~fruited Cintluefoil X X X
Prunus sero/ina Ehrh. Black Cherry X X X X X
Prunus viIViniana L. Chokecherry X X X X
Rubus allevheniensis Porter Common BlackbetTV X X X
Rubus flauellaris Northern Dewlv>nv X
Rubus occidenta/is L. Black X X X
Rubus odoratus Purole-Flowerio. Rasphenv X
Rubus nubescens Ral". Dwarf Raspberry X
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
K:/ Azimuth/Biotogy/Herbacious.doc
5
9/3/2002
Rubus idaeus L, ssp. melano[asius Wild Red RBspberry X X X X X X
(DieckJ Focke (a[so var. stiJwsus)
Rosa b[anda Smooth Wild Rose X
FABACEAE PEA FAMILY
ArnnhicarnoeiJ bracteata fL.} Fern. H02-neanut X
Lotus corniculatus Bird's Foot Trefoil X X
MedicafYo lunulina L Black Medic X X X
MEXlicauo sativa Alfalfa X
Melilotus alba Medic. White Sweet~clover X X
Melilotus offlcina/is fL.J Pall. Yellow Sweet-clover X
Trifolium camDestre Low Hop Clover X
Trifolium nratense 1. Red Clover X
Tri70lium renens L. White Clover X
Vida cracca 1. Bird Vetch X X
GERANIACE"E GERANIUM FAMILY
Geranium robertanium L. Herb Robert X X X X X X X
OXALIDACEAE WOOD-SORREL FAMILY
OxaUs stricta L.. fOxatis montanaJ Common Wood-Sorrel X X X X?
Oxa/is e<<ronea Yellow WOodsOITCl X
RUTACEAE RUEFAMn,y
Zantho.rvlum americanum Pricldy Ash X
POLYGALACEAE Mil KWORT F Y
Polvuala naucifo/ia Frinaed Pnlyaala X
ANACA,mUCEAE CASHEW FAMILY
Rhus rm/icans L. Poison-ivy X X X
Rhus tvohina L. Staghom Sumac X X X X
ACERACEAE MAPLE FAMILY
Acer neS!Undo Manitoba manIc X X
Acerrobrum Red manle X X X X
Acer saccharum SUl!ar manle X X X X X X
Acer soicatum Mountain manIc X X X
BALSAMINACEAE TOtICH-ME-NOT-FAMILY
Im1)atiens canensis Meerb. Spotted Jewelweed X X X X
RHAMNACEAE BurKTHORN FAMILY
Rhamnus cathartica L. Conunon Buckthorn X
VITACEAE GRAPE FAMILY
Parthenocissus inserta (A. Kerner) Virginia Creeper X X
Fritsch
Vitis rinaria Micro.. Riyerbank CreenerIWild on,;;;;\ X X X
TILIACEAE LINDEN FAMILY
Tilia americana Basswood X X X X
HYPER/CACEAE ST. JOHN'S WORT FAMri- Y
jj;;;;ericl.lm oerforatum L. Common St John's Wort X X X X
VIOLACEAE VIOLET FAMILY
Viola SD. Unidentified Violet suedes X X X
Viola canadense Canada Violet X X
Viola COMoero DOl! Violet X
Viola nubescens Ail. Downy Yel10w Violet X X X
Viola sororio Willd. Woolly Blue Violet X
K:/ AzimuthlBiologylHerbacious.doc
6
9/3/2002
~]
'1
IJ
II
It
It
I'"
I"
I
I
.'..'
, ~
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
ONAGRACEAE EVENING-PRIMROSE
FAMILY
Circaea a/pino L. Dwarf Enchanter's Niuhtshade X X X X
Circaea /utetiana L. Enchanter's Nightshade X X X X
EfJilobium anf!USlifolium X
EfJilobium cilia/urn Raf. Stickv willow herb X X X
Oenothera biennis L Hairv YeUow Evenine-orimrose X X X
ARALlACEAE GINSEN" F AMIL Y
Aralia nudicau/is L Wild SarsJlnariUa X X X X X X
APlACEAE CARROT FAMILY
Crvototaenia canadensis (LJ DC. Honewort X
Daucus carota L Wild Carrot, Queen Anne's Lace X X X X
Hvdrocotvle americana L. Marsh Pennvwort X X X
Osmorrhiza c/avtonii Sweet Cicelv X X X
CORNACEAE DOGWOODFAMIl,v
Cornus a/ternifoUa L.r. A1ternate-1eaved DoR'WOod X X
Comus canadensis Bunchhenv X
Comus ruvosa Lam. Round-leaved Doawnorl X
Comus stolon if era Red-osier douwond X X
PYROUCEAE WINTERGREEN FAMILY
Moneses uniflora One-flowered Wnt~ X
PvroJa americana Round-leaved Am. Wintf"n1f'PPl1 X
Pvrola asarifolia B02 Winter....... (pink Pvrola\ X
ERlCACEAE Uli"ATHFAMILY
Gaultheria Drocumbens Soicv Wintenzreen X
PRlMULArEAE PRIMR"<E FAMILY
Lvsimachia ciliata L. FriDlzed loosetrife X
Trien/alis borealis Starflower X X X X
OLEA CpA" OLIVE FAMILY
Fraxinus americana L. White Ash X X X X X X
Fraxinus niflra Marsh. Black Ash X X
Fraxinus vennsvlvanica Marsh.. Red Ash X
Svrinr!a vulgaris L. Conunon Lilac X
APOCYNACEAE DOGBANE FAMILY
Anocvnum androsaemifolium L. Snreadinl! Dol!bane X X
ASCELPlADACEAE MILKWEED FAMILY
AseeIpias inearnata L. S-= Milkweed X X
Asceloias svriaea L. Common Milkweed X X X X X
CONVOLVULACEAE MORNING GLORY JlAMlLY
Convolvulus arvensis Field Bindweed X
HYDROPHYLLCAEAE WATERLEAFF Y
Hvdroohvl/um vif1!inianum L. Vindna Waterleaf X X X
BORAGINAC"A" BORAGEJlAMlLV
Eehium vulgare Viner's Bueloss X X
Hackelia virviniana ViNlnia Stickseed X
Lithospermum officinale EUTOnean Gromwel1 X
Svmphvtum officinale Comfuw X
VERBENArEAE VERVAIN FAMILY
Verbena hastata L. Blue Vervain X X
Verbena urticifo/ia L. White Vervain X X X
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
K:/ AzimuthlBiology/Herbacious.doc
7
9/3/2002
PAPAVERACEAE POPPY FAM" Y
San.minarja canadensis Bloodroot X X
LABlA T AE MINT FAMILY
Glechoma hetleracea Ground lvv . X X
Leonuruscardiaca Motherwort X
~;;;;;s omericanus Muh/. American Water-horehound X X X
Z;;;;onus uniflorus Michx. Northern Water-horehound X X X
Mentha arvensis L. Field or Common Mint X X X
Monarda fistula Wild Bmamot X X X
Nen~la cataria L Catrti~ X X X X
Prunella vu~ris L. Heal-aU X X X
Satur;i"a vuJ.;;;ris Wild basil X X X
Scute/lan'a~lericulata Marsh Scul1can (Euronean .S.) X
Scutellaria laterinora L. Mad-do2 Skullcao X
SO' ANACEAE NIGHTSHAD" FAMILY
So/anum carolinense Horse Nettle X
Solanum dulcamara L. Bittersweet N"Witshade X X X X
SCROPHULARlACEAE FIGWORT FAMILY
Mi11lu/us moschatuS Musk Plant X
Penstemon ji;jtalis Beard tonuue X
Penstemon hirsutus Hairv Beard tongue X
Verbascum thw,us L. Common MuUein X X
Veronica ;iifcinalis Common SnPNfWclJ X X X X
Veronica s;;:;;;;lliFoIia L. Th~-leaved S~"well X
PHRYMACEAE LOPSEED FAMILY
Phruma lpntastaeh'''' L. Looseed X X
PLANTAGINAr'EAE PLANTAIN FAMILY
Plantavo lanceolata L. Enl!lisb Plantain X X X X X
Plalltavo moTor Common Plantain X X
RuiiIACEAE MADDER FAMILY
Galium a;;arine L. Cleavers .,.. X
Galium as--;:;ellum Michx. Rou;'h Bedstraw X
Galium boreale Northern Bedstraw X
Galium circaezans Wild Licorice X
Galium obtusum X X
Galium triiidum sman Bedstraw X
Galium trii70rum Michx. Sweet-scented Bedstraw X X X
rAPRlFOLlACEAE HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY
Diervilla lonicera Mill. Bushwhonevsuckle X X
Linnea borealis Twin flower X
Lonicera canadensis Flv honevsuckle X
Lonicera dioica L. Wild Hon-eV;uckte X
Lonicera tatariea L. Tartarian Hon-;;;uckle X
Sambucus canadensis L. Common Elder X X
SambuCU$ "ubens Michx. Red-berried Elder X X X X X
Viburnum acerifolium L. Manle-leaved Viburnum X
Viburnum lent;;O Nann~ X
Viburnum trilobum L. Hiuhbush Cranberrv X
CUCURBITACEAE , rJlURDFAMILY
Echinocv;tis lobata-iMichxJ T. & G. Wild Cucumber X
LOBELlCE.4E LOBELIA FAMILY
Lobelia iltflata Wild Tobacco X X
Lobelia svnhilitica 1. Great Lobelia X X
K:I AzimuthlBiologyfHerbacious.doc
8
9/3/2002
I
I
I
I
,
~
I]
IJ
~
I
I
1
I
I~
I'
I
1
1
I
CHICORIACEAE
Cichorium inrobus Chicory X
Trauonouon nratensis YeUow I!oatsbeard X X
Sonchus arvensis L. Field Sow-thistle X
Sonchus asner (L.) Hill Sninv Annual Sow-thistle X X
Taraxacum officina/e Weber Dandelion X
AMBROS/ACEAE RAGWEED FAMILY
Ambrosia artemisii{o/ia L. Common RaVWf'.erl X X X
COMPOS/TAE THISTLE FAMILY
Achillea mi/le{olium L. Yarrow X X X
Ananha/is marf!aritaceae (LJ Benth. Pearly Everlasting: X
Antennaria nev[ecta Greene Pussvtoes X
Arctium minus Common Burdock X X X X
Aster s;;' Unidentified Aster mecies X
Aster cordiifJ/ius L. Heart-leaved Aster X X
Aster lanceo/alus Wi//d. Tall White Aster X
Aster /ateriflorus IL.I Brit/. One-sided Aster X X
Aster /owrieanus Lowries's Aster X
Aster macronhvllus L. Large-leaved Aster X
Aster novae-anuliae L. New En,land Aster X X X
Aster "uniceus 1. Red-stemmed Aster X X X X
Aster saaittito/ius Wedem. Arrow-leaved Aster X X
Aster simvlex Panicle Aster X
Aster umbel/alus Flat.toooed Aster X X X
Aster vimineus Small White Aster X
Bidens frondosa L. Devit's BeeearUcks X X
Chrvsanthemum /eucamhemum L. Ox-eve Daisv X X X X
Cirsium arvense fLJ SCOD. Canada Thistle X
Cirsium vu/$!we fSavj) Tenore Bun Thistle X X X X X
Con~"'a canadensis Horseweed X
Edaeron annuus fLJ Pers. Daisv Fleabane X X X
Eri$!eron canadensis Horseweed X
Euvatorium nuzculatum L. Soot1<d Joe-Pve Weed X X X
Euvatorium verfoliatum L. Boneset X X X X
Euvatorium rullOSum Houtt. White Snakeroot X
EUlhamia vraminifolia fL.) Null. Flat - tonned Goldenrod X X
Gnanha/ium obtusifoUum Sweet Ufe EverlastinQ X X
Hieracium S11. Unidentified hawkweed mecies X X
Hieracium auranliacum L. Oran.e Hawkweed X X X
Hieracium caesnitosum Dumon. Yellow Hawkweed X
Hieracium canadense Canada Hawkweed X
Hieraciwn -;;flosella Mouse..eared Hawkweed X X
Prenanthes alba White Lettuce X
Prenanlhes allissima L, TaU White Lettuce X
Rudbeckia hirla L. Black-eved Susan X X X
Senecio aureus Swamo Sauaw-weed X
Solidavo sn. X X X
Solidavo a/lissima L. Tall Goldenrod X X
Solido;;' canadensis L. Canada Goldenrod X X X
Solidauo maantea Ait. Late Goldenrod X
Solidaao nemora/is Ail. Grav Goldenrod X
Solidavo ruvosa Ail. Roueh Stemmed Goldenrod X X X
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
"'Taxonomic reference for Table: Britton and Brown, 1970; in some c~s, Newcomb's Wildflower Guide. Inventories were cornpiJed by a
number of environmental consulting firms and, in some cases, the authority for the taxa is unknown. These common names are left blank in the
table.
K:/ Azimuth/Biology/Herbacious.doc
9
9/3/2002
TABLE 5
SlGNIACANT PlANT SPECIES SUMMARY - TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE. COUNTY OF SIMCOE
,
I
I
:f
Status Scientific Name Common Name
Rr R-3 Arabis drummondii Drummond's Rock-cress
R-? Arabis laevigata Smooth Rock-cress
R-5 Carex cephalophora . Oval-leaf Sedge
R R-6 Carex crawfordii Crawford's Sedge
R R-5 Carex cryptolepis Northeastern Sedge
Rr R-6 Carex cumulata Clustered Sedge
R R-3 Carex deflexa Sedge
R R-6 Carex merritt-fernaldii Merritt Fernald's Sedge
R R-5 Carex umbel/ata Umbellate Sedge
R-5 Eleocharis intermedia Intermediate Spike-rush
R-3 Elymus riparius Riverbank Wild-rye
R R-5 Habenaria orbiculata Round-leaved Orchid .
R R-3 Hypericum el/ipticum Pale St. John's-wort
R R-3 Lobelia spicata Pale-spiked Lobelia
Rr R-4 Mimulus moschatus Yellow Monkey-flower
R R-4 Muhlenbergia frondosa Wire-stemmed Muhly
NP R-5 Panax quinquefolius American Ginseng
Rr R-5 Panicum boreale Northern Panic Grass
R R-? Potamogeton obtusifoius Blunt-leaved Pond weed .
R R-3 Rhynchospora capitel/ata Beak-rush
R-4 Solidago altissima Tall Goldenrod
R R-3 Stellaria borealis Northern Starwort
PR R-5 Valeriana uliginosa Valerian
R R-2 Zigadenus glaucus White Camas
Ii
:i
~ i
j:
"
Ii
'I
i,
!1
:;
1\
,
,
,
,
-.
-.
I)
Ii
Ii
I']
11
~
I
I
11
J
Ij
"
,
I
I
I
I
I
i
I ~ies balsamea
-..Acer negundo
I Acer rubrum
~Acer spicatum
- Alnus rugosa
-Aquilegia canadensis
1- Aralia nudicaulis
~ Arisaema triphylluni
- Asclepias incarnata
t Asclepias. syriaca
Aster puniceus
__Aster umbel latus
~thyrium filix-femina .
It-~etula alleghaniensis
--Caulophyllum thalictroides
t Calamagrostis canadensis
Caltha palustris
Carex aquatilis
-:- Carex crini ta
I Carex echinata
Carax flava
-Carex hystericina
Icarex leptalea
Carex lupulina
-Carex pseudo-cyperus
- Carex scoparia
IIcarex sterilis
lIcarex cf. tenera
~Carex vulpinoidea
-=ircaea alpina .
tplematis virginciana
. Clintonia borealis
-toPtis trifolia
. omus altemifolia
. omus stolonifera
Crateagus sp.
Itvcripedium reginae
lIystopteris bulbifera
Diervilla lonicera .
lIt"Yopteris cartbusiana
~opteris cristata
Dryopteris goldiana
-Ieocharis viridi-carinatum
ilobium angustifolium
ilobium ciliatum
~isetum arvense
risetum hyemale
Appendix C:
-
~ - -
,.;~
~f1
Species Inventory
Rowanwood Extension of Coulson Swamp
Vascular Plants
(in alphabetical order by genus)
1
vEquisetum scirpoides
vEquisetum sylvaticum
-Erythronium americanum
~ Eupatorium perfoliatum
- Eupatorium maculatum
- Fraxinus nigra
- Galium asprellum
- Gal.ium trifidum
-Geranium robertianum
- Geumaleppicum
~ Glyceria grandis
- Glyceria striata 7
. Gymnocarpium dryopteris,
~Hepatica acutiloba
- Hieracium aurantiacum
- Hieracium canadense
-Hydrocotyle americana
..., Hypericum perforatum
~ Impatiens capensis
Kfuncus dudleyi
~Juncus etfusus'
_Larix laricina
- Leersia oryzoides
v Lemna minor
_ Linnaea borealis
- Lonicera canadensis
-'-Lycopodium annotinum
Lycopodium digitatum
- Lycopus uniflorus
- Lysimachiaciliata
_ Matteuccia struthiopteris
- Moneses uniflora'
- Nasturtium mircrophyllum
~ Onoclea sensibilis
- Osmunda regalis
-Osmunda cinnamomea
- Osmunda claytoniana
- OXalis montana
-Phalaris arundinacea
Phegopteris connectilis
- Phleum pratense '
- Phragmi tas australis
-Polygonatum pubescens
-Populus balsamifera
-Prenanthes altissima
-Prunella vulgaris
- Pyrola americana.
.'
.,
..
.."
>.:::
Ii
':€~
. :;~:.i
- Pyrola asarifolia
-- Ranunculus acris
- Rhus radicans
- Rubus pubescens
~Salix purpurea
~Salix pedicillaris
- Sambucus canadensis
~ Scirpus atrovirens
-scirpus rubrotinctus
- Scutellaria galericulata
-Scutellaria lateriflora
..... Senecio aureus
-, Solanum dulcamara
- Solidago candensis
_Solidago rugosa
Taxus ,canadensis
--Theylpyeris noveboracensis
-Thelypteris palustris
--Thuja occidental is
~Tiarella cordifolia
-Tilia americana
~Trientalis borealis
- Trillium qrandiflorum
Tsuga canadensis
- Typha anqustifolia
..,.. Typha latifolia
_ Ulmus americana
- urtica dioica ssp. gracilis
-viburnum acerifolium
-Vicia cracca
- viola pubescens
- Zanthoxylum americanum
,
,
,
,
..
..
~
~
I)
11
11
j
I,
I
I,
I
I
I
I
I
1
-?:
:'~
I ttlQCA 3
I
I Flicker Colaptes auratus
Bobolink Do/ichonyx oryzivorus
I American kestrel Falco sparverius
I Red tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis
I HERPTn.ES
I Common Name Latin Name
Green ftog Rana clamitans
I
I PLANT SPECIES
I Common NAme T .Atin Name
__ Elderberry Sambucus pubens
I - Red raspberry Rubus strigosus
- Black raspberry Rubus occidental is
I ~ Spiny gooseberry Ribes cynosbati
White baneberry ACfaea pachypoda
I ..:.. Red baneberry Actaea rubra
- Trillium Trillium grandijlorum
I - Lambs-quarters Chenopodium album
- Goldenrod . Solidago spp.
J - Solomen's seal Polygonatum pubescens
- False Solomen's seal Smi/acina racemosa
I - Bittersweet nightshade Solanum dulcamara
Poison ivy Rhus radicans
I - English plantain Plantago lanceolata
. Herb robert Geranium robertiamnn
I - Jack-in-the-pulpit Arisaema triphyllum
I ii
Bull thistle
Common burdock
Black-eyed susan
Bunchberry
Joe-pye weed
- Wild grape
_ Queen Anne's lace
- Common milkweed
_ Hawthorn
-
- Staghorn sumach
~ Common strawberry
-- Evening primrose
~ Virgin's bower
- Wild basil
-Wood fern
- Sugar maple
- White ash
- Basswood
- Hop-hornbeam
-Black cherry
~ Choke cherry
_ Beech
- Balsam poplar
.,- White pine
- Scots pine. .c.
Eastern hemlock
Cirsium vulgare
Arclium lappa
Rudbeckia hirta
Corrms canadensis
Eupatorium maculatum
Vilis riparia
Daucus carola
Asciepias syriaca
Crataegus spp.
Rhus typhina
Fragaria vesca
Oenothere biennis
Clematis virginiana
Satureja vulgaris
Dryopteris spp.
Acer saccharum
Fraxinus americana
Tilia americana
Ostrya virginiana
Prunus serotina
,
,
,
,
..
Ii
,
,
,
L,....
~j
I'.,.
,
"-.
I.
:i
I
I
;""
I'\~.
i!
n~
Iii,
:1
.':'
"
'i"
Ii
-'
.
I
..\".
Prunus virginiana
Fagus grandijolia
Populus balsamifera
Pinus strobus
Pinus sylvestris
T~ga canadensis
iii
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
~eCl C
Interim Report 6
. Old Homestead - Areas 9 and 10. These two small areas are beside Concession
7 road. One is located in plantation I C. the other is beside the Hydro line, in
plantation lB. They are both characterized by a dense tall shrub layer of Staghorn
Sumac, Lilac and young Basswood. No floral inventory of groundcover was done
in those two areas.
The floral lists for each habitat type are presented in Table 1. All of the species
observed are common in Simcoe County (Riley 1989).
Table 1. Preliminary (Spring inventory) floral lists by habitat type (see Figure 2). Species
are listed in order of dominance.
Specific Name
Common Name
Mature Pine Plantation - Area IA
Overstory:
,... Pinus sylvestris
- --Pinus reslllOsa
Understory (Very sparse):
_ Acer saccharum
- Tilia americana
Groundcover:
Maianthemum' canadellSe
Botrychim virginianun
Carex spp.
Successional Pine Plantation - Area IB
Overstory:
- Pinus sylvestris
- Pinus resillOsa
Understory:
~ Acer saccharum
- Prunus serotina
- Fagus grandiflora
_ Ostrya virginiana
-Abies balsamea
-Rubus idaeus
Groundcover:
- Maianthemum canadellSe
_ Hieracium sp.
--~-- Equisetum sp.
- Carex spp.
Successional Pine Plantation - Area lC
Overstory:
Pinus sylvestris
Scotch Pine
Red Pine
Sugar Maple saplings
Basswood saplings
Wild Lily-of-the-valley
Rattlesnake Fern
Scotch Pine
Red Pine
Sugar Maple
Black Cherry
Beech
Ironwood
Balsam Fir
Wild Lily-of-the-valley
Hawkweed
Horsetail
Sedges
Scotch Pine
Continued...
Continued....
,
,
IJ
,
Id
II
~
~.:
.'~i
di
I"
c'"
I....
j
II
.'
.
I
.
.
.
I
.
Interim Report 7
Table 1. Continued.
Specific Name
Common Name
Areas IC Con't.
Understory (3-6 m):
Tilia americana
-Fraxinus americana
Acer saccharum
Groundcover:
Botrychium virginianum
Lycopodium sp.
Goodyera oblongifolia
Basswood
White Ash
Sugar Maple
Rattlesnake Fern
Clubmoss
Menzies' Rattlesnake-plantain
Open Field - Areas 2 (Hydro Right-of-Way), 5, and 8
Forb layer:
- Hieracium auranticum
r- Hieracium pilosella
~ Hieracium spp.
- Rumex acetosella
--l..epidium campestre
- Daucus carota
- Potentilla recta
-- Solidago spp.
Grasses
Shrub layer (104m):
- Rubus idaeus
- Crataegus mollis
- Populus tremuloides
_ Rhus typhina
Pinus sylvestris
Orange Hawkweed
Mouse-eared Hawkweed
Hawkweeds
Red Sorrel
Field Pepper-grass
Wild Carrot
Rough-fruited Cinquefoil
Goldenrods'
Wild Red Raspberry
Hawthorn
Trembling Aspen
Sumac
Scotch Pine
Mature Deciduous Woods - Area 3
Overstory:
- Fraxinus americana
- Prunus serotina
Acer saccharum
Understory (up to 5 m):
Acer saccharum
Groundcover (Very sparse):
_ Caulophyllum thalictroides
- Hydrophyllum virginianum
Trillium grandiflorum
White Ash
Black Cherry
Sugar Maple
Sugar Maple saplings
Blue Cohosh
Virginia Waterleaf
White Trillium
I Interim Report 8
I
Table 1. Continued.
I
Specific Name Common Name
I Sugar Mature Maple Woods - Area 4A
I Overstory:
- Acer saccharum Sugar Maple
- Fraxinus americana White Ash
I - Ostrya virginiana Ironwood
- Betula papyrifera White Birch
Understory (Sparse):
- Acer saccharum Sugar Maple saplings
I Groundcover:
..- Viola spp. Violets
- Maianthemum canadense Wild Lily-of-the-valley
I ---- Geranium robertianum Herb Robert
- Smilacina racemosa False Solomon's Seal
- Caulophyllum thalictroides Blue Cohosh -1
I - Hepatica acutiloba Sharp-leaved Hepatica ,
- Sanguinaria canadensis Bloodroot
- Actaea sp. Baneberry
I - Galium aparine Cleavers ,
:}
Sugar Maple Regeneration - Area 4B
Overstory (Very sparse): ,
I Acer saccharum (800-900mm DBH) Sugar Maple "!
Understory (Very dense): 1
Acer saccharum Sugar Maple saplings i
,
I - Sambucus pubescens Elderberry J
- Rubus allegheniensis Common Blackberry 1
J
- Rubus idaeus Wild Red Raspberry -1
,
I - Rubus occidentalis Black Raspberry j
i
- Tilia americana Basswood saplings 1
Groundcover: .~
~
~ Tiare/la cordifolia Foam Flower "
I !
- Athyrium filix-femina Northeastern Lady Fern ,
'1
i
Young Deciduous Woods - Area 6 i
I Overstory:
-"" Acer saccharum Sugar Maple 1
,
-::::. Fraxinus americana White Ash :1
I .-' Ostrya virginiana Ironwood .~
;-i
- Prunus serotina Black Cherry :1
j
- TWa americana Basswood j
I ':;... Betula papyrifera White Birch j
1
,- Populus tremuloides Trembling Aspen ' ~
- Populus balsamifera Balsam Poplar ,
I - Populus deltoides Cottonwood
I Continued... -,~
J
;:~
Interim Report 9
Table 1. Continued.
Specific Name
Common Name
Area Ci Con't.
- Populus grandidentata
.-- Juglans cinerea
Understory:
~, Acer saccharum
- Rubus idaeus
- Rubus allegheniensis
- Prunus virgin/ana
. GToundcover:
- Acer saccharum
- Hydrophyllum virginianum
- Athyrium filix-femina
- Botrychium virgin/anum
- Trillium grandiflorum
- Trillium erectum
- Polygonatum pubescens
- Maianthemum canadense
- Asarum canadense
- Geranium robert/anum
- Aralia nudicaulus
- Arisaema atrorubens
- Hepatica acuti/oba
- Smilax herbacea
- Smilacinaracemosa
--;- Adiantum pedatum
- Podophyllum peltatum
_ Caulophyllum thalictroides
-.. Actaea sp.
- Galium aparine
- Polyst/chum acrost/choides
- Viola spp.
- Carex spp.
Early Successional Scrub - Area 7
Overstory (Tall shrub/Young tree layer):
- Populus tremuloides
-- TWa americana
- Rhus typhina
- Rubus idaeus
Groundcover:
;- Trientalis borealis
- Botrychium virginianum
--; Glechoma hederacea
~ Alliaria pet/olata
Large-toothed Aspen
Butternut
Sugar Maple Saplings
Wild Red Raspberry
Common Blackberry
Choke Cherry
Sugar Maple seedlings
Virginia Waterleaf
Northeastern Lady Fern
Rattlesnake Fern
White Trillium
Purple Trillium
Solomon's Seal
Wild Lily-of-the-valley
Wild Ginger
Herb Robert
Wild Sarsaparilla
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Sharp-lobed Hepatica
Carrion-flower
False Solomon's Seal
Northern Maidenhair Fern
May-apple
Blue Cohosh
Baneberry
Cleavers
Christmas Fern
Violets
Sedges
Trembling Aspen
Basswood ..
Staghorn Sumac
Wild Red Raspberry
Star-flower
Rattlesnake Fern
GfClL()d :J:VVj
Garlic Mustard
II
I~
..,'
,;
11
I'
,
11
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
FLORA SPECIES UST
Common Name
;-,,_ Ground-pine
~ Rattlesnake Fem
_ Maidenhair Fern
- Bracken Fern
- Ebony Spleenwort*
~"""': lady Fern
. - Fragile Fern
- Clinton s Wood Fern
-Crested Wood Fern
~ Marginal Wood Fern
_Intermediate Wood Fern
- Bootts Wood Fern
- Christmas Fern
-- Eastern Hemlock
- White Pine
- Red Pine
- Scots Pine
-: White Spruce
-,,- Balsam Fir
~ew
-Bottle-brush Grass
_Smooth Brame Grass
_ Timothy
- Grass
- Sedge
-Jack-in-the-pulpit
- Wi/d Leek
- Trout UIy
- Wild lily-of-the-valley
- Solomon 's-seal
- False SoIomon's-seal
- Greenbrier
- Rose Twisted Stalk
- Trillium
- Bellwort
- Helleborine
- Willow
Latin Binomial
Lycopodium obseurum
Botryehium virginianum
Adiantum pedatum
Pter;dium aquilinum
Asp/enium platyneuron
Athyrium filix-femina
Cystopteris fragi/is
Dryopterus dintonia
Dryopteris cristata
Dryopteris marginalis
Dryopteris intermedia
Dryopteris boot/i
Polystiehum aerostiehoides
Tsuga canadensis
Pinus strobus
Pinus resinosa
Pinus sylvestris
Picaa g/auca
Abies ba/samea
Taxus canadensis
Hystrix patula
, Bromus inerrnis
; Ph/eum pretense
Agrostis alba
Carex stipata
Arisaema triphyllum
Allium tricoccum
Erythronium americanum
Maianthemum canadense
Polygonatum pubeseens
Smilacina racemosa
Smilax hispida
Streptopus roseus
Trillium grandiflorum
Uvu/aria grandiflora
Epipactus helleborine
Sa/Ix spp.
~'1)
~
i
\
,
f
APPENDIX A
I
- Trembling Aspen
- Balsam Poplar
- Large-tooth Aspen
- Butternut
White Birch'
Yellow Birch
Hop Hornbeam
American Beech
Red Oak
- American Elm
- Slender Nettle
_Lambs-quarters
-Bladder Campion
Lesser Stitchwort
- White Baneberry
-Red Baneberry
-Anemone
- Thimbleweed
- Long Fruited Thimbleweed
- Wild Columbine
- Sharp-lobed Hepatica
- Kidneyleaf Buttercup
_ Meadowrue
- Cohosh
- May-apple
- Bloodroot
- Ioothw<:>rt
~ Orpine )
~Foarrrflower
- Spiny Gooseberry
- Hawthorn
- Common Strawberry
- Wood Strawberry
- Avens
- Rough-fruited Cinquefoil
- Black Cherry
- Chokecherry
~ Red f.laspberry
- Black Raspberry
Alfalfa
- White Sweet Clover
Populus tremuloides
Populus balsamifera
Populus grandidentata
Juglans cinerea
Betula papyrifera
Betula lutea
Ostrya virginiana
Fagus grandifolia
Quercus rubra
Ulmus americana
. Urtica gracilis
Chenopodium album
Silene vulgaris
Stellaria graminea
Actaea pachypoda
Actaea rubra
Anemone canadensis
Anemone virginiana
Anemone cylindrica
Aquilegia canadensis
Hepatica acutiloba
Ranunculus abortivus
Tha/ictrum dioicum
Caufophyllum tha/ictroides
Podophyllum peltatum
$anguinaria canadensis
Dentaria diphylla
Sedum telephium
Tiarefla cordifo/ia
Ribes cynosbati
Crataegus spp.
Fragaria virginiana
Fragaria vesca
Geum canadense
Potent/lla recta
Prunus serotina
prunus virginiana
Rubus strigosus
Rubus occidentalis
Medicago sativa
Meli/otus alba
APPENDIX A
II
,II
\
II
II
II
I
I,
I
I
~
I
';
I
I
I
:i
I
,
"
I
I
I
,.
i
I
ii
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
APPENDIX A
~
f
- Yellow Sweet Clover
-- Herb Robert
Staghorn Sumach
- Sugar Maple
- Virginia Creeper
..., Wild Grape
- Basswood
- St. John's-wort
-- Canada Violet
- Downy Yellow Violet
-- Enchanters Nightshade
- Evening Primrose
- Sarsaparilla
- Queen Anne's lace
- Sweet Cicely
- White Ash
---J Gentian
-, Dogbane
- Common Milkweed
- Field Bindweed
- Virginia Waterleaf
:.- Viper 's Bugloss
--:- Comfrey
- White Vervain
_ Catnip
- Wild Bergamot
- Horse. Nettle
- Bittersweet Nightshade
..--,;. Beard-tongue
- Hairy Beard-tongue
- Common Mullein
- Common Speedwell
- Lopseed
-, Elderberry
-.English Plantain
- Northern Bedstraw
- Fragrant Bedstraw
- Wild Ucorice
- Common Ragweed
.~, Common Burdock
_ Small White Aster
Melilotus officinalis
Geranium robertianum
Rhus typhina
Acer saccharum
Parthenocissus inserta
Vms riparia
Tllia americana
Hypericum perforatum
Viola canadensis
Viola pubescens
C/rcaea .Iutatiana
Oenothera biannis
Aralia nudicaulis
Daucus caroia
Osmorhiza daytonii
Fraxinus americana
Gentiana puberulenta
Apocynum androsaemffolium
Asclepias syriaca
Convolvulus arvensis
Hydrophyllum virginianum
. '
Echium vulgare
Symphytum officinale
Verbena urticifolia
Nepeta cataria
Monardo fistulosa'
. Solanum carolinense
Solanum dulcamara
Penstemon digitalis
Penstemon hirsutus
Verbascum thapsus
Veronica officinal is
Phyrma leptostachya
Sambucus pubens
Plantago lanceolata
GaI/um boreaJe
Gal/urn triflorum
Galium circaezans
Ambrosia artemisiffolia
Aret/um lappa
Aster vimineus
!1
II
Ii
I'
J\
>I
Ii,
Ii
!'
'.\
i:
I
,
i
iii
APPENDIX A
~,
\'
.I,
;-~
j
f.,.
It
IJ
11
11
,
I.
I
I
II
11
II
I
I
I
I
I
I
-' Panicle Aster
- Lowrie s Aster
_ Ox-eye Daisy
-' Bull Thistle
~orseweed
_ Daisy Fleabane
_ King Devil
.... Black-eyed Susan
.- Canada Goldenrod
- Gray Goldenrod
- Late Goldenrod
- Goldenrod
.. Aster
... Yellow Goats-beard
*REGIONALLY SIGNIFICANT
Aster simplex .
Aster lowrieanus
Chrysanthemum leucanthemum
Cirsium vulgare
Conyza canadensis
Erigeron annuus
Hieracium pi/osel/oides
Rudbeckia hirta
Solidago canadensis
Solidago nemoralis
Solidago gigantea
Solidago spp.
Aster spp.
Tragopogon pratensis
iv
I.
I
-
,
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
-
~
,
~..(lQ L
".~"',
"" ,
i
Site 1 b _ This site is characterized by a very dense overstory of white cedar and a depauperate
herbaceous ground flora.
Ei:ou:xacALi
, SERVICESfu<1
;r~.~UNG
Herbs
_ Arisaema triphyUum
~ Carex jlava
-"- Carex gracillima
Circaea alpina
_ Cystopreris bulbifera
___ Dryopteris spinu10sa
_ Hydrocoryle americana
_ Maianrhenuon canadense
-- OlWclea sensibilis
- Osmunda regaIis
_ Scuweja vulgaris
.....:.. Solidago rugosa
~ Thelypteris palusrris
Veronica officinalis
Trees
\-
_ Larix laricina
_ Thuja occidenralis
~
Site 8 - White cedar! white spruce/yellow birch forest bordering a wetland area. This area is quite
hummocky and contains species characteristic of both wet and mesic conditions.
Herbs
~I
'C"QIO::;'CAL' ,
: SERVICES fori
:rLANNINGj
. -,,-,.," ~.
- Achillea millefoliwn
- Actaea rubra
_ Adiantum pedanun
Ambrosia artemisiifolia
_ Anemone virginiana
- Arisaema uiphyllwn
Asarwn canadense
:::: Aster laterifWrus
~ Aster sagittifolius
_ Aster umbellatus
. _ Athyriwn filix-femina
-,Carex bebbii
- Carex gradlIima
- Carex hystericina
- Carex pedunculma
~ Carex planraginea
- Carexvulpiwidea
- Cinna latifolia
"- C. alp.
7 ucaea ilia
- Cirsiwn vulgare
~ Danrhonia spicara
-- Epilobiwn ciliatum
- Epipaclis heleborine
- Equiserum arvense
Eurhamia graminifolia
~ Geranium robertiant.un
-c-- Hydrocoryle americana
,- Impatiens capensis
~ J uncus iwdosus
_ Juncus tenuis
Laporrea canadensis
- Lobelia injla1a
_ Lobelia siphilitica
Lotus corniculatus
Lycopus americanus
- M enlha arvensis
Mimulus moscharus
~ Monardo.fistulosa
-:::::.. OwcIea sensibilis
Osmorhiza claytonii
~ Phlewn pratense
Pilea pwniJa
- Plantago lanceolata
- Prunella vulgaris
- Pteridium aquilinum
L...'Ranunculus acris
. - Scirpus atrovirens
- Scirpus cyerinus
- Solidago rugosa
,
II
II
II
II
IJ
I]
I]
I)
I,
I'
I'
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Site 9 - This site is characterized by hemlock/white cedar/ yellow birch and occasional beech and
sugar maple. As in other areas investigated. this site is poorly drained but does have hummocks
that are characterized by more mesic species.
Herbs
I~.
~~!
EfuoGtcAi. '
; SERVICES fori
;PLANNINGI
'-.,--.
- Agrosris stownlfera
~ Arisaema triphyllum
- Aster larerij/Qrus
_ Bidensfrondosa
..... Carex arcrata
_ Carex bebbii
_ Carex comosa
_ Carex grad/lima
_ Carex hystericina
.... Carex intumescens
r Carex scabrara
- Carex vuIpiooidea
_ Cinna iatifooo
, _ Circaea lutetiana
Cirsium vulgare
_ Cystopteris bulbifera
_ Dryopreris spinuiosa
Epilobium ciliatum
. "=' Epipacds heleborine
. . _ Equiserum arvense
~Eupatorium peifoUatum
_Geranium robertianum
_ Geum ailepicum
.... Glyceria striata
Gymnocarpium dryopreris
----' Impatiens capensis
- Juglans cinDea
--c J uncus ejjusus
." Juncus tenuis
Laportea canadensis
~ Leersia oryzoides
- Lobelia injlata
_Lobelia siphiIitica
Lycopodium clavatum
Lycopodium dendroidium
-,. Lycopus americanus
- Lycopus uniflorus
~ Maianthemum canadense
- M endta arvensis
Mimulus moschatus
- Oooclea sensibilis
--- Osmunda claytoniana
:;.- Os1TlU1lliiz regaiis
~ Oxaiis montana
Pilea pwniia
Polygonum hydropiper
~Pruneila vulgaris
_ Pteridium aquilinum
S if ~ '6
-Thelyprens palustris
. - Urtica dioica
- VerbeT/lJ hastata
.... Veronica officinalis
- Viola sp.
Trees and shrubs
., Abies balsamea
~ Acer saccharwn
~ Benda alleghaniensis
- Crataegus sp.
- Fagus grandifolia
- Larix laricina
-Picea glauca
......PopubJs tremuloides
- Rubus strigosus
..... Thuja occidenraJis
- Tsuga canadensis
~I
ECOlOGICAL! I
i SERVlas""
ir~~!
I ,
I
I
,
,
,
,
,
IJ
I]
I]
I]
II
II
I)
11
J
11
,
"
11
.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I:
I
I
I
I
~'~...
i
, ,
Site la - The overstory is dominated by white cedar. The understory is quite moist and contains a
high proportiom of wetland species. However, the topography is quit hummocky and in the dryer
areas species characteristic of mesic forest conditions can be found.
Ea:JlOGICALi
'SERVlcrsfix'
jl'LANNINd
.---'-1
Herbs
--- Aralia nudicalllis
- Arisaema triphyllwn
_ Aster lateriflorus
-,Aster novae-angliae
_ Aster puniceus
- Athyriwnjilix{emina
Bidensfrondosa
Brachyelyrrwn erecrum
Caltha palustris
- Carex bebbii
- Carexjlava
_ Carex gracillima
_ Carex intUmescens
- Chrysanlhernum leucanxhEmwn
Circaea lute:iona '
Cystopteris bulbifera
- Dryopteris cristata
-, Dryopteris spinuJosa
- EpiIobiwn ciliatwn
_Eupatorium perfoliatwn
Euthamia graminifolia
~ Galium obtuswn '
_GerarWim robenianum
Glyceria striata
Gymnncarpiwn dryopteris
- Hydrocoryle americana
...; Impatiens capensis
, - Lobelia siphililica
Lycopus uniflorus
_ Maianthemum canadense
-. Me1llh.a arvensis
,--.., Mimuius moschatus
- Onoclea sensibilis
Oryzopsis asperifolia
- Osmunda regalis
PhEgopteris conneclilis
~ Pteridium aquilinum
-. Sarureja vulgaris
- Scirpus atrovirens
~ Scirpus cyerinus
- Solidago rugosa
- Trientalis borealis
- Viola sp.
Trees and shrubs
.'
ECou::>GIcAL; ,
: SERVICES ro.-i
: PLANNINGi
. ._..~--,
&; '-\-€. .k
- Acer rubrum
---: Rubus strigosus
Sambucus pubens
~ Thuja occidentalis
,
,
II
III
II
II
II
I~
I,
-~
I'
I
II
IJ
I:
I
I'
I
I
"
I
,
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
,/ Ranunculus oeris
S cirpus atTovirens
-... Solidago aitissima
~Solidago rugosa
- Thelypteris noveboracensis
~Thelypteris pahJstris
- TiarelIa cordi/olia
---,Veronica officinalis
~ Viola sp.
Trees
~
. E<XJlOGICAL;
i SERVICES furl
!~~.~!
Gi te-- Cj
Abies balsamea
Acer rubrum
Acer soecharwn
Betula aileghaniensis
Fagus grandi/olia
"""" Osrrya virginiana
, Picea glauca
Thuja occidentalis
Tsuga canadensis
Acer saccharum
Thuja occidenlalis
,~I
!~!:
; SERVICEs fori ,.1
: PLANr:<-'~! ,
L.....
'1
~
-d
~
1'1
i
-~
I.'"
..~I
i
;:d
I;~
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
,,-^l
:i
!
,
:\
..
..
Site 2 - Moderate slope leading from the surrounding field/forest areas to a wetland. Open areas on
the slope are dominated by disturbed field species. Wooded portions of the site are dominated by
~hite cedar and sugar maple. Only a shan time was spent at this site and therefore this list is
mcomplete.
!i
"
:H
11
H
"j?
:j\
:.Ii
~H
~l
~1
:J'
11
lH
'1,
I:: j
; .~
, !
""$
:Ii
;". .~
. !
. i
f:
d
l
~; J
: 1
d
: l
n
,
"f
.. !
, I
I
1
!
t
'J
1
f
,
:~. .t
ti
1
;
Herbs
Achillea millefolium
Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Athyrium felix-femina
- Copselfa bzusa-pastoris
-:- Carex graciilima
-~- Cerastium vulgalUT/!
- Cirsium vulgare.
--- Epilobium ciliatum
-. Erigeron canadensis
--- Geranium robertianum
- Gnaphilium obrusifolium
_ Lobelia injlara
- Medico.go lupulina
- Onoclea sensibilis
- Phleum pratense
- Plantago lanceolata
- Sarureja vulgaris
_ Solidago rugosa
--. Urtico. dioico.
Trees
I
1
1
1 - Agrostis stfJ/onifera
__ Athyrium jilujemina
1 -----. Carex arCrato.
___ Carex cj. blanda
____- Carex peduncula1a
I' -~ Cinna Iatifolia
Circaea lutetimra
Cirsium vulgare
_" Danthonia spicam
1 ,~Epipactis hekborine
. Geranium robertianum
,~ Glyceria srriata
1 Gymnocarpium dryopteris
_ Impatiens capensis
,- Juncus tenuis
- Lobelia injlara
I-Lycopodium dendroidium
-Lycopodium lucidulum
._ Maianthemum canadense
1 ..--Nepera cararia
....-Onoc1ea sensibUis
OstrWrhiza claywnii
_ Plantago major
1 ' Polygonarum biflorum
- Polystichum (lCTosticoitks
._ Prunella vulgaris
I_Solidago rugosa
- Stellaria media.
- StreptfJpus roseus
1 ~ Trienralis borealis
....;.... Trillium erectum
_ Veronica officinalis
I ,-- Viola sp.
.
I
'.' ,
;
,
I
I
I
Site 4 - Mesic, upland, mixed forest comprised of sugar maple, yellow birch, white ash, black
cherry, and hemlock. To the east, the forest slopes up to the adjacent field. To the west and in the
center of this area there is 'a wetland.
~,~.. ,
i .
\ '
E~;
SERVlCESforl
r_LAN.~~!
Herbs
Trees
Abies balsamiea
Acer rubrum
Acer saccharum
Berula alkgenensis
Fagus grandifolia
- =- Fraxinus (1lT/i!ricana
- Prunus serotina
, 'Fhuja occitknralis
Tsuga canadensis
,
,
\
\
t
I-
!
j
,
I
!
t
I
,
i
,
,
,
I
,
!~ I
Site 5a - This site is found on the west side of the fence. The area is characterized by a'dense stand :~I I
of white cedar that gradesinto a mesic/wet mesic, sugar maple/hemlock woods. I
Herbs
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
~
~
I.~.
)
ill
11
I)
11
I
I
I
v Achillea millifolia
\,A'\ctea pachypoda
v Agrimonia gryosepela
Ambrosia artemisifoiiJi- !..::--
....Anemone virginiana
Arctiwn minus
Asarum canadense
Aster cordifolius
Aster lanceolaJus
Arhyriwn jilix{emina
Bitknsfrondosa
Carexarctata
Carex gracillima
Chrysanthemum leucan1hemum
Circoea lutetiana
Cryproranea canadensis
Danthonia spica1a
Epilobium ciliatum
Epipactis heleborine
Equiserum arvense
Erigeron annuus
Euparoriwn rugoswn
Geraniwn roberrianum
Hachelia virginiana
Hieraciwn sp.
Hydrocotyle americana
lmpatkns capensis
Lobelia injlata
Lobelia siphi~
Lycopus americanus
Monarda jistulosa
Muhlenbergia mexicana
Nepeta cataria
OfILJclea sensibilis
Osmorhiza claytonii
Oxalis europea
Phyrma leprosrachya
Plantago lanceolata
Plantago major
Polygonum hydropiper
Potentilla flLJrvegica
Prunella vulgaris
Rudbeckia hirta
Samreja vulgaris
Solidago rugosa
. Sonchus oleraceus
Verbena urticifolia
Verbena hastaro
Viola sp.
s, \e,. (2) C',
~.~:.
,
,
i
\ .
.t~\
,si.PMCf.S forI
~f'l.f'o.NNING.\
t.....=--"'---.J
Trees
Acer sacc/1af"lUlJ
Thuja occidenta1is
Tsuga canadensis
i
,
,
,
,
-
..
-
,
.
i
!
t
I
!
I
I
;
l
,
I
I
I
,
!
!
j
I
I
I
!
Site 5b - This site is characterized by a very dense stand of white cedar. Understory plants are .
restricted to openings in the forest. This plant list excludes species seen along the road that bisects
this site.
Herbs
Athryriumfilixfemina
Carex gracillima
Dryopreris spinulosa
Epipacris hekbcritre
Hydrocryre americana
Lobelia injlata
Maianthemum canadense
Onocrea sensibilis
Platanthera obtusara
Samreja vulgaris
Solidago rugosa
Veronica ojJicinalis
Viola sp.
Trees
- Acer saccharum
_ Populus balsamifera
_ Thuja occidenralis
I
I
I
,
. ,,,.,
i~
,~! ..
.f.~; 'I
: SERVICES ""!
!p~.~~1 . ,
1&
''I
--
~
II
I,
1'1
;,:;
I.,'
I
I
I
I
I
==---"'";--.\
j
I
I Herbs
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Site 6 - Hemlock/Sugar maple forest that borders a wetland area to the nonh.
~
!~!
: - !
" Ea:J!OGICA1.l
; SER\I!CES fal
iP~~1
Actaea pachypoda
Adiantum pedatwn
Aralia nudicaulis
Arcrium minus
Arisaema rriphyllum
Asanon cant:lliense
Asclepias syriaca
Aster lareriflorus
Athyrium filix-femina
Bidensfrondosa
Borrychium obliquwn
Borrychium virginianum
Carex aIbUTSina
Carex arcrota
Carex blanda
Carex graciIIirna
Carex radiara
Caulophyllum thalictroides
Cinna /aJifolia
Circaea alpina
Circaea lUl6iana
Cirsium vulgare
Cryrotaenia canadensis
Dactylis glcmuata
Danthoniaspicara
Dryopreris inlermedia
Epipaclis helebof"i.M
GaIium trijlorum
Geranium robertianwn
Glyceria striata "
Hochelia virginiana
Impati4ns capensis
Laportea canadensis
Lobelia in/lata
Lobelia siphilitica
Lycopus americanus
Matteuccia SlTUlhiopreris
Onoclea sensibiIis
OsmorhIza claytonii
Phyrrna ieptostachya
Pilea pumila
Plantago lanceolata
Polygonum persicaria
Polysrichum acrosrichcides
PorentiIIa norvegica
Prunella vulgaris
Sarureja vulgaris
Solidago rugosa
Verbena urdcifolia
Veronica officinalis
Viola c(1l1lldensiS
~.~.
~_\\
E~'
S~"'"
. rLA......,...GI \
~
\
\
\
"
"
"
"
"
,
1
S; \e "
:rees and shrUbs
_ Acer sacchaJ1l1Tl
_, RubUS al!egheniensis
~ Rubus strigoSIlS
_., Tsuga c(1l1lldensis
~
,
,\
l'
\\
\\
\,
'"\
'., t-
,
.~
i.
,.
, ~
'{
',;
\
\
i.:
\
-.t_
\
;
t
\
\
t
i.
tt.
I Site 7- This is a well forested area comprised primarily of white spruce. white cedar and balsam
lfir. This site has a slight incline and forms the boundary between, a pine plantation and a wetland
area.
/ ,
Herbs
I
I
,
,
I
,
....
, .
!
!
! '
'E~i
; SERVICES fori
!r_~'."~1
Agrimonia gryosepala '
Anemone cylindrica
Aralia nlll;liear,lir
Arctium minus
Asarum canadense
Asclepios syriaca
Carex deweyana
Carex graci1/ima
Car ex pedunculara
Caulqphyllum thalicrroides
Chrysanthemum leucanthemum
Cinna lalifolia
Circaea lutetiana
Circaea alpina
Cirsium vulgare
Cywpteris bulbifera
Dat:US carora
Danthonia spicara
Dryopteris spinulcsa
, Epipaais heleborine
Erigeron annuus
. Eupatorium maculatum
'Geranium roberrio.num
Geum ailepicum
Glyceria striata
, Gymnocarpium dryopreris
Hyericum perforarum
lmaptiens capensis
Lobelia injltJta
'Lobelia siphilitica
Lycopodium clavarum
Lycopodium lucidulum
ri:r:opus americanus
~aianthemum canadense
'MattlICcia srrurhiopteris
',onartJa jistulosa
! IIOclea sensibilis
I 'mlis ewopea
! Phegopteris connectilis
Ifhyrma leprosrachya
\"fantago lanceo/ata
i Prunella vulgaris
~teridiwn aquilinum
anunculus acris
\ atUrejavUlgaris
f]lax herbacea
! lidago rugosa
i rillium erecrum
"1
, !
,
. /
5'i K:. "1
'~...
i . .
I
I
,
! 1
,~;
i SERVICES for i
ir_~.~!
Veronica officinlliis
Viola sp.
frees and shrubs
Acer rubrum
Acer saccharum
,.,Acer spicl11W1l
""- Craraegus $p.
0" Picea glauca
Rubus strigosus
Thuja occidentalis
~,
;! ,
;,
:;,.,
/,
~
,
,
\
t
It
'-
Ii
IJ
I}
11
I]
I
Ii
I
I
I
I
)
iite 10 - Forested area dominated by white cedar wirh wh.ite pine and red maple also present.
(erbS
Achillea mUlefoliwn
Agrimonia gryosepala
I Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Ane11Wne canadensis
Asclepias syriaal
Aster umbellaJus
I Athyriumfilix1emina
Care: gracillima
Care: pedun.cu/ata
I Circoea alpina
Circoea lu1etiana
Cirsiwn vulgare
I Cystopteris bulbifera
Donthonia spicata
Dryopteris spinulosa
Epipactis heleborine
I Equisetum arvense
Eupatorium perfolialum
Geranium robertianum
aGlyceria striata
~achelia virginiana
Hydrocoryle americana
@ericumperforalUm
helia injlata
elia siphilitica
'copus americaTUIS
ycopus unifWrus .
aianlhemum canadense
Monardajisrulosa
'nocela sensibilis
lantago mojor
rtU/l!1la vulgaris
~.. Ot[ullinum
ulus oeris
ifa vulgaris
Solidago aItissima
tlidago rugosa
. lypteris palustris
fiarella cordifolia
.ronica officinaIis
~la sp.
rd shrubs
lies balsamea
fI.:.~~
C;;; duIclJmara
hllja occidentalis
I
I
~.~.. "
' .
. ,
. ,
'__I
ECOlOGICALi
'SERvICES Iorl
!rLANNtNG{
.------.1
~
i!
~:
0'"
91
I
i
:>um
o
J
~
r ,
1.1uo
~
e 11 - Narrow band of yellow birch/balsam fir located between a pine plantation and wetland
:3..
:rbs
Actaea pachypoda
Circaea alpina
Dryopteris spinulosa
Epipactis he/eborirre
Galium trlflorum
Geranium robertianum
Glyceria striata
Gymnocarpium dryopteris
Hydrocotyle americana
Impatiens capensis
Lobelia siphilitica
Lycopodium digita1Um
Lycopus uniflorus .
Maianthemum canadense
Orwclea sensibilis
Osmunda regalis
Oxalis europea
Oxalis montana
Solidago rugosa
Thelypteris palustris
Tiarella cordi/olia
Verbena urticifolia
Viola sp.
:s
4bies balsamea
4cer rubrum
getula al/eghaniensis
Populus balsamifera
. ~,
, . ~,
i .
, ,
Ec6tDc.1CAti ~,L
"'"'
SERVtCES fori ~,
,PLANNING]
'~,'--"'- ~ j
t
) ,
JI
"or ,
IRIO
0 ,
--,
).49}
----;
r SOUTIi ,
i\RIO
IS .,
,!%
.n33
J!ET ~
"'"""-10
..
- ,
.1.161
~
~
~
'.
I,
11
I
I
I
I
I
Herbaceous Vegetation Recorded on the
I ubject Lands by ESP
Verbenahastata
erbena w:ticifolia
eronica officinalis
iola sp.
A--r -0::'t f"
Upland Forest Wetland
* *
*
*
*
*
*
*
I. .
Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vmes
bies balsarnea
cerrubrum
Acer saccharum
uja occidentalis
suga canadensis
I
I
I
5
Upland Forest Wetland
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
* .<---
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
,
v
Herbaceous Vegetation Recorded on the Upland Forest WetJand
Isubject Lands by ESP.
~ Carex comosa ".
- lcarex deweyana ..
- Carex f\ava ". ".
-1 Carex gracillima ". ".
- Carex hystericina ".
"'-"C Carex intumescens ". .
- Carex peduncu1ata ". ".
Carex plantainea ".
- Carex:cadiata ".
~ ~x scabrata ".
- ~arex vulpinoidea ".
~ 'ophylum thalictroides ".
'um vulgarum ".
-J anthemum leucanthemum '" ".
jcinna larifolia ". ".
lCixcaea alpina ". ".
- CiIcaea lutetiana ". ".
- CiIsium vulgare ". ".
- Cryptotanea canadensis ".
- Cystopteris bulbifera ". ".
Danthonia spicara ". ".
, ,
~'Jopteris cristata ".
~ Dryopteris intermeclia ".
.
. uryopteris spinulosa
". ".
jEpilobium ci1;,11111"11 ". ".
- Epipact:is heleborine ". ".
.... Equisetum arvense ". ".
....~geron SImUUS ".
--- Eupatorium perfoliatum ". .
Eupatorium mgosum ".
- Euthamia graminifolia ".
Galium obtusum ".
-
-
-
2
I
I
I~
Ij
I;
-
I
I
Herbaceous Vegetation Recorded on the Upland Forest Wetland
L Subject Lands by ESP
Achillea millefolium .. ..
I Actaea pachypoda 1
IActaea rubra ..
~ Adiantum pedarom ... ..
IAgrimonia gryosepela ...
~ Agrostis stolonifera ...
~ Ambrosia artemewolia .. ..
- Anemone cyJindrica ...
t Anemone virginiana ... ..
Aralia nudicalis .. ...
I AIctium minus ..
~aema triphyllum .. ..
I Asarum canadense ..
~clepias syriaca. ..
~r cordifolius ...
ter lanceolatus ...
. h...... lateriflorus ... ..
~ novae-angliae . ...
',.. Aster puniceus ..
I Aster sagittifolius ..
'-W~' umbellatus .... ..
"lfyrium felix.femina .. *
idens frondosa *
ttrycmum obliquum ..
otrychium virginianum ..
&hyelyrum erectUm ..
tha palustris . *
~ Capsella bursa-pastoris ..
1 Carex albursina ..
Carex arctata ..
Carex bebbii ..
. Carex cf.blanda ..
.
l
I'
".._-
!
I
I
I
I
I
j
I
1,--
II
t
i
I
;
it
,
,
I
I
I
I
i
I
,.
i'
I'
I'
i.
. I'
I
"
i
; ,
I
I
1
i.
, '
I ~
'Herbaceous Vegetation Recorded on the Upland Forest Wetland
~ubject Lands by ESP .
~a1ium triflorom '*
um robertianurn '* '*
Geum allepicurn '*
Glyceria striata ,'*
Gnaphiliurn obtusi!olium '*
> Gyrnnocarpium dryopteris '* '*
. Hachelia virginiana '*
Hieracium sp. '*
Hydrocotyle americana '* '*
Hypericuni pdforaium '*
. Impatiens capensis '*
.Tuncus effusus '*
1Tuncus nodosus '*
1uncus tenuis '* '*
\Lapor!ea canadensis ( Lt {' +; c c;; '*
. IT ~ia oryzoides '*
Lobelia inflata '* '*
, ...obelia syphilitica '*
L.otUS comicu1atus '*
l..ycopodium clavatuIIl '*
Lycopodium dendroidium '* '*
. l..ycopus arnericanus . -. . '*
iT unifl
. l..ycopus oms '*
. themum canadense '*
'*
.
Mattuccia sttuthiopteris '*
Medicago lupulina . '*
. Mentha arvensis ...
. Mimulus moschatus SO{ ~ '*
Monarda fistulosa '* ...
, IMuhlenbergia mexicana ...
Nepeta cataria '*
. Onoclea sensibilis '*
"'.-'
3
I
,
,
,
,
,
,
1--'
~
~
[---~'.,.
I ..
I .'
\..~
L..",
-I
~.II
II
II
II
II
11
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
.,-
Herbaceous Vegetation Recorded on the Upland Forest Wetland
Subject Lands by ESP
Oryzopsis asperifolia *
Osmorbiza claytonii * ,*
Osmunda claywniana * *
Osmunda regalis *
europea *
0xaJis montana *
Phegopteris connectilis * *
Pb1eum pratens *
[Phyrma leptostachya * ..
iPilea pumila *. *
Plantago lanceolata * *
Plantago major *
PolygonatUm biflorum *
Polygonum hydropiper *
lPolygonum persicaria *
- 1P0lystichum acrosticoides *
- Potentilla norvegica *
'" IPteridium aquilinum *
- lRanunculus acris * *
- Rudbeckia hirta *
- Satureja vulgaris *
SciIpus atroVirens *
- SciIpus cyerinus *
- Smilax herbacea *
1S0lidago altissima *
- Solidago rugosa' *
- Sonchus oleraceus *
- Stellaria media *
Streptopus roseus *
.
jThelypteris noveboracensis *
jThelypteris palustris *
triarella cordifolia * *
.,-~---
~
-
-
....
-
,...,.
-
4
f\r '{'['z G .
~uiar plant species recorded on the Settlers' Ghost Golf Course property on May 15,2001, by'
i Nielsen Associates. A '+' preceding a name indicates an adventive or non-native species.
Common Name
Scientific Name
EOUISETACEAE
0' Equisetum arvense
L- Equisetum fluviatile
j., Equisetum hyemale
t--Equisetum sylvatiClml
HORSETAIL FAMILY
field horsetail
water horsetail
common scouring-rush
woodland horsetail
LYCOPODIACEAE
'- Lycopodium annotinum
..... Lycopodium dendroideum
v Lycopodium obscurum
CLUBMOSS FAMILY
bristly clubmoss
prickly tree club-moss
flat-branched tree club-moss
V OSMUNDACEAE
Osmunda regalis VQ1'. spectabilis
ROYAL FERN FAMILY
royal fern
PTERlDIACEAE
V Adiantum pedatum
MAIDENHAIR FERN F AMTI .Y
northern maidenhair fern
DRYOPTERlDACEAE
- Athyriumfilix-ftmina
-,. Cystopteris bulbifera
'( Cystopteris tenuis
..::. Dryopteris carthusiana
- Dryopteris marginalis
? Gymnocevpium dryopteris
...:. Matteuccia struthiopteris
- Onoclea sensibilis
WOOD-FERNFAMTI.Y
lady fern
bulblet fern
Mackay's brittle fern
spjnulose wood-fern
marginal wood-fern
common oak-fern
ostrich fern
sensitive fern
DENNSTAEDTIACEAE
V Pteridium aqui/inum
BRACKEN FAMILY
eastern bracken fern
THEL YPTERlDACEAE
v Thelypteris palustris
BEECH FERN FAMILY
marsh fern
PINACEAE
Abies balsamea
Larix laricina
. Ricea glauca
Pinus resinosa
Pinus strobus
+ Pinus sylvestris
Tsuga canadensis
PINE FAMILY
balsam fir
tamarack
white spruce
red pine
white pine
Scots pine
eastern hemlock
,
,
,
,
.~
~
~
~
~
~
~
.,
.,
.,
I)
I
I
I
I
Common Name I
,CUPRESSACEAE CYPRESS FAMILY I
Thuja occidentalis white cedar
. I
2' TYPHACEAE CATTAIL FAMILY
I V Typha angustifolia narrow-leaved cattail
ALISMAT ACEAE WATER-PLANTAIN FAMILY I
I L---- Alisma plantago-aqualica water-plantain
POACEAE GRASSFAMII.Y. I
I +- Agrostis gigantea redtop ,
L. Agrostis stolonifera creeping bent grass
-r- Bromus inermis awnless brome grass I
I /.c Cinna latifolia drooping woodreed
~ Dactylis glomerata orchard grass
+ Dig/taria sanguinalis large crab grass I
I ' ........ Elymus repens quack grass
- Glyceria striata fowl manna grass
.- OrYzopsis O$perifolia rough-leaved mountain-rice I
I ,.-/ Panicum capillare witch grass
v Phalaris arundinacea reed canary grass
4 Phleum pratense timothy I
I 'r Poa compressa Canada blue grass
v Poa pratensis Kentucky blue grass
r Setaria viridis green foxtail I
I CYPERACEAE SEDGE FAMn,Y
y Carex arctata compressed sedge
v Carex bebbii Bebb's sedge I
I _c Carex communis common sedge
v Carex crinita mnged sedge
..-- Carex gracilUma ' graceful sedge I
I V Carex interior inland sedge
v Carex intumescens bladder sedge
y Carex laxiflora distant-flowered sedge I
I ... Carex peckii Peck's sedge
y-Carex pedunculata peduncled sedge
v Carex pensylvanica Pennsylvania sedge I
I ; Carex stipata awl-fruited sedge
vCarex vulpinoidea fox sedge
.?j;;ieocharis acicularis needle spike-rush I
I VScirpus atrovirens dark green bulrush
I I
I
Common Name
I
,
,
,
..
,
IJ
..
~
I~
CEAE ,r
,'risaema triphyllum
ARUM FAMILY
Jack-in-the-pulpit
JUl"!CACEAE
Juncus bulonius
'_ Juncus tenuis
RUSH FAMILY
toad rush
path rush
LILlACEAE
- Clintonia borealis
- Erythronium americanum
- Maianthemum canadense
- Maianthemum racemosum
_ Maianthemum stellatUm
_ Maianthemum trifolium
- Po/ygonatum pubescens
_ Streptopus roseus
--' Trillium erectum
~ Trillium grandiflorum
- Uvularia grandiflora
LILY FAMILY
bluebead lily
yellow trout lily
wild lily-of-the-valley
false Solomon's-seal
starry false Solomon's-seal
three-leaved false Solomon's-seal
hairy Solomon' s-seal
rose twisted stalk
red trillium
white trillium
bellwort
;1
IRIDACEAE
Iris versicolor
~ Sisyrinchium montanum
IRIS FAMlL Y
wild blue flag
little blue-eyed grass
v JUGLANDACEAE
I Juglans cinerea
WALNUT FAMILY
butternut
I
I
I
I.
I
I
I
I
I
ORCHIDACEAE
+ Epipactis helleborine
ORCHIDFAMlLY
helleborine
SALlCACEAE
-'t- Populus alba
L. Populus balsamifera
L Populus grandidentata
L Populus tremuloides
L Salix bebbiana
L Salix discolor
L Salix petiolaris
WILLOW FAMILY
white poplar
balsam poplar
large-toothed aspen
trembling aspen
Bebb's willow
pussy willow
slender willow
I .,
I
Common Name I
.,ETIJLA,CEAE BffiCH FAMILY I
- Alnus rugosa speckled alder
Betula alleghaniensis yellow birch I
Betula papyrifera white birch
Corylus cornuta beaked hazel
Ostrya virginiana hop hornbeam
I FAGACEAE BEECH F AMIL Y I
Fagus grandifolia beech
Quercus rubra red oak I
I
ULMACEAE ELM FAMILY
Ulmus americana white elm I
.L
URTlCACEAE NETILE FAMILY
Pilea pumila clearweed I
I -t (Jrtica dioica spp. gracilis stinging nettle
ARlSTOLOCHIACEAE BffirnwORT FAMILY I
Asarum canadense wild ginger
I
POLYGONACEAE BUCKWHEAT FAMILY I
--+. Polygonum aviculare prostrate knotweed
I -""- Polygonum convolvulus wild buckwheat
Polygonum persicaria lady's-thumb I
,. Rumex acetosella sheep sorrel
I Rumex crispus cUrly dock
Rumex verticillatus water dock I
1 PORTULACACEAE PURSLANE FAMILY
- Claytonia caroliniana Carolina spring beauty
I
1-+ CARYOPHYLLACEAE PINK FAMILY
Cerastium fontanum mouse-eared chickweed
.... Saponaria officinalis bouncing-bet 1
I ...... Silene vulgaris bladder campion
Stellaria longifolia long-leaved chickweed
I
I . RANUNCULACEAE CROWFOOT FAMILY
Actaea pachypoda white baneberry
. Actaea rubra red baneberry I
I Anemone canadensis Canada anemone
Clematis virginiana Virgin's bower
I I
I
Common Name
C CEAE (cont'd)
Coptis trifolia goldthread ,
Hepatica acutiloba sharp-leaved hepatica
Ranunculus abortivus kidney-leaved buttercup
-' Ranunculus acris tall buttercup ,
';;:. ....-~..-. Ranunculus recurvatus hooked crowfoot
Thalictrum dioicum early meadowrue
BERBERIDACEAE BARBERRY FAMILY ,
- Caulophyl/um thalictroides blue cohosh
FUMARlACEAE FUMlTORY FAMILY :,
- Dicentra canadensis squirrel-com
BRASSICACEAE MUSTARD FAMILY ~
-+ Barbarea vulgaris winter cress
-+ Capsel/a bursa-pastoris shepherd's-purse ~
Demaria diphyl/a toothwort
~ Erysimum cheiranthoides wonnseed mustard
.......-<f-. Lepidium campestre field pepper-grass
-, Thlaspi arvense penny cress ,
SAXIFRAGACEAE SAXIFRAGE FAMILY
-.. Mitella diphyl/a Bishop's-cap ~
'~ Tiarel/a cordifolia foam flower
GROSSULARlACEAE GOOSEBERRY FAMILY ~
Ribes americanum wild black currant
- Ribes cynosbati prickly gooseberry
ROSACEAE ROSE FAMILY ,
- Agrimony gryposepala agrimony
_ Crataegus spp. hawthorn ~
Fragaria vesca woodland strawberry
Fragaria virginiana common strawberry
Geum aleppicum yellow avens \
Geum canadense white avens
Potentilla recta rough-fruited cinquefoil
Potentilla simplex common cinquefoil \
" Pyrus malus common apple
Prunus serotina black cherry
Prunus virginiana chokecherry ~
,- Rosa blanda smooth wild rose
~
I
I
Common Name
I
CEAE (cont'd) I
/JUS a/leghaniensis common blackbeny
..j{ubus idaeus red raspbeny I
Rubus jlage/laris northern dewbeny
:.... Rubus odoratus purple"flowering raspbeny
I Spiraea alba narrow-leaved meadowsweet
PEA FAMILY I
FABACEAE
I Amphicarpa bracteata hog peanut
. Lotus comiculatus birdfoot trefoil I
::... Medicago lupulina black medick
~ Medicago sativa alfalfa B
I Melilotus alba white sweet-clover I
- Trifolium campestre low hop clover
"- Trifolium pratense red clover UL
I Trifolium repens white clover I
.. Vicia crocca cow vetch
10XALIDACEAE WOOD-SORREL FAMILY I
' Oxalis dillenii common yellow wood-sorrel
ERANIACEAE GERANIUM F AMTI.Y I
eranium robertianum herb-robert
MILKWORT FAMILY I
fringed ~~ygala
~ACARDIACEAE CASHEW FAMTI ,y I
us radicans poison-ivy
Rhus typhina staghorn sumac
ICERACEAE MAPLE FAMILY I
Acer neguntfo Manitoba maple
_cer rubrum red maple
cer saccharum sugar maple I
ALSAMlNACEAE TOUCH-ME-NOT FAMILY
rpatiens capensis spotted jewelweed I
MNACEAE BUCKTHORN FAMILY
mnus cathartica common buckthorn I
I I
I -
.~,
,
Common Name
:ACEAE GRAPE FAMILY
thenocissus inserta Virginia creeper
Yitis riparia riverbank grape
TILIACEAE LINDEN FAMILY ,
Tilia americana basswood
GUIIUJo;RAE ST. JOHN'S-WORT F AMIL Y ,
+ Hypericum perforatum common St. John's-wort
vtoLACEAE VIOLET FAMILY ,
- Viola canadensis Canada violet
~ Viola eonspera dog violet
~ Viola pubescens downy yellow violet lIj
Viola renifolia kidney-leaved buttercup
~ Viola sororia common blue violet
J1
ONAGRACEAE EVENING-PRIMROSE FAMILY -.
Circaea alpina smaJI enchanter's nightshade .
Circaea lutetiana enchanter's nightshade IJ
Oenothera biennis evening-primrose
ARALIACEAE GINSENG FAMILY IJ
Aralia nudicaulis wild sarsaparilla
CARROT FAMILY
APIACEAE I]
"" Daucus carOIa wild carrot
Osmorhiza claytonii sweet-cicely
- CORNACEAE DOGWOODFAMfl,Y IJ
Comus alternifolia alternate-leaved dogwood
Comus rugosa round-leaved dogwood
Comus stolonifera red-osier dogwood . ~
ERICACEAE IlEA TH FAMILY
- Gaultheria procwnbens wintergreen I
PRIMULACEAE PRIMROSE FAMILY ~
Trientalis borealis star-flower I
I
I
I i,,'i.
.i;r:liii,'"~:!L
I . .<."....-
.', .:-:,,<..:_07
i;"-";',~~\
'i,,=~.tl~;:::~;~cana
I~~~f ~~a;:;:!u7;::islvanica
~~~---
'I APOCYNACEAE
Apocynum androsaemifolium
I-
I
I
l-i
I
I
It.
I' SOLANACEAE
--+- Solanum dulcamara
I+-
+-
1-;.
~
I~
I
I
.".-.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
:.
",--
, ',~.,
Common Name
OLIVE FAMILY
white ash
black ash
green ash
common lilac
DOGBANE FAMILY
spreading dogbane
ASCLEPIADACEAE
Asclepias incarnata
Asclepias syriaca
MILKWEED FAMILY
swamp milkweed
common milkweed
HYDROPHYLLACEAE
- Hydrophyllum virginianum
W A TERLEAF FAMILY
Virginia waterleaf
--;.
BORAGINACEAE
Echium vulgare
Lithospermum ojjicinale
BORAGE FAMILY
viper's bugloss
European gromwell
VERBENACEAE
Verbena urticifoUa
VERV AIN FAMILY
white vervain
LABIATAE
-+" Glechoma hederacea
~ Leonurus cardiaca
Lycopus americanus
Mentho arvensis
Nepeta cataria
Prunella vulgaris
MINT FAMILY
gill-over-the-ground
motherwort
water horehound
field mint
catnip
heal-all
NIGHTSHADE FAMILY
deadly nightshade
SCROPHULARIACEAE
Verbascum thopsus
Veronica officinaUs
Veronica serpyllifoUa
FIGWORT FAMILY
common mullein
common speedwell
thyme-leaved speedwell
PLANT AGINACEAE
Plantago lanceolata
Plantago major
PLANTAIN FAMILY
English plantain
broad-leaved plantain
~ ~:-,~,:;~>-1,~
~ -- -.'.' ~.'
- ~ .
, -<-..
:,..,: ".'~. ":~~':~~?~~
._ ~ - . .- ~ . ,. r"~""
~! '~'~H!:::L:I~~ame
~.".,,::.,
PNQQ G
Common Name
ASTERACEAE
--.... Achillea millefolium
,~ Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Anaphalis margaritacea
Antennaria neglecta
+. ,Arctium minus
Aster cordifolius
Aster macrophyllus
Aster novae-angliae
Aster puniceus
+. Chrysanthemum leucanthemum
+. Cichorium intybus
+., Cirsium arvense
+. ~ Cirsium vulgare
Erigeron annuus
Eupatorium maculatum
" Eupatorium peifoliatum
. Euthamia graminifolia
+.. Hieracium aurantiacum
+.' Hieracium piloselloides
~ Prenanthes alba
':' Solidago canadensis
+.~ Sonchus arvensis
+. . Sonchus asper
+. ',~ Taraxacum officinale
'F- Tragopogon dubius
ASTER FAMILY
yarrow
common ragweed
pearly everlasting
pussytoes
common burdock
heart-leaved aster
large~leaved aster
New England aster
purple-stemmed aster
ox-eye daisy
chicoiy
Canada thistle
bull thistle
daisy fleabane
spotted Joe-pye-weed
boneset
grass-leaved goldenrod
devil's paintbrush
yellow hawkweed
white-lettuce
Canada goldenrod
perennial sow-thistle
spiny-leaved sow-thistle
dandelion
goat's-beard
IJ
IJ
II
dJ
~
II
I?
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
;~
~
MADDER FAMILY
sweet-scented bedstraw
. CAPRIFOLIACEAE
- Diervilla lonicera
._- Lonicera dioica
+ Lonicera tatarica
- Sambucus canadensis
- Sambucus pubens
~ Viburnum lentago
Viburnum trilobum
HONEYSUCKLE FAMILY
bush honeysuckle
wild honeysuckle
tartarian honeysuckle
common elder
red-berried elder
nannybeny
highbush cranbeny
CUCURBITACEAE
--. Echinocystis /obata
GOURDF~Y
wild cucumber
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Appendix B
Bird Species
I
I
Appendix B. Oro Bird Species
I
Location: Observed on Geological Landform of the Moraine.
(See footnotes below for explanation of Column Codes)
Project: 01-051
I
I
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME EIS *17PK03 'I7PKOZ 'I7PK13 *17PK12
REPORTS
LOONS Gaviidae
Cormnon Loon Gav;a immer X
GREBES Podicipedidae
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps X
HERONS Ardeidae
American Bittern Botaurus/entiginosus X X X
B1ack-croYlllcd night heron Botaurus Jentiginosus X X
Green-backed heron Do/aurus strides X X X X
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias X X X X
SW ANS.GEESE.DUCKS Anatidae
Canada Goose Branta canadensis X X X X
Mallard Anas p/atyrhynchos X X X X
American Black Duck Anas robripes X X
Blue-winged Teal Anas discors X X X X
Wood Duck Aix sponsa X X X X
Common Merganser Mergus merganser X
Hooded Merganser Lophodyles cucullatus X
RAILS. GALLINULES. Rallidae
COOTS
Virginia rail Rallus limicola X
PLOVERS CbaradrUdae
K.illdeer Charadrius vociferus X X X X X
SANDPIPERS Scolopacidae
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macu1aria X X X X
Upland Sandpiper X X X I. X
C-ommon Snipe Gallinago gallinago X X X X X
American Woodcock Scolopax minor X X X X X
SKUAS. JAEGERS. GULLS. Laridae
TERNS
Herrin;;- Gull Larus a;;entatus X
AMERICAN VULTURES Cathartidae
Turk"" Vulture Cathartidae X X X X X
Wild Turke~ Melenvris val/onavo X
-;:;;;rES HAWKS EAGL Ac~tridae
Northern Hamer Circus rI'oneus X, X X X
Sba......~shinned Hawk Acciniter striatus X X X X X
Northern Goshawk Acciniter ventilis X X
Broad-win;-ed Hawk Buteo ~iatvnterus X X X X X
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo-Jamaicensis X X X X X
0S;;W;- Pondion haliaetus X X X
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
FALCONS Falconidae
American Kestrel Falco tinnunculus X X X X X
GROUSE Pbasianidae
Ruffed Grouse Bonossa umbel/us X X X X X
Rinl!~Necked Pheasant X
PIGEONS AND DOVES Columbidae
Rock Dove Columba livia X X X X
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura X X X X X
CUCKOOS Cuculidae
Black-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus X X X X X
ervthronthalmus
OWLS Tvonidae and Striuidae
Great Homed Owl Bubo virf!inianus X X X X
BaITed Owl Stra varia X X
Northern Saw-whet Owl Aevolius acadicus X X
NIGHT JARS Canrimuhddae
Whip-poor-will Canrimu/vu.v vociferous X X X X
Common Niphthawk Chordeiles minor X X X X X
SWIFTS Anodidae-
Chimney Swift Chaetura ne/africa X X X X
HUMMINGBIRDS Trochilidae
Rubv-throated Hunnnin<<bird Archilochus colubris X X X X
KINGFISHERS Alcedinidae
Belted Kingfisher Cervle a[runn X X X X
WOODPECKERS Piddae
Northern FUcker Co/aotes auralus X X X X X
Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes X X X
eruthrocenha/us
Yel1ow-bel1ied Sansucker Svkl1ranicus varius X X X X
Downv Woodnecker Piicoides nubeseem X X X X X
Hairv Woodnecker Picoides vi/losus X X X X X
Pileated Woodoecker DrvOCODUS Dileatus X X X X X
TYRANT FLYCATCHERS Tvrannidae
Eastern Kinebird Tvrannus tvrannus X X X X X
Great Crested Flvcatcher Mviarchus tvrannulus X X X X X
Olive-sided Flvcatcher ContoDus borealis X X X
Eastern Wood~Pewee Contonus virens X X X X X
Eastern Phoebe Snvornis nivricans X X X X X
Least Flvcatcher Emnidonax minimus X X X X X
Alder Flvcatcher Emnidonax alnoram X
Willow Flvcatcher (Trail's) EmDidonax tralllii X X X
LARKS Alaudidae
Homed Lark Eremonhila alDestris X X X X
SWALLOWS Hirundinidae
Tree Swallow Tachvcineta hieolor X X X X X
Bank Swallow Rioaria rioaria X X X X X
Northern Rough-winged Stelgodopteryx X X X X
Swallow serrfDennis
Cliff Swallow Hfrundo Dvrrhonota X X X X
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustlea X X X X X
Pumle Martin Proune subfs X X
~
11
I
~)
&...
.,.1
11
d
I:
I
.,.
ki
.~
~;
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
2
.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
JAYS CROWS Corvidae
Blue Jav r,'anocitta crista!a X X X X X
American Crow Corvus brach\lrh nchos X X X X X
TITMICE AND Paridae
CHICKADEES
Tufted Titmouse Pants bie%r X calls)
Black-caDDcd Chickadee Porus atricavil/us X X X X X
CREEPERS Certhiidae
Brown CreP.ner Certh;a americana X X X
NUTHATCHES Sittidae
White-breasted Nuthatch Silta carolinensis X X X X X
Red-breasted Nuthatch Silta canadensis X X X
WRENS Tro@lodvtidae
House Wren Trovlodvtes oedan X X X X
Winter Wren rro~jodvtes trop/odVles X X X
Marsh Wren CistothoruS nO/USlris X X X
THRUSHES Muscica;;Jdae
Golden-crowned Kinl'Jlet Reuulus satr~ X
Eastern Bluebird Sialia siaUs X X X X X
Wood Thrush HuJocichla mustelina X X X X
Veery Cotharus fj'''cescens X X X X X
Swainsoo's Thrush Catharus ustulatus X
Hennit Thrush Catharus (!Uttatus X X X X X
American Robin Turdus miflralorius X X X X X
MIMIC THRUSHES Mimidae .
Grav C.'bird DumetelIa carolinensis X X X X X
Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rurum X X X X X
WAXWINGS Bombvclllidae
Cedar Waxwinl!. Bombvcilla cedrorum X X X X X
STARLINGS Sturnidae
Euronean Starlin@ Sturnus vul(!arls X X X X X
VIREOS Vireonidae
Red-eved Vireo Vireo olivaceus X X X X X
WarblineVireo Vireo ailvus X X X X X
WARBLERS SPARROWS Emberizidae
Warblers
NashviUe Warbler Vennivora ruficaniIla X X X
Black-and~white Warbler Mnioti/ta varia X X X
Black~throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens X X X
Blackbumian Warbler Dendroiciifu-;ca X X
Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica n-;;;;;ivanico X X X
Golden-Wimr:ed Warbler X
Maenolia Warbler Dendroica ma nolia X
YeUow-rumoed Warbler Dendroica coronala X X
Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens X X
Pine Warbler Dendroica lJinus X
YeUowWarbler Dendraica oetechia X X X X X
Mourning Warbler Of,orornis;'hi/adelvhia X X X
Canada Warbler Wi/sonia canadensis X X
Ovenbird Seiurus aurocaDillus X X X X X
Northern Waterthrush Seiurus novebarscensis X
Common Yel1owthroat Geothvlis trichas X X X X X
American Redstart Setonhava ruticilla X X X X X
Grosbeaks, Buntings, and
Snarrows
Rose-breasted grosbeak Pheuc/icus /udovicianus X X X X X
3
4
,
,
,
,
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
IJ
I,
Northern Cardinal Cardina/is cardinalis X X X X
Eastern Towhee X X
Vesuer Soarrow Pooecetes J!ramineus X X X X X
Grasshopper Sparrow Ammodramw X X
savannamm
Savannah Sparrow Passercu/us X X X X X
sandwichensis
Song Sparrow Melosniza me/odia X X X X X
Field Sparrow Spizella nusilla X X X
ChioDim!: Suarrow Soizella pal/ldo X X X X X
Fox Suarrow Passerella Waca X
Dark~eved Junco Junco hvema/is X X
White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia atbicollis X X X X X
Swamp Sparrow Melosniza vearvlana X X X X
Indigo BW1tine. Passerina rvanea X X X X X
Blackbirds and Orioles
Bobo1ink Do/ichonvx orvzivorus X X X X X
Eastern Meadowlark Sturnel/a maImQ X X X X X
Red -wint!ed Blackbird Ave/aius ohoeniceus X X X X X
Brown-headed Cowbird M%thrus aler X X X X X
Common Grackle Ouisca/us ouiscula X X X X X
Northern Oriole Iceterus va/bula X X X X X
Scarlet Tanager PiranvQ o/ivacea X X X X X
WEAVERS Passeridae
House Sparrow Passer domes/fcus X X X X
FINCHES Frimlillidae
Pine Siskin CardueJis tristis X
American Go1dfinch Cardeu/is tristis X X X X X
Pumle Pinch Caroodacus Duroureus X X X X
Evening Grosbeak Coccothraustes X
vesnertinus
Species Reference:
National Geographic Society, 1987. Birds of North America: Second Edition.
"Data in Columns 4 -7 obtained from the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas for squares 17PK03 (northwestern
portion of study area), 17PK02 (southwestern portion of study area), t 7PK13 (northeastern portion of study
area) and 17PKI2 (southeastern portion of study area). Each square is valid for approximately IOkm' of
land coverage. Printouts of the Atlas are included in this appendix,
Column 3 is a composite of all avian species observed during EIS investigations of properties proposed for
development (See Appendix A for list of sites inventoried).. All of the properties were on the geological
landform of the moraine,
~1
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Appendix C
Mammal Species
1
1*
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Appendix C. Mammal Species
Location: Small an d Large Mammals Commonly Observed within the Study Area. Project 01-051
Data Source: Combined Data from EIS reports provided to the Township of Oro Medonte in support of
Devleopment Applications (See Appendix A for list of sites inventoried).
COMMON NAME FAMILY SPECIES AREA X
BEARS
Black Bear I Ursus americanus X (tracks only) I
I I I
RACCOONS AND COATIS
Raccoon I Procvon lotor I X I
I I I
WEASELS AND SKUNKS
Unidentified Weasel Mustelo sp, X
Striped Skunk Mevhitis mevhitis X
DOGS. WOLVES. AND FOXES
Covote Canis latrans X
Red Fox Vull12s IUlva X
MARMOTS
Woodchuck I Marmara monax I X I
I I I
CHIPMUNKS
Eastern Chipmunk I Tamias striatus I X I
I I I
TREE SOUlRRELS
Eastern Gray Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis X
Red Sauirrel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus X
BEAVER
American Beaver I Castor canadensis I X I
I I I
MICE.RATS.LEM~GS.
AND VOLES
White-footed Mouse Peromvscus leucopus X
Meadow Vole Microtus Dennsvlvanicus X
Muskrat Ondatra zibethica X
PORCUPINE
Porcuoine I Erethizon dorsatum I X I
I I I
HARES AND RABBITS
Snowshoe Hare LeDUS americanus X
Eastern Cottontait SvlvilaJlUS floridanus X
DEER
Whitetail Deer I Odocoileus virflinianus I X I
I I I
Reference:
Burt, William H. and Richard P. Grossenheider, 1980. Mammals.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Appendix D
Herpetile Species
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Appendix D. List of Herpetile Species
Location: Selected Locations on the Oro Moraine Project: 01 - 051
Common Name Latin Name Observation
from published
EIS report
Salamander Species:
Red-Spotted Newt Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens X
Red Eft Stage of red spotted Newt Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens X
Jefferson Salamander Ambystoma jeffersonianum X
Frog and Toad Species:
American Toad Bufo americanus americanus X
Spring Peeper Pseudacris crucifer .X
Western Chorus Frog Psaudacris lriseriata X
Gray Treefiog Hyla versicolor X
Wood Frog Rana sylvatica X
Northern Leopard Frog Rana pipiens X
Green Frog Rana clamitans melanota X
Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana X
Turtle Species:
Midland Painted Turtle Cbrysernys picta marginata X
Blandings Turtle Ernydoidea blandingii X
Snake Species:
Eastern Gartner Snake Tharnnopbis sirtalis sirtalis X
Northern Redbelly Snake Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata X
Note: The above species list was compiled from BIS reports submitted to the Township
of Oro Medonte at the time of application for development on the physical landform of
the moraine. No inventory ofherpetile species was undertaken for the purposes of this
study.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Appendix E
Supplementary OMNR Documentation
(NHIC Information on PSW's and ANSI's and
Information on Wildlife Use of Various Habitats)
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
APPENDIX E
SUMMARY OF EPl AND EP2 LANDS ON THE ORO MORAINE
ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES SOUTH OF THE MORAINE.
THE DALSTON WETLAND COMPLEX
Attributes:
· Under jurisdiction of Nottawasaga Conservation Authority - contains Willow
Creek, one of six main tributaries of the Nottawasaga River - therefore drains to
the southwest.
· Is a Provincially significant wetland complex (Class 2) comprised of four
individual wetland units - therefore EPl designation
· 96% swamp and 4% marsh
· Contains both coniferous and deciduous tree species and both narrow and robust
(broadleafed) emergent marsh species (would likely include cattails, reeds,
sedges, rushes)
· Since the NHIC database indicates that the wetland contains significant dead
trees, it is likely that inundation or flooding is prevalent.
. Soils are 75% organic.
· 30% of the wetland is riverine (in association with Willow Creek) and 70%
palustrine with either pennanent or intennittent outflows
· Is part of the OM1 - Willow Creek Valley unit of the Greenlands designation.
Functions:
· Large number of discharge areas at base of moraine that would contribute
baseflow and storage capacity to Willow Creek system - headwaters area
· Also areas of groundwater recharge within the wetland.
· Functions of erosion protection, temperature control, water quality enhancement,
both aquatic and terrestrial habitat important, coldwater and wann water fish
habitat, deer concentrations and waterfowl concentrations, spawning areas.
· Significant size - 561.5 hectares - therefore there is likely to be undisturbed
interior forest habitat for wildlife - both deer and breeding bird species.
· Schedule B of Township OP shows old growth forest areas in proximity to
Dalston Lake EP1 area.
Preservation Priority: Natural Corridors for wildlife passage between units of the
complex and associated old growth forest should be encouraged.
1
HAWKSTONE SWAMP:
II
II
II
II
II
II
I,
]
Buffers to this wetland complex should be large and well. .enforced to protect features
and functions of Willow Creek.
Attributes:
. On level lands within a valley system on till plain south ofthe Oro Moraine-
drains via Hawkstone Creek to Lake Simcoe.
. This is a large provincially significant wetland complex (Class 3) comprised of
eleven individual wetlands. There are two major wetland types - 97.2% swamp
and 2.8% marsh (Ferguson et a1. - 1985).
. Dominant vegetation - 58% deciduous trees, 17% conifers, 14% dead deciduous
trees, 7% dead conifers, 3% tall shrubs, 1% other including robust emergents
(likely cattails) narrow-leaved emergents and low shrubs. Therefore basically a
hardwood swamp.
. Soils are 80% organic with 20% clays, loams or silts.
. The wetland is 76% riverine - in association with Hawkstone Creek and Hilldale
Creek (check on Hilldale assoc.)
. Is included as part of the OM4 - the Hawkstone Creek Valley unit in the
Greenlands Designation.
2
II
II
.'
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Functions:
. According to Natural Heritage system report by Gartner Lee - valley containing
the wetland is one of only a few well-defined greenspace corridors linking the
Oro Moraine with the belt of forested lands inland of the northwest shore of Lake
Simcoe
. Discharge and conveyance.
. Large size (843 hectares) indicates that there may be forest interior in the
swampland suitable for breeding birds and with resources to sustain both resident
and migratory bird populations. Will be significant breeding and foraging sites
for herpetiles including snakes, salamanders and amphibians because of the
presence of ephemeral pools (short-tenn seasonal pools).
. Vegetation will provide erosion protection and water quality remediation - will
ultimately improve water quality discharge into Lake Simcoe.
. Has been identified for coldwater fish habitat and fish spawning activities
I
I
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I
.
I
I
'.
I
.
.
I
.
Preservation Priority:
· Landscape connectivity - wildlife corridor - should be maintained and enhanced
· There is also a locally significant wetland - Allingham creek wetland (Class 6)-
this increases the effective size and importance ofthe unit.
· Township OP indicates that a potential natural corridor should be encouraged
between this unit and the Dalston Wetland Complex to the west.
BLUFF'S CREEK SWAMP
Attributes:
· Large size - 313.4 hectares with drainage into Lake Simcoe.
· A provincially significant wetland complex (Class I), made up of nine individual
wetlands and two wetland types - 68% swamp and 32% marsh. - marsh
component more significant than other provo Sign. Wetlands to the west.
· Dominant vegetation fonns: 11.4 % deciduous trees, 36.1 coniferous trees, 13.5%
dead deciduous trees, 3.9% dead conifers, 8.7% tall shrubs, very small number of
emergents, but approx. 24% submergents. More submerged aquatic veg.
. 80% organic soils.
· 66% riverine, 33% lacustrine (at rivennouth), 1% palustrine - obvious association
with waterbodies - therefore aquatic linkages are important.
· Part of the Bluffs Creek Valley OM5 greenlands unit, - has remnant brook trout
and a coldwater fishery.
· Associated with old growth forest between the tenth and the eleventh line and
significant vegetation surrounds EPl areas according to Schedule B mapping in
the Township OP.
Functions:
· Discharge and conveyance from toe of slope of moraine into Bluffs Creek and
ultimately Lake Simcoe.
· Vegetative functions of erosion protection, water quality remediation, temperature
control for fisheries, etc.
· Coldwater habitat and fish spawning
· 3 provincially significant and 1 locally sign. Wetland
· Proximity to Lake Simcoe likely implies usage of marsh areas by marsh bird
species and waterfowl.
3
4
I
I
I
I
I
,
~
~
~
~
IJ
I]
IJ
I]
II
I,
~
I,
I
I
. It should be noted that, according to the Township OP, the size of the EPl blocks
is smaller for this wetland than for either Hawkstone or the Dalston Complex
further to the west.
THE CARTHEW BAY WETLAND COMPLEX
Attributes:
. A provincially significant wetland complex made up of four individual wetlands,
composed of one wetland type - 100% swamp.
. This wetland contains a higher percentage of conifers (35%) and also dead
conifers and deciduous species, usually indicating inundation with large volumes
of water for a large part of the growing season.
. Species include cedar, tamarack, balsam poplar, black cedar, black ash, speckled
alder
. Soils - 72% fibric and 28% clay/loam
. Also part of Greenlands designation OM5 - Bluff Creek Valley
Functions:
Similar to those listed above for Bluff Creek:, except that there would be less marsh
vegetation and likely less usage by marsh bird species and waterfowl.
ORILLIA FILTRATION SWAMP
Attributes:
. A provincially significant wetland complex (Class 3), made up of 11 individual
wetlands and comprised of two wetland types - 81 % swamp and 19% marsh.
. Size: 163.5 hectares.
. Also dominated by hardwood species (44% deciduous) and a high (24%)
percentage of robust emergents (this usually means cattails).
. Soils are 90% organic
. This wetland complex is in proximity to the Town of Grillia and there is likely to
be some impacts of human settlement on features and functions.
. Is in a Greenlands unit, although it is difficult to tell ITom the mapping whether it
is in OM3 (Bass Lake) or OM5 (Bluff Creek Valley).
Functions:
. In proximity to both Lake Simcoe and to human settlement - is still large enough
to provide function of water quality remediation.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
· Aquatic linkages likely exist between Lake Simcoe and marsh areas ofthe
wetland -likely provides habitat for marsh and shore birds/waterfowl.
. Recharge function.
ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES NORTH OF THE MORAINE
LANGMAN MARSH
Attributes:
· A provincially significant wetland (Class 3) located southeast of Bass Lake and
west of the City of Orillia.
· Composed of three wetland types (8% fen, 85% swamp and 7% marsh)
. 100% organic soils
· Fen community type would be comprised of sedges, grasses and low shrubs with
an organic substrate containing usually greater than 40 cm of brown moss or
sedge peat - always saturated.
· Fen community would be relatively rare in the landscape.
· Is part of the OM3 Bass Lake greenlands unit.
· Swamp dominated by coniferous and deciduous trees, tall shrubs and emergents
(narrow leafed and robust)
Functions:
· In combination with Bass Lake, the three provincially significant wetlands that
surround the Lake provide an important flood storage function.
. Contains an area of old growth vegetation.
· Function potentially influenced by proximity to the City of Orillia.
· Hydrologic function related to inputs of groundwater as recharge on moraine.
BASS LAKE
· A provincially significant wetland of 534 ha, a life science ANSI of 547 ha, an
earth science site and an international biological program site of 188 ha co-occur
at Bass Lake
· The wetland (Class 1) is 1 % fen, 90% swamp and 9% marsh
· There is a high percentage of coniferous tree species (65%) and 11 % standing
dead trees.
· The wetland is 50% palustrine, 25% riverine and 25% lacustrine indicating a
. close relationship with aquatic features and functions of Bass Lake.
· The MNR owns approximately half of the forested area, but a right of way
utilized by snowmobiles and trail bikes would represent a source of disturbance.
5
6
I
,
,
,
,
,
,
..
..
It
L
-J
I]
IJ
II
II
1'1
,;J
I"
I
I,
~
. Area is undated at most times of year due to presence of thick muck soils.
. Earth Science features include Paleoaoic Ordovician bedrock and 450 million
year old sedimentary rocks with thick overlying mantle of glacial material.
. Part of the OM3 Bass Lake greenlands unit.
Functions:
. Terrain functions: discharge, flood storage, conveyance.
. Vegetation functions include temperature control and enhancement of aquatic
habitat.
. Wannwater aquatic habitat with fish spawning - also deer concentrations and
waterfowl habitat due to proximity to Bass Lake.
. A number of identified recreation functions and public access and usage of site.
. Provincial Park status
. Contains the Bass Lake nature reserve (188 ha) with regionally significant flora,
moderate to low disturbance from cutting.
. Large contiguous forested block with ample forest interior for resident and '
migratory bird activities.
Preservation Priority:
. High - multiple functions at single site - significant both locally and provincially
with high public investment in preservation status.
. Note: pressures for development are gieat creating local competition for
resources.
COPELAND FOREST
The Copeland Forest represents the largest continuous forest block in proximity to the
moraine. It is high priority for preservation and continued enhancement. This area
contains both a large (2344.7 hectare) provincially significant wetland and a large life
science ANSI comprised of managed forest that overlaps the Class I wetland.
Attributes:
. Wetland: a wetland complex made up to three individual wetlands and two
wetland types - 80% swamp and 20% marsh. (north of moraine - westem
portion)
. 87% palustrine wetland, with the remainder riverine.
. Mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees, tall and low shrubs and strong
herbaceous layer.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
. Contains a number ofVTE's - 24 species recorded within Copeland forest with
some level of rare, threatened or endangered status a number of them are wetland
species - i.e. sedges.
. The Copeland forest is managed by the MNR and contains forestry roads, trails
and reforested areas.
. Part of the OM2 Copeland Forest greenlands unit.
Functions:
· Discharge area for waters from the moraine that contribute basetlow to the
Coldwater and Sturgeon Rivers.
. Also discharge into Matheson Creek.
. Promotion of coldwater fisheries.
· Contains a number of steep slopes that would require erosion protection.
. Very significant for winter deer concentration area (core deer area).
. Some economic benefits from timber managed by the MNR.
· Size ofthe wetland and forest block increases its significance fonn an ecological
perspective due to the amount of forest interior available as wildlife habitat.
ENVIRONMENTALLY SIGNIFICANT AREAS ON THE MORAINE
RUGBY WEST
Attributes:
. Provincial Life Science ANSI of 183 hectares.
· Complex of moderately rolling kame hills west of the village of Rugby and south
of Bass Lake.
· Undisturbed, semi-mature vegetation dominated by sugar maple, ash and beech
woods (hardwood woods).
. Good recruitment of sugar maple in the understory.
· Some development on southeast side (Rugby Estate Development) and remainder
surrounded by agricultural land nse.
· Part of OM2 greenlands designation. - associated functions of recharge etc.
Function:
· Considered an excellent example of undisturbed kame hills - one of the best in
Site District 6-6.
. Old growth forest - although ANSI is not very large.
7
8
I
I
I
I
I
,
,
,
,
,
IJ
IJ
IJ
~
~
~
~
I,
~
I,
. Worthy of preservation subject to site visit to ground truth significance of
vegetation.
COULSON SWAMP
Attributes:
. West Coulson Swamp is a provincially significant wetland complex made up of
18 individual wetlands (i.e. - some fragmentation of wetland) - 83.3 ha in size.
. 94% swamp and 6% marsh
. Contains small areas ofless than 2 ha in size because they are distinct in the
landscape (hard to protect from development when they are very small).
. 43% conifers, 25% hardwoods, 25% tall shrubs
. Soils composition: 10% clay-loam, 51% sand, 26% humic/mesic, 13% fibric.
. Wetland is 70% palustrine and 30% riverine.
. East Coulson Swamp is 129.1 ha in size and is not provincially significant.
Functions:
. Recharge functions - good infiltration in sandy soils.
. Vegetation would stabilize steep slopes and erosion - prone areas.
. Linkage through significant vegetation with Copeland Forest to the northwest.
. Discharge into tribs of Coldwater Creek.
MARTIN FARM SOUTH ANSI
Attributes:
. Regional Life Science ANSI
. 130 ha of gently to moderately rolling kame hills 2 Ian SW of Martin Farm.
. Surrounded by agriculture and reforestation plots.
. Immature to semi mature sugar maple, ash, beech with sugar maple understory
. Regenerating section
Functions:
. Provides significant forest cover within agricultural landscape - will be temporary
staging habitat for white-tailed deer.
. Some areas of old growth forest appear to be present northwest of the ANSI in
proximity to ANSI boundaries.
. Opportunities for enhancement of this feature.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
NHIC Natural Area Query
Page 1 of2
Number of natural areas selected: 1
DALSTON WETLAND COMPLEX
AREA_ID: 7853
Significance
Provincial
Size
561.5 ha
Map #
3lD/5
Centroid UTM
17,609000,4924000
Area Type
Wetland
Description
A Provincially significant wetland complex, made up of four individual wetlands, composed of two
wetland types (96% swamp and 4% marsh) (Ferguson et aI., 1985).
"Note- Evaluation (Ferguson et al., 1985) LocationalCentroid is incorrect (240090). Correct centroid
displayed, according to T. King.
Vegetation
Vegetation Communities (Ferguson et al., 1985); ,
One form
M1: narrow-leaved emergents;
Two forms
S8: dead deciduous trees; tall shrubs;
S 11: dead deciduous trees; narrow-leaved emergents;
S13: dead tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents;
M3: narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents;
Three forms
Sl: coniferous trees; herbs; narrow-leaved emergents;
S2: dead coniferous trees; narrow-leaved emergents; floating plants;
S4: dead coniferous trees; narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents;
S9: deciduous trees; tall shrubs; herbs;
S7: dead deciduous trees; tall shrubs; narrow"leaved emergents;
S10: deciduous trees; narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents;
S 12: dead deciduous trees; free-floating plants; herbs;
S14: deciduous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents;
S15: dead deciduous trees; deciduous trees; free-floating plants;
M2: narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents; floating plants;
M4: dead deciduous trees; narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents;
Four forms
S5: dead deciduous trees; dead coniferous trees; narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents;
S6: deciduous trees; tall shrubs; herbs; narrow-leaved emergents;
Five forms
S3: deciduous trees; coniferous trees; tall shrubs; herbs; narrow-leaved emergents;
Representation
http://www.mnr.gov.on.calmnr/nhic/queries/areas_rep.cfin
11/30/2001
NIDC Natural Area Query
Page 2 of2
Landform
Soils (Ferguson et al., 1985): 25% clays, loams or silts; 75% organic;
Site Type (Ferguson et al., 1985): 70% palustrine (pennanent or intennittent outflow), 30% riverine;
References
Ferguson, M., N. Dawson and R. Henry. 1985. Wetland Evaluation and Data Record- Dalston
Wetland Complex. Second Edition. June 4,5 & 13, 1985. Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources. Manuscript. 22 pp + 1 map + 6 pp supplement.
I(;) Oueen's Printer for Ontario. 1998
,
... J
..
.I"
Produced by the Natural Heritage Infonnation Centre
http://www.mnr.gov.on.calmnr/nhic/queries/areas Jep.cfm
11/30/2001
I
,
,
,
,
,
~
~
~
~
~
~
IJ
I]
II
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
NHIC Natural Area Query
Number of natural areas selected: 1
Page 1 00
HA WKESTONE SWAMP
Significance
Provincial
Area Type
Wetland
Size
843.0 ha
Centroid UTM
17,613000,4930000
AREA_ID: 7849
Map #
3ID/12
Description
A Provincially significant wetland complex, made up of eleven individual wetlands, composed of two
wetland types (97.2% swamp and 2.8% marsh) (Ferguson et al., 1985).
Vegetation
Dominant Vegetation Forms (Ferguson et al., 1985):
58% deciduous trees, 17% coniferous trees, 14% dead deciduous trees, 7% dead coniferous trees, 3%
tall shrubs, 1 % robust emergents, narrow-leaved emergents, and low shrubs;
Vegetation Communities (Ferguson et al., 1985);
One form
S 1: dead coniferous trees;
Ml: robust emergents;
Two forms
S2: dead coniferous trees; narrow-leaved emergents;
S3: tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents;
S4: narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
S5: low shrubs; herbs;
S6: coniferous trees; herbs;
M2: dead coniferous trees; robust emergents;
M3: robust emergents; submergents;
M4: robust emergents; floating plants;
M5: narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents;
Three forms
S7: dead coniferous trees; tall shrubs; robust emergents;
S8: dead coniferous trees; narrow-leaved emergents; ftee-floating plants;
S9: dead coniferous trees; narrow-leaved emergents; floating plants;
SlO: tall shrubs; low shrubs; herbs;
S 11: coniferous trees; tall shrubs; herbs;
S 12: dead coniferous trees; tall shrubs; herbs;
S 13: deciduous trees; tall shrubs; herbs;
S14: tall shrubs; herbs; narrow-leaved emergents;
S15: dead coniferous trees; dead deciduous trees; herbs;
S 16: dead deciduous trees; dead coniferous trees; tall shrubs;
S 17: deciduous trees; coniferous trees; herbs;
S 18: deciduous trees; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/nhic/queries/areasJep.cfin
11/23/2001
NHIC Natural Area Query
Page 2 00
Four forms
S19: coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; herbs;
S20: dead coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents;
S21: coniferous trees; deciduous trees; tall shrubs; herbs;
S22: coniferous trees; deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs;
S23: dead coniferous trees; herbs; narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents;
S24: dead deciduous trees; dead coniferous trees; tall shrubs; free-floating plants;
S25: coniferous trees; tall shrubs; herbs; narrow-leaved emergents;
S26: deciduous trees; coniferous trees; herbs; narrow-leaved emergents;
S27: deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; herbs;
S28: deciduous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents;
S29: deciduous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; submergents;
S30: deciduous trees; tall shrubs; herbs; narrow-leaved emergents;
S3l: deciduous trees; tall shrubs; herbs; robust emergents;
S32: dead deciduous trees; dead tall shrubs; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents;
Five forms
S33: dead deciduous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents; submergents;
S34: deciduous trees; coniferous trees; tall shrubs; herbs; narrow-leaved emergents;
S35: coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; herbs; narrow-leaved emergents;
S36: dead deciduous trees; dead coniferous trees; herbs; narrow-leaved emergents; free-floating
plants;
M6: dead deciduous trees; narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents; broad-leaved emergents;
floating plants;
Six or more forms
S37: dead deciduous trees; dead coniferous trees; tall shrubs; herbs; narrow-leaved emergents;
submergents;
Representation
Landform
Soils (Ferguson et al., 1985): 20% clays, loams or silts, 80% organic;
Site Type (Ferguson et ai., 1985): 24% palustrine (pemianerit or intermittent outflow), 76% riverine;
References
Ferguson, M., N. Dawson and R. Henry. 1985. Wetland Evaluation and Data Record-
Hawkestone Swamp. Second Edition. June 5, 10, 13 & 17, 1985. Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources. Manuscript. 22 pp + 1 map + 6 pp supplement.
http://www.mnr.gov.on.calmnr/nhic/Queries/areas rep.cftn
11123/2001
,
,
,
,
Ii
Ii
It
..
Ii
I,
I]
:-;j
I:
I
I]
II
~
I.'
::
,
I,
I'
I
""
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
NIDC Natural Area Query
Page 3 of3
,
..\ ..'
((;i Queen's Printer for Ontario. 1998 -I" '"
Produced by the Natural Heritage Information Centre
http://www.mnr.lwv.on.cafmnr/nhic/ouerieslareas ren.cfm
11/',1'001
NHIC ,Natural Area Query
Page 1 on
of natural areas selected: 1
BLUFFS CREEK SWAMP
AREA_ID: 5641
Significance
Provincial
Size
313.4 ha
Centroid UTM
17,625000,4936000
Map #
31D/ll
Area Type
Wetland
Description
A Provincially significant wetland complex, made up of nine individual wetlands, composed of two
wetland types (68% swamp and 32% marsh) (Ferguson et al., 1986).
Vegetation
Dominant Vegetation Fonns (Ferguson et al., 1986):
11.4% deciduous trees, 36.1 % coniferous trees, 13.5% dead deciduous trees, 3.9% dead coniferous
trees, 8.7% tall shrubs, 0.9% narrow-leaved emergents, 1.3% robust emergents, 0.3% floating plants
and 23.9% submergents;
Vegetation Communities (Clark et al., 1993):
Marsh
Ml: narrow-leaved emergents;
M2: submergents;
M3: narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents;
M4: floating plants; submergents;
M5: dead deciduous trees; tall shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
M6: robust emergents; broad-leaved emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; submergents; floating
plants;
M7: unvegetated open water;
Swamp
Sl: narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
S2: tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents;
S3: tall shrubs; herbs; .
84: tall shrubs; dead shrubs; herbs;
85: coniferous trees; dead tall shrubs; herbs;
86: narrow-leaved emergents; low shrubs; herbs;
87: tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
88: dead coniferous trees; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents;
89: robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
8 I 0: tall shrubs; herbs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents;
811: tall shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
812: dead coniferous trees; robust emergents; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents;
813: tall shrubs; dead coniferous trees; robust emergents; herbs;
814: coniferous trees; tall shrubs; robust emergents; herbs;
815: coniferous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
816: deciduous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
817: dead coniferous trees; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/nhic/queries/areas Jep.cfm
11/30/2001
I
I
I
I
,
,
~
,
IJ
IJ
,.
It
I)
II
II
11
'"
I,
I
I
.,
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
NHIC~.j"atural Area Query
Page 2 of3
818: coniferous trees; dead coniferous trees; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
819: tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
. 820: robust emergents; dead tall shrubs; coniferous trees; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
821: dead coniferous trees; coniferous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
822: dead coniferous trees; tall shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
823: coniferous trees; deciduous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
824: coniferous trees; deciduous trees; dead coniferous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents;
825: c~niferous trees; dead coniferous trees; tall shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents;
826: coniferous trees; deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; herbs;
827: deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
828: coniferous trees; deciduous trees; tall shrubs; herbs; narrow-leaved emergents;
829: dead deciduous trees; tall shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
830: deciduous trees; coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; herbs;
831: coniferous trees; deciduous trees; tall shrubs; robust emergents; herbs; narrow-leaved
emergents;
832: deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents; free-
floating plants;
833: dead coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs; free-floating
plants;
834: deciduous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved einergents; robust emergents; broad-leaved
emergents; free-floating plants;
835: dead deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents;
herbs;
836: deciduous trees; coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
837: dead tall shrubs; tall shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs; submergents;
free-floating plants;
838: coniferous trees; deciduous trees; dead coniferous trees; robust emergents; narrow-leaved
emergents; herbs; moss;
839: dead deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents;
herbs; free-floating plants;
840: deciduous trees; coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
moss;
841: coniferous trees; deciduous trees; dead coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved
emergents; herbs;
842: deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; broad-leaved emergents;
herbs; moss;
843: dead deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents;
herbs; free-floating plants;
844: coniferous trees; deciduous trees; dead coniferous trees; dead deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low
shrubs; herbs;
845: dead deciduous trees; tall shrubs; robust emergents; broad-leaved emergents; narrow-leaved
emergents; herbs; free-floating plants; ~
846: coniferous trees; deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
mosses;
Representation
Landform
80ils (Ferguson et al., 1986): 20% clays, loarns or silts, and 80% organic;
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/nhic/queries/areasJep.cfin
11/30/2001
!'ffiIC "Natural Area Query
Page 3 of3
Site Type (Ferguson et al., 1986): 1.0% palustrine (permanent or intermittent outflow), 66% riverine
and 33% lacustrine (at rivermouth);
References
Ferguson, M., S. Boyd, R. Black, W. Simkin and G. Gillespie. 1986. Wetland Data Record and
Evaluation- Bluffs Creek Swamp. Second Edition. September 1 & 5, 1984 and June 12 & 16-
18, 1986. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Nottawasaga Valley C~ervation
Authority. Manuscript. 22 pp + 4 pp supplement.
@ Oueen's Printer for Ontario. 1998
\,
" ..,
.4"
Produced by the Natural Heritage Information Centre
http://www.mnr.gov.on.calmnr/nhic/queries/areas_rep.cfm
11/30/2001
I
I
,
,
,
Ij
IJ
Ii
..
I,
I"
I
1
1
11
1
1
1
1
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
.
,.
.
.
.
.
NHIC Natural Area Query
Page 1 of2
Number of natural areas selected: 1
CARTHEW BAY WETLAND COMPLEX
AREA_ID: 10451
Significance
Provincial
Area Type
Wetland
Size
101.2 ha
Centroid UTM
17,625000,4931300
Map #
3lD/ll
Description
A Provincially significant wetland complex, made up of four individual wetlands, composed of one
wetland type (100% swamp) (Hawke, 1994).
*Note- Wetland evaluation (Hawke, 1994) locational centroid is incorrect (313250). More accurate
centroid is displayed according to B. Bannemian (NHIC).
Vegetation
Dominant Vegetation Fonns (Hawke, 1994): ,
18% deciduous trees, 35% coniferous trees, 13% dead deciduous trees, 22% dead coniferous trees,
12% tall shrubs;
Vegetation Communities (Hawke, 1994):
S 1: tall shrubs- Red-osier Dogwood, Speckled Alder; cattails; willow spp.; sedge spp.; beggar's ticks;
duckweed; .
S2: coniferous trees- White Cedar, Tamarack; willow spp., Red-osier Dogwood; Speckled Alder,
White Cedar; jewelweed, stinging nettle; mosses; ,
S3: deciduous trees; soft maple, Black Ash, White Ash, Yellow Birch, elm; White Cedar saplings,
Red-osier Dogwood; Canada Yew shrubs; herbs;
S4: deciduous trees- soft maple, Black Ash; tall shrubs- White Cedar, Red-osier Dogwood; low
shrubs- Ribes spp., soft maple; cattails; sedges; herbs;
S5: tall shrubs- willow spp., Speckled Alder, Balsam Poplar; low shrubs- Red-osier Dogwood, elm;
sedges; herbs; rnosses;
S6: dead deciduous trees; tall shrubs- soft maple, Black Ash, White Cedar, willow spp.; cattails;
sedges; herbs; ,
S7: dead deciduous trees; tall shrubs- soft maple, willow spp.; low shrubs- elm, Red-osier Dogwood;
submergents;
S8: coniferous and deciduous trees- White Cedar, Trembling Aspen, Balsam Poplar; tall shrubs-
White Cedar, Balsam Fir, Black Ash, Trembling Aspen, Opposite-leaved Dogwood; low shrubs-
Maple-leaved Viburnum; herbs; mosses;
S9: tall shrubs- willow spp., White Cedar; low shrubs- Speckled Alder, Balsam Poplar, elm;sydges;
herbs;
S 1 0: dead deciduous trees; dead coniferous trees; soft maple, Black Ash shrubs; low shrubs; sedges,
duckweed; cattails;
S 11: coniferous and deciduous trees- Tamarack, Black Spruce, White Spruce, Silver Maple, Balsam
Poplar, Trembling Aspen; White Cedar, Red-osier Dogwood shrubs; low shrubs; herbs; mosses;
Representation
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/nhic/querieslareas Jep.cftn
11/30/200 I
NHIC Natural Area Query
Page 2 of2
Landform
Soils (Hawke, 1994): 28% clay/loam, and 72% fibric;
Site Type (Hawke, 1994): 100% palustrine (permanent or intermittent outflow);
References
Hawke, D. 1994. Southern Ontario Wetlands Evaluation, Data and Scoring Record- Carthew
Bay Wetland Complex. Third Edition (Dec/94). Desktop Update. Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources. Manuscript. 41 pp + 3 pp supplement.
ib> Oueen's Printer for Ontario. 1998
I>,
.... ......
....
Produced by the Natural Heritage Information Centre
http://www.mnr.!I;ov.on.calmnr/nhic/queries/areasJep.cfin
1113012001
I
I
,
,
,
,
~
-
~
~
II
I~
j
I
.'
.
.
.
.
.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
NHIC Natural Area Query
Page 1 of2
,~
Number of natural areas selected: 1
ORILLIA FILTRATION SWAMP
AREA_ID: 7897
Significance
Provincial
Size
163.5 ha
Centroid UTM
17,622000,4937000
Map #
31D/l1
Area Type
Wetland
Description
A Provincially significant wetland complex, made up of 11 individual wetlands, composed of two
wetland types (81% swamp and 19% marsh) (Ferguson et aI., 1986).
*Note- Evaluation (Ferguson et al., 1986) Locational Centroid is incorrect (370220). Accurate
centroid displayed, according to T. King.
Vegetation
Dominant Vegetation Forms (Ferguson et al., 1986):
44% deciduous trees, 24% robust emergents, 14% coniferous trees, 7% herbs, 4% dead deciduous
trees, 3 % tall shrubs;
Vegetation Communities (Ferguson et aI., 1986);
One form
Ml: robust emergents;
M2: submergents;
W7: unvegetated;
Two forms
M3: robust emergents; dead deciduous trees;
M4: robust emergents; tall shrubs;
S 1: herbs; robust emergents;
S2: robust emergents; herbs;
S3: narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
Three forms
M5: robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
S4: robust emergents; herbs; tall shrubs;
S5: tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
S6: dead coniferous trees; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents;
S7: coniferous trees; robust emergents; herbs;
88: herbs; free-floating plants; robust emergents;
Four forms
M6: robust emergents; dead tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; free-floating plants;
89: dead deciduous trees; tall shrubs; robust emergents; herbs;
810: tall shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; free-floating plants;
811: deciduous trees; tall shrubs; robust emergents; herbs;
812: tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
http://www.mnr.gov.on.calmnr/nhic/queries/areas Jep.cfm
11/23/2001
NffiC Natural Area Query
,
S 13: deciduous trees; tall shrubs; herbs; narrow-leaved emergents;
S14: dead coniferous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
815: narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents; deciduous trees; tall shrubs;
S16: robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; tall shrubs; herbs;
817: tall shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
S18: tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs; coniferous trees;
S19: robust emergents; dead deciduous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents;
820: coniferous trees; robust emergents; herbs; narrow-leaved emergents;
Five fonns
S2l: deciduous trees; coniferous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
S22: deciduous trees; tall shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
S23: coniferous trees; deciduous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
824: deciduous trees; narrow-leaved emergents; tall shrubs; robust emergents; herbs;
Page 20f2
Six or more fonns
S25: deciduous trees; dead deciduous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs; free-floating
plants;
S26: deciduous trees; dead deciduous trees; tall shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents;
herbs; ,
Representation
Landform
Soils (Ferguson et al., 1986): 10% clays, loams or silts; 90% organic;
Site Type (Ferguson et al., 1986): 24% palustrine (permanent or intermittent outflow), 64% riverine,
12% riverine (at rivermouth);
References
Ferguson, M., S. Boyd and G. Weatherston. 1986. Wetland Data Record and Evaluation-
Orillia Filtration Swamp. Second Edition. July 31 and September 4, 1986. Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources. Manuscript. 22 pp.
,
~~ ..<
(Q Oueen's Printer for Ontario. 1998 ......
Produced by the Natural Heritage Infonnation Centre
http://www.mnr.gov.on.calmnr/nhic/queries/areasJep.cfin
11/23/2001
I
I
I
,
IJ
II
It
Ii
II
t
:J
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
NHIC Natural Area Query
Page 1 of2
,
Number of natural areas selected: 1
LANGMAN MARSH
AREA_ID: 8954
Significance
Provincial
Area Type
Wetland
Size
65.9 ha
Centroid UTM
17,620000,4938500
Map #
3ID/ll
Description
A Provincially significant wetland, composed of three wetland types (8% fen, 85% swamp and 7%
marsh) (Ferguson and Maguire, 1985).
"Note- Evaluation (Ferguson and Maguire, 1985) Locational Centroid (385200) is incorrect. Accurate
centroid displayed, according to T. King.
Vegetation
Vegetation Communities (Ferguson and Maguire" 1985);
One fonn .
M1: narrow-leaved emergents;
Two forms
W2: floating plants; submergents;
Three fonns
Fl: tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents;
Sl: tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents;
Four fonns
S4: coniferous trees; tall shrubs; herbs; narrow-leaved emergents;
S5: deciduous trees; coniferous trees; herbs; narrow-leaved emergents;
S2: coniferous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents;
S3: dead coniferous trees; deciduous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents;
. .. - .
Representation
Landform
Soils (Ferguson and Maguire, 1985): 100% organic;
Site Type (Ferguson and Maguire, 1985): 100% riverine;
References
Ferguson, M. and C. Maguire. 1985. Wetland Data Record and Evaluation- Langman Marsh.
Second Edition. July 22, 1985. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Manuscript. 22 pp + 1 P
supplement.
http://www.mnr.gov.on.calmnr/nbic/queries/areas Jep.cfm
11/30/2001
Page 2 of2 I
I
,
,
,
~
~
~
I]
I)
~
I~
".
,
I
:::;;
II
1
I~
j
,
.'
~
I
I
I
11/30/2001
NHIC Natural Area Query
I(';J Oueen's Printer for Ontario. 1998
\
~\ .....
....
Produced by the Natural Heritage Infonnation Centre
http://www.nmr.gov.on.calnmr/nhic/querieslareasJep.cfin
I,
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
NHIC Natural Area Query
~
Page 1 00
Number of natural areas selected: 1
BASS LAKE- WETLAND
AREA_ID: 10459
Significance
Provincial
Area Type
Wetland
Size
534.0 ha
Centroid UTM
17,617100,4939000
Map #
3ID/12
Description
A Provincially significant wetland, composed of three wetland types (1 % fen, 90% swamp and 9%
marsh) (Hawke, 1994).
Vegetation
Dominant Vegetation Fonns (Hawke, 1994):
5% deciduous trees, 65% coniferous trees, 6% dead deciduous trees, 5% dead coniferous trees, 5%
tall shrubs, 1% low shrubs, 0.5% narrow-leaved emergents, 0.5% robust emergents, 1% floating
plants, and 8% submergents;
Vegetation Communities (Hawke, 1994):
Two fonns
W32: floating plants; submergents;
Three forms
S9: coniferous trees; herbs; mosses;
Four forms
S4: coniferous and deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; herbs;
83: dead coniferous trees; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
822: low shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
824: coniferous and deciduous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
834: coniferous and deciduous trees; tall shrubs; herbs; mosses;
828: deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; herbs;
831:' coniferous and deciduous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
826: coniferous and deciduous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
Five fonns
842: coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
86: dead coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
816: coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; herbs; mosses;
819: deciduous and coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;'
820: coniferous and deciduous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs; mosses;
821: tall shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs; mosses;
835: tall shrubs; low shrubs; robust emergents; broad-leaved emergents; herbs;
8ix or more fonns
81: coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs; mosses;
82: dead coniferous trees; tall shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs; mosses;
http://www.mm.gov.on.ca/mnr/nhic/queries/areas _rep.cfm
11/23/2001
NHIC Natural Area Query
Page 2 oB
S5: coniferous trees; tall coniferous shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; broad-
leaved emergents; herbs;
S7: coniferous and deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs; mosses;
S33: coniferous and deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
mosses;
S8: dead coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; broad-
leaved emergents; herbs; mosses;
S10: tall shrubs; low shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; broad-leaved emergents;
herbs;
S 11: dead coniferous trees; dead shrubs; tall shrubs; low shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved
emergents; broad-leaved emergents; herbs;
S12: dead deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents;
broad-leaved emergents;
S13: coniferous and deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; robust
emergents; broad-leaved emergents; herbs; ftee-floating plants;
S15: tall shrubs; low shrubs; dead shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
S17: coniferous and deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; broad-leaved
emergents; herbs; mosses;
S18: dead deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents;
herbs; ,
S36: dead deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents;
herbs;
S25: dead deciduous trees; dead shrubs; tall shrubs; robust emergents; broad-leaved emergents;
herbs;
S27: deciduous trees; dead deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved
emergents; herbs; ftee-floating plants;
S38: coniferous trees; dead coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; ??; ??; herbs;
S43: coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
mosses;
F1: coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; robust emergents; herbs; mosses;
Representation
Landform
Soils (Hawke, 1994): 100% humic/mesic;
Site Type (Hawke, 1994): 50% palustrine (permanent or intermittent outflow), 25% riverine and 25%
lacustrine (exposed to lake);
References
Hawke, D. 1994. Southern Ontario Wetland Evaluation, Data and Scoring Record- Bass Lake.
Third Edition (March). Desktop Update. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Manuscript.
42 pp + 1 map + 5 pp supplement.
http://www.mnr.gov.on.calmnr/nhic/queries/areasJep.cfin
11/23/2001
I
I
,
,
,
,
~
IJ
~
IJ
I]
Ic~
.J
IJ
II
II
Ii
~
I,
;j
I
I,
:;,;
NHIC Natural Area Query
Page 3 00
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
...
,. ....
(Q) Oueen's Printer for Ontario, 1998 ....
Produced by the Natural Heritage Information Centre
http://www.mnr.gov.on.calmnr/nhic/queries/areas Jep.cfm
11/23/2001
NIllC Natural Area Query
Page 1 of2
Nwnber of natural areas selected: 1
BASS LAKE FORESTS
AREA_ID: 1037
Significance
Regional
Size
547.0 ha
Centroid UTM
17,617000,4938000
Map #
31D/12
Area Type
Life Science ANSI
Description
Five hundred, forty-seven hectare swamp-marsh wetland complex of which M.N.R. owns 260 ha,
lying at southwest end of Bass Lake and bordered by glacial Lake Algonquin shore-cliff. Vegetation
consists of scrubby marshland (red maple-willow-white birch-dogwood); cedar-white birch, cedar-
balsam fir, black ash-dead elm-red maple swamps; alder thickets; and cattail scrub marsh. Some
cutting on private lands. Two shoreline cottages. Right-of-way through wetland utilized by
snowmobiles and trail bikes. [Hanna 1984]
Vegetation.
Representation
Landform
References
Cordiner, G.S. 1977 Bass Lake Provincial Park; Earth Science Checksheet.
Crins, W.J. 1982. A Reconnaissance Biological Inventory of Bass Lake Provincial Park.
OMNR, Parks and Recreation Section, Central Region, Richmond Hill. OFER 8217.
Unpublished report. iv + 17 pp. + appendices + maps.
Hanna, R. 1980. Bass Lake Park Reserve - Life Science Inventory Check-sheet. OMNR,
Central Region, Richmond Hill.
Hanna, R. 1984. Life Science Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest in Site District 6-6: A
Review and Assessment of Significant Natural Areas in Site District 6-6. Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources, Central Region, Richmond Hill, Ontario. SR OFER 8409. viii + 79pp. +
maps.
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/nhic/queries/areasJep.cfin
11/23/2001
,
,
,
,
..
..
IJ
..
..
I)
I)
11
;~
1,(
~
I)
Ii
11
I
Ii
I
1
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
NIDC Natural Area Query
Page 20f2
,
,
" ,,;."
@ Queen's Printer for Ontario, 1998 .....
Produced by the Natural Heritage Information Centre
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/nhic/queries/areas Jep.cfm
11/23/2001
NHIC Natural Area Query
Page 1 of2
Number of natural areas selected: 1
BASS LAKE NATURE RESERVE
AREA_ill: 5"162
Significance
Area Type
International Biological
Program site
Size
188.0
ha
Centroid UTM
Map #
3lD/12
17,615800,4938400
Description
6E6; flat broad poorly drained basin adjacent to a lake in a moderately rolling sandland; diverse
lowland coniferous, mixed and deciduous forests, with thickets and marsh meadows (9 communities);
temperate biota, with regionally significant flora; moderate to low disturbance from cutting; OMNR-
C. [Falls et al. 1990]
Vegetation
Vegetation Summary: ,
ID12a1lD22a: wet semi-closed mixed swamp forest; Thuja occidentalis - Abies balsamea - Acer
rubrum - Fraxinus nigra - Clintonia borealis - Maianthemum canadense - Tiarella cordifolia; Pl; 20
ha.
lA17a: wet mesic closed coniferous forest; Thuja occidentalis - Abies balsamea - Maianthemum
canadeuse - moss - Tiarella cordifolia- Pyrola spp.; Pl; 16 ha.
lA17a11A22: wet closed mixed forest; Thuja occidentalis - Betula papyrifera; PI; 53 ha.
IB22a: very wet closed alder swamp scrubland; Alnus rugosa; Pl; 2.0 ha.
lN2l: very wet closed marsh meadow; Solanum dulcamara - Impatiens biflora - Caltha palustris _
Typha latifolia; PI; 8.1 ha.
lK2l: wet semi-open deciduous scrubby marshland; Salix spp. - Acer rubrum - Betula papyrifera _
Comus stolonifera - Carex spp. - Typha latifolia - Lemna minor - Scirpus cyperinus; PI; 57 ha.
lL2l: saturated closed cattail marshland; Typha latifolia; PI - 0; 3.2 ha.
lA22: wet closed deciduous swamp forest; Fraxinus nigra - Ulmus americana - U. rubrum - Acer
saccharinum - Taxus canadensis - Impatiens biflora - Lemna minor - Onoclea sensibilis; PI; 13 ha.
lA21/lA17a: wet mesic closed mixed forest; Fraxinus nigra "Acer rubrum - Tsuga canadensis _
Ulmus rubra - Taxus canadensis - Onoclea sensibilis - Coptis trifolia - Impatiens biflora;Pl; 8.1 ha.
NOTE: The soil is in most of the area very much inundated (no soil samples have been taken). In one
of the drier spots, the humus layer (5-15 cm) was poorly decomposed and the lower layer consisted of
dark acid fine sandy loam soil. [Winkenbach et al. 1970]
Representation
Special biological features: The area is a moderately disturbed example of moist, swampy habitat.
[Winkenbach et al. 1970]
Landform
Landscape description: Poorly drained depression surrounded by a moderately hilly sand plain.
Major soils: Gleysols, Organic soils.
http://www.mnr.gov.on.calmnr/nhic/queries/areasrep.cfin
11/2312001
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
,
~
~
~
~
IJ
~
~
~
I'.
j
,
;;3
I
",,"
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
-
I
I
I
I
NHIC Natural Area Query
Page 2 of2
Aquatic habitats: Permanent and intermittent swamps and streams.
Special physical features: Dendritic networks of streams. [Winkenbach et al. 1970]
Several typical swamp communities exist on this property. In most of the area, the ground is watet-
saturated, with a small part being dry forest. The sandy acidic soil is covered by a thin layer of poorly
decayed humus (mainly in less wet forest).
There are three streams running through the property: two small ones in the south and a large creek in
the north. Concession XIII road, running north by northwest divides the entire region. [Winkenbach
et al. 1970]
References
Falls, J.B.; I.D. Macdonald and T.J. Beechey. 1990. Catalogue ofIBP/CT Areas in Ontario
with an Assessment of their Current Conservation Status. Unpublished report.
Winkenbach, H., D. Lichtenfeld, L. Harvey and N. Helling. 1970. International Biological
Programme, Checksheet for Region 5, Area219: Bass Lake Nature Reserve.
@ Queen's Printer for Ontario. 1998
,
..~ ..J
,
Produced by the Natural Heritage Information Centre
http://www.mnr.gov.on.cafmnr/nJric/queries/areasJep.cfm
11/23/2001
NHIC Natural Area Query
Page I of2
Number of natural areas selected: I
BASS LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK RESERVE
AREA_ill: 5'161
Significance
Area Type
Earth Science Site
Size
ha
Centroid UTM
17,616600,4938800
Map #
3ID/12
Description
Vegetation
Representation
Landform
Bedrock Geology:
The park reserve is underlain by Paleoaoic Ordovician bedrock. These sedimentary rocks were
deposited 450 million years ago. Since then they have been buried by other sedimentary rocks,
exposed by erosion and covered again by glacial deposits of the Wisconsin glacial period.
The bedrock is covered by a thick mantle of glacial material at least 200 ft. (60 m) thick. In the park
reserve more recent organic deposits are situated above the glacial material. No outcroppings of the '
mid-Ordovician Bobcaygeon Fonnation can be found west of Lake Simcoe. Good exposure of this
bedrock is found east of the park reserve at Bobcaygeon.
Surficial Geology:
The Pleistocene glacial epoch saw glaciers advance and retreat at least four times in southern Ontario.
Only evidence of the last glaciation, the Wisconsin, has been discovered in the Bass Lake area.
Glacial features include drumlins, ice-block ridges, kames and related deposits.
A glacial Lake Algonquin raised beach surrounds Bass Lake Provincial Park Reserve on the northern,
western and southern sides. During Lake Algonquin time, Bass Lake was an embayment. Spits
fonned northeast of the embayment producing a well sheltered but not well developed embayment
(Harvey and others, 1976).
Recent deposits of well decomposed organic material (muck soil) have collected in the park reserve.
Consequently, the area is saturated with water and inundated at most times of the year. [Cordiner
1977]
References
Cordiner, G.S. 1977 Bass Lake Provincial Park; Earth Science Checksheet.
http://www.mnr.gov.on.calmnr/nhic/querieslareas Jep.din
11/23/2001
,
,
,
,
..
..
,
..
~
~
IJ
~
~J
~
~
~
I,
IJ
,
J
I~
J1
I
I-
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
NHIC Natural Area Query
Page 2 of2
..
,
" ..'
@ Oueen's Printer for Ontario. 1998 ....
Produced by the Natural Heritage lnfonnation Centre
htto://www.mnr.gov.on.calmnr/nhic/queries/areas _rep.cftn
11/23/2001
NIUC Natural Area Query
Page 1 of2
Number of natural areas selected: 1
COPELAND FOREST COMPLEX- WETLAND
AREA_ill: 10469
Significance
Provincial
Area Type
Wetland
Size
2344.7 ha
Centroid UTM
17,600000,4935000
Map #
31D/12
Description
A Provincially significant wetland complex, made up of three individual wetlands, composed of two
wetland types (80% swamp and 20% marsh) (Ferguson et aI., 1986).
Vegetation
Vegetation Communities (Ferguson et al., 1986):
Two forms
81: coniferous trees; herbs;
Three forms
Ml: narrow-leaved emergents; herbs; dead deciduous trees;
82: coniferous.trees; herbs; tall shrubs;
S3: coniferous trees; deciduous trees; herbs;
S4: deciduous trees; coniferous trees; herbs;
85: coniferous trees; low shrubs; herbs;
Four forms
M2: narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents; herbs; tall shrubs;
M3: narrow-leaved emergents; dead deciduous trees; submergents; free-floating plants;
M4: narrow-leaved emergents; herbs; tall shrubs; dead shrubs;
86: tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; free-floating plants;
87: coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; herbs;
88: dead coniferous trees; dead deciduous trees; free-floating plants; submergents;
89: deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; herbs;
S10: tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
Five forms
819: coniferous trees; dead coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; herbs;
818: dead coniferous trees; tall shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents; herbs;
817: coniferous trees; deciduous trees; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs; tall shrubs;
816: dead coniferous trees; dead deciduous trees; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs; robust emergents;
815: tall shrubs; low shrubs; deciduous trees; herbs; narrow-leaved emergents;
814: tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs; submergents;
M5: narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents; herbs; tall shrubs; low shrubs;
M6: robust emergents; narrow-leaved emergents; submergents; free-floating plants; dead deciduous
trees;
811: tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs; deciduous trees;
812: tall shrubs; low shrubs; deciduous trees; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
http://www.mnr.gov.on.calmnr/nbic/queries/areasrep.cfin
11/23/2001
,
,
,
,
,
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
I]
I.,
j
I]
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
NHIC Natural Area Query
Page 2 of2
S13: deciduous trees; coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; herbs;
Six or more forms
M7: narrow-leaved emergents; herbs; robust emergents; tall shrubs; low shrubs; dead coniferous
trees;
M8: narrow-leaved emergents; robust emergents; dead deciduous trees; free-floating plants;
submergents; herbs;
S20: tall shrubs; low shrubs; deciduous trees; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs; deciduous trees;
S21: deciduous trees; coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
S22: tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs; robust emergents; deciduous trees;
S23: coniferous trees; deciduous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; herbs; mosses;
S24: deciduous trees; coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs; free-
floating plants;
S25: coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; deciduous trees; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs;
robust emergents;
S26: deciduous trees; coniferous trees; tall shrubs; low shrubs; narrow-leaved emergents; herbs; dead
deciduous trees;
Representation
Landform
Soils (Ferguson et 31., 1986): 30% clays, loams or silts, and 70% organic;
Site Type (Ferguson et 31., 1986): 87% palustrine (permanent or intermittent outflow), and 13%
riverine;
References
Ferguson, M., C. Wedeles, B. Parker. 1986. Wetland Data Record and Ev31uation- Copeland
Forest Complex. Second Edition. no field date. Ontario Ministry ofNatur31 Resources.
Manuscript. 22 pp + 1 map + 6 pp supplement.
~ Oueen's Printer for Ontario. 1998
,
'" ..>
..
.....
Produced by the Natur31 Herita~e Information Centre
httD://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/nhic/queries/areas _rep.cfm
11/23/2001
NHIC Detailed Query Toolba
0,
Autodesk MapGuide Free Viewer (Required)
.;~ "Hrod,," '
[;EJ MapGume
Page I of 1
For a quick tutorial on how to use Mar:>Guide please see the ~- Tutorial.
Zoom in to part of Ontario by clicking the magnifier: . above the map legend, then drawing a rectang'le
over the area while holding down the mouse button.
Instructions I Disclaimer I Display Map I NHIC Databases Page
@ Queen's Printer for Qntario. 1999
Updated: 1999-06-08
Cf} Ontario
http://www.mnr.gov.on.calMNRlnhic/queriesldetailbar.html
11/23/2001
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
,
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
NHIC Natural Area Query
Page 1 of2
Number of natural areas selected: 1
COPELAND FOREST RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AREA
AREA_ID: H49
Significance
Regional
Area Type
Life Science ANSI
Size
1650.0 ha
Centroid UTM
17,602500,4934500.
Map #
3ID/12
Description
Within the 1650 ha Copeland Property, the steep valley slopes of the Oro Hills and wetland valley
below from the headwaters of the Coldwater and Sturgeon Rivers. Lying just north ofCraighurst, the
major wetland types within Copeland are cedar and cedar-red maple-balsam fir-ash swamp, alder-
willow scrub and sedge-cattail marsh. The steep sandy slopes are dominated by young to semi-mature
sugar maple-beech with ash, hemlock and white birch. The Copeland forest is managed by M.N.R.
and contains a network of forestry roads and trails and reforested areas. [Hanna 1984]
Vegetation
Representation
Landform
References
Bobbette, R.S.W. and V.M. Webber. 1979. Botanical Inventory of the Copeland Forest
Resources Management Area. OMNR, Huronia District, Midhurst, Ontario. OFER 7902.
Hanna, R. 1984. Life Science Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest in Site District 6-6: A
Review and Assessment of Significant Natural Areas in Site District 6-6. Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources, Central Region, Richmond Hill, Ontario. SR OFER 8409. viii + 79 pp. +
maps.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1980. Huronia's Newest Recreation Frontier: Copeland
Forest Resource Management Area. OMNR, Midhurst.
to,
\\ .:
@ Oueen's Printer for Ontario. 1998 .,,'"
Produced by the Natural Heritage Information Centre
http://www.mnr.gov.on.calmnr/nhic/queries/areas Jep.cfm
11/23/2001
NIDC Natural Area Query
Page 2 of2
.. - ~-
hrtp:llwww.mnr.gov.on.calmnr/nhic/queries/areasJep.cfi:n
11/23/2001
,
,
..
,
,
It
~
IJ
IJ
IJ
..
"
IJ
II
It
I~
I;
I
,
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
,J
I
NHIC Natural Area Query
Page 1 ofl
Number of natural areas selected: 1
RUGBY WEST
AREA_ID: 1574
Significance
Provincial
Area Type
Life Science ANSI
Size
183.0 ha
Centroid UTM
17,617000,4935000
Map #
3ID/12
Description
A complex of moderately rolling kame hills west of Rugby and south of Bass Lake typifies this site.
The vegetation consists mainly of relatively undisturbed semi-mature sugar maple - ash - beech
woods; the understorey is a dense layer of sugar maple seedlings. An unmamtained road allowance
bissects the area. The 0.8 ha Rugby Estate Development lies adjacent to its southeast side while the
remamder is surrounded by agricultural and reforested lands. [Harina 1984]
Vegetation
Representation
Rugby West offers the best example of relatively undisturbed kame hills with upland semi-mature
woods in Site District 6-6. [Hanna 1984]
Landform
References
Hanna, R. 1984. Life Science Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest in Site District 6-6: A
Review and Assessment of Significant Natural Areas in Site District 6-6. Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources, Central Region, Richmond Hill, Ontario. SR OFER 8409. viii + 79 pp. +
maps.
@ Queen's Printer for Ontario. 1998
\,
... 4.~
....
Produced by the Natural Heritage Information Centre
nttn./lnrumT mnr on" nn ('_~/mnT/nh1r.lnnP.Tip.~/~TP.;::t~ Ten.cfrn
11/21/2001
NHIC Natural Area Query
Page 1 of 1
Number of natural areas selected: 1
WEST COULSON SWAMP
AREA_ID: 10470
Significance
Provincial
Centroid UTM
17,609100,4936800
Area Type
Wetland
Size
83.3 ha
Map #
3lD/12
Description
A Provincially significant wetland complex, made up of 18 individual wetlands, composed of two
wetland types (94% swamp and 6% marsh) (Findlay and Hawke, 1994).
Note- Small areas (<2.0 ha in size) have been included as they are distinct in the landscape, area
physically separate from nearby wetland plant communities and are connected to the larger wetland
areas by surface water (Findlay and Hawke, 1994).
Vegetation
Dominant Vegetation Fonns (Findlay and Hawke, 1994):
25% deciduous trees, 43% coniferous trees, 25% tall shrubs, 1% dead shrubs, 2% herbs, 2% narrow-
leaved emergenta, 1% broad-leaved emergenta, and 2% robust emergenta;
No vegetation communities list available at this time.
Representation
Landform
Soils (Findlay and Hawke, 1994): 10% clayl loam, 51 % sand, 26% humicl mesic, and 13% fibric;
Site Type (Findlay and Hawke, 1994): 70% palustrine (permanent or intermittent outflow), and 30%
nvenne;
References
Findlay, G., and D. Hawke. 1994. Southern Ontario Wetland Evaluation, Data and Scoring
Record- West Collison Swamp. Third Edition (March). May 24 and 31, Jnne 2,3,8 and 9,
1994. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Manuscript. 40 pp + 7 pp supplement.
@ Queen's Printer for Ontario, 1998
\,
'-' .."
.p'
Produced by the Natural Heritage Information Centre
http://www.mnr.gov.on.calmnr/nhic/querieslareasyep.cfin
11/23/2001
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
~
~
~
~
.'1
,~
I,
;j
II
II
I)
I)
I
I'
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
"NHIC Natural Area Query
Page 1 of!
Number of natural areas selected: 1
EAST COULSON SWAMP
AREA_ID: 10471
Significance
Other
Area Type
Wetland
Size
129.1 ha
Centroid UTM
17,611900,4936100
Map #
31D/12
Description
A Non-Provincially significant wetland complex, made up of three individual wetlands, composed of
two wetland types (97% swamp and 3% marsh) (Findlay, 1994).
Vegetation
Dominant Vegetation Fonns (Findlay, 1994):
13.6% deciduous trees, 68.2% coniferous trees, 3.1 % dead deciduous trees, 0.4% dead coniferous
trees, 6.8% tall shrubs, 5% narrow-leaved emergents, and 2.9% submergents; ,
No vegetation communities list available at this time.
Representation
Landform
Soils (Findlay, 1994): 20% siltJ marl, and 80% sand; .
Site Type (Findlay, 1994): 60% palustrine (permanent or intermittent outflow), and 40% riverine;
References
Findlay, G. 1994. Southern Ontario Wetland Evaluation, Data and Scoring Record- East
Coulson Swamp. Third Edition (March). Feb 23, 1994. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Manuscript. 41 pp.
@ Oueen's Printer for Ontario. 1998
,
'11' .:
.,.
Produced by the Natural Heritage Information Centre
htto://www.mnr.gov.on.calmnr/nhic/Queries/areasrep.cfin
11/23/2001
NHIC Natural Area Query
Page 1 of 1
Number of natural areas selected: 1
MARTIN
AREA_ID: 10844
Significance
Area Type
Non-Government
Organization- Conservation
Easement
Size
Centroid UTM Map #
15.7831
ha
17,621920,4937689 31D/11
Description
Vegetation
Representation
Landform
References
Ontario Heritage Foundation. 2000. Ontario Heritage Foundation Property and Easement List.
Ontario Heritage Foundation. 3 pp.
@ Oueen's Printer for Ontario. 1998
...
'" ..'
..
....
Produced by the Natural Heritage Information Centre
http://www.mnr.gov.on.calmnr/nhic/queries/areas rep.cfm
11/23/2001
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
~
~
~
,
~
~
~
~
L
'1
~
Ij
~
,J!
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
NHIC Natural Area Query
Page 1 ofl
Number of natural areas selected: 1
MARTIN FARM SOUTH
AREA_ID: 1403
Significance
Regional
Size
130.0 ha
Map #
3ID/12
Centroid UTM
17,611500,4930500
Area Type
Life Science ANSI
Description
130 ha of gently to moderately rolling kame bills 2 kID SW of Martin Fann. The site is bissected by a
concession road and surrounded by agricultural lands and reforestation plots. The forest is immature
to semi-mature sugar map1e-ash-beech with sugar maple understory; contains some regenerating
sections. [Hanna 1984]
Vegetation
Representation
Landform
References
Hanna, R. 1984. Life Science Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest in Site District 6-6: A
Review and Assessment of Significant Natural Areas in Site District 6-6. Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources, Central Region, Richmond Hill, Ontario. SR OFER 8409. viii + 79 pp. +
maps.
@ Oueen's Printer for Ontario. 1998
,
.... ..'
..
.I"
Produced by the Natural Heritage Information Centre
httn'//www.mnr.p"ovon "./mnr/nhiclouenes/areas ren.cfm
11/2112001
APPENDIX B
--,\
Wildlife Use of Various-Sized Habitat Patches
patm Forest Marsh Grassland and Savannah
Size
.
~1 ha, . Common mammals (grey squirreQ . Small muskrat populations . Variety of wildlife generalist
. Common birds (Blue Jay, American Crow) . Common birds (Red-winged species
. Some forest birds (Black-capped Chickadee. Blacl<bird. Canada Goose.
Eastern Wood Peewee, Common Grackle) Mallard)
. Common amphibian and
reptile species
4ha, . May support some common edge birds, e.g.. . Similar species as above. . Common grassland sp, may
Downy Woodpecker, Great Crested Flycatcher but mayaJso support be present (Meadow Vole,
. Eastern Chipmunk may be present Bullfrog Short.tailed Shrew)
10 ha. . Still dominated by edge species . May support American . May support some common
. May have small areas of interior and support small Wigeon. Marsh Wren grassland birds (Savannah
no, of forest interior and edge sp, e.g., Hairy Sparrow. Eastern
Woodpecker. While{)reasted Nuthatch Meadowl8Jk)
. May be large enough to support some species of
salamander
3Oha. . May support small populations (1.2 pair) of forest . May support similar marsh . Supports most Ontario
irderior birds (i.e. Winter Wren, Brown Creeper. bird species as above plus grassland mammals and a
Black.and-white Warbler) possibly Black Tern few more bird species
. Must be circular or rectangular in shape, providing (Upland Sandpiper.
maximum interior habitat relative to area Bobolink)
. Area-sensitiva sp, (Veery) may be present
50.75 . Still predominantly edge, but will support small . least Bittern may be present . More bird species (Northern
ha. populations of most birds except 1hose willl very in marshes of lIlis size Harrier, Short-eared Owl)
large home ranges
100ha. . May support all forest-dependent bird sp. . May support small numbers . May support grasslands
. Many will still be in low numbers and may be of dMng ducks (Redhead, dependent Hensiovrs
absent if there is no nearby suitable habitat Canvasback, Ruddy Duck) Sparrow
1.000 . Suitable for almost all forest birds . Supports all marsh species, . Supports almost all
ha. . Some forest-dependent mammals present. but allIlough some may still have grassland species. but may
most still absent small populations still be inadequate for
Sharp-tailed Grouse and
Greater Prairie-Ghicken
B-1
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
,
~
~
~]
I,
J
IJ
I)
I.
I)
II
I~
J
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Patch Foreal Marsh Grassland and Savannah
SIze
10,000 . Almost fully functional ecosystem, but may be . Fully functional ecosystem . Minimum size for a totally
ha. inadequate for a few mammals (100,000 ha has functional eGO- system;
been suggested as a minimum) some species may be near
their minimum viable
- population level
-'
("')
Adapted from: 'Identifying Habitat Rehabilitation T argels and Priorities in Great Lakes Areas of Concern: Upland Systems", Remedial
Action Plan; Canada & Ontario
Note: The table assumes maintenance of viable populations. Many of the species listed in !he table may occasionally occur in smaller
patches but seli-sustalning populations are usually associated with !he patch sizes indicated in !he table, or with larger areas.
B-2
Significant. Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide
o Further loss of forest cover should be minimised.
o Local naturalist groups might be interested in monitoring the population.
A<rll<rllftttll@unanJll!:@IIll1lInl!l<eunft$:
_ The southern flying squirrel is a very difficult to detect species. Over time, it is likely thai
addilional siles for il will be discovered in the planning area. In this event, new and old
siles should be re-evaluated. Because of Ihe small size of Site 3, it may nol be capable
to sustaining a long-term population. If belter sites were found, there may be less need
to protect Site 3 for scuthern flying squirrels, although it still may be protected to
maintain populations of the other species of conservation concem that it supports.
Local groups may want to enhance this site through tree planting or other management
techniques.
'jHOL1' @@I11Ii!!!IrnJD 1hi~lbJu~ft 11'i!!!<<1II!JIUI1'i!!!IJiJi]@I11I~ @1i' $1PJ@Ii;Ui!!!$ @1i' 1i;@111I$@iN'~ftU@I11IIi;@I11IIi;@11'I11I
The broad habitat requirements of many species of wildlife are quite well understood.
Some of these are swmnarised below in Tables 10.5 to 10.7 in an attempt to demonstrate
the overlap in wildlife habitats. The important point is that an effective Natural Heritage /
System can be constructed by protecting substantial amounts of those habitats that appear
repeatedly in these tables.
~@.7!.~ ~@!!Iiij\@I11I~D 1i;@111I<!:@I11I~I1'~~n@111I ~If(!i)~iij\
Table 10.5 provides an overview of where seasonal concentration areas are most likely to
be found. Forests, shorelines, and wetlands provide much of this very important habitat.
More specifically, older forests and in southern Ontario, some coniferous forests, are
especially significant because ofthe larger trees and the variety of habitat they afford
wildlife. The most important shorelines appear to be those adjacent to furests or wetlands,
"
with weedy shallows. Large fields with abundant vegetation and scattered trees and shrubs
are important open country habitat. Important wetlands are likely to be large and
obviously productive.
1I'anlIDll<e n1l-5. ll"rimmanry ilIDl!:anttll@lIll$ @1I"$<ean$@lIllanJll!:@IIllI!:<ellllftmttll@lIll$ @1I"riiIIIJill1l"<e.
Bat hibernacula 0 specific site--cave, mine 0 often in forested area
0 undisturbed habitat is essential
White-tailed deer winter yard 0 furests with at least 60 % 0 conifer cover (white cedar,
canopy closure hemlock) particularly important
in southern Ontario. .
0 corridorrequKed;undisturbed
habitat is . orta."!t
Moose late winter habitat 0 coniferous forests 0 corridor .re uired
120
,
,
,
,
,
,
IJ
IJ
IJ
IJ
..
It
IJ
~
II
I~
I,
J
I,
,j
11
I
I
I
Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide
I
Reptile bibemacula
c
often in large furested areas,
depending on species
rocky outcrops, talus slopes
corridor re un-ed
corridor required
I
Amphibian sununer habitat
I
I
BuUftog concentration areas
Raptor wintering areas
Wdd turkey winter range
I
Turke wlture summer roost
Waterfowl breeding/staging/areas
I
Colonial bird nesting sites (gulls.
terns, double-crested cormorants)
I
Heronries
I
Colonial bird nesting sites
eronries, marsh birds).
Landbird migratory stopover area
I
I
Sborebird migratory stopover areas
I
Butterfly migratory stopover ..reas
-
I
I
I
I
o
c
wetlands, shorelines, other 0
ri arian areas
permanent wetlands, shorelines, 0
other ri arian areas
undisturbed fields for hunting c
small mammals (mice, voles)
o
o
o
coniferous furests 0
s 'and see s 0
ecific site 0
wetlands " 0
shorelines of water bodies with
emer em ve etation 0
islands, shoals, peninsulas, and 0
some shorelines
o
o
o
<>
o
o
o
wetlands (swamps) c
lake and river shorelines
foreSts
wetlaitds c
o
o
o
open water shorelines with 0
adjacent mature forests, olde
fields and grasslands
furest Cover along watercourses,
forested ravines
shorelines of water bodies c
(rivers, large lakes), marshes 0
o
o
c
shorelines of large lakes 0
furest, old field, and
undisturbed open lands
o
121
o
o
permanent water
o
adjacent forests fur roosting of
some species; undisturbed
habitat is . ortant
pockets of conifers may suffice
near fuod source
undisturbed bebitat is im ortant
larger wetlands preferred for
staging and moulting
Ishrubb areas for nestin
undisturbed bebitat during
nesting season is essential
treed sw s
undisturbed bebitat during
nesting season is essentiaJ
.
.
_.
undisturbed bebitat during
nestin season is essential
Great Lakes shorelines and
adjacent lands within 5 Ian
(especially Lake Erie & Lake
Ontario) are very important
t<
o
key is undisturbed shorelines
Great Lakes shorelines
(especially Lake Erie & Lake
Ontario ..i-e v rtant
Great Lakes shorelines and
adjacent lands within 5 Ian
(especially Lake Ont..-io &
Lake Erie) are very important
Fields with milkweed very
important habitat for monarch
butterflies
.1
~@.U'.~ ~I!l~@ @~$jp)~!l!ln!$<OO ~1!l1bJ~ft$
Significant WddDre Habitat Technk:.al Guide
Table 10-6 provides an overview of where rare or specialised habitats are most likely to be
found. Closer exammation of this table reveals considerable repetition in habitats for
different wildlife. In particular, it shows how important forests, wetlands, and shorelines
are to many species; more specifically, large, mature, relatively unftagmented forests and
shorelines adjacent to forested areas. In addition, many species reqUire undisturbed areas
and corridors perinitting safe movement throughout their home ranges.
This table helps to emphasise the irilportance of protecting adequate representation of
these habitats within a Natural Heritage System. Also, cooperation among adjacent
planning authorities can contn"bute greatly to the long-term protection of wide-ranging,
area-sensitive species.
122
,
,
~
I]
11
,
I
I)
".1
IJ
"
S3
I
I
I
I
\.
1I'mlb>lle 11111-6. Nmmmry [1@<<:$ltrn@J!Il$ @1fJ!"!!l1l"e @I" i!J!>>lell:i!!lllll$leill JfumMlt!!lt$.
Marten and fisher denning sites 0 large fore$t$, e$pecially " area~sensitive species
mature and unftagmented " corrid9r required
" large undisturbed areas are
ortant
Moose aquatic feeding area . weedy shorelines and bays 0 requires furested corridor
with adjacent fOl;estCover 0 . undisturbed areas !I1"e
0 wetlands t
Moose calving sites 0 furested islands " requires furested corridor
0 shorelines, especially " nildisturbed areas are
eninsulas . essential
Moose mineral lick 0 forest openings with adjacent " specific site that is very hard
\ furest to find
0 forested corridor required
" undisturbed areas are
ortant
Black bear/mammal foraging 0 specific sites with abundance 0 forested corridor required
area of berries, grasses, mast- .
producing trees
0 relatively mature,
undisturbed forests
Osprey nesting habitat 0 forested shore fines (often " undisturbed areas are
along large lakes) important
0 wetlands " shallow-water feeding areas
0 islands
I
I
I SignfflCant Wldlife Habitat Technical Guide
I Woodlands supporting 0 forests; often associated with 0 . corridor required
amphibian breeding ponds wetlands, but may be in
u la!!d forests
I Old-growth or mature forest 0 forests 0 exceedingly rare, therefore
stands the oldest forests in the
planning area are usually the
I best candidates
Sites supporting area-sensitive 0 largest areas of 0 mature, closed canopy
species unfragmented forests, forests with multiple
grasslands, wetlands vegetation strata preferred by
I many species of forest birds
0 minimum size of these areas
may be at least 30 ha, but
I ma be tar er than 100 ha
Waterfowl nesting, staging 0 wetlands, water ,bodies, and 0 undisturbed habitat during
habitat adjacent grasslands within nesting season is important
120 m of water
I Mink and otter feedingldenning 0 shorelines of lakes, rivers, 0 corridor required
sites creeks (riparian areas) 0 undisturbed habitat may be
0 wetlands re uired
I Turtle nesting areas 0 shorelines (sand/gravel), 0 corridor required
wetlands 0 undisturbed nesting habitat
is referred
Raptor hunting areas 0 undisturbed open !ields 0 minimum of t,S ha,
I preferably larger th!L'l 30 to
SOha
Areas of high diversity 0 often forested areas 0 sites may have remarkable
I 0 often larger natural areas diversity of just one group
with diversity ofhabitals (e.g., plants, insects), several
including wetlands groups (e.g., plants, birds,
I reptiles, amphibians), or
severai community types
e. "I forest, wetland
Cliffs 0 anywhere - associated with 0 cliffs in undisturbed natural
I geological features such as areas may have value to
the Nia ara E ment more wildlife cies
Caves 0 anywhere - associated with 0 larger, natural caves are
speCific geological features more common in areas of
I limestone
Seeps and springs 0 often in forested land with 0 usually hard to fInd, specific
slopes sites with several natural
I 0 headwater areas hente. e values
I
I
123
I
or contain, headwaters will have a marlced effect on water quality and quantity in downstream areas and on
groundwater supplies. Woodland vegetation also absorbs excess nutrients ftom surface and sub-surfuce water
which can he importantto the maintenance of water quality.
Table 5.4 Evaluation of Significant Woodlands
Suggested Criteria Implications SUggested Standlllds
-
1. Woodland Size . the areal extent of the woodland Where woodlands cover.
(irrespective of ownership) . is less than 5% of the land cover, woodlands 2 he in size or larger
. Woodland areas are considered to be should be considered for significance
generally continuous even if . is between about 5% to 15% of the land cover, woodlands 4 ha in
intersected by standard roads (e,g., size or larger should be considered for significance
21 m (66') wide),
. is between about 15% to 30% of the land cover, woodlands 40 ha
in size or larger (preferably 300 metres in minimum width) should
be considered for significance
. occupies more than about 30% of the land, a minimum size is not
suggested. consider other criteria
2. Woodland Shape and . narrow woodlands contain more edge . in areas where interior habitat is in Umited supply, and/or where
Proximity (to Other habitat and less interior habitat than forest interior dependent species are declining, select woodlands
Woodlands or to Other rounder or block-shaped woodlands that provide more interior habitat W choosing between similar sized
Habitat Types) . woodland patches that are close to woodland blocks
each other are of more value to . when choosing between woodland patches of similar size, choose
wildlWe than more distant patches patches that are in close proximity to other patches.
3. Unkages . linkages to other natural heritage . woodlands with one or more natural heritage features or areas
features or areas. to watefbodies, or within their boundary
to other woodlands are important . woodlands which overlap with other natural heritage features and
. overlaps with other natural heritage areas
features or areas . woodlands located within 250 metres of another natural heritage
. provides habitats and/or corridors for feature or area, water or another woodland, where an opportunity
movement between habitats exists to restore linkages to edjacent areas
. connects other natural heritage . woodlands that occupy a substantial portion of a watershed. for
features or areas example, more than 25%
. woodlands that are in, close to, or adjacent to, a groundwater
discharge, recharge or headwater region
4. Uncommon . woodianj!s that are uncommon in . Unique composition, age, or site quafily represented by less than
characteristics terms of composition, cover type, 5% of the woodland area in a planning area
quality, age and age structure should . See Appendix F for list of endangered and threatened
be protected tree soecies that occur in uncommon woodlands
65
,
I
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
,
~
~
,
,
~
~
~
IJ
~
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Table 5.4 Evaluation of Significant Woodlands
Suggested CrIteria Impllcetlons Suggested Standerds
. 'oId growth' woodlands (I.e., . See Appendix G for list of rare woodland types known
woodlands greater than 125 years to occur south and east of the Canadian Shield
old) are per1icularly valuable for . Uncommonly large woodlands whose size is represented by less
several reasons than 5% of woodlands in a planning area
- ~
. 'old growth. woodlands should be protected
5. Woodland Divernity . woodlands composed of several . when choosing between otherwise similar woodlands, select those
vegetation community types, age which are of higher diversity.
, compositions, etc., are more valuable
aswildUfe habitat than less diverse
woodlands.
6. Woodland . intensive management of some . maintain woodlands that are subject tQ long Ien11 forest
Management Value woodlands has created high quality management egreements
habitats
7. Other . other woodland atbibutes may be of . local interests may identify other evaluation criteria as appropriale
particular value to communities for (e.g., maintain woodlands that have been identified as culturally or
ecological or socio-economic reasons historically significant to the community)
5.4.4 Adiacent Lands
The recommended adjacent land width for sigJ1ificant woodlands is 50 metres, since development within 50
meteIS of significant woodlands has a reasonable probability of affecting the ecological functions of the
woodlands (see Figure 2.2, Section 2.2.3). For example, development could result in the introduction of
undesimble plant or animal species into the woodland. Site grading up to the edge of the woodland and/or
changes to surfuce hydrology that result fium w:ban development can also affect the survival of trees located
near the woodland edge. Development can also disrupt animal movement patterns in the adjacent woodland. For
example, studies indicate that the greater the number of houses adjacent to a woodland the lower the chances
that forest interior nesting birds will use the area (Friesen et aI. 1995). This effect is the result of increased
disturbance (due to increased use of the woodland by residents), increased predation (due to the increase in the
number of cats and dogs in an area), and other fuctors attributable to an increase in human population in an area.
5.4.5 Imnlementation Considerations
Recommended procedures for incoxpomting the !lppropriate provisions of the Natural Heri1age Policy into
~cipal planning documents are provided in Section 2.3.3.
66
')
.~,
Appendix F
Excerpts from Natural Heritage Reference Manual
(June 1999)
,
,
,
,
,
~
~
,
,
~
~
~
IJ
~
~
~
.~
I~
~
I ~--~.:-
I.'@
'<'.-~.'
,ff
'T>4'"
,.~"
r
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
KEY CONCEPTS IN NATURAL HERITAGE SYSTEM PLANNING
Important steps in natural heritage system planning are to identify the natural areas within the planning
area and 10 assess their ecological imponance. Each candidate site can be evaluated using several factors
since natUral heritage featUres and areas provide many values. However. it is often necessary to rely on a
limited nwnbet of factors due 10 constraintS such as budget, time or infonnation.
The following is a (/ivnc.;on of some ecological ('-- -j'U tbatare commonly incorporared into various
natUral heritage area evaluation procedures. These~ an: based largely upon Crins (1996). DecJa:r
et aI. (1991), Noss and Cooperrider (1994), Pbillips (\996), Primack (1993). Riley and Mohr (1994),
Shafer (1990) and Smith and Theberge (1986). Figure I illustrates some of these concepIS.
. Reol
hr.&_1 DlstributloD
A fundameotalllCp in natural heritage system 1'1""""'1 is to consideT the protection of the full range of
naIIIrItI feanaes tIw occur in an area. includiDg boda rare and common features. thus contribuling to the
pn:servaIioo of biodiYasity at the species and ...............~ levels. Further. species. communities and
ecosystieIIJS tIw... well distributed aaoss their Dlllive range are less suscepIibIe to decline than species.
commtmities mil ecaaystcmS confined to smaU t"'"~ of their bismric range (see Figure IA).
Repn:senwion is nonDItI1y assess-.d at the site district level. It forms the cornerstone of the identit'ic:atioo
and evaluation procedure for the province's ANSI pIOgIUI. Planning authorities can make a signific:aDt
contribution to the p"'Me . don of the full range of aaIUnl feanaes mil species that occur in an area by
ensuring the !Moo. cliaa of any significant ANSIs _ have been ~fiM. R..too I "_Ii... areas provide a
logical foundation UUUDd wbich a planning area's aaIUnl heritage system can be .v.qgr-l
. ~
Large p-'<'bes of DatUraI areas an: generally more valuable than sma1ler palCbes <see Figure IB).
Similarly, a single large patCh is generally better than several smaller patChes of the same total area (see
Figure I C). There lIIueveral reasons.
1. Larger patebes tend to contribute more 10 biodi\rersity than sma1ler patebes of similar babiw
(Pbillips. 1994). This is.because large _ tend to comain a ~ diversity of featUreS and
babiws than smaller _. In doing so. larger areas genaally:
. contribute more to the diversity of featureS in an ec:on:gionlecodislrict than smaller areas.
and
. meet more of the babilat requiremeII1s of a greater number of species than smaller areas.
One of the reasons for this is _large areas geoendly provide nime "interior" (i.e~
conus-. relauvely undisturbed. tmfragmented) babiw than sma1lcr areas. "Interior"
IIabi1Iu is criucal to the survival of many species. panicuIarIy "forest.intcrioI" birds..
..__._..__...._._~-_.-..
Pap 'Y1
- - ._"':::::=.. ....------...
POOl'
.
.
........
~1~
Goo4
cooceft
...
...
..
~ :::;~~:~
....:r~..--I-.:' ~
...,.....---.....
~---
6 ~,..,......
....,---.....
fII'(IIIIItIK~
c ~f1IIId""!:......,
--.....~-
fII'(IIIIItIK~"""
""'......-.....
o ~ --~."....~
~ edoa \$........... .
.....-..... _ ""'...... ....."...
.......~
E ~~...
~~:::-
f ~;;y-~-:;:..
d#fITN~~
G =.....
~~-"'"
......'- ....
~ I'-~..........-....... at
""'...-....._QI>IIf}/(
........,...... .......
~.......~II\&\
.....,...., ---......
\ __01---11\&\
~~""""oI""
~....._p<tl""'"
~.........- -~
..... ."",..-~...-
...-,....,~......
.
.' .~
.
..'
..
.
.
..
..
--
~\
'\
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
I..' .
'1
,
,
...
.
. .
...
.
.-
.
. .~-
.
.
.
.
.
..
.
.
.
.
rlgUl'e 1:
Relative Habitat Valae in Relation to Patch Size. Shape, ArrIIDgement 8Dd
FUIIdioII
0.-. ofp&u:t1es 11181.....-. .
==-...:~:;:~ '. 0'
....
Concept
J
,.... _11181 canI8in
......- .....-
beIII8ge _ or.... may
be...... -........... paII:Ms
willi. lingle""" heriIIIge
fMUw or.....
K
COI'\\P086d of . lingle type of
...... heriIIIge......
L
P._1II8I.....- a high ~
of",,- we UIIU8IIy """"
vaIuabIa ...... patI:Ms 11181
--species.
.
M P__contain.... species
we ge....... more valuable"""
..- wI1hauI.... species.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
N P_1II8Iant ~ unethK:l8cl
IIy human use ant more valuable
...... more disturbed pa1ClleS.
o Pa1Ches _ contain waterbodies
are u-1Iy more .mponanl tnan
_11181 do not.
Good
Poor
May Specico
Few Specioo
..
..
.:
~ IIore Specia
F_1Iore Spoc:ies
"'99
Larger natUra\ an:as are generally more resilient to !be imlJllClS of human disturbance. For example.
many of the smaller woodlots in southern Ontario coatain a large number of invasive exotic piant species
that can or have displaced native species. Larger natUral areas are more likely to have internal ecosystem
flDlCtions like nutrient cycles and food webs intact and to be large enough to permit different successional
stages to a>-exist on the site. '
1. Large __ UII cepable of supponing larger p"p"IAtions of different species dJaD smaller blocks of
similar babi1It (Nou and Cooperrida'. 1994). Large populations laid 10 be IDOI'e resilient to human-
induced and.odIer disturbaDces tbm ......ller p"p'.ht.v.ms.
2. Cumulalhely. small areas can provide sigaifil:aQt beDefits 10 the overallla~ by reducing
erosion, providjDg wildlife habitat, etc. These effects. in 111m. beDefit 0Iber critical habitalS.
Are ...... __ ward! ,-.....1 Many small natUralueas UII wonby of prorec:tic:Ja. Theno are sevenU
reasoas why such... can be imponant.
l. SmaIl-.s, puticuIarly if they provide unique habilu amditions. can suppon rare plant or animal
specia fouad IICIWbIn else in !be -. Such smaIlueas are panicularly imponant 10 species with
low 1DDbitity (RIley aud Motrr. 1994).
2. Small ueu. puticuIarly if DII"".~.cd ............ larger habiw IM'.....,. can provide imponant
.............y mu,. be1tc:r aabling _1IIObiIC IpeGiea to move between larger patdJes.
3. As weD. in hiahIY divene ~~, tbe P.vle..tion of several5llll1ler habi1at p"" I"'" can provide
be1tc:r ~ I __.rUm of a wider range of ~ than a single larger habiw pardi (Peterson and
Pe~ 1991. cited in Riley and Mobr 1994).
. ..
1'be sbape of MIImII heritage areas aff_ tbeir 1Ialuc .. wildlife habitat and their ,.".;I~ 10
disaIrbmce effiIcIs. Round or bIock-tbaped p"td- comain less "edge" per uDiI of _ tbmlong. IIUIOOW
P"f,CbeI <lee FIpte ID). Edge refers 10 !be area wbae different habilal$ (or habiw amditioos) meet. For
c-ulllple. .... occur where woodlots meet opea fields. wileR uplands meet lowlands. aloog shorelines
and f_....s. at the imeriace bet._ deep _ aud sbaIIow water. etc. Many species of wildlife (e.g~
deer. paule) aced "edge" ha~
Other species. bowever. requite large comipous blocks ofbabiw well away from habitat edges. These
areas UII oftea tamed inlCrior habitats. .soa.e iDreri<< habitat dweUing species will only use an area if it
is 100 IIIeUCIa or_ away from an edge.
in pans of 0IIIaIiD, panicularly in !be soada. 1be fncmcutatico of uannI habiws has created an
-1)0-- of ecIp habi1at while. at !be same lime. reduciDg !be availlbility of interior habiws.
("~y. in southerD Onlllrio. round or bloclt-shaped __ would normally be higher priority areas
for proIIeCtioa than Ioog. aanow habitatS of similar c:omposilioD. In some ,it1~ however. narrow
habitat Pf""- may baw special value ill -me !be CODDeC:tioo of OIlIer important patches.
. rr-..........-I r"..~--
-_.__._-~"_.
An obvioua impact of de~t 011 aaunl_ is fragmentalioD. FfII~~ refen 10 die proceM
by which large.1ala1';.,Jo1I ualllilal_.. CUlverted 10 a series of smaller. often isolated natUral
areas. in much of soutbcm Onwio. !be I....t~ has become highly fragmented. In other pans of !be
province. particullrly some nonhem areas. fnagmCllllllioo bas been less seveze.
Pace 1410
"
,
\
,
,
,
,
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
IJ
I
"1
~
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
As indicated above. smaller nawraI areas generally meet the needs of fewer species of wildlife than larger
areas. The remaining areas may simply be too small to meet the habitat needs of the species that once used
the area. and smaller areas. on average. will contain a lower diversity of habitat conditions than larger
areas. Small areas are also more easily damaged by disturbance effects and are less likely to have their
functional processes intact. '
Another poumtially serious cons<quence of habitat fragmentation is the physical separation. or isolation.
of one habitat patclt from another. If separation distaDCeS are large enough. the movement of plants H.e..
their seeds) and onm.olK from one patch 10 anoIber can be h.indered or prevemed. The resultant isolation
of one wildlife population from anoIber can:
· lead 10 inIneding which. over time, may reduce the ability of the population 10 survive; and
· prevent the recolonization of an area after local eninclioos.
As a geoenl ru1e. then, inteIOOOIIIIe<:ted pardIes of babiw are beIter than isolotl'd P""'~ (Figure IE).
However. there are ex 'tAiOm Some of the babitaIs and species found in some isolared areas are better
I"~ wbea they are isolared from OIlIer areas. Other babi1m (and species) do benefit from
........;tk1as. butODly ifthecormectioas betvoem them have the appropriate characreristics. Foren"""".
very DaI10W (>....,k-::Iioos. such as f.........()w'S wbic:h linIc one woodlot to lIDotbero can provide predaton
with uu...J>......,jyeffecU~ humingenvil..."..- whicbcea putpre)' species at risk. The key is topim1
for ..--- ti._ of Iarpr woodlou or a netw....i. of sma1Ier areas. in cIcIiDa 110, the widest possible
....... .1"I'i 11),' CIID be p....._~ Where ~IIIJV~Ii,QIII'. are Vft//tY narrow. pt.~K~"-1 auIhorities may consider
impnmng (i.e.. wideDing) them.
. Arrtm.......t /1\....I..db.
B10cb ofhabi1at that are arnnged close together are usually beIter than blocks of babiw that lie loc:ated
furtber apart. There lie two reasons for this. First. wildlife lie able to _ more safely between closely
spaced babiw paIchea than betvoeen paIchea located farther apart. Secoodly, closely spaced patches ue
man: tiltely to ba~ ~_ fuDcUonal (Le.. h}drological or binr-'-ai<:al) linkages than more disw1t
parches (Figures IF and IG).
. R.hIfat Dhenlty I f".lllftm.ritv
NatuIal_ (or clusten of areas) !bat spa a range, ofwpoal~ soil and moisture conditions teDd to
coatain a widcir vuiety of plant species and pImt coiIIJallllitie:s, and may also support a greater diversity of
ecological pr""""''IeS. than similar _ that occupy a _lOwer range of topograpbic. soil and moislure
cooditioos. AI:eas with a high diversity of plaut species and plaut commtmities will geuerally suppon a
..o....."''''....io.gIy high diversity of animal species and ..........uuiWs. For eumpIe. a natural uea that
iDcludes bocb wedaad (lowIaod) and upland (. ,"ut^",.,.d& will pvvide a greater range of babiw conditions
for wildlife than ei1bcr babi1at type aloae. Similarly. a wetland !bat ............ each of the fOlD' wetland
types (manh, SWUIIp. bog and fen) will provide men babiw diversity than a wetland ~ entirely
ofmanh (_F..- 1M. 11. 11 and lK). A varietyoftcdmiquesisavai1ablefor Inesoing babiw and/or
vepllllioa ..........UDity cIivenity.
. Saer1e8 DI.._.ty
Areas !bat coarain I high diversity of plant and animal species are geoaa1ly more impoI1ant than _
that c:omain a lower diversity of species (Figure lL). in some """hOltS. bowever. ueas that contain a
relatively low cIivenity of plaut mdIor IIIima1 species lie imporwu. For eJWtlple. these areas UI':
imponant where they provide babiw for an endaDgeRd or du ~"~I..,<;j species. or some other species of
puticuIar inten:st.
.... leI
Species ricimess ...~sments can be 1IIIdena.ken as a means of comparing species di~ry between sites.
Species lists ~ in individual sile inventory reports by OMNR. conservation autborities and others
may be useful in conducting sucb assessments. It is suggesled that diversiry be ass~sed relative to each
candidate lIRa'S size since the number of species will vary with size.
. Soedes Rarity
In general. habitats !bat contain rare species are more valuable than habitats !bat do not contain such
species (Fi1lJle IM).Rariry is a relative term and can be desaibcd in 5 diff_ ways: (I) species that are
scan:e, but occur over a wide geogmphica1 ~ (2) species that only iDbabit one place; (3) species that
are geogI1IphicaJly separared from their main range; (4) species _am It die cdp of their ~ca1
range; IDd (5) declining species that were once more ablln.u.n. and/or widesptad but are tIOW depleled.
"..---- of mriry are often exprr-sfOd as the "limber of rare species or featUnS in an area. Lists of
speciea and f_ ~ rare It one or sevaal scaler. (e.g~ local. regional. or ...rinnal). such as
those provided iD RDey (1989). Cuddy (1991) &lid Oldman (1993). or iD NIUe's status lists, are useful iD
evalwuing ....Mi.u.... uturalareas for significaDce. Specifically. the occurrence of rare species may add 10
!be sil";&"_ of. panic:uIar I'eanR or area.
. !\Itdn-I
... vw-.........
Rdalive1y -"''I'bed aann1uaa are g-uy more desirable than highly aJtend __ (Figure IN).
The DJO$t common ".~'" for using n.atunIIneas as a criterioo is that undisIurbed. aannl_ provide
!be best source of bu"line information to compare with otber modified area. By I1IIdying bow
IlNfisturbed ecoaynems fimclion. a bctIer uoden1aDdiag of bow human impecu modif)' CICCII}'IIems can be
gained. These __ win also provide important clues for restoring ecosystems duu have been mntUfWI
Methods used 10 eva1uue aaturaIneaa vary ~;.. 00 the ecosystem, information available and the
level of human disturbaoce. F<< example, !be DaIuraIueu of . valIeyland may be": ~ by measurina
!be relative .~ of node species. catt1e-graziDg or _made stI'UC1Un:S such ~ rip rap. dams, roIIds
or buildings.
· Bwmlnooko ud R~ted v.-
In many u-. WIlIer bodies, inc1udiDg wml..w, , often ...... . =01. relatively amaI1 jIeIc-r.se of the tDtIIl
land -. yet they can be dlalAOpu<liooaIe1y more valuable than otber areas (Figure 10) for sevaal
reasoos:
· IheIe is a large number of aquatic or riparian (moiat_ depell~) piIIU &lid arIima1
species tba1 depcud 1IpOQ _ badiea or WIIduIds to fulfill their babiW ueeda;
..' Ibt::N is a large Dumber of och<< amu.l apcc:iea _ require __ to water bodies for all or
pIIR of their life cyde in OI'IIa-ID U'viw;
.. Ibt::N is a large Dumber of apeciea tbat use water bodies, ~,ny 11:1-'14 travel or
mipatioQ CCIIt'idars;
.. they are crilica1 to die main.I!I"'~ of Duaient &lid other bio-<'bemic:U IIUIrieat cycling
processc:s 1IpOQ which all $pecies ~: IDd
.. they an: integral 10 the hydrotogic fimclionn.g of the walerlbed within which they are
I~
It is suggeared tbat __ be tabII to pmbICt _ bodies, _1_& &lid oIhet _ of IigDificant
hydrological imporwtce (i.e~ he8dwaIers. ..ec1I..p --. discbar&e u-. eIC.).
hpiln
\\
,
,
,
,
~
~
~
,
~
~
~
IJ
~
~
~
~
I
.\i
I
,
"
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Appendix G
Sample Abstracts of Relevant Landscape Ecology Papers
Ii
11
11
!
Ii
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
-~~-- -----_.--
-- ---...
Full Text PDF (119 K)
Landscape Ecology
16 (3): 193-203, April 2001
Copyright @ 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers
All rights reserved
Resident bird species in urban/orest remnants; landscape and
habitat perspectives
Ulla M. Mortberg
Div. of Land- and Water Resources, Royal Institute of Technology, S-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of habitat loss, ftagmentation and habitat quality
on sedentary forest birds in an urban and suburban environment. The study area was situated in
Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, enibracin:g the city centre, suburbs and parts of the rural
surroundings. Breedingforest birds were surveyed in Slforested sample sites (2-700 ha) and five
species of resident birds were selected for further studies: willow tit (Parus montanus), crested tit (P.
cristatus) and coal tit (P. ater) representing coniferousforest and marsh tit (P. palustris) and nuthatch
(Sitta europaea) representing deciduousforest. A spatial landscape analysis was made using a
geographical infonnation system (GIS). In 21 of the smaller sites (2-200ha), a field study was
conducted to examine habitat quality parameters like vegetation age, structure and composition, and
human-induced disturbance. The probability of occurrence (breeding) of bird species as functions of
landscape and habitat descriptors was tested using logistic regression. All investigated species of the
Parus guild showed high probabilities of occurrence only inforest patches larger than 200-400 ha,
and was not present in patches smaller than 10-30 ha. This meant that patches of presumably suitable
habitat (coniferous vs. moist deciduousforest) were left unoccupied. The amount of standing dead
and decaying trees provided additional explanation for the distribution of the willow tit. Large areas
of urban open land, industrial land use and large bodies of water had a negative influence on the
probability of occurrence of several species, which indicate that they were sensitive to isolation. The
probability of occurrence of the marsh tit was also influenced by distance to other sample sites with
marsh tits. Unlike the Parus species, the nuthatch was breeding in most of the parks andforest
remnants. This species prefers mature deciduous forest, mainly oak, which habitat was common in
the urban environment. The nuthatch was only absent in some of the smallest (a few ha)forest
ftagments, with a mean distance betweenforest patches in the surroundings of over 100 m. The study
showed that largeforest areas and a high amount offorest in the landscape are important for the
investigated resident birds that are not adapted to the urban environment. Vast areas without tree-
cover seemed to be poor habitat and/or restrict dispersal. Strips of high-quality habitats, including
standing trees with nest-holes, were not entirely absent in the urban and suburban environment.
Keywords
Residentforest birds, urban, ftagmentation, landscape pattern, habitat quality
Article ID: 275135
-
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
~
j
!
!
(
I
(
1
I
J
support a high number of species or have distinctive species compositions). We show how a multi-
scale vegetation sampling design, species-area curves, analyses of within- and between-vegetation
type species overlap, and geographic infonnation system (GIS) models can be used to quantify
landscape-scale patterns of vascular plant diversity in the Park.
The new multi-scale vegetation plot techniques quickly differentiated plant species differences in '
paired study sites. Three plots in the Ouzel Burn area (burned in 1978) contained 75 plant species,
while only 17 plant species were found in paired plots outside the burn. Riparian areas contained 109
plant species, compared to just 55 species in paired plots in adjacentforests. However, plant species
richness patterns inside and outside elk exclosures were more complex. One elk exclosure contained
more species than its adjacent open range (52 species inside and 48 species outside). Two elk
exclosures contained fewer species inside than outside (105 and 41 species inside and 112 and 74
species outside, respectively). However, there was only 26% to 48% overlap (using Jaccard's
Coefficient) of plant species composition inside and outside the exclosures. One elk exclosure had
13% cover of non-indigenous species inside the exclosure compared to 4% outside, but non-
indigenous species cover varied by location.
We compared plant diversity patterns trom vegetation maps made with 100 ha, 50 ha, 2 ha, and 0.02
ha MMU's in the 754 ha Beaver Meadows study area using four 0.025 ha and twenty-one 0.1 ha
multi-scale vegetation plots. Preliminary data suggested that the 2 ha MMU provided an accurate
estimate of the number of plant species (-14%) fOra study area, but the number of habitats
(polygons) was reduced by 67%, and aspen, a unique and important habitat type, was missed entirely.
We describe a hypothesis-driven approach to the design and implementation of geospatial databases
for local resource monitoring and ecosystem management.
},
r
I
1
(
<
c
Keywords
map accuracy assessment, geographic infonnation systems, keystone ecosystems, plant species
richness patterns, wildlife models, ecosystem models
Article ID: 139175
Search PLUS _
Use the pop-up window to navigate search results and find highlighted tenns in
this document.
CHide SearchPLUS
C Disable Highlights
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
~~.~._'.'-
Full Text PDF (198 K)
~.__._--~._..._.
-----
Landscape Ecology
16 (2): 161-173, February 2001
Copyright @ 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers
All rights reserved
The effect of breeding-habitat patch size on bird population
density
Cristh'm F. Estades
Depto. Manejo de Recursos Forestales, Universidad de Chile, Chile, and Dept. Wildlife Ecology,
University of Wisconsin - Madison, U.S.A.Present address: Depto. Manejo de Recursos Forestales,
Universidad de Chile, Casilla 9206, Santiago, Chile {Phone: 56-2-678-5871Fax: 56-2-54I-4952e-
mail: )cestades@uchile.cl
Abstract
An individual-based simulation model was used to study the effect of the relative location of food
and nest sites in the landscape on the relationship hetween the breeding habitat patch size and bird
population density. The model predicted that when both food and nest sites are located exclusively in
the breeding habitat patches, larger patches tend to harbor higher population densities. But when
food starts to be added to the 'matrix' habitat and taken out of the breeding habitaJ the advantageous
effect of larger patches diminishes and eventually the trend reverses, with small patches having
higher population densities. This pattern arises ftom the combined effect of the existence of an
extended foraging area around patches and an intrinsic advantage of large habitat patches associated
with the concentration of food resources and potential colonizers. The effects Of interspecific
interactions and the management implications of the model are discussed.
Keywords
bird density, foraging patterns, habitat patch size, landscape mosaic, resource distribution
Article ID: 322157
SearchPLUS
Use the pop-up window to navigate search results and find highlighted tenns in
this document.
[J Hide SearchPLUS
[J Disable Highlights
i!i1,'k~.".'_.
~-
Full Text PDF (213 K)
Landscape Ecology
14 (2): 137-145, April 1999
Copyright @ 1999 Kluwer Academic Publishers
All rights reserved
Transitions inforest fragmentation: implications for
restoration opportunities at regional scales
James D. Wickham
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (MD-56), National Exposure Research Laboratory, Research
Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
K. Bruce Jones
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Las Vegas,
NV 89lJ 9, USA
Kurt H. Riitters
U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
Timothy G. Wade .
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Las Vegas,
NV 89lJ 9, USA
Robert V. O'Neill
Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
Abstract
Where the potential natural vegetation is continuous forest (e.g., eastern US), a region can be divided
into smaller units (e.g., counties, watersheds), and a graph of the proportion offorest in the largest
patch versus the proportion in anthropogenic cover can be used as an index offorest fragmentation.
Ifforests are not fragmented beyond that converted to anthropogenic cover, there would be only one
patch in the unit and its proportional size would equal 1 minus the percentage of anthropogenic
cover. For a set of 130 watersheds in the mid-Atlantic region, there was a transition inforest
fragmentation between 15 and 20% anthropogenic cover. The potential for mitigating fragmentation
by connecting two or more disjunctforest patches was low when percent anthropogenic cover was
low, highest at moderate proportions of anthropogenic cover, and again low as the proportion of
anthropogenic cover increased toward 100%. This fragmentation index could be used to prioritize
locations for restoration by targeting watersheds where there would be the greatest increase in-the size
of the largest forest patch.
Keywords
GIS, hierarchy, land-cover, percolation theory, scale, threshold
Article ID: 180240
I
I
I
I
,
,
,
,
,
It
i
II
~
I~
J
~
,
.~
~
IJ
~
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Full Text PDF (127 K)
Landscape Ecology
16 (2): 147-159, February 2001
Copyright @ 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers
All rights reserved
The role of landscape structure in species richness distribution
of birds, amphibians, reptiles and lepidopterans in
Mediterranean landscapes
Jose A. Atauri
Department of Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of AlcaM, Madrid, Spain
Jose V. de Lucio
Department of Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Alcala, Madrid, Spain
Abstract
The parameters referring to landscape structure are essential in any evaluation for conservation
because of the relationship that exists between the landscape structure and the ecological processes.
This paper presents a study of the relationships between landscape structure and species diversity
distribution (estimated in terins of richness of birds, amphibians, reptiles and butterflies) in the region
of Madrid, Spain. The results show that the response of species richness to landscape heterogeneity
varies depending on the group of species considered. For birds and lepidopteians, the most important
factor affecting the distribution of richness of species is landscape heterogeneity, while other factors,
such as the specific composition ofland use, playa secondary role at this scale. On the other hand,
richness of amphibians and reptiles is more closely related to the abundance of certain land-use types.
The study highlights the importance of heterogeneity in Mediterranean landscapes as a criterion for
landscape planning and for definition of management directives in order to maintain biodiversity.
Keywords
diversity distribution, landscape ecology, landscape heterogeneity, species richness distribution
Article ID: 281488
SearchPLUS _
Use the pop-up window to navigate search results and find highlighted tenus in
this document.
CHide SearchPLUS
C Disable Highlights
IIIIIIIIIIIIB
..
-~-- ._~
Full Text PDF (717 K)
--"----~._. ..-
._---_._~-
Landscape Ecology
16 (8): 767-779,2002
Copyright @ 2002 Kluwer Academic Publishers
All rights reserved
Bridging the gap between ecology and spatial planning in
landscape ecology
PaulOpdam
ALTERRA, Department of Landscape Ecology and Department of Environmental Sciences, Nature
Conservation and Plant Ecology Group, Wageningen University Research Centre, Postbus 47,
6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlandse-mail: p.f.m.opdam@alterra.wag-ur.nl
Ruud Foppen
ALTERRA, Department of Landscape Ecology, Wageningen University Research Centre, Postbus 47,
6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
Claire Vos
ALTERRA, Department of Landscape Ecology, Wageningen University Research Centre, Postbus 47,
6700AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
Abstract
Landscapes are studied by pattern (the geographical approach) and by process, (the ecological
approach within landscape ecology). The future oflandscape ecology depends on whether the two
approaches can be integrated. We present an approach to bridge the gap between the many detailed
process studies on species, and applied activities such as landscape evaluation and design, which
require integrated knowledge. The approach consists of four components: 1) Empirical case studies of
different scales, organisms and processes. 2) Modeling studies to extrapolate empirical studies across
space and time.. 3) Modeling studies to produce guidelines and standards for landscape conditions. 4)
Methods and tools for integration to the landscape level, which can be built into multidisciplinary
tools for design and evaluation. We conclude that in the landscape ecological literature, the steps I
and 2 are well represented, whereas the steps 3 and 4 are mostly neglected. We challenge landscape
ecologists to push landscape ecology to a higher level of maturation and to further develop its profile
as a problem-oriented science.
Keywords
application of empirical data, dispersal corridors, habitat network, integration of pattern and process
approach, landscape planning, metapopulation studies
Article ID: 386443
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
~
~
~
,
~
II
J
~
~
I
.
I
~
.'
I
I '
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
"
Full Text PDF (178 K)
;4
Landscape Ecology
15 (1): 35-45, January 2000
Copyright @ 2000 Kluwer Academic Publishers
All rights reserved
Incorporating biological information in local land-use decision
making: designing a system for conservation planning
David M. Theobald
Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA ,-
N.T. Hobbs
Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
Tammy Bearly
Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
Jim A. Zack
Geomega, Inc., 2995 Baseline Road, Suite 202, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
Tanya Shenk
Terrestrial Research Section, Colorado Division of Wildlife, 317 W Prospect Rd., Fort Collins, CO.
80526, USA
William E. Riebsame
Department of Geography, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
Abstract
Human settlement is a formidable agent of change affecting fundamental ecological processes.
Decisions governing these land-use changes occur almost exclusively at the local level and, as a
result, they are made at many different locations and times. Consequently, it is difficult for ecologists
to provide needed scientific support for these choices. We built an information systern designed to
support conservation decisions at local scales by offering data over the Internet. We collaborated
with local stakeholders (e.g., developers, planners, politicians, land owners, environmental activists)
to design the system. This collaboration produced several generalizations about effective design of
information systems to support conservation. The most important of these is the idea that ecological
data and analysis must be understood by those who will be affected by the decisions. Also,planning
for conservation is a process that uses scientific data, but that ultimately depends on the expression of
human values. A major challenge landscape ecologists face is to extend general landscape principles
to provide specific scientific information needed for local land-use planning.
Keywords
. collaborative design, conservation planning, GIS, land use
Article ID: 242481
,
. ~.
Full Text PDF (549 K)
Landscape Ecology
12 (3): 137-153, June 1997
Copyright @1997 Kluwer Academic Publishers
All rights reserved
Effects of landscape patterns on biotic communities
Joseph N. Miller
lntercollege Graduate Program in Ecology and School afForest Resources, Forest Resources
Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, P A 16802, U.S.A.
Robert P. Brooks
lntercollege Graduate Program in Ecology and School of Forest Resources, Forest Resources
Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, P A 16802, U.S.A.
Mary Jo Croonquist
Intercollege Graduate Program in Ecology and School of Forest Resources, Forest Resources
Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, P A 16802, U.S.A.
Abstract
A comparative evaluation was performed using descriptors oflandscape and land cover patterns as to
how they relate to varying levels of anthropogenic disturbance and the structure of biotic
communities. A spatial analysis program (a modified version of SPAN) was used to compute
measures ofland cover diversity, dominance, contagion, scaled dominance and contagion, fractal
dimension ofland cover patches, mean forest-wetland patch size, amountof forest edge, clustering
of selected forest types, and the largest cover patches within two IOO-km2 watersheds of the Ridge
and Valley province of central Pennsylvania. Landscape pattern analysis was conducted on a
subwatershed basis, emphasizing different levels of residential-agricultural versus forest land cover,
the major difference between the two watersheds. Bird and vascular plant guilds were chosen to
represent the overall biotic community. The general descriptors of diversity, contagion, mean forest-
wetland patch size, proportion of forest cover, and the amount of forest edge were most effective in
reflecting the disturbance levels within the watersheds and changes in guild composition for both
birds and plants. .
Keywords
landscape disturbance, diversity, contagion, anthropogenic effects
Article ID: 139314,
SearchPLUS
-
Use the pop-up window to navigate search results and find highlighted terms in
this document.
CHide SearchPLUS
C' Disable Highlights
,
,
,
,
,
,
~
,
,
~
~]
11
d
~]
IJ
~
IJ
~
I~
~
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Full Text PDF (284 K)
Landscape Ecology
16 (2): 121-131, February 2001
Copyright @ 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers
All rights reserved
Quantifying habitat specificity to assess the contribution of a
patch to species richness at a landscape scale
Helene H. Wagner
Nature and Landscape Conservation Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape.
Research (WSL), 8903 Birmensdoif, Switzerland
Peter J. Edwards
Geobotanical Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETII), 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
Abstract
Assessing and predicting the species richness of a complex landscape remains a problem because
there is no simple scaling function of species richness in a heterogeneous environment. Furthermore,
the potential value of an area for biodiversity conservation may depend on which, rather than how
many, species the area contains. This paper shows how we can objectively evaluate the contribution
of an area, e.g., a habitat patch, to larger-scale plant species richness, e.g., a landscape composed of
patches of several habitat types, and how we can test hypotheses that attempt to explain this
contribution. We quantified the concept of habitat specificity to assess the proportion of each
observed plant population that is concentrated within a given spatial element. A case study of a
biodiversity-monitoring program in the Swiss Canton of Aargau showed that the relative contribution
of the three main types of land use to the overall species richness differed strongly between higher
taxa (vascular plants and molluscs). However, the type of data, i.e., presence-absence or abundance,
was not important. Resampling of the plant data suggested that stratification provided an unbiased
estimate of relative specificity, whereas unstratified sampling caused bias even for large samples. In a
second case study of vascular plants in an agricultural landscape in central Switzerland, we tested
whether th~ type, size Or shape of a lands~ape element can predict its contribution to the species
richness of the landscape. Habitat types that were less frequently disturbed contributed more per m2
to landscape species richness than more frequently disturbed ones. Contrary to expectation,patch size
was negatively correlated to specificity per m2 for arable fields, whereas patch shape appeared to be
unrelated to the specificity per m2 both for arable fields and for meadows. The specificity approach
provides a solution to the problem of scaling species richness and is ideally suited for testing
hypotheses on the effect of landscape structure on landscape species richness. Specificity scores can
easily be combined with measures of other aspects of rarity to assess the contribution of a spatial
element to conservation goals formulated at regional, national or global level.
Keywords
conservation value, habitat specificity, landscape structure, land-use, rarity scaling, species richness
Article ID: 278321
".
Full Text PDF (170 K)
~-,._._--
Landscape Ecology
15 (7): 621-631, October 2000
Copyright @ 2000 Kluwer Academic Publishers
All rights reserved
Using landscape metrics to model source habitat for
Neotropical migrants in the midwestern U.S.
Peter T. Fauth
Department of Biological Sciences, Lilly Hall, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1392,
USA(author for correspondence and present address: Biology Department, Drew University,
Madison, NJ 07940, USA; e-mail: }PFauth@drew.edu
Eric J. Gustafson
USDA-Forest Service, North Central Research Station, Forestry Sciences Laboratory, 5985 Highway
K, Rhinelander, WI 54501, USA
Kerry N. Rabenold
Department of Biological Sciences, Lilly Hall, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1392,
USA
Abstract
Size of a forest patch is a useful predictor of density and reproductive success ,0fNeotropical
migratory birds in much of eastern North America. Within these forested landscapes, large forest
tracts appear to be sources - fragments in which surpluses of offspring are produced and can
potentially colonize new fragments including woodlot sinks where reproduction fails to balance adult
mortality. Within agricultural landscapes of the midwestern U.S., where forests are severely
fragmented, high levels of brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) and intense
predation on nests generally result in low reproductive success for Neotropical migrants regardless of
forest size. In soine midwestern U.S. landscapes, however, the variation in reproductive success
among forest fragments suggests that 'source' habitat could still exist for Neotropical migrants. We
used vegetation, fragment and landscape metrics to develop multivariate models that attempt to
explain the variation in abundance and reproductive success ofNeotropical migrants nesting in an
agricultural landscape in northern Indiana, USA. We produced models that reasonably described the
pattern of species richness ofNeotropical migrants and the abundance of wood thrushes (Hylocichla
mustelina) and several other Neotropical migrant species within 14 forest fragments. In contrast, we
were unable to produce useful models of the reproductive success of wood thrushes breeding in the
same forest fragments. Our results suggest that (I) abundance patterns ofNeotropical migrants are
probably influenced by both landscape- and fragment-scale factors; (2) multivariate analyses of
Neotropical migrant abundance are not useful in modeling the corresponding patterns of reproductive
success; and (3) the location of any remaining 'source' habitat for Neotropical migrants breeding
within agricultural landscapes in North America will be difficult to predict with indirect measures
such as vegetation composition or landscape context. As a result, the potential for developing
conservation strategies for Neotropical migrants will be limited without labor-intensive, direct
measurements of demographic parameters.
I
I
,
,
,
,
~
~
~
,
,
~
~
,
,
IJ
~
IJ
IJ
I
I'
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
"
Full Text PDF (96 K)
Landscape Ecology
14 (5): 423-435, October 1999
Copyright @ 1999 Kluwer Academic Publishers
All rights reserved
Predicting mammal species richness and distributions: testing
the effectiveness of satellite-derived land cover data
Marcel Cardillo
Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks
Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
David W. Macdonald
Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks
Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
Steve P. Rushton
Centre for Land Use & Water Resources Research, The University, Newcastle upon
Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
Abstract
Mapping species richness and distributions is an important aspect of conservation and land use
planning, but the time and cost of producing maps ftom field surveys is prohibitive. It is useful,
therefore, if mappable environmental variables, ftom a readily accessible source, can be used as
surrogates for species attributes. We evaluated the power of satellite-derived land cover information,
ftom the Land Cover Map of Great Britain, to predict species richness and occurrences of terrestrial
mammals in one hundred lOx 1 0 Ian quadrats, ftom four regions of Britain. The predictive power of
the land cover data was relatively poor - with a few exceptions, land cover explained less than half of
the variation in mammal species richness and occurrence in regression models. Predictive power was
considerably stronger when regions were analyzed separately than when analyzed together, and best
fitting models varied between regions and between mammal taxa. Predictive power was also affected
(positively or negatively depending 'on taxon) when PCA-ordinatedlatid cover variables were u.sed as
predictors. The predictive strength of the land cover data was probably limited mostly by the high
proportion of British mammal species with geographic distributions changing rapidly and
independently ofland cover (and hence the non-saturation of preferred habitats), and to a lesser
extent by shortcomings in the mammal and land cover data, and the influence of landscape factors
other than land cover on mammal distributions. The results suggest that regional stratification is
essential when attempting to predict species richness and distributions, even across relativelyJimited
areas such as Great Britain. We conclude that caution is necessary in using results ftom
environmental information systems such as this as a basis for conservation and land use planning
decisions.
Keywords
associative models, biodiversity mapping, distributions, land cover, mammals, species richness
Article ID: 206159
'f
Full Text PDF (284 K)
Landscape Ecology
16 (2): 121-131, February 2001
Copyright @ 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers
All rights reserved
Quantifying habitat specificity to assess the contribution of a
patch to species richness at a landscape scale
Helene H. Wagner
Nature and Landscape Conservation Unit, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape
Research (WSL), 8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland
Peter J. Edwards
Geobotanical Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
Abstract
Assessing and predicting the species richness of Ii complex landscape remains a problem because
there is no simple scaling function of species richness in a heterogeneous environment. Furthennore,
the potential value of an area for biodiversity conservation may depend on which, rather than how
many, species the area contains. This paper shows how we can objectively evaluate the contribution
of an area, e.g., a habitat patch, to larger-scale plant species richness, e.g., a landscape composed of
patches of several habitat types, and how we can test hypotheses that attempt to explain this
contribution. We quantified the concept of habitat specificity to assess the proportion of each
observed plant population that is concentrated within a given spatial element. A case study of a
biodiversity-monitoring program in the Swiss Canton of Aargau showed that the relative contribution
of the three main types of land use to the overall species richness differed strongly between higher
taxa (vascular plants and molluscs). However, the type of data, i.e., presence-absence or abundance,
was not important. Resampling of the plant data suggested that stratification provided an unbiased
estimate of relative specificity, whereas unstratified sampling caused bias even for large samples. In a
second case study of vascular plants in an agricultura1landscape in central Switzerland, we tested
whether the type, size or shape of a landscape element can predict its contribution to the species
richness of the landscape. Habitat types that were less ftequently disturbed contributed more per m2
to landscape species richness than more frequently disturbed ones. Contrary to expectation, patch
size was negatively correlated to specificity per m2 for arable fields, whereas patch shape appeared to
be unrelated to the specificity per m2 both for arable fields and for meadows. The specificity
approach provides a solution to the problem of scaling species richness and is ideally suited for
testing hypotheses on the effect oflandscape structure on landscape species richness. Specificity
scores can easily be combined with measures of other aspects of rarity to assess the contribution of a
spatial element to conservation goals fonnulated at regional, national or global level.
Keywords
conservation value, habitat specificity, landscape structure, land-use, rarity scaling, species richness
Article ID: 278321
,
,
,
,
~
~
~]
~
~
I,
1
1
1
I
1
1
I
1
I.
~
October 2002
Modified in August 2003
File 2080
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1,0 INTRODUCTION
1
2,0 PROVINCIAL CONTEXT
2,1 The Planning Act
2,2 Policy Statements
2
2
3
3,0 EXISTING OFFICIAL PLANS
3,1 Simcoe County Official Plan
3,2 The Township of Oro-Medonte Official Plan
7
7
10
4.0 PROSPECT FOR ADDITIONAL RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE
ORO MORAINE
4.1 Location and Nature of Existing Residential Uses
4.2 Prospect for Future Residential Growth
4.3 Summary
17
17
18
21
5,0 PROSPECTS FOR OTHER DEVELOPMENT ON THE ORO MORAINE
5,1 Recreational
5.2 Aggregate Extraction
5.3 Other Land Uses
24
24
25
28
6.0 DEVELOPING A NATURAL HERITAGE FRAMEWORK
30
7,0 GROUNDWATER ON THE ORO MORAINE
32
8,0 DEVELOPING A LAND USE STRATEGY
8,1 What is Smart Growth?
8.2 To Grow or Not to Grow
8,3 Primary Elements of a Land Use Strategy
37
37
39
40
Appendix I - Letter to Ian Bender dated February 20, 2003
I
I
I
I
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Council has long recognized the importance of the Oro Moraine to both the character and natural
heritage of the Township, The Oro Moraine, also known as the Bass Lake Kame Moraine, is a
large post-glacial landform that is over 17,000 hectares in size and covers about 20% of Oro-
Medonte, The Oro Moraine is a broad band of deep sandy post-glacial material, traversing the
middle of the Township, in an east-west direction, The Moraine is also the prime groundwater
recharge area in the Township, given its generally granular composition.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
The Oro Moraine is the heart of the natural heritage system of Oro-Medonte, This area has
historically been the site of resource competition, since its topography is attractive for ski resorts
and other recreational uses, its natural features are attractive for housing and its mineral
aggregate resources are sought after by the aggregate industry, It is expected that there will
continue to be pressure for development in this area in the future. On this basis, the Township
has established a Working Group made up of residents/landowners, staff members, agency
representatives and politicians to review the Moraine in more detail.
The intent of this study is to collect the infonmation required to prepare a long-term land use plan
for the Oro Moraine, Such a land use plan will lead to a land use classification system for the Oro
Moraine which is similar to the one contained within the Conservation Plan completed by the
Province of Ontario for the Oak Ridges Moraine, The land use classification system established
for the Oak Ridges Moraine includes the Natural Core Area, Natural Corridor Area, Countryside
and Settlement designations, While the same types of designations are being considered for the
Oro Moraine, the policies and criteria to be used in Oro-Medonte will be the result of a 'made in
Oro-Medonte' land use planning process, The product of this work will be a comprehensive
Amendment to the Official Plan applying to the Oro Moraine.
The purpose of this report is to provide the appropriate policy context and the factors considered
in developing the principles that could support a land use plan for the Oro Moraine. It should be
noted at the outset that this Discussion Paper is intended to be used as a tool to facilitate public
and agency input. Decisions on Official Plan policy will be made after the public/agency review
has been completed.
I
I
I
I
I
I
Discussion Paper
F,amewark far the
Ora Maraine Land Use Plan
P,epared by
()!lliUP1~M
1
Octaber23,2002lAugust2003
I
I
2.0
PROVINCIAL CONTEXT
I
2.1
The Planning Act
Land use planning in the Province of Ontario is governed by the Ontario Planning Act, 1990,
Provisions in this Act set out how all land use planning decisions in each municipality are to be
made, Specifically, there are provisions that deal with the preparation of Official Plans and
Zoning By-laws and which set out the rules on how plans of subdivision, consents, minor
variances and expansions to legal non-conforming uses will be considered,
I
I
I
The first Planning Act was created in 1946 in response to the explosive growth pressures being
felt at that time after World War 2. Since 1946, the Planning Act has been amended a number of
times, with the last series of major amendments occurring in 1990, The purpose of the Planning
Act 1990, as set out in Section 1.1 is as follows:
I
I
b)
I
c)
d)
I
a)
To promote sustainable economic development in a healthy natural
environment within the policy and by the means provided under this Act;
To provide for a land use planning system led by Provincial policy;
To integrate matters of Provincial interest in Provincial and municipal
planning decisions;
To provide for planning processes that are fair by making them open,
accessible, timely and efficient;
e) To encourage co-operation and co-ordination among various interests;
I
I
f)
To recognize the decision-making authority and accountability of municipal
councils in planning.
The Planning Act also states that the Council of each municipality shall have regard to matters of
Provincial interest such as:
I
I
I
I
I
a)
The protection of ecological systems, including natural areas, features and
functions;
b)
The protection of the agricultural resources of the Province;
c)
The conservation and management of natural resources and the mineral
resource base;
d)
The conservation of features of significant architectural, cultural, historical,
archaeological or scientific interest;
e) The supply, efficient use and conservation of energy and water;
f)
The adequate provision and efficient use of communication, transportation,
sewage and water services and waste management systems;
I
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Ora Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
I
(lJ !1lR~.L~,~
'~
2
October 23, 2002lAugust 2003
I
I
I
I
g)
The minimization of waste;
h)
The orderly development of safe and healthy communities;
i)
The adequate provision and distribution of educational, health, social,
cultural and recreational facilities;
j) The adequate provision of a full range of housing;
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
k) The adequate provision of employment opportunities;
I) The protection of the financial and economic well-being of the Province
and its municipalities;
m) The co-ordination of planning activities of public bodies;
n) The resolution of planning conflicts involving public and private interests;
0) The protection of public health and safety;
p) The appropriate location of growth and development. 1994,c.23, s.5; 1996,
c.4,s.2
The matters of Provincial interest listed above are intended to be considered by any municipality,
particularly when preparing Growth Management Strategies and new Official Plans.
An Official Plan is a general land use guide, which is intended to serve as the basis for making
land use decisions and managing change in any municipality in Ontario. Section 16,1 of the
Planning Act 1990 states that an Official Plan:
a) Shall contain goals, objectives and policies established primarily to
manage and direct physical change and the effects on the social, economic
and natural environment of the municipality or part of it, or an area that is
without municipal organization; and,
b) May contain a description of the measures and procedures proposed to
attain the objectives of the plan and a description of the measures and
procedures for informing and obtaining the views of the public in respect
of a proposed zoning by-law. 1994, c.23, s. 9; 1996, c.4, s.8 (2)
I
I
I
I
I
2.2 Policy Statements
In 1983, the Planning Act was amended to permit the Minister of Municipal Affairs and any other
Minister to issue Policy Statements on matters of Provincial interest relating to municipal
planning, that in the opinion of the Minister, are of Provincial interest These statements were
intended to be approved by Cabinet
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Ora Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
(1 [1tRjQl~M
'-../
3
October23,2002fAugust2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Throughout the 1980's, a number of Provincial Policy Statements dealing with such issues as
wetlands, flood plains and mineral aggregate resources were issued by the Province, All of these
statements were replaced by the Comprehensive Set of Policy Statements (CSPS) in 1994, The
CSPS was replaced by the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) in May 1996, The intent of both
the CSPS and the PPS was to incorporate all of the various policies issued by a number of
Ministries into one comprehensive document. The PPS is currently under its five-year review by
the Province, however, it is currently in force and in effect.
The preamble to the 1996 PPS state that:
the Policy Statement is intended to promote a policy led system which
recognizes that there are complex inter-relationships among
environmental, economic, and social factors in land use planning. A
healthy economy is vital to Ontario's ongoing prosperity. Wisely managed
growth can result in communities which are economically and
environmentally sound, and which meet the full range of needs of their
current and future residents. Doing things right the first time can avoid the
need for costly remedial measures to correct problems. The Province's
resources - its agricultural land base, mineral resources, natural heritage
resources, water supply and cultural heritage resources - provide
economic, environmental and social benefits. The wise use and protection
of these resources over the long term is a key Provincial Interest.
The PPS further states that:
"Ontario's long-term economic prosperity, environmental health and social
well being depend on:
i. Managing change and promoting efficient and cost effective land
use patterns which stimulate economic growth and protect the
environment and public health;
ii. Protecting resources for their economic use and/or environmental
benefits; and,
iii. Reducing the potential for public costs or risk to Ontario's
residents by directing development away from areas where there is
a risk to public health or safety or of property damage."
Key elements of the PPS which need to be considered in the preparation of land use strategy for
the Oro Moraine are summarized below:
1. Urban areas and rural settlement areas will be the focus of growth.
2, Rural areas will generally be the focus of resource activity, resource based recreational
activity and other rural land uses, Urban areas and rural settlements will only be
expanded if the existing land supply for development is insufficient.
Discussion Paper
Frameworlc for the
Oro Mo'aine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
r1tllRlPJAH
\ ~
~
4
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
3. As much of the mineral aggregate resources as is realistically possible will be made
available to supply mineral resource needs, as close to markets as possible.
4. Development which would preclude or hinder the establishment of new aggregate
operations or access to the resources will only be permitted if the resource use is not
feasible, the proposed land use or development serves a greater long-term public interest
and issues of public health, public safety and environmental impact are addressed,
5. Development and site alteration may be permitted in significant woodlands south and
east of the Canadian Shield, significant wildlife habitat areas and significant Areas of
Natural and Scientific Interest if it is demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts
on the natural feature or the ecological functions for which the area is identified,
6. The diversity of natural features in an area, and the natural connections between them
should be maintained and improved where possible.
7, The quantity and quality of groundwater and surface water and the function of sensitive
groundwater recharge/discharge areas, aquifers and headwaters will be protected or
enhanced.
8, Development and land use patterns adjacent to urban areas and settlement areas that
would hinder the efficient expansion of these areas is not permitted.
9, Sufficient lands for industrial, commercial, residential, recreational, open space and
institutional uses to promote employment opportunities should be planned to
accommodate growth projected for a time period of up to twenty years,
10, Prime agricultural areas should be protected from incompatible development.
In addition, the PPS requires that the density of new development should:
1. Promote the efficient use of land resources and infrastructure and public service facilities;
2, Avoid the need for unnecessary and uneconomical expansion of infrastructure;
3, Support the use of public transit in areas where it exists or is to be developed;
4, Are appropriate to the type of sewage and water systems which are planned or available:
and,
5. Take into account the applicable policies of Section 2 (Resources) and Section 3 (Public
Health and Safety),
The PPS states that the long-term economic prosperity of the Province will be supported by
providing a supply of land to meet long term requirements, in accordance with Policy 1,1,2 (which
sets out the need to accommodate all forms of growth up to twenty years), The PPS also states
that each municipality should maintain a ten year supply of land designated and available for new
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
(iJ tlLRl!ll~N
\~/J
5
Oetobe, 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
residential development and intensification at all times. In addition, the PPS states that there
should be a three year supply of residential units with servicing capacity in draft approved or
registered plans at all times,
It is our opinion that the intent of the PPS is to encourage additional economic development in the
Province, The relationship between the land use planning policies and the economic objectives
of the Provincial government is very clearly enunciated within the PPS, The PPS requires each
municipality in Ontario to plan for growth because growth equals economic prosperity, However,
the determination of how much growth each municipality will accept and where is a decision that
is more properly left to the local municipality,
It should be noted that each municipality in the Province is supposed to 'have regard' to the PPS,
This means that each municipality has some discretion in determining how the PPS is to be
applied in their municipality.
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
(lJ rlli\illl~,~
. /
'-./
6
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
3.0 EXISTING OFFICIAL PLANS
The intent of this section is to provide a summary of the existing Official Plans of Simcoe County
and the Township of Oro-Medonte.
3.1 Simcoe County Official Plan
The County of Simcoe Official Plan was approved on April 1" 1998, However, a number of
policies in the Official Plan were appealed and the Ontario Municipal Board approved various
components of the Official Plan at different times in 1998 and 1999 following the approval of the
document by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing,
As noted in the purpose section of the County Plan, "the Plan and document is designed to assist
in growth management in a County that is expected to experience growth in population and urban
development over the next twenty years. It attempts to achieve a balance between the demands
for economic development, community building and environmental conservation and provide a
framework for co-ordinated planning with adjacent municipalities, agencies and other levels of
government. "
Some of the goals of the Official Plan are below:
1, To protect, conserve and enhance the County's natural and cultural heritage,
2, To ensure the wise management and use of the County's resources.
3, To encourage appropriate growth management to achieve lifestyle quality and efficient
cost effective municipal servicing, development and land use,
4. To encourage community economic development which promotes economic
sustainability in Simcoe County communities, providing employment and business
opportunities,
5, To protect public health and safety.
The County Growth Management Strategy is consistent with the direction contained in the
Provincial Policy Statement. Specifically, the County Plan directs most non-resource growth and
development to settlements. In addition, the County Plan enables and manages resource based
development, including agriculture, forestry, aggregates and tourism and recreation. In addition,
the County Plan strives to protect and enhance the County's natural and cultural heritage. Lastly,
the County Plan encourages the development of communities with diversified economic functions
and opportunities,
As part of the County Growth Management Strategy, population projections for each municipality
were prepared in 1996, In that year, the Township of Oro-Medonte had a population of about
16,700. The County Official Plan estimates that the population of Oro-Medonte will increase to
about 25,000 people by the year 2016. This is an increase of about 8,500 people from 1996, It
should be noted that these population projections do not take into account the development of
housing for those residing in adult lifestyle communities or those residing in a municipality on a
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
/\
( ~ m!U!!l~M
, ,
~
7
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
part-time basis, The current population of the Township of Oro-Medonte (2002) is estimated to
be close to 19,000, This means that the population of the Township has increased by about
13,7% between 1996 and 2002, It should be noted that the County of Simcoe Official Plan does
not consider the population projections to be targets but rather, as a guide for local municipalities
to consider when preparing Official Plans and considering development applications.
The County Plan contains three relatively straight-forward land use designations, The Settlement
designation applies to existing settlement within the County, The settlement areas of Craighurst,
Edgar, Horseshoe Valley and Sugarbush are identified as settlements by the County Plan on the
Oro Moraine, All uses normally found in a settlement are permitted within this designation,
subject to local Official Plans and Zoning By-laws.
The Greenlands designation applies to extensive amounts of land within the County of Simcoe,
The Greenlands designation includes all areas of Provincial significance plus all areas which are
considered to be significant woodlands, valley lands, fish habitat areas, environmentally sensitive
areas and within major lake, river and creek systems, Much of the forested lands on the Oro
Moraine is within the Greenlands designation, Any development within this designation requires
the submission of an Environmental Impact Study in accordance with the policies of the County
Plan. The County Plan also directs development generally away from Greenlands areas.
However, aggregate extraction, highway commercial uses, institutional uses, agriculturally related
industries, country residential subdivisions of 20 lots or less and country recreational facilities are
permitted in the Greenlands designation by the County Plan,
The Agricultural and Rural designation applies to the majority of the lands in the County of
Simcoe. About 50% of the lands on the Ora Moraine are within this land use designation, The
County Plan makes a distinction between what is permitted on prime agricultural land, as
identified by a local municipality and what is permitted on rural land, Generally, the list of
permitted uses is more extensive on lands which are designated Rural than Agricultural.
The schedules to the Official Plan also identify components of the Greenland system within the
County. Specifically, these schedules identify the wetlands evaluated by the Ministry of Natural
Resources and the Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest that are located on the Oro Moraine,
The schedules also indicate that an open waste disposal site (Site 11) operated by the County of
Simcoe is located on the southern flank of the Oro Moraine adjacent to the Hardwood Hills Cross
Country Ski and Mountain Biking Facility.
The County Plan identifies primary and secondary sand, gravel and bedrock resources and
requires local municipalities to protect such resources so they may be made available to supply
resource needs.
The County Plan requires that applications for new or expanded facilities shall be supported by
an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and shall be subject to conditions that may mitigate
external effects of resource extraction such as dust, noise as well as transportation related
impacts, The County Plan also allows local official plans and zoning by-laws to address additional
matters regarding aggregate extraction and protection of high aggregate potential areas provided
such controls are within the context of provincial legislation and regulation.
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
0'0 Moraine Land Use Plan
P,epared by
(1 !1lRl!!L~M
'-/
8
October 23, 20021 August 2003
I
I
There are a number of policies in the County Official Plan that have direct applicability to the Oro
Moraine Land Use Planning process. These are below:
I
4.5.7.3
Locally significant forested lands, woodlands and woodlots should be
conserved for ecological purposes, particularly where they support
features and functions within the Greenlands designation, and be
appropriately mapped and protected through local municipal official plan
maps and policies.
I
I
4.5.8.1
The disruption and destruction of landscape features such as but not
limited to the Oak Ridges Moraine, Oro Moraine and Niagara Escarpment,
by mass grading and other extensive land alteration activities such as
filling and vegetation removal shall be prevented except for land uses
permitted by this Plan. The ecological functions of landforms shall be
considered through an EIS.
I
I
4.5.8.2
The County requires consideration of the impacts development will have
on landscapes and encourages area municipalities to consider the need for
landform conservation planning.
I
I
The above policies are intended to encourage local municipalities to carry out planning exercises
which identify significant features and protect them from incompatible development. This is the
intent of the Oro Moraine Land Use Planning process, The County Plan also supports landform
conservation planning, which is essentially what has provided the basis for some of the work
completed to date, In addition to the above, Section 4,12.4 of the County Plan, reproduced
below, provides the basis for the work being carried out by the Township on aggregate resources:
I
I
I
"While aggregate resources can be found in many parts of Simcoe County,
a few local municipalities contain concentrations of sand and gravel,
and/or bedrock resources. The simultaneous operation of aggregate
operations in proximity, in particular, can raise issues related to both
municipal servicing and liability for other landowners. For such situations,
Aggregate Resource Management Plans are proposed to deal with
sequential or phased development, rehabilitation plans, conservation of
natural features and functions, especially water quality and quantity, haul
routes, other land features and functions, especially water quality and
quantity, haul routes, other land uses in the vicinity and other relevant
topics. Potential participants in such studies include the Province, the
County, local municipalities, the aggregate industry and interested
landowners. "
I
I
I
Given that much of the resource in the Township of Oro-Medonte is located on the Oro Moraine,
the preparation of an appropriate aggregate resource management plan is key to the land use
planning process on the Oro Moraine, Further details on aggregate resource issues can be found
in a companion document prepared by Meridian dated July 22, 2002,
I
I
In addition to the above, many of the aggregate extraction policies of the County Official Plan
mirror the policies of the Provincial Policy Statement. However, Section 4.4.2 of the County
I
I
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Ora Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
MERIDIAN
",-""NINC<:oNSUU"N1S''''''
9
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Official Plan states that "such areas (aggregate potential areas) shall be protected to allow as
much of the resource as is realistically possible to be made available for use to supply resource
needs, as close to markets as possible, in a balanced manner consistent with the other objectives
and policies of the Plan." On the basis of this policy, it is our opinion that a local municipality can
determine how this balance between providing lands for extraction and maintaining the
environmental objectives of the County Plan can be achieved, Further discussion on the County
Official Plan is contained within a letter to the County of Simcoe from Nick McDonald of Meridian
Planning Consultants dated February 20, 2003 and which is attached to this report as Appendix
1,
3.2 The Township of Oro-Medonte Official Plan
The Township of Oro-Medonte Official Plan was prepared in 1994/1995 following the creation of
the Municipality on January 1s1 1994, The Official Plan was a two year project that involved the
review of all land use designations in the municipality and included an extensive public
consultation process, The end result was a comprehensive land use plan for the entire
municipality, A key component of the Official Plan was the Vision, which was intended to provide
the basis for all of the policies in the Official Plan, The following extract from the Vision provides
some guidance on the development of a land use plan for the Oro Moraine:
"According to the people of Oro-Medonte, the excellent quality of life is what
makes the Township a desirable place to live. This quality of life is created,
in large part, by the rural character of the community, the open
countryside, farmland, extensive wooded areas, Lake Simcoe, Bass Lake
and a number of small settlement areas. Rather than being dominated by
man-made structures and landscaped yards, the Township has an open,
relatively natural and rural character. These are the qualities that, taken
together, contribute to the identity of the community that is of the greatest
importance to the residents.
The Township has a number of significant environmental and
topographical features that contribute to the 'sense of place' felt by many
of the Township's residents. These features include the rolling upland
areas that recharge groundwater to the headwaters of six watersheds, the
vast forest tracts and the healthy wetland areas that support diverse
wildlife communities. These areas, taken together, form parts of a natural
heritage system that extends over a wide area of the Township.
Given that the Oro Moraine serves as the headwaters for a number of river
systems that extend into adjacent municipalities, Council is willing to
cooperate with these adjacent municipalities, the County of Simcoe and the
appropriate agencies on any further analysis of the Ora-Moraine. The
purpose of such an analysis would be to document the importance of the
Oro-Moraine in the wider region."
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Ora Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
()tll~ml~,M
10
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
The Vision also says the following about the Oro Moraine:
I
"The Oro Moraine is the heart of the natural heritage system of Oro-
Medonte. This area has historically been an area of resource competition,
since its topography is attractive for ski resorts, its natural features are
attractive for housing and its mineral aggregate resources are sought after
by the aggregate industry. It is expected that there will continue to be
pressure for development in this area in the future, and it will be the role of
the Official Plan to ensure that any development on this significant natural
feature has due regard for its environmental sensitivity."
I
I
I
With respect to population growth, the Vision notes that the 'Township has historically had one of
the higher population growth rates in the County. This is the result of the increasing
attractiveness of the Township's recreational and rural character and its location next to the
growing Cities of Barrie and Orillia where major urban services and employment opportunities are
available," The Plan predicts that the Township's permanent population will increase by between
8,000 and 10,000 people to 2016, which is consistent with the County Plan, Population growth
resulting from the development of adult lifestyle communities and housing for part-time residents
is not included,
I
I
I
A series of principles that were intended to implement the Vision of the Official Plan were also
prepared, These principles were based on five pillars as described below:
I
I
Pillar #5 -
Protect the Natural Environment
Promote the Proper Conservation and Use of Natural
Resources
Protect the Township's Rural Character
Manage Change to Ensure that it Occurs in an Orderly and
Efficient Manner
Promote Economic Activity that takes Advantage of the
Township's Attributes
Pillar #1 -
Pillar #2 -
I
Pillar #3 -
Pillar #4 -
I
I
The principles that are currently in the Official Plan respecting the Natural Environment are
particularly relevant to the Oro Moraine Land Use Plan as set out below:
I
The protection of significant environmental features and their associated
ecological functions shall take precedence over the development of such lands.
I
. A thorough understanding of the natural environment, including the values,
opportunities, limits and constraints that it provides, shall guide land use decision
making in the Township.
.
Land use planning shall contribute to the protection, maintenance and
enhancement of water and related resources and aquatic ecosystems on an
integrated watershed management basis.
I
I
I
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
/,\
( ~ mJtl!?JA~
,~/
11
October23,2002fAugust2003
I
I
The Oro Moraine is considered to be the heart of the natural heritage system in the
Township. This area requires protection from incompatible activities and uses that
would have a negative impact on the critical natural features and ecological
functions associated with the moraine.
I
I
.
The loss or fragmentation of significant woodland features and the habitats and
ecological functions they provide shall be minimized.
I
Changes to the water quality and hydrological and hydrogeological characteristics
of watercourses, lakes and wetlands are to be minimized and no development will
be permitted that will result in a negative impact to the critical functions and
processes of these features.
I
I
The loss or fragmentation of Provincially significant wetlands and the habitats and
ecological functions they provide shall not be permitted.
I
The following principles on the natural resources of the Township are also relevant to the Ora
Moraine Land Use Plan:
.
Surface and groundwater resources in sufficient quality and quantity shall be
maintained and enhanced, where possible, to meet existing and future needs on a
sustainable basis.
I
I
Land use decisions shall promote water conservation and support the efficient use
of water resources on a watershed and sub-watershed basis.
I
Lands that have the potential of being used for agricuitural purposes shall be
protected from incompatible development to ensure that farming operations can
operate with the maximum degree of flexibility and efficiency.
I
.
Existing mineral aggregate operations, known mineral deposits and areas of high
potential for future resource use shall be protected from incompatible
development. Existing and proposed extractive activities shall be carried out with
minimal environmental and social cost.
I
In addition to the above, the following additional principles are also relevant:
I
The consolidation of residential development in existing settlement areas will be
encouraged in order to protect the character of the rural areas. A very limited
amount of rural residential development, in the form of individual lots for bona-fide
farmers and through the process of infilling, may be permitted.
I
I
.
The development of new residential subdivisions in the rural or agricultural area is
not permitted by the Official Plan.
I
Aggregate extraction areas shall be used in a manner consistent with the rural
character of the area.
I
I
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
MERIDIAN
~<;ONSuLTAN"""C
12
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
On the basis of the Settlement Area and Servicing Strategy of this Plan, higher
forms of servicing, such as municipally owned or communal systems, will be the
preferred means of servicing in Hawkestone, Craighurst, Horseshoe Valley Resort
and within the East Half of Lots 27 and 28, Concession 3 in Shanty Bay.
I
I
.
Scattered rural development by way of Plan of Subdivision is not permitted by this
Plan.
I
.
Development resulting in an increase in economic activity in the Township shall be
encouraged, provided such development does not have a negative impact on the
natural environment, natural resources and rural character of the community.
I
The development of home-based businesses will be strongly encouraged,
provided the proposed use is compatible with adjacent uses.
I
.
The expansion and diversification of existing recreational uses will be encouraged
so that these areas can take advantage of their market potential.
I
.
The expansion, consolidation and development of new agricultural uses will be
encouraged since the agricultural sector greatly contributes to the economy of the
municipality.
I
The protection of the Township's natural attributes, such as its rural character and
its Natural Heritage System, will be encouraged to ensure that the recreational and
tourism uses that rely upon these attributes continue to thrive.
I
I
The above Vision and principles clearly articulate the desire of the Township to protect significant
environmental features while providing for and permitting certain types of economic development
which take advantage of the Township's attributes, location and character.
I
The Plan also contains a settlement and servicing strategy, On the basis of a review of the 13
settlements in the Township, both Hawkestone and the Horseshoe Valley Resort area were
identified as locations where growth will occur, on the basis of full services. Both Warminster and
Sugarbush were identified as settlements where some growth would occur on partial services,
Craighurst was also identified as a growth area because of its location, however, a Secondary
Plan is required by the Official Plan to determine how much growth can occur and how it should
be serviced. Limited development is anticipated in the remaining settlements, On the basis of
the above, the majority of the new residential growth is directed to five settlements, three of which
are on the Oro Moraine,
I
I
I
A series of land use designations that implement the Vision, principles and the settlement and
servicing strategy are included within the Official Plan, A brief summary of the land use
designations that currently apply to the Oro Moraine is below:
I
I
I
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Ora Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
MERIDIAN
~o:>NMJ"''''''C-
13
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Environmental Protection One (EPI)
This designation applies to lands which are considered to be the site of Provincially significant
features such as wetlands and Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest. A number of these areas
are located on or immediately adjacent to the Oro Moraine, No development or site alteration is
permitted within this designation,
Environmental Protection Two (EP2)
This designation applies primarily to the wooded area on the Oro Moraine, The boundaries of
this designation closely follow the boundaries of the Greenland designation in the County of
Simcoe Official Plan. The Oro-Medonte Official Plan states that development within the
Environmental Protection Two designation is discouraged, but development is conditionally
permitted, provided a number of criteria are fulfilled, The EP2 designation functions as an overlay
designation, meaning that uses permitted in the underlying designation are permitted provided
that the policies of the EP2 designation are met.
Mineral Aggregate Resources
This designation applies to lands that are considered to be of primary significance for aggregate
extraction, This area on the Oro Moraine was first identified as an area for potential extraction in
the first Oro Township Official Plan, prepared in 1973. The boundaries of the land use
designation were derived from the Aggregate Resource Inventory Paper (ARIP) published by the
Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, The ARIP provides the basis for much of the
aggregate resource mapping in the Province of Ontario, The establishment of new pits is
permitted in this designation, provided an appropriate Zoning By-law Amendment is applied for,
considered and passed, No license under the Aggregate Resources Act by the Ministry of
Natural Resources can be issued until the implementing Zoning By-law has been passed by
Council.
Agricultural
This designation applies to lands along the southern and eastern flanks of the Oro Moraine,
These lands are either the site of high capability soils or reflect the location of existing farm
operations. Permitted uses are limited in this land use designation and new lot creation is
currently limited to lots for bona fide farmers or for infilling, The Township is currently reviewing
the removal of permissions for lot creation for residential uses within this designation as part of
the Official Plan five year review,
I
I
Rural
I
I
I
This designation applies to the majority of the lands on the Oro Moraine. These lands are not
considered to be highly suitable for agricultural use and therefore have been placed in this land
use designation, Much of the land designated Rural on the Oro Moraine is also subject to the
policies of the EP2 designation as discussed above. The list of permitted uses within this
designation is more extensive in the agricultural designation and many are conditional on the
passing of an implementing Zoning By-law andlor the completion of an Environmental Impact
Study.
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
MERIDIAN
~~IW!',"C
14
Oetobe, 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
Residential Designations on the Oro Moraine
There are a number of residential designations applying to lands within the Oro Moraine. The
Rural Settlement designation applies to the hamlets of Craighurst and Edgar. This designation
permits the development of residential and other supporting uses, The Official Plan identifies
Craighurst as an area where the potential exists for some growth on full municipal or communal
services, Craighurst is discussed later in this report. Edgar is considered to be a small
community with limited capacity for additional growth, according to the Official Plan,
I
I
I
I
I
I
The Country Residential designation applies to existing or planned areas of country residential
development. This area includes the Oro Hills subdivision on Horseshoe Valley Road and the
estate residential area centred on Bidwell Drive and Woodland Crescent in the western portion of
the municipality. The Oro Hills development has been completely built out. However, the area
centred on Bidwell Drive is in the process of being developed.
A number of land use designations associated with the Horseshoe Resort are included within the
Official Plan, These designations all provide for the development of resort, residential, and
recreational uses throughout the development node. Some of this development is to occur on full
sewer and water services, One area of note is the identification of the Horseshoe Valley Village
designation centred on the Horseshoe Valley Road at the entrance to the resort. It is anticipated
that a considerable amount of residential and commercial development will occur in this area on
full municipal services provided an appropriate Comprehensive Development Plan is prepared
and accepted by Council. The Horseshoe Valley Resort area is the largest development area on
the Oro Moraine.
I
I
I
I
The Residential designation applies to two areas that are identified as settlement nodes -
Sugarbush and Buffalo Springs. The Sugarbush area has been developed in phases since the
early 1970's and is currently the site of about 300 dwellings, Originally developed as a
recreational area, the Sugarbush settlement is currently functioning as a permanent residential
community,
The Buffalo Springs area is the site of a Draft Approved 230 unit residential development. The
development will be serviced by municipal water and private septic systems, The development is
unique in that it is proposed to be integrated within components of a Class 1 Provincially
Significant Wetland. The development was approved by the Ontario Municipal Board in 1994,
Groundwater Recharge Overlay
I
I
I
I
I
This designation applies to lands which were considered at the time the Official Plan was
prepared to be the primary recharge area on the Oro Moraine. A number of policies are
contained within the Official Plan that require the preparation of certain studies if deveiopment is
proposed within the recharge area,
Horseshoe Valley Road Corridor Area
This area is located on either side of Horseshoe Valley Road between the hamlet of Craighurst
and Prices Corners, There are special policies within the Official Plan which attempt to control
how development occurs within this corridor area, Specifically, all development within the
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
MERIDIAN
~~""''''N(:
15
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
corridor is directed to existing or planned development nodes. Expansions to any of the
development nodes is only permitted at the time of an Official Plan Review. The creation of new
lots outside of the development nodes by consent is not permitted,
Edgar Centre Special Policy Area
The Edgar Centre Special Policy Area designation applies to lands that were once the site of the
Adult Occupation Centre in Lot 5, Concession 3. The objectives of this designation are to
recognize the existence of a property with a substantial amount of buildings and infrastructure
that is potentially capable of being adapted to a number of uses, Institutional uses, low and
medium density residential uses and an adult lifestyle community are permitted on the property,
Accessory permitted uses include golf courses, swimming pools and multi-use community
centres, It is the intent of the Plan that any development on the site be designed on a
comprehensive basis and be designed to be self-contained, On this basis, a Comprehensive
Development Plan is required before any development can be permitted on the property, This
designation was added into the Official Plan by Official Plan Amendment # 5,
Other Policies
There are also a number of environmental policies in the Plan that apply to the Oro Moraine,
Specifically, these include the requirements for Environmental Impact Studies in Section C and
the preparation of Stormwater Management and Water Resource Management reports, also in
Section C,
I
I
I
I
I
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
/\
(J[1l~ml~,~
16
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
4.0 PROSPECT FOR ADDITIONAL RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE
ORO MORAINE
The intent of this section of the Discussion Paper is to review the nature of existing residential
land uses and comment on the prospects for future residential development on the Oro Moraine.
4.1 Location and Nature of Existing Residential Uses
Given the area's topography and character, the Oro Moraine has been the site of a considerable
amount of residential development. The settlement areas of Craighurst, Horseshoe Valley,
Sugarbush and Edgar are located on the Oro Moraine.
The Craighurst community is primarily a permanent residential community which functions as a
service centre for the surrounding area. Craighurst is the site of about 95 dwellings housing
about 300 people, The northwest corner of the settlement is serviced by a municipal water
system, The entire community is serviced by private septic systems.
The Horseshoe Valley resort node is much larger and is currently the site of about 500 dwellings.
Many of these dwellings were originally occupied on a seasonal basis but many are now being
occupied on a full time basis as the community becomes attractive to retirees and those looking
for locations outside of Barrie to live, while working in the Barrie area, Some of the development
within Horseshoe is serviced by a communal sewage treatment system and municipal water
supply systems, The population of Horseshoe Valley is estimated to be 1,350, In addition to the
residential uses at Horseshoe, there are two timeshare establishments as well, Both of these
timeshare establishments attract a considerable number of tourists into the area,
The Sugarbush settlement is currently the site of about 340 lots, of which the majority are
developed, The Sugarbush settlement node is estimated to have a population of 900 people, All
development within the Sugarbush node is serviced by a municipal water supply system and
private septic systems,
The Hamlet of Edgar is the smallest of the four settlements on the Oro Moraine and is located on
County Road 11 on the southern flank of the Moraine, The hamlet is the site of approximately 50
dwellings and has a population of 135,
In addition to the above, there are two existing Estate Residential areas on the Moraine. One is
located on the western portion of the Moraine and is centred on Bidwell Drive, About 150 lots
have been created in this area on the basis of private services and about 100 have been
developed, The population of this area is currently 270, The second Estate Residential area is
known as the Oro Hills subdivision on County Road 22. This subdivision is located between the
Horseshoe Resort node and the Sugarbush settlement. The Oro Hills subdivision is the site of 22
lots, all of which have been developed.
There are also a number of dwellings located on rural residential lots on the Oro Moraine, Some
are located on larger lots, but the majority are located on smaller lots that have been severed
from an original Township lot. It is difficult to determine how many rural dwellings are located on
the Oro Moraine. However, it is estimated that there are about 350 such dwellings.
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
0'0 Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
(1 t1lR1!ll~,M
\ \
..,/
17
October 23, 2002lAugust 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
The number of people residing on the Oro Moraine is estimated to be 3,960, This population is
broken down as described below:
LOCA nON POPULATION
Craiohurst 300
Horseshoe 1,350
Suaarbush 900
Edaar 135
Estate Residential 330
Rural 945
TOTAL 3,960
4.2 Prospect for Future Residential Growth
At the present time the Township of Oro-Medonte has a permanent population of about 19,000
people, About 20% of this amount resides on the Oro Moraine, The remainder is located in
shoreline areas, the rural area or in some of the other settlement areas in the Municipality,
There are two major factors affecting future growth and development in the Township of Oro-
Medonte, The first factor is related to the growth of the City of Barrie, At the present time, the
City of Barrie has a population of about 115,000 people, It is expected to grow to about 130,000
to 140,000 people by 2020. As the City of Barrie continues to grow, there will be increased
demands to develop housing in the surrounding rural areas. This housing will be sought after by
those working in Barrie and looking for a rural lifestyle, The recent success of the estate
subdivisions in the vicinity of Bidwell Drive and the success of the newer developments in
Horseshoe Valley and Sugarbush are indicators of this trend.
The second factor affecting growth and development in Oro-Medonte generally is the aging of the
baby boom generation and their impending retirement. Many retired people are attracted to Oro-
Medonte because of its excellent rural lifestyle and quality of life. As the baby boom continues to
age, it is our opinion that there will be more demand for this type of housing in Oro-Medonte in
the future,
I
I
I
I
I
At the present time, the leading edge of the baby boom is 55 and many are predicting that a
certain segment of this age group will be attracted to rural areas and planned adult lifestyle
communities, At the present time, many of the rural areas surrounding the Greater Toronto Area
(GT A) and other urban centres in southern Ontario are becomingly increasingly attractive to those
people of retirement age, In addition, many of the traditional cottaging areas, particularly to the
north of the GTA (along Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay) are being transformed into permanent
residential communities, Up to 50% of the permanent population growth in recent years in some
municipalities in this area has simply occurred as a result of homeowners deciding to live in their
cottages full time,
It is our opinion that Oro-Medonte, as a result of its character and location, will become attractive
to retirees, It should be noted that the market for adult lifestyle development is finite, as the baby
boom ages, While there are a considerable number of people in this prime retirement age now,
that number will dwindle in the future. This means that many of these planned communities will
Discussion Paper
Framework fo, the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
MERIDIAN
I'lANNIN<iCON<\JlfAN'.\lNC
18
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
evolve over time into primarily permanent residential communities, This evolution will have an
impact on the services that are required for such development.
At the present time, there are a number of approvals in place for planned development on the Oro
Moraine, Below is a brief description of these approvals,
4.2.1 Craighurst
In late 1999, Council recognizing the development potential of Craighurst, and on the basis of
existing Official Plan policy, initiated a Secondary Plan study of the community, The existing
Official Plan directs new growth to the Craighurst community since it is:
. Centred on the intersection of two major highways;
. Located adjacent to Highway 400; and
. Located at the gateway to a major recreational area centred on the Horseshoe Valley
Resort.
The Official Plan requires that a Secondary Plan be prepared before any development occurs in
Craighurst. A number of consultants, under the direction of Meridian Planning Consultants, were
retained to carry out various components of the technical work required to support the preparation
of the Secondary Plan, On November 6, 2001 a draft development options report established a
number of development options for public review and consideration, The report indicated that
"given the tack of municipal services, the establishment of development options in Craighurst is
very much dependanl on the type and cost of municipal servicing." The report also indicated that
"the type of servicing selected must have regard to the servicing hierarchy that is set out in both
the Provincial Policy Statement and the County of Simcoe Official Plan." Both of these
documents indicate that the preferred means of servicing settlement areas is by full municipal
water and sewage treatment systems,
From a planning perspective, it is more preferable to encourage the development of compact
communities on full municipal services. If communities are developed in this manner, the amount
of land required to house expected population growth is much less than if the lands were on
private services, Requiring less land means that more land can be retained in its natural state,
As one of the goals of the Oro-Medonte Official Plan is to protect the character of rural areas, this
character is best protected by consolidating development in a compact community,
I
I
I
I
I
On the basis of the above, two design options were prepared for consideration, The first option
described how the community could be developed on partial or private services, A typical lot in
this scenario would have a frontage of 30 metres and a depth of 70 metres, On the basis of the
development of this size of lot, a total of 240 lots could be developed within the undeveloped
portions of the community, The second development scenario assumed that development would
occur on full municipal services. A typical lot would have a frontage of about 18 metres and a
depth of 36 metres, A total of about 700 lots could be developed within the community if this
option was selected.
The development options report then reviewed three possible options for Craighurst. These
options include:
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
P,epared by
19
October 23, 2002JAugust 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
. No growth;
. Limited growth on the basis of private/partial services; and,
. Moderate growth on the basis of full municipal services,
On the basis of a detailed assessment of the options, it was our opinion at the time that the
development of the Craighurst community should occur on the basis of full municipal services,
We believed that this option represented good planning since it would allow for the development
of a relatively compact community that recognized the character of existing development in the
area.
Following the initiation of the Secondary Plan Study for Craighurst, the Oro Moraine Study was
initiated, Given that Craighurst is on the Oro Moraine, Council was of the view at the time that no
decisions on Craighurst should be made until the Oro Moraine Land Use Study was completed,
On this basis, the Secondary Plan has been effectively put on hold, pending the outcome of this
study,
4.2.2 Buffalo Springs
At the present time, approvals are in place to develop a 230 lot residential Plan of Subdivision on
a property known as Buffalo Springs in Concession 9, These lands were designated, zoned and
Draft Approved for development by the Ontario Municipal Board in 1994, Given that the Plan of
Subdivision was Draft Approved at a time when the Planning Act did not provide for the lapsing of
subdivisions, the Draft Plan Approval continues to exist to this day,
It is our understanding that no work to clear any of the Draft Conditions has been carried out by
the applicant. One of the major conditions was the initiation and completion of a two year
monitoring program to establish base information on the natural heritage features in the area.
This work has yet to be initiated, The Buffalo Springs development will be integrated into a Class
1 Provincially Significant wetland.
4.2.3 Edgar Special Policy Area
Official Plan approvals are also currently in place to facilitate the redevelopment of the Adult
Occupation Centre located north of Edgar. A wide range of residential uses in a planned
community setting are conditionally permitted on the site, However, the lands continue to be
owned by the Ontario Realty Corporation and it is difficult to determine whether the lands will be
sold and what the new use will be, If residential/institutional development does occur, it will have
to be accommodated by the existing servicing systems, which are rated to service about 600
people,
4.2.4 Sugarbush Settlement
The Sugarbush settlement area is proposed to be expanded to the east on two properties, which
are the site of Draft Approved Plans of Subdivision, As with Buffalo Springs, the two properties
were designated, Draft Approved and zoned by the Ontario Municipal Board in 1994. A total of
137 lots in the southern parcel and 83 lots in the northern parcel are proposed.
Discussion Paper
F,amework for the
Ora Moraine Land Use Pian
Prepared by
MERIDIAN
............."CON$!Jtr.......,..,""
20
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Both of the property owners are working to clear conditions Draft Plan Approval and the southern
parcel is currently being marketed to those looking for lots in the rural area. Each of these lots
will be roughly 0,2 hectares in size and be serviced by a communal water system and private
septic systems. The development of the two subdivisions will facilitate the reconstruction of the
6th Line/Horseshoe Valley Road intersection, which is needed, The development will also allow
for the creation of a second access into the development area from the 7'h Line,
4.2.5 Horseshoe Resort
A significant amount of additional development is proposed within the Horseshoe Resort area.
Approximately 600 lots are in the process of being developed and there are approximately 150
existing vacant lots, In addition to the low-density residential uses, an additional 1,000 medium
density units are proposed. However, many of these units may be developed as commercial
timeshare establishments, The timing of the development of these additional uses is dependent
on market forces, the timing of improvements to Horseshoe Valley Road and agreements on
servicing,
4.2.6 Estate Residential
The Bidwell Drive estate residential area is currently the site of about 120 vacant and draft
approved lots that are in the process of being sold and developed, In addition, there is a 30 lot
Draft Approved Estate Residential Subdivision located in lot 10, Concession 10 at the intersection
of the 9th Line/County Road 11,
4.3 Summary
On the basis of the above, below is a summary of proposed residential development on the Oro
Moraine:
LOCATION NEW UNITS NEW POPULATION
Horseshoe Resort 750 2.025
Estate Residential 150 405
Suoarbush 270 729
Buffalo SDrinos 230 621
Craiohurst 350 945
TOTAL 1,750 4,725
As the table indicates approximately 1,750 new dwellings could be constructed on the Oro
Moraine, Based on a household size of 2,7, this would translate into a population increase of
4,725 people. These figures do not include the Edgar Special Policy Area, since its development
is not certain. More discussion on the Special Policy Area is found later in this report. The
numbers above do not also include the medium density residential uses proposed at Horseshoe
Resort or the development of vacant lots in the rural area,
The timing and build out of these additional developments is undetermined, however it is our
opinion that the lands in the Bidwell Drive estate residential area will be developed in the short
term (in less than five years). The current developers of the 600-unit development at Horseshoe
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
/"..-'\
( I tlt~mL~,~
, '
'-/
21
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Resort are also actively pursuing the development of the property and three model homes have
recently been constructed on the site.
The developers of the two subdivisions in Sugarbush have also been working diligently to clear
conditions of Draft Plan Approval and it is anticipated that at least one of these subdivisions will
be potentially registered within the next year. Notwithstanding the progress of these other
developments, the owners of the Buffalo Springs Development have not undertaken to begin
work on clearing any of the Draft Conditions applying to the property that were established by the
Ontario Municipal Board in 1994, It is unknown whether this work will be initiated any time soon,
The timing of any development in Craighurst is dependent on Council acceptance of a Secondary
Plan for the community,
As noted previously in the report, the 1996 Official Plan anticipates a permanent population
increase of between 8,500 and 10,000 to between 25,000 and 27,500 people by 2016, With the
permanent population now almost 19,000 in 2002, this means that the population of the Township
is expected to increase by an additional 6,200 to 7,700 people in the next 14 years, at least
according to the 1996 Official Plan.
In the last six years, 735 new single detached dwellings have been constructed in the Township,
This translates into an average of 122 per year. The highest total was in 1999 with 151, with the
next highest being 2000 with 147, The number dropped to 130 in 2001. Given the renewed
interest in development in both Horseshoe and Sugarbush and the success of development in the
Bidwell Drive and Craighurst areas, we anticipate there being an increase in the rate of
development occurring in already approved developments on the Oro Moraine, In addition, we
have noted a renewed interest in development in the southern portion of the Township as well,
within the shoreline area and the already approved estate developments to the north of Highway
11, This renewed interest is primarily a result of increased population growth in Barrie,
The table below shows how much development could occur in the Township by category:
Vacant Lots Draft Proposed TOTAL
Approved
Hamlets 220 104 900' 1224
Shoreline 60 0 330" 390
Estate Residential 135 47 0 182
Rural area 485 0 0 485
HorseshoeValley Rd, 260 1000 220*** 1481
TOTAL 1160 1151 1450 3762
.
This amount includes 300 lots in Hawkestone and 350 in Craighurst - which are both
currently the subject of a Secondary Plan,
.. Includes the recently approved in principle UCCI development
... Does not include the proposed medium density development in Horseshoe resort (1,000
units)
On the basis of the above, the potential exists for 3,762 new dwelling units to be constructed in
the Township. Almost 50% of these units could be located on the Oro Moraine,
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Ora Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
22
October 23, 2002lAugust 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
As noted previously, it was initially estimated in the 1996 Official Plan that between 8,500 and
10,000 people would be attracted to Oro-Medonte in the 20-year period beginning in 1996, The
anticipated population in existing and proposed developments over a twenty year period would be
consistent with past estimates, if the twenty year planning period began in 2002,
It should be noted that the Official Plan currently does not permit the establishment of new Estate
Residential subdivisions in the rural area of the Township, This means that prospects for
additional estate development on the Oro Moraine are limited to those areas that have already
been approved for such development
Discussion Paper
Framewo,k for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
P,epared by
23
October23,2002fAugust2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
5.0 PROSPECTS FOR OTHER DEVELOPMENT ON THE ORO MORAINE
The intent of this section of the Discussion Paper is to review the nature of existing uses and
comment on their future development on the Oro Moraine, These uses include recreational,
aggregate extraction and agriculture and forestry.
5.1 Recreational
At the present time, the Oro Moraine is the site of a number of major recreational uses, These
include the Horseshoe Resort ski facility and the Hardwood Hills Cross Country and Mountain
Bike Centre. Both of these facilities are recognized across the Province as destination type
facilities. Within the Horseshoe Resort Area, there is also a 27 hole golf course, Another golf
course is located at the 11 th Line/Horseshoe Valley Road intersection,
Horseshoe Resort has plans to complement their facility by adding:
. Up to 840 timeshare units:
. 600 additional hotel rooms;
. 25 room training facility:
. 9,290 m2 of commercial-retail floor space in a village setting;
. 10 additional kilometers of Nordic skiing;
. 16 additional skiing and snowboarding runs;
. a snow tubing park; and,
. 27 additional golf holes,
The type and scale of development anticipated in the Horseshoe Valley Village area is unknown,
however there has been discussion on modeling such a village on the villages that were
established at the base of Mont Tremblant and the one that is currently being developed at the
base of Blue Mountain by Intrawest. Much of the development at Horseshoe has been approved
in principle by the 1996 Official Plan.
In addition to the above, the Hardwood Hills Cross Country and Mountain Bike Centre is
continuously improving its facility and is planning to develop a 25 unit accommodation facility on
the lands to complement their facility, The 1996 Official Plan encourages the development of
accommodation facilities to complement recreational uses in the Township.
With respect to golf courses, an application to establish an additional 18 hole golf course on the
Oro Moraine has been adopted by the Township, but appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board,
This golf course, known as Settlers Ghost, will be located on the north-side of Horseshoe Valley
Road in Concession 2, A second golf course has been approved, at least in principle through the
Zoning By-law, for lands located within Lot 9 Concession 9 between the 8th and 9th Line, These
lands are currently zoned for a golf course, however it is unknown whether such a course will be
developed on the site,
it is anticipated that there will be a significant demand to develop new golf courses in the rural
area surrounding Barrie in the future. It has been suggested in previous studies that the average
golfer will travel 30 to 35 minutes to play golf. Given the proximity of the Oro Moraine to the
Barrie and Orillia urban areas, it is understandable that the area is an ideal location for the siting
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
24
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
of golf courses, Golf courses require up to 80 hectares for a single 18 hole golf course. Well
drained, fertile, gently rolling hills are the most desirable for new golf facilities.
At the present time, the Township requires proponents of new golf courses to apply for an
Amendment to the Official Plan to place the lands within the Major Recreation designation, A
number of detailed criteria need to be fulfilled before a golf course can be permitted, It is our
opinion that in every case, golf course proponents can show that there is a need for new golf
courses in the municipality, Given their land extensive nature, the determination of whether
additional golf courses are desirable on the Oro Moraine will be an outcome of this study,
5.2 Aggregate Extraction
Given the geological history of the Oro Moraine, the Moraine is the site of the majority of the
gravel pits in the Township of Oro Medonte. At the present time, there are eleven landowners
with licenses to extract aggregate from the Oro Moraine. One of these landowners is the
Township of Oro-Medonte, An additional two have yet to initiate the development of their pits,
However, they do currently hold licenses to extract. The open gravel pits are concentrated on the
7'", 9t" and 13'" Lines,
About 575 hectares of land are currently licensed for extraction on the Oro Moraine, An
additional 1,125 hectares is designated in the Official Plan for extraction on the Oro Moraine, This
area has been identified as a potential extraction area since 1973, when the first Township of Oro
Official Plan was prepared, At that time, the mapping of this area was provided to the
municipality by the Province.
License holders in the Township of Oro-Medonte have the ability to extract just under 8 million
tonnes of aggregate per year from gravel pits in the Township, License holders on the Ora
Moraine have an ability to extract 6,1 million tonnes per year, or 77% of the total licensed amount
in the Township, In recent years, extraction has averaged about two million tonnes per year. A
considerable amount of information on aggregate extraction in Oro-Medonte is found in a
companion report prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants dated July 2002,
Section 2,2,3 of the Provincial Policy Statement sets out the Provincial Policy framework for
mineral aggregate extraction, Section 2,2,3 is reproduced below:
"2.2.3 MINERAL AGGREGA rES
2.2.3.1
As much of mineral aggregate resources as is realistically possible will be
made available to supply mineral resource needs, as close to markets as
possible.
2.2.3.2
Mineral aggregate operations will be protected from activities that would
preclude or hinder their expansion or continued use or which would be
incompatible for reasons of public health, public safety or environmental
impact. Existing mineral aggregate operations will be permitted to
continue without the need for official plan amendment, rezoning or
development permit under the Planning Act.
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Pian
Prepared by
25
October 23, 2002/August 2003
It is clear that the Province considers aggregate to be a Provincial resource that should be
available for extraction as required, provided ali of the appropriate criteria are met. However, the
Province is also of the view that development, such as aggregate extraction, in significant
environmental areas should not occur, if the development will have a negative impact on the
feature or the function for which it is identified, In this regard, the PPS also contains policies
aimed at protecting Natural Heritage Features and Areas, Section 2,3.1 sets out the foliowing
policies with respect to this issue:
I
I
2.2.3.3
I
I
I
2.2.3.4
I
I
I
2.2.3.5
I
2.2.3.6
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
In areas adjacent to or in known deposits of mineral aggregates,
development which would preclude or hinder the establishment of new
operations or access to the resources will only be permitted if:
a)
b)
resource use would not be feasible; or
the proposed land uses or development serves a greater long term
public interest; and,
issues of public health, public safety and environmental impact are
addressed.
c)
Wayside pits and quarries and portable asphalt plants used on public
authority contracts will be permitted, without the need for official plan
amendment, rezoning, or development permit under the Planning Act in all
areas, except those areas of existing development or particular
environmental sensitivity which have been determined to be incompatible
with extraction and associated activities.
Progressive rehabilitation to accommodate subsequent land uses will be
required.
In prime agricultural areas, on prime agricultural land, extraction of mineral
aggregates is permitted as an interim use provided that rehabilitation of the
site will be carried out whereby substantially the same areas and same
average soil quality for agriculture are restored.
On these prime agricultural lands, complete agricultural rehabilitation is
not required if:
a) there is a substantial quantity of mineral aggregates below the
water table warranting extraction; or
b) the depth of planned extraction in a quarry makes restoration of
pre-extraction agricultural capability unfeasible; and
c)
other alternatives have been considered by the applicant and found
unsuitable; and
d)
agricultural rehabilitation in remaining areas will be maximized."
I
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
I
()r1l~illl~M
26
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
"2.3.1 Natural heritage features and areas will be protected from
incompatible development.
a) Development and site alteration will not be permitted in:
Significant wetlands south and east of the Canadian Shield; and
. Significant portions of the habitat of endangered and threatened
species.
b) Development and site alteration may be permitted in:
Fish habitat;
Significant wetlands in the Canadian Shield;
. Significant woodlands south and east of the Canadian Shield;
Significant valleylands south and east of the Canadian Shield;
S~niffcantwildnrehabHa~an~
Significant areas of natural and scientific interest,
If it has been demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts on the
natural features or the ecological functions for which it is identified."
In the case of Oro-Medonte, much of the resource is located on the Oro Moraine, which many
consider to be environmentally significant. It is our opinion that one of the roles of a municipality
is to provide guidance to both the aggregate industry and landowners on where extraction
activities can occur having regard for the location of the environmentally significant features listed
in the PPS, It is our opinion that these same policies should provide some guidance on what
takes precedence, An example of such a policy is within the Township of Tiny Official Plan,
which was approved by the Ontario Municipal Board in August 2001. This policy is reproduced
below:
"B14.6 RELA TIONSHIP BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TWO
AND MINERAL AGGREGA TE RESOURCES TWO o VERLA Y DESIGNA TIONS
I
Some of the lands designated Mineral Aggregate Resources Two are also
designated Environmental Protection Two. As stated in Section B2.5
(Conditions under which Development May Occur), new development within
the Environmental Protection Two designation is generally discouraged by
this Plan, given that one of the underlying philosophies of this Plan is that
the protection of the environment shall take precedence over the
development of these same lands."
I
I
I
I
I
It is our opinion that it is one of the intents of the Aggregate Resource Management Plan to
confirm where extraction can and should not occur. We believe that the most appropriate
approach to this exercise is to review the issue on the basis of a constraints analysis that is tied
to a land use planning philosophy of the Oro Moraine, This is discussed later in this report.
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
MERIDIAN
~o>N<V!J''''''n'NC
27
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
As noted in the Discussion Paper on aggregate resources dated July 22, 2002, the estimated
amount of sand and gravel resources in the Township ranges from 251 million to 2,15 billion
tonnes. Much of this resource is concentrated on the Oro Moraine,
At the present time much of the aggregate extracted in Oro-Medonte is used in Barrie, which has
recently required about 1.2 million tonnes per year to fuel construction, As the City continues to
grow, so will demands for aggregate, In addition, it was estimated in 1998 that about 4 million
tonnes of aggregate from Simcoe County was shipped to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). As
supplies become constrained in the GTA, there will be increasing demands for aggregate from
outside the GTA,
Lastly, it is also anticipated that significant amounts of aggregate will be required for new highway
construction projects in the area, These include the Bradford by-pass, the 400 expansion and
bridge replacement project, the Highway 11 widening between Barrie and Severn Bridge and the
extension of Highway 427,
On the basis of the above, it is anticipated that there will be a sustained demand for aggregate
from Oro-Medonte for the foreseeable future,
5.3 Other Land Uses
I
I
I
In addition to the uses described above, other uses such as agriculture and forestry also occur on
the Oro Moraine, At the present time, about 34% of the Oro Moraine is the site of agricultural
activity, Much of this activity is located on the eastern and southern flanks of the Moraine. In
addition, there are pockets of agricultural uses spread throughout the Moraine area as well. On
the basis of a review of many of these agricultural operations and activities, it appears as if the
agricultural sector of the economy in this area is relatively healthy.
The continuation of Oro-Medonte's agricultural industry is challenged by two distinct forces, First,
it is challenged by urbanization and the conversion of agricultural lands for non-agricultural land
uses, Secondly, the continued operation of the industry is challenged by underlying structural
and market forces affecting the agricultural industry, including increasing land and capital costs
and decreasing or stagnant commodity prices,
I
Although the land surrounding the Barrie area is considered to be some of the best farm land in
the County. It is also valuable and increasingly sought after by developers of non-agricultural
rural development that caters specifically to urban areas, These uses include golf courses,
contractors yards and other recreational uses, These land uses are attracted to the agricultural
area because of cheaper land and their proximity to the urban area.
I
I
I
I
I
Notwithstanding the above, it is our view that farming will continue to be a viable land use on the
Oro Moraine, particularly where the lands are relatively flat and well drained. It should be noted
that at one time, much of the Oro Moraine was cleared for farming but it was quickly determined
that the soil conditions over some of the more undulating parts of the Moraine were not conducive
for farming, On this basis, a number of areas were replanted with trees to ensure that erosion did
not occur in these areas,
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
(J!lliU!lL~N
28
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Forestry is also a common activity on the Oro Moraine, The County of Simcoe owns a number of
properties on the Moraine in which forestry activities presently occur. In addition, there are a
number of private property owners who conduct forestry operations from time to time, At the
present time, the cutting of trees in the Township and in any other Municipality in the County of
Simcoe is regulated under a By-law of the County of Simcoe pursuant to the Trees Act.
According to the County By-law, anyone wishing to clear areas of land for forestry purposes is
required to obtain permission from the County, This does not occur in all cases, In addition, the
County's By-law permits landowners to cut trees for their own personal use, and this has been
interpreted widely in the past. The Township of Oro-Medonte does not have any ability to control
tree cutting at the present time,
A number of people have indicated through the public open house process that the Township
should consider passing some type of By-law that would regulate the cutting of trees, particularly
in the Oro Moraine area, The Municipality has an ability to pass such a By.law under the
Municipal Act which allows such By-laws to be passed by Municipalities with a population of over
10,000 people, The Municipal Act permits such a By-law to set out exactly what trees are
allowed to be cut and under what conditions and also permits Municipalities to require the
submission of applications for consideration. If such an application is refused or modified by
Council, the applicant has the ability to appeal that decision to the Ontario Municipal Board. Not
many rural Municipalities have passed such By-laws, particularly since resources at the Municipal
level are required to both assess applications and enforce the By-law, On the basis of the above,
it is suggested that the Township work with the County to determine how the enforcement and
provisions of the County By-law can be improved,
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Ora Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
29
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
6.0 DEVELOPING A NATURAL HERITAGE FRAMEWORK
As part of the work program, Azimuth Environmental developed a methodology for assigning
significance from a natural heritage perspective to landscape units on the Oro Moraine,
According to the Azimuth Report, "significance in landscape planning implies that the designated
unit possesses features and functions of a natural environment worthy of preservation from a
scientific perspective". The Azimuth report further states that "the ultimate goal of the proposed
methodology is, therefore, to provide a means to rank or prioritize these landscaped units on the
basis of their ecological contribution to the Oro Moraine landform."
The work completed by Azimuth Environmental is based on the principles contained in the
Natural Heritage Training Manual for Policy 2,3 of the Provincial Policy Statement. This manual
provides guidelines for evaluating significant woodlands, valley lands, animal movement
corridors, wildlife habitat and the habitat for species of conservation concern. Further details on
Azimuth's methodology are found in their report dated September 2002,
The use of the term 'significant' is key to developing a Natural Heritage Strategy for the Oro
Moraine, Significant is defined by the Provincial Policy Statement as follows:
"In regard to wetlands and Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest and areas
identified as Provincially significant by the Ministry of Natural Resources
using evaluation procedures established by the Province, as amended from
time to time, and in regard to other features and areas in policy 2.3,
ecologically important areas in terms of features, functions, representation
or amount and contributing to the quality and diversity as an identifiable
geographic area or natural heritage system."
I
I
I
The criteria for determining significance may be recommended by the Province but municipal
approaches that achieve the same objectives may also be used and have been supported
historically by the Ministry of Natural Resources,
In the case of Oro-Medonte, the intent of this process is to identify lands that are considered to be
significant from an ecological perspective. Once lands are considered to be significant, options
for development are reduced since most types of development will potentially have an impact on
the features and functions that contributed to the area's identification as being significant.
I
I
I
I
I
I
On the basis of a review of the Oro Moraine, Azimuth Environmental divided the Moraine into 340
areas and each were scored on the basis of 13 different criteria, Details of the scoring and the
criteria themselves are contained within the Azimuth Environmental report,
As part of their review of land uses on the Moraine it was determined that about 34% of the land
area on the Moraine is actively used for agricultural purposes. About 60% of the Oro Moraine is
forested, with 40% being natural forest area and the rest being either managed forest, conifer
plantations, reforestation, wetland or successional forest. The remainder of the Moraine is used
for aggregate extraction purposes, rural residential purposes and recreational purposes.
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
30
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Much of the agricultural area as discussed previously is located on the southern and eastern
flanks of the Oro Moraine, with pockets of agriculture occurring on the northern flank of the
Moraine as well. Much of the forest area is located in the centre of the Moraine with a large forest
area being located on the north-west flank associated with the Copeland Forest.'
In terms of scoring, larger areas of forest cover contributed to higher scores, Similarly, higher
community diversity, multiple habitats, the presence of interior forest, the presence of older
forests and the presence of riparian/headwaters features contributed to higher scores where
appropriate,
The scoring system is numerically based and is out of 140, Azimuth determined that a cut-off of
30 includes areas with at least one significant factor. A cut-off of 50 represents two or more
significant factors and a cut-off of 70 includes areas with significant rankings in multiple factors. It
was determined that about 50% of the Oro Moraine scored greater than 30. This translates into
about 85% of the forested area of the Moraine, Much of the land that scored greater than 30 is
located within the centre of the Moraine and along the northern flank. Mapping showing the
scoring of each of the areas on the Oro Moraine is contained within the Azimuth Environmental
report,
I
I
I
On the basis of the existing vision and principles in the Official Plan, it is our opinion that it is
currently the intent of the Municipality to protect as much of the Oro Moraine as possible from
development for natural heritage and character reasons. If this Vision is confirmed as part of the
Oro Moraine land use planning process, it would then be our opinion that any land area with a
score of greater than 30 should be deemed significant for the purposes of long range planning on
the Oro Moraine. Areas that were deemed 'significant' in this manner would be classified as
Natural Core Areas or EPI by the Official Plan Amendment. Notwithstanding this preliminary
recommendation, the establishment of appropriate extraction areas in the Natural Core Area on
the 7'h Line and in other areas will be reviewed in the context of the Aggregate Resources
Management Plan and the Oro Moraine planning process.
I
The selection of a cut-off of 30 for planning purposes will have impacts on where development
can be located in the future on the Oro Moraine. For example, there is a long narrow band of
land identified as having potential for aggregate extraction that extends through the centre of the
Natural Core Area in the centre of the Oro Moraine, If a score of 30 was selected as the cut-off,
then these lands would no longer be considered suitable by the Municipality for aggregate
extraction, As lands designated for aggregate extraction located in the vicinity of the 12'h, 13'h,
14th, and 15'h Lines is not within the Natural Core Area, extraction could theoretically occur in
those areas without having a major impact on the natural heritage features and functions of the
Oro Moraine, However, there are other issues, relating to community impacts, which must be
taken into account in approving any additional gravel pits in that area,
I
I
I
I
I
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepa,ed by
t!lR1!!l~~
31
October23,2002lAugust2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
7.0 GROUNDWATER ON THE ORO MORAINE
On the basis of the importance of the Oro Moraine in the Township's natural heritage system,
Council decided in July 1999 to authorize Azimuth Environmental Consulting and Meridian
Planning Consultants (formerly The Planning Partnership) to prepare a Terms of Reference to
review groundwater related issues in the Oro Moraine, Given that the recharge function of the
Moraine is key to the health of the natural heritage system of the Township, it was felt that a
review of the current groundwater recharge situation and an understanding of the possible
impacts of new development on that function was required,
The intent of the study was to develop and maintain a database of information that would assist
the Ministry of the Environment in their assessment of Permits to Take Water (PTTW), This
information was also intended to assist Council and staff in their assessment of development
applications on the Oro Moraine, The goals of the Groundwater Study were to:
. Identify the areas that should be protected from certain types of development;
. describe the potential impacts of various land uses on the ground water recharge function
of the area;
. develop a series of criteria that should be used in evaluating land uses that involve water
taking;
. evaluate the appropriateness of the policies in the existing Official Plan that deal with
groundwater protection; and,
. consider the establishment of zoning restrictions in certain areas pursuant to the Planning
Act.
The Groundwater Study prepared by Azimuth Environmental and dated February 2001 contains a
significant amount of information on the health of the Oro Moraine. The report also contains a
detailed description of the history of the Moraine and its geology and hydrogeology, The report
also identifies what the existing water budget is, the amount of water taken by each type of use
and comments on the impact of current use and future water use on the water budget.
In addition, the report reviews the potential impacts of contamination created/generated by
various types of uses on the Oro Moraine, Lastly, the report makes a number of
recommendations on how the planning process can be modified/improved to ensure that the
impacts of new development on the water budget are clearly understood, In addition,
recommendations on how the groundwater recharge function of the Oro Moraine should be
monitored over time are made,
Below are the main findings contained within the February 2001 report.
a) The Oro Moraine is the central geological feature that controls the hydrogeological
functions of the surrounding eco-systems,
b) Moraine soils are not deposited in a uniform manner across a large area in contrast to
lake bottom sediment. This means that the soil layers are not expected to be uniform in
composition or thickness and that they are not laterally continuous for long distances,
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
32
October 23, 2002lAugust 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
c) Three main aquifer units and a smaller, lesser extensive upper aquifer are recognized to
occur within the Oro Moraine. The upper and intermediate aquifers are components of
the Moraine and consist of mixed sand and gravel. The two deeper aquifers are part of
the Alliston complex, Because it was formed by different processes, the deep aquifer has
greater continuity and extends to the east as far as Lake Couchiching and the west to
Barrie,
d) The Moraine itself has few surface water courses, indicating that the majority of
precipitation infiltrates into the ground on the top of the Moraine.
e) The main infiltration and discharge areas are the most sensitive to development, since
changes in their function can have a significant impact on the recharge characteristics or
on downstream aquatic habitat.
f) The two sensitive components of the water cycle are groundwater discharge into lower
order streams and infiltration of water to the groundwater. Protection of lower order
streams maintains stream habitat and coldwater input. Protection of the infiltration
function ensures that long term groundwater supplies are ensured,
g) The average annual precipitation on the Oro Moraine is 976mm, of which approximately
293mm runs off mainly as snow melt and evapotransporation accounts for the remaining
506mm. The remaining 175mm is available for infiltration each year, meaning that 19,5
million m3 of groundwater is created each year within the recharge area of the Moraine,
h) The deep aquifer is also recharged in areas north and south of the Moraine across the
rest of the Township so that infiltration to all aquifers in the vicinity of the Moraine is
estimated to be 35 million m3 per year.
i) In terms of water use, it is estimated that 1.7 million m3 of water is used per year on the
Oro Moraine, In comparison, the City of Barrie uses approximately 13 million m3 of water
each year, which is approximately 8 times the use on the Moraine,
j) Approximately 97% of the total water use on the Oro Moraine is used by the users who
have 17 Permits to Take Water (PTTW) from the Ministry of the Environment (MOE),
k) Non-residential water users account 60,7% of the total use, Below is a summary of the
types of uses that use the 97% of the water used on the Moraine,
Agriculture
Bulk water sales (at full capacity)
Recreation
Aggregate
Municipal/residential
4.9%
7.5%
22,1%
26.3%
36,3%
I
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
MERIDIAN
"^"""",,,~"""'NC
33
October23,2002lAugust2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I) At the present rate of use, the existing water uses have a limited impact on the long-term
health of the water cycle, At the present time, approximately 6,7% of the yearly
infiltration is returned to the water cycle, Approximately 1.9% of the yearly infiltration on
the Moraine is used and removed from the water cycle, causing a relative depletion of the
down-gradient availability of other users and habitat.
m) The Coldwater River watershed receives the greatest use since 17.8% of the annual
infiltration is being used, of which 4,9% is not returned to the water cycle.
n) No substantial impacts on the water cycle have been noted or are being considered by
Provincial regulators. At the present time, the groundwater and serviced water systems
do not show impacts attributable to the use of groundwater. The general health of
wetlands and local streams is good and habitat is not in decline,
0) In terms of future water use, it is estimated that additional housing on the Oro Moraine
(most of which is already approved) would likely consume an additional 275,000 m3 of
water each year, probably from the intermediate or deep aquifers, Expansion of the ski
resort will likely require an additional 60,000 to 120,000 m3 of water each year.
p) If this new development was to occur, the water use on the Moraine would increase from
8,6% of the yearly infiltration to 10,7% of the yearly infiltration, The degree of proposed
development is not likely to cause a significant problem because the incremental
increase in use is fairly small.
On the basis of our review of the information contained within the February 2001 report, it is our
opinion that the Oro Moraine is very healthy from a water budget perspective, While about 8.7%
of the infiltration is currently used by users on the Moraine, this amount is relatively small,
Given that the Moraine is for the most part undeveloped, it is clear that historical planning
practices that restricted new development on the Moraine have had a positive impact on the Oro
Moraine's continued good health, However, it is our opinion that while the Moraine is currently
healthy, a program of monitoring the ground and surface water conditions on the Moraine should
be undertaken to provide the municipality with a base of information on which to both gauge
changes in the health of the Moraine and future development proposals,
The February 2001 report contains a number of recommendations that require some
consideration in the development of the Oro Moraine land use strategy over the coming months,
For example, it is recommended in the Groundwater Study that the Township could consider
implementing policies developed by the MOE for the GTA. These policies are included within a
MOE protocol that was released in 1999. The protocol requires that, when considering
applications that involve water taking, the cumulative impact of all users should be considered.
The objective of such a review would be to ensure that:
. Minimum in-stream flows required to protect aquatic life and habitat are maintained;
. Unacceptable interference with other uses of the water does not occur;
. Water is allocated thoroughly between users; and,
. Water conservation practices are implemented,
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
MERIDIAN
",""""ING<:<JNSUU""-Nr>'''''
34
October 23, 2002lAugust 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
It is our opinion that this type of protocol be included within the Official Plan in some form to
ensure that new water users requiring Planning Act approvals carry out this type of work, In the
interim, it is suggested that this type of information be provided by potential water users in the
Oro Moraine when an application is being proposed.
It is recommended in the Groundwater Study that some consideration be given to placing interim
limits on the future use of water on the Oro Moraine, At the present 'time, approximately 1,7
million m3 of water is used per year on the Oro Moraine, It has been suggested that limits be
placed on how much additional water can be used within the watersheds associated with the Oro
Moraine,
For example, approximately 1,1 million m3 of water per year is currently used in the Coldwater
River watershed, It is recommended that no more than 325,000 additional m3 of water be used
in this watershed, Recommendations are also made with respect to the other watersheds as
well. It is recommended, at this point in the process, that the interim limits on future additional
use permit the use of an additional 1,7 million m3 of water per year on the Oro Moraine. This
would represent a doubling of the current water use on the Oro Moraine,
While the interim limits are a good first start, it is important to note that if all of the currently
proposed developments on the Oro Moraine were built, the interim limit suggested by Azimuth
would not be reached, This means that there is probably no need to include these interim limits
in any policy document at this point in time. However, this information may be useful if a
significant proposal is made to develop additional lands that involves water taking on the Oro
Moraine,
Both the sensitive recharge area and the significant discharge area were identified in the
Groundwater Study, The sensitive recharge area is located generally on the top of the Moraine
and the significant discharge areas are essentially the watercourses that begin on the upper
reaches of the Moraine and flow into a number of watercourses. It is our opinion that these areas
should be identified within the Official Plan as areas of particular sensitivity,
It has been recommended that some consideration be given to requiring an Environmental Impact
Study for all users of water that will require more than 50,000 litres of water per day, If such a
use required a Planning Act approval, then such a requirement can be built in to the Official Plan
and Zoning By-law.
However, given that the jurisdiction over the issuance of Permit to Take Water rests solely with
the MOE, the Township would not be able to ask for an Environmental Impact Study if a Planning
Act approval was not required, In any event, it is our opinion that the Official Plan should contain
policies which require submission of appropriate studies if such a water taking is being
considered and a Planning Act approval is required,
It is recognized that there are policies within the existing Official Plan that deal with this issue, but
the focus of those policies is with water bottling plants, It is noted throughout the Groundwater
Study that there are a number of other types of users on the Oro Moraine which may have an
impact on the function of the Moraine over the long term, As a result, it is our opinion that the
policies in the existing Official Plan be reviewed and updated to reflect current thinking,
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Ora Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
r1 [1lR1Ql~,~
\J'
35
October 23, 2002lAugust 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
It is also recommended in the Groundwater Study that some consideration be given to creating
Special Policy Areas around existing municipal and other high yielding wells. Since this
recommendation was made, the Ministry of Environment is including this as a condition of every
Certificate of Approval. It is our opinion that these Special Policy Areas be reflected in the
updated Official Plan,
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
MERIDIAN
",^""""",<::oN>illfANT<iNC
36
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
8.0 DEVELOPING A LAND USE STRATEGY
On the basis of our review of the Provincial Policy Statement, the existing Official Plans, the
Natural Heritage Evaluation completed by Azimuth Environmental and the comments of the
public, we are of the view that the Township of Oro-Medonte is in an excellent position to
effectively plan for its future,
The Ora Moraine has a distinctive rural character. It is this character that serves as the
cornerstone for the excellent quality of life now experienced by many of the Municipality's
residents, Its vast open spaces, woodlands and undulating hills are relatively unspoiled by
development. As a result, the municipality now has an opportunity, through the land use planning
process, to protect and enhance the significant features of the Ora Moraine for future
generations,
However, the Township must recognize the dynamic nature of land use planning, There are
growth pressures emanating from the rapid expansion of Barrie and it is our opinion that the
Township should be prepared for these growth pressures. It is our opinion that every effort
should be made to develop a land use plan that recognizes and protects the significant
components of the Oro Moraine from development that would be incompatible with those
significant features and the area's character. We believe that the entire Oro Moraine qualifies as
being significant both as a landform and as a unique landform feature in both Oro-Medonte and
the County of Simcoe.
On the basis of the above, it is our opinion that the Township of Oro-Medonte should adopt a
'Smart Growth' strategy to provide the basis for the preparation of a land use plan for the Oro
Moraine, The key elements of a possible strategy are set out in this section,
8.1 What Is Smart Growth?
Smart Growth is a 'buzz-word' that describes good planning. Smart Growth was developed first
in the state of New Jersey, which was experiencing huge growth pressures through the 1980's
and 1990's as a result of its location between two large metropolitan areas, New York City and
Philadelphia. Smart Growth essentially means that growth in any municipality has to generally be
sustainable, located where it will have little or no impact on the environment and located where
existing infrastructure can be utilized as much as possible,
Smart Growth is now the cornerstone of the Province of Ontario's land use planning philosophy.
An example of how that philosophy has been implemented is through the Oak Ridges Moraine
Conservation Plan, which prohibits urban sprawl on most of the Moraine, thereby ensuring that
lands within urban areas to the south can be better utilized,
Urban sprawl has been an important planning issue for years, Urban sprawl has been defined as
low-density development that is often not contiguous with other development and where large
parking areas surround single storey buildings on major arterial roads, Many would agree that
this form of development is not redeeming, in terms of its built form and character and further,
that it does not inspire any feeling of sense of place. Essentially, any sprawl area looks the same
as any other sprawl area throughout North America.
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
tllRl!uA,M
37
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
The creation of sprawl around our cities and towns is a direct result of the free-market economy
we now live in, Since the 1950's, the built form of almost every community in North America
changed as a result of the automobile, Given that one of the basic tenants of a free-market
economy is that goods and services must be offered at the lowest price and in a manner that is
most convenient for consumers, it was inevitable that lower priced land on the edge of cities and
towns would be ideal locations for new development. Many municipalities happily complied
initially, and infrastructure was improved to ensure that automobiles could access these new uses
as easily as possible, The result is thousands of acres of sprawl around every major urban
centre in North America.
I
I
I
I
Smart Growth has now been identified as the answer to sprawl and the negative consequences
of sprawl. A recent report prepared by the Region of Waterloo contains a wealth of information
on the history of Smart Growth and how it can be applied in the Region of Waterloo, The
Waterloo Report states that the principles of Smart Growth are:
I
I
. Concentrated development in suitable, designated areas;
. Protection of agricultural lands and environmentally significant areas;
. Conservation of resources;
. Infill and redevelopment of older sites in urban areas;
. Mixed-use developments;
. Higher-density, cluster type development;
. Reduced construction of roads, infrastructure, and provision of services;
. Encouragement of economic growth;
. Support and cooperation from local, regional, and provincial government, especially
senior levels; and,
. Streamlined land use planning procedures, policies and regulations.
I
I
I
The benefits of Smart Growth include:
I
. Decreased rural land consumption;
. Preservation of agricultural and environmentally sensitive land;
. Reduced traffic congestion and commute times;
. Capital, developmental and operational cost savings due to decreased road extension
and infrastructure costs;
. Increased social interaction within communities;
. Reduction in air and water pollution; and,
. Effective and efficient regulatory mechanisms,
I
I
I
The Province of Ontario is now promoting Smart Growth. On April 25, 2001, the Province
released their plans for the Smart Growth Vision Action Plan with a web-site requesting public
input. In September 2001, the Province released a summary of the community consultation
process, which took place in a number of communities throughout Ontario, In November 2001,
the Province announced that they were setting up a consultation process to review how Smart
Growth Management Councils would work, The consultation process follows upon an
announcement in September 2001 that at least five Smart Growth Management Councils would
be established in five zones across the Province "to develop Smart Growth Management plans
which provide a long-term vision for economic growth along with strategies to improve the quality
of life and protect the environment in each zone, "
I
I
I
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Ora Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
(J tllRJQ.l~M
38
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
It should be noted that the Smart Growth philosophy recognizes that growth and
development are inevitable in most areas and beneficial. The intent of the Smart Growth
philosophy is to direct growth to existing developed areas and discourage development in rural
and environmentally sensitive areas. It is our opinion that the Smart Growth philosophy is
consistent with the direction contained within the PPS, and the existing County and Oro-Medonte
Official Plans,
8.2 To Grow or Not to Grow
As mentioned in this Discussion Paper, the Township of Oro-Medonte is experiencing elevated
levels of development. One of the key questions to be answered as part of this process is to
predict the amount of growth that will occur in all sectors and then to manage that growth in
accordance with good planning principles.
There are two factors that have an effect on the development of an appropriate land use strategy,
The first is related to the external pressures a municipality may face in the future to accommodate
additional development. These external pressures may be the result of a growing economy,
increasing immigration and/or growth occurring in nearby municipalities, With respect to these
external factors, it is expected that commuters and retirees will be attracted to Oro-Medonte and
particularly the Oro Moraine because of its character and location, In addition, there will be a
corresponding demand for recreational uses in the area as well. Along with this growth will be
demands for additional aggregate extraction on the Oro Moraine,
It is our opinion that the population of Oro-Medonte will continue to experience higher rates of
growth in the future. The renewed interest in a number of development properties on the Oro
Moraine is a leading indicator of this trend, On this basis, we believe that between 140 and 200
new homes per year will be built in the Township for the foreseeable future, Many of these
homes will be built on the Oro Moraine,
The second factor affecting the development of an appropriate land use strategy is related to the
wishes and aspirations of the people who already live in the community. To a certain extent,
existing residents have a stake in how their community is going to be developed and what impact
that development will have on their quality of life, This quality of life is made up of the character
of the community, a person's economic well-being and their perceived place in society and the
world, However, many people also depend on growth and development for their personal
economic well-being and the opportunities it provides. On the basis of our work throughout the
Province, the perceived benefits of growth can be summarized as follows:
1, Population growth resulting from migration brings new ideas and the possibility of
additional and new social interactions and relationships.
2, Population and employment growth means that new and/or expanding municipal services
can be provided for both existing and new residents,
3. Population and employment growth leads to the creation of more employment, business
service and retail opportunities for new and existing residents,
Discussion Paper
Framework fo, the
Oro Moraine Land Use Pian
Prepared by
MERIDIAN
~=U"''''INC
39
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
4, The additional public and private sector investment resulting from growth instills a sense
of confidence in the community and its future by current residents and business owners,
The perceived negative impacts of growth are:
1, Increased demands on municipal services;
2, Impacts on natural heritage features;
3, Higher taxes;
4. Loss of agricultural land;
5, Increased traffic on local roads; and,
6, The erosion of a local power base by the addition of outsiders changing the character
and feel of a community,
It is our opinion that no community can shut the door on growth, However, communities can
decide locally what is an appropriate level of growth to ensure that the positive impacts of growth
discussed above are realized and the negatives are minimized, provided the decision is based on
an appropriate assessment of growth trends, It is this balance that the Township of Oro-Medonte
should be trying to achieve as part of developing a Land Use Strategy for the Oro Moraine,
8.3 Preliminary Elements of a Land Use Strategy
As mentioned previously, it is our opinion that it is the current goal of the Official Plan to protect
significant features and functions on the Oro Moraine, The role of this study is to make
recommendations on how these features and functions can be protected for future generations
through policy, The basis for such a policy would be to ensure that new development on the Oro
Moraine is directed to the most appropriate locations and to protect the remaining lands from
development, as appropriate, Key elements of how this can be achieved through poiicy are
below:
1. The Township Official Plan should recognize the Oro Moraine landform
as significant. It is our opinion that the Oro Moraine is significant from a landform
perspective and as a unique landform feature in both Oro Medonte and the County of
Simcoe, The Oro Moraine also contributes to the quality and diversity of an identifiable
geographic area in the County of Simcoe, While the Natural Heritage Evaluation carried
out as part of this land use process identified significant components on the Moraine, it is
our opinion that the entire Moraine is significant for planning purposes since it is a
relatively unique landform in this part of Central Ontario, Because of its topography,
forest cover and natural setting, the Oro Moraine is also significant from a character
perspective as well, in the context of the Township of Oro-Medonte and the County of
Simcoe. This concept should be enshrined in the Official Pian,
Discussion Paper
Framewo,k for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
tltRl!ll~,~
40
October 23, 2002lAugust 2003
I
I
2.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
3.
I
I
I
I
I
I
The Township should adopt an 'Environment First' philosophy for the
Oro Moraine. Simply stated, this philosophy implies that, as a first principle, the
protection of the environment shall take precedence over development. This means that
as much of the Oro Moraine as is feasible should be protected from development that
may have an impact on the features and functions of the Oro Moraine, On the basis of
the work carried out by Azimuth Environmental, it is our opinion that this would be
consistent with the approach and the planning principles already contained within the
Oro-Medonte Official Plan
A score of 30 should be selected as the 'cut-off' for planning purposes.
Lands which have a score of 30 or greater are the site of at least one significant feature.
About 50% of the Moraine and 85% of the forested area on the Moraine scored greater
than 30. Lands that have a score of 30 or greater would be considered to be the Natural
Core Area of the Oro Moraine and referenced as such in the Official Plan, As noted
previously, further study and review of the implications of the boundary of the Natural
Core Area on existing and proposed land uses will need to be carried out.
4.
Development and site alteration in the Natural Core area should be
strictly limited. This means that uses such as gravel pits, golf courses and other
large scale rural uses should not be permitted in Natural Core Areas by the Official Plan,
The development of these uses in other areas shall be strictly controlled and conditionally
permitted, provided a number of criteria are met. The Township should consider
expanding the area covered by the existing Fill Control By-law to the Natural Core Area
to ensure that major site alterations do not occur without Township approval. The
planting of trees should be encouraged wherever possible,
5.
All new residential and commercial development on the Oro Moraine
should be directed to existing development areas. This means that
development that extends an existing development area or is proposed between
development areas would not be permitted by the Official Plan, This strategy is generally
consistent with the existing land use strategy, particularly along Horseshoe Valley Road
in the current Oro-Medonte Official Plan,
6.
New residential development on the Moraine should be serviced by
municipal or communal water and sewer services. It is our opinion that
further large-scale development on the basis of private or partial services is not
sustainable in the long-term. Development on municipal services allows for the municipal
care and control of the servicing systems that will service new development.
Development on full services also allows for the creation of more compact communities,
meaning that less land is required for development in the future,
7.
Some major development approvals on the Oro Moraine should be
reviewed. Given that the Buffalo Springs development area has not proceeded
through the planning process, it is our opinion that the approvals for this development
should be reviewed in the context of the suggested land use strategy, The permission to
develop new residential uses in the Edgar Special Policy Area should be reviewed as
well,
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
n
( I [il~illl~M
\~/
41
October 23, 2002/August 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
The basis for the review is that there is already a considerable amount of land available
for development and in the process of being developed on the Oro Moraine, In addition,
there are opportunities to allow for the development of residential and commercial uses
on full sewer and water services in the Craighurst and Horseshoe settlement areas,
which are already the site of some development It would be our preference to direct the
majority of new development to locations such as Horseshoe Valley and Craighurst
where a community already exists and where full services either exist or are feasible.
8. Agricultural uses should be encouraged on the Oro Moraine. Agricultural
uses and activities also contribute to the character of the Oro Moraine, These uses
should be permitted to continue and expand by restricting the location and type of non-
agricultural uses permitted in agricultural areas.
9. No new residential lots should be permitted on the Oro Moraine, except
in development area. At the present time, landowners with 40 hectares are
permitted to sever one lot for residential purposes from their holding on lands that are
designated Rural. Lots for retiring farmers and through the process of infilling are
permitted on lands which are designated Agricultural. It is our opinion that the creation of
new lots in the rural or agricultural area on the Oro Moraine has a potential impact on the
character of the Oro Moraine, On this basis, the creation of new such lots shouid be
prohibited in the new Official Plan,
10. An assessment of the cumulative impact of water takings should be
required prior to any major development occurring. It is our opinion that an
Environmental Impact Study (EIS) should be prepared for every water taking proposing
over 50,000 litres per day. The intent of the EIS would be to determine whether the water
taking will have an impact on the features and functions of the Oro Moraine, In addition,
the objective of any water taking review would be to ensure that:
. Minimum in-stream flows required to protect aquatic life and habitat are maintained;
. Unacceptable interference with other uses of the water does not occur;
. Water is allocated thoroughly between users; and,
. Water conservation practices are implemented.
I
I
I
I
I
11. Major recharge and discharge areas should be protected from
development. These areas are key components of the Township's natural heritage
system and they should be mapped on the Official Plan schedules and protected.
Natural corridors that are wide enough to protect discharge areas should be established,
In addition, all watercourses should be protected from development and the current policy
of the Township to restrict development within 30 metres of the top of bank of any
watercourse should be maintained. The Official Plan should also require the preparation
of a hydrological evaluation for any proposal within 120 metres of a watercourse, to
ensure that the deveiopment will not have any adverse impacts on the watercourse,
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
MERIDIAN
~<;I)N$lJI,!""1>1NC
42
October 23, 2002lAugust 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
12.
Detailed criteria should be established which would ensure that all
possible environmental/hydrogeological impacts of a development are
reviewed prior to development occurring. This means that the Official Plan
should contain a comprehensive set of criteria that ensures that the impact of
development are considered prior to a decision being made on an application, These
criteria should apply to all development on the Oro Moraine, regardless of its location,
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Oro Moraine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
43
October 23, 2002lAugust 2003
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
APPENDIX 1
LETTER TO IAN BENDER DATED FEBRUARY 20,
2003
Discussion Paper
Framework for the
Om Mo,aine Land Use Plan
Prepared by
Ll!ill!Pl~,H
44
October23,2002fAugust2003
I
I
I
I
February 20, 2003
I
Mr. Ian Bender
Director of Planning
County of Simcoe
Administration Centre
1110Hwy26
Midhurst, ON
LOL 1XO
I
I
I
Re: County Official Plan Conformity
Oro Moraine and Agllregate Resource Management Policies
Township of Oro-M~onte
Our File Number 2080
I
I
Dear Mr. Bender:
I
i))'
I am writing to provide you with some thoughts and opinions on how the process' undertaken by the
Township of Oro-Medonte with respect to the Oro Moraine and aggregate extraction conforms with the
County Official Plan, In this regard, please find attached a document which includes all relevant County
Official Plan policies and my opinion on their applicability within the Township of Oro-Medonte,
I
As noted during our meeting on February 13, 2003, it is my opinion that the County Official Plan permits
municipalities to study features and functions within the County Greenland system to determine what land
use policies should apply. In this case, we have carried out a detailed and in-depth investigation of
features and functions on the Oro Moraine and have identified areas that are considered to be significant
from a natural heritage and hydrological perspective, On the basis of these findings, we are of the view
that development in these defined areas would have a negative impact on the features and associated
ecological functions in the Oro Moraine CorelCorridor area, It is on this basis that we have recommended
to Council that applications to develop land extensive uses such as gravel pits, golf course, and
residential subdivisions not be permitted within these areas.
I
I
I
I
With respect to the aggregate extraction policies of the County Official Plan, many of these policies mirror
these policies in the Provincial Policy Statement. However, it should be noted that Section 4.4.2 of the
County Official Plan states that "such areas (aggregate potential areas) shall be protected to allow as
much of the resource as is realistically possible to be made available for use to supply resource needs, as
close to markets as possible, in a balanced manner consistent with the other objectives and policies of
the Plan." On the basis of this policy, it is my opinion that a local municipality can determine how this
balance between providing lands for extraction and maintaining the environmental objectives of the
County Plan can be achieved.
I
I
I
113 Collier Street, Barrie, ON Canada L4M 1H2 . Tel: 705,737.4512 . Fax: 705.737.5078 . Website: www.meridianplan.ca
Bay Wellington Tower, Box 792,181 Bay Street, Suite 2310, Toronto, ON M5J 2T3 . Tel: 416.977.7511 . Fax: 416.977.9850
2400 Meadowpine Boulevard, Suite #102, Mississauga, ON L5N 652 . Tel: 905.826.7996 . Fax; 905.819.2994
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
2
It is further my opinion that the policies included within the draft Official Plan Amendment need to be clear
on what types of uses should be permitted and where, particularly on the Oro Moraine, This is the kind of
surety that both residents and landowners required. I believe that the draft policies accomplish this
objective,
After you have had a chance to review the attached document, I would like to meet with you to discuss
your position on the likely outcome of the process in Oro-Medonte. I look forward to our meeting, In the
interim, it you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
yn;IA1 OJ)~
Nick MCD:~::;~~, RPP,
Partner
NMljrw
Enc.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
The purpose of this report is to identify the policies in the approved County of Simcoe Official
Plan that should be considered in the review of the policies proposed to be added to the Oro-
Medonte Official Plan, Below is our assessment of those policies and their applicability to the
Township of Oro-Medonte,
1.4 Goals of the Official Plan
The Plan's provisions are aimed at the achievement of particular and
interdependenl goals which are derived from the County's Strategic Plan, the
Provincial Policy Statement on planning, and research undertaken during
preparation of this Plan including public input The goals are:
1. protect. conserve, and enhance the County's natural and cultural heritage;
2_ wise management and use of the County's resources;
3, growth management to achieve lifestyle quality and efficient and cost-effective
municipal servicing, development and land use;
4, achievement of co-ordinated tand use planning among the County's local
municipalities and with neighbouring counties, district, regions, and separated
cities, and First Nalions lands;
5, community economic development which promotes economic sustainability in
Simcoe County communities, providing employment and business opportunities;
6. protect public health and safety.
It is noted that one of the goals of the County Official Plan is to encourage the wise
management and use of the County's resources. These resources include the aggregate
resources of the County. Another of the County's goals is to protect, conserve and
enhance the County's natural heritage. It is submitted that the work carried out by Oro-
Medonte attempts to balance the protection of the County's natural heritage against the
need to permit aggregate extraction in appropriate locations.
3.1.2 Enabling and managing resource based development including agriculture,
forestry, aggregates, and tourism and recreation - The resources of the land are
key elements in the economic development of the County and provide
environmental benefits, Planning includes (1) managing the use of these
resources so that we achieve the economic and environmental benefits balanced
with attractive living environments, (2) managing the resources so they do not
conflict with one another, and (3) wise use of the land base which spawns the
resources,
The intent of this section is to ensure that resource based development is balanced
against other economic objectives, environmental benefits and the need to create
attractive living environments. It is my opinion that the process followed by the Township
of Oro-Medonte is intended to provide this balance.
Conformity Report
Prepared by
Page 1
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
3.1.3 Protection and enhancement of the County's natural and cultural heritage -
The naturat and cultura/ heritage of the County is an important part of its
economic base and its lifestyle quality. The key features and functional elements
of the naturat heritage of the County have been identified and mapped as
"green/ands". Although not mapped as greenlands, the major lakes of Simcoe
and Couchiching, plus Georgian Bay, are important complementary components
of the County's ecological system. The rich cultural heritage of the County has
been partially documented and is to be protected through the requirements for
appropriate archaeological and cultural heritage assessments; the Plan contains
provisions for gathering additional cultural heritage resource information.
Water, both surface and underground, is a key part of the natural heritage that is
under stress, Water quantity and quality is important to industrial, commercial,
and residential development as well as the tourism industry, Pressures to export
water from the County must be carefully monitored; action may be required to
make sure a high quality and sufficient quantity of the resource is always
available within the County. In general, it is the intent of this Plan to encourage
the conservation of water resources within the County, in order to protect the
long term quality and quantity of this critical resource,
Identification of natural heritage features and linkages included as Greenlands
was undertaken within the context of a functional assessment approach. As
such, this Plan contains policies to require the analysis and protection of natural
functions such as groundwater recharge, stream/river baset/ow. wildlife
movement and biotic diversity. These functions are to be protected through the
requirement for local official plans to identify and protect both the County
Greenlands and local natural heritage systems which compliment and support
the County system such as valley and stream corridors, tower order wetlands
and locally significant forests, and through requirements for appropriate natural
heritage assessments and/or environmental impact statements in the
consideration of new officiat plans/amendments, settlement expansions and
development applications, The functionat approach is atso supported by the
policies of this Plan relating to watershed based planning,
Various features and functions are found and occur within larger water and tand
based areas such as watersheds and moraines tocated both within and beyond
the County. The watersheds of Georgian Bay, Severn Sound and Lake Simcoe.
the Oro and Oak Ridges Moraine and the Niagara Escarpment all represent
examples of these broader naturat areas, This Plan therefore calls for
environmental analyses and poticy devetopmentto be undertaken in the context
of these broader systems,
The growth and settlement strategy and the conservation strategies for economic
and heritage resources are closely tinked, Development at higher densities in
settlements will conserve greater land areas for resource development and
natural heritage protection. Avoidance of scattered devetopment which could and
shoutd go to settlement areas is a complementary strategy,
Conformity Report
Prepared by
(-~t1IRJl)!&~
\,,/
Page 2
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
This Section states that the protection of the natural heritage of the County is an important
part of its economic base and lifestyle quality. This is certainly recognized in the
Township of Oro-Medonte which is the site of a significant landform that contributes to the
character of the rural community. This section also introduces the concept of greenlands
which are identified as the key features and functional elements of the natural heritage
system in the County. This section also indicates that surface water and groundwater are
integral components of the natural heritage system. The intent of the Oro-Medonte
planning process is to highlight the importance of particularly groundwater to the health
of the features and functions on the Moraine and to the people who rely on that
groundwater for drinking water purposes.
3.3.5 Subject to Sections 3,3,11 and 3.8, subdivision of land by plan or consent.
development and site alteration may be permitted in or within 50 metres of fish
habitat, significant woodlands, significant valley lands, significant wildlife habitat,
and significant areas of natural and scientific interest (Schedule 5.2,3) where
such development is othelWise permitted by this Plan, the Niagara Escarpment
Plan, where applicable, and local municipal plans and where an EIS can
demonstrate that there will be no negative impact on the natural features or on
the ecological functions, including water resources for which the area is
identified.
This section permits development within other significant natural heritage features. such
as significant woodlands. It is interesting to note that this section says that development
mav be permitted within or adjacent to these areas. provided the development is permitted
by the County Plan and local municipal plans, subject to the preparation of an EIS. It is my
opinion that both the County Plan and the local Plan have to permit such development in
these features for the development to actually be considered.
3.3.6 Decisions on the location and form of subdivision and development should
be made with an objective of conserving high quality landscapes, including views
and vistas.
This section indicates that high quality landscapes. including views and vistas should be
conserved. While the policy does not prohibit development in these areas, it is my opinion
that views and vistas should be considered in any planning process where such views and
vistas exist. In the case of Oro-Medonte. there are many views and vistas of the Moraine
and from the Moraine that are considered to be significant by many of the Township's
residents. One of the intents of the Oro Moraine planning process is to protect as much of
the Moraine as possible to assist in the conservation of views and vistas in the area.
3.3.10 Local municipal official plans should map natural heritage features or
areas which may be of local significance and which contribute to the viability of
the County greenland system, in addition to those identified in this Plan, and shall
provide appropriate policies to implement the County and local greenland
systems and protect the features and ecological functions contained therein.
Local municipal land use policy, where it is more restrictive than the County
Official Plan, shall apply in those areas. The identification of natural heritage
Conformity Report
Prepared by
MERIDIAN
tuHHMo;y;jlM'lU1tc
Page 3
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
"
!
~'j
features and functions of local significance shall be incorporated into a municipal
growth management strategy for settlements, special development areas,
recreation districts, or other major development.
This policy essentially states that local municipalities should map Greenland features
within their boundaries to protect the features and ecological functions contained therein.
However, more importantly, the policy states that local municipal land use policy, where it
is more restrictive than the County Official Plan, shall apply in those areas. Essentially,
the Township of Oro-Medonte has gone through a process of identifying significant
I
natural heritage features that are generally located within the County greenlands system.
3.4.1 Where the poticies of local municipal official plans are considered more
restrictive than the policies of this Plan, the more restrictive policies shall apply,
This section further reinforces previous policies which indicate that local Official Plans
can be more restrictive than the County Official Plan and in those circumstances, the more
restrictive policies shall apply. It is our opinion that the Township of Oro-Medonte has the
ability to decide where to be more restrictive with respect to land use permissions. While
Country Residential, Country Recreational and aggregate extraction is permitted within the
Greenlands designation, it is proposed that such uses not be permitted within those
components of the Greenlands system which have been identified as being significant in
the Township of Oro-Medonte.
3.4.4 The features and designation boundaries shown on the schedules to this
Plan are approximate and can be considered absolute only when bounded by
clearly definable naturat or built features,
This section acknowledges that the boundaries of the Greenland designation are
approximate and implies that locally generated boundaries are considered appropriate, if a
proper study has been carried out. It is submitted that this is certainly the case in the
Township of Oro-Medonte.
3.6.2 To provide in non-prime agricultural areas for rural uses such as resource
activity, recreation and timited residentiat, subject to the other policies of this Plan
including Section 3.6,8, while protecting the rural character and the viability of
existing agricultural operations,
This section attempts to balance the need to permit resource activities in rural areas
against the need to protect rural character. The draft policies are attempting to realize the
same objective.
3.7.1 To conserve the naturat character, form, and function of the Greenland
system throughout the County of Simcoe as a means of sustaining our natural
heritage,
This objective is similar to the objective of the Township of Oro-Medonte to conserve the
natural heritage system in the Township.
Conformity Report
Prepared by
MERIDIAN
AANN~l:IOIIMIlWlnll'lCo
Page 4
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
3.7.5 Development or site alteration shall not be permitted within provincially
significant wetlands or the habitat of threatened and endangered species and
shall generally be directed away from the following portions of the Greenlands:
significant woodlands, significant wildlife habitat, significant valley lands, fish
habitat, Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest, Environmentally Sensitive Areas,
major lake, river and creek systems, and Escarpment Natural Areas. New uses
proposed within or adjacent to the above described features may only be
permitted if it does not negatively impact on the nature feature(s) and/or
associated ecological functions,
This section indicates that development shall generally be directed away from the
Greenlands designation. In the Township of Oro-Medonte, as mentioned previously, we
are recommending that more restrictive policies with respect to the types of development
permitted in the Greenland area be approved. It should be noted that this section also
indicates that development may be permitted in the Greenland system if it does not
negatively impact on the natural features andlor ecological function of the area. The draft
policies in Oro-Medonte implement this goal by prohibiting certain types of development
within the components of the Greenlands system, since it is our opinion that such uses
would have a negative impact on the features and ecological functions on the Moraine.
3.7.16 Where a local municipality has prepared a Natural Heritage Plan (NHP)
that has been incorporated into the local Official Plan, and approved by the
County of Simcoe, the NHP mapping of Greenlands, and related policies shall
replace the mapping and policies of this Plan.
This policy permits the County of Simcoe to allow local municipalities to determine the
extent of natural heritage features and functions in their municipality and to develop
policies that are aimed at protecting these features and functions. It is my opinion that the
work carried out by Azimuth on the Oro Moraine constitutes a natural heritage plan
pursuant to this section of the County Official Plan. Once the County has approved the
Official Plan Amendment, this section indicates that the policies of the local Official Plan
then take precedence.
4.4 Aggregate Developments (not reproduced here because of length)
It is noted that the first criteria in Section 4.1.1 is that aggregate operations shall have no
negative impacts on the features and functions of the County's natural heritage system. It
is my opinion that the work carried out by the Township of Oro-Medonte on lands within
the natural heritage system has identified significant features that are worthy and in the
public interest of protecting. It is further my opinion that the aggregate extraction in these
areas would have a negative Impact on features and functions and therefore would not be
permitted in accordance with the County of Simcoe Official Plan.
It is recognized that Section 4.4.2. indicates that high potential mineral aggregate resource
areas shall be protected for potential long term use. However, it Is my opinion that this
objective has to be balanced against the other objective of the Official Plan which is to
ensure that new aggregate operations do not have a negative impact on natural features
and ecological functions. Section 4.4.2 further states that alternate land uses may be
Conformity Report
Prepared by
MERIDIAN
ft.AI*II'IQ-CIQII&IUjIfffl;IHC.
Page 5
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
permitted within areas of high aggregate potential, if the proposal serves a greater long
term public interest. In my opinion, the objective of protecting and conserving significant
natural heritage features and ecological functions in certain areas of the Oro Moraine
serves a greater long term public interest than would aggregate extraction.
Section 4.4.2 further indicates that primary and secondary sand and gravel aggregate
resource areas should be protected to allow as much of the resource as is realistically
possible to be made available for use to supply resource needs, as close to markets as
possible. This wording is consistent with the wording the Provincial Policy Statement.
However, the policy further indicates that these areas shall be further protected, in a
"balanced manner consistent with the other obiectives and the policies of this Plan". In
my opinion this section introduces the concept of balancing the need to protect significant
natural heritage features and functions and the need to provide for resource extraction. It
is my opinion this balance has been struck with the identification of some aggregate
potential areas on the Oro Moraine in areas where impacts from existing extraction are
already felt and which are located on existing haul routes.
4.5.1.6 Locally significant aquifers, headwater areas, and recharge and
discharge areas should be identified and protected in the policies and maps of
local municipal official plans and/or through the developmenl and subdivision
approval process. Development should be directed away from areas with a high
water table and/or highly permeable soils. In settlement areas or other
development centres where this is not possible, potential environmental impacts
shall be mitigated using all reasonable methods,
This section supports the objectives of the Township of Oro-Medonte to protect
significant headwater, recharge and discharge areas.
4.5.7.3 Locally significant forested lands, woodlands and woodlots should be
conserved for ecological purposes, particularly where they support features and
functions within the Greenlands designation, and be appropriately mapped and
protected through local municipal official plan maps and policies,
This section supports the Township of Oro-Medonte's objective to conserve significant
forested iands through the local municipal Official Plan.
4.5.7.5 The County encourages measures, in accordance with the policies of this
plan, which will result in an increase in the overall forest cover within the County.
It is also the Township's objective to increase the forest cover within the Township.
particularly on the Oro Moraine.
4.5.8.1 The disruption and destruction of landscape features such as but not
limited to the Oak Ridges Moraine, Oro Moraine and Niagara Escarpment, by
mass grading and other extensive land alteration activities such as filling and
vegetation removal shall be prevented except for land uses permitted by this
Plan. The ecological functions of landform shall be considered through an EIS.
Conformity Report
Prepared by
MERIDIAN
l'I..AHN_c:ctoaIUMmIN(:.
Page 6
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
The Township also supports this objective.
4.5.8.2 The County requires consideration of the impacts development will have
on landscapes and encourages area municipafifies to consider the need for
landform conservation planning.
The Township of Oro-Medonte has essentially carried out a land form conservation
planning exercise as part of the process of developing policies for the Oro Moraine.
4.10.1 Local municipal official plans shall establish planning strategies and
policies for the local municipality which have appropriate regard for provincial
policies, comply with the Niagara Escarpmenf Plan, where applicable, and which
implement and are in conformity with this Plan which may include policies which
are more restriclive than the polices in this Plan. New local municipal official
plans approved subsequent to the adoption of this Plan may refine the
designations and mapped information contained within this Plan subject to
documentalion satisfactory to the County and appropriate agencies,
This section supports the other policies in the County Official Plan which indicate that a
local municipality shall have regard to the policies of the Provincial Policy statement and
shall have the ability to establish policies which are more restrictive than the policies of
the County Official Plan.
4.10.8 Local municipal official plans shall contain policies and maps to protect
both the County greenland designalion, subjecl 10 3.7.13, and a local natural
heritage system which complements and supports the County system subject to
Section 3,3.10, Local municipal land use policy, where it is more reslrictive than
Ihis Plan, shall apply in those areas.
This section further reinforces the objectives of the Township of Oro-Medonte to protect
the County Greenland system and identify a local natural heritage system in the Township.
This policies further reinforces the common thread within the Official Plan that local
municipal land use policies, where they are more restrictive than this Plan, shall apply in
those areas.
4.10.11 Local municipal official plans shall require official plan amendments for
the following developments: settlement expansions, country residential
subdivisions, country recreation facilities which include significant building
developments and/or site alteration or are greater that 160 ha. in size, business
parks, shoreline development, airports, new waste disposal sites, and aggregate
developments, excepl where existing approved local municipal official plans do
not require an official plan amendment for new or expanded aggregate
developments. Policies shall also be included setting out the criteria and/or
circumstances for the establishment of such uses including more detailed
locational, design, and performance criteria than contained in this Plan.
Conformity Report
Prepared by
MERIDIAN
aJJoINliIOIO~lDNn!wr:.
Page 7
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
. '
This section indicates that aggregate development may be subject to a local Official Plan
Amendment except where existing approved municipal Official Plans do not require an
Official Plan amendment. In this case, we are proposing to delete some lands which have
potential for aggregate extraction because they are not located on haul route. In cases
such as those an Official Plan Amendment would be required.
4.10.12 Local municipal official plans shall conlain policies 10 address the mineral
aggregate resource policies of the Plan, including policies regarding the
establishment/expansion, prohibition or location of pits and quarries and
associated activities and policies with criteria to establish a clear and reasonable
mechanism to permit new or expanded pits and quarries, Applications for new or
expanded aggregate operations within the NEP are required to meet the
requirement of that Plan.
The Township also supports this objective and has prepared policies which establish a
clear and reasonable mechanism to permit new or expanded pits and quarries in the
Township.
4.11.3 Where there is a conflict between the policies of this Plan and a local
official plan, this Plan shall prevail to the extent of the conflict.
4.11.4 Notwithstanding 4.11,3. a local official plan or zoning bylaw may contain
provisions which are considered more restrictive to development than this Plan
and, to the extent such conflict exisls, the local plan or bylaw shall prevail,
This section further reinforces the policy in the County that local plans can be more
restrictive than the County of Simcoe Official Plan.
Yours truly,
Nick McDonald, MCIP, RPP
Nljrw
Conformity Report
Prepared by
(j~.!mAB
Page 8
DISCUSSION PAPER
AGGREGATE RESOURCES
MANAGEMENT
IN THE
TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE
Prepared by
MERIDIAN
f'lAI\.N>IlW<i COOIULT,o,;rm INC.
In conjunction with
Azimuth Environmental Limited
Cansult Tatham
.July, 2002
I
I
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I SECTION 1 - CONTEXT 1
1,1 PURPOSE 1
I 1,2 RELATIONSHIP WITH ORO MORAINE LAND USE STRATEGY 2
1.3 AGGREGATE WORKING GROUP 4
I SECTION 2 - BACKGROUND 5
2,1 THE LOCATION OF ORO-MEDONTE 5
2,2 THE PHYSIOGRAPHY OF ORO-MEDONTE 6
I 2,3 THE GEOLOGY OF ORO-MEDONTE 6
SECTION 3 - AGGREGATE RESOURCE IN ORO-MEDONTE 8
I 3,1 PRIMER ON AGGREGATE RESOURCES 8
3,2 EXISTING GRAVEL PITS IN ORO-MEDONTE 9
3,3 HAUL ROUTES IN ORO-MEDONTE 10
I SECTION 4 - LEGISLATION AND POLICY CONTEXT 11
4,1 THE AGGREGATE RESOURCES ACT 11
I 4,2 THE MUNICIPAL ACT 12
4,3 THE PLANNING ACT 12
4.4 THE PROVINCIAL POLICY STATEMENT 13
I 4,5 THE COUNTY OF SIMCOE OFFICIAL PLAN 16
4,6 THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE OFFICIAL PLAN 16
4,7 THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE ZONING BY-LAW 18
I SECTION 5 - THE AGGREGATE INDUSTRY IN ORO-MEDONTE 111
5,1 AMOUNT OF RESOURCE 19
I 5.2 DEMAND 20
5,3 WHERE IS THE MARKET FOR ORO-MEDONTE AGGREGATE? 21
5.4 PROSPECTS FOR FUTURE DEMAND 22
I 5,5 QUALITY 23
5.6 LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACTS 23
I SECTION 6 - ISSUES RELATED TO AGGREGATE EXTRACTION 26
6,1 LOSS OF AND IMPACTS ON NATURAL FEATURES 27
6,2 GROUNDWATER IMPACTS 28
I 6,3 LAND USE COMPATIBILITY 30
6.4 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS 30
6,5 ADEQUACY OF HAUL ROUTES 31
I 6,6 NEED 31
SECTION 7 - HAUL ROUTES 33
I 7,1 HAUL ROUTE INVENTORY 33
7.2 HAUL ROUTE ASSESSMENT 34
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
SECTION 8 - SUMMARY
36
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
SECTION 1 - CONTEXT
1.1 PURPOSE
At the present time, the aggregate industry provides the basis for a $30 billion construction
industry that employs over 270,000 people in Ontario, It is anticipated that an ever increasing
amount of aggregate will be required on a Province-wide basis in the future to fuel the
construction industry. About 50% of the aggregate extracted in the Province is used for roads.
Approximately 157 million tonnes of aggregate was extracted in Ontario in 1999, which is up
7.5% from 199B, About 1.3% of this amount came from Oro-Medonte, Municipalities with the
higher rates of aggregate extraction are generally located close to the Toronto, Ottawa and
London urban centres, This is because the industry is very sensitive to the cost of transporting
the aggregate to market.
About BO% of the aggregate resources in the Township are on the Oro Moraine, There are
growing concerns that the extraction of aggregate from the Oro Moraine has the potential to
impact on the features and functions of the Moraine, These features include the vast stands of
forest on the Moraine itself, the sensitive groundwater recharge and discharge areas on and near
the Moraine and the wetlands and ANSI's in the area, In addition, many believe that aggregate
extraction has the potential to impact on the character of a primarily undeveloped and rural area.
While it is recognized that rural areas are the best areas in general for resource-based activities,
these activities do not occur without there being visual and other off-site impacts. One example
of an impact is from the number of trucks that use local roads to access their market. On the
basis of 1999 figures, it is estimated that about 91,300 truck loads of aggregate used Township
and County Roads in the Municipality in 1999.
It is recognized that landowners wishing to develop new pits have to fulfill the comprehensive
licensing requirements set out in the Aggregate Resources Act. It is also recognized that
environmental impact reports and other reports are also required by the Ministry of Natural
Resources (MNR) to support such applications. However, the municipality has, in accordance
with the Planning Act, the ability to assist in determining where extraction can or should not occur
in a municipality. However, these decisions can only be made if there is an effective and
comprehensive policy framework in place.
On the basis of the above, Council has determined that there is a need to review the policies in
the existing Official Plan to determine whether they continue to be appropriate, in terms of
managing the use of this resource. The schedule to the Official Plan identifying where extraction
can occur will also be reviewed, The context of the review would be to ensure that the policies
reflect an evolving 'Environment First' philosophy that is held by many in the Township, Simply
stated, this 'Environment First' philosophy means that the protection of the environment for
present and future generations shall take precedence over development. On this basis, the
Township has established a Working Group made up of residentsllandowners, staff members,
agency representatives, industry representatives and politicians to review aggregate extraction
policies and mapping in detail,
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
in the Township of Ora-Met/ante
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
1
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
It is the intent of the Work Program to:
. Identify the extent of the resource in the Township;
. Identify the areas in which the extraction of the resource should not occur for
environmental, hydrogeological or cultural heritage reasons;
. Identify those areas in which aggregate extraction could occur under certain conditions;
. Identify the roads within the municipality that should be confirmed and/or designated as
haul routes, and under what conditions; and,
. Identify how the policies of the Official Plan can be improved to reflect the results of the
work,
It should be noted at the outset that it is not the intent of the Township to limit the ability of
existing landowners holding licenses from carrying out extraction, Rather, it would be the intent
of the study to identify areas where aggregate extraction could potentially take place in the future,
under certain conditions. In addition, areas in which extraction should not occur, for primarily
environmental reasons, also be identified.
It is recognized that municipalities are required by the Province to ensure that lands are available
for aggregate extraction in the future, if they have the potential to be used for such a purpose,
Given that aggregates are used in the construction industry and to a very large extent are key to
the continuing growth in the economy, the intent of the Province is to ensure that as large a
supply as close to market is available for extraction in the future, This Provincial intent or interest
has to be recognized.
I
I
I
1.2 RELATIONSHIP WITH ORO MORAINE LAND USE STRATEGY
The Township is also preparing a Land Use Strategy for the Oro Moraine. As much of the
aggregate resource in Oro-Medonte is located within the Oro Moraine, the results and findings of
this other study will have impacts on the Aggregate Resource Study.
I
Council has long recognized the importance of the Oro Moraine to both the character and natural
heritage of the Township. The Oro Moraine, also known as the Bass Lake Kame Moraine, is a
iarge geologic feature that is over 11,000 hectares in size and covers about 17% of Oro-Medonte,
The Oro Moraine is a broad band of deep sandy post-glacial material, traversing the middle of the
Township, in an east-west direction, The Moraine is also the prime groundwater recharge area in
the Township, given its generally granular composition,
I
I
I
I
I
The Oro Moraine is the heart of the natural heritage system of Oro-Medonte. This area has
historically been an area of resource competition, since its topography is attractive for ski resorts,
its natural features are attractive for housing and its mineral aggregate resources are sought after
by the aggregate industry. It is expected that there will continue to be pressure for development
in this area in the future, On this basis, the Township has established a Working Group made up
of residents/landowners, staff members, agency representatives, aggregate industry
representatives and politicians to review the Moraine in more detail.
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
In the Township of Oro.Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
2
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
The intent of this review is to:
. Establish a firm boundary of the Moraine for planning purposes;
. Identify and assess the environmental features and their function on the Moraine;
. Identify areas that are more sensitive to development than others;
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
. Establish Official Plan criteria that would be utilized to evaluate development applications
on the Moraine; and,
. Develop Official Plan policies that would assist the municipality in reviewing development
applications on the Moraine.
It is anticipated that one of the products of the study will be a land use plan that will be closely
modeled on the work completed by the Province of Ontario on the Oak Ridges Moraine, The land
use classification system established for the Oak Ridges Moraine includes the Natural Core Area,
Natural Corridor Area, Countryside and Settlement designations, However, the determination of
what policies and procedures are appropriate for Oro-Medonte will be made as part of the study
process,
The following extract from the Official Plan provides the basis for the Oro Moraine Study:
According to the people of Oro-Medonte, the excellent quality of life is what
makes the Township a desirable place to live. This quality of life is created, in
large part, by the rural character of the community, the open countryside,
farmland, extensive wooded areas, Lake Simcoe, Bass Lake and a number of
small settlement areas. Rather than being dominated by man-made structures
and landscaped yards, the Township has an open, relatively natural and rural
character, These are the qualities that, taken together, contribute to the identity
of the community that is of the greatest importance to the residents.
I
The Township has a number of significant environmental and topographical
features that contribute to the 'sense of place' felt by many of the Township's
residents. These features include the rolling upland areas that recharge
groundwater to the headwaters of six watersheds, the vast forest tracts and the
healthy wetland areas that support diverse wildlife communities, These areas,
taken together, form parts of a natural heritage system that extends over a wide
area ofthe Township.
I
I
I
I
Given that the Oro Moraine serves as the headwaters for a number of river
systems that extend into adjacent municipalities, Council is willing to cooperate
with these adjacent municipalities, the County of Simcoe and the appropriate
agencies on any further analysis of the Ora-Moraine, The purpose of such an
analysis would be to document the importance of the Ora-Moraine in the wider
region.
Work on the Land Use Strategy began in the Fall of 2001, Assisting the Municipality with the
preparation of the Land Use Strategy is Meridian Planning Consultants and Azimuth
Environmental.
I
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
in the Township of Ora-Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
3
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
1.3 AGGREGATE WORKING GROUP
The members of the Working Group that provided input into this report are below:
The Late Ian Beard
Neil Craig
Walter Dickie
Harry Hughes
Ruth Fountain
Gord Jaensch
Ted Duncan
Jennifer Zieleniewski
Andria Leigh
Jerry Ball
Ross Cotton
Jackie Fraser
Kevin Kennedy
Nick McDonald
Chris D, Jones
Dick Pipe
Kathy Woeller
Craig Laing
Chris Jones
Mike Jones
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Former Mayor, Oro-Medonte
Mayor, Oro-Medonte
Councilor, Oro-Medonte
Councilor, Oro-Medonte
Councilor, Oro-Medonte
Citizen Appointee
Citizen Appointee
CAO,Oro-Medonte
Planner, Oro-Medonte
Roads Superintendent, Oro-Medonte
Planner, County of Simcoe
Aggregate Producers Association of Ontario
Planner, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Partner, Meridian Planning Consultants
Planner, Meridian Planning Consultants
Marketing Manager, Georgian Aggregates
Planner, Ministry of Natural Resources
Aggregate Licensing Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources
Biologist, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority
Hydrogeologist and President, Azimuth Environmental
4
I
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
in the Township of Oro~Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
SECTION 2 - BACKGROUND
2.1 THE LOCATION OF ORO-MEDONTE
The Township of Oro-Medonte is located in the north-central portion of the County of Simcoe
between the cities of Barrie and Orillia as shown on Figure 1 below. The Township is comprised
of the geographic municipalities of Oro and Medonte as well as small portions of former Vespra,
Flos and Orillia, which were amalgamated into a single municipality in 1994 as a result of the
County of Simcoe Act 1994, This Act reorganized the County by reducing the number of
municipalities from 32 to 16,
Oro-Medonte is a large rural municipality located between the cities of Barrie and Orillia, It is
bounded by Lake Simcoe to the south, Tay Township to the north, Severn Township to the east
and Springwater Township to the west. In terms of land area, Oro-Medonte is the largest
geographic municipality in Simcoe County, comprising 647 km2 or roughly the same size as the
new City of Toronto, Oro-Medonte also has a relatively dispersed population of about 18,300
people and has historically grown at a steady rate of about 1.5 % per year.
Although primarily rural in character, Oro-Medonte has a prominent shoreline community and 13
settlement areas or hamlets, the largest being the communities of Moonstone, Shanty Bay,
Warminster, Hawkestone and Craighurst. The Township also has a mix of recreational uses
dominated by Horseshoe Resort, Hardwood Hills and the Mount St. Louis Ski Resort,
I
I
I
Figure 1
Township of Qro-Medonte
Aggregate Resource study
I
I
THE TOWNIIIP <IF ORO-MISDONTe
IN IiIMCOI! coUNTY
I
I
I
I
I
t
....
....... -'
():~
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
in the Township of Oro~Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
5
Juiy 22, 2002
Figure 2
Township of Oro-Medonte
Aggregate Resource Study
Landscape Units in Oro-Medonte
!
//
,-,
/);
^-
\ (/---
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
2.2 THE PHYSIOGRAPHY OF ORO-MEDONTE
There are six primary landscape units in the Township of Oro-Medonte as shown in Figure 2.
These units were identified by Ecoplans Limited in their background report prepared in support of
the Township's Official Plan, which was prepared in 1996. The six units are summarized below:
. Oro Moraine (Bass Lake Kame Moriane) - This is a broad band of deep sandy post-
glacial material, traversing the middle of the Township in an east-west direction, This
landscape unit contains large deposits of primary and secondary aggregate resources
and comprises over 50% of the licensed pits in the Township and about 80% of the total
aggregate resource in Oro-Medonte,
. Kirkfield/Simcoe Loamy Plain - This unit comprises two large areas of deep, well-
drained loamy soils. The first area is between the south edge of the Bass Lake Kame
Moraine and Lake Simcoe, The second area is north of the Bass Lake Kame Moraine,
east of the Coldwater River. This unit contains small areas of primary deposits of
aggregate resources,
. Simcoe Rolling Upland - This area is comprised of well-drained loamy uplands located
in the northwestern section of the Township, to the west of the Coldwater River. This
landscape unit is divided by deep valleys occupied by Hogg Creek and the Sturgeon
River. This unit contains generally lower quality aggregate resources.
. Moonstone/Severn Sound Plain - This landscape unit is represented in three valleys in
the northwestern part of the Township, These valleys contain Hogg Creek and the
Sturgeon and Coldwater Rivers, and are characterized by deep sands with pockets of
poorly-drained organic soils. This landscape unit contains a range of primary, secondary
and tertiary aggregate resources,
. Peat and Muck - This area contains pockets of poorly-drained organic materials which
are generally associated with wetlands, This unit contains no known aggregate resources
and is dispersed throughout the Township.
. Lake Simcoe Lowlands - This landscape unit represents the shoreline area of Lake
Simcoe and is bounded by a rocky terrace formed during glacial age Lake Algonquin,
This area contains very limited pockets of secondary resources,
I
2.3
THE GEOLOGY OF ORO-MEDONTE
I
I
I
I
I
Understanding the geology of sand and gravel deposits and how they originated assists in
understanding the quality of the resource as well as how and where it may be used in
construction.
The Aggregate Resource Inventory Papers (ARIP) outlines 12 different types of geologic deposits
to describe the geologic origin of each type of deposit. In Oro-Medonte, there are five different
deposit types as described below:
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
In the Township of Oro-Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
6
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
1. Undifferentiated Ice-Contact Stratified Drift
This large deposit occupies 11,526 hectares (28,480 acres) in the south-central portion
Township. These formations usually appear as extensive, complex landforms. Their complexity
makes it difficult to identify areas of course-grained material due to their lack of continuity and
grain size variability,
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
2. Glaciolacustrine Plains
This deposit occupies 3,143 hectares (7,766 acres) of the Township. This formation is the
sediment or floor of an extinct glacial lake, The sediments are predominantly fine to medium sand
and are generally of low value as aggregate due to the fine grain size and lack of crushable
material. However, in aggregate-poor areas, these deposits may constitute valuable sources of fill
and granular sub-base.
3. Glaciolacustrine Beach Deposits
This landform occupies 1,089 hectares (2,690 acres) of the Township. These formations are
narrow, linear features formed by wave action at the shores of glacial lakes, The aggregate
deposit is typically well sorted and sand-sized material commonly predominates, The probability
of obtaining crushable aggregate is high when the material is developed from materials such as
stony till. The narrow, linear nature of these features usually means that aggregate operations are
numerous and extensive,
4. Outwash
I
I
This landform occupies 1,053 hectares (2,601 acres) of the Township. Outwash deposits consist
of sand and gravel laid down by meltwaters beyond the margin of ice lobes, Well-developed
deposits have uniform grain size distribution and frequently contain moderate to high quality
aggregates.
5. Alluvium
I
I
I
I
I
I
This deposit occupies 398 hectares (983 acres) of the Township, This is a term for clay, silt,
gravel, or similar unconsolidated material deposited during a post-glacial period by a stream as
sorted or semi-sorted sediment. Alluvium deposits rarely contain significant amounts of crushable
value and therefore they are generally of low value.
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
In the Township of Oro-Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
7
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
SECTION 3 - AGGREGATE RESOURCES IN ORO-MEDONTE
3.1 PRIMER ON AGGREGATE RESOURCES
The primary source of aggregate resource information in Ontario is the Aggregate Resource
Inventory Papers (ARIPs) prepared by the Ontario Geological Survey (OGS) within the Ministry of
Northern Development and Mines, This inventory, which was prepared in 1984 (Oro) and 1994
(Medonte), provides a general summary of the types of available resources and their location as
well as the estimated tonnage of primary aggregate resources located in a municipality based on
geologic information and interpretation,
The following extract from an Aggregate Resource Inventory Paper sets out what the purpose of
the ARIP is:
"Comprehensive planning and resource management strategies are required to
make the best use of available resources, especially in those areas experiencing
rapid development. Such strategies must be based on a sound knowledge of the
total mineral aggregate resource base at both local and regional levels. The
purpose of the Aggregate Resource Inventory is to provide the basic geological
information required to include potential mineral aggregate resource areas in
planning strategies. The reports should form the basis for discussion on those
areas best suited for possible extraction. The aim is to assist decision makers in
protecting the public well-being by ensuring that adequate resources of mineral
aggregate remain available for future use."
The Aggregate Resource Inventory Paper classify aggregate resources areas into four levels of
significance:
Primary
These areas represent lands where a major aggregate resource is known to
exist. The inventory provides relatively detailed information and data on these
sand and gravel deposits.
Secondary
These areas are representative of lands that contain significant amounts of sand
and gravel. Although deposits of secondary significance are not considered to
be the best resources, they may contain regionally important quantities of sand
and gravel.
Tertiary
These areas contain aggregate resources, but the quantities may be minimal or
extraction may be difficult or not feasible. Such areas may be useful for local
needs,
I
I
I
I
I
Bedrock
Bedrock resources fall under their own classification and their location is related
directly to the areal extent of thin drift cover overlying known bedrock formations,
The ARIPs for Oro and Medonte identify sand and gravel deposits, No bedrock deposits are
identified in the ARIPs for this area, Sand and gravel resources are derived from unconsolidated
deposits, whereas bedrock resources are derived from consolidated material. Aggregate
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
in the Township of Oro.Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
8
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
extraction facilities for sand and gravel are referred to as pits. Extraction of bedrock resources
requires blasting and crushing of the consolidated rock and these operations are referred to as
quarries,
3.2 EXISTING GRAVEL PITS IN ORO-MEDONTE
Figure 3 shows the location of the 18 licensed pits in the Township of Oro-Medonte, The
combined licensed area of these pits is 815 hectares (2,013 acres), This represents about 0.01%
of the land area of the Township. In comparison, lands designated for residential development
comprise about 0.06% of the Township's land area.
Gravel pits in the Township are licensed to extract a maximum of 7,86 million tonnes of aggregate
per year according to Ministry of Natural Resources license data. Table 1 contains information on
the licensed pits in Oro-Medonte,
Table 1 - Licensed Extraction Facilities in Oro-Medonte
No. LICENSEE LOCATION Licensed Area Pennltted Tonnage
(Geographic Twp.) (hectares) (maximum annual
tonnage limit)
1 0, Bidmead Lot 21, Con, 10 (Medonte) 13.3 20,000
2 K. Truax Lots 62 & 63, Con. 2 (Medonte) 58.8 158,725
3 M. Nash Lot 9, Con. 9 (Medonte) 4.1 20,000
4 Twp. of Oro-Medonte Lots 7& 8, Con. 7 (Medonte) 13.3 68,025
5 J. Richardson Lot 7, Con. 3 (Medonte) 91.5 1,000,000
6 Cedarhurst Lots 49, 50 & 51, Con. 2 (Medonte) 47,6 454,000
7 Lafarge Lot 7, Con, 8 (Oro) 38,8 900,000
8 Lafarge Lots 7, 8 & 9, Con, 7 (Ore) 165.6 1,000.000
9 Saljeant Company Lot 8, Con. 8 (Oro) 43.8 750,000
10 M, Truax Lot7, Con. 10 (Ore) 9.4 500,000
11 M. Truax Lot 7, Con. 10 (Ore) 8.2 500,000
12 1256320 On!. Ltd. Lot 8, Con. 10 (Ore) 17.0 100,000
13 Blue Circle Canada Lots 9 & 10, Con. 14 (Oro) 62,5 500,000
14 Hillway Equipment Lots 8, 9 & 10, Con. 14 (Oro) 112.6 550,000
15 Cedarhurst Lot 8, Con. 8 (Orillia) 40.9 200,000
16 Georgian Aggregates Lot 10 & 11, Con, 7 (Oro) 51,8 1,000,000
17 Twp. of Oro-Medonte Lot 11, Con. 8 (Ore) 25,0 125,000
18 Cedarhurst Lot 23, Concession 2 (Oro) 10.8 23,000
TOTAL 815.17 7,868,750
Most licenses issued under the ARA have annual tonnage limits applied to them, This number
represents the maximum amount of aggregate which can be removed from the licensed area in a
given year, and is detenmined during the licencing process, The tonnage limit is based on what a
licensee thinks represents the most they would produce and sell in a given (best-case scenario)
year, as well as input from stakeholders as it relates to truck traffic and the scale of the operation.
Licensees may reach their tonnage limit if they are awarded large contracts or many smaller
ones, However, generally a producer will not get awarded every contract that they bid on as they
are in competition for these contracts with other licensees in the area,
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
In the Township of Oro-Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
9
July 22, 2002
Township of Oro Medonte
Aggregate Resource Study
Designated Aggregate Resources and Licenced Pits
1 Douglas Bldmead IDtII 3725 7 ~~ 1D#3143 13 Blue Circle
8 Lafarge
Oropit
9 Sargeant
2 Ken Truax
IDtII 3813
IDIII3553
14 HIlIway
15 Cedarhurat
Larkin ro
16 Georgian
....
17 Oro-Medonte
18 Cedarhurst
It
3 Mervyn Nash
10;112000
10# 3644
4 Ora-Medonte
1D#3581
IDt 14475
IDfl19850
10# 3818
IDtII 3899
IDtII 3631
" Maurice Truax
11 Maurice Truax
,. 1256320
Ontario Limited
5 Jim Richardson
.
e a urs
edonte pro
.
.
.
.
.
.
-
.
IDf 3710
10# 3109
10# 12813
1Di# 3537
10# 3528
1Di# 3540
.
. jvf /' 1'/
. ,\,,~. If" ,'~ //'
: ,\1 Ic-~q: ',J! ~ //c-
: 'f,::;::, >
. /' \,
LEGEND
_ LICENSED PITS I
MINERAL
AGGREGATE
RESOURCE
~ ZONED
~ (NOT LICENCED)
'c"
,
"'c,
"""," ,
,,:~
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
. "
.
. ,
.
.
.
-
.
.
,:;...-
.
"'-h'-'
~
,!
,
"
'::~~ ~
,
, , !
.. .mm.! ".
"
" ! ":,/
I !
~
~,
,I"
r:re " , """ dO? FL' \":
'l,.-.' , )," , IF""",,'
~e" '2!E ,,'41 . II'. l~i.~iti e Ii
?>?~~ . T\ ' ~~~~ ~ ~
jJ I/o ,
-\ t ^~_~~_ c: ):1 :~-~: U.~ !------
.,> ,,""" "" ""J
q/.T \(',
"L.
~-',
or,
-<-~~~
.: ./,-\
. ,'~"< '.'""1'----- _.___
t'.
-
'."
.
:~.~...
!
."
>.
, .
.
..
.
'-'" ,
.
.
Ii" '.,
:~~~~1'(0.r .
'.
-
.
,
. ,\.,
.r"~ . .,"
. " ,
.
.
.
.
,
.. ----..'~
.
...
-
.
..
.
~J
, . ,I
,
. ..
i,' &'P
i
, 1
..
. . ~L.,
I.' .", ..
.
.. '\ 1'...'. W>J
""\
,{ -
t'
" ,
'..'~
,
,
,
: i .
. ,",
. ., ....' i
: j'~
:-
-
, '
"( J:.
.
f
!",-c.
, [
","
.
>'"
.
.,..
~~.,..,.,
. '[2<::'<
,
s ._j'~' ,
"..,1-
i ' t
!' ,..f,
~'_m
'c.:.;
.
:e.',
.
.
,
'.
,
..
.
.
~'Vm
.
.
.
'.
.. Lake
Simcoe
-
.
-
.
.
.
.
.
.
-
.
I
1~
....
,---
.
! .~
T ..N"'--"
, e'
.
.'"
..
..
.w.
J
-
.
SCALE 1 : 40,000
NaI8:NDtToScsloo
when r8duoedb11x11
Figure 3
I ORO MORAINE
BOUNDARY (BARNETT)
"
......
t' .
;',
.
.
I
,
.....
.....
..,..
r
.
,
em _ '
,-~:==~[;/_"_'_m'_ ,_w
-"m__;,_,~L
. . ,
_"-,._...L.m.."
.
.....
-, '
"
.....
/'HERHII
,<,----'"
,./
""""'
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
3.3 HAUL ROUTES IN ORO-MEDONTE
The Township of Oro-Medonte By-Law 97-28 designates a number of haul routes within the
Township to serve the needs of local pit operators. Haul route locations are not identified by the
Township's Official Plan or Zoning By-law.
Based on discussions with Township staff and members of the Working Group, it is apparent
there are a number of additional roads that accommodate a high degree of truck traffic that are
not subject to By-law 97-28. In Section 7 of this report an analysis is provided of those routes that
immediately serve the licensed extraction areas and/or those routes that are heavily used by haul
truck traffic, Overall, this assessment found there was 101 kilometres of road classified as
existing haul routes, These roads are illustrated in Figure 4,
DiScussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
in the Township of Oro~Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
10
July 22, 2002
Township of Oro-Medonte
Aggregate Resource Study
Figure 4
Haul Routes
.
. '"
.
"mn
.
.
. ,
.
.
"
.
-
.
LEGEND
I
: 'C : I =>;7
: .: //
81[ 17' /. ~.I
= "H"
:;-,..
11/ "
.........~~
JiiR
HAUL ROUTES
.
.=
. ~'"
.
.
. II
.
- : :
._,.
r . ...
,"
~ LICENSED PITS
MINERAL
AGGREGATE
RESOURCE
I I
I I
I I
COUNTY ROADS
TOWNSHIP ROADS
DESIGNA"TED
(BY-LAW 97-28)
.
"
-
-
,
bou ~Rd.
" -
" =
........
c.d :
r~" I "'l 1
,,' I" I'J\~,~.'..r'
::,"IIf..........
,.
.
.
II
----
,
L 51, r=.
I
----
uiS[RCI{ -~~:--- ~y ~
, I
_mmm_______
~ >~ ",1,-..
.....::tj~=
: r~I,'
........... ....:r . L,II~~.J " .~...
I~...~,E+I,., ...........~<JJ==lj=,lif~l!r
,.....
.
-
'moo
- ,I III .1',
--~.----~
.
.
,1== [.,F:
.
""""'I
.
".
.m_1
,
-
-",
-f"'.
. f~
'--
-
=
,
--.--.-.
.
, ; ,
!i!="~:
_________f=;_____'i~.-:::)----
----~
"
-L::___
- ~
r""__..Ju
-------t.~::_
_moo......
-
.
.
-
,
I
,
.
_mmmn..-______nn
~I ;;
I
.
I...
,
""".
.....
-
,
.
__mm_______m
.-----.
.
-----
.
~
c'
.
m____
_____~__._ ____m
__C:
.
~
. ~.....~....
I
I .
. 'I
.
_.
~
.....
:k
I
,
,
-B~La
L,
.....
-
:
,
.
. ~~sldero
------00-
'//
- ----~
__mm
"J
.
.
~.-----
,.
cc_'.
-', .
"
I ,.
~
!Jel'q
I J]I-r 1=t~"I=' ....
I _.,,-,' " J'1;
I TD":J=.~,.I f
:-, ,.
?;'.~;. =t~/lj .I=-,t-
" ...: '~;I~Jt, '
, ~-Mt~~~~~
I; I ", J>
",
_..m_
.
"
"
,
"
----
.
.
:If:".,l~
: ~~~J i
II, c"
I
.---.;
'I
,,'
.
/
..
I
:-~-----,
"""
I ,~
.....
o /
f
V 'c
, 'f--i"'"
.....
..~......
.
, ....... "j[J:==
-------i~---,~----I
c
"
. -;: .......... II
.
.....
. { 1 ____
. " ""-""lJ;:~-::,_.
. ))(
.. "~~'<(~'~. ~"" - :;:::;___m
. :::;:, ","-.,}/:J
. ~',,'" '~?Z. .
.., ~~~' ~:1B~> ...___mme --I Ci.
.j ~w ''',~ z.; ; ~"y--:-- c__... , !-
I "'1 , :~(I i I:iNNjj! ~-fG~ ,\. . _m ' , _:_~.. n: __
- -
,
.
~~"
-
; . 0
.-
.
.
.
.
.
.
-
"
Lake
Simcoe
SCALE: 1 : 4(),OOO
Natt:NDlToSc8lg
when I1II1JCBdID11x17
"~"ERIDWI
\p}.~~-
'm', ..~2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
SECTION 4 - LEGISLATION AND POLICY CONTEXT
4.1 THE AGGREGATE RESOURCES ACT
The Aggregate Resources Act is the primary statute regulating the approval, licensing and
operation of aggregate extraction facilities in the Province. The purpose of the Act is to set out the
steps required to obtain approval to extract aggregate resources, The Act also establishes
compliance and rehabilitation requirements for licensees.
In considering whether a license is to be issued, the Act sets out the following matters to be
addressed:
. The effect of the pit on the environment;
. The effect of the operation on nearby communities;
. Comments provided by the municipality in which the site is located;
. The suitability of rehabilitation plans for the site;
. Possible effects on ground and surface water resources;
. Possible effects on agricultural resources;
. Planning and land use considerations;
. Primary haulage routes and proposed truck traffic to and from the site;
. The quality and quantity of aggregate on-site;
I
I
. The applicant's history of compliance with the Act; and,
. Other matters considered appropriate.
Section 12.1 of the Act states,
I
I
I
I
I
I
No license shall be issued for a pit or quarry if a zoning by-law prohibits the site
from being used for a pit or quarry.
Notwithstanding the above, Section 66 of the Act clarifies its role relative to other regulatory
documents, stating that,
The regulations and the provisions of licenses and site plans apply despite any
municipal by-law, official plan or development agreement and, to the extent that a
municipal by-law, official plan or development agreement deals with the same
subject matter as the Act, the regulations or provisions of a license or site plan,
the by-law, official plan or development agreement is inoperative,
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
In the Township of aro-Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
11
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
The Act also requires licensees to pay license fees in the amount of 6 cents per tonne of
aggregate removed from the site. The Act specifies that these license fees are to be divided
amongst the county or upper tier government, the host municipality, the Province and a reserve to
rehabilitate abandoned pits, The local municipality currently receives the highest portion of this
license fee at 4 cents per tonne.
In 1997, the Aggregate Resources Act was amended by incorporating the following major
changes:
. Applicants for new licenses or permits became responsible for the submission, public
notice, and circulation of new applications or expansions to licenses and permits,
. Licensees and Permittees became responsible for the preparation and submission of an
annual Compliance Assessment Report documenting compliance with approved site
plans.
. The collection of monies for rehabilitation was suspended. The Aggregate Resources
Act requires licensees and permittees to progressively rehabilitate their sites according to
their site plans to be in compliance, Non-compliance can result in a license or permit
being suspended; and,
. A new agency known as The Ontario Aggregate Resources Corporation (TOARC) was
created to act as trustee with respect to the collection and distribution of license fees,
undertaking research on aggregate resource issues and to ensure rehabilitation activities
are carried out on abandoned or revoked sites,
4.2 THE MUNICIPAL ACT
The Municipal Act is the primary statute that sets out the powers and authority of a municipal
corporation, While the Municipal Act makes no specific reference to control over gravel pits,
Section 210 (1) allows a municipality to enter into agreements to provide for the maintenance of a
prescribed facility.
Specifically, Ontario Regulation 537/96 designates "municipal roads, highways and bridges" as
municipal facilities. This authority is applicable to the aggregate industry because of its intensive
use of municipal roadways, This Section could therefore provide a municipality with an ability to
enter into agreements with pit operators to improve or maintain municipal roads to specific
standards.
I
I
I
I
I
4.3 THE PLANNING ACT
Section 2 (c) of the Planning Act identifies "the conservation and management of fhe mineral
resource base" as a matter of Provincial interest. Section 3 of the Act establishes that the
Province may periodically issue policy statements relating to matters of Provincial interest. In the
case of mineral aggregate resources, the Province has issued such a policy under the Provincial
Policy Statement (1996), which is summarized later in this report.
The Planning Act provides a number of "tools" to assist municipalities with the management of
aggregate resources, The following is a summary of these tools:
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
In the Township of Oro-Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
12
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Official Plan Section 16 of the Act allows municipalities to develop an Official Plan to
establish goals, objectives and policies to manage and direct physical
change and its effects on social, economic and the natural environment.
Zoning By-law Section 34 of the Act allows municipalities to pass zoning by-laws for a
wide range of land uses including "the making, establishment, or
operation of a pit or quarry. "
Holding Provisions Section 36 of the Act allows municipalities to prevent the use or
development of land until some point in the future when specific planning
issues have been addressed,
Site Plan Control Section 41 of the Act allows municipalities to enter into agreements with
landowners to deal with site development and design issues. However,
Site Plan Control Agreements are not typically used to control pits Oro-
Medonte,
4.4 THE PROVINCIAL POLICY STATEMENT
The Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) is issued under the authority of Section 3 of the Planning
Act and its purpose is to provide guidance on matters of Provincial interest related to land use
planning. Section 3 of the Planning Act requires planning authorities to "have regard to" the
policy statements contained in the PPS.
The Principles set out by the PPS are as follows:
"Ontario's long-term economic prosperity, environmental health and social well
being depend on:
i. Managing change and promoting efficient and cost effective land use
pettems which stimulate economic growth and protect the environment
end public health;
ii. Protecting resources for their economic use and/or environmental
benefits; and,
I
I
I
I
I
iii, Reducing the potential for public costs or risk to Ontario's residents by
directing development away from areas where there is a risk to public
health or safety or of property damage,"
Section 2.2,3 of the PPS sets outs the Provincial policy framework for minerai aggregate
extraction. Section 2.2,3 is reproduced below,
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
in the Township of Oro-Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
13
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
"2,2.3 MINERAL AGGREGATES
2.2,3.1
2.2.3.2
2.2,3.3
2.2.3.4
2,2,3.5
2,2.3.6
I
I
I
I
As much of mineral aggregate resources as is realistically possible will be made
available to supply mineral resource needs, as close to markets as possible,
Mineral aggregate operations will be protected from activities that would preclude
or hinder their expansion or continued use or which would be incompatible for
reasons of public health, public safety or environmental impact. Existing mineral
aggregate operations will be pennitted to continue without the need for official
plan amendment, rezoning or development pennit under the Planning Act.
In areas adjacent to or in known deposits of mineral aggregates, development
which would preclude or hinder the establishment of new operations or access to
the resources will only be pennitted if:
a) resource use would not be feasible; or
b) the proposed land uses or development serves a greater long term
public interest; and,
c) issues of public health, public safety and environmental impact are
addressed.
Wayside pits and quarries and portable asphalt plants used on public authority
contracts will be permitted, without the need for official plan amendment,
rezoning, or development pennit under the Planning Act in all areas, except
those areas of existing development or particular environmental sensitivity which
have been determined to be incompatible with extraction and associated
activities.
Progressive rehabilitation to accommodate subsequent land uses will be
required.
In prime agricultural areas, on prime agricultural land, extraction of mineral
aggregates is permitted as an interim use provided that rehabilitation of the site
will be carried out whereby substantially the same areas and same average soil
quality for agriculture are restored,
On these prime agricultural lands, complete agricultural rehabilitation is not
required if:
a) there is a substantial quantity of mineral aggregates below the water
table warranting extraction; or
b) the depth of planned extraction in a quarry makes restoration of pre-
extraction agricultural capability unfeasible; and
c) other alternatives have been considered by the applicant and found
unsuitable; and
I
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
in the Township of Oro--Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
14
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
d) agricultural rehabilitation in remaining areas will be maximized."
It is clear that the Province considers aggregate to be a Provincial resource that should be
available for extraction as required, provided all of the appropriate criteria are met. However, the
Province also is of the view that development in significant environmental areas should not occur,
if the development will have a negative impact on the feature or the function for which it is
identified. Section 2,3,1 of the PPS contains this Provincial Policy framework:
"2.3.1 Natural heritage features and areas will be protected from incompatible
development.
a) Development and site alteration will not be permitted in:
Significant wetlands south and east of the Canadian Shield; and
Significant portions of the habitat of endangered and threatened
species,
b) Development and site alteration may be permitted in:
. Fish habitat;
Significant wetlands in the Canadian Shield;
. Significant woodlands south and east of the Canadian Shield;
Significant valleylands south and east of the Canadian Shield;
Significant wildlife habitat; and,
Significant areas of natural and scientific interest,
I
I
I
I
If it has been demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts on the
natural features or the ecological functions for which it is identified.
In the case of Oro-Medonte, much of the resource is located on the Oro Moraine, which many
consider to be environmentally significant. It is our opinion that one of the roles of a municipality
is to provide guidance to both the aggregate industry and landowners on where extraction
activities can occur, having regard for the location of the environmentally significant features
listed in the PPS, It is our opinion that these same policies should provide some guidance on
what takes precedence. An example of such a policy is within the Township of Tiny Official Plan,
which was approved by the Ontario Municipal Board in August 2001. This policy is provided
below:
I
I
I
I
I
"B14.6 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TWO
AND MINERAL AGGREGATE RESOURCES TWO OVERLA Y DESIGNATIONS
Some of the lands designated Mineral Aggregate Resources Two are also
designated Environmental Protection Two, As stated in Section 82.5 (Conditions
under which Development May Occur), new development within the
Environmental Protection Two designation is generally discouraged by this Plan,
given that one of the underlying philosophies of this Plan is that the protection of
the environment shall take precedence over the development of these same
lands,
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
In the Township of Oro-Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
15
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Most of the lands that are within the two designations are considered to be
significant woodlands, The preservation of this resource is deemed, for the
purposes of this Plan, to be more important than the extraction of aggregate from
these lands, However, there may be cases where it can be shown that
aggregate extraction will not have an impact on the significant wODdland feature,
depending on the extent Df the feature, its size and its significance. In such
cases, Council shall be satisfied that the criteria set out in Section 06
(Requirements for an Environmental Impact Study) are met to their satisfaction
prior to approving new extraction activities."
4.5 THE COUNTY OF SIMCOE OFFICIAL PLAN
The County of Simcoe Official Plan was approved in June Df 2000. The County Plan identifies
primary and secondary sand, gravel and bedrock resources and requires local municipalities tD
protect such resources so they may be made available to supply resource needs, Schedule 5.2,1
to the CDunty Official Plan, which identifies aggregate resource areas in the County, is attached
as Figure 5.
The County Plan requires that appllcatiDns for new or expanded facilities shall be supported by
an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and shall be subject to conditions which may mitigate
external effects of resource extraction such as dust, noise as well as transportation related
impacts. The CDunty Plan also allows local Dfficial plans and zoning by-laws to address additional
matters regarding aggregate extraction and protection of high aggregate potential areas provided
such controls are within the context of provincial legislation and regulation,
It is also noted that Section 4.12.4 of the County Plan supports the preparation of Aggregate
Resource Management Plans:
While aggregate resources can be found in many parts of Simcoe County, a few
local municipalities contain concentrations of sand and gravel, and/or bedrock
resources. The simultaneous operation of aggregate operations in proximity, in
particular, can raise issues related to both municipal servicing and liability for
other landDwners, For such situations, Aggregate Resource Management Plans
are proposed to deal with sequential or phased development, rehabilitation plans,
conservation of natural features and functions, especially water quality and
quantity, haul routes, other land features and functions, especially water quality
and quantity, haul routes, other land uses in the vicinity and other relevant topics.
Potential participants in such studies include the Province, the County, local
municipalities, the aggregate industry and interested landowners.
4.6 THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE OFFICIAL PLAN
The Official Plan for the Township of Oro-Medonte was approved by the Minister of Municipal
Affairs in 1996, The Official Plan uses a Mineral Aggregate Resource designation to identify
existing licensed pit operations and areas of high potential for aggregate resource extraction,
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
In the Township ofOro-Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
16
July 22, 2002
Township of Oro-Medonte
Aggregate Resources Study
PRIMARY AGGREGATE RESOURCES
IN THE COUNTY OF SIMCOE OFFICIAL PLAN
'~ /)
\'\ "\ '-,--,
.., j t.. t::r
(""'ow,,^",\ ~
",,<::J ;?J
U
'<':co-
I
N
I
~~-
M"
""ITAWA"""" """
i!t!f~\ .2:~~~~:.--=_ [
I l__..,__~_~,_..~,
, -
Figure 5
",,""""""""'0_
-""""""",,,,,,,,,,,..
",""""-y"","""",,,
-
:f
~
.,,", .'
'"
\~".,..'f-
p'
-"\\_:'''_::',i.'''''
COUNTY OF
SIMCOE
SCHEDULE 5.2.1
HIGH POTENTIAL MINERAL
AGGREGATE AREAS
liGEN\)
ZIP "_"~'M"'_~
W?"'~o"'-
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
The Official Plan currently places about 2,140 hectares (5,287 acres) of land in the Mineral
Aggregate Resource designation as indicated on Figure 3. This area is consistent with the
amount of land designated in the County of Simcoe Official Plan as a Primary Aggregate
Resource Area or identified as an existing licensed pit.
The objectives of the Official Plan with respect to the Mineral Aggregate Resource designation
are set out in Section D5, 1:
. To protect mineral aggregate operations, known mineral deposits and areas of high
potential mineral aggregate resources for future resource use;
. To ensure that extractive activities are carried out with minimal environmental and social
cost; and,
. To minimize conflicts among incompatible land uses,
Permitted uses in the Mineral Aggregate Resource designation include the quarrying and
extraction of gravel, sand and other aggregates and related operations such as crushing,
screening, washing and aggregate storage,
With respect to the issue of new pit development or the expansion of an existing pit, a zoning by-
law amendment is the only planning approval required on lands within the Mineral Aggregate
Resource designation, In order to obtain this approval, an Environmental Impact Statement is
required to address the following issues as set out in Section D5,3.1.2 of the Official Plan.
. The effect of the operation on natural features and ecological functions, nearby
communities, agricultural resources, community character, the groundwater table and
nearby wells;
. The effect of increased truck traffic on the environment;
. The suitability of the proposed haul routes;
. The effect of noise, odour, dust and vibration generated by the proposed use on adjacent
land uses;
. How the site will be progressively rehabilitated to accommodate subsequent land uses
after the extraction is completed; and,
. How the impacts from the proposed pit or quarry will be mitigated in order to lessen those
impacts,
Section D5.3, 1.3 of the Plan also requires the proponent of a pit to consider, through the above
noted EIS, the "added impact" of a new pit upon the items noted above, In preparing this
assessment, the Plan requires the proponent to consider the location of existing pits as well as
the location of future pit operations,
A copy of the existing Oro-Medonte Mineral Aggregate Resource policies is attached in Appendix
1.
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
In the Township of Oro.Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
17
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
4.7 THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO-MEDONTE ZONING BY-LAW
The Township of Oro-Medonte Zoning By-law contains two zones to assist in the implementation
of the Aggregate Resource designation in the Official Plan, The Mineral Aggregate Resource One
(MAR1) Zone is the primary zone that permits the establishment and operation of aggregate
extraction facilities, The Mineral Aggregate Resource Two (MAR2) Zone essentially serves the
role of a holding zone that identifies lands with high potential for aggregate production but does
not allow aggregate extraction as an as-of-right permitted use, This means that an application for
re-zoning is required to establish a new pit on lands zoned MAR2,
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
In the Township of Oro-Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
18
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
SECTION 5 - AGGREGATE RESOURCES IN ORO-MEDONTE
5.1 AMOUNT OF RESOURCE
The Ontario Geological Survey Aggregate Resources Inventory Paper (ARIP) provides estimates
of the total tonnage of aggregate resources by distinguishing between a 'total" area and tonnage
estimate, and a "select" area and tonnage estimate. While it is important to note this data is an
estimate based on a cursory field study, the inventory is nonetheless the primary tool available to
a municipality to delineate and evaluate its aggregate resources.
"Total" tonnage is based on a determination of the area in hectares of all known aggregate
resource areas, including those of primary, secondary and tertiary significance. These areas are
then multiplied by a thickness value and a density value, The thickness value is derived from an
approximation of deposit thickness based on the face heights of pits or test holes, while the
density factor is based on an average aggregate volume of 1,770 kg/ma
"Select" tonnage estimates are lower values because they only represent areas of primary
significance, These areas have also been adjusted to account for proximity to cultural features
and for existing licensed areas. Figures 6 and 7 are copies of the ARIP mapping which have been
enhanced to indicate the location of "Select" resources in the geographic Township of Oro and
Medonte, according to the ARIP reports.
Table 2 summarizes the amount of land area and estimated amount of aggregate resources in
the Township of Oro-Medonte,
Table 2 - Estimated Aggregate Resources in Oro-Medonte
Select Area (ha) Select Tonnage Total Area (ha) Total Tonnage
Millions of Tonnes Millions of Tonnes
Ora 1,280 195 12,700 1,330
Medonle 433 56 11,200 820
Total 1,713 251 23,900 2,150
Sou""': Ontario Geologicel Survey, Aggregete Resou"",s Inventory Peper (Ora - 1984, Medonte - 1994)
Based on these estimates, the estimated amount of sand and gravel resources in the Township
ranges from 251 million to 2,15 billion tonnes, In accordance with the Provincial Policy
Statement, the Official Plan for the County of Simcoe currently has 12,555 hectares (31,023
acres) of land placed in the High Potential Aggregate Area designation in the County or presently
licensed as an existing pit. Out of this total, almost 60% or 7,407 hectares (18,302 acres) is found
in the "Barrie Aggregate Resource Area", The Barrie Aggregate Resource Area represents a
market area and is based on municipalities which possess an aggregate supply and are located
within a 10 to 50 kilometre driving distance to the City of Barrie. These municipalities include
Innisfil, Essa, Springwater, Oro-Medonte, Severn and Ramara,
The Township of Oro-Medonte currently has about 2,140 hectares (5,287 acres) of land in the
Mineral Aggregate Resource designation in its Official Plan. It is noted that this area is greater
than the ARIP "Select Area" of 1,713 hectares noted in Table 2. The primary reasons for this
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
In the Township of Oro.Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
19
July 22, 2002
._"____~____".______oo
Township of Oro-Medonte
Aggregate Resource Study
Figure 6
Aggregate Inventory Mapping - Oro
LEGEND
PRIMARYSIGNIFICA'lCE W~JaUCE'lCE!JPIT
SECONDARYSIGN'RCANCE ._....._~...] UNUCENCE!JPH
fERTIN<YS,GNWICANCE
SO""o: 0""''''' G.3,lo~i,.1 Su"""y.
A~9'<9.I. Ro'ou"'" "".""'''1.
P.".,"5p,",')'MP.",,79{'~~4)
/',
01MERIDlAN
)""0_"",,'''''0.'
,..,=
Township of Oro~Medonte
Aggregate Resource Study
Figure 7
Aggregate Inventory Mapping. Medonte
LEGEND
?R1MAR'f S!GMFIGMlCE
UCENC'E)) PiT
SECONDARY SIGNIFICANCE
VNUCENCED PfT
Ma~ 2002
SO"I1~'.}:O~!t.!!jt! G~oJ.ogiC;Ei1 SUT\I<!Y,
A,~r"!)i<J~ R,",~()lIT~eJlll'i'l;!n~(!l)'.
P5;ffifG!SIHi84);O!na1f'ap<!r?9{1'<i94j
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
deviation is that the Oro-Medonte Official Plan designates some additional land in the Mineral
Aggregate Resource designation which is not identified as a primary resource in the ARIP, and
secondly there are currently licensed pits located outside of the ARIP "Select Area," which are
designated by the Plan as a primary resource area. As Table 1 indicates, there are presently 815
hectares of land licensed for extraction in Oro-Medonte, this represents about 38% of the total
lands designated for aggregate extraction in the Township's Official Plan.
5.2 DEMAND
Based on data published by the Ontario Aggregate Resources Corporation, the Township of Oro-
Medonte has produced an average of 2 million tonnes of aggregate per year over the years of
1998, 1999 and 2000. Province wide, the Township of Oro-Medonte ranked as the 17th largest in
terms of tonnage in Ontario in the year 2000,
In terms of determining the market for Oro-Medonte aggregate, the results of a survey circulated
to aggregate producers at the initiation of this study indicate that the average distance that
aggregate was transported from their operations was 36 kllometres, This average distance
suggests that the City of Barrie, and to a lesser extent the City of Orillia, is a primary destination
for the aggregate extracted from Oro-Medonte pits, given that 12 pits in the Township are located
within this proximity,
Several other aggregate producing municipalities lie within or close to this Barrie market area.
These include the Townships of Ramara, Severn, Springwater, Essa and Innisfil, Table 3
summarizes the annual aggregate production of the municipalities that comprise the "Barrie
Aggregate Resource Area."
Table 3 - Municipalities in the Ba"ie Aggregate Resource Area: Production from 1998 to
2000
Municipality 1998 1999 2000 3 Year Average
Production Production Production Change
Oro-Medonte 2,266,539 2,041,050 1,986,820 -12.3% 2,098,136
Ramara 1,666,826 1,636,628 2,086,361 25,2% 1,796,605
Severn 1,047,273 1,023,827 1,346,463 28.6% 1,139,187
Springwater 1,052,481 1,189,964 1,152,546 9,5% 1,131,663
Essa 182,092 104,410 126,620 -30,5% 137,707
Innisfil 111,391 112,561 144,332 29.6% 122,761
TOTAL 6,326,602 6,108,440 6,843,142 8.2% 6,426,061
Source: Onterio Aggrageta Resources Corpol8lion, 1998 to 2000
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
in the Township of Oro~Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
20
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Table 4 - Municipalities in the Barrie Aggregate Resource Area: 2000 Production
Expressed as a Percent of Total Licensed Tonnage
Municipality
Oro-Medonte
Ramara
Severn
Springwater
Essa
Innisfil
Licensed Annual Tonnage
7,868,750
4,461,050
8,489,325
5,832,840
952,405
618,000
2000 Production
1,986,820
2,086,361
1,346,463
1,152,546
126,620
144,332
Annual Extraction
25.2%
46,8%
15.9%
19.8%
13.3%
23.3%
TOTAL
28,222,370
6,843,142
24.2%
Source: Ministry of Natural Resources 2000 License Data
It should be noted that there are also needs for aggregate in rural areas as well, such as for roads
and businesses and major construction projects like Casino Rama and Georgian Downs,
5.3 WHERE IS THE MARKET FOR ORO-MEDONTE AGGREGATE?
It is apparent that the majority of gravel pits in Oro-Medonte are located within a close proximity
to the cities of Barrie and Orillia, It also has been determined through the aggregate producers
survey that the average haulage distance aggregate is hauled from Oro-Medonte pits is 36
kilometres. This information, combined with Barrie's high rate of growth and its centralized
location for 5 concrete and asphalt plants would seem to indicate that Barrie is a prime
destination for a large portion of Oro-Medonte's aggregate supply. However, as Table 4 indicates,
Oro-Medonte is only one of a group of aggregate producing municipalities located within a
reasonable driving distance to Barrie.
To assist in determining the demand for aggregate in Barrie, a Construction Expenditures Model
was used. The framework for this model is that usage factors for various types of construction are
applied against known construction values. For example the model suggest that for every $1000
dollars expended on residential construction, 1.66 tonnes of aggregate was utilized, Similar
values are established for non-residential construction, road construction and other engineered
structures,
I
I
I
I
I
Using ten-year construction data from the City of Barrie, which is summarized later in this report,
this model suggests that 1,12 million tonnes of aggregate per year was used to accommodate
construction in the City of Barrie. Generally, this represents 56% of all aggregate produced in
Oro-Medonte or 16% of all aggregate produced by municipalities which comprise Barrie's
Aggregate Resource Area, based on 2000 extraction data. As a result, the construction model
suggests there are other significant market destinations for aggregate produced in Oro-Medonte
and its neighbouring townships, An estimate by Planning and Engineering Initiatives (1998)
suggests that over four million tonnes of aggregate is exported annually to the Greater Toronto
Area from the County of Simcoe,
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
In the Township ofOro~Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consullants
21
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
5.4 PROSPECTS FOR FUTURE DEMAND
5.4.1 The Greater Barrie Area
One of the impacts of Barrie's rapid growth is that the City is beginning to run out of development
land. As a result, the City recently completed a growth management strategy designed to project
future growth demands and establish options to manage growth, One aspect of this study
considered the growth potential of the "Greater Barrie Area', which is comprised of the City of
Barrie as well as the Townships of Springwater and Innisfil.
The study contemplates growth of about 100,000 people over the next twenty years in the
Greater Barrie Area, This roughly translates into an additional 40,000 new dwelling units for this
area based on 2,5 persons per household, As well, it is anticipated that the southerly
communities of New Tecumseth and Bradford West-Gwillimbury may also require at least 12,000
new dwelling units to accommodate their population growth requirements over the same twenty-
year period, Given these potential growth expectations for residential needs, it is apparent that
there will be a sustained demand for locally supplied aggregate products.
5.4.2 Highway Improvements
In November of 2000, the Ministry of Transportation initiated a planning and preliminary design
study to examine possible improvements required to address traffic operation, capacity and
safety needs associated with the Highway 400 corridor. The study area focuses on a 30 kilometre
stretch of the highway roughly between Highway 89 at the Cookstown Outlet Mall and the
Highway 400/11 junction, just north of Barrie.
Preliminary recommendations of the study support the widening of the ten kilometre, "urban
stretch" of the Highway from 6 lanes to either 10 lanes or a 12 lane express highway, The
widening in this area alone represents between 40 and 60 kilometres of new provincial highway.
Also under consideration in the study are a variety of design improvements to the 7 interchanges
located within the project limits,
I
It is also noted that a similar highway reconstruction project is planned for Highway 11 from Barrie
to Severn Bridge. Given its close proximity to Oro-Medonte aggregate supplies, this project is
also expected to place a demand on local resources, Other future improvements include the
Highway 427 extension and the Bradford by-pass,
5.4.3 Growth in York Region
I
I
I
I
I
The Official Plan for the Region of York projects its population to increase by 365,000 people
between 2001 and 2021. In order to accommodate this growth, the Region anticipates that it will
require a minimum of 155,000 new dwelling units.
This level of growth will demand significant amounts of aggregate, however the Region only
produced an average of 2.6 million tonnes per year over 1998, 1999 and 2000. It is probable that
York Region relies upon aggregate imports from Simcoe County as well as the Regions of Peel
and Durham to sustain its aggregate needs, given the availability of aggregate resources in these
areas as shown in Figure 8,
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
in the Township of Oro-Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
22
July 22, 2002
Township of Oro-Medonte
Aggregate Resource Study
Figure 8
Central Ontario Aggregate Resources
, .
"
, "
4!
"""
~-
l-'~,~
/
!
-.._,.~_c .I
-, \JIii'4fJ!f
,
,~
.'-J' ~
LEGEND
Sand and Gravel
Limestone
iB!PRIWlBYDEPOSITS
!lll!SECONDARYOSOOSITS
Scale:
Approx. 1 :500,000
!\MAB~ll"OCKPORTFORMATION
S06CilYGEO'l,BERTIE. GUll RI\lER
FORMATIONS
BOIS BtANC,ONONOJlGA,DUNPEE
FORMATIONS
III!!
III!!
0"""'" A(>g",~"",""","",,,,,"v."'OIj".p,,,(ARIPS)_
"'">,',"by"",,,"yorN>"',"'R=""",,"M,,,,,,,'Ag!',,,,'"
Ho,,,,,"",,S,,,,""\"'''"", ""","""" "'''''''-. """"""(>91.
.~------
m
~
I
I
I
I
I
5.5 QUALITY
Through discussions with the Working Group and Provincial officials, it has been determined that
Oro-Medonte resources are a good source of sand and gravel north of the GT A and also ideally
sited with respect to the major highways in the area. However aggregate producers have
indicated that Oro-Medonte aggregate resources are high in sand content making the aggregate
generally less usable for high-grade construction projects.
I
I
I
I
I
The Oro-Medonte aggregate producers survey circulated through this project confirmed there are
a wide range of aggregate products being marketed by local producers ranging from fill to
washed concrete sand and stone,
The Aggregate Resources Inventory Paper (1984) identified 5 resource areas in former Ora
Township as indicated in Figure 6. The following summary of these areas provides more detail on
the issue of aggregate quality and seems to generally confirm the variable nature of aggregate
resources in the Township,
Resource Area #1 - This area is located within the Bass Lake Kame (Oro) Moraine and testing
indicates that it is a highly variable deposit primarily composed of sand and gravel with minor
occurrences of a sandy till. In the south-central and eastern portion of the moraine, the aggregate
is coarser allowing a greater range of crushed products to be produced, whereas in the north
central and western parts of the moraine the material becomes more variable and therefore
poses limitations on the number of crushed products that can be produced.
I
Resource Areas #2 & #3 - These areas represent ice-contact stratified drift deposits located in
the central to south-central portion of the Oro Moraine, Pits in this area are qharacterized by fine
to medium sand and gravel with a gravel content of about 20%, The sand and gravel pits in the
eastern section of the deposit exhibit medium sand and poorly stratified medium to course gravel
with stone content ranging from 40 to 60%,
I
I
Resource Area #4 - This area consists of glaciolacustrine beach deposits of sand and gravel
related to the abandoned shorelines of Lake Algonquin, This area is characterized by well
stratified fine to medium sand and gravel with a stone content ranging from 20 to 40%. The
material from this area is generally of value in supplying course aggregate for hot-mix paving and
aggregate for lower quality uses.
I
Resource Area #5 - This area consists of an ice-contact stratified drift deposit and the aggregate
in both pits is suitable for a full range of products but sand control is an issue,
I
I
I
I
I
5.6 LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACTS
5.6.1 Impact on Construction in the City of Barrie
According to a comprehensive aggregate study commissioned by the Minister of Municipal Affairs
in 1990, the market for aggregate resources can be relegated to one of four major types of
construction:
. New Residential Construction
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
in the Township of Oro-Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consuitants
23
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
. New Non-Residential Construction
. New Non-Road Engineering Construction
. Road Construction
Given the importance of the City of Barrie as a market for aggregate resources, these four market
areas have been assessed in Barrie to determine their economic relationship to growth in Barrie,
Table 6 provides a summary of this assessment which confirms that a significant amount of
economic growth in the City can be directly related to the aggregate industry.
Table 6 - Economic Impact of Aggregate Related Construction in the City of Barrie
Residential Construction
Non-Residential Construction
Non-Road Engineering"
Road Construction
1991-2001 Increase
12,100 dwelling units
undetermined
undetermined
145 kilometres
Total Construction Value
1,182,646,000
586,965,000
413,239,420
108.750.000
2,291,160,420
*Based on historic average of the combined residential, non-residential and road construction value (22%)
Source: City of Barrie Building Department, CtJnstruction Summary 1991 to 2001
5.6.2 Municipal Taxation
I
I
I
Table 7 summarizes the property taxes collected from aggregate operations by the Township of
Oro-Medonte. This table indicates that the combined municipal portion by aggregate operations
has fluctuated between $12,000 and $17,000 per year over the last four years,
Table 7 - Industrial Taxes Levied on Gravel Pits in Oro-Medonte
1998 1999 2000 2001
Taxes Levied on Gravel Pits 90,140 92,481 91,693 79,370
Oro-Medonte Portion 15,524 16,961 16.752 12.398
<net of County/School)
Total Taxes in O-M 5,542,070 5,718,791 5,858,287 6,053,737
Total Industrial Taxes in O-M 118,535 125,811 152,730 107,443
Gravel Pits as % of Industrial 13.1% 13,5% 11.0% 11.5%
Gravel Pits as % ofTotal Tax 0.28% 0.30% 0.29% 0.20%
Source: Township of Oro-Medonte Tax Dapartmant
I
I
I
I
I
I
As was previously mentioned in this report, the Township also receives annual license fees from
aggregate operators in the amount of four cents for every tonne of aggregate produced, License
fees have provided the Township with an average annual revenue of $62,000 based on the last
eight years,
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
in the Township of Oro~Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
24
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
5.6.3 Local Employment Relating to the Aggregate Industry
It is difficult to quantify direct and indirect impacts of the aggregate industry upon the Township of
Oro-Medonte, however, it is obvious that the extraction and transport of two millions tonnes of
aggregate annually requires a significant number of trucks and truck drivers as well as heavy
equipment and heavy equipment operators, In addition, the industry employs pit managers,
engineers, geologists, land managers, resource professionals and office staff.
Census Canada (1996) indicates that 620 people in the Oro-Medonte labour force were
employed in a primary industry. By definition, primary industry includes agriculture, fishing,
forestry and mining or quarrying, Given, the lack of fishing and forestry business in the Township,
it is reasonable to assume that this number is split between the aggregate and agricultural
industries, The Census data also indicates that 325 people in the Township are employed in the
transportation sector. If 50% of the primary workforce and 50% transportation workforce were
residents of the Township and employed in the Oro-Medonte aggregate industry, this would
represent about 470 jobs. For comparison purposes, the 1996 census indicates that 485 Oro-
Medonte residents were employed in the accommodation, food and beverage industry,
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
in the Township of Om.Medonta
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
25
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
SECTION 6 - ISSUES RELATED TO AGGREGATE EXTRACTION
On the basis of our experience in Oro-Medonte, the following questions are typically posed when
an application to develop a new pit is being considered:
. What impact will the pit have on natural heritage featuresffunctions?
. What impact will the pit have on groundwater recharge/discharge areas?
. Will the pit be compatible with adjacent land uses?
. What is the cumulative impact of permitting another pit in a defined area?
. Are the proposed haul routes adequate?
. What is the need for an additional pit?
Many of the above questions are typically raised as part of the review of any pitfquarry application
in Ontario, At the present time, there are a series of legislative requirements that must be met
before a pit or quarry can be opened or expanded, The intent of the established planning
process is to ensure that all applications are based on a comprehensive review of existing
conditions, potential impacts and the long term plans for rehabilitation,
Before a new pit is approved andfor expanded, permissions are required from the Ministry of
Natural Resources (MNR) in accordance with the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA), The ARA is
described in Section 4,1 of this Discussion Paper. Applicants for new and/or expanded pits in
Oro-Medonte typically submit an application for a license to the MNR at the initiation of the
planning process. These applications are required to be supported by appropriate information
which addresses the following matters, as set out in the ARA:
. The effect of the pit on the environment;
. The effect of the operation on nearby communities;
. The suitability of rehabilitation plans for the site;
. Possible effects on ground and surface water resources;
. Possible effects on agricultural resources;
. Planning and land use considerations;
. Primary haulage routes and proposed truck traffic to and from the site;
. The quality and quantity of aggregate on-site;
. The applicant's history of compliance with the Act; and,
. Other matters considered appropriate,
On the basis of the materials submitted, the MNR carries out an initial assessment of the
environmental features of the area as well as an evaluation of the potential impacts of the pit on
the surrounding area, Where impacts are predicted, mitigation is required as part of the facility
design to ensure that impacts are within allowable limits, If predicted impacts are significant and
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
in the Township of Orc-Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
26
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
cannot be mitigated, the proposed plan would not gain approval. The MNR also evaluates the
site plans that describes pit operations, contingency plans and an appropriate rehabilitation
strategy. The MNR relies on the local municipalities (in this case, the County and Township) for
input on the adequacy of the road network.
The license application and the supporting materials are circulated to the Township by the
applicant for comments. An application to amend the Township's Zoning By-law in accordance
with the Planning Act is submitted and the application is processed at the Township level through
all staff departments, Planning Advisory Committee and eventually to Council, A public meeting
under the Planning Act is required to be held. In addition to the Planning Act public meeting,
applicants for a new and/or expanded pit are also required to circulate a notice to neighbours and
hold a public information meeting in accordance with the ARA
The MNR cannot issue a license under the ARA until the municipality has made a decision on the
Planning Act application, This is because Section 12,1 of the ARA states that "no license shall be
issued for a pit or quarry if a zoning by-law prohibits the site from being used for a pit or quarry."
In the case of Oro-Medonte, this means that the required zoning by-law must be passed first. In
some cases, the Township passes the required zoning by-law with a Holding Provision, with the
Hold not being lifted until agreements are in place respecting the nature of the road
improvements required, However, the license cannot be issued until the Hold is lifted,
It should be noted that in almost all cases, approvals are required from the municipality, In the
case of Oro-Medonte, all areas of primary significance are currently designated for aggregate
extraction in the Official Plan. This means that the principle of developing a new pit in these
areas has been established, provided the applicant can meet the criteria set out in the Official
Plan. In such cases, an Amendment to the Official Plan to permit a new pit is not required,
However, as only licensed areas are currently zoned by By-law 97-95 (the Township's
Comprehensive Zoning By-law), all new pits require a re-zoning. Anyone wishing to develop a
new pit on lands that are not designated for extraction in the Official Plan will require an
Amendment to the Official Plan,
The impacts caused by a new and/or expanded pit are mainly restricted to the pit and the
potential for significant off-site environmental impacts is generally low. Potential environmental
impacts fall into three main categories: (1) loss of natural heritage features, (2) ground water use,
and (3) ground water contamination. These are discussed below,
6.1 LOSS OF AND IMPACTS ON NATURAL HERITAGE FEATURES
I
I
I
I
I
The term 'natural heritage" is an all-encompassing term used to describe important elements of
the naturai heritage system such as wetlands, Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI's) as
well as streams, floodplains and woodlots. These features play an inter-related role in the
provision of habitat and they contribute to the rural character and the sense of place of rural Oro-
Medonte.
The development of a new pit will have direct impacts on the natural heritage features on the site,
if there are any. However, pits are considered to be an interim use and the lands are intended to
be progressively rehabilitated as the resource is extracted, The planning for the after-use of the
pit has to consider how the site will be restored, In addition to the loss of natural heritage
features, if there are any, on the proposed site of a pit, the development of a new pit in a large
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
In the Township of Oro-Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
27
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
contiguous forest area may have impacts on the function of the woodland and associated
features in the area. The same would go for any other large-scale land intensive land use such
as a golf course, In cases such as these, a thorough understanding of the feature is required to
understand potential impacts,
In the case of Oro-Medonte, the Township is currently in the process of reviewing natural heritage
features and functions on the Oro Moraine, as described in Section 1,0 of this Discussion Paper.
The product of this work will assist in determining the location of significant environmental
features on the Oro Moraine for planning purposes,
6.2 GROUNDWATER IMPACTS
Aggregate extraction involves the removal of topsoil and overburden and has the potential to
cause impacts on the groundwater regime. Potential impacts can vary substantially, and
therefore are evaluated on a case by case basis, Impacts can affect ground water quantity,
quality and flow. A discussion of each follows.
Pit designs and operational methods create varying degrees of impact, however, impacts can be
mitigated, depending on the site, Typical pit design involves excavation to a depth above the
water table using loaders and trucks. Excavation above the water table is generally considered to
have lesser impacts, however, assessment must consider the following:
. changes in recharge rates;
. contamination from fuel products and dust control additives; and,
. changes to the water table elevation,
Excavation below the water table can proceed using backhoes or draglines. Excavation below
the water table is generally considered to have greater impacts because excavation activities are
below, and in direct contact with the water table, However, the degree of impact will depend on
the specific design of the pit and excavation/mitigation methods proposed, Below water table
extraction requires an additionai set of hydrogeological studies to be completed as part of the
license application.
6.2.1 Ground Water Quality
Ground water quality is at equal risk for pits above or below the water table due to the close
proximity of excavation activities to the water table and the resulting very short migration
pathways. Potential impacts are generally low because of the type of equipment in use and are
similar to potential risks from other land uses, such as agriculture, However, in a physical sense,
aggregate pits are susceptible to contamination because the soils are highly permeable, ground
water flow rates are potentially high and products that can become contaminants if released
(such as fuels or dust suppressants) are in frequent use, Pits that are also used for asphalt
plants or equipment storage could pose additional concerns.
Storage and distribution of petroleum fuels is controlled under the Liquid Fuels Handling Act.
This regulation prescribes appropriate methods to handle and store fuels, including the use of
lined tanks, spill controls as well as protocols for the handling of reieases,
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
in the Township of Oro.Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
28
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
If fuel releases occur, two main types are considered; (1) the catastrophic spill, such as a fuel
tank overturns, or (2) a small leak over a long time, such as a dripping tank or repetitive spillage
during re-fueling. In many cases, small leaks are more significant because they are less likely to
be identified as a problem and can occur unobserved, Large spills are usually recognized
immediately and are readily handled using protocols defined in the facility's contingency plan,
According to Kueper (1996) a drip leak can penetrate into the subsurface much more readily and
deeper than a catastrophic spill because all of the lost mass is oriented along one vertical
pathway as opposed to many individual pathways,
Fuel products (mainly diesel or gasoline) are the greatest risk since fuels may be stored on site,
they more readily dissolve in ground water than other parameters and small amounts can
contaminate large volumes of ground water. Protection measures require that fuel bunkers have
secondary containment. Fueling areas located with greater vertical separation from the water
(Le" located outside the pit area) wili also reduce potential impacts, although access issues are of
concern to operators.
Potential impacts due to hydrocarbon releases depend on the vertical separation between the
release and the water table. The physical characteristics of the overburden materials are the
controlling factor in contaminant migration. Where the overburden is thick, has a high degree of
organic content (top soil or peat) or is fine-grained (silt I clay), migration is limited by adsorption
and advective flow, Where the overburden is thin or coarse-grained, contaminants could reach
the water table rapidly,
The use of dust suppressants, such as calcium chloride, has the potential to introduce
compounds to the water table. Potential impacts are contrasted against the benefits,
Suppressants are Provincially approved substances and are also used by qthers to accomplish
similar goals. For example, the Township also uses calcium chloride on roads to reduce dust.
However, calcium chloride may be preferable to other dust suppressants, such as oil.
6.2.2 Ground Water Quantity
The use of water (at rates greater than 50,000Lpd) is permitted through the MOE Permit to Take
Water (PTTW) process, An applicant must seek. approval from the MOE Regional Office and
provide an assessment of potential impacts that could be caused by the proposal. There have
been numerous changes to the approval process in the last five years, particularly in terms of the
level of evaluation required to gain approval. PTTWs are issued with monitoring conditions and
may require regular reporting to the MOE.
Pits that wash aggregate will use ground water, Wash water containing fines is collected and
directed to a settling pond. Water from the settling pond is recycled through the wash process
and the fines are occasionally removed from the pond and usually used as fill in the rehabilitation
of the pit. Water loss of approximately 2 to 10% occurs through evaporation from the pond
surface and as absorbed water within the aggregate product. Water also re-infiltrates through the
pit floor and pond walls so the overall impact is low,
In almost all cases, pits do not de-water the overburden, Pits penetrating a shallow distance into
the water table may pump water to depress the water table for equipment access, Because the
aggregate is highly permeable, pumping of very large volumes is required to draw down the water
table in the work area, and hence make this technique impractical. Pumping larger volumes
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
in the Township of Oro-Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
29
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
increases the potential for off-site impacts to neighbouring wells and would be evaluated on a
case by case basis to ensure that proposed activities do not adversely affect neighbouring wells.
Deeper penetrating pits typically have less impact on water table elevations, As part of the
current PTTW process, a water budget is prepared to evaluate the impacts of increased
evaporation from ponds, pumping and pond drainage.
6.2.3 Ground Water Flow
Pumping activities can alter ground water flow paths, This can influence neighbouring wells by
reducing yields and lowering water table elevations. In most cases, pumped water is re-infiltrated
within the pit footprint so the impact on ground water flow direction is typically nil or minor.
6.2.4 Impact Mitigation
Good planning can identify potential impacts and changes in design or operations that can
mitigate risk, By using Best Management Practices (BMP's), pits can reduce impacts to
acceptable levels. In many cases, BMP's are also mandated through the different approvals that
are required to operate a pit and are addressed during the design stage of a pit. These
regulations may be universal (e.g, the LFHC) or site-specific (e.g, conditions imposed through a
Certificate of Approval). BMP's include:
. strict controls on fuel and fuel storage,
. appropriate spill planning and preparedness,
. restrict or reduce the use of dust suppressants
. on-site controls of pumped water, utilizing infiltration galleries and selective pumping,
. good equipment maintenance and leak prevention,
. progressive excavation to restrict activities within minimal surface area,
. progressive revegetation activities to return the pit to its intended after-use.
6.3 LAND USE COMPATIBILITY
The development and/or expansion of a pit may have direct impacts on adjacent land uses, The
ARA contains minimum setbacks for pit operations from property lines and requires that noise
assessments be completed to determine setbacks from adjacent land uses from a noise
perspective. In addition, berms are sometimes required to visually buffer adjacent land uses and
roads from a pit operation.
In addition to the potential for direct impacts on adjacent land uses, land-intensive land uses such
as pits aiso have the potential to impact upon the character of the area. These impacts may be
visual, depending on the location of the pit excavation in relation to surrounding lands, For many,
the most significant impact results from the use of the roads for truck traffic,
6.4 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
Given the contiguous nature of aggregate operations, especially in Oro-Medonte, the issue of
cumulative effects has become increasingly relevant to the consideration of applications to
establish new gravel pits, The issue of cumulative impacts was acknowledged in OMB hearings in
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
in the Township of Oro~Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consuitants
30
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
the Township of Oro-Medonte in the early 1990's, with the preparation of studies that addressed
the overall effects of a number of operations in a specific geographic area (the 7'" Line),
At the present time, Section D5,3.1.3 of the Oro-Medonte Official Plan contains a policy on such
impacts, which are referenced in the policy as 'added impacts', The policy is below:
"D5,3,1,3
Assessment of added impact
All applications for re-zoning shall be supported by an assessment of the added
impact of the proposed pit or quarry operation on the items listed in Section
D5.3.1,2 that also takes into account the impacts of:
a) existing pit or quarry operations in the general area;
b) future pit or quarry operations on lands in the general area that are
designated for aggregate extraction but not yet licensed under the
Aggregate Resources Act. "
Township staff have had some difficulty in interpreting this policy since the 'general area' is not
defined, In addition, quantifying the amount of extraction could occur (and when) on other lands
is difficult. As a result, it is our opinion that there is a need to review this policy as part of the
process.
6.5 ADEQUACY OF HAUL ROUTES
Given the contiguous nature of aggregate resources in the Township, a high concentration of
truck traffic is dependent on a limited number of roads to access the mark~t. Based on historic
rates of extraction, it is estimated that between 60,000 and 90,000 truck trips are made every
year from Oro-Medonte gravel pits, with most trips occurring during 8 months of the year. The
noise, dust and road safety issues attributed to the volume of gravel trucks is a prevalent concern
voiced by members of the public at meetings to review plans the expansion or development of
gravel pits in the Township.
Cansult Tatham has reviewed this issue in more detail and their findings are contained within
Section 7,0 of this Discussion Paper.
6.6 NEED
Many people have indicated that the issue of need should be a factor in deciding whether a new
pit should be established, Given that pits within Oro-Medonte are permitted to extract more than
7 million tonnes per year, but only extract just over 2 million tonnes, some believe that there is no
need for additional pits,
The issue of 'need' has been explored in numerous Ontario Municipal Board hearings. However,
the following decision in particular generally establishes how the OMB has approached the issue
of need:
"MARPS (the Mineral Aggregate Resource Policy Statement) makes it
abundantly clear that the need for the resource takes precedence over almost all
other considerations. The words "shall have regard to" employed in Section 3 (6)
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
In the Township of Oro.Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
31
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
of the Planning Act may appear to downplay the importance of a policy statement
approved by Cabinet under the Planning Act when planning decisions are made
but, in this instance, such a policy statement should generally override any
planning consideration that could compromise any such policy statement. It is
clear to the Board that MARPS is the governing or chief factor in the
development of the aggregate policies for an official plan that does not overly
offend the thrust of MARPS. At the same time it would be most inappropriate to
use MARPS in substitution for good land use planning, The thrust of MARPS,
however, has convinced the Board that any concepts of "need", as an official
plan policy that must be satisfied before extraction would be permitted, is
prohibited by Section 3 (6) of the Planning Act. MARPS, as government policy,
in a context of an official plan precludes Council from exercising any discretion
on the basis of need,
The above philosophy has been accepted by the OMB in many subsequent decisions.
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
In the Township of Oro--Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Pianning Consultants
32
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
SECTION 7 - HAUL ROUTES
As part of this study, Cansult-Tatham was retained to provide an inventory and assessment of
those routes within the Township of Oro-Medonte that currently function as truck haul routes
serving the aggregate resource industry, While it was recognized that the Township's By-Law 97-
28 designates a number of haul routes within the Township, for purposes of this study, we have
considered haul routes as those routes that immediately serve the licensed extraction areas
and/or those routes that are heavily used by haul truck traffic.
7.1 HAUL ROUTE INVENTORY
Overall, 101 kilometres of road were established as existing haul routes and considered in this
study, including not only those designated, but also a number of additional links, These are
illustrated in Figure 4, It was determined that approximately 70% of the haul routes are County
roads, whereas 30% are Township Roads as indicated in Table 8. Furthermore, the Township's
haul routes represent only approximately 5% of the overall Municipal road system within Ora-
Medonte.
Table 8 - Existing Haul Routes
Haul Road From To Lenoth Iklt'll
First Line North County Road 11 Lot 23, Concession 2 1.0
(/) Seventh Line North Hiohway 11 Inoram Road 17,8
"0
~ Ninth Line North County Road 11 Bass Lake Sideroad 3.6
It: Tenth Line North Bass Lake Sideroad County Road 22 2,9
a.
:E Thirteenth Line North County Road 11 Lot 8, Concession 14 1,5
(/)
" Fifteenth Line North County Road 11 Lot 8, Concession 8
~ 1.2
I- Cassell Drive Township limits existino pit 1.0
Scarlett Line County Road 19 existino oit 0.6
(/) County Road 11 County Road 93 Line 15 North/Orillia 22.8
"0 limits
'"
0
It: County Road 19 County Road 93 Line 9 North/Highway 13.0
~ 400
"
" County Road 93 Hiohwav 11 HiQhwav 400 15.2
0
() County Road 22 Hiohway 400 H iQhwav 12
20,5
TOTAL EXISTING HAUL ROUTES 101.1
Township Roads 29.6
County Roads 71.6
The established haul routes were inventoried foliowing procedures outlined in the Ministry of
Transportation's Inventory Manual for Municipa/ Roads, The following information was
determined through field investigations with respect to:
. Road cross-sections (number of lanes, road width, length, shoulder type, ditching);
. Road geometry (horizontai and vertical alignments); and
. Road condition (road type, surface condition, structural adequacy)
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
in the Township of Oro-Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
33
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Of those roads inventoried, approximately 84 kilometres (including 72 kilometres of County roads)
are asphalt surfaced, 9 kilometres are surface treated (eg, tar and chip) whereas 8 kilometres are
gravel. AU roads are considered rural roads given the local environment.
In addition to the individual road sections, a number of key intersections along the haul routes
were also considered in this study. Details with respect to their configuration, intersection control
and available sight lines was determined through field studies, The key intersections include:
. County Road 22 intersections with Seventh Line North and Tenth Line North; and
. County Road 11 intersections with Seventh Line North, Ninth Line North and Thirteenth
Line North,
All of the above intersections are stop controlled on the minor leg (Township Road).
7.2 HAUL ROUTE ASSESSMENT
7.2.1 Road Sections
Based on the information compiled in the haul route inventories, an assessment of the road
system was completed, Field data was compared to established road standards to identify
existing deficiencies with respect to the road design and/or condition, In particular, elements
addressed included the horizontal and vertical alignments, surface condition, surface and
shoulder widths, structural adequacy and provision of adequate drainage.
Based on the assessment, it was determined that approximately 5,5 kilometres of the existing
haul routes require construction improvements (eg. base and surface reconstruction) to address
existing deficiencies, all within the next 5 years, These include the following road sections:
. Seventh Line North from County Road 22 southerly to the limit of asphalt;
. Fifteenth Line North from County Road 11 to Lot 8 Concession 13; and
. County Road 11 from Second Line North to Third Line North.
Reconstruction of Seventh Line North from County Road 22 to the limit of asphalt is currently
scheduled in the Township's road program for completion in 2003, The remaining two roads are
not under the Township's jurisdiction and thus improvements should be considered by the City of
Orillia and Simcoe County, the respective road owners,
In addition, approximately 15.5 kilometres of road were identified as requiring drainage
improvements (eg, clearing/reinstatement of roadside ditches) between now and a 10-year
period. These sections are:
. First Line from Lot 23 Concession 2 northerly to County Road 11;
. Seventh Line North from just south of Bass Lake Sideroad northerly to Ingram Road;
. Ninth Line North from County Road 11 northerly to Bass Lake Sideroad;
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
In Ih. Township of Oro-M.donl.
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
34
July 22, 2002
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
. Fifteenth Line North from County Road 11 to Lot 8 Concession 13;
. County Road 19 from Line 2 North to Line 4 North; and
. County Road 93 from 30/31 Sideroad to Bidwell Road,
7.2.2 Intersections
Based on the existing haul route traffic volumes, and subsequent estimation of turning volumes at
the key intersections (detailed turning counts were not available), preliminary analyses indicate
that the existing intersection configurations and controls are appropriate and offer acceptable
levels of service.
The sight lines at the intersections were investigated to determine whether they are adequate to
ensure safe operations through the intersections. Two perspectives were considered, The first
corresponds to the minimum stopping sight distance and is considered the more critical. In other
words, are the sight lines sufficient to ensure that approaching vehicles can come to a complete
stop should the intersection be obstructed by a vehicle maneuvering through it, prior to impacting
it. The second perspective is similar, but assumes that the approaching vehicles should not be
required to adjust their speeds (provided they are travelling at the speed limit). In other words,
the vehicle maneuvering through the intersection completes the maneuver without impacting the
approach vehicle speeds.
In aU cases, with exception of one, adequate sight lines are available to ensure stopping sight
distances on the intersection approaches. The exception is the northbound approach of Seventh
Line North to County Road 22, on which the sight lines are restricted by a vertical curve.
However, given the anticipated travel speeds in addition to appropriate 'stop ahead" signs, it is
considered adequate. With respect to the adequacy of the sight lines to ensure that approaching
vehicles do not have to adjust their speeds, only half of the intersection approaches are
considered adequate for passenger vehicles. For truck traffic, recognizing the slower
maneuvering speeds, the requirements are not satisfied at most intersection approaches.
However, this is not to suggest that these intersections are unsafe, but rather vehicles on the
County road may be required to adjust their speeds to allow vehicles from the Township road to
complete their maneuver. As stopping sight distances are provided, approaching vehicles have
sufficient room to come to a complete stop if required.
Discussion Paper Aggregate Resource Management
In the Township of Oro-Medonte
Prepared by Meridian Planning Consultants
35
July 22, 2002