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© 1991, Queen’s Printer for Ontario Printed in Ontario Canada

Front cover photo: Terrace Creek Fails by Paul Smith

Additional copies of this publication are obtainable from:

Ministry of Natural ResourcesHighway 20, P.O. Box 1070Fontbill, Ontario LOS lEO(416) 892-2656

ISBN 0-7729-8964-8

Printed on recycled paper that includes post-consumer waste fibre.

NOTE: This document has been scanned and formatted, and therefore is slightly different fromthe original version. -March 2002

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Twinleaf Twinleaf is a plant of rich forests and isJeffersonia diphylla restricted to the southerly portions ofBy Zile Zichmanis Ontario.In May the rich white blossoms

rise from among elegant, symmetrical leaves.

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We are pleased to approve the Short Hills Provincial Park Management Plan, as official policy for theprotection, management and development of this park. The plan reflects this Ministry’s intent to protectthe natural and cultural features of Short Hills Provincial Park and maintain and develop high qualityopportunities for outdoor recreation and heritage appreciation for both residents of Ontario and visitors tothe Province.

K. Vogan N.R. RichardsRegional Director Director, Provincial Parks andCentral Region Natural Heritage Policy Branch

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Table of Contents

Summary ..................................................................................................................... vii

Résumé....................................................................................................................... viii

1.0 INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................... 1

2.0 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ISSUES .................................................................... 1

3.0 CLASSIFICATION.................................................................................................... 2

4.0 GOAL ....................................................................................................................... 4

5.0 OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................................... 45.1 Protection Objective ........................................................................... 45.2 Recreation Objective.......................................................................... 55.3 Heritage Appreciation Objective ......................................................... 75.4 Tourism Objective .............................................................................. 7

6.0 BOUNDARY ............................................................................................................. 76.1 Possible Acquisitions ......................................................................... 76.2 Boundary Demarcation....................................................................... 86.3 Ensuring Compatible Adjacent Land Use ........................................... 86.4 Coordination with the Boy Scout Camp .............................................. 8

7.0 ZONING.................................................................................................................... 97.1 Access Zones .................................................................................... 97.2 Natural Environment Zones................................................................ 97.3 Nature Reserve Zones ..................................................................... 10

8.0 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT POLICIES ............................................................... 138.1 Land and Water Management .......................................................... 138.2 Vegetation Management .................................................................. 148.3 Wildlife Management........................................................................ 188.4 Fisheries Management..................................................................... 188.5 Cultural Resources........................................................................... 188.6 Scenic Resources ............................................................................ 18

9.0 OPERATIONS POLICIES....................................................................................... 199.1 Visitor Services ................................................................................ 199.2 Research ......................................................................................... 209.3 Recreation Management .................................................................. 209.4 Marketing ......................................................................................... 229.5 Community Involvement................................................................... 22

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10.0 DEVELOPMENT POLICIES ................................................................................ 2210.1 Trail System................................................................................... 2210.2 Bruce Trail ..................................................................................... 2610.3 Links With Other Trail Systems ...................................................... 2610.4 Access ........................................................................................... 2610.5 Parking Areas and Toilets .............................................................. 2710.6 Interpretive Facilities ...................................................................... 27

11.0 IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITIES......................................................................... 27Phase l................................................................................................... 28Phase II ................................................................................................. 28Phase Ill ................................................................................................. 28

12.0 SUMMARY OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION .......................................................... 2812.1 Stage 1: Terms of Reference ......................................................... 2812.2 Stage 2: Background Information. Issues and Options................... 2812.3 Stage 3: Preliminary Management Plan ......................................... 28

13.0 PLAN REVIEW AND AMENDMENT..................................................................... 29

14.0 REFERENCES...................................................................................................... 29

APPENDIX. Vegetation Restoration Areas ................................................................ 32

Index ............................................................................................................................ 34

List of Figures

1. Regional Context ...................................................................................................... 3

2. Existing Development and Management................................................................. 6

3. Zoning...................................................................................................................... 11

4. Proposed Management and Development ............................................................ 16

5. Proposed Trails....................................................................................................... 24

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Summary

Short Hills Provincial Park is a 688-hectarenatural environment class park on the southwestedge of St. Catharines, in the RegionalMunicipality of Niagara. The park providesprotection for provincially significant life scienceand earth science features, notably NiagaraEscarpment features and Carolinian forests.Park visitors also enjoy many recreationalactivities including walking, cross-country skiing,fishing, horseback riding and bicycling.Appreciation of natural and cultural features alsois important in the park’s objectives. Short Hillsis a “nodal park” in the Niagara EscarpmentParks System.

Several adjacent properties are identified forpossible acquisition as funding becomesavailable and if owners are willing to sell. Thesewould better provide for recreational activitiesand broaden the range of natural featuresprotected in the park.

The park is divided into three types of zones:access; natural environment; and naturereserve. Three small access zones--about onepercent of park area--provide parking, access totrails and, eventually, will provide toilets andeducational information. Almost three quarters ofthe park lies within natural environment zoneswhich protect the park’s natural and culturalfeatures while still allowing a variety ofrecreational activities. Twenty-seven percent ofthe park area falls within seven nature reservezones which protect the most significant naturalfeatures including portions of a re-entrant valley,bedrock exposures, waterfalls, wetlands, forestsand rare Carolinian plants.

For the most part, natural processes will beallowed to govern the evolution anddevelopment of natural features in the park. Aresource management plan will be developed toguide efforts to maintain and enhance fishhabitat through selective erosion control whilemaintaining the natural values and naturalprocesses for which the park is protected.

Restoration of more natural forest communitieswill occur on lands currently farmed andselected abandoned farm fields. One hundredand eight hectares are to be replanted.Agriculture will be phased out by the summer of1993. Tree planting will aim to protect and

rehabilitate streams, hide utility corridors in thepark, delineate the park perimeter, create largerforested areas and create wildlife corridorsacross the park.

The status of rare species will be monitored toensure their survival in the park. A population ofCucumber Magnolia, an endangered treespecies, will be established. Establishment ofpopulations of other selected rare species will beconsidered.

Heritage interpretation and education will below-key and self-use. Themes will include:Niagara Escarpment; erosional processes; coldwater stream ecology; Carolinian species; forestecology; environmental conservation; the War of1812; 1837 rebellion; and early settlement.Research and outdoor education will beencouraged.

Twenty-five kilometres of trails will bedeveloped: 56% walking trails and 44% multi-use trails. Multi-use trails will accommodatewalking, skiing, horseback riding and bicycling.Horseback riding and bicycling will be limited tomulti-use trails and a season for horsebackriding will be instituted. Snowmobiling in the parkwill end at the conclusion of the 1991-92 winterseason.

Five walking trails will be developed: EmeraldCreek Trail; Terrace Creek Trail; ScarletTanager Trail; Hemlock Valley Trail; andPalaeozoic Path (also wheelchair accessible).Two multi-use trails will be developed: SwayzeFalls Trail and Black Walnut Trail. The BruceTrail passes through the park and will utilizeportions of the Emerald Creek, Swayze Fallsand Black Walnut Trails. Use of problem trailswill be discouraged.

The main access point will remain at PelhamRoad; secondary access points will remain atRoland Road and Wiley Road. Parking will beexpanded at all three locations. Toilets will bedeveloped near the Pelham Road and RolandRoad access points when resources permit. Useof some informal access points will bediscouraged after the main access points arebetter developed. Involvement of volunteers inpark protection, development and managementwill be promoted.

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Résumé

Le parc provincial Short Hills est un parc naturelde 668 hectares qui s’étende a l’extrémité sud-ouest de St. Catharines, dans la municipalitérégionale de Niagara. Le parc abrite un certainnombre d’espèces et de sites naturels protégésparmi les plus appréciables de la province dontl’escarpement du Niagara et les forêtscaroliniennes. Le parc offre en outre auxvisiteurs un vaste choix d’activités touristiques,parmi lesquelles la randonnée pédestre, le skide fond, la pêche, les promenades équestres etla bicyclette. Le respect des milieux naturels etdes ressources culturelles du parc estégalement un des principaux objectifs desadministrateurs du parc. Le parc Short Hills estla clef de voûte du réseau des parcs del’escarpement du Niagara.

Le gouvernement envisage d’acquêrir plusieurspropriétés adjacentes, dans la mesure des fondsdisponibles, et à condition que leurspropriétaires souhaitent vendre. L’acquisition deces terres permettrait de créer de nouveauxespaces réservés aux loisirs et d’élargir lenombre des ressources naturelles protégées duparc.

Le parc est divisé en trois types de zones: zoned’accès, parc naturel et reserve naturelle. Troiszones d’accès de taille modeste, représentantenviron 1% de la superficie totale du parc, sontdotées d’une aire de stationnement et ouvrentl’accès aux sentiers de randonnée. En outre,elles seront bientôt équipées de toilettes etoffriront un service d’information éducatif. Prèsdes trois quarts du parc se trouvent dans unezone naturelle dont la vocation est de protégerles ressources naturelles et culturelles, tout enpermettant la pratique d’un certain nombred’activités liées aux loisirs. Vingt-sept pour centde Ia superficie du parc ont été classés danssept réserves naturelles où sont protégés lessites naturels les plus sensibles, notamment unetrês ancienne vallée rentrante, dessoubassements rocheux, des chutes d’eau, desterres humides, des forêts et des espècescaroliniennes rares.

Dans Ia plupart des cas, l’évolution et ledéveloppement des caractéristiques naturellesdu parc seront regis par les mécanismesnaturels. Il est prévu de mettre en place un plande gestion des ressources afin d’orienter les

efforts déployés en vue de preserver etd’améliorer l’habitat des poissons. Il est prêvu,pour parvenir a des résultats satisfaisants, derecourir une lutte selective contre l’érosion touten préservant les richesses et les mécanismesnaturels pour lesquels le parc est justement protégé.

La régénération de milieux forestiers plusnaturels s’effectuera sur des terres actuellementcultivées et des champs l’abandon. Il est prévude replanter quelque 108 hectares de forêt. D’icil’été 1993, l’agriculture sera progressivementsupprimée. Les avantages de la plantationd’arbres sont multiples: protection et remise envaleur des cours d’eau, dissimulation des pistesutiitaires qui traversent le parc, délimitation dupérimètre du parc, creation de zones forestièresplus vastes et de zones réservées à la faune.

Les espèces rares seront placées soussurveillance en vue d’assurer leur survie dans Ieparc. Il est prévu d’introduire une population demagnolias a feuilles acculées, une espèced’arbres menacée, ainsi que d’autres essencesrares.

L’interprétation du patrimoine et l’éducations’effectueront de manière discrète etindividuelle. Voici quelques-uns des sujetsproposés: escarpement du Niagara;mécanismes de l’érosion; écologie des coursd’eau; espèces caroliniennes; écologieforestière; conservation de l’environnement;Guerre de 1812; soulèvement de 1837; premierscolons. La recherche et l’éducation en plain airseront encouragées.

L’aménagement de 25 kilomètres de sentiersdécomposant comme suit est prévu: 56 % desentiers de randonnée, et 44 % de sentierspolyvalents. Les sentiers polyvalents pourrontaccueillir les nombreux amateurs de marche, deski de fond, de randonnée équestre et debicyclette. La pratique de la randonnéeéquestre et de la bicyclette ne sera autoriséeque sur les sentiers polyvalents. Par ailleurs, ilest prêvu d’établir une saison réservée à Iarandonnée équestre. La motoneige serainterdite dans le parc dès la fin de l’hiver 1991-92.

Deux sentiers polyvalents, Ie sentier Swayze

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Falls et le sentier Black Walnut, et cinq sentiersde randonnée, les sentiers Emerald Creek,

Terrace Creek, Scarlet Tanager, Hemlock Valleyet le chemin Paléozoïque (accessible auxpersonnes en fauteuil roulant) seront aménagés.Le sentier Bruce traverse le parc et emprunteraégalement des portions des sentiers EmeraldCreek, Swayze Falls et Black Walnut.L’utilisation de sentiers a problèmes seradéconseillée.

Le principal point d’accès du parc reste l’entréedu chemin Pelham. L’entrée par Ies points

d’accès secondaires s’effectue toujours par les

chemins Roland et Wiley. Les aires destationnement seront agrandies à ces troisemplacements. II est également prêvud’aménager des pavillons de toilettes aproximité des points d’accês des cheminsPelham et Roland, en fonction des moyensdisponible. L’entrée par les points d’accèssauvage sera déconseillée une fols que lesprincipaux points d’accès auront étéconvenablement aménagés. Enfin, l’accent seramis sur la participation de bénévoles à Iaprotection, l’aménagement et la gestion du parc.

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Southwest of St. Catharines, the clay plain ofNiagara gives way to the dramatic, undulatinglandscape of the “Short Hills”. Roads, whichnormally show a penchant for straightness, yieldin the Short Hills to the “roller-coaster”topography.

Located near the centre of the RegionalMunicipality of Niagara, Short Hills ProvincialPark (Figure 1) protects and provides recreationon these scenic hills enveloped by field andforest.

The hills and vales of Short Hills owe their originto an ancient reentrant valley that once cutthrough the Niagara escarpment and connectedthe basins of Lakes Ontario and Erie.Subsequently, glacial deposits buried the valleyand the modern Twelve Mile Creek in turndissected these deposits to form the “ShortHills”. Numerous waterfalls cut through theglacial deposits to expose layers and layers ofdifferent bedrock strata of the NiagaraEscarpment.

Hardwood tree species typify the park’s blanketof forest. Southern species, peculiar to theCarolinian Zone, such as tulip tree and sweetchestnut, are sprinkled throughout thewoodlands. A host of wild blooms erupt beneaththe canopy of these forests. Trilliums, hepaticas,trout lilies and dutchman’s breeches fill thespring woods with colour.

The varied topography and array of historic landuses has spawned a patchwork of field andforest, and in turn a blend of woodland and opencountry fauna including southern species like themockingbird and opossum. Twelve Mile Creek,Niagara’s only cold water stream, sustains brooktrout in the Short Hills.

As part of efforts to protect the natural featuresof the Niagara Escarpment and providerecreation associated with it, the Ontariogovernment began acquiring land in the 1960’sfor a provincial park in the Short Hills area. In1973, the Minister of Natural Resourcesappointed the Short Hills Provincial ParkAdvisory Committee to solicit public input andmake recommendations regarding the proposedpark.

Most of the recommendations of the 1974Advisory Committee report were supported bythe government and emphasized recreationalopportunities that required a minimum level ofdevelopment. This report provided the directionfor the master plan for Short Hills, completed in1977.

In 1985, the 688 hectares of Short Hills wereregulated as a provincial park under theProvincial Parks Act (Regulation 45/85).

Short Hills is part of the Niagara EscarpmentParks System which protects the significantnatural and cultural features along theescarpment, as well as provides for recreationand appreciation of the features. The system,when complete, will consist of over 120 parks,totalling over 45,000 hectares. These parksinclude lands owned and managed by a widevariety of agencies. The Bruce Trail forms anintegral part of the Niagara Escarpment ParksSystem and links the parks together.

Short Hills has been designated a “nodal” parkin the Niagara Escarpment Parks System. Nodalparks are intended to serve as key stagingareas, interpretive centres for each section ofthe escarpment and major starting places forexploring other nearby parks.

During 1989-1991 this management plan wasdeveloped and public consultation wasconducted to ensure public input into the revisedplan. Following initial consultation andinformation gathering, a “BackgroundInformation, Issues and Options” report wasissued and public comment received on thereport. Based on response to that report, aPreliminary Management Plan was drafted andreleased for public review. This final plan is theculmination of the planning process. Section12.0 “Summary of Public Consultation”summarizes in detail the public consultation thattook place.

2.0 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANTISSUES

Many issues were raised during the planningprocess. After release of a “BackgroundInformation, Issues and Options” report (seereferences) public comment was sought onbroad issues regarding the park. The public

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response helped provide the direction for the“Preliminary Management Plan” (seereferences), also released for public review.Public comments on the preliminary plan helpedset the course for changes reflected in this finalmanagement plan. The discussion belowsummarizes issues of concern raised during theplanning process.

2.1.1 Development Issues

The clearest message from the public was thatthey prefer Short Hills as a wild, natural areawith only very basic facilities to support trail use.Consequently, only trails, expanded parking,toilets and a limited number of picnic tables areproposed (see 10.0 Development Policies).Small information display panels will assist in theinterpretive or public education program (see9.1.2 Interpretation). Trail development is thefocus of development proposed in this plan.

No camping facilities will be developed inaccordance with public wishes. However,provision for Bruce Trail camping is provided atCamp Wetaskiwin, the Boy Scout camp.

Three main access points to the park exist andwill be maintained. Ten other informal accesspoints exist; use of five of these will bediscouraged after the main access points arebetter developed (see 102 Access).

2.1.2 Trail Issues

Short Hills is a trail-oriented park and thusimprovements to the trail system are a majorissue. Poor trail design or lack of design, lack ofmaintenance, horse use during wet weather,horse use on extreme slopes, and all terrainvehicle use have all contributed to traildeterioration (Figure 2). Trail deterioration hasmade hiking difficult on many trails used byhorses. To remedy this, the public favoureddesignation of several walking trails and othermulti-use trails. Multi-use trails would allowwalking, horseback riding and mountainbicycling.

Seven major trails totalling 25 kilometres areproposed, to be developed largely from existingtrails (see 10.1 Trail System). Five walking trailsare proposed (Figure 5; 56% of total length of

park trails). Two additional trails would be multi-use trails, accommodating walkers, horsebackriders and mountain bicyclists (44% of totallength of park trails). Most informal trails willremain “as is”, but a few would be closed. Use ofall informal trails will be discouraged.

Changes made to the proposed trails since thepreliminary plan reflect concerns that walkingtrails should be more accessible to the PelhamRoad access point. An additional walking trail,the Emerald Creek Trail, has been added to theproposals and all walking trails would now belinked so a visitor could hike without having touse multi-use trails. One multi-use trail proposedin the preliminary plan, now eliminated, wasthought to be environmentally unsound.

Selective trail redesign and a trail userawareness program aimed particularly athorseback-riders will be used to prevent damageto trails by horses. Limiting horses to multi-usetrails and to a riding season excluding thewettest time periods will also minimize traildamage (see 9.3.1 Horseback Riding).

The public did not favour continued use of thepark by snowmobllers. Snowmobiling was notpermitted in the 1977 plan, but was permitted onan interim basis in 1978 and continued after thattime. Snowmobiling in the park will be ended atthe conclusion of the 1991-92 winter season.

2.2.1 Resource Management Issues

Restoration of more natural vegetation in thepark, primarily through selective tree and shrubplanting, is a major proposal in this plan (see8.2.1 Vegetation Restoration). The proposalsfocus on areas in the park currently beingfarmed and to a lesser extent on selected oldfields and pine and spruce plantations.Agriculture will be phased out of the park by July1993.

3.0 CLASSIFICATION

Short Hills is classified as a Natural EnvironmentPark to reflect the provincially and regionallysignificant natural features present and the highquality recreational opportunities it provides.Park classification matches the park’s naturalfeatures with appropriate recreational use.

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Currently, Short Hills is designated as a “NodalPark” within the Niagara Escarpment ParksSystem. Nodal parks are meant to be keystaging areas for use of the escarpment andprovide information on the entire NiagaraEscarpment Parks System. Short Hills’ nodalpark designation is being reassessed under thefive-year review of the Niagara Escarpment Planthat is taking place. The Ministry hasrecommended that the nodal park designationbe retained for Short Hills.

4.0 GOAL

The goal of Short Hills Provincial Park is toprotect the park’s significant natural features andprovide opportunities for a variety of high quality,day-use recreational and interpretiveexperiences. These experiences will be trail-oriented and require only minimal supportfacilities.

Short Hills is one of the parks of the NiagaraEscarpment Parks System. The park will helpachieve the goal of protection of escarpmentfeatures as well as provision of outdoorrecreation, exploration, appreciation anddiscovery opportunities related to theescarpment. Short Hills forms part of the “corearea” of the Niagara Escarpment BiosphereReserve designated in 1990. The BiosphereReserve is an international designationbestowed by the United Nations-sponsored Manand Biosphere program.

Few large natural parks such as Short Hills existin the Niagara Peninsula. It is also the majorpark in the eastern, Niagara portion of theCarolinian zone of Ontario. As such, it will play arole in the conservation of the flora and fauna ofNiagara and the Carolinian zone (see 8.0Resource Management). The Carolinian zone isthat region more-or-less southwest of a linedrawn between Grand Bend and Toronto. Floraand fauna such as tulip tree, mockingbird andopossum typical of more southern climes inhabitthis southern section of Ontario. A cooperativeeffort by government and conservation groupshas sought to protect the zone’s threatenedhabitats.

The Ontario Provincial Parks Planning andManagement Policies govern provincial parksthroughout Ontario, including Short Hills. These

policies were approved in 1978 and re-affirmedin 1988.

In 1983, District Land Use Guidelines forNiagara were approved and set targets for allMinistry programs including provincial parks.Specific picnicking and camping targets were setfor Short Hills (see 52 Recreation Objective).

5.0 OBJECTIVES

Ontario’s provincial parks system has fourobjectives: protection, recreation, heritageappreciation and tourism. Natural environmentparks contribute to all four objectives.

Natural Environment Parks incorporateoutstanding recreational landscapes withrepresentative natural features and historicalresources to provide high quality recreationaland educational experiences.

5.1 Protection Objective

The protection objective of the Ontario ProvincialParks System is to protect provincially significantelements of the natural and cultural landscape ofOntario.

The protection objective will be accomplishedthrough appropriate zoning and management.

5.1.1 Earth Science

Most of Short Hills lies within an ancientreentrant valley that once connected the basinsof Lakes Ontario and Erie, before drainageshifted to the Niagara River. This valley is themajor earth science feature the park representsin the provincial parks system. Subsequentglacial deposits have buried much of the valleyand the modern Twelve Mile Creek has in turneroded these deposits to form the “Short Hills”.The many bedrock exposures within the parkadd further interest. Almost all the segments ofthe Silurian period are represented in thevarious outcrops of the Niagara Escarpment.The park’s numerous waterfalls expose many ofthese outcrops.

Within the park, the Niagara Escarpment isburied by glacial sediments. Two segments ofburied escarpment lie beneath the east and west

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sides of the reentrant valley. An upper primaryscarp is capped by Lockport dolomite while thelower, secondary scarp is topped by Irondequoitlimestone.

5.1.2 Life Science

Hardwood tree species dominate the park’sforests. Southern species, typical of theCarolinian Zone, such as tulip tree and sweetchestnut are sprinkled throughout the forests.The varied topography and diversity of historicland uses gives rise to the park’s complexmosaic of vegetation communities. Forestcovers half of the park’s lands. The other half ofthe vegetation has evolved after previousfarming. Old field covers 30 percent of the park,15 percent remains under cultivation and 5percent has been planted with pine and sprucetrees.

A patchwork of field and forest as well as thejuxtaposition of valley and hilltop affords awealth of habitats for Short Hills’ fauna. Forestfauna such as scarlet tanager, ovenbird andeastern wood pewee, red-backed salamanderand wood frog are frequently sighted. Fieldspecies like mockingbird, meadowlark and littlebrown snake also abound. Well represented arewhite-tailed deer, wild turkey and other speciesof both forest and field. Niagara’s only coldwater stream sustains brook trout.

Provincially and regionally significant life sciencefeatures derive from the upland deciduousforests, ravine mixed forests, bottomland forestsand wetlands and the associated flora andfauna. Of particular note is the southern,Carolinian component of the flora and fauna. Anumber of nationally, provincially and regionallysignificant species occur in the park, such as thenationally threatened sweet chestnut tree andthe nationally rare pawpaw tree. Protection ofthe natural features of Short Hills will include therestoration and enhancement of nativevegetation and rare and endangered specieswithin the park (see 8.0 Resource ManagementPolicies).

5.1.3 Cultural Heritage

While some of Niagara’s important historicevents have been played out in the vicinity ofShort Hills, no significant historical resources

exist within the boundaries of the park. Anumber of minor archaeological sites have beenidentified. Early settlement focusing on streamswith energy potential occurred all around ShortHills. A skirmish of the 1837 rebellion took placein the secluded valleys of the park. A plaquecommemorating the battle has been erectedalong Holland Road. One nature reserve zone isnamed for Samuel Chandler one of the leadersof the local patriots. A portion of the historicsettlement of Reynoldsville is located on landsproposed for acquisition (see section 6.1).

5.2 Recreation Objective

The recreation objective of Ontario’s ProvincialPark system is to provide day-use opportunitiesin areas of outstanding recreational potentialassociated with natural environments. NiagaraEscarpment Parks provide a wide variety ofescarpment-related outdoor recreationopportunities.

The Niagara District Land Use Guidelines settargets for Short Hills for picnicking andcamping. A total of 76,900 picnickingopportunities were to be provided at 320 picnictables in the park. At 10 walk-in campsites,2,400 camping opportunities were to beprovided. These targets will be revised as theproposals in this plan do not emphasizepicnicking and camping opportunities. Rather,recreation facilities at Short Hills cater to trail-oriented, day users and thus only a limitednumber of picnic tables will be provided. Nocamping will be provided. Camping for BruceTrail hikers is provided by the Boy Scout camp.These changes reflect public opinion asexpressed during public consultation. The parkcurrently provides a quiet, natural environmentexperience for a variety of trail users. Currentuses include walking, horseback riding, sportfishing, cross country skiing, mountain biking,heritage appreciation and outdoor education.Park management must ensure themaintenance or enhancement of the quality ofthese experiences while increasing use to someextent, particularly in non-peak times.

The recreation objectives will be accomplishedthrough a revitalized trail system (section 10.1)and a visitor services program (section 9.1)concentrating on self-use facilities and provisionof information on the experiences available inthe park.

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5.3 Heritage Appreciation Objective

Heritage appreciation focuses both on culturalheritage such as history and archaeology as wellas on our natural heritage which includesspecies, ecosystems and landscapes. Theheritage appreciation objectives of NaturalEnvironment Parks are:

� providing opportunities for unstructuredindividual exploration and appreciation of thenatural environment heritage of Ontario.

� providing opportunities for exploration andappreciation of natural and culturalenvironments through interpretation andeducation based on the character andsignificance of Natural Environment Parks.

The natural features of Short Hills make it idealfor these pursuits. The numerous waterfalls andsweeping panoramas provide scenic amenities.The Niagara Escarpment, reentrant valley andthe related “short hills” topography provide aninteresting and varied setting. The great varietyof forests and open habitats support manyspecies of flora and fauna including those of asouthern, Carolinian nature. As a NiagaraEscarpment Park, appreciation of theescarpment-related heritage has particularimportance.

The heritage appreciation objectives will beaccomplished through a visitor services program(section 9.1) concentrating on self-use facilitiesand provision of information on the significantfeatures of the park.

5.4 Tourism Objective

The tourism objective is to provide Ontarioresidents and out-of-province visitors withopportunities to discover and experiencedistinctive regions of the province.

Short Hills fits into a fabric of regional tourismand provides experiences not well representedin other parts of Niagara.

Many highly developed commercial tourismfacilities exist in Niagara, such as Niagara Fallsitself the Shaw Festival and Marineland. ShortHills provides a contrast to those sites and

complements them by adding to the variety of

experiences available. In this way, the parkenhances regional tourism. The marketingapproach for the park is outlined in section 9.4Marketing.

6.0 BOUNDARY

The present park boundary, for the most part,falls within the boundaries recommended by the1974 Advisory Committee on Short HillsProvincial Park.

Camp Wetaskiwin, the Boy Scout camp, isprivately-owned and not part of the park(Figure2).

Trans-Canada Pipelines holds an easement onthe gas pipeline right-of-way through the park(Figure2).

Ontario Hydro holds an easement on the north-south hydro right-of-way (Figure 2), along WileyRoad and through the extreme southeasternsection of the park. The east-west hydro right-of-way is owned by Ontario Hydro and the Ministryholds a 25-year lease on the lands.

The Niagara Escarpment Plan land usedesignations on surrounding lands provide somebuffer between the park and nearby urbanizedareas. Nevertheless, the surrounding area hasexperienced an increasing density of single-family dwellings.

6.1 Possible Acquisitions

A number of parcels of land are identified asdesirable for acquisition (Figure 2). Two of theseproperties, discussed in detail below, are highpriority while the others are longer termpriorities. All purchases are negotiated on a“willing seller-willing buyer” basis.

A relatively large area, adjacent to Pelham Road(Figure 2), in the north of the park will beacquired if available. Purchase would allow forbetter access, parking, facilities and trailconfiguration. Whether this property ispurchased or not, the primary access point forthe park will remain at Pelham Road (see 7.1.2Pelham Road Main Access).

Another larger (67 hectares) parcel of land, eastof First Street Louth (Figure 2), will be acquired

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if available and if funding permits. These landshave high natural heritage and recreationalvalue. A portion of a provincially significant earthscience feature, Decew Falls area, is included. Aportion of historic Reynoldsville, a mill-centredcommunity dating to the eighteenth century,occurs on the lands (see “Short Hills ProvincialPark Historical Report”, listed in References). Ifthis land were purchased, the entire Twelve MileCreek Valley downstream from the park wouldbe in public ownership, facilitating developmentof a trail connector to St. Catharines (see 10.3Links With Other Trail Systems).

Two smaller properties, one off Holland Road inthe south and the other on Wiley Road (Figure2), are of interest for acquisition in the longerterm, should they become available. Otherproperties which become available will beevaluated in terms of how they might contributeto park objectives.

Former road allowances in the St. Catharinesand Pelham portions of the park are owned bythe Ministry with the exception of one in thesouthwest on which negotiations are continuing.Negotiations for the transfer of road allowancesin the Thorold portion of the park to the Ministryare underway. These areas will be added to thearea regulated as a provincial park under theProvincial Parks Act.

6.2 Boundary Demarcation

The park boundary is not well-marked in manylocations, most notably on the eastern edge ofthe park. As agriculture is phased out, fencingand signs will be added to clearly indicate theboundary. The division between the Boy Scoutcamp and the park is not marked and somescout camp facilities are very near the parkboundary. Park visitors can easily andinadvertently end up on camp property.Similarly, scout camp visitors can easily end upon park property where appropriate activitiesdiffer from those in the camp. This boundary willbe surveyed if necessary and clearly marked.

6.3 Ensuring Compatible Adjacent LandUse

The park contributes to Niagara’s ecological andrecreational diversity through linkages with othernatural areas and recreational facilities. Theecological values inside the park also depend on

connections to adjacent habitat.

Connections to woodlands along the Niagaraescarpment, in the St. John’s Valley, to the east,and downstream, along the Twelve Mile Creekvalley are all important to maintaining valuesprotected in the park.

The park’s location in the middle of thewatershed of the Twelve Mile Creek makes thepark’s creeks particularly vulnerable tounfavourable environmental impacts due tochange in land use.

The Ministry will seek compatible adjacent landuse that will maintain the ecological andrecreational values in the park. Provincial inputinto municipal planning, fish and wildlifelandowner extension services, landownercontact, Fisheries Act enforcement and othermeans will be used to influence adjacent landuse.

6.4 Coordination with the Boy Scout Camp

The Boy Scout camp, Camp Wetaskiwin, islocated near the centre of the park. The 1977master plan indicated that an agreement wouldbe negotiated between the Ministry and the BoyScouts regarding the management of the campand the park. While no formal agreement wasnegotiated, cooperation has grown in the lastnumber of years.

The camp and park are highly integratedenvironments. Any resource managementundertaken at the camp has implications for thepark. The Ministry can offer the camp resourcemanagement expertise. The camp providescamping for Bruce Trail hikers.

An agreement between the Ministry and thecamp would cover use of the park by the camp,control of park visitors near the camp, campingfor Bruce Trail hikers and management of water,land, vegetation, fish and wildlife. Such anagreement is essential to effective parkmanagement.

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7.0 ZONING

Lands within the park are zoned in accordancewith their environmental qualities and requiredprotection.

The access, natural environment and naturereserve zones are based on the OntarioProvincial Parks Planning and ManagementPolicies and are consistent with park zoningpolicies in the Niagara Escarpment Plan (Figure3). The zones differentiate the permissibledegree of development, recreational uses andmanagement practices. Zoning applies only tolands regulated as provincial parks. Proposedzoning for lands that may be acquired wouldcome into affect after lands are purchased bythe Ministry.

7.1 Access Zones

Three access zones are designated (Figure 3).These are currently and will remain the mostimportant access points for the park. They areprimarily staging areas for use of adjacent areasof the park and will support only limited facilities.Other minor access points occur in naturalenvironment zones (see 10.4 Access).

7.1.1 General Access Zone PoIicies

� To provide access to the park and limitedfacilities and services to support a range ofday-use activities. Parking, toilets, drinkingwater, interpretive displays, trails and aMinistry work centre will be accommodated.

� All development will occur with approvedsite plans and development plans.

7.1.2 Pelham Road Main Access A1(2hectares)

The park’s main access point is and will remainthe area surrounding the existing main parkentrance off Pelham Road (Figure 3). Purchaseof the adjacent lands (Figure 3; 6.1 PossibleAcquisitions) would allow expansion of parkingto 40 spaces, provision of vault privies, garbagereceptacles, interpretive facilities, drinking waterand a Ministry work centre. Tree plantingadjacent to Pelham Road would hide thepresence of the road and buildings. This zoningand these proposals would only apply if the

property is purchased.

Vault privies, drinking water and parking for 40cars will be provided. The parking area will belarge enough to accommodate horse trailers andschool buses. Drinking water will be provided asfunding and staffing permit. A small number ofpicnic tables (4-5) may be provided near thetoilets. A small work centre may also beconstructed here. The current road access to thecentre of the park along Gilligan Road will beclosed and the road bed integrated into thepark’s trail system.

7.1.3 Swayze Falls Area A2(2 hectares)

This small area just off Roland Road (Figure 3)is, and would remain, a secondary access point.Expansion of parking to space for 25 cars isproposed as are vault privies and a smallnumber of picnic tables (2-3). The multi-useSwayze Falls Trail and the wheelchair-accessible Palaeozoic Path will provide accessto Swayze Falls and other hiking trails (Figure5).

7.1.4 Wiley Road Area A3(2 hectares)

This secondary access site is on the easternside of the park, and Wiley Road runs offCataract Road (Figure 3). Cataract Road is agravel road and unsuitable for large volumes oftraffic.

Parking for 15 cars is proposed. No picnic tableswill be supplied; washrooms will not be builtunless demand warrants. The abandoned roadrunning south to Eller Road (Figure 2) will beblocked with a physical barrier to prevent vehicleaccess.

Due to the private residence on Wiley Road(Figure 2), the road must be retained by the Cityof Thorold. Should that property be acquired(section 6.1 Possible Acquisitions), a roadclosure would be sought and a change in zoningimplemented to move parking closer to CataractRoad.

7.2 Natural Environment Zones

Consistent with the classification as a naturalenvironment park, the majority of lands withinthe park fall within natural environment zoning

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(Figure 3). These include most lands currentlyunder agriculture, most old field habitats andmany forested areas, both upland andvalleyland. Possible land acquisition couldslightly alter the size of these zones (6.1Possible Acquisitions, Figure 3).

There are three natural environment zones: thereentrant valley-west side; valleylands andforests; and tablelands and fields. Managementpolicies vary somewhat between the threezones.

7.2.1 General Natural EnvironmentZone Policies

� Provide access and support for low-intensityrecreational activities.

� Development is limited to trails, necessarysigns, and interpretive and support facilities.

� Uses within natural environment zones willinclude hiking, horseback riding, sportfishing, cross-country skiing, bicycling,heritage appreciation and research.Horseback riding and bicycling is limited tomulti-use trails.

7.2.2 Re-entrant Valley--West Side NE1(45 hectares)

The Swayze Falls Creek and Valley area haspreviously been identified as a provinciallysignificant earth science feature (see 5.1.1 EarthScience). it was selected, along with the TerraceCreek area, as containing good examples of thereentrant valley. Interesting exposures ofbedrock also increase its significance. Most ofthe more significant facets of the site, includingthe bedrock exposures, are within the SwayzeFalls nature reserve zone (see 73.2). Theremainder lies within this NE1 zone (Figure 3).

The objective of this zone is to protect the earthscience features while providing recreation for avariety of trail uses. Some thinning of coniferplantations will occur in this zone (Figure 4;Appendix).

7.2.3 ValleyIands and Forests NE2(175 hectares)

The lands of this zone (Figure 3) are of somesensitivity due to the steep slopes, floodplainlocation, relatively mature vegetation or acombination of these factors.

Particular care will be taken in developing trailswithin this zone. Much of the length of the twomulti-use trails would occur within this zone andwould require selective redesign and resurfacingwith limestone screenings or similar materials.Stream rehabilitation work will continue alongthe main channel of the Twelve Mile Creekwithin this zone (Figure 4). Some vegetationrestoration will take place in this zone (Figure 4).

7.2.4 TableIands and Open Fields NE3(275 hectares)

The relatively flat plateau areas, old fields andfields currently being farmed are of relatively lowenvironmental sensitivity (Figure 3). These landsprovide greater flexibility for trail development,particularly multi-use trails. Significant portionsof the two multi-use trails (Figure 5) would passthrough this zone. Much of the vegetationrestoration program will take place in this zone(see section 8.2.1 and Figure 4).

7.3 Nature Reserve Zones

The seven nature reserve zones (Figure 3) arethose areas of greatest environmental sensitivityand thus in need of greatest protection. Greaterdetail on the environmental features of theseareas is given in the “Background Information,Issues and Options” report and biologicalevaluation report (Gould 1989; see references).

7.3.1 General Nature Reserve Zone Policies

� To protect the significant natural features ofthe park for public use and research, fortheir intrinsic value and to sustain theenvironmental diversity of the province.

� To provide opportunities for non-destructivescientific research.

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� Development will be restricted to walkingtrails, necessary signs, a viewing platform atSwayze Falls, limited interpretive facilities,and temporary facilities for research andmanagement. One exception to this is themulti-use Black Walnut Trail (see 7.3.4).

� Uses within nature reserve zones willinclude hiking, cross-country skiing,research and heritage appreciation.Horseback riding and bicycling are notpermitted in nature reserve zones except ona section of the Black Walnut Trail (see73.4).

7.3.2 Swayze Falls and Valley NR1(20 hectares)

This valley contains representative earth sciencefeatures of the pre-glacial reentrant valley(Figure 3). The zone also includes a majorfeature of the park: Swayze Falls. Just aboveSwayze Falls, the stream exposes a sequenceof seven Palaeozoic rock strata. Included amongthese is an exposure of the Neagha shale, whichis exposed at only one other site in Ontario.These earth science features are of provincialsignificance.

This site also represents the vegetation of thereentrant valley. Sugar maple stands, blackmaple lower slopes and black walnutbottomlands make up the site. A provinciallyrare plant also occurs here. The ecologicalfeatures are regionally significant.

A viewing platform was erected in 1990 on thesouthern edge of the valley near the falls (Figure2). The platform enhances opportunities toappreciate the falls and also increases publicsafety in that area. The Swayze Falls Multi-useTrail would skirt the edge of this zone. Thewheelchair-accessible Palaeozoic Path,originating at the Roland Road Parking lot alsopasses through this zone (Figure 5).

7.3.3 Samuel Chandler’s Valley NR2(90 hectares)

Good examples of mixed forest of sugar mapleand hemlock line the valleys of this area (Figure3). Sugar maple forest, old field and pineplantation also cover portions of the site. Severalprovincially and regionally rare plants andanimals are present. The “hemlock valley”, as it

is also known, is a particularly environmentallysensitive part of the park. Very steep slopes,high erosion potential and rare plants allcontribute to the area’s sensitivity. The area’slife science features are provincially significant

The Hemlock Valley Trail (section 10.1.6) willprovide greater access to this area for walkers.Impacts of this trail will be monitored. OntarioHydro holds an easement on an undevelopedcorridor through this zone.

Samuel Chandler was a chief organizer of the1838 rebel action at Short Hills in support ofWilliam Lyon Mackenzie and responsiblegovernment in Upper Canada.

7.3.4 Terrace Creek NR3(40 hectares)

This picturesque valley contains arepresentative portion of the reentrant valley andbedrock exposures (Figure 3). Water cascadesover two scarps where the stream descends theescarpment, exposing six different bedrockformations (see the front cover). These earthscience features are provincially significant.

Sugar maple forests and old fields make upmuch of the site, which supports a threatenedplant species. These life science features arealso provincially significant. Sections of the siteare currently under cultivation. These areas willbe revegetated in the vegetation restorationprogram (Figure 4; Appendix). A spruce andpine plantation will be thinned (Figure 4).

The Terrace Creek walking trail will bedeveloped through this zone (Figure 5, section10.1.4). The route of the multi-use Black WalnutTrail (see section 10.1.2) also traverses aportion of this zone. Much of this existing trail islocated on an old road bed and is used bywalkers, bicyclists and horseback riders.Horseback riding and bicycling are non-conforming uses in nature reserve zones. Whenan alternative route, likely north of the presentone, can be developed the present route will beconverted to a walking trail.

7.3.5 Cataract Woods NR4(18 hectares)

This is a relatively mature woods with a fairlylarge Carolinian component in the flora (Figure

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3). Some areas of sensitive soils and steepslopes as well as rare plants contribute to thearea’s overall sensitivity. Impacts of years ofsnowmobile, horse and motorcycle use areevident along the existing trail through the site.Some rehabilitation of this trail may beundertaken as part of development of theTerrace Creek Walking Trail (section 10.1.4),which will traverse the zone. Access to thewoods from Cataract Road will be eliminatedafter the major access points are betterdeveloped.

7.3.6 Wetaskiwin Woods NR5(15 hectares)

This mature woods, graced by two windingcreeks that tumble over several waterfalls, isremarkably well-preserved (Figure 3). Existinginformal trails appear to get considerable useand some sections show deterioration. Aportion of the Terrace Creek Trail passesthrough this zone. The boundary with CampWetaskiwin will be well marked and use of thisarea addressed in the agreement with the camp(see section 6.4).

7.3.7 Northeastern Creek Bend NR6(2 hectares)

This small, inaccessible floodplain area (Figure3) supports several significant plant species. Noaccess will be provided and no trails developed.

7.3.8 Wetlands NR7(2 hectares)

The park’s few wetlands lie within this zone. TheBruce Trail currently runs through the wetlandsnear Gilligan Road and will be rerouted aroundthe wetland (Figure 5). The existing trail routewill be closed and rehabilitated. No new trailswill be routed through these wetlands. Thewetlands form a provincially significant wetlandcomplex (class 2).

8.0 RESOURCEMANAGEM ENTPOLICIES

8.1 Land and Water Management

8.1.1 Utility Corridors

No new utility lines or rights-of-way will bedeveloped except for those required to servicethe park.

The existing hydro and gas pipeline rights-of-way have a negative impact on the naturalfeatures and visitor experiences of the park. Thepark is effectively split into fragments; the rights-of-way provide a visual and psychological barrierto park visitors and contributes to ecologicalfragmentation. Planting of native woody plantsadjacent to the rights-of-way will help toameliorate this effect (see 8.2.1 VegetationRestoration, Appendix).

The Ministry will also seek agreements withOntario Hydro and Trans-Canada Pipelinesgoverning vegetation management in the rights-of-way. The intent would be to ensure that thecorridors’ vegetation appears more like that ofthe rest of the park and is allowed to evolvelargely according to natural processes.

Native woody vegetation has grown in well alongthe north-south corridor and sections of the east-west corridor. This is the desired state for theother sections. Planting of native shrubs may beused to speed the vegetation recovery. Futurevegetation control in the rights-of-way would belimited to cutting of large trees and shrubs.

8.1.2 Landform Management

Many slopes within the park are steep andunstable. Trails, particularly multi-use trails, willbe diverted away from the edges of steepslopes.

The natural processes of erosion and depositionalong creeks would, in a larger moreenvironmentally self-contained park, be allowedto operate completely unimpeded. However,Niagara Region and the Twelve Mile Creekwatershed in particular are greatly altered byhuman activities. These activities have causeddeterioration of water quality in this, Niagara’sonly cold water stream. Sedimentation due toclearing of natural habitats and increasedurbanization has grown enormously. To mitigatethese effects, the Ministry has undertakenstreambank stabilization along Twelve MileCreek both within the park and upstream onprivate lands.A stream, fisheries and landform resource

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management plan will be prepared to examinethe alternatives in managing streambank erosionwhile allowing natural processes to operate asmuch as possible. Stream stabilization work willcontinue in the park only where it can contributedirectly to improved fish habitat.

A large slump near the centre of the park is asignificant source of sediment in the Twelve MileCreek. As part of the resource managementplan, alternative solutions to prevent furthererosion will be considered including stabilizationthrough vegetation planting and diversion of thestream away from the slump. The trail locatedupslope from the slump will be closed tominimize disturbance.

Because the slump is indicative of the processesthat gave rise to the “Short Hills” it will befeatured in the interpretive program as will thecontribution of human activities to acceleratederosion (see section 9.12).

8.1.3 Water Resources

As noted above, Twelve Mile Creek is Niagara’sonly cold water stream and only brook troutfishery. Yet the water quality and the fishery arebeing compromised by land use practices in theheadwaters of the watershed and by erosionboth inside and outside the park. The Ministry,through implementation of the Niagara DistrictFisheries Management Plan, will seek thecontrol of land use practises to ensure higherwater quality in the upper portions of the TwelveMile Creek watershed. Cooperation with publicinterest groups such as the St. John’s ValleyAssociation, St. Catharines Game and Fish Cluband St. Catharines and District ConservationClub will help achieve this goal.

Streambank stabilization both within the parkand upstream has structurally altered streambanks to limit sediment loading into the creek.This work has increased water quality and thusprovided better conditions for cold water fishspecies. As noted earlier, a stream, fisheriesand landform resource management plan will beprepared to examine the alternatives inmanaging streambank erosion while allowingnatural processes to operate as much aspossible. Streambank stabilization will continuein the area shown in Figure 4, subject toprovisions of the resource management plan.

8.2 Vegetation Management

The goal of vegetation management is to restorethe park’s vegetation to as close to a “naturalstate” as possible under present conditions.Vegetation management policies will guidevegetation restoration efforts, pest control,introductions and rare species management.They are based on Ontario Provincial ParksPlanning and Management Policies andprovincial parks policy on management ofvegetation and flora. A vegetation managementplan will be prepared, particularly to providespecific prescriptions for vegetation restorationbased on principles outlined in the next section.

More comprehensive botanical inventories of thepark, particularly of spring flora, may beundertaken or encouraged. The existingbiological inventory did not include a survey ofspring flora. New trails and other developmentwill include prior site inspection for flora.

8.2.1 Vegetation Restoration

Three general principles will guide vegetationrestoration: 1) encouragement of thedevelopment of forest communities similar tothose existing in the park; 2) use of only nativespecies, of known local origin; and 3) planting inproportions similar to successional forests in theregion. Approximately 108 hectares are slatedfor replanting and 9 hectares of existing coniferplantations are proposed for thinning. Areastargeted for replanting are identified in Figure 4.A detailed discussion regarding each of thoseareas is included in the Appendix. Those areasnoted for scenic vistas have not been targetedfor vegetation restoration.

Fifteen percent of the park is currently underactive cultivation, most on the eastern side ofthe park (Figure 4). To attain a more naturalvegetation composition, agricultural use will bephased out by July 1993. Many areas undercultivation will be allowed to revegetate bynatural processes. Strategic planting of woodynative species will be used selectively to “speedup” the restoration of native vegetationcommunities. Niagara Peninsula stock or similarstock will be used in planting programs.Provenance of stock used will be documented.Research on vegetation restoration methods byindependent researchers will be encouraged.

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Planting by volunteer groups will be welcomed,coordinated within an overall planting strategy.Funding from the Community Wildlife andFisheries Involvement Programs may also beutilized.

Priority areas for planting programs include:

First 1. unvegetated streams toPriority enhance fish habitat;

2. areas to conceal and naturalize hydro and pipelinecorridors;

3. areas defining the park’sperimeter;

Second 4. fields adjacent to forests toPriority create larger contiguous forest

areas;5. areas to create continuous

corridors of forest for thedispersal of wildlife; and

Third 6. selected pine and sprucePriority plantations.

Streams

Planting of woody plants along unvegetatedwatercourses will be undertaken to enhancewater quality and fish habitat in the Twelve MileCreek (Figure 4, for details see Appendix).

Utility Corridors

The hydro and pipeline corridors within the parkare visual and psychological barriers for visitorsand contribute to the ecological fragmentation ofthe park. Therefore, a priority of plantingprograms should be to minimize the visual andecological effects of the hydro and pipelinecorridors (Figure 4).

Fast growing, tail tree species are mostdesirable for screening hydro lines. Those oldfields and areas currently farmed that arenearest hydro lines will be a priority forreplanting, particularly the highest points of land(Figure 4). A setback for planting trees will beobserved for safety purposes.

The area of the pipeline corridor was disturbedduring pipeline work in 1989 and was partiallyrehabilitated. The corridor is still dramaticallyobvious and requires planting of trees and

shrubs to lessen its visual and ecological impact.

Park Perimeter

The perimeter of the park should, wherepossible, be visually different from thesurrounding developed landscape indicating thenatural environment within the park. This wouldgive visitors the sense of entering the park anddifferentiating it from surrounding lands. Atpresent, the park boundary is indistinct andconfusing for park visitors. Thus, planting alongcertain sections of the perimeter is proposed(Figure 4, for details see Appendix).

Creating Lager Forested Areas and Corridors

Planting may be most effective in fields adjacentto forested areas to assist the “invasion” of thefields by woody plants (Figure 4). Speciessimilar to those composing the existing forestwill be used. This will aid the development oflarger tracts of forest, preferred habitat for manywildlife species.

Planting will also aim to develop continuousforested corridors for the movement anddispersal of wildlife across the park

Conifer Plantations

Selected pine and spruce plantations showinglittle growth of hardwood seedlings and saplingswill be thinned. This will allow the natural entryof hardwood species more typical of Niagaraand the Carolinian zone (Figure 4, Appendix).

Restoration Research

The restoration of hardwood forest communitiesis a new and changing field of research andpractice. A number of planting techniques will betested including variation in site preparation, useof protective devices for hardwoods and growthfrom seed.

Carolinian trees such as sassafras, floweringdogwood, black oak, pin oak, black walnut andred mulberry may be planted at low density,interspersed with other hardwood species, inareas Al, A3, B1 and B3 (Figure 4). These trees,grown from local seed, will be used as a seedsource for further propagation in Niagara and toexperiment with their growth.

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This research will enhance Ministry capacitiesfor stewardship of forests and rare species in theCarolinian zone. As noted elsewhere (9.2Research), research by outside researchers willbe encouraged.

8.2.2 Alien Plant Species

Alien or non-native plant species will not beintroduced. Where alien plant species arealready established and threaten natural orcultural values, particularly in nature reservezones, a program of control may be undertaken.

Garlic Mustard, a weedy European species, hasinvaded many woodland areas and become thedominant groundcover species. This and otheralien species present that may displace nativespecies may also be controlled or removedincluding Scot’s pine and black locust. Ifassessed as practical, a program to controlthese species may be undertaken. Monitoring ofthe status of these alien species will occur.Research and experimentation on the control ofthe species will be encouraged.

8.2.3 Rare Plant Species

Rare plant species occurring in the park will beprotected to ensure their continued presence.The status of rare species will be monitored.Specific protection, enhancement or recoveryprograms may be undertaken as necessary.

Species listed as rare in Ontario by the NationalMuseum of Canada or threatened orendangered by the Committee on the Status ofEndangered Wildlife in Canada cannot bedisturbed or removed unless under an approvedresearch permit.

Missing native species may be re-establishedwhere ecologically feasible and acceptable.

The Cucumber Magnolia is an endangered treespecies in Ontario and its Niagara distribution islocated just to the southwest of the park. AsShort Hills is the major park and protectednatural area in Niagara, establishment of apopulation of Cucumber Magnolia trees here onpublic land is a reasonable strategy tocomplement protection of existing populationson private land. While the species does notcurrently occur in the park, suitable conditionsare present. As part of the vegetation restoration

program, stock grown from seed from theexisting, native Niagara trees will be planted inareas selected as favourable for the species.

Many other native plant species have beenextirpated in Niagara due to the large scaleclearing of natural habitats that has occurred.These species include golden seal, autumncoralroot, yellow harlequin and wild indigo.Introductions of such species would utilize seedsources in southern Ontario or immediatelyadjacent states in the United States.

8.2.4 Vegetation Use, Pest Control

Other than for vegetation restoration, vegetationmanagement will primarily allow the natural eco-logical process of vegetation succession withlittle human intervention.

Selective cutting and pruning may be carried outto remove hazardous trees and branchesadjacent to trails, in access zones or on specificsites to perpetuate natural features. Elsewhereblown down trees will be left where they fail toprovide habitat and replenish nutrients in theecosystem.

Commercial timber harvesting will not bepermitted. Fires of both natural and man-madeorigin will be controlled and extinguished, due tothe small size and urban location of the park.

The control of insects, forest diseases, alienspecies and poison ivy will occur where thesethreaten the park’s features or detrimentallyaffect adjoining private lands. The use ofchemical pesticides will be considered onlywhen other means of control are not feasible.Impact assessment will be conducted before anylarge-scale spraying is undertaken.

The 1989 Gypsy Moth Egg Mass Surveyrevealed a significant level of infestation in ShortHills. A bacterial spray program by the Ministryis aimed at areas that meet certain criteria. Thespray used to control gypsy moth larvae is abiological, bacterial spray that may affect otherbutterflies and moths.

Chemical pesticides are not used. Spraying ofsmall portions of the park may occur inconjunction with private land spraying after theassessment of environmental effects.

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8.3 Wildlife Management

Natural processes will be the major influenceson animal populations. Management may benecessary to control animal populations wherethey threaten natural values, human health andsafety or the health of species outside the park.Conversely, management may be needed toenhance populations of rare or threatenedspecies.

� Non-native or alien wildlife species will notbe introduced. Where alien wildlife speciesare already established and threaten naturalor cultural values, a program of control maybe undertaken.

� Missing native species may be re-established where ecologically feasible andacceptable. Reintroduction of a number ofwildlife species to Ontario has beenundertaken as part of the Carolinian Canadainitiative; recommendations for thereintroduction of other species have beenmade.

The wild turkey has been re-introduced tothe park and this population serves as asource for repopulating surrounding areas.Short Hills could serve the same purpose forthe re-introduction of other native speciesknown to have occurred in the vicinity. Theintroduction of the following species may beconsidered: bald eagle, osprey, northernbobwhite quail and black rat snake.

� The status of rare species will be monitoredto ensure their continued presence in thepark. Specific protection or recoveryprograms may be undertaken as necessary.

� More comprehensive ecological inventoriesof the park, particularly of reptiles,amphibians, mammals and invertebrates,may be undertaken or encouraged as theneed arises and as resources becomeavailable. A reconnaissance survey forbutterflies will be undertaken before old fieldareas are planted with trees and shrubs.

� White-tailed deer and wild turkeypopulations will be monitored.

� Capture of wild turkeys and other speciesmay occur for release at other sites.

� Hunting and trapping will not be permitted.However, control of particular species maybe required for public safety, protection ofproperty or perpetuation of natural values.

8.4 Fisheries Management

The Twelve Mile Creek has important brook andbrown trout fisheries and its floodplain includeswetlands of provincial significance.

Sport fishing will be encouraged within the limitsof sustainable use of the fish community.

Streambank stabilization has taken place to limitsediment loading into the creek and thusincrease water quality and provide betterconditions for cold water fish. As noted earlier, astream, fisheries and landform resourcemanagement plan will be prepared to examinethe alternatives in managing streambank erosionand enhancing fisheries habitat while allowingnatural processes to operate as much aspossible (also see 8.13 Water Resources).Streambank stabilization will continue in thearea shown in Figure 4, subject to provisions ofthe resource management plan. Other habitatenhancement work may include exposing ofgravel spawning beds and reintroduction ofbrook trout, preferably using nearby residentstock. Introduction of undesirable, non-nativespecies will be avoided.

8.5 Cultural Resources

The Short Hills region is rich in history, althoughno especially significant historic orarchaeological sites have been found in thepark. The heritage interpretation program (seesection 9.12) includes a focus on the region’shistorical themes. The proposed acquisition areato the east of the park (Figure 2) includes aportion of the historic Reynoldsville site andabuts Decew Falls and Morningstar Mill. Shouldthis site be acquired, an investigation of thehistoric features will be undertaken.

8.6 Scenic Resources

The undulating landscape of Short Hills affordsmany interesting views and notable features

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such as waterfalls. Sweeping panoramas of rivervalleys and open fields contrast with narrowvalleys with rock outcrops and waterfalls. Themajor views and scenic features are shown inFigure 5. Trails have been designed to take bestadvantage of these features (see 10.1 TrailSystem). Vegetation management aims toscreen out the artificial appearance of utilitycorridors and adjacent roads (see 8.2.1Vegetation Restoration). Management willensure the quality of the park’s scenic featuresis maintained and enhanced.

9.0 OPERATIONS POLICIES

A parks Operations Plan will be prepared toprovide parks staff with the necessary directionrequired to operate the park on a day-to-daybasis. In addition to addressing the operationspolicies which follow, the plan will include suchtopics such as budget, staffing, maintenanceschedules, enforcement and emergencyservices. The provisions of the plan will beconsistent with the approved Ontario ProvincialParks Operating Standards, and will bereviewed annually and updated as required.

9.1 Visitor Services

Services for park visitors will be oriented to self-use.

9.1.1 Information

Objectives for the information component of thevisitor services program include:

� informing visitors about the park, itsfeatures, facilities and management;

� informing visitors of the role of the Ministryof Natural Resources through the provincialpark program;

� instilling in visitors a sense of respect for thepark environment;

� informing visitors about the NiagaraEscarpment, the Bruce Trail, the NiagaraEscarpment Plan and the NiagaraEscarpment Park System;

� communicating what uses are compatible

with the park and where particular uses mayoccur; and

� providing a mans for the visitor tocommunicate with the Ministry regardingpark management.

These objectives will be achieved throughpublications, specifically a park brochure andtrail guide, signs, information display panels andinformal public meeting with user groups.

9.1.2 Heritage Interpretation

Interpretation of natural and cultural heritage willfurnish visitors with opportunities to learn aboutand experience the features of the park. A parkbrochure, trail guide, signs, self-guidinginterpretative trail and information display panelswill provide the media for interpretation. Nostaff-led interpretative program will be offered inthe foreseeable future. Opportunities exist forthe involvement of volunteers in theinterpretation program.

The themes of the interpretative program will be:

Earth Science: Origins and Continuing Evolution

� Niagara Escarpment features� re-entrant valley� mass movement, erosional gullies, slumps� geomorphology, earth science processes

and historical evolution. Life Science: The Changing Mosaic of Life

� the cold water stream and its ecology� Carolinia flora and fauna� forest ecology and its relation to the

landscape� the pattern and process of vegetation

succession

Integrative: Connecting Local and Global Trends

� global environmental trends, their localconsequences, origins and solutions

� influence of humans on local and regionalecology (e.g. changes in water quality, lossof habitat, extinction/extirpation of species,

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introduction of alien species)

� restoration of vegetation, reintroduction ofrare species

� the role of the Niagara EscarpmentBiosphere Reserve in the global network ofBiosphere Reserves

Cultural Heritage:Landscape Shapes Human History(minor theme)

� the War of 1812� 1837 Rebellion� early settlement by loyalists and Quake� rural agricultural life� energy use

Outdoor and Environmental Education

Use of Short Hills by local schools, colleges anduniversities for outdoor education will beencouraged. Parking facilities appropriate forschool buses will be provided at Pelham Road.This week-day use occurs during low-useperiods.

St. John’s Outdoor Education Centre is locatedon the southern edge of the park and, along withother school groups, uses the park as a learningresource.

9.1.3 Recreation

Short Hills provides opportunities for low-key,trail-oriented activities like hiking, horseback-riding, cross-country skiing, fishing andmountain bicycling. A limited corridor forsnowmobile use crosses the southern part of thepark (Figure 2) and is to be phased out by 1992.Limited opportunities for tobogganing are alsopresent. Park programs and publications willindicate the recreation opportunities present.

9.2 Research

Scientific research by authorized groups andindividuals will be encouraged. Individuals andinstitutions using the park for research willcomply with Ministry policy on research activitiesin provincial parks and will require writtenpermission.

Research priorities are:

� Vegetation restoration techniques;specifically hardwood establishment andunderstorey development

� Completion of comprehensive inventories ofthe spring flora, invertebrates, smallmammals, reptiles and amphibians

� Control of alien or non-native species suchas garlic mustard

� Fish habitat enhancement

� Enhancement and reintroduction of rarenative species of flora and fauna

� Assessment of status of wildlife stocks assources for re-introduction at other sites

� Recreational activities and uses of the park,visitor profiles and marketing assessments

� Earth science history and phenomena suchas mass movement, erosion and the re-entrant valley

9.3 Recreation Management

Management of recreation will seek pleasurable,trail-based experiences for a variety of types ofvisitors. Some increase in use, particularly onweek-days, will be promoted. This will bebalanced with preserving the quality ofexperience.

The trail system at Short Hills is the foundationof use of the park. Yet the trails developedlargely from use patterns rather than consciousdesign. Consequently, the redesign of trails (see10.1 Trail System) will facilitate the managementof different types of trail activities.

Implementation of the trail revitalization andrecreation management programs will bemonitored. If problems develop, furtherseparation of trail uses may be instituted ifrequired and after consultation with user groups.9.3.1 Horseback Riding

Horseback-riding is a long-standing use of thepark. The physical specifications for bridal trails

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require considerable costs for initialdevelopment and maintenance. The impact ofhorse use on trails can similarly be quite high.

Trail surfaces on horse trails must be substantialenough to support the additional weight and notlead to trail deterioration. Consequently, multi-use trails will be resurfaced selectively andbridges or fords built (see 10.1 Trail System).

The Ministry’s goal is to accommodatehorseback riding on multi-use trails and to limituse of informal trails to walkers. The Ministry willwork with equestrian groups in the developmentof multi-use trails that meet the needs ofhorseback riders and other trail users, protectthe park environment, and minimize conflictbetween trail users.

Horseback riding in the park will not bepromoted, but use by local riders will beaccommodated. The level of use, its effect ontrails and on other users will be monitored. Themeasures proposed below as well as trail re-surfacing aim to make trails suitable for all trailusers. Nevertheless, the Ministry may find itnecessary to institute further limitations on horseuse to deal with problems should they develop.

After the routes of the Swayze Falls and BlackWalnut multi-use trails (Figure 5) have beenclearly marked, horseback riding will berestricted to those multi-use trails. This will likelyoccur before any major trail re-development. Atthat time, use of all other trails would be limitedto walkers. Problem trails (Figure 5) will beclosed during the trail revitalization program.

Rider behaviour influences horse impact ontrails. Therefore, the Ministry will work withequestrian groups and other trail users todevelop a trail user education program to raiseawareness of appropriate use of park trails.

The education program would discouragehorseback riders from using the park during wetweather and from using certain sensitive areas.It would also discourage use of the park by largegroups of horses, as these can have aparticularly negative impact on trails. Anequestrian guide to the park may be developedwhich would show the trails where horsebackriding is permitted and list suggestions of timesand places to avoid.

A horse-riding season will be instituted to reducedamage to trails when soils are particularlyprone to impacts

9.3.2 Walking and Bicycling

Walking is the most frequent activity in the park.Four dedicated walking trails are proposed(Figure 5). Close cooperation on trail issues willbe maintained with the Bruce Trail Associationand the Niagara Bruce Trail Club.

An economically feasible route for a generalpurpose bicycle trail cannot be located in thepark due to the extreme slopes. The two multi-use trails (Figure 5) are manageable only formountain bicycles and mountain bicycles areallowed on those trails. However, use bymountain bicycles will not be promoted and thelevel of use, its effect on trails and on otherusers will be monitored. Limitations on mountainbicycle use may be instituted to deal with anyproblems.

9.3.3 Angling

Angling occurs primarily along the main branchof the Twelve Mile Creek. Access is gained fromGilligan Road, First Street Louth and RolandRoad. Use of the latter two informal accesspoints will be permitted for access by anglers.Closing of Gilligan Road will simply mean ashort walk from the Pelham Road parking lot.

9.3.4 Cross Country Skiing

The existing, partially developed yellow and bluetrails (Figure 2) have been posted as cross-country ski trails. The yellow (Swayze Falls) trailis not a particularly good ski route and reallyonly appropriate for intermediate to advancedskiers. The existing and proposed redevelopedversion of the blue (Black Walnut) trail is bettersuited to skiing at a novice to intermediate level,although the length of 6 km is longer than manynovice trails. Due to the short season, providingskiing facilities will be a low priority. No trailgrooming will occur.

9.3.4 Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling was not permitted in the 1977master plan. Limited interim access was granted

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in 1978 pending location of an alternate route.Public reaction during consultation did not favourcontinued snowmobiling in the park. It alsoproved difficult to limit snowmobile use to thedesignated route. Consequently, snowmobiingwill be ended at the conclusion of the 1991-92winter season.

9.4 Marketing

Short Hills has not been actively promoted asother provincial parks are; this policy willcontinue in the near future. Present facilities arenot sufficient to justify such promotion.However, the park is not well known even withinNiagara and is not well-used except onweekends. Some increase in use can beaccommodated. However, this will be balancedwith the need to maintain the quality ofexperience for visitors to the park.

Promotion of the park will be low-key and aimedat those who desire the quiet, trail-orientedexperiences available. When facilities andservices proposed in this plan are sufficientlyadvanced, signs on local roads will be erected(e.g. Highway 20).

A park brochure and trail guide will bedistributed as a means of promotion. Listing ofShort Hills in Niagara Regional tourism, NiagaraEscarpment and Bruce Trail literature will alsopromote awareness. Promotion will focus onincreasing use in non-peak times, such as onweekdays and during summer. A walking andbicycle trail connecting the park with St.Catharines via the Twelve Mile Creek valley willhelp promote use (see 10.4 Access).

When most of the proposals in this plan havebeen implemented, establishment of daily andannual user fees and permits will be considered.The permit would likely be purchased on a self-serve basis at one of the three main accesspoints.

9.5 Community Involvement

Provincial parks are public lands managed forthe benefit and enjoyment of the public.Consequently, great potential exists forvolunteer participation in the operation andmanagement of Short Hills. Various options forfacilitating such participation will be exploredwith interested groups and individuals. Two

possible models are a general interest “Friendsof Short Hills” organization and groupsorganized around particular interests. Withlimited funding for parks, improvements to thepark may not be possible without volunteereffort.

Possible areas for volunteer involvementinclude:

� trail development and maintenance� heritage interpretation� vegetation restoration and planting� natural history inventories� environmental monitoring � clean-up

10.0 DEVELOPMENT POLICIES

10.1 Trail System

Short Hills is a trails-centred park.Consequently, a good trail system isfundamental to the success of the park.

The existing trails grew out of existing farmer’slanes, road allowances and patterns of use.Thus, these routes often do not provide the bestrecreational experience. Existing trails do notprovide access to many of the park’s mostattractive features. Furthermore, the trail systempresents to the park visitor a confusing array ofduplicated and unmarked routes with unknowndestinations.

Conflict over the use of trails has also beenevident. Hikers complain of the trail deteriorationand resulting difficulty for walking. Figure 2illustrates the areas of most severe trailbreakdown. This results from lack of design andmaintenance along with over-use and misuse oftrails (Figure 2).

The Bruce Trail links the park with the rest of theNiagara Escarpment Parks System.

Figure 5 illustrates the proposed 25-kilometreintegrated trail system. For the most part, thesystem uses existing routes, linking themtogether with new sections to provide enhancedrecreational experiences and better protection ofthe environment. It is proposed to eliminate 2.5kilometres of trail in sensitive areas (Figure 4).

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Additional trails or alterations to the routesshown on Figure 5 may be developed ifadvantageous. Site planning will precede all traildevelopment. Site inspection for significantfeatures will precede trail development.

Trails are designated as either walking trails ormulti-use trails (Figure 5). Fifty-six percent or 14kilometres of the trail system will be walkingonly. The remaining 44 percent or 11 kilometreswill be multi-use trail. Horses and mountainbicycles will be permitted only on multi-use trails.A trail providing wheelchair access will bedeveloped at the Swayze Falls/Roland Roadentrance (Figure 5). Trailhead kiosks orinformation boards may be developed at thePelham Road access area and at the foot ofGilligan Road.

The multi-use trails require selective resurfacingto accommodate horses and bicycles. About sixbridges or fords are required for multi-use trailsand a further three to six for walking trails. Theneed for bridges or fords will be evaluatedduring site planning.

Seven major, marked and maintained trails willbe developed: Palaeozoic Path, Swayze Falls,Black Walnut, Emerald Creek, Terrace Creek,Scarlet Tanager and Hemlock Valley (see Figure5). Two are multi-use trails and five are only forwalking.

10.1.1 Swayze Falls Trail

The Swayze Falls or yellow trail is and wouldremain the major trail used by the majority ofpark visitors. From the Pelham Road accesspoint, the trail parallels the west branch ofTwelve Mile Creek to Swayze Falls and returnsvia an open upland in the centre of the park(Figure 5). The trail route is only partiallydeveloped, rerouting of certain sections isnecessary and several new sections of trailwould have to be developed.

This 5-kilometre trail would be multi-use: forwalking, mountain bicycling and horseback-riding.

Resurfacing with limestone screenings or similarmaterials would be required along portions ofthe trail to accommodate horses and bicycles.The southern section of the existing yellow trail

appears to have been disrupted byreconstruction of the pipeline (Figure 2) andmust be relocated. Three additional substantialbridges or fords to support horse and bicycleuse would likely be necessary.

Skiing currently occurs on this trail but brochureswill indicate that the trail is of intermediate toadvanced difficulty. No trail work toaccommodate skiing will occur due to theextremely short season.

10.1.2 Black Walnut Trail

The Black Walnut Trail or blue trail (6 kin)encircles Camp Wetaskiwin and follows a largeloop within the northeast portion of the park(Figure 5). This multi-use route is alreadypartially developed and well-used by walkersand horseback riders (Figure 2). It followsseveral old roads and thus is suitable for use byhorses and mountain bicycles.

The southern portion follows an old road bedthrough a portion of a nature reserve zone. Thissouthern portion will be relocated out of thenature reserve zone when a suitable route isfound and resources become available.Horseback riding and bicycling are non-conforming uses in nature reserve zones.Improvements on this portion of the trail will bekept to a minimum.

Four new bridges or fords would likely berequired for both horses and walkers.Resurfacing with limestone screenings or someother suitable material would be required overportions of the route. This trail is the best cross-country ski trail for novice skiers due to itsrelatively gentle slopes and curves.

10.1.3 Emerald Creek Trail

Leading directly from the Pelhani Road mainaccess point, this three-kilometre walking trailwould become a major focus for visitor activity(Figure 5). Forest and field, plateau and thetypical meandering creek valleys of the ShortHills are all well represented along the route.

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From the parking area, the route crosses openfield, rises up a gentle slope to an old roadallowance. From this vantage point, a good viewof portions of the park can be had. The trailwould then turn south along the old roadallowance for some 0.5 kilometre, then turningwest to follow a creek valley for 0.5 kilometre.After crossing the creek, the route begins thereturn to the starting point along a ridge then re-crossing the creek valley downstream from asmall waterfall. At the valley edge, the trail wouldemerge from the forest and return through fieldto the parking lot.

This trail would use both existing informal trailsand new routes. To direct traffic away from theunused portion of the road allowance referred toabove, planting of trees and shrubs as well asuse of temporary fencing would be necessary.

10.1.4 Terrace Creek Trail

Wonderful displays of spring wildflowers andwaterfalls cascading over rock outcrops arescattered along this trail (4.5 kin). Originatingfrom the southern end of Gilligan Road, theTerrace Creek walking trail crosses a creek,ascends a hill and turns south to arrive atTerrace Creek Falls (see cover). From here thetrail follows the north side of Terrace Creek tothe road allowance between Wiley and EllerRoads (Figure 5). From there, the trail loopseastward through the woods closest to CataractRoad (Figure 5). The return route passesthrough a forest north of Terrace Creek and thenturns south to join the first part of the trail.

This walking trail uses a number of existinginformal trails. It traverses two nature reservezones. Four small bridges would be required aswould some trail resurfacing to remediateexisting impacts on the trails. Care will be takenin trail development to avoid the locations ofsignificant plants. Development of this trail willawait the end of agriculture in the park by July1993.

10.1.5 Scarlet Tanager Trail

Leading up a ridge from the southern end ofGilligan Road, the 2.5-kilometre Scarlet TanagerTrail (Figure 5) leads to the top of the plateauand winds south through mixed forest. As thetrail emerges from the forest, it turns east and

descends into a valley on the east and followsthe creek for 0.5 km then out into a field andreturns to its starting point near the foot ofGilhigan Road.

A few modest bridges may be required.Resurfacing may also be necessary in a numberof sectors or rerouting from existing informal trailroutes to avoid areas of trail deterioration.

The eastern section of the trail, in a small valley,would be excellent for interpretation of erosionalprocesses and features such as meanders andoxbows.

10.1.6 Hemlock Valley Trail

The “Hemlock Valley” is a quiet area of deep,secluded ravines, blanketed in forest. TheHemlock Valley walking trail (3 kin) winds southand then east through forest, crossing two smallvalleys and continues eastward to the edge ofthe wooded area. From this point, the trail turnsnorth and then veers west along a ridge back tothe trail’s origin. One light bridge for walkerswould be required.

10.1.7 Palaeozoic Path (Wheelchair accessible)

A one-kilometre wheelchair-accessible trail isproposed in the Swayze Falls area (Figure 5). Itwould run from the parking lot to the SwayzeFalls viewing platform, and from thence loopingback to the parking lot. This will accommodatewalkers and wheelchairs.

10.1.8 Other Trails

The many trails within the park have beenevaluated, and 2.5 kilometres of trail areproposed for closure and rehabilitation (Figure4). The criteria used for deciding on trail closureare: environmental sensitivity; quality ofrecreational experience; access; interpretivevalue; and manageability.

The trail through the wetland west of GilliganRoad at the north end of the park must beclosed due the soil moisture conditions andimpacts on the wetland. A trail on the northernedge of the woodland abutting the plateau at thenorth end of the park also is very wet during thespring.

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The old snowmobile route from the Black WalnutTrail east to the new Terrace Creek Trail is verywet. The old road allowance running south fromthe south end of Gilligan Road is highly eroded.A trail offshoot from the Swayze Falls Trail whichpasses above the major slump along the creekmust be closed to minimize contribution to theslumping and for public safety reasons. A trailnorth of the Swayze Falls Trail on the west sideof the park is eroded and needlessly duplicatesthe Swayze Falls route (see Figure 4).

After the “official” park trail system is developed,use of informal trails will be discouraged. Shrubplantings and other means will be used todiscourage use of these trails. Use of informaltrails will likely decline when marked trails aredeveloped and their use will be monitored.

Development of a self-guiding interpretive trailmay be best suited to the Swayze Falls,Emerald Creek or Black Walnut Trails which willlikely attract greatest use. Another location mayhowever be desirable depending on the levels ofuse at the time such a interpretive trail isdeveloped.

10.2 Bruce Trail

The park is about a day’s walk from Queenston,the southern terminus of the Bruce Trail, a long-distance hiking trail over 760 km long. TheBruce Trail forms an essential part of theNiagara Escarpment Parks System and links allthe parks and natural features together. TheBruce Trail Association and its constituent clubsof volunteers manage the Bruce Trail. The BruceTrail Corridor will be planned cooperatively bythe Ministry and the Bruce Trail Association asprovided for in the Niagara Escarpment Planand the Bruce Trail Comprehensive Plan. Theroute shown in Figure 5 is the proposed routewithin the park. The Bruce Trail Corridor, orpotential area for trail routing, includes a largepart of the park.

The Bruce Trail presently crosses the park alonga route that roughly coincides with sections ofthe existing yellow and blue trails (Figure 2).Proposed realignment of sections of the BruceTrail (Figure 5) would avoid sensitive areas,coordinate the Bruce Trail with main park trailsand provide a more interesting and scenic route.These changes and future trail managementwould be done in cooperation with the Niagara

Bruce Trail Club and the Bruce Trail Association.

Some Bruce Trail hikers also require lightlydeveloped camping areas for overnight stops.Camp Wetaskiwin presently adequately providescamping for hikers on the Bruce Trail.

10.3 Links With Other Trail Systems

The Bruce Trail links Short Hills with a largehiking trail system. More such linkages andsimilar ones for horseback-riders and cyclistswould be desirable. These could be establishedin cooperation with municipal governments andcycling and equestrian groups.

In cooperation with the City of St. Catharines,access between St. Catharines and the park willbe provided via a walking and cycling trail in theTwelve Mile Creek Valley. This will be a longerterm objective and would provide a link with theMerritt Trail which follows much of the WellandCanal (Figure 1).

Possible linkages will be sought with trails orcycling routes developed in Pelham on oldrailway rights-of-way and on nearby roads.

10.4 Access

The park’s main access point is from PelhamRoad (Figure 4). If additional lands adjacent toPelham Road (Figure 4) are purchased, this sitewill allow provision of key park facilities.

Within the near future, Gilligan Road will beclosed to traffic. Secondary access points willremain at Swayze Falls adjacent to RolandRoad, and at Wiley Road (Figures 3 and 5).Parking will also be expanded at both sites.

The many gates in the fencing around the parkprovide numerous unofficial access pointsshown in Figure 2. Vandalism, dumping andinappropriate use occurs at some of thoselocations. Parking and traffic also pose a publicsafety threat at some access points. Use of fiveof the ten informal access points (Figure 4) willbe discouraged by means of fencing, signs andparking restrictions. This policy will beimplemented after the primary and secondaryaccess points are improved.

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10.5 Parking Areas and Toilets

As illustrated in Figure 4, increased parking isproposed at the main access point. Increasedparking is also proposed for the secondaryaccess points at Swayze Falls/Roland Road andWiley Road. Total parking for 80 cars isproposed. Bus parking, vault privies and drinkingwater would be provided at Pelham Road. Vaultprivies are also proposed for the Swayze Fallssite (Figure 4).

10.6 Interpretive Facilities

Heritage interpretation will be low-key and self-use. A park brochure and trail guide will be thebasic tools for conveying written messages. Aself-guiding nature trail and guide for that trailwill also enhance interpretive messages. In thelong term, information display panels areproposed to convey interpretive themes.

11.0 IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITIES

The proposals in this plan would improve thequality of the visitor’s experience at Short Hillswhile maintaining the quiet, relaxing nature ofthose experiences. At the same time, protectionand enhancement of the park’s naturalenvironment is a clear priority. The agriculturephase-out, vegetation restoration, zoning, trailrationalization and trail redesign all contribute toprotecting the park environment.

The proposals in this preliminary plan will bephased in and are dependent on the availabilityof funding and the level of volunteerinvolvement. Funding for many of the initiativeswill also require financial partnerships withstakeholder groups or corporate sponsors.

Phase I

� Purchase of lands adjacent to Pelham Roadfor main access point (Figure 2);

� Increased parking, vault privies and drinkingwater at Pelham Road;

� Cooperating relationships with stakeholdergroups; pursuing of additional funding fortrail development, vegetation restoration andheritage interpretation;

� Development of Emerald Creek, TerraceCreek, Hemlock Valley and Scarlet Tanagerwalking trails (see Figure 5);

� Construction of the wheelchair accessiblePalaeozoic Path (see Figure 5);

� Purchase of lands northeast of the parkaround DeCew Falls, Beaverdams Creekand Twelve Mile Creek valley (Figure 2);

� Closing of Gilligan Road and removal ofbuildings;

� Signs clearly marking the routes of theSwayze Falls and Black Walnut trails (seeFigure 5); closing of worst trail ‘sections;preliminary trail improvement;

� Directing use by horseback riders andmountain bicycles onto the Swayze Fallsand Black Walnut trails; institution of ahorseback riding season;

� Phase-out of snowmobiling by the end of the1991-92 winter season;

� Phase-out of agriculture by July 1993;

� Preparation of a Vegetation ManagementPlan;

� Planting of trees and shrubs on the first’priority areas (see Figure 4 and Appendix);

� Acquisition of road allowances within thepark that lie in Pelham and Thorold;

Phase II

Major redevelopment of the Swayze Fallsand Black Walnut trails (see Figure 5);resurfacing; construction of bridges andfords;

� Increased parking at Swayze Falls/RolandRoad and Wiley Road; vault privies atSwayze Falls (see Figure 4);

� Retiring of undesirable access points (seeFigure 4);

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� Planting of trees and shrubs on secondpriority areas (see Figure 4 and Appendix);and

� Trail guide;

� Management agreements with the BoyScout Camp, Ontario Hydro andTransCanada Pipelines.

� Demarcation of park boundary; removal offencing within park;

Phase III

� Park brochure;

� Self-guiding interpretive trail; informationdisplay panels;

� Preparation of a Stream, Fisheries andLandform Resource Management Plan;

� Construction of a work centre at PelhamRoad;

� Thinning of selected conifer plantations (seeFigure 4 and Appendix);

� Trail link-up to St. Catharines via TwelveMile Creek; and

� Signs on local roads indicating the locationof the park.

12.0 SUMMARY OF PUBLICCONSULTATION

This management plan was developed in fourstages:

Stage 1 — Terms of ReferenceStage 2 — Background Information, Issues and

OptionsStage 3 — Preliminary Management PlanStage 4 — Approved Park Management Plan

12.1 Stage 1: Terms of Reference

Public consultation is an important part of parkmanagement planning. This managementplanning process is to review the 1977 masterplan for Short Hills. Stage 1 of the management

planning consisted of the preparation of terms ofreference. A news release was issued at thattime and the terms of reference sent tointerested groups and individuals.

During Stage 1, preliminary meetings were alsoheld with members of several stakeholdergroups including horseback riders, naturalistclubs, Niagara Bruce Trail Club, Boy Scoutleadership, St. Catharines Game and Fish Club,snowmobilers and residents associations. Thepurpose of those meetings was to explain theplanning process, opportunities for publicinvolvement and to identify concerns regardingmanagement of the park.

12.2 Stage 2:Background Information,Issues and Options

Stage 2 of the planning process focused on areport on “Background Information, Issues andOptions” (see 14.0 References). That report, asummary of its contents and a news releasewere widely distributed to interested members ofthe public. An open house presenting thecontents of the report was held to solicit publicresponse. Over 250 people attended the openhouse. Additional contacts were made bytelephone and in person.

Advertisements regarding public comment onthe report and the open house were placed inthe St. Catharines Standard, the Pelham Herald,the Welland-Port Colborne Tribune. Additionalarticles in those papers further publicized theneed for public comment. Another news releasewas issued subsequent to the open house topublicize the fact that so many people attendedand to reemphasize the deadline for publiccomment.

Two hundred and eighty responses to the reportwere submitted including 41 letters and briefs.These responses formed part of the basis for thepreparation of the preliminary plan. Appendix Aof the preliminary plan presented a detailedsummary of public comment.

12.3 Stage 3: Preliminary Management Plan

Prior to the release of the preliminary plan,meetings were held with the Niagara Bruce TrailClub, Niagara District Snowmobile ClubsAssociation and equestrian groups to discuss

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proposals which affected them directly.

Copies of the preliminary plan as well as asummary and questionnaire were distributedwidely to all groups identified during previousstages of planning. An open house, newsreleases, advertisements in local newspapers,correspondence and meetings with interestedgroups and individuals helped obtain publicinput. Coverage by local media also publicizedthe need for public comment.

Presentations were made to the St. CatharinesGame and Fish Association, Peninsula FieldNaturalists, Regional Niagara Environmentaland Ecological Advisory Committee (NaturalAreas Subcommittee) and the Niagara FallsNature Club. Meetings were held withequestrians, snowmobilers, Brock Universityprofessors and students, outdoor educators andOntario Hydro.

One hundred and sixty-eight responses to thepreliminary plan were received. Thesecomments were used in drafting this finalmanagement plan. The vast majority ofresponses supported the direction of thepreliminary plan. A report summarizing theresponses and the original questionnaires areavailable for inspection at the Ministry of NaturalResources, Niagara area office.

13.0 PLAN REVIEWAND AMENDMENT

This management plan will be reviewed at leastonce every ten years to confirm or revise theresource management, operations anddevelopment policies. Minor amendments maybe made in the interim as required. Majoramendments having broad implications for parkmanagement will receive public review.

14.0 REFERENCES

Albanese, P. Impact of a Hydra Right-of-Way onTree Dispersal within Short Hills Provincial Park.St. Cathwines, Brock University, Institute ofUrban and Environmental Studies, WorkingPaper No. 26, 1987.

Allen, G., P. Eagles and S. Price (eds.)

Conserving Carolinian Canada. ConservationBiology in the Deciduous Forest Region.Waterloo, University of Waterloo Press, 1990.

Ambrose, J. and S. Aboud. Status Report on theCucumber Treet. Magnolia acuminata Ottawa,Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlifein Canada, 1983.

Ambrose, J. and P. Kevan. ReproductiveBiology of Rare Carolinian Plants with Regard toConservation Management. In: ConservingCarolinian Canada, G. Allen, P. Eagles and S.Price (ed.c.), University of Waterloo, 1990.

Beechey, T. and I.Macdonald. Effinghan-Short Hills Provincial Park: A Biological InventoryToronto, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources,1972

Brady, R. (ed). Enviromnentallv Sensitive Areasof the Regional Municipality of Niagara. St.Catharines, Dept. of Geography, BrockUniversity 1980.

Bruce Trail Association. BruceTrailComprehensive Plan. Burlington, 1991.

Campbell, C. and D. Coulson and A. Bryant.Status Distribution and Life HistoryCharacteristics of Some Butterflies at Risk in theCarolinian Forest Zone of Ontario. In:Conserving Carolinian Canada, G. Allen, P.Eagles and S. Price (eds.), University ofWaterloo, 1990.

Cuddy, D., K Lindsay and I. Macdonald.Significant Natural Areas Along the NiagaraEscarpment. Toronto, Ontario Ministry of NaturalResources, Parks Planning Branch, 1976.

Davidson, R. Geology and Geomorphology ofShort Hills Provincial Park. Toronto, OntarioMinistry of Natural Resources, 1974.

Dunn, J. Short Hills Provincial Park HistoricalArchitecture Report. Toronto, Ontario Ministry ofNatural Resources, 1973.

Feenstra, B. H. Quaternary Geology of theNiagara Area. Southern Ontario. Toronto,Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 1972.

Gould J. A Biological Inventory and Evaluation

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of Short Hills Provincial park. Richmond Hill,Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 1989.

Hughes, R. J. Glaciation of the Short Hills. St.Catharines. Ontario. Master’s thesis, McMasterUniversity, 1970.

Jackson, J. The Niagara Region: Trends andProspects, the Challenge of Change. St.Catharines, Brock University, 0cc. Publ. No. 4,Dept. of Geography, 1985.

Marshall Mackim Monaghan Limited, LaneFrenchman and Associates, Historical ResearchLimited, and Welland Canals Society. WellandCanals Corridors Development Guide. St.Catharines, prepared for the RegionalMunicipality of Niagara, 1988.

Moriyama and Teshima Planners Ltd. Ontario’s.Niagara Parts. Planning the Second Century. A100-year Vision, a 20-year Plan and a Five-yearAction Plan. Toronto, report prepared for theNiagara Parks Commission, 1988.

Niagara Escarpment Commission. The NiagaraEscarpment Plan. Toronto, Ontario Ministry ofMunicipal Affairs, 1985.

Niagara Escarpment Commission. The Five-year Review, Niagara Escarpment Plan PolicyPaper 13: The Niagara Escarpment ParksSystem. Georgetown, Ontario, 1990.

Niagara Escarpment Commission. The NiagaraEscarpment Plan Review: Proposed Revisionsto the Niagara Escarpment Plan. Georgetown,Ontario, 1991.

Nuzzo, V. Experimental Control of GarlicMustard [Alliara petiolata (Bieb.) Cavara &Grande] in Northern Illinois using Fire. Herbicideand Cutting. Natural Areas Journal 11: 158-167,1991.

Nuzzo, V.,J. Kennay and G. Fell. VegetationManagement Guideline: Garlic Musta,rL Aliariapetiolata. Natural Areas Journal 11:120-121,1991.

Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs. NiagaraEscarpment Plan Implementation Proposals.Toronto, 1986.

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HiIIs. Provincial Park: Background ResourceDocument. Toronto, Ontario Ministry of NaturalResources, 1972.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. ShortHills Provincial Park Master Plan. Toronto, 1977.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. NiagaraDistrict Land Use Guidelines. Fonthill 1983.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. ShortHills Provincial Park Mapping Project (EarthScience). Fonthill 1986.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. NiagaraDistrict Fisheries Management Plan, 1989-2000.Fonthill 1986.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.Implementation Strategy: Areas of Natural andScientific Interest. Toronto, Parks andRecreational Areas Branch, 1987.

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. ShortHills Provincial Park Background Information.Issues and Options. Richmond Hill, 1989.

Peebles, E. Short Hills Provincial Park HistoricalReport. Toronto, Ontario Ministry of NaturalResources, 1974.

Prescott, C. Management of a Multiple-useWater Resource: the Twelve Mile CreekWatershed. St. Catharines, Brock University,Institute of Urban and Environmental Studies,Working Paper No. 5, 1980.

Quigley, It J. Phytosociology of the St. Johns-Effinghan Area. St. Catharines, Brock University,1973.

Regional Municipality of Niagara. RegionalNiagara Official Policies plan. Officeconsolidation. St. Catharines, Ontario, 1988.

Regional Municipality of Niagara. Natural Areasof the Niagara Region: A Preliminary Survey. St.Catharines, Planning and DevelopmentDepartment 1988.

Regional Municipality of Niagara. Population and

Housing Forecasts for Regional Niagara and theMunicipalities. St. Catharines, Planning andDevelopment Department, 1989.

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Regional Municipality of Niagara. Policy PlanReview. Where Next? A Look to the Future. St.Catharines, Planning and DevelopmentDepartment, 1989.

Reid,D. Wild Turkey Reintroduction. In:Conserving Carolinian Canada, G. Allen, P.Eagles and S. Price (eds.), University ofWaterloo, 1990.

Riley, J. Distribution and Status of the VascularPlants of Central Region. Ontario Ministry ofNatural Resources. Parks and RecreationalAreas Section, Ontario Ministry of NaturalResources, Richmond Hill, 1989.

Sarvis, A. Brook Trout Distribution andAbundance within Upper Twelve Mile CreekSummer 1984. Fonthill, Ontario Ministry ofNatural Resources, 1986.

Short Hills Provincial Park Advisory Committee.Policy Recommendations Report. Toronto,Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 1974.

Stenson, D. Characteristics of BedrockWaterfalls along the Niagara Escarpment in theNiagara Peninsula. Ontario. St. Catharines,Dept. of Geography, Brock University, 1990.

Stothers, D. Niagara Escarpment ArcheaologicalSurvey: Short Hills Provincial Park Toronto,Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 1971.

von Althen, F.W A Guide to Hardwood Plantingon Abandoned Farmland in Southern Ontario.Sault Sainte Marie, Great Lakes ForestResearch Centre, 1979.

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APPENDIXVegetation Restoration Areas

The vegetation management section of themanagement plan (8.2) set out the principles toguide vegetation restoration in areas currentlyunder cultivation, old fields, and selected coniferplantations. This appendix spells out the priorityareas for restoration and describes each area,its existing vegetation, soils and desired plantingmix. Unless otherwise noted soils are generallylacustrine silty clays. All areas are within naturalenvironment zones except for A2, A3 and C1which include portions of the Terrace Creeknature reserve zone. Areas discussed areidentified by code on Figure 4.

First Priority Areas

Area A1 - (14 hectares)

Two areas adjacent to Wiley Road are targetedfor planting to clearly identify the park boundaryand to revegetate two unvegetated streams. Amixture of white ash, oak, other hardwoods,white pine and carolinian species such as tuliptree and shagbark hickory should be used onthe upland areas. Adjacent to the watercourses,red-osier dogwood, white cedar and silver mapleshould be planted.

Area A2- (11 hectares)

Both east and west of the north-south hydro lineplanting should concentrate on the high groundand use species such as white ash, red oak andwhite pine. The more extensive areas forplanting to the west of the hydro line are meantto complete a north-south habitat corridor linkingthe hemlock valley area, Terrace Creek,Wetaskiwin Woods and the north of the park.These are primarily upland areas and a mixtureof white ash, oak, other hardwood speciesincluding selected carolinian species, and whitepine should be planted. The one watercourseshould be planted with silver maple, white cedar,red-osier dogwood and cranberry viburnum.

Area A3 - (23 hectares)

This area is a major eyesore within the park.The meeting of three hydro lines and the gaspipeline completely disrupt the appearance ofthe natural

landscape. First and foremost, planting mustmask the hydro lines and create more natural-looking vegetation. Secondarily, the area willalso link the south and north as a habitatcorridor. Silt barns, loams and silty claysconstitute the soils. Fast-growing, tail specieslike white ash, red oak and white pine would beprimary, mixed with other species, particularlyfurther from the hydro lines. Planting should firstfocus on the high points of land which will veryeffectively screen the hydro lines.

Area A4 - (0.5 hectares)

Planting of red-osier dogwood, white cedar andsilver maple along two unvegetatedwatercourses in the extreme southeast of thepark would help improve water quality.

Area A5- (25 hectares)

This is also a major eyesore within the park,being completely dominated by the artificialappearance of the hydro corridors. Plantedvegetation would eventually mask the presenceof the hydro lines. Planting would also assist increating a continuous east-west habitat corridorand filling in of habitat between existing woodedareas. Species composition should also be fast-growing species like white ash, red oak, smallercomponents of other hardwoods, and white pine.

AreaA6 - (1 hectare)

In this sector, the pipeline corridor createsanother major eyesore, particularly as this is ahigh-use area of the park. The preferred speciesmix would be white ash, oak, other nativehardwoods, white pine and shrubs such ascranberry viburnum and dogwood species.

Area A7- (2.5 hectares)

If the property adjacent to Pelham Road ispurchased, planting a 20-metre strip along theboundary will delineate the park edge andscreen the presence of Pelham Road andnearby houses. A mixture of white ash, oak,white pine and a mixture of other hardwoodspecies is most desirable.

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The area to be planted if the private area ispurchased is 2.7 hectares.

Second Priority Areas

Area B1- (11 hectares)

Between two woodlots on the east side of thepark is an area that would be ideal for the fillingin of forest Strategic planting between these twowoodbots would speed up conversion to forestSoils are of either a loamy and silty clay texture.The composition of planting should reflectpresent composition in the Cataract Woods. Thiswould likely be white ash, oak, hickory, tulip tree,other hardwoods and white pine. Furtherinvestigation of the current composition shouldtake place before planting.

Area B2 - (10 hectares)

Planting this area would help create acontinuous north-south forest habitat corridorand link the Terrace Creek woods withWetaskiwin Woods. Silty clay and loam soils arepresent Composition should reflect thecomposition of adjacent forest which would likelyinclude white ash, oak, other hardwoods andwhite pine.

Area B3 - (10 hectares)

This flat agricultural field is adjacent to asensitive nature reserve zone and bordersHolland Road, a major local road. Planting herewill better delineate the park boundary andeventually prevent uncontrolled access to thenature reserve zone. Soils are primarilylacustrine silt barns. Composition of plantingshould be matched to that in nearby uplandforests such as those at Swayze Falls. Likelycomposition would be white ash, oak, andseveral carolinian species at lower densities.

Third Priority Areas

Area C1- (0.5 hectares)

Planted with white spruce and white pine beforethe park was established, little hardwood orforest understorey growth is evident in this area.The spruce and pine should be thinned to allowhardwood growth.

Area C2 - (4.5 hectares)

Planted 1975-77 with white pine, black walnut,white cedar and small amounts of basswood,green ash and red oak. Selective thinning ofpine is recommended.

Area C3 - (1.5 hectares)

Planted with red pine in 1974, not a speciesindigenous to Niagara, virtually no understoreygrowth has taken place in this area. Selectivethinning of conifers is recommended.

Area C4 - (2.5 hectares)

This site was planted in 1974 and 1977 with redpine, white spruce, white pine, black walnut andwhite cedar. Virtually no understorey growth hastaken place in this area. Selective thinning ofconifers is recommended.

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Index

1837 rebellion..................................................5Access.......................................................2, 26Access Points..................................................2Access Zone Policies ......................................9Access Zones.............................................9,17Adjacent Land Use..........................................8Agriculture Alien Plant Species .....................17Angling ..........................................................21Bedrock exposures ....................................... viiBicycling ........................................................21Biosphere Reserve..........................................4Black locust ...................................................17Black rat snake..............................................18Bobwhite........................................................18Boundary Demarcation ...................................8Boy Scout camp ..............................................8Boy Scouts ......................................................7Bruce Trail .....................................................26Camp Wetaskiwin ................................7, 8, 13Camping.......................................................2,5Carolinian Canada ........................................18Carolinian trees .............................................15Carolinian zone .........................................4, 17Cataract Road .................................................9Cataract Woods ............................................12City of St Catharines .....................................26Classification ...................................................2Community Involvement................................22Conifer Plantations........................................15Coordination with the Boy Scout Camp ..........8Cucumber Magnolia ......................................17Cultural Heritage .............................................5Cultural Resources........................................18Day-use ...........................................................4Development Issues........................................2Development Policies....................................22District Land Use Guidelines...................... 4, 5Earth Science..................................................4Emerald Creek Trail ......................................23Endangered species .......................................5Environmental education...............................20Erosion ..........................................................12Fisheries Management..................................18Friends of Short Hills.....................................22Garlic Mustard...............................................17Gilligan Road.................................................26Goal.................................................................4Gypsy Moth ...................................................17Handicapped-accessible trail ........................25Hardwood......................................................16Hardwoods ....................................................16

Hemlock Valley Trail ................................12,25Heritage Appreciation Objective .................... 7Historical resources ........................................ 4Horseback Riding.................................... vii, 21Implementation Priorities ............................. 27Informal Access Points ................................... 2Informal trails ................................................ 25Information .................................................... 19Interpretation................................................. 19Interpretive Facilities ..................................... 27Land and Water Management ...................... 13Landform Management................................. 13Life Science .................................................... 5Magnolia ....................................................... 17Man and Biosphere program .......................... 4Marketing ...................................................... 22Merritt Trail .................................................... 26Mountain bicycles ......................................... 23Multi-use trails........................................... 2, 21Natural environment parks..............................4Natural Environment Zone Policies ..............10Natural Environment Zones ..........................10Nature Reserve Zone Policies ......................10Nature Reserve Zones..................................10Neagha shale................................................12Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve ....... 4Niagara Escarpment Parks System............1, 4Niagara Escarpment Plan............................... 7Nodal park....................................................... 4Northeastern Creek Bend ............................. 13Objectives ....................................................... 4Ontario Hydro............................................ 7, 12Operations Policies ....................................... 19Outdoor education ........................................ 20Palaeozoic Path ........................................ 9, 25Pelham................................................7, 26, 27Pelham Road ..............................................7, 9Picnicking........................................................ 5Pine and spruce plantations ......................... 15Plan Review and Amendment ...................... 29Possible Acquisitions ...................................... 7Protection Objective........................................ 4Provincial Parks Planning and ManagementPolicies............................................................ 4Rare Plant Species ....................................... 17Re-entrant Valley, West Side........................ 10Re-introduction of native species.................. 18Recreation..................................................... 20Recreation Management .............................. 20Recreation Objective....................................... 5Reentrant valley ........................................... 1,4

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References....................................................29Research.................................................17, 20Resource Management Policies ...................13Resume.........................................................viiiRevegetation .................................................14Reynoldsville ......................................... 5, 8, 18Road allowances.............................................8Samuel Chandler ..........................................12Samuel Chandler’s Valley .............................12Scarlet Tanager Trail.....................................25Scenic Resources .........................................18Scot’s pine.....................................................17Short Hills Provincial Park Advisory Committee .......................................1Silurian period .................................................4Skiing.............................................................21Snowmobiling............................................2, 21Sport fishing ..................................................18St Catharines................................. 8, 22, 27, 29St John’s Outdoor Education Centre ............20St John’s Valley Association .........................14Stream rehabilitation .....................................18Stream, fisheries and landform resourcemanagement plan ...................................13, 18Summary....................................................... viiSummary of Public Consultation...................28Swayze Falls .................................................27Swayze Falls and Valley ...............................12Swayze Falls Area ..........................................9Swayze Falls Creek and Valley.....................10Swayze Falls Trail ....................................12,23Tablelands and Open Fields .........................10Terrace Creek .........................................12, 32Terrace Creek Trail .................................13, 25Thorold ......................................................9, 27Tourism Objective ...........................................7Trail Issues......................................................2Trail System ..................................................28Trails................................................................2Trans-Canada Pipelines............................7, 13Trout ..............................................................18 Turkey ...........................................................18Twelve Mile Creek Trail.................................23Userfee..........................................................22Utility Corridors..............................................13Valleylands and Forests................................10Vegetation Management ...............................13Vegetation management plan .......................14Vegetation Planting Program ........................32Vegetation Restoration..............................2, 32Vegetation Use, Pests...................................17Viewing platform............................................12Visitor Services .............................................19Volunteer Participation ..................................22

Walkers ......................................................... 23Walking trails................................................... 2Water Resources .......................................... 14Welland Canal............................................... 26Wetaskiwin Woods ....................................... 13Wetlands ....................................................... 13Wheelchair-access........................................ 25Wildlife Management .................................... 18Wiley Road.................................................... 26WileyRoadArea ............................................... 9Yellow Trail ................................................... 23Zoning .............................................................9