Bon Echo Provincial Park Management Plan 1991 · Bon Echo Provincial Park Management Plan 1991 Ministry of Natural Resources Publication 4601 ISBN 0-7729-8145-0 . 4) 1991, Queen's

Bon Echo Provincial Park Management Plan 1991

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Bon Echo Provincial Park Management Plan 1991 Ministry of Natural Resources Publication 4601 ISBN 0-7729-8145-0

4) 1991, Queen's Printer for Ontario Printed in Ontario, Canada

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Single copies of this publication are available at no charge from the address noted below. Bulk orders may involve charges. I Ministry of Natural Resources 1 Richmond Boulevard INapanee, Ontario K7R 3S3 Telephone: 613-354-2173 I

Approval Statement

January 1991

Bon Echo inspires: pictographs, writings, paintings and photographs have expressed our connection with this special place. Bon Echo Provincial Park in itself is recognition of this link: and provides visitors with a wide scope of outdoor recreation and heritage appreciation opportunities to foster this affinity,

We are pleased to approve this Management Plan for Bon Echo Provincial Park as the policy for its management and development The plan reflects the ministry's intent to protect the natural and cultural features of Bon Echo and to maintain high quality opportunities for outdoor recreation and heritage appreciation for both residents of Ontario and visitors to the province.

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L L J. . Oatway

Regional Director Eastern Region Kemptville

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7!7~~ Norm R. Richards Director, Provincial Parks and Recreational Areas Branch Toronto

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2. CLASSIFICATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

3. GOAL 2

4. OBJECTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 4.1 Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 4.2 Recreation " 4 4.3 Heritage Appreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 4.4 Tourism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6

S. BOUNDARY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 5.1 Area of Concern ; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8

6. ZONING 8 6.1 Nature Reserve Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

6.1.1 Wildernes s Zoning Feasibility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8 6.2 Historical Zones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10 6.3 Natural Environment Zone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10 6.4 Access Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 6.5 Development Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 12

7. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT POLICIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 7.1 Minerals and Aggregates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

l 7.2 Wildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 7.3 Fish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 12 7.4 Vegetation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 12 7.5 Cultural Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 13

8. OPERATING POLICIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 8.1 Visitor Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 13

8.1.1 Information . ... . ........ .. . .. ..... .. . . .. ... . .. .. . . . . . . .. . . .. 14 8.1.2 Interpretation . . .... . . .. ... ... ... .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . ... ... .. . 14 8.1.3 Recreation Programmes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 14 8.1.4

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The Friends of Bon Echo Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 14

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8.3.1 Rock Climbing, Parachuting, Hang Gliding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 15

L 8.3.2 Snowmobiling .... ....... . . . . .. . .... .. . . . .. .. .. . . .. .... .. ... .. 15 8.4 Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 15 8.5 Tourism Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 15

L 8.5.1. Ferry Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 15 8.5.2 Resort Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 8.5 .3 Food and Ice Concession. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 15 8.5.4 Canoe Rental Concession. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 15

L 8.6 Waste Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 15

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I 9. DEVELOPMENT POLICIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

9.1 Boat Launch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 9.2 Day Use Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 9.3 "New" Beach Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 9.4 Mazinaw Lake Campsites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 9.5 Hardwood Hill Campsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 9.6 Trails. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 16 9.7 Staff Quarters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 18 9.8 Visitor Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 18 9.9 Denison Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

10. IMPLEMENTATION .... . 18

11. SUMMARY OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19

12. BmLIOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Regional Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1 Figure 2 Existing Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Figure 3 Market Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5 Figure 4 Boundary Extension. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Figure 5 Zoning " 9 Figure 6 Significant Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Figure 7 Proposed Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 17

I COVER PHOTO

Mazinaw Rock overlooking The Narrows of Mazinaw Lake Icourtesy of Joe Callahan, 1989

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Bon Echo Provincial Park Management Plan 1991 I

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INTRODUCTION

Bon Echo Provincial Park is located on the southern edge of the Canadian Shield 15 km north of the village of Cloyne in the County of Frontenac and the County of Lennox and Addington. lt consists of 6,643 ha and is the largest provincial park within the Eastern Region of the Ministry of Natural Resources. (See Figure 1.)

In 1958, author and playwright Merrill Denison donated land on both sides of the "narrows" on Mazinaw Lake in the County of Lennox and Addington for park purposes. The property was once a popular resort and included the long expanse known as the Mazinaw Rock. Over the next decade additional parcels of land were added to what is now Bon Echo Provincial Park. The park officially opened in 1965 and in 1990 attracted close to 134,000 visitors.

Because of its relative isolation and Canadian Shield rather than farmland nature, the park area was one of the last parts of southern Ontario to be settled. Beginning in the 1830s, logging activity proceeded up the Mississippi River from the Ottawa River, reaching the park area by the 1850s. Logging occurred in concert with early farming attempts and some evidence of both remain within the park.

Both regionally and provincially the park is highly regarded as an outdoor recreation area. Its popularity is based on the scenic beauty of its Canadian Shield forests, lakes and beaches, and its central attraction, the 100 m high Mazinaw Rock.

One of the most valuable legacies within the park are the 260 pictographs along the 3 km length of Mazinaw Rock.

Bon Echo has 530 campsites offering a range of experiences from facility oriented to back country. The park provides visitors with access to two major canoe routes, several kilometres of hiking trails and a variety of opportunities to learn about the park's significant cultural, life science and earth science features.


2. CLASSIFICATION

Bon Echo is classed as a Natural Environment Park in Ontario's provincial park system. This classification recognizes the park's ability to protect a large, diverse and representative sample 'of southern Canadian Shield landscape and the need to protect the nationally significant Indian rock paintings along the base of Mazinaw Rock. As well, it acknowledges the recreational and educational opportunities offered, the park's scenic setting, and the popularity of Bon Echo as a vacation destination.

3. GOAL

• To protect within the provincial park system an example of southern Canadian Shield landscape, and to interpret its significant cultural, life science and earth science features, while offering high quality outdoor experiences ranging from facility oriented recreation to back country pursuits.

4. OBJECTIVES

Bon Echo contributes to all four objectives of the Ontario provincial park system as follows . I 4.1 Protection

I• To protect provincially significant elements of the natural and cultural landscape of Ontario.

Bon Echo protects a large and representative sample of the southern Canadian Shield . Significant geological features protected in the park include the outstanding fault scarp of the Mazinaw Rock, representative Iexamples of intrusive processes and some of the best examples of metavolcanic rocks within the region. The park also contains surficial deposits including outwash sands and gravel, minor clay deposits and sparse I deposits of ground moraine characteristic of this part of the province. Other glacial or ice related features represented in the park include the spillway channels Ialong Mazinaw Lake, chatter marks on the rock and a fair representation of ice push features on Joeperry Lake. Erosion related land-forms and processes that are noteworthy include the top of Mazinaw Rock, I exfoliation surfaces on the rock face and rock slide debris.

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Bon Echo also protects a number of important vegetation features representative of the southern Canadian Shield including some mature hardwood stands uncommon in the region, a spruce bog and some provincially rare species of flora. Also protected within the park are the lower reaches of Bon Echo Creek and its adjacent outwash flats which support some of the greatest floral and avian diversity within the park.

Bon Echo is part of a physiographic area known as Site District 5-11 which extends across the southern portion of the Canadian Shield. A life science report' on this site district identifies areas within the park which contribute to provincial life science protection targets.

The most significant, identified as the Mazinaw Cliff Kishkebus Lake area, is largely protected within Bon Echo. It includes unusual cliff flora, a cliff-top vegetation complex and breeding sites for a variety of unusual birds, particularly a large population of the regionally significant Prairie Warbler. The Mazinaw Cliff - Kishkebus Lake area extends south of the park boundary. It requires further investigation to determine how it should be managed to best contribute to the protection objective.

The expansion northeast of Kishkebus Lake protects a contiguous vegetation unit of tolerant hardwoods and wetlands adjacent to Campbell Creek. This unit along with others located in the area of Kishkebus Lake protects an extensive tract of undisturbed land in Bon Echo typical of the transition forest of the southern Canadian Shield.

Figure 4 shows the 134 ha of land adjacent to Kishkebus Lake designated under the Wilderness Areas Act of 1959.

Culturally, Bon Echo protects one of the largest collections of Indian rock paintings in North America, remnants of the famous Bon Echo Inn resort, a complex which includes the former summer home of playwright and author Merrill Denison, and a portion of the Addington colonization road which opened up settlement in the Bon Echo area in the 1850s.


4.2 Recreation

• To provide outdoor recreation opportunities ranging from high intensity day use to low intensity back country experiences.

Bon Echo provides the following opportunities annually":

Picnicking 36,220 (73%) Swimming 88,735 (91 %) Camping 135,044 (73%)

(Shown in brackets is the percent of the Tweed District supply.)

The natural, scenic and cultural features of Bon Echo provide visitors with a special chance to enjoy the outdoors in the southern Canadian Shield.

The Mazinaw campgrounds and day use areas (See Figure 2) take particular advantage of this setting by capitalizing on the scenic attraction of Mazinaw Rock while the campgrounds in the Hardwood Hill and Joeperry Lake area take advantage of the scenic forested land west of Highway 41. Visitors can experience the outstanding natural environments associated with the park's more remote locations by hiking its trails and travelling its canoe routes.

Not only does Bon Echo provide an outstanding natural environment for recreation it also provides a range of experiences. The Mazinaw campground is a facility oriented camping area while the Hardwood Hill and Joeperry Lake campgrounds are managed to provide low density and back country camping experiences respectively. The Abes and Essens Trail provides back country hiking opportunities.

Bon Echo is now used mainly by families and couples between the ages of 25 and 44. The majority of campers originate within central Ontario. (See Figure 3.) Of all Ontario provincial parks, Bon Echo is fifth highest in camping use. Tents are the most common camping equipment used for the normal 4 or 5 night stay. Popular activities are: viewing, trail hiking, visiting displays, viewing or photographing plants and animals, participating in staff organized interpretive programmes and participating in conducted hikes and walks. Visitors spend most of their time swimming, trail hiking, canoeing, fishing and picnicking. U

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Provinc ial Park Driving Time Line

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Day users comprise about 9 % of Bon Echo's visitors, many of whom stay in local cottages or resorts. The average distance day users travel to visit the park is 145 km. Day users participate in a number of activities including picnicking, swimming, visiting view points, trail hiking and visiting displays. 16

4.3 Heritage Appreciation

• To provide opportunities for the exploration and appreciation of the outdoor natural and cultural heritage of Ontario.

The park, situated on the southern Canadian Shield includes a number of significant earth and life science features representative of this area of Ontario as well as cultural features such as the Indian pictographs, the Denison buildings, a portion of the former Addington colonization road and the Tapping Farm. A number of these features are described under the protection objective. Trails, canoe routes and a varied visitor services programme give visitors an understanding and appreciation of Bon Echo's natural and cultural heritage.

4.4 Tourism

• To provide Ontario residents and visitors from outside the province with opportunities to discover and experience the distinctive regions of the province .

Bon Echo is one of the most popular provincial parks in Ontario: 133,751 visitors were recorded in 1990.

Much of the popularity of Bon Echo is attributed to its scenic natural setting. From its campgrounds and beaches to its trails, canoe routes , scenic lookout high atop Mazinaw Rock, its ferry service, displays, varied interpretive programmes and fall colour weekends, Bon Echo provides a variety of means for visitors to discover and experience this scenic area of Ontario.

The park is full to capacity 80 % of the time during July and August" so its potential to increase visitation is limited. There is some potential for increase in the Hardwood Hill and Joeperry Lake area and there is limited growth potential for day use during the summer months. Biting insects limit somewhat the use of the park in the spring but there is high potential to attract and serve greater numbers of visitors in the fall.

Although the park has the snow conditions and a trailside environment to provide high quality winter


recreation, it is too removed from major markets to contribute significantly to area tourism with a day visit programme. So, a winter operation has not been prescribed for the park . Bon Echo could form part of a regional winter recreation infrastructure in the Cloyne and Northbrook area if such a strategy proves to be financially feasible.

S. BOUNDARY

Bon Echo's boundaries now enclose an area of 6,643 ha, divided into three geographic areas: one block east of Mazinaw Lake, including Mazinaw Rock and Kishkebus Lake; one on the west side of Mazinaw Lake, east of Highway 41; and another block west of Highway 41. The park boundary extends 122 minto Mazinaw Lake. The specific parcels which constitute Bon Echo are shown on Figure 6.

A parcel of land, including Mazinaw Rock was acquired from the late Merrill Denison in 1958. Subsequent purchases of private land and the addition of Crown land around Kishkebus Lake and west of Highway 41 are included in the park .

There are five properties within park boundaries which are not part of the park . They will be added to the Ipark as and if they become available from willing vendors. Most are shown in Figure 2. The private properties are: a 0.65 ha parcel on the north shore of Joeperry Lake; a 20.2 ha parcel south of Bon Echo I Lake; a 20.2 ha parcel west of Highway 41. Two other municipal properties of approximately 1.77 ha each along the Addington Road right-of-way, which Iform the road allowance between Barrie and Anglesea townships in Lots 34 to 44 will be acquired pending agreement with the municipalities regarding closure of the road allowance. I Unopened township road allowances and the 20 m shoreline reserve around lakes were incorporated into the park when it was put into regulation under the Ontario Provincial Parks Act.

ISome Crown owned lands both north and south of Mazinaw Rock in Barrie township will be added to the park. (See Figure 4.) The addition of these lands will enable the entire Mazinaw Rock and all of the Ipictographs to be administered under the Provincial Parks Act. These lands include approximately 28.7 ha of land and water within Lot 29, Concession 14 and approximately 17.9 ha of land and water within Lot 28, I

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Figure . 4 Boundary Extension \.

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Concession 17. Each of these areas includes a 122 m extension into Mazinaw Lake.

As well, 195 ha to the northeast of Kishkebus Lake will be added to Bon Echo to bring an area of mature tolerant hardwoods and the wetlands adjacent to Campbell Creek within the park. The expansion provides a unit of contiguous vegetation types not currently represented at Bon Echo.

The total area to be added to Bon Echo is 241.8 ha which will bring the park's total area to 6884.8 ha.

5.1 Area of Concern

An area of concern that includes Crown lands within 400 m of the park boundary (see Figure 6) and sightlines along canoe routes will be identified in ministry forest management plans and work schedules. These lands will be specially managed to help achieve the recreation and protection objectives of the park while allowing other forest uses to occur.

Special management prescribed for the area of concern will include maintaining forested sightlines particularly along lakeshores. In the remainder of the area of concern selective timber harvesting may occur pending the results of further life science surveys but would be restricted to the period November 1 to March 31. Hunting and trapping will be permitted. No road development will be permitted within 400 m of the park boundary.

The area of concern includes lands beyond the boundaries of the park within the watersheds of the Rainy, Lightning, Bon Echo and Campbell creeks as well as lands beyond the park boundary in the Kishkebus Lake area.

To protect the lakes in the park , those portions of outside watersheds draining into the park will be designated as areas of concern in timber management plans. Forest management staff will work with park staff in preparing these plans to ensure the highest possible protection. Included are the watersheds of Bon Echo and Campbell creeks.


6. ZONING

Five types of zones" have been designated to guide the management of Bon Echo: Nature Reserve, Historical, Natural Environment, Access and Development. (See Figure 5.) Proposals for any major changes in any zone will require a major review of the management plan. Inventories will be undertaken as noted in Section 7 to aid in detailed planning for the protection of park resources and assist in plan reviews and amendments.

6.1 Nature Reserve Zone (743 ha)

The Mazinaw Cliff and Uplands Nature Reserve zone, comprising 743 ha, covers all areas of the park east of the Mazinaw Lake boundary including the additions shown in Figure 4. This zoning puts protection of the area 's important biological and cultural features foremost. Development will be limited to the existing portages at Kishkebus Lake and the trail to the top of Mazinaw Rock together with necessary signs and landings.

The zone contains the most biologically complete and extensive tract of undisturbed land in the park and provides good representation of a typical, predominantly wetland segment of the southern Canadian Shield transition forest. I In addition, the zone includes a provincially significant natural area identified as Mazinaw Cliff - Kishkebus Lake. It incorporates unusual cliff flora, a cliff-top I vegetation complex and breeding sites for a variety of unusual birds, particularly a large population of Prairie Warbler. I The extension to the park in this area also consolidates all of the pictographs within the park boundary. See Ialso Section 7.4 Cultural Resources. 6.1.1 Wilderness Zoning Feasibility

The 1983 Tweed District Land Use Guidelines" recommended that the feasibility of creating a wilderness zone in Bon Echo Provincial Park to provide Ifor adequate representation of Site Region 5E be examined during the preparation of the park management plan. The area around Kishkebus Lake is not large enough to meet the minimum size I requirements set out in policy for wilderness area representation. Since 1983, the wilderness target has been reached within Site Region 5E at Killarney and I

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Algonquin provincial parks.

While approximately 134.4 ha around Kishkebus Lake are regulated under the Wilderness Areas Act, this area plus Kishkebus Lake itself and the new extensions to the northeast, will be zoned Nature Reserve and will be subject to the Provincial Parks Act.

6.2 Historical Zones (39.94 ha)

Historical zones provide for the special management and interpretation of the Tapping Farm (38 ha), the Denison buildings (1.94 ha), and the Addington Road.

These sites represent significant local, regional or provincial history themes. At the Tapping Farm some clearing of encroaching tree and shrub growth will probably be needed. Following closer examination, this will be specified in a vegetation management plan. Exotic species which are part of the farm will be retained. Building foundations will be marked at the farm and self-guiding facilities will be provided.

The Denison buildings, which include the Greystone, Dollywood and Cabin on the Hill cottages will be maintained to perpetuate the 1910 to 1920 period of the Denisons. Certain exotic species planted during the era will be retained. A site plan will co-ordinate the historical setting of the buildings with their historic and interpretive functions. Work is required to structurally restore the Greystone cottage.

The pictographs will be managed as a distinct resource within the Nature Reserve Zone east of Mazinaw Lake. Likewise the logging dam and sluiceway on Pearson Lake will be managed as a distinct resource within the Natura! Environment Zone.

An agreement will be pursued with the townships of Barrie and Anglesea to close the portion of the Addington Road located within the park. See also Section 5 Boundary. The road will be defmed through clearing encroaching tree and shrub growth. Sections of corduroy will be re-established and an appropriate interpretive treatment will be provided for the site.

6.3 Natural Environment Zone (5836 ha)

This zone of 5836 ha, covers most of the park, is relatively accessible and accommodates low intensity dispersed recreation. Management will aim to perpetuate natural conditions with provision for dispersed recreation, notably trail use and canoe camping.

To the west of Mazinaw Lake, natural environment zoning surrounds development, access and historical zones and the highway route. It contains recreational and interpretive trails as well as campsites around Joeperry Lake.

The more remote and western sections of the park, including the Abes and Essens Lake Trail are also covered by this zoning. This area will be managed to allow natural processes to occur while providing a suitable setting for back country hiking and camping.

This zone offers visitors an opportunity to travel into a back country area with at least one day's journey to return. The zone extends the range of opportunities available at the park. It also protects typical and unusual vegetation associations such as a hemlock stand near Tamarack Lake and sphagnum bogs in the northeast comer of the park.

6.4 Access Zone (61 ha)

The access zone, comprising 6I ha, extends along the existing route from the highway to Joeperry Lake. It extends 25 m on either side of the road centre, and an additional distance to the north sufficient to include the parallel power line that extends to the Hardwood Hill campgrounds. Vehicular traffic ends at a parking lot approx.mately 600 m from Joeperry Lake. A path continues from this lot to a landing on the lakeshore.

The zone provides access to Joeperry Lake and the Hardwood Hill campgrounds through a natural environment zone. It will be managed as a parkway with a maximum speed of 40 km per hour. Appropriate roadside vegetation and surfacing will be maintained.

Bon Echo Provincial Park:Management Plan 1991 10

6.5 Development Zones (183 ha)

Development zones provide basic facilities and services for the park's day users and campers. The zones include the Hardwood Hill campgrounds (38.4 ha), the Mazinaw Lake development (133.4 ha) and the group campground (11.2 ha) at Bon Echo Lake. The zoning extends beyond roads, around the limits of existing development and into Mazinaw Lake providing a transition to surrounding zones and uses.

The road system separates day use and camping activities. Parking is provided at locations such as beaches and trail heads. Campsites are grouped in sections, on one-way roads where possible, to provide ease of management. Trails connect facilities such as washrooms or beaches, providing pedestrian access and an alternative to auto use.

A programme of campsite upgrading and/or rotation will be practised in each zone. A vegetation management plan will be prepared. In the Hardwood Hill campgrounds, efforts will be made to maintain as many of the large trees as possible where they do not threaten public safety. The use of horses to remove material will be considered to reduce environmental impact. While timber removed may be used in the park, its removal will not be for this purpose.

7. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT POLICIES

The park will be managed in accordance with the ministry's planning and management policies for natural environment class parks." Figure 6 shows the distribution of the park's significant features.

7.1 Minerals and Aggregates

There will be no mineral exploration or development of mines within the park.

Extraction of aggregate within the park will not be permitted for either park or external uses.

7.2 Wildlife

Hunting will continue to be prohibited in the park. By 2010, all trap lines will be phased out. In the short term, there will be an immediate ban on the trapping of otter and mink within the park. Trapping for management purposes may occur for the control of any


species which threatens park facilities, park values or public well being.

Wildlife studies will be undertaken to determine habitats, species composition and populations and other data required for the preparation of a wildlife management plan.

The objectives of the wildlife management plan will be to retain natural species diversity and habitat while providing for recreational activities which are compatible with the park's natural environment classi fication.

7.3 Fish

Bon Echo has a valuable fish population. A fish management plan will be prepared for Bon Echo to ensure high quality natural lake environments and to maintain naturally reproducing fish populations. Particularly important to the park are the sensitive lake trout populations of Mazinaw, Joeperry and Kishkebus lakes. Management will be geared to protecting these fish populations by controlling shoreline development, protecting water quality and through the use of management controls where required. The use of all motors will be prohibited on Joeperry Lake starting three years after approval of this management plan.

To support the preparation of the fish management plan, inventories will be completed. Park staff will continue to work with the Ministry of the Environment to monitor water quality within the park. Neither commercial fishing nor commercial bait harvesting will be permitted in the park.

7.4 Vegetation

A vegetation management plan will be prepared to govern all activities relating to the protection and management of the park's vegetation and flora. To support its preparation vegetation inventories will be updated. The objectives of the plan will be to retain species and age diversity, to ensure the safety of park visitors especially in developed areas of the park, and to retain the features of special areas of the park such as Mazinaw Rock and those associated with the park's history such as the Tapping Farm, the Addington colonization road and the Denison resort area. Planting will be limited to native species unless there is evidence of other species associated with the historical zones. In the preparation of the vegetation management plan

12

consideration will be given to the objectives of the wildlife management plan.

Trees will not be removed for commercial purposes. Dead and dangerous trees will be removed in high use areas. Vegetation management in the Hardwood Hill campgrounds will ensure that the ambience of this area will not be impaired. Trees removed for management purposes may be used at the park . Horses may be used to remove logs from forested areas of the park to minimize environmental impact.

Forest fires will be suppressed in consultation with parks staff and in keeping with provincial fire management policies. I?

Mechanical means rather than herbicides will be used to control the growth of shrubs along hydro lines and boundaries. All other parts of the park will be allowed to evolve in a natural manner except for development areas.

L

Control programmes for gypsy moth and other forest pests will be considered and evaluated if levels threaten tree cover. Control programmes will be restricted to access and development zones and to other areas of high park use in natural environment zones such as interior campsites and trails.

L Control programmes will be restricted to the use of natural control agents. Upon outbreaks of forest pests a detailed plan will be prepared outlining what areas of the park will be targeted for control measures as well as how and when it will be done. This plan will be subject to the provisions of the vegetation management plan and will be based on the most current scientific information available.

I

L 7.5 Cultural Resources The pictographs on the face of Mazinaw Rock, the historic Denison buildings, the Addington Road, the Tapping Farm and the Pearson Lake logging dam and sluiceway are reminders of historic periods in the park

I I area. They portray historic themes and impart a

feeling of special place to Bon Echo. L High priority will be given to the development of a cultural resources management plan. The plan will include guidelines for the continued monitoring of the pictographs to plan for their protection from both human and natural forces.

L Bon Echo Provincial Park Management Plan 1991

L

Archaeological investigations will be carried out in backshore areas prior to any development work being undertaken.

Professional advice will be sought regarding the stabilization and preservation of the Denison buildings . Advice will also be obtained to guide the care, display and storage of cultural items related to the Denison era.

Many of the features of the Tapping Farm and the Addington road have been hidden by vegetation. Professional advice will be obtained to identify the features associated with these areas that should be protected and incorporated into interpretive programmes. The cultural resources management plan will guide the future management of these resources. Various logging and mining remnants in the park will be studied and managed in a similar fashion. The plan will specify a monitoring programme.

8. OPERATING POLICIES

A park operations plan will provide staff with information to operate the park on a day-to-day basis. In addition to addressing the operations policies which follow, it will cover such topics as budget, staffing, maintenance schedules, enforcement and emergency services. The plan will be consistent with the Ontario Provincial Parks Provincial Operating Standards, TI and will be reviewed annually and updated as required .

8.1 Visitor Services

Bon Echo will have a major activity programme with a full range of staff led services, and self-use interpretive, recreation and information facilities. The goal of Bon Echo's visitor services is to help visitors understand and appreciate the significance of the park's natural and cultural resources, and to provide general information about the park and surrounding area.

A new visitor centre will be developed for Bon Echo. It will provide office, storage and display space, and will provide an outlet for The Friends of Bon Echo Park brochures and publications. The Denison buildings which now accommodate the visitor centre will be restored to their original character and used to interpret the Bon Echo Inn and Denison heritage.

Visitor services at Bon Echo will be directed by a visitor services management plan .22 The plan will be kept current and reviewed annually . A co-operative

13

association, The Friends of Bon Echo Park, will assist park staff in visitor services.

8.1.1 Infonnation

A high quality communications programme is essential for the park. Printed and visual material will be developed to encourage visitors to make the best use of both the developed and back country portions of the park.

Visitors will receive a tabloid upon arrival at the park. The tabloid, which is revised annually, provides basic information on the park's various facilities and programmes and on its natural and cultural features.

In addition to the park tabloid, descriptive guides to all hiking trails and canoe routes will be available in the park.

Information will also be provided to visitors on the availability of facilities and services outside the park, special visitor services events and programmes, and the provincial parks system in general.

The proposed visitor centre will include a park orientation area.

8.1.2 Interpretation

Interpretive programmes will provide visitors with opportunities to learn about the significance of the park and experience its character. A full range of staff-led programmes, self-use facilities including trails, exhibits and publications will help visitors understand the natural and cultural environments of the park. These programmes will be based on Bon Echo's southern Canadian Shield natural and cultural landscapes and features. Special emphasis will be placed on interpreting the Indian pictographs.

The proposed visitor centre will be the heart of Bon Echo's interpretive programme. This facility will accommodate a range of exhibits and reference material and provide a controlled environment to protect the park's collection of rare and valuable artifacts. The Denison buildings will form an historical connection with the new visitor centre.


I 8.1.3 Recreation Programmes

Recreation programmes will be limited. Programmes to develop the skills of potential back country travellers to properly use and enjoy the back country, and programmes involving personal participation in past human activities authentic to Bon Echo are examples of programmes that may be considered as visitor demand warrants and priorities of the ministry and The Friends of Bon Echo Park permit.

I8.1.4 The Friends of Bon Echo Park The Friends of Bon Echo Park, a non-profit cooperating association will help Bon Echo park staff achieve and further the park's educational and interpretive goals. The association received official corporate status in 1988 and operates under an agreement with the Ministry of Natural Resources.

A board of directors, composed of volunteers with varied interests in the park , co-ordinates the activities I of The Friends of Bon Echo Park. Individual members contribute significantly to The Friends of Bon Echo Park by providing financial support through membership fees, publication purchases, donations and volunteer work .

In 1989, The Friends of Bon Echo Park assumed I responsibility for the sale of existing and new trail guides and the control and operation of the 'Mugwump' ferry service. I In the future, The Friends of Bon Echo Park will produce, in consultation with ministry staff, new interpretive guides as well as a series of interpretive I booklets dealing with different aspects of the park's natural and human history. In addition, The Friends of Bon Echo Park will assist park staff with the I restoration of the historic Denison buildings to their original state.

I8.2 Research Research by qualified individuals which contributes to the knowledge of natural and cultural history and to environmental and recreational management will be encouraged in the park. Research may be supported by The Friends of Bon Echo Park. All research including Ithat of other ministry programmes must have written approval and the research must be done according to ministry policy. Proposals should be directed to the District Manager at Napanee. I

14 I

Subjects of particular research interest are: fisheries, especially in Kishkebus and Joeperry lakes; sensitivity of park lakes to acid rain; floristic surveys of the Joeperry Lake beaches, the Campbell Creek wetlands and the Abes and Essens lakes area; the distribution of Virginia Chain Fern; the history of the Denison Family and study of vegetation and Prairie Warbler habitat on Mazinaw Rock.

8.3 Recreation Management

8.3.1 Rock Climbing, Parachuting, Hang Gliding

Recreational use of Mazinaw Rock will be secondary to protection of its important geological, biological and cultural features.

Hang gliding and parachuting will continue to be prohibited on Mazinaw Rock.

L

Rock climbers will be required to have a current membership with a climbing club. The Ministry of Natural Resources will develop a formal agreement with clubs, such as the Alpine Club, using Mazinaw Rock to ensure that climbing is done without impact to the pictographs or to wildlife, vegetation or geological features at the rock.

The agreement will contain such provisions as emergency response, reporting of use, a requirement

L for regular meetings between the club and the Ministry of Natural Resources, a general waiver of liability by the club and provisions for informing members of the ministry's concerns about climbing at Bon Echo in club literature.

I 8.3.2 Snowmobiling

L Snowmobiles will be permitted only on designated sections of the abandoned portion of Highway 41

L through the park, on a trail established along the Addington road, (the road allowance to the west of Highway 41) and on the park road easterly from the Addington road through the underpass at Highway 41 to the old Highway 41 route .

L l


8.4 Marketing

Bon Echo will be marketed as a family oriented destination park. Park marketing efforts will be particularly directed at the low use spring and fall seasons. A marketing plan will be developed to guide staff in achieving these objectives.

8.5 Tourism Services

8.5.1. Ferry Service

Small tour boat services have been a tradition on Mazinaw Lake. A 20 passenger pontoon boat now transports visitors across Mazinaw Lake to and from a landing located at the foot of the staircase leading to the top of Mazinaw Rock. A second boat offers interpretive boat tours along the rock and shoreline of Mazinaw Lake.

8.5.2 Resort Development

Commercial resort development will not be permitted within Bon Echo Provincial Park.

8.5.3 Food and Ice Concession

The ability of local businesses to provide food and ice services within the immediate area of Bon Echo is adequate. Food and ice concessions will not be established in the park.

8.5.4 Canoe Rental Concession

An agreement will be negotiated to establish a canoe rental facility at Bon Echo Provincial Park. Local suppliers will be offered an opportunity to become involved with this service.

8.6 Waste Management

The conservation ethic of society will be reflected in the management of Bon Echo. The park will use environmentally friendly products and practices, and the most efficient equipment available to reduce energy use and impact on the environment.

Recycling will begin to trim the volume of waste taken to disposal sites. In keeping with provincial government objectives, a 50 % reduction by year 2000 is the target. Educational programmes will encourage park users to reduce, re-use and recycle materials not only at the park but at home and at work.

L

15

The volume of sewage hauled from the park will also be reduced by 50 % by the year 2000 through conversion of holding tanks to septic bed treatment on site. Park staff working with municipal representatives will ensure the most environmentally acceptable facility is used to dispose of sewage from the park.

9. DEVELOPMENT POLICIES

Various park developments are planned to reduce congestion and improve circulation. (See Figure 7.) Other facilities are proposed to increase the level of service in the existing campground and day use areas. Additions to the parks trail system are also planned, contingent on demand. All development will be carried out in accordance with approved site and development plans. Once the development is in place, it will be managed in accordance with the park operation plan. The following developments will be pursued.

9.1 Boat Launch

To reduce conflicts, the feasibility of removing boat launching from the lagoon area will be studied. The existing site and two alternative sites will be considered, one along Bon Echo Creek and a second in the vicinity of the "new" beach south of Bon Echo Creek.

Site planning will examine each alternative and its relation to other activities in the area and to residential areas immediately outside the park. The environmental impacts of each alternative will be closely examined.

9.2 Day Use Area

A site plan will be prepared for the lagoon, beach and "Narrows" area. The plan will assess current vehicle and pedestrian traffic flow in the area and address present congestion problems.

9.3 "New" Beach Area

Work will be done to make the "new" beach area more attractive for day users while retaining its best natural characteristics. Adequate buffers will be maintained between the developed beach area and private properties. A review of the existing site plan for the new beach area will be completed and will recommend

Bon Echo ProvillCial Park Management Plan 1991

ways to improve the aesthetics of the area through landscape design.

The review will consider the incorporation of picnic shelters, a small washroom and changehouse building, a children's playground area and a canoe rental concession.

9.4 Mazinaw Lake Campsites

Site by site recommendations will be prepared to maintain the present quality of campsites and to reduce the impacts in the Mazinaw Lake campgrounds. Consideration will be given to limiting vehicular traffic, replacing damaged tree and shrub cover, increasing privacy, and re-establishing suitable groundcover vegetation on the campsites.

Electrical service will be provided for selected sites in the Mazinaw Lake campgrounds. I 9.5 Hardwood Hill Campsites

A further 20 campsites in the Hardwood Hill campgrounds will be redeveloped to accommodate camper trailers . This brings the percentage of campsites that can accommodate camper trailers in I Hardwood Hill to 50 %. The remaining campsites will continue to be designated for campers using tents. To retain the character of the area, campsites will not be Iconverted if major road or campsite reconstruction is required.

I 9.6 Trails

Extensions to the present trail system (see Figure 2) Iwest of Highway 41 are recommended but will be developed only as demand warrants.

Current use does not warrant development and maintenance of cross country ski trails. Park trails and many park roads will continue to be open to skiing in ungroomed snow conditions. I A study to determine the feasibility of a winter trail system linking the park and local lodges is required. The study will consider demand, benefits and costs for I proposed facilities and how the system could be coordinated. I

16 I

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Studies will determine if, how and where trailside cabins should be established in the park considering impacts on the environment and current park users. Introduction of trailside cabins would require a plan amendment.

9.7 Staff Quarters

A new staff accommodation building at Bon Echo will replace the deteriorating staff cabins now in use. Design of the facility to accommodate group use at times of the year when the facility is not required for staff accommodation will be a consideration.

9.8 Visitor Centre

A new visitor centre will be designed and developed at Bon Echo. The centre will provide office, storage and display space and function as an outlet for The Friends of Bon Echo Park. A plan will be developed to integrate the visitor centre with other developments in the day use area.

9.9 Denison Buildings

Structural repairs will be made to the Greystone building. All repairs will be completed in consultation with a restoration architect to preserve the intrinsic interpretive value of the building 's architecture.

10. IMPLEMENTATION

Facility improvements, studies and resource management plans discussed in this management plan are listed below in the order they should be completed . Ministry of Natural Resources priorities and available funding will determine when projects can be undertaken. All development work will follow approved site plans.

Phase I

This phase covers items needing immediate attention because of deteriorating condition, management prescription or because basic information is required to plan for the protection of park resources.

• place new boundary description in regulation • stabilize Greystone cottage • update life sciences inventory including vegetation,

fish and wildlife


• update archaeological and cultural resources inventory

• identify areas of concern beyond park boundaries in timber management plans and prepare management prescriptions

• prepare rock climbing agreement • initiate the phasing out of trapping • implement motorboat ban on Joeperry Lake • establish canoe rental concession

Phase II

This phase covers the preparation of plans for the protection of park resources and the development of facilities.

• prepare cultural resources management plan including monitoring and protection requirements for the pictographs

• prepare restoration plan for the Denison buildings • prepare vegetation management plan • prepare wildlife management plan • prepare site plan for the day use area • review and revise "new" beach area site plan • prepare marketing plan • undertake trails and cabins study • prepare visitor centre plan

Phase ill

This phase covers implementation of further capital development and services.

• implement cultural resources management plan • restore the Denison buildings • implement day use area site plan • implement "new" beach area site plan • construct new visitor services building • construct new staff quarters • modify Hardwood Hill sites to accommodate camper

trailers • install electrical hook-Ups for selected sites in the

Mazinaw Lake campgrounds • carry out improvements to Mazinaw Lake campsites • complete trail system west of Highway 41 • prepare self-guided trail for the Tapping Farm

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11. SUMMARY OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION

This management plan was completed following extensive consultation that has considered the concerns of a variety of interests. It seeks an economic, social and environmental balance in the future management of Bon Echo Provincial Park.

Public consultation for this planning project began on August 11, 1988. Public notices were placed in the Napanee Beaver, Tweed News, Belleville Intelligencer and Kingston Whig Standard newspapers. News releases were sent to several other newspapers, radio and television stations. Letters were sent to many businesses in the Cloyne, Northbrook and Mazinaw Lake area. Copies of Bon Echo Provincial Park Management Planning Background Information reports" were placed in public libraries and at Bon Echo for public reference. In addition, 55 copies of these reports were sent to organizations.

L

These included all township offices in the Bon Echo area, the Mazinaw Lake Property Owners Association, the Shabomeka Lake Cottage Owners Association, the Skootamatta District Ratepayers Association and the Snider Bay Cottage Road Association. Information packages were also mailed to each member registered with the Mazinaw Property Owners Association. Meetings were held with the residents in the Shabomeka area whose properties abut the park.

L Information was also sent to Members of the Legislative Assembly representing the constituents of the area, and other Ontario government offices. A general meeting was arranged by Barrie township officials on October 8, 1988 at the Barrie Township Hall. As a result of this meeting, planning updates

I were sent to each registered landowner in Abinger , Barrie, Effingham and Anglesea townships . L In total 160 letters were received by the planning team. Most voiced very strong opposition to the concept of resort development within the park and favoured expansion of the area around Kishkebus Lake. Some letters expressed concern over the possible loss of hunting opportunities if the park were expanded in the Kishkebus Lake area. The planning team also received objections to the development of a grocery or ice

L concession within the park. There was general support for a canoe concession but most comments supported the development of a partnership with local businesses to provide this service within the park. Local marinas however objected strongly to a canoe concession in the

i Bon Echo Provincial Pule: Management Plan 1991

L •

L

park, citing loss of revenue as a major concern. A few comments were also received objecting to the removal of boat launching facilities from the lagoon area and relocating it to the "new" beach area for social, convenience, aesthetic and environmental impact reasons.

A preliminary management plan" was distributed for review in the summer of 1990. Reflecting changes from the review of earlier proposals, as noted above, it received general support for the policies, facility improvements and resource management plans it presented.

19

12. BmLIOGRAPHY

1. Ayer, I. A. The Mazinaw Lake Metavolcanic Complex, Grenville Province, Southeastern Ontario. Unpublished masters thesis. Ottawa: Carleton University, 1979.

2. Brunton, Daniel F. Life Science Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest in Site District 5-11: A Review and Assessment of Significant Natural Areas in Site District 5-11. Kemptville: Parks and Recreational Areas Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Eastern Region, 1990.

3. Crowe, R. B., G. A. Mackay and W. M. Blake. The Tourist and Outdoor Recreation Climate of Ontario Volumes 1 and 2. Hull : Ministry of Supply and Services Canada, 1972.

4. Dewdney, Selwyn and Kenneth E. Kidd. Indian Rock Paintings of the Great Lakes. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1966.

5. Forma, G. A Report on Archaeological Surveys in Tweed District. Ontario Department of Lands and Forests: 1972.

6. Gillespie, I . E., R. E. Wicklund and B. C. Matthews. The Soil Survey of Lennox and Addington County: Report Number 36 of the Ontario Soil Survey 1963. Research Branch, Canada Department of Agriculture and The Ontario Agriculture College: 1963.

7. Gillespie, I. E., R. E. Wicklund and B. C. Matthews. The Soils of Frontenac County: Report Number 39 of the Ontario Soil Survey 1966. Research Branch, Canada Department of Agriculture and the Ontario Department of Agriculture: 1966.

8. Lichtenfeld, Donata; Mary Schrieber, Norma Helling and Linda Harvey. Bon Echo Provincial Park Frontenac and Lennox and Addington Counties Volumes 1 to 3. Toronto: Ontario Department of Lands and Forests, 1971.

9. Ontario Department of Energy and Resources Management. Mississippi Valley Conservation Report Volume 1. Toronto: 1970.

10. Ontario Department of Lands and Forests. Statistics. Toronto: 1970 to 1972.


11. Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs. Municipal Directory 1987. ISSN 0318-0743 . Toronto: Queen's Printer for Ontario, 1987.

12. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources . 1980 Provincial Park Camper Survey Summary Statistical Report. Unpublished report. Toronto: Parks and Recreational Areas Branch, 1980.

13. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1980 Provincial Park Day User Survey Summary Statistical Report. Unpublished report. Toronto : Parks and Recreational Areas Branch, 1981.

14. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1983 Park Marketing Plans and Marketing Highlights. Unpublished report. Tweed: 1983.

15. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1986 Provincial Park Camper Survey Summary Statistical Report. Publication 3221. Toronto: Parks and Recreational Areas Branch, 1987.

16. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources . 1986 Provincial Park Day User Survey Summary Statistical Report. Publication 3222. Toronto: Parks and Recreational Areas Branch, 1987.

17. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Aviation and Fire Management Policy AF.03.01.01. Sault Ste. Marie: Aviation and Fire Management Centre, 1989. I 18. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Bon Echo Provincial Park Draft Master Plan, 1981. Unpublished report. Kemptville: Parks Branch, 1981.

19. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Bon Echo Provincial Park Management Planning Background IInformation and Issues 1988. Unpublished report. Kemptville: Parks and Recreational Areas Section, 1988.

20. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Bon Echo Provincial Park Policy Statement. Unpublished report. Kemptville: Parks Branch, circa 1974.

21. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Bon Echo Provincial Park Preliminary Management Plan 1990. Napanee: Parks and Recreational Areas Section, 1990.

22. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources . Bon Echo Provincial Park Visitor Services Management Plan. I

20

Unpublished report. Napanee: Parks and Recreational Areas Section, 1987.

23. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Climbing in Ontario: Implications for Parks. Unpublished report by Stephen Connolly. Toronto: Parks and Recreational Areas Branch, 1981.

24. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Eastern Region Provincial Parks Visitor Services Policies and Guidelines. Manual, limited publication. Kemptville: Parks and Recreational Areas Branch, 1986.

25. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Ontario Provincial Parks Management Planning Reference. Toronto: Parks and Recreational Areas Branch, 1987.

26. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Ontario Provincial Parks Planning and Management Policies. Toronto: Parks and Recreational Areas Branch, 1978.

L 27. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Ontario Provincial Parks Provincial Operating Standards. Publication # 3691. Toronto: Parks and Recreational Areas Branch, 1986.

28. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Ontario Provincial Parks Statistics (1976 to 1989). Publication 5628. Toronto: Parks and Recreational Areas Branch, 1977 to 1989.

29. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Statistics. Toronto: 1973 to 1981.

30. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Tweed District FISheries Management Plan 1987-2000. Tweed: 1988.

L 31. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Tweed District Land Use Guidelines. Publication Number 5885. Tweed: 1983.

32. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Visitor Services Year End Report Summary, 1987. Unpublished report. Kemptville: Parks Branch 1987.

L 33. Ontario Ministry of the Environment. Cottager's Self Help Programme Enrichment Status of Lakes in the Southeastern Region of Ontario 1986. Water Resources Assessment Unit Technical Support Section Southeastern Region. Kingston: 1987.


34. Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. A Report on Water Quality Management of the Lake Trout Waters of Southeastern Ontario, Volume 2. Technical Support Section Southeastern Region. Kingston: 1980.

35. Pelshea, Victor. Preliminary Recommendations for Bon Echo Pictographs. Unpublished. circa 1976.

36. Rowe, J. Forest Regions of Canada. Ottawa: Canadian Forestry Service, 1972.

37. Ruba, Anthony. A History of Bon Echo Provincial Park and Vicinity. Unpublished. 1972.

38. Taylor, P. J. Geology of the Central Mazinaw Lake Area. Unpublished. Kemptville: Ministry of Natural Resources, 1976.

39. Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Planning Study Committee. Tourism and Recreational Behaviour of Ontario Residents, Volumes 1 to 8. Toronto: Queen's Park, 1977.

40. van Haaften, Steven and J. A. Smedley. Bedrock Geology of Bon Echo Provincial Park, map. Unpublished. Kemptville: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 1979.

41. van Haaften, Steven and J. A. Smedley. Earth Science Inventory Checklist, Bon Echo Provincial Park. Unpublished paper. Kemptville: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 1979.

42. Wright, P. J. and P. Englebert. Archaeological Survey of the Upper Mississippi River. Unpublished research manuscript. Ottawa: Ontario Ministry of Culture and Recreation, 1978.

21

ONTARIO PARI(S

Beechgrove Complex Tel. 613-531-5716 51 HeakesLane Fax613-531-5730 Kingston, Ontario www.OntarioParks.com K7M9B1

October 10,2001

MEMORANDUM TO:

Adair Ireland-Smith Managing Director Ontario Parks Peterborough, Ontario

SUBJECT: BON ECHO PROVINCIAL PARK -MANAGEMENT PLAN AMENDMENT

I am pleased to send you the approved Management Plan Amendment for Bon Echo Provincial Park. A total of 1652 ha will be added to Bon Echo Provincial Park through Ontario's Living Legacy; this amendment addresses the management of the new additions.

Ontario Parks and Bancroft District staff worked together to develop this amendment. Monique Rolfvondenbaumen-Clark has been sent the amendment, along with a letter outlining the implications of the amendment on Bancroft District staff.

-Copies of the amendment will be kept on file in the SE Zone office, and have been provided to the appropriate Ontario Parks staff. Please insert a copy of this amendment into all copies of the 1991 Bon Echo Provincial Park Management Plan.

. Immerseel Zone Manager Ontario Parks South Eastern Zone Ministry of Natural Resources Kingston, Ontario

Ministry of Natural Resources ® Ontario

l. ·

Minor Amendment Form Bon Echo Provincial Park Management Plan, 1991 (per Policy PM 11.02.03 and Procedure PM 11.02.03, dated August 1, 1994)

September 14, 2001

1.0 Need for Amendment

One of the recommendations of the Ontario's Living Legacy Land Use Strategy (OLL-LUS) is for several additions to be made to the existing Bon Echo Provincial Park. The additions are intended to be regulated in 2001. The OLL-LUS amends some existing park policies; these amended policies will apply to the additions (Appendix~. This minor amendment to the 1991 Bon Echo Provincial Park Management Plan will provide interim management guidelines for the addition until a full Management Plan review is completed.

2.0 Amendments

2.1. Park Boundary and Zones (Section 5.0 and 6.0 of plan)

The park boundary in regulation under the Provincial Parks Act is proposed to be revised as described in the Draft Regulation Plan maps. The proposed boundary encompasses five additions to the existing park (Figure 1): 11 ha north of Mazinaw Cliff (N addition); 686 ha NE of Kishkebus Lake (NE addition); 519 ha southeast of Mazinaw Cliff between Mazinaw, Semicircle, and Shabomeka Lakes (SE addition); 80.5 ha south of the McCaw Lakes (SW addition); and 355 ha encompassing Rainy Lake (NW addition), for a total of 1652 ha.

The additions complete the protection of two provincially significant Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) within the park. McCaw Bog and Barrens ANSI and its headwaters are encompassed within the NW and SW additions. Much of the Mazinaw Cliff - Kishkebus Lake ANSI is already protected within the existing park; however, the N, NE, and SE additions complete its representation and protect other significant natural heritage features, as described in the Life Science Checksheet (2000).

The additions are described as "Natural Environment" in the OLL-LUS. The additions will be managed as Natural Environment zones until further zoning decisions are made during Management Plan review and the additions are addressed in the Bon Echo Provincial Park Management Plan.

2.2. Interim Management Policies for OLL Additions (Section 8.0 of plan)

Recreational Activities Most activities currently taking place in the addition (Appendix I~ will be permitted to continue, as stated in the OLL-LUS (1999). These activities include sport hunting and fishing, as well as eXisting commercia.l fur harvesting, private recreational camps, and bear management area (BMA) licences. No new licences or permits will be issued for the Crown land included in the addition. Future zoning decisions and management planning may influence the permitted uses,

One recreational camp within the additions has a fuelwood cutting permit. This permit may be renewed on an interim basis, but alternative fuelwood areas outside of the park must be sought. The continued renewal of this permit will be determined through the management planning process.

Access A Crown road provides access to private cottages in the SE addition. Future maintenance of this road will be decided through consultation with the road users. An informal network of

Bon Echo Provincial Park 1991 Management Plan Amendment September 14, 2001

1 of 6

I

all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails exists throughout the west side additions and provides access to private recreational camps within these additions. The impact of ATV traffic on these trails and the surrounding environment has not been assessed. ATV and other recreational vehicle travel on existing trails will be permitted to continue subject to review during future management planning. Ontario Parks will assess the impact of recreational vehicles on the park environment in the interim and may make future recommendations. New ATV trails will not be permitted.

Commercial Development Unless identified by the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) as a site with provincially significant mineral potential, the additions will be closed to mineral exploration. No other commercial development will be allowed.

Resource Management All other resource stewardship issues in the park additions will be in accordance with existing park policies, policies for provincial park additions in the Oll-lUS, and the direction specified in the Management Plan (Appendix~. Those activities not specifically addressed in this amendment will continue until future management planning, unless identi'fied as an area of concern in the interim.

3.0 Issues to Consider During Plan Review

3.1. Enhanced Tenure

The Oll-lUS indicates that enhanced tenure may be granted to recreational camp permit holders. If necessary, these decisions will be determined through a screening process, or through the Management Plan review process. Although recreational camps are a permitted use in Oll park additions, the effect of the recreation camps on the ecological and recreational values of the addition must be evaluated.

3.2. Sport Hunting

Sport hunting is allowed in the addition portions of Bon Echo Provincial Park through an amendment to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (0. Reg. 379/00). Sport hunting is not permitted in the original portions of Bon Echo Provincial Park. However, the Oll-lUS states that the Ministry will consider the provision of new hunting opportunities in existing parks during park management planning. Further consideration of sport hunting in the original park will be made during management planning with public involvement.

3.3. Other Recreational Activities

The Oll-lUS indicates that the continuation of, or limits on, the following activities, including renewal and transfer of licenses, should be addressed through management planning for both the original park and the Oll addition: bear management areas, commercial fur harvesting, and ATV and snowmobile use on existing trails.

4.0. Amendment Process

4. t . Consultation on Amendment

Extensive consultation within the Ministry, with the public, and with the Aboriginal community took place during the OLL boundary review process in 2000 prior to the regulation of the addition, as well as through the Lands for Life planning process. local landowners and other interest groups were informed of the boundary and policy changes and were invited to comment on the boundary changes. This amendment addresses those issues raised that do not require further public consultation at this point.

Bon Echo Provincial Park 2 of 6 1991 Management Plan Amendment September 14, 2001

4.2. Environmental Assessment Act Requirements

Notice of this amendment to the Bon Echo Management Plan will not be posted on the Environmental Registry, as the issues discussed in this document were set out in the Oll-lUS. This is consistent with Ontario Parks policy (PM 11.02.03).

4.3. Final Revision

Upon approval by the Ministry, this amendment will form part of the Bon Echo Provincial Park Management Plan. The amendments will take effect upon approval of this form.

4.4. Distribution

The approved amendment form will be filed at the Ontario Parks, South Eastern Zone office, with copies distributed to Bon Echo Provincial Park and Ontario Parks, Planning and Research Section in Peterborough. The Bancroft District Manager will also be provided with a copy of the amendment.

Amendment proposed by: Corina Brdar, Oll Planner Ontario Parks, South Eastern Zone

Amendment Approval:

Date: ~y0


Appendix I. Interim Resource Stewardship and Recreation Activities Policies Bon Echo Additions

This chart lists selected activities and policies that are relevant to the Bon Echo Additions. For a comprehensive list of policies that apply to Natural Environment Parks, refer to the OLL-LUS (1999) and Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies (1992 update).

Activity Interim

Direction Reference Document

All-terrain vehicle use (ATV) * ou, Bear Management Area ticensev'

existing new

Y N

PPP PPP

Boat caches N PPP Commercial bait fish harvesting..'

existing new

N/A N

ou, ou,

Commercial fur harvesting..' existing new

Y N

ou, PPP

Commercial hydro development N PPP Commercial timber harvest N PPP Fire suppression Y PPP Fish stocking MP PPP Fuelwood Cutting..' N PPP Mineral exploration * ou, Other new developments MP PPP Power boating (small motor) MP PPP Prescribed burning & prescribed natural fire MP PPP Private Recreational Campsv

existing use enhanced tenure

y PMP

ou,

Roads existing..' new

Y MP

ou, PPP

Snowmobilinq y ou, Sport fishing Y PPP Sport huntinq Y ou, Vegetation manaqement MP PPP Wildlife population rnanaqernent MP PPP * refer to amendment text for complete discussion of intenrn management direction ./ involves coordination with Bancroft District

legend Interim Direction

MP to be determined through future park management planning - until that time. new activities will not be permitted and existing activities may continue

N/A not applicable in Bon Echo Additions N not permitted Y permitted activity

Reference Policy Document all Ontario's Living Legacy land Use Strategy (1999) PPP Ontario Provincial Parks: Planning and Management Policies (1992 update)

Bon Echo Provincial Park 4 of 6 1991 Management Plan Amendment September 14,2001

· , .

Appendix II. Existing Activities in the Bon Echo Additions

I Activity Licence or Permit # Location I Comments Bear Management TW-63-18 east half Area TW-61-08 west half Commercial Baitfish Harvestinq

none

Commercial Fur Harvest

TW-26 NE, E, and SE addition

TW-27 E addition TW-16 SWaddition TW-12 small section of W

addition Private 1635304 Barrie XIV, pt. 22 Recreational 1635358 Effingham Twp. Camps 1635149 Effingham Twp. outside addition,

fuelwood permit 1635250 Effingham II, pt. 18/19 fuelwood permit

Snowmobile Trail follows Crown road through SE addition, and therefore does not require permit


Figure 1

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1'''''''1< 1l..5 Boundary and Access

Loc.uiou r..b •I.a:g~nd

Alpjnc (,luh "I C"".01,, , Building

Huut Camp P"nJg..:o pJlt Boundary Ouihnc

D,ANSI Nlta,l"a} /)/It,,;ol / SU":aJu ':'\'/ Tr.lI)

NI"dllyLIII~

t , ,1,,1 W;UaF~Jlul~ WalL:'1" AIl'a, P":IIl-.U1LIlI 1W~II"'I(I A" a, P~lIl1;U1~nl o P,lIl Aiklni.m B,,"nd,uy DE"'llIlgl'.,,~

s.:"k I: 35,1111

HMMI u 1lI1) 2(11) r..kl~" ..........

fla..'o&:d un NK\"L"i1»... __ .... "j&:IU"n: lrrM. NAJ•• ), IUltI: 17 PTudun"d In ha...dlur 28ul

n•• n ph iUU..lhdh:unly U.. 11",1 rdy UII ilil" III "I'4:i

/--..J;

Ministry of Minlstere des ..--.- ) Natural Richesses Resources naturelles

Ontario

Eastern Region Kemptville, Ontario KOG 1Jo

--pt\IKS & NAT. HERiTAGE POuey BRANCH .riO ,,10/6 INfOI~tON DtSCUSS INITIAL l.JI:ec!OI' I...; ......" 'j/lj'f

.,-rJ-L" F'Jl:cy Coord r ~-,ec. Proj CllOrd

R[C'D JAN 071991 G;:elaliO/lS Parks Class EA / "'" ! f'lannlll9and , v r:~ Development

~

1991 01 03 File: Bon Echo 7

MEMORANDUM TO:

Norm R. Richards, Director Provincial Parks and Natural Heritage Branch Toronto

SUBJECT: Bon Echo Provincial Park Recommended Management Plan

Enclosed is a copy of the management plan completed by the Bon Echo Provincial Park management planning committee. I have reviewed it and signed the approval statement enclosed. I now recommend your review and approval. If acceptable, please sign the approval statement as well and return it so that printing and distribution can begin.

Please note that the printed plans will have final maps, book numbers (ISBN) and a photo cover instead of the standard cover.

/:C~ Regional Director

JMP

1

Ministry of Ministere des Natural Richesses Resources naturelles

February 11, 1391 Bon Echo - Planning

_ K t:. + G~n,::l (£: . MEMORANDUM TO: Regi on al Df. rec t or

Eastern Region

Attention: Bill Barber Regional Coordinato r Provinci al Parks and Recreational Areas

SUBJECT: Bon Echo Provincial Park Recommended Management Plan

As requested, I have reviewed the subject Reco mmended Management Plan (dated January, 1991) with Branch staff.

This review was undertaken, in part, through a comparison to comments resulting from the Branch rev i ew of the Preliminary Management Plan (April, 1990). The co mments resulting from this latest review are detailed on the accompanying pages.

Overall the recommended plan is clear and well presented. There is one point which I would ask to be revised or augmented prior to the final printing of the plan:

1) Life science information is out of date (single source, Lichenfeld et al, 1971) and may be i nadequ a t e to zone the park properly. It may be an option to commit, in the plan, to a thorough ecological survey in the Park to provide for subsequent review and amendment of the plan at the first plan review.

Contingent on the above puints being addressed, I am pleased to a pprove the Bon Echo Provincial Park Management Plan. I have s igned the a pprova l sheet a nd enclosed it with this correspondence.

Pa rks and Rec reati una l Are as Branch

Enclosures

BON ECHO PROVINCIAL PARK RECOMMENDED MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW

Comments prepared for the Branch Meeting, January 28, 1991

GENERAL COMMENTS

Life science information is out of date (single source, Lichenfeld et al, 1971) and may be inadequate to zone the park properly.

The use of computerized mapping in the plan is admirable, however, it appears that the computerized figures cannot be plotted to the same standards normally associated with figures in park management plans. The figures indicating existing development found in the park brochure could be used in the text to indicate existing development.

On pages 1 & 3, Sections 3 & 4.2 "Wilderness", semi-wilderness and "backcount ry are used interchangeably. Since the Park has no wilderness zone, backcountry is the preferable term.

SPECIFIC COMMENTS

PAGE SECTION COMMENTS

1 Introduction

Move (See Figure 1) from 3rd paragraph to end of 1st sentence 1st paragraph.

Use 1990 visitation provided in 4.4 133,751.

1 2.0 Classification

What about other earth and life science features?

2 Figure 1

Quality of map could be improved. Show other Parks in the map area.

1/3 4.1 Protection

3rd paragraph - •••southern Canadian ~hield••.

We recommend that the candidate ANSI outside the park in the expansion area be identified in the plan and located on the map.

1/3 4 The Kishkebus Wilderness Area is still designated as wilderness area under the Wilderness Areas Act. The existence of this area should be noted in the management plan and indicated on the park boundary map.

Largest collection of Indian Rock paintings in North America? Park brochure: •••largest visible collection in Ontario. Please confirm.

/5

7

7

9

9

10

10

10

SECTION

4.2

5.1

6.0

6.2

6.5

7.0

7.1

7.2

7.3

COMMENTS

Recreation

5th paragraph - If the DLUG swimming target cannot be met within the park, why was it assigned?

Area of Concern

This area of concern should be indicated on a features or boundary map and the map should be referenced in this portion of the management plan.

Zoning

State zone sizes.

Historical Zone

..• Pearson Lake•••

Development Zones

Development zones include the five campground areas of the Hardwood Hill campground and the Mazinaw Lake development and the eight sites in the group campground at Bon Echo Lake.

Resource Management Policies

Explain "In general,•••" or reword.

Wildlife

••• by 2010 all traplines ...

Fisheries

Second sentence A fisheries •..

What is the rationale for the three year delay in the motor ban on Joeperry Lake?

Are there any restrictions on the type of bait used?

Vegetation

It may be appropriate to state more clearly the objectives of vegetation management for the park relative to native species, age diversity, hazard tree removal, biological control agents, wildlife habitat, etcetera.

10

3

PAGE

12

12

12

12

14

14

14

14

SECTION

7.3

7.4

8.1

8.1.1

8.1.2

8.1.3

8.2

8.3.1

COMMENTS

Last pa rag raph, second sentence. Upon outbreaks of ------ a detailed •.•

Cultural Resources

Explain or reword" •..possible salv aging of endangered specimens."

Visitor Services

Suggest defining " regular seasonal services" or rewording 1st paragraph.

Information

Are the guidebooks not Friends publications?

Interpretation

2nd paragraph - This is the first reference in the document to any proposed visitor centre. A brief explanation of the proposal would be appropriate in this section so that it provides some context for development priorities in Section 10 -Implementation.

Use the term "backcountry" rather than "interior."

Research (delete Scientific)

Research could also be supported by the cooperating association.

Add - All research including all MNR programme areas must obtain written permission to conduct research in the Pa rk, research must be conducted in accordance with the Parks and Recreational Branch policy concerning research in Provincial Parks.

All research proposals should be directed to the District Manage~

Rock Climbing, Parachuting, Hang Gliding

2nd paragraph delete continue to •••

How will this prohibition be enforced?

Please note that this is an existing activity and that identified routes do not threaten the pictographs.

The appropriateness of rock climbing in a Nature Reserve Zone must be evaluated.

4

..

PAGE

15

15

15

16

17

17

18

SECTION

I:U .2

8.5.4

8.6

9.4

9.6

10

OlliER COMMENTS

Figure 3

COMMENTS

Snowmobiling

Will snowmobiling be permitted on the closed portion of the Addington Road (Section 6.2)?

Canoe Rental Concession

Will the Friends of Bon Echo be offered an opportunity to become involved in this service?

Waste Management

Last paragraph, suggest replacing discarded with disposed.

The intent of the 50% reduction targets for garbage and sewage hauled from the park as well as adopting the " conservation ethic of society" are supported but why tie oneself to targets that are difficult to measure?

Figure 7

Map is difficult to interpret.

Mazinaw Lake Campsites

Are hydro sites new to the Park?

Trails

Mentioning the trails by name and indicating their lengths would assist the reader when examining the figure which shows their locations.

Mention that the introduction of trailside cabins may req u i re a plan amendment at a future date.

Implementation

Will MNR priorities or available funding determine the implementation timetable and priorities?

Throughout the text, use the written word for all abbreviations (i,e., km - kilometres, m - metres, ha hectares) to be consistent with the wording in management plans prepared by other regions.

Market Area should indicate other provincial parks in proximity to Bon Echo Provincial Park.

February 11, 1991 Planning and Development Section Provincial Parks and Recreational Areas Branch

..

Approval Statement

January 1991

Bon Echo inspires: pictographs, writings, paintings and photographs have expressed our connection with this special place. Bon Echo Provincial Park in itself is recognition of this link and provides visitors with a wide scope of outdoor recreation and heritage appreciation opportunities to foster this affinity.

We are pleased to approve this Management Plan for Bon Echo Provincial Park as the policy for its management and development The plan reflects the ministry's intent to protect the natural and cultural features of Bon Echo and to maintain high quality opportunities for outdoor recreation and heritage appreciation for both residents of Ontario and visitors to the province.

!f?!7~~ J. .Oatway Nonn R. Richards Regional Director Director, Provincial Parks and Eastern Region Recreational Areas Branch Kemptville Toronto

P8e Bon Echo Provincial Park Management Plan1Bon Echo PP Figure 23Bon Echo PP Figure 55Bon Echo PP Figure 67

343453

Documents

Bon Echo Provincial Park Management Plan 1991 · Bon Echo Provincial Park Management Plan 1991 Ministry of Natural Resources Publication 4601 ISBN 0-7729-8145-0 . 4) 1991, Queen's