march 31 st, 2015 peterborough, on kawartha highlands signature site park operations options
TRANSCRIPT
March 31st, 2015Peterborough, ON
Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park Operations Options
Development of 3 Implementation Plans:• Science/Information – values analysis, gaps• Lands Management - vehicle, work permitting• Operations – Existing canoe route mgmt
Park Management PlanImplementation Priorities
• Existing Use Parking Strategy• Backpacking Trails • Roofed Accommodation
Operations Options Background
“Pre-consultation”
• Two targeted sessions were held last autumn– 19 attendees in Peterborough– 19 attendees in Apsley
• Representation from diverse stakeholder interests– Private property, hunt camps, trappers, road
associations, recreational and environmental organizations, municipal governments
Background - How Did We Get Here?• Local Stakeholders Committee• Charter• Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park Act• Final Park Management Plan
Management Plan Guidance• Objectives• Guiding Policies
Today’s Objective
• Mandate to provide recommendation on the designation of the area, proposed boundary, management policies and stewardship model for future management
• 3 Stages of public consultation; Recommendations to the Minister
Recommendations:• Funded as a “Fully Operating” Provincial Park• Traditional Activities Analyzed - Camping/Hiking was identified from beginning• Backcountry camping only• Supported formation of a Management Advisory Board (MAB)
Genesis –Local Stakeholder Committee (LSC) 2000-2003
Our vision for the Kawartha Highlands Signature Site is that of a legacy of protection and stewardship, ensuring that the semi-wilderness characteristics are preserved. The protection of the ecological integrity of the area is of paramount importance. Long-term protection of both natural and cultural heritage values is required for the preservation of this unique area. Careful management is required to protect the environmentally sensitive aspects of the area, and to maintain it for the benefit of future generations. Traditional activities including cottaging will continue to be an integral component of the area, and diverse low-density recreational opportunities will continue to be available. Continued public involvement in the planning and management of this area is essential. Management of the area will respect the existing private lands and tenure within the park.
Vision Statement
LSC – most recommendations accepted, park designation, Kawartha specific legislation, formation of a Management Advisory Board
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OFAH – legislation further enshrined traditional activities, ATV use for hunting, snowmobile use for ice fishing
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Partnership for Public Lands – legislation ensured protection of ecological integrity is recognized as the overriding priority in future management, motorized vehicles use restrictions
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Stakeholder Groups of the Kawartha Highlands – no expropriation of property, no new facility development within 100 m of private property, potential for 2 new access roads, free access to property or tenured lands, stewardship model for park management
Charter Signatories
• KHSSP Act, June 2003
• Regulated as provincial park in June 2005
• Proclamation of the Act in June 2007
• Protection of the ecological integrity is the overriding priority in the management and administration of the Park
• MAB struck in 2003 worked on PMP which was completed in 2008
Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park Legislation and Timelines
1. Park Goals, Management Objectives and Desired Outcomes.
2. Recreation Management Policies.
3. Development Policies.
Final Park Management Plan
• Goals consistent with the Vision Statement.
• Management objectives and desired outcomes for each goal statement – guide management policy.
• Protection, Recreation, Public and Stakeholder Interests, and Aboriginal Engagement
Park Goals, Management Objectives and Desired Outcomes.
Protection - working towards the Vision for Kawartha: Ecological Integrity (EI) will be protected and enhanced
Goal Objective Outcome
Protect EI Use an adaptive management approach
EI of Kawartha is maintained and enhanced
Protection - working towards the Vision for Kawartha: Ecological Integrity will be protected and enhanced
Goal Objective Outcome
Preserve semi-wilderness characteristics
Maintain or enhance semi-wilderness characteristics
Semi-wilderness values are incorporated when developing recreational carrying capacities.
Recreation -Consistent with the Vision for Kawartha: strive to achieve a balance between permitting traditional or new low-intensity recreational activities and not compromising the EI of the park.
Goal Objective OutcomeOpportunities for diverse, low-intensity recreation
Traditional recreational activities to continue within the park.
• minimize impacts to ecological integrity.
• Interior travel network, including campsites (both hike in and canoe access), portages and hiking trails.
Public and Stakeholder Interests: Ontario Parks must consider how management actions in Kawartha Highlands affect the surrounding environment and society
Goal Objective Outcome
To provide appropriate opportunities for public involvement in stewardship, planning and management of the park.
Provide public involvement through meaningful opportunities.
• Good relations are maintained with adjacent landowners, surrounding communities and private and public groups that affect, or are affected by, the park.
Aboriginal Engagement: Although not specifically identified in the Vision Statement, it is the clear intent for Kawartha Highlands, to engage the Aboriginal communities in the planning and management of the park.
Goal Objective Outcome
To engage Aboriginal communities
Aboriginal communities are engaged in park management activities that are consistent with the park Vision .
Ontario Parks maintains open, positive and productive relations with Aboriginal communities that have traditionally used the park area.
• Diverse semi-wilderness recreational opportunities, that do not significantly compromise ecological integrity.
• Traditional activities, including canoeing, hiking, fishing and hunting will continue to be integral components of the park’s recreation program.
• Carrying capacity for recreation will be evaluated.
• Operations Plan will provide further direction regarding, new recreational opportunities such as backpacking and hiking.
Recreation Management Policies
• No facility intended for public use shall be within 100 metres of private property that is surrounded by, or abuts, park lands (KHSSP Act, s.9).
• An approach for parking will be prepared. Strive to reduce conflicts between park visitors and private landowners.
• Additional campsites may be developed if consistent with the overall Vision for Kawartha Highlands and carrying capacity.
Development Policies
• Roofed accommodation may be considered.
• New backcountry camping trails may be developed.
• New hiking trails may be developed, in accordance with the Park Operations Plan.
Development Policies
• Park Management Plan clearly states that intent is a fully operational park
• Business model for Ontario Parks (OP) established 1997.
• OP is currently obtaining a Cost Benefit Ratio (CBR) of approximately 0.85.
• KHSSP has approximately a 0.41 CBR, additional revenue streams will ensure the continued viability of the park.
Business Considerations
Considerations:• Identified throughout planning process and as a
traditional activity.• Diverse low-density recreational activities are a desired
outcome of PMP.• Multi-user groups on the landscape.• Decisions need to be Values and Capacity based.• Access
QUESTIONS?
Implementation Priorities
What are the Values?
Ecological
Human Use Economic
Cultural Heritage
• Significant species need special consideration due to their rarity, or disproportionate / important effect on their environment:
Ecological Values
– Species at Risk– Atlantic Coastal Plain
Flora– Top predators (hawks,
falcons, herons, lake trout)
• The park has many significant ecosystems and habitats:
Ecological Values
– Rock barren– Alvar– Old growth forest– Undisturbed core areas– Representative
ecosystems– Aquatic ecosystems and
water quality
• Avoidance– Seasonal closures– Biologist inspection and approval
• Mitigation– Education to reduce habitat
destruction, invasive species introduction, species disturbance
– Best construction practices to reduce erosion, water crossings, habitat disruption
Ecological Value Considerations
• Logging Era Sites– Camps and depots– Dams and flumes– Fire towers
• Archaeological Sites– Registered artifact sites– Areas of high potential (shorelines)
• Abandoned Mines and Quarries
Cultural Heritage Values
• Avoidance• Mitigation
– Minimize ground disturbance
– Education– Fencing or signage
Cultural Heritage Value Considerations
• Wilderness Experiences
Human Use Values
– Silence– Pristine landscapes
– Dark skies– Solitude
DJ McPhail
• Continued Park Land and Water Use– Privacy– Access– Cottage activities (boating, regattas)– Challenge, adventure, interaction
• Hunting, Trapping, and Fishing– Safety– Lack of disturbance
Human Use Values
• Avoidance– 100m distance from private or tenured land
Current Use Value Considerations
• Mitigation– Seasonal closures for rifle
hunting seasons– Consideration of carrying
capacity– Effective parking strategies
• Reasonable return on investment– Low construction costs, high revenue
• Feasible ongoing operational costs– Design and construction that requires minimal
maintenance• Provide economic benefits to local
communities
Economic Values
1. Determine values2. Avoid values when possible3. If values are unavoidable, mitigate the impact4. If mitigation not possible, look elsewhere5. Implement projects6. Monitor and adapt
How Best to Consider Values
Decision Trees
Can value be
avoided?
Can impact be
mitigated?
Monitor and Adapt Proceed
Do Not Proceed
No No
Yes Yes
Mapping Example
• Kawartha Highlands has recognized ecological, cultural, human use, and economic values.
• Park staff will use effective planning and implementation to minimize impacts to these values.
• Tools include values mapping and decision trees.
QUESTIONS?
Conclusion
Summary of Feedback
• High priority emphasis on carrying capacity and ecological integrity.
• High value in undeveloped areas.• Continue to involve all stakeholders, and explain how
impacts to all parties will be mitigated.• Day-use and interpretive trails are highly desired.• Education of park visitors should continue to reduce
ecological impact, public safety, and user conflict.
General Feedback
• General support for proposed existing parking lot proposals.
• Favour for Catchacoma expansion rather than Gold Lake.• Many like idea of separating camper and access parking
at Anstruther Lake.• Main concerns are impacts of development of the
natural environment, and private and tenured land enjoyment.
• Much mention of day-use fees but no obvious support for one way or the other.
Existing Parking Feedback
• Desire for hiking network with various length options.
• Southeast route option is most preferred.• Impact to the natural environment is the
greatest concern.• Perceived level of public concern is neutral.
Backpacking Network Feedback
• Many are supportive of design, but some feel it should be more rustic.
• Preferred number of cabins is mixed.• Effect on wilderness experience is evenly
divided.• Perceived level of public concern is mixed.
Backcountry Cabin Feedback
• Refining tools to ensure the consideration of:– Carrying capacity – Natural environment values
• Including undisturbed areas
– Day hiking options
Using Feedback
