Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve (C92) - Statement of Conservation Interest March 2004
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Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve (C92) Statement of Conservation Interest March 2004
Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve
(C92)
Statement of Conservation Interest
Ministry of Natural Resources
Parry Sound District
Prepared with the assistance of:
Meteek & Company
Huntsville, Ontario
March 2004
iApproval Statement
We are pleased to approve this Statement of Conservation Interest for Axe Lake Wetland Conservation
Reserve (C92).
Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve consists of 793 hectares of Crown land, located about 23 kilometres
northwest of the Town of Huntsville. It is located in Stisted Ward in the Town of Huntsville and Cardwell Ward
in the Township of Muskoka Lakes (both within the District Municipality of Muskoka) as well as in the
Township of McMurrich/Monteith in the Territorial District of Parry Sound. It is surrounded mainly by privately
owned lands, which are not part of this conservation reserve.
This conservation reserve, located in ecological Site District 5E -8, is the best example of forested swamp and
organic soil deposits in this site district, and harbours several rare plant species. Parts of the shallow lake
itself are sand-bottomed, while the rest is situated over a large organic deposit. Axe Lake Wetland is a
provincially significant wetland, and is considered the second most significant site in Ontario for Atlantic
Coastal Plain flora. The lake has extensive beds of emergent and shallow-water aquatic plants, and there are
extensive conifer swamps with tamarack, black spruce and white cedar on Crown lands adjacent to the lake.
Axe Lake is an excellent warm-water fishery and is frequented by anglers. Hunters and snowmobilers actively
use portions of the wetland surrounding the lake.
The Muskoka portion of Axe Lake Wetland is municipally designated as a Muskoka Heritage Area.
Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve is one of 378 new protected areas approved through Ontario’s
Living Legacy Land Use Strategy, aimed, in part, at completing Ontario’s system of parks and protected
areas.
During the “Lands for Life” planning process, the public was widely consulted and provided valuable input into
what became Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy. Comments received during that time, and during
consultation related to the formal Public Lands Act regulation of the boundaries of this conservation reserve,
were generally supportive of the protection of this area. Stakeholders who provided comment during the
earlier consultation for this site were subsequently consulted regarding the draft Statement of Conservation
Interest and their comments were considered in the finalization of this document.
This Statement of Conservation Interest provides guidance for the management of the conservation reserve
and provides the basis for the ongoing monitoring of activities. More detailed direction is not anticipated at
this time. Should more complex resource management or conservation issues arise or significant facility
development be considered, then a detailed Resource Management Plan will be prepared with full public
consultation.
Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve is managed under the direction of the District Manager of the
Ministry of Natural Resources, Parry Sound District. The Bracebridge Area Supervisor manages the Muskoka
part of the site, while the Parry Sound Area Supervisor manages the McMurrich/Monteith portion.
Approved by: R. Griffiths Approved by: Ron Running
District Manager Regional Director
Parry Sound District Southern Region
iiTable of Contents
APPROVAL STATEMENT ....................................................................................................................... II
1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................3
1.1 BACKGROUND I NFORMATION: ...............................................................................................................3
1.2 REPRESENTATION ..............................................................................................................................4
1.3 SURVEY W ORK ..................................................................................................................................4
2.0 VALUES TO BE PROTECTED .......................................................................................................5
2.1 EARTH S CIENCE:................................................................................................................................5
2.2 LIFE S CIENCE: ...................................................................................................................................5
2.3 CULTURAL V ALUES: ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................7
2.4 RECREATIONAL/A ESTHETIC V ALUES :.....................................................................................................7
3.0 MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES ........................................................................................................8
3.1 LAND TENURE: ..................................................................................................................................8
3.2 DEVELOPMENT : .................................................................................................................................9
3.3 RECREATIONAL A CTIVITIES : ............................................................................................................... 10
3.4 COMMERCIAL A CTIVITIES: ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 12
3.5 ABORIGINAL INTERESTS: ................................................................................................................... 12
3.6 NATURAL R ESOURCE S TEWARDSHIP: ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 12
3.7 CULTURAL RESOURCE S TEWARDSHIP: ................................................................................................ 13
3.8 CLIENT S ERVICES : ........................................................................................................................... 14
3.9 RESEARCH: ..................................................................................................................................... 14
3.10 MARKETING: ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 15
4.0 IMPLEMENTATION...................................................................................................................... 15
5.0 REVIEW AND REVISION OF THE STATEMENT OF CONSERVATION INTEREST ........................ 16
6.0 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 17
APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................................ 19
A PPENDIX 1 P ROCEDURAL GUIDELINE B – LAND USES – ................................ ................................ .......... 19
A PPENDIX 2 INDICATOR USES FOR C ONSERVATION R ESERVES: ................................................................. 20
A PPENDIX 3 P ROCEDURAL GUIDELINE C ................................................................................................ 22
Table of Figures
Figure 1: Location of Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve (C92) ................................ ....................1
Figure 2: Site Map – Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve (C92) .....................................................2
iiiFigure 1: Location of Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve
1Figure 2: Site Map – Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve
21.0 Introduction
Ontario’s Living Legacy, the result of an extensive planning process that began in early 1997, culminated in
the approval in July 1999 of a Land Use Strategy that identifies the intended strategic direction for Crown
land, including the completion of Ontario’s system of parks and protected areas. This process, which
included extensive public consultation, resulted in the recommendation for regulation of 378 new protected
areas, including Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve (C92).
Axe Lake Wet land Conservation Reserve consists of 793 hectares of Crown land, located about 23 kilometres
northwest of the Town of Huntsville. It is located in Stisted Ward in the Town of Huntsville and Cardwell Ward
in the Township of Muskoka Lakes (both within District Municipality of Muskoka) as well as in the Township of
McMurrich/Monteith in the Territorial District of Parry Sound. It is surrounded mainly by privately owned lands,
which are not part of this conservation reserve. The complete bed of Axe Lake is a part of the conservation
reserve.
The Axe Lake area has been recognized as a significant area for some time. The northern area, including the
lake, was named an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) in 1987 (OMNR, 1983; Brunton, 1991); it
was identified as having an excellent assemblage of Atlantic Coastal Plain flora in 1989 (Keddy & Sharp,
1989); the entire wetland area was determined to be a provincially significant wetland (PSW) using the
Ontario Wetland Evaluation System Northern Manual (1993) in 1995; and the southern peatland portion is a
Muskoka Heritage Area (MHA). Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve, being limited to Crown Land,
covers the bed of Axe Lake and the area surrounding the southern portion of the lake, as well as a large
parcel to the east. The conservation reserve is mainly continuous, with a couple of outlying fragments, and
encompasses approximately a half of the Axe Lake ANSI, a half of the Muskoka Heritage Area, and
approximately one third of the provincially significant wetland. The ANSI, MHA and PSW include private land;
therefore the conservation reserve, which is Crown land, only represents part of these designated areas.
Axe Lake is a popular angling lake, and is also actively used for waterfowl hunting. Big game (moose, deer,
bear) hunting is a traditional use of the conservation reserve and its surrounding lands. The site is accessed
by snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles by way of an old colonization road and logging road.
Conservation reserves are established under the authority of the Public Lands Act, Ontario
Regulation 805/94. Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve was established by Ontario Regulation 148/02
on May 8, 2002.
It appears that a municipal road allowance along the Rome Road, in the south-easter n corner of Lot 28,
Concession 1, McMurrich Township, may have inappropriately been included into the conservation reserve.
This will be investigated and any necessary corrections will be made to the conservation reserve regulation
plan.
A Statement of Conservation Interest (SCI) is prepared under the direction of Procedural Guideline A –
Resource Management Planning (PL. Procedure 3.03.05). The purpose of this SCI is to identify and describe
the values of Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve. The SCI also outlines the activities that currently
occur within the conservation reserve and provides guidelines for the management of current and future
activities in the context of protecting the natural, recreational and cultural values.
1.1 Background Information:
Name Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve (C92)
Site Region/District Georgian Bay 5E-8
Southern Region/Parry Sound District/
OMNR Administrative Region/District/Area
Bracebridge Area and Parry Sound Area
3Total Area (ha.) 793 hectares
Regulation Date May 8, 2002 (O. Reg. 148/02)
First Nations Robinson-Huron Treaty and Williams Treaty
OBM map sheets 10 17 6150 50200, 6150 50250, 6200 50250
Orrville 31 E/5
Topographic Map
Huntsville 31 E/6
UTM co-ordinates 17T 61830 502800 (Centroid)
1.2 Representation
Earth Science Representation:
Bedrock -- Bedrock exposure is rare to absent, and is not a significant feature of this site.
Surficial -- The extensive organic deposits are typical components of the Quaternary Era in southern
Ontario.
Life Science Representation:
Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve provides the best representation of forested swamp and organic
deposits in ecological Site District 5E-8, and is the second most significant site for Atlantic Coastal Plain flora
in Ontario. The Axe Lake Wetland complex, part of which is within the conservation reserve boundaries, is a
provincially significant wetland, and a Muskoka Heritage Area.
Cultural Resources Representation:
Neither detailed cultural research nor inventory has been carried out for this conservation reserve.
Recent regional evaluation (OMNR, 2003) and other evidence (Allen, 2001) show that this conservation
reserve contains areas that have a high potential for cultural heritage sites.
Recreational Opportunities:
A recreational inventory report was prepared for this site based on existing knowledge and data sources of
MNR staff, as well as a number of site visits (Gavel, 2001). Currently, it is used for angling, waterfowl and big
game hunting, with some access by snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles. The low wet nature of most of the
site precludes most other trail activities. Some camping occurs on adjacent private lands on the south and
east shores of Axe Lake.
1.3 Survey Work
Survey Level Earth Life Science Cultural Recreational Other
Science
4Reconnaissance Duba & Frey, 2001 Eggers, 2003 OMNR, 2003 Gavel, 2003 None
Detailed None None None None None
Monitor the
Requirement status/presence of Research to be
None significant species encouraged Monitor use impacts None
and associations.
2.0 Values to be protected
The conservation reserve is located entirely within Hills’ (1959) ecological Site District 5E-8. Values include
earth science, life science and recreational/aes thetic values, with an emphasis on the life sciences.
2.1 Earth Science:
(Earth science information, unless otherwise noted, is taken from Duba & Frey, 2001)
Bedrock:
Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve is an area of wetlands with limited bedrock ex posure. The site is
underlain by grey gneiss, possibly derived from metagranodiorite to metatonalite, and gneissic monzogranite
anorthosite-mangerite-charnockite-granite suite rocks of the Seguin Domain, Parry Sound Terrane, in the
Central Gneiss Belt of the Proterozoic Grenville Province (Lumbers & Vertolli, 2000 a & b).
The Grenville Province is the product of thrusting and imbrication of the crust to the northwest as it collided
with a continental landmass to the southeast. The Grenville Orogeny, circa 1140 to 1070 million years ago,
culminated more than 500 million years of crustal evolution. The eroded roots of the products of these events
are displayed in the complexly metamorphosed and deformed rocks of the region (Easton, 1992b).
The Parry Sound Terrane is one of the four lithotectonic terranes of the Central Gneiss Belt. The Seguin
Domain is one of three structural domains of the Parry Sound Terrane. This geological environment is part of
the modern organization of the complex products of the mid-Proterozoic orogenic events (Easton 1992a & b).
As such, their representation in Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve contributes to the conservation of the
Grenville Province continental accretion theme (Davidson, 1981).
Within the Ontario Provincial Park system, the bedrock geological features observed in Axe Lake Wetland
Conservation Reserve are not significant in their representation of components of the Seguin Domain, Parry
Sound Terrane.
Surficial:
A large area, including Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve, was submerged in the expansion of glacial
Lake Algonquin during the deglaciation from about 11,500 to 10,200 years before present (BP) (Eastman &
Karrow, 1985). Most of the area of the conservation reserve is now underlain by recent swamp and organic
deposits. Surficial geology of the conservation reserve is locally significant.
2.2 Life Science:
(Life science information, unless otherwise noted, is taken from Eggers, 2003)
The conservation reserve is located within Hills’ (1959) ecological Site District 5E-8. Life science significance is
determined on the basis of the following criteria: representation, diversity, condition, ecological considerations
and special features (Crins and Kor, 1998).
5Representation:
Axe Lake is a shallow, sand-bottomed lake, with its origins dating from the ancient glacial Lake Algonquin. Its
nutrient-rich waters support areas of emergent and floating-leaved aquatic vegetation, including the
exceptional assemblage of Atlantic Coastal Plain flora species concentrated on the northern open, sandy-
peaty shore (Keddy and Sharp, 1989). The lake is believed to be an important oxidation-sedimentation basin
in the Muskoka watershed. It drains via Axe Creek, which flows eastward from the lake to Buck Lake, and
south to Lake Vernon. The wetland system acts as a sink and source for the Muskoka watershed system,
moderating downstream flows by storing and discharging water; it undergoes an annual one-metre water
fluctuation that maintains the Atlantic Coastal Plain flora species.
The area is mainly level with some gentle slopes. Organic deposits have built up over the sand plains creating
a large peatland, which is both open and treed bog. These peatland communities dominate the site as black
spruce-tamarack-white cedar swamp forest, treed poor fens, and open bog, with the open treed black spruce
bog community being of limited distribution in Muskoka. A variety of marsh wetland communities in various
successional stages are found in the southern, shallow areas of Axe Lake, including a strip of wetland shrub
thicket along the lakeshore separating marsh wetland from upland forest areas. Bedrock knolls covered with
sandy till, both within and bordering the wetland, support upland sugar maple--hemlock mixed hardwood
forests.
Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve covers the bed of Axe Lake and the area surrounding the southern
portion of the lake, as well as a large parcel to the east. The conservation reserve, being limited to Crown
land, covers approximately one third of the provincially significant wetland which also includes private lands.
Condition:
The upland forests show evidence of past logging by the single tree selection system in the mid-1980s, and
they are now in a successional regeneration stage. There are no pits or quarries within the site, and no
registered mining claims.
Access by road and trail is limited within the conservation reserve, owing to the wetland nature of the site.
However there is road access to the eastern side of the conservation reserve along an old colonization road
corridor that follows and parallels the municipal road allowance between Stisted and McMurrich Townships.
This joins with the Yearley Road to the east of this site. The old colonization road passes south-west/north-
east through the main portion of the site in Stisted Township, and a logging road (from the 1980’s) follows part
of its corridor. An extension of the colonization road formerly crossed Axe Creek at its exit from Axe Lake,
although the bridge that crossed here is now evidenced only by some sunken logs. This north/south trail
provided access to a homestead on the east side of Axe Lake, outside of this conservation reserve. It is now
used to gain access to Axe Lake for angling, hunting and canoeing. The main logging road is used by all-
terrain vehicles and snowmobiles.
Diversity:
The conservation reserve is dominated by conifer swamp, which, according to Forest Resources Inventory
(FRI) information, supports mainly balsam fir (Abies balsamaea), black spruce (Piceae mariana), eastern
white cedar (Thuja occidentalis), and tamarack (Larix laricina). Upland areas support forests dominated by
sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), with associates of yellow birch (Betula
alleghaniensis), white birch (Betula papyrifera), and some elm (Ulnus americana), white spruce (Piceae
glauca), and white pine (Pinus strobus). Red oak (Quercus rubra) and cedar (Thuja occidentalis) are
common along the shoreline bedrock exposures. During a 1993 Natural Heritage Evaluation of the Axe Lake
Peatland, half of which is represented in the conservation reserve, 186 vascular plants were recorded, 12 of
those being introduced species. The 1995 wetland evaluation identified 5 provincially significant plant
species, 2 regionally significant species, and 4 locally significant species. Of the vascular plants recorded at
the site, 15 were Atlantic Coastal Plain flora species, although the privately owned northern end of Axe Lake
supports most of the noteworthy flora. The southern portion of Axe Lake, which falls within the boundaries of
the reserve, is shallow marsh wetland dominated by water lilies (Nymphaea odorata). Floating sphagnum
6and shrub mats with pitcher plants (Sarracenia purpurea), sundews (Drosera spp.), calopogon (Calopogon
tuberosus), bladderworts (Utricularia spp.), and Virginia chain fern (Woodwardia virginica) dominate the
southern shoreline. Sweet bayberry (Myrica gale) dominates the shrub thicket marsh separating the marsh
wetland from the upland forest. Overall, the site displays an excellent array of wetland communities, owing to
the combination of organic and inorganic (sand) substrates, and successional nature of the wetland.
Completion of natural heritage gap analysis revealed that there are 17 combinations of vegetation and
landform present in Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve. The gap analysis project involved identifying
vegetation and landform combinations that were not adequately represented in protected areas at the time, so
that sites chosen for Ontario’s Living Legacy could protect more of these combinations. The Axe Lake site
was not chosen expressly for protection of specific landform/vegetation combinations, although 14 of its 17
combinations make critical contributions to meeting the goals for protection of these combinations in the site
district (Ontario Parks, 2003).
From a wildlife perspective, the large area of wetland connected to the conservation reserve supports good
populations of black bear and moose. The conservation reserve is also adjacent to a deer wintering area that
occupies the northern end of the Axe Lake ANSI. The wetland evaluation noted the presence of 5 fur bearers:
red fox (Vulpes vulpes), river otter (Lutra canadensis), skunk (Mephitis mephitis), muskrat (Ondatra
zibethicus), and red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). Ten species of mammals were observed during the
natural heritage evaluation, as well as 44 species of birds (during breeding season), 7 species of herptofauna,
7 species of butterflies, and 17 species of dragonflies (Reid and Bergsma, 1994).
Ecological Considerations
The wetland represented by the conservation reserve is important for both its’ hydrological function in the
Muskoka watershed, and as habitat for rare Atlantic Coastal Plain flora species.
Special Features:
Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve provides excellent habitat for several rare species with Atlantic
Coastal Plain flora affiliation, including twining screwstem (Bartonia paniculata spp.paniculata ranked S1 –
extremely rare in Ontario), pondweed (Potamogeton confervoides ranked S2 – very rare), and Pondweed
(Potamogeton bicupulatus), meadow beauty (Rhexia virginica), Virginia woodfern (Woodwardia virginica),
and Carolina yellow-eyed grass X ( yris difformis), all four ranked S3 (rare). Of the fauna, black-backed
woodpecker (Picoides arcticus) is uncommon in Ontario, and spruce grouse (Falcipennis canadensis) is
locally significant.
2.3 Cultural Values:
While no specific cultural studies or inventories have been undertaken within the conservation reserve, and
no major cultural resource values have been evaluated or identified to date, recent regional evaluation
(OMNR, 2003) and other evidence (Allen, 2001) shows that this conservation reserve contains areas that
have a high potential for cultural heritage sites. Allen (2001, 2004) believes that Axe Lake and its exit creek
are part of obvious winter and summer Aboriginal travel routes between Buck Lake and Bear Lake.
A colonization road passing through the site south of Axe Lake provided access to a homestead on the east
side of the lake in McMurrich Township, but the lands within the conservation reserve, being generally low
and wet, are not likely to show evidence of historical activities other than logging. Upland areas near Axe
Lake, where historic remnants may be located, are generally outside of the conservation reserve boundaries.
2.4 Recreational/Aesthetic Values:
Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve is a long-standing traditional hunting area for moose, deer and
bear. Waterfowl hunting is also actively carried out on Axe Lake. This lake is also noted as a good warm-
water fishery, with a healthy population of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Fish stocking records
(MNR) show that smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) were introduced to Axe Lake in the mid-1940s;
7brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), Kamloops trout, were introduced annually from 1954 to 1959; and
largemouth bass were introduced in 1978 and 1986. Largemouth bass reproduction was most successful, and
exceeded expectations.
There are no Crown land recreational camps situated in the site, but two private land hunt/fish camps, which
may also function as summer cottages, are located on the west shore of Axe Lake, and other private
recreation camps are located on nearby roads from the east and north. There is some camping associated
with the angling and hunting activity on Axe Lake, but all of the sites appear to be on adjacent private lands,
and not within conservation reserve boundaries.
Boats and canoes gain access to Axe Lake mostly from the east, by way of the logging/colonization road.
Until recently, a bridge provided vehicle access across Axe Creek on the road allowance between McMurrich
and Stisted Townships. As of summer, 2003, this bridge appeared unsuitable for motor vehicle traffic, but still
allowed all-terrain vehicle access into the site, and through it to Axe Lake. The actual canoe/boat access to
the lake has traditionally been from private land in Lot 30, Concession 1, McMurrich Township.
All-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles also use the logging roads and old colonization road to pass through the
conservation reserve, and to gain access to Axe Lake. The proximity of the conservation reserve to an OFSC
Trunk Trail, the number of local Du-Ya Wanna Trailriders Club trails surrounding the site, and the
unauthorized trail running through the site, all indicate a high volume of snowmobile traffic.
The distance of this conservation reserve from urban areas has resulted in a relatively pristine night sky,
which enhances the sense of remoteness and wilderness of this site. Pristine night skies are considered a
significant value, given the increasingly limited areas of southern and central Ontario that are not heavily
affected by light pollution.
3.0 Management Guidelines
3.1 Land Tenure:
Background:
Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve consists of 793 hectares of Crown land, located about 23 kilometres
northwest of the Town of Huntsville. It is located in Stisted Ward in the Town of Huntsville and Cardwell Ward
in the Township of Muskoka Lakes (both within the District Municipality of Muskoka) as well as in the
Township of McMurrich/Monteith in the Territorial District of Parry Sound. It is surrounded mainly by privately
owned lands, which are not part of this conservation reserve. The municipal road allowances, including the
road allowance of the old colonization road that crosses the major portion of the site, south of Axe Lake, are
not a part of the conservation reserve.
Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve is mostly surrounded by private land. There is no intent to acquire
adjacent private lands for addition to the conservation reserve.
The conservation reserve is surrounded by Bear Management Area PS-49-09, but the area of the
conservation reserve is excluded. It lies mostly within two Bait Fish Blocks (PS0145 to the north, and PS0169
to the south, with a small outlying block to the west in PS0166). It is not within a registered trapline area;
however, resident trappers may be licensed to trap within and around the site. There are no authorized
recreation camps within the boundaries of the conservation reserve.
Guideline:
The sale of Crown lands within the conservation reserve is generally not permitted. Exceptions will only be
considered under unusual circumstances, such as where an adjacent privately owned parcel has inadequate
area for the installation of a septic system; this circumstance is unlikely to apply for this conservation reserve.
8There are no plans by the MNR to acquire private lands to add to the conservation reserve. However, MNR
may consider donations of private lands within the provincially significant wetland as additions to the
conservation reserve.
The Bait Fish Blocks, currently assigned, are permitted to continue. While not within a registered trapline
area, local trapping may be authorized within this site through resident trapping licences. Commercial bear
hunting service associated with the current surrounding Bear Management Area is not allowed within the
boundaries of the conservation reserve. This site, or portions of it, cannot be incorporated into a Bear
Management Area.
New recreation camps are not permitted in this conservation reserve.
3.2 Development:
Background:
There are no Crown owned buildings or other facilities within the conservation reserve.
An old colonization road (Cardwell Colonization Road) crosses the site, from southwest to the east, south of
Axe Lake. While the colonization road lies within a municipal road allowance (and hence is not included as
part of the conservation reserve), logging roads constructed in the 1980’s also provide access to and within
the site. These roads follow portions of the old colonization road, but also deviate from it and where they do
they are within the conservation reserve.
“Rome Road”, providing access to this site from the east and probably part of the old colonization road, lies
partly along the municipal road allowance between Stisted and McMurrich Townships. A bridge on this
municipal road crosses Axe Creek, providing access into the conservation reserve from the east, and through
it to private land in Lot 30, Concession 1, McMurrich Township, which is the main access to Axe Lake by boat
and canoe. It also allows access by snowmobile to the snowmobile trail along the old colonization road
through the site. This bridge was most recently upgraded in the 1980’s for logging purposes. As of summer
2003, this bridge did not appear in a condition to support motor vehicle traffic. If the bridge is not maintained
by the municipality, access to Axe Lake is still possible by canoe through Axe Creek.
A trail follows a portion of logging road from the bridge and old colonization road to the private land in Lot 30,
Concession 1, McMurrich Township on the shore of Axe Lake. This is currently the primary access point to
Axe Lake for boats and canoes.
There are two private recreation camps / cottages on the west side of Axe Lake, outside the boundaries of the
conservation reserve. However, the lakebed immediately in front of these properties is a part of the
conservation reserve, so the docks in front of these properties are within the site.
Guideline:
New roads for resource extraction and/or private use will not be permitted, nor will additions to existing
logging roads or up grading of the existing trail through the site to private land be permitted. There is no
intention to develop or improve roads outside of the conservation reserve to improve access to this site.
The bridge across Axe Creek is not required for purposes of management of this conservation reserve.
Discussions with the appropriate municipality will be conducted to determine the municipality’s intentions for
this structure.
Since the entire lakebed of Axe Lake is within the conservation reserve, although mostly bordered by private
lands, only minimal shoreline facilities (docks, ramps) will be authorized. The use of shoreline facilities will be
monitored to ensure that conservation reserve values are not being adversely impacted. MNR will not issue
work permits for modifications to the shoreline or lakebed.
9New recreational trails may be considered on a case by case basis provided that they meet Procedural
Guideline B - Land Uses - Test of Compatibility (see Appendix 1) and the MNR's Environmental Assessment
Act requirements. Public consultation will generally be required during the consideration of changes to
existing trails, and will always be required for new trails. New recreational trails will not be permitted in or
within 120 metres of the provincially significant wetland unless it has been demonstrated that there will be no
negative impacts on the natural features or the ecological functions of the wetland.
New recreational trails for motorized vehicles will not be permitted, unless the following have been
demonstrated:
• there is a community need for the trail, as well as community support;
• there are no alternative suitable locations outside the conservation reserve;
• the trail location would be acceptable and suitable for four-season use;
• the trail would meet the requirements applicable to all trails, as identified in the preceding paragraph.
Unauthorized works within the conservation reserve will be handled in accordance with the Public Lands Act,
and any required removal of improvements will be at the expense of those responsible.
No mineral exploration is permitted within this conservation reserve. This policy direction is based on a
commitment made by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines
in March 2002. This direction replaces that identified in the 1999 Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy
(OMNR, 1999), which stated that controlled mineral exploration would be permitted in new conservation
reserves which were identified as having provincially significant mineral potential.
Any new development must meet MNR’s commitments to protect cultural heritage values (see Section 3.7).
While there is no intent at present to provide or permit any new development in this conservation reserve that
would require lighting, should this be considered at some point in the future the MNR will not allow
unnecessary, undirected light pollution. This commitment recognizes the wilderness values provided by a
pristine night sky.
3.3 Recreational Activities:
Background:
The area accommodates fishing, waterfowl hunting and big game hunting.
This lake is noted as a good warm-water fishery, with a healthy population of largemouth bass (Micropterus
salmoides). Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), and Kamloops trout,
were introduced into Axe Lake for several years during the 1940s and 1950s without much apparent success.
MNR introduced largemouth bass into Axe Lake in 1978 and 1986, and these stockings were very successful.
Once the population became established, adult fish were used to stock other Parry Sound District lakes.
Axe Lake supports good waterfowl nesting sites and is a migratory stopover area; thus, Axe Lake is actively
used for waterfowl hunting. Most of the big game hunting focus is on moose, but white-tailed deer and black
bear are also hunted in the area.
While there are no Crown land recreational camps situated in the site, adjacent private recreation camps are
located on the west shore of Axe Lake, and nearby roads from the east and north. There is some camping
associated with the angling and hunting activity on Axe Lake, but all of the sites appear to be on adjacent
private lands, and not within conservation reserve boundaries.
Boats and canoes gain access to Axe Lake mostly from the east, by way of the logging/colonization road
across Axe Creek, on the road allowance between McMurrich and Stisted Townships. Some boat access is
by way of the private land camps/cottages on the west side of Axe Lake, and canoes also use Axe Creek to
enter the south end of Axe Lake.
10All-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles also use the logging roads and old colonization road to pass through the
conservation reserve, and to gain access to Axe Lake. The proximity of the conservation reserve to an OFSC
Trunk Trail, the number of local Du-Ya Wanna Trailriders Club trails surrounding the site, and the
unauthorized trail running through the site, all indicate a high volume of snowmobile traffic.
There is little evidence of the use of the conservation reserve by other trail activities, (e.g. hiking, cycling)
probably because of the low, wet nature of most of the site.
Guideline:
Angling and hunting are permitted to continue within the conservation reserve.
Recreational use such as hiking, wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, while currently very
limited in extent and therefore not managed, will be allowed to occur in the conservation reserve.
The use of logging roads and the old colonizat ion road, and any increase in use of snowmobiles or all-terrain
vehicles will be monitored, to ensure that the conservation reserve values are not being adversely impacted.
Depending on the results of monitoring, use of trails other than the old colonization road (which is not a part of
the conservation reserve), may need to be redirected or eliminated completely. There is no intent to mark or
upgrade such trails.
As discussed in Section 3.2 Development, new recreational trails may be considered on a case by case basis
provided that they meet Procedural Guideline B – Land Uses – Test of Compatibility (see Appendix 1) and the
MNR's Environmental Assessment Act requirements. Public consultation will generally be required during the
consideration of changes to existing trails, and will always be required for new trails. New recreational trails
will not be permitted in or within 120 metres of the provincially significant wetland unless it has been
demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts on the natural features or the ecological functions of the
wetland. Any new trails must meet MNR’s commitments to protect cultural heritage values (see Section 3.7).
New recreational trails for motorized vehicles will not be permitted, unless the following have been
demonstrated:
• there is a community need for the trail, as well as community support;
• there are no alternative suitable locations outside the conservation reserve;
• the trail location would be acceptable and suitable for four-season use;
• the trail would meet the requirements applicable to all trails, as identified in the preceding paragraph.
The use of unauthorized recreational trails that existed at the time of regulation of these conservation
reserves, and any increase in use of snowmobiles or all-terrain vehicles will be monitored to ensure that
conservation reserve values are not being adversely impacted. Depending on the results of monitoring,
unauthorized trails may need to be redirected from sensitive areas or eliminated completely. There is no
intent to mark or upgrade these trails. Off-trail use of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles is not permitted,
except for the direct retrieval of game.
New recreational activities will be considered on a case by case basis provided they are consistent with
maintaining the values of the conservation reserve and comply with Procedural Guideline B – Land Uses –
Test of Compatibility (Appendix 1). Emphasis will be placed on activities that have a low impact on the
environment of the conservation reserve.
Monitori ng of existing and permitted activities will be undertaken as required to ensure that the conservation
reserve values are not being adversely impacted.
113.4 Commercial Activities:
Background:
There has been no recent commercial forest harvesting (since the 1980’s) or mining activity within the
conservation reserve.
Bait fish harvesting is authorized through three Bait Fish Block licences which cover the site. Trapping can be
authorized through resident trapping licences. The guiding of non-resident bear hunters is not authorized
within the conservation reserve. These activities were discussed in Section 3.1 Tenure – Background.
Guideline:
Fur harvesting and bait fish harvesting operations are allowed to continue within the conservation reserve.
New trapline cabins are not permitted within conservation reserves.
Mineral exploration is not allowed in this conservation reserve, as discussed in Section 3.2.
Conservation reserve regulations do not permit mining, commercial forest harvesting, hydroelectric power
development, the extraction of aggregate and peat or other industrial uses (Public Lands Act, Ontario
Regulation 805/94). Other new commercial activities must meet the requirements of Procedural Guideline B –
Land Uses – Test of Compatibility (Appendix 1).
3.5 Aboriginal Interests:
Background:
This site is known to be of interest to many First Nation communities. There are 2 treaties associated with the
area: the Robinson – Huron Treaty of 1850 and the Williams Treaty. A Supreme Court decision in 1994
(Howard) validated that the Williams Treaty surrendered hunting, fishing and trapping rights of those First
Nations affiliated with that treaty.
Guideline:
The regulation and management of this conservation reserve will not impede the exercise of existing
aboriginal or treaty rights. These rights include hunting, fishing, fur harvesting, gathering of plants for a variety
of purposes, and the use of ceremonial sites. It is recognized that the manner in which these rights are carried
out is not limited to the manner in which they were carried out in the past, but has evolved over time with
changes in technology.
While there are no existing First Nation land claims that extend to this site, it is recognized that at some point
in the future there is a possibility of a land claim in this area. If such a land claim is determined to be valid, the
conservation reserve designation is not irreversible and does not preclude consideration of these lands in the
settlement of a claim. If deregulation of part or all of a conservation reserve occurs as part of the settlement of
a claim, this will be carried out at no cost to First Nations.
3.6 Natural Resource Stewardship:
Background:
Vegetation management for specific purposes (other than historic logging) is not known to have occurred in
the past. Wildlife management and fisheries management have been occurring according to the prevailing
policies and legislation. Axe Lake, an excellent warm water fishery, received several fish stocking attempts,
with the introduction of largemouth bass in the 1970s and 1980s being particularly successful. Axe Lake was
a source lake for adult largemouth bass, used to stock other Parry Sound District lakes.
A deer wintering area at the northern end of Axe Lake lies outside of the conservation reserve boundaries.
12The emphasis will be on ensuring that the natural values of the conservation reserve are not negatively
affected by current and future activities. Therefore, applications for new specific uses will be carefully studied
and reviewed. Necessary studies may be undertaken by proponents, the Ministry, and/or partner
organizations.
Guideline – Vegetation:
The intent of this site is to allow the existing vegetation communities to evolve naturally.
In accordance with existing conservation reserve policy and the Forest Management Strategy for Ontario,
forest fire protection will endeavour to use “light on the land” techniques, which do not unduly disturb the
landscape, in this conservation reserve. Examples of light on the land techniques may include limiting the use
of heavy equipment, and limiting the number of trees felled during fire response efforts. Input from the local
MNR Area Supervisors would be solicited if a forest fire threatens the area. Opportunities for prescribed
burning to achieve resource management objectives may be considered. Plans for any prescribed burning will
be developed in accordance with the OMNR Prescribed Burn Planning Manual.
Programs may be developed to control forest insects and diseases in the conservation reserve where these
threaten significant values in or adjacent to the site. Where insects or disease threaten significant values, in or
adjacent to the site, and MNR determines that control is warranted, control within the conservation reserve
will be directed by the MNR as narrowly as possible to the specific insect or disease. Biological control will be
used wherever possible. In all cases, regard shall be had for Procedural Guideline B – Land Uses – Test of
Compatibility (Appendix 1).
Because of the significance of the emergent and floating-leaved aquatic vegetation, including the exceptional
assemblage of Atlantic Coastal Plain flora species concentrated on the northern open, sandy-peaty shore, the
use of the lakebed by adjacent private land activities will be monitored, and may be restricted to ensure that
there is minimal impact. MNR will monitor the effect of motor boats on the emergent and floating aquatic
vegetation, and will consider restricting the use of powered watercraft on Axe Lake if research indicates a
concern.
Guideline – Wildlife and Fisheries:
The relevant Ontario hunting and fishing regulations will guide these activities within Axe Lake Wetland
Conservation Reserve. Fur harvesting and bait fish harvesting will be managed through the maintenance of
the current licencing system.
The Ministry will monitor the impacts of snowmobile and all-terrain vehicles use on the natural values of the
conservation reserve.
3.7 Cultural Resource Stewardship:
Background:
No specific cultural studies or inventories have been undertaken within the conservation reserve, and no
specific significant cultural resource values have been evaluated or identified to date. Recent regional
evaluation (OMNR, 2003) and other evidence (Allen, 2001) show that this conservation reserve contains
areas that have a high potential for cultural heritage sites.
There was little homesteading or other development along the portions of the old colonization road crossing
through the conservation reserve, probably because the low, wet nature of the site was not conducive to such
activity.
13Guideline:
Should the MNR consider either carrying out or permitting new structural development, significant clearing of
vegetation or altering of land within this conservation reserve, the MNR will adhere to the cultural heritage
resource screening process as is identified in its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of
Culture. While the purpose of this MOU is to provide a process to identify and protect cultural heritage
resources when the MNR is reviewing work permits or disposing of Crown rights under the authority of the
Public Lands Act, the considerations and criteria would also enable the MNR to identify high potential cultural
heritage areas for other purposes within conservation reserves. If the screening process indicates that the
site of a proposed activity is within an area of high cultural heritage potential, the MNR will consult with the
Ministry of Culture to determine the appropriate cultural heritage assessment requirements and will undertake
a preliminary archaeological assessment if appropriate.
Interested partners will be encouraged to undertake inventories, studies, and research to document the
histories of First Nations, settlement, resource harvest/management and recreation in the area. The MNR will
discuss the appropriateness of any proposed archaeological assessment with local First Nations and the
Ministry of Culture.
3.8 Client Services:
Background:
Access to the conservation reserve has generally been confined to traditional uses for the current commercial
and recreational activities. There are no Crown facilities or services developed on or adjacent to the
conservation reserve. The information fact sheet for this conservation reserve is currently available to the
public through the Parry Sound District Office, Bracebridge Area Office or via the Internet at
www.ontarioslivinglegacy.com. An additional fact sheet about the values of Axe Lake Wetland will be
available at the MNR offices in Parry Sound and Bracebridge.
Guideline:
The focus will remain on low key information and self-interpretation of conservation reserve values and
features. Consideration will be given to the preparation of an information brochure (with map) to highlight the
features for which the area was identified and appropriate uses to ensure the protection of those features.
Because of the unusual situation where the bed of Axe Lake is part of the cons ervation reserve, but adjacent
lands and shoreline are privately owned, communication with adjacent land owners will emphasize the special
nature and sensitivity of the aquatic vegetation, and limitations to development of the lakebed.
Consideration will be given to the strategic location of identity signs where the public roads border the
conservation reserve, and where trails approach or cross the conservation reserve boundary. There are no
other plans for structural development within this conservation reserve.
3.9 Research:
Background:
Research to date has included a number of reconnaissance surveys to document earth science, life science
and recreation values.
Guideline:
Research focussing on the assessment of use/activity impacts on wildlife species and habitats will be
encouraged.
14All research will be carried out in a non-destructive manner. Research proposals must follow Procedural
Guideline C – Research Activities in Conservation Reserves (Appendix 3).
3.10 Marketing:
Background:
There has been no marketing of this conservation reserve to date. Promotion and information about this site
has been primarily through the Ontario’s Living Legacy planning process and recent MNR Parry Sound
District public consultation regarding the boundaries of this site.
Guideline:
Marketing activities of this conservation reserve will be kept to a minimum.
4.0 Implementation
Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve is managed under the direction of the District Manager of the
Ministry of Natural Resources, Parry Sound District. Administrative responsibility belongs to the Bracebridge
Area Supervisor for the Muskoka part of the site, while the Parry Sound Area Supervisor manages the
McMurrich/Monteith portion. The Area Offices will continue to have the custodial care of Axe Lake Wetland
Conservation Reserve. Emphasis will be placed on awareness information highlighting reserve values, and
monitoring and managing the current approved uses.
Priorities will include:
• Ensure compliance to prescribed managem ent direction of the approved SCI;
• GPS location of existing old colonization road, logging roads, trails, and the bridge over Axe Creek, and
classify their status and condition;
• Discuss the status of the Axe Creek Bridge with appropriate municipal authorities ;
• Investigate the ownership of the Rome Road where it extends into the conservation reserve, and
determine if any corrections should be made to the conservation reserve regulation plan to exclude
municipal road allowance;
• Monitor and evaluate existing and allowed recreational and commercial use levels and impacts as
required to ensure that conservation reserve values are not being adversely impacted;
• Encourage further inventory and research on the Atlantic Coastal Plain flora and other significant life
science resources of the conservation reserve;
• Monitor the impact of motorized watercraft on the emergent and floating aquatic vegetation of Axe Lake;
• Develop information on the values of this conservation reserve and possible impacts of shoreline
activities for the benefit of adjacent private land owners;
• Encourage research about impacts of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles on significant flora and fauna
species and communities of the site;
• Encourage further inventory and research of the cultural resourc es of the conservation reserve;
• Support cooperative ongoing education of resource users and adjacent land private owners with respect
to resource and land stewardship values, in order to maintain the ecological integrity of the site; and
• Provide client services (e.g. brochure or fact sheet) at nearby MNR offices.
155.0 Review and Revision of the Statement of Conservation Interest
This Statement of Conservation Interest will be amended through a standard process of minor and major
amendments. Minor amendments will be processed in a relatively informal manner and will require the
approval of the two Area Supervisors. These amendments will deal with uses and activities that do not affect
any of the policies in this SCI (e.g. new uses and/or activities that are consistent with existing permitted uses).
Uses and/or activities that were not anticipated in the approved SCI and which may have an impact on the
values of the conservation reserve will require a major amendment. This will include an opportunity for public
comment and input, and will require the approval of the District Manager and Regional Director.
166.0 References
Allen, B. 2001. C92 Axe Lake Wetland. E-mail to Dorothy Shaver (MNR District Planner, Parry
Sound) dated July 31, 2001.
_______ 2004. C92 Axe Lake Wetland. E-mail to Dorothy Shaver (MNR District Planner, Parry
Sound) dated January 28, 2004.
Brunton, D. F. 1991. Axe Lake ANSI Significant Life Science Area Checklist. In OMNR. 1993. Life
Science Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest in Site District 5E-8.
Crins, W. J. and Kor, P. S. G. 1998. Natural Heritage Gap Analysis Methodologies Used by the Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources. Unpublished Paper. Peterborough: OMNR.
Chambers, B. A., and B. J. Naylor, J. Nieppola, B. Merchant, P. Uhlig. 1997. Field Guide to Forest
Ecosystems of Central Ontario. Queen’s Printer for Ontario.
Deary Environmental Consultants and OMNR. 1995. Axe Lake Wetland Evaluation.
Davidson, R. J. 1981. A framework for the conservation of Ontario’s earth science features. Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources, Toronto, 262 p.
Duba, D. and Frey, E. D. 2001. C99 Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve. Earth Science
Report, OMNR Peterborough.
Easton, R. M. 1992a. The Grenville Province and the Proterozoic history of central and southern Ontario; in
Geology of Ontario, Ontario Geological Survey, Special Volume. 4, Part 2, p.715-904.
______ 1992b. Tectonic evolution of Ontario. Part 3: Mesoproterozoic evolution of the southeast margin of
Laure ntia; in Geology of Ontario, Ontario Geological Survey, Special Volume 4, Part 2, p.1302-1314.
Eggers, K. 2003. Natural Heritage Area — Life Science Checksheet: Axe Lake Wetland. OMNR Parry
Sound.
Eschman, R. M. and Karrow, P. F. 1985. Huron Basin Glacial Lakes: A review. p79-93 in Quaternary
Evolution of the Great Lakes. Edited by P. F. Karrow and P. E. Calkin, Geological Association of
Canada, Special Paper 30.
Gavel, P. 2003. Recreation Resource Inventory Report. Axe Lake Wetland Conservation Reserve.
OMNR Parry Sound.
Hills, G. A. 1959. A Ready Reference to the Description of the Land of Ontario and its Productivity. Ont.
Dept. of Lands and Forests, Division of Research, Maple, Ontario.
Keddy, C. J. and Sharp, M. J. 1989. Atlantic Coastal Plain Flora Conservation in Ontario. Natural
Heritage League and World Wildlife Fund.
Kor, P. S. G. and Delorme, R J. 1989. Quaternary Geology of the Magnetawan Area, Southern Ontario:
Ontario Geological Survey, Preliminary Map P. 3134, Scale 1:50,000
Lumbers, S. B. and Vertolli, V. M. 2000a. Precambrian geology, Huntsville Area; Ontario Geological
Survey, Preliminary Map P3413. Scale 1:50,000
__________________________. 2000a. Precambrian geology, Orrville Area; Ontario Geological
Survey, Preliminary Map P3414. Scale 1:50,000
17Noble, T. W 1983. Biophysiographic Analysis, Site Region 5E, Algonquin Region, Ministry of Natural
Resources. Algonquin Region, Huntsville.
OMNR. 1987. Statement of Interest for Axe Lake Area of Natural and Scientific Interest.
_____________1983. District Land Use Guide: Parry Sound and Bracebridge.
_____________1993. Ontario Wetland Evaluation System: Northern Manual.
_____________1999. Ontario’s Living Legacy: Land Use Strategy. Queen’s Printer for Ontario.
_____________2003. Cultural Heritage Registered Site Reserves and Areas of High Potential, Parry Sound
District, Scale 1:150,000.
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