Sandbanks Draft Veg Mgmt Plan

Transcription

Sandbanks
Vegetation Management Plan
ISBN: 978-1-4435-1452-1 (PDF)
MNR: 52584 (PDF)
© 2009, Queen’s Printer for Ontario
Printed in Ontario, Canada
Cover photo: Sandbanks Provincial Park
Additional copies of this publication are obtainable from:
Sandbanks Provincial Park
R.R. #1
Picton, ON K0K 2T0
TEL: 613-393-3319
FAX: 613-393-3404
EMAIL: don.bucholtz@ontario.ca
Recommended Citation:
OMNR. 2009. Sandbanks Vegetation Management Plan. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. 28
pp. + Appendices.
i
ii
Summary of Key Management Recommendations
All park staff involved with operations potentially affecting Sandbanks’ vegetation
communities will be required to be familiar with this plan’s intent and specific directives.
Operations and Maintenance Policies (Section 3.1)
• Herbicide use is restricted and must be in compliance with provincial regulations
(p. 12)
• Herbicide use must be kept to a minimum, using suggested chemicals and
avoiding areas where park visitors and staff may contact it (p. 12)
• Unless it is unsafe to do so, windthrown and dead standing trees should be left in
place as they serve important ecological functions. Refer to Appendix A for a
decision guide (p. 13)
• When woody material must be removed from the site, it will be used to create
brush piles for restoration, chipped for trail maintenance, or salvaged for firewood
(p. 13)
• Native insect pest outbreaks and diseases are natural processes and should not
be controlled unless significant values within or adjacent to the park are
threatened or the pest is a recent invader to Ontario. Forest Health Unit and
zone office staff must be consulted. (p. 14)
• Fire management will be in accordance with existing policies and strategies (p.
15)
• Mowing will be done to the least extent possible, and will not damage natural
vegetation or trees. A mowing plan will be developed (p. 15)
• Leaves and vegetation debris will be disposed of in a composting area (p. 15)
• Native trees and shrubs from a local source will be used for landscaping (p. 16)
Protection and Education Policies (Section 3.2)
• Any proposed developments in nature reserve and natural environment zones
require consultation with zone ecologist (p. 16)
• Plant and seed collection must be approved through a research permit or an
agreement with an Aboriginal user (p. 18)
• The NHE program should continue to include messages about vegetation
stewardship (p. 19)
• All staff must ensure locations of species at risk are kept confidential (p. 16)
Restoration Activities Policies (Section 3.3)
• Habitat destruction in development zones will be assessed and mitigated where
feasible. (p. 20)
• Local native stock will be used for all planting and restoration in the park. (p. 20)
Invasive and Exotic Species (Section 3.4)
• Aggressive invasive species should be controlled when possible following
approved guidelines. (p. 20)
• Invasive species that may pose a threat to park environments should be
monitored. (p. 20)
• Test plots will be established to determine the threat of Purple Loosestrife (p. 21)
• Many ornamental shrubs, periwinkle (myrtle), ground ivy, euphorbias, bellflower,
orange day lily, and sweet violet must not be used in landscaping and should be
removed where established (p. 21)
iii
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction.............................................................................................................. 1
1.1. Location and Setting...............................................................................................1
1.2. Regional Ecology & Sandbanks Overview ............................................................. 1
1.3. Context for Vegetation Stewardship Planning ........................................................ 3
1.4. Goals and Objectives of Vegetation Stewardship .................................................. 4
2.0 Vegetation Communities – Descriptions, Historical Influences, and Successional
Processes ......................................................................................................................... 5
2.1. Beach and Dune Communities............................................................................... 5
2.2. Forest Communities ............................................................................................... 7
2.3. Wetland Communities ............................................................................................ 8
2.4. Agricultural Lands & Disturbed Areas..................................................................... 9
2.5. Plantations............................................................................................................11
3.0 General Vegetation Stewardship Policies ............................................................. 12
3.1. Operations and Maintenance ............................................................................... 12
3.2. Protection and Education ..................................................................................... 16
3.3. Restoration Activities ............................................................................................ 19
3.4. Invasive and Exotic Species................................................................................. 20
4.0 Vegetation Management Units and Management Prescriptions ........................... 22
4.1. Beaches and Dunes .............................................................................................22
4.2. Plantations............................................................................................................22
4.3. Woodlands............................................................................................................ 23
4.4. Agricultural Lands.................................................................................................23
5.0 Research and Monitoring Needs........................................................................... 24
6.0 Funding/Linkages .................................................................................................. 25
7.0 Summary of Public Consultation and Environmental Assessment Requirements for
Implementation................................................................................................................25
8.0 General References and Resources ..................................................................... 26
Appendices and Implementation Schedules:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
Hazardous Tree Treatment Options
Plantation Renaturalization Implementation Schedule
Local Native Plant Sources
Invasive Species Monitoring and Control Guidelines
Invasive Species Information Sheets
Woodlands Monitoring Protocol
Restoration Implementation Schedule
Sandbanks Species List
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1.0 Introduction
This vegetation stewardship plan is intended to provide direction for management and
stewardship activities at Sandbanks Provincial Park. It begins with the ecological and
planning context for vegetation stewardship. The main community types found in the
park, as well as the relevant successional processes, are described. An overview of
general policies is provided before detailed policies are described for specific vegetation
management units.
1.1. Location and Setting
Sandbanks Provincial Park is an approximately 1600 ha Natural Environment class
provincial park located in Prince Edward County (Figure 1), about 15 km southwest of
the town of Picton. Sandbanks encompasses most of the county’s southwestern
shoreline between the village of Wellington and Salmon Point. The park is a popular
summer destination, with over 500,000 visitors for the 2005 operating season.
The park is composed of three distinct land areas (Figure 2 – see insert): two large
coastal baymouth bar formations joined by an intervening area of scenic rural land on a
limestone peninsula. These three areas will be referred to as the West Lake Dunes,
Woodlands/Agricultural, and Outlet sectors throughout this document in order to
minimize confusion and remain consistent with the 1993 park management plan.
1.2. Regional Ecology & Sandbanks Overview
Located in Ecodistrict 6E-15 (Picton), Sandbanks Provincial Park is situated at the
southern edge of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Forest Region. The forest zone
represents a transitional zone between the principally deciduous tree species to the
south, west, and east and the coniferous forests to the north. The park’s vegetation is
characteristic of this region, but some species are more commonly associated with the
Deciduous Forest Region. The park is home to an extremely diverse range of other
plants in a variety of ecosystems.
Ecodistrict 6E-15 encompasses all of Prince Edward County, its archipelago of islands,
and areas extending east along the Lake Ontario shoreline to the Kingston area. The
ecodistrict is a shallowly covered plain of Ordovician limestone. Prince Edward County
is essentially an island in Lake Ontario; its southern position and lake-buffered climate
allow it to support many Carolinian species as well as a successful wine industry.
The park encompasses significant coastal ecosystems and earth science features. The
West Lake dunes (also referred to as the Sandbanks Coastal Sand Bar Dunes)
comprise a provincially significant ANSI 1, while the forested dunes and pannes 2 of the
1
ANSI – Area of Natural and Scientific Interest: a systematically selected area containing landscapes or
features identified as having values related to protection, natural heritage, scientific study, or education.
Provincially significant ANSIs contain the best examples of landform or vegetation features of each
ecodistrict.
2
panne: also referred to as Great Lakes coastal meadow marshes or shoreline fens, these are specialized
habitats restricted to near-shore areas of the Great Lakes. Their low nutrient levels and extreme water level
fluctuations limit their flora to mainly sedges and rushes.
Sandbanks Vegetation Management Plan
Ontario Parks, SE Zone
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Outlet Sector and the former “sugar bush” of the Woodlands/Agricultural Sector are
considered sites of biological interest 3 (Snetsinger et al 2001). Descriptions of the dunes
and recommendations for their protection are described in greater detail in the
Sandbanks Dune Stewardship Strategy
The geomorphology of the dunes has been well documented throughout the past several
decades. Life science investigations have been more limited. A reconnaissance
inventory of the entire park was completed in 1990 (Norris and Cuddy), and a recent
investigation of significant plant species was conduced by V. Brownell (1999). The park
contains a diverse mix of significant coastal ecosystems, cultural landscapes, and
remnant deciduous forests that are representative of the pre-settlement vegetation of the
ecodistrict. These ecological communities are described in detail in section 2.
1.3. Context for Vegetation Stewardship Planning
Ontario Parks has defined ecological integrity as the
first priority for park management. The objectives of
Ontario Parks are to ensure that provincial parks
protect significant natural, cultural, and recreational
environments, while providing ample opportunities for
visitors to participate in recreational activities.
Pine plantations, deciduous
This Vegetation Stewardship Plan will provide
woodlots, active agriculture, and
direction for protecting and promoting the
retired fields near West Point
appreciation of the park’s forests, old fields, wetlands,
and other vegetation communities. It will also address the vegetation management
principles and issues identified in the current park management plan.
The current park management plan for Sandbanks, released in 1993, was developed
with full public consultation. The management plan highlights the need to address the
impacts of intensive human use on the park environment, calling for the development of
vegetation and dune management plans. In the event that a new or updated
management plan is prepared before this vegetation stewardship plan expires, the
policies of the stewardship plan will continue to apply as long as they do not conflict with
new management direction. The intention to provide protection and restoration to
natural areas should be maintained.
As a Natural Environment class provincial park, the emphasis of management at
Sandbanks is on protection of natural features while providing opportunities for
compatible use:
Goal
• Protect and interpret its provincially significant freshwater bay mouth dune
formations and associated ecosystems and its significant cultural heritage
features, while offering a range of high quality, compatible recreational
experiences.
3
recommended status only
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Objectives
• Resource Protection: to protect provincially significant elements of the
natural landscape of Ontario
• Heritage Appreciation: to provide opportunities for the exploration and
appreciation of the natural heritage of Ontario
• Recreation: to provide outdoor recreation opportunities from high intensity
day use to low intensity wilderness experiences
• Tourism: to provide Ontario residents and visitors with opportunities to
discover and experience the distinctive regions of the province
The guidelines in this stewardship plan will help Sandbanks meet these objectives in
terms of vegetation. This stewardship plan describes the vegetation communities
present in the park, assigns those communities to Vegetation Management Units (VMU),
and provides policies for management actions and implementation. The Vegetation
Stewardship Plan also provides some direction regarding dune management until a full
Dune Stewardship Plan can be prepared.
•
All park staff involved with operations potentially affecting Sandbanks’
vegetation communities will be required to be familiar with this plan’s intent
and specific directives.
1.4. Goals and Objectives of Vegetation Stewardship
The goal of vegetation stewardship at Sandbanks is to ensure the protection and
perpetuation of the full diversity of naturally occurring vegetation communities in the park
and the processes that have led to their development. This goal will be achieved
through various maintenance and restoration management techniques.
The specific objectives of vegetation management are:
• to conserve natural communities and significant species while allowing for
natural succession
• to restore or enhance natural vegetation features and processes that have
been, or may be, lost or degraded
• to eliminate or reduce the threat of non-native invasive species where
possible
• to provide opportunities for park visitors to appreciate and learn about the
diverse vegetation communities of the park in ways that do not threaten
existing natural values
• to ensure the safety of park visitors
In meeting these objectives it may be necessary to take an active approach to
vegetation management in order to counter the history of human impacts and promote
the restoration of natural processes.
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2.0 Vegetation Communities – Descriptions, Historical Influences, and
Successional Processes
The principles of this Vegetation Management
Plan will apply to all terrestrial communities, and
shoreline aquatic communities in Lake Ontario,
West Lake, East Lake, and the Outlet River.
They will not apply to the park’s open water
aquatic communities of Lake Ontario and West
Lake as these communities are strongly
influenced by environmental factors and
management practices outside the park boundaries.
Beach, dune, wetland, and plantation
communities on the West Lake bar.
Some limited inventories have been undertaken to characterize the vegetation
communities of Sandbanks, including species checklists in the 1970s and 80s and
inventories in 1990 (Norris and Cuddy) and 1999 (Brownell). An updated Life Science
Checksheet was completed for the ANSI portion of the park in 2001 (Snetsinger et al).
Ecological Land Classification (ELC) staff visited the park in 1994 and identified some
forest communities. Southeastern Zone staff conducted further vegetation community
identification through field work and air photo interpretation in 2002 and 2003. The
community descriptions below are based on these information sources.
In an effort to use current standardized terminology, communities are described
following the current Ecological Land Classification (ELC) for Southern Ontario (Lee et al
1998). The newest iteration of the ELC, which has more accurate descriptions of Sand
Dune ecosites, is in preparation. Ecosites, and detailed vegetation types 4 when
possible, are described in the text below (Figure 2). The scientific names of plants
mentioned below are found in Appendix H. Non-native species are marked with an
asterisk.
2.1. Beach and Dune Communities
The most significant features at Sandbanks are its coastal dune communities and
associated pannes, due to their extensiveness, uncommon species, and relative lack of
disturbance (Snetsinger et al 2001, Norris and Cuddy 1990, Macdonald 1987). One of
the grassland communities found in this habitat is ranked as significant by the Natural
Heritage Information Centre (NHIC).
Beach/Bar Ecosites
Found along the West Lake Dunes and Outlet sectors of Lake Ontario shoreline,
these ecosites are subjected to active shoreline processes: periodic high water
levels and storm events, wave action, erosion, deposition, ice scour, and
extremes in moisture and temperature. They are the most intensively used areas
4
Ecosites and vegetation types are terms used in the ELC to describe sites at a variety of scales.
Ecosites are areas with a homogeneous combination of soils and vegetation and are usually mapped at a
scale of 1:10,000 or more. Vegetation types are a further subdivision of ecosites, and are based on species
composition. The term community is used generally to describe vegetation assemblages.
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of the park. As a result of these conditions vegetation is quite sparse and limited
mainly to Marram Grass, Wormwood, and small Eastern Cottonwoods. The
beach/bar ecosites have mineral substrates including sand, gravel, or cobble.
Specific ecosites at Sandbanks include Mineral Open Beach/Bar (BBO1),
Mineral Shrub Beach/Bar (BBS1), and small amounts of Wormwood Gravel
Open Beach Vegetation Type (BBO1-2), a community ranked as S2S3 by the
NHIC.
Sand Dune Ecosites
The sand dune ecosites are extensive and complex, covering most of the West
Lake Dunes and Outlet sectors. Sand dunes are defined as active, often rolling,
hills of accumulated sand above the normal reach of waves and subject to
erosion and deposition by wind. These ecosites experience drought and
temperature extremes, and have low nutrient availability since organic materials
do not accumulate. Vegetation consists of patches of graminoid 5, shrub, and
tree species that are adapted to unstable and dry environments. These include
Canada Wild Rye, Wild Grape, Starry False Solomon’s Seal, and various beachassociated willows, poplars, dogwoods, and cedars. Significant species include:
Marram Grass, Bugseed, Plains Puccoon, Gray-stemmed Goldenrod, Big
Bluestem, and Little Bluestem. As the most distinctive and extensive ecological
features of the park, a variety of sand dune ecosites are present: Open Sand
Dune (SDO1) ecosites, ranked as S2; Sand Cherry (SDS1-1) and Juniper
(SDS1-3) Shrub Dune vegetation types, both ranked as S2; and Cottonwood
(SDT1-1) and Balsam Poplar (SDT1-2) Treed Dune vegetation types, both
ranked as S1. The forested backdunes, particularly of the Outlet sector, have
been naturally stabilized by Eastern White Cedar – here the vegetation
communities grade into a mixed forest ecosite.
History & successional processes: Both the West Lake Dunes sector and the dunes
of the Outlet sector have a long history of human use. The West Lake Dunes were
naturally forested until around 1850. Timber cutting and cattle grazing in the late 1700s
and early 1800s destabilized the dunes and caused their migration inland. Reforestation
of the eastern portion of this sector in the 1920s to 1960s prevented further migration of
the dunes, but the unforested parts of the dunes remain active. Sand mining operations
began in 1915 and continued until the early 1970’s when public opposition resulted in
the closure of the operations on the shores of West Lake. The recreational facilities in
this area were initially established in 1962.
The dunes and beaches of the Outlet sector have been used for recreation since the
1800s and parking lots and campsites have been present since 1959. The back dunes
of the Outlet sector remain naturally forested. In both areas, dune colonizers like
Marram Grass stabilize the sand and provide organic material, allowing shrubs and trees
to establish. When stabilizing vegetation is removed through trampling, the dunes
become active, leading to eventual tree death and blowouts.
Condition: Despite previous human activity, the West Lake Dunes sector is in relatively
good condition and contains the best examples of natural dune communities.
Nonetheless, beach visitation and unauthorized vehicle use have impacts on these
vegetation communities that must be addressed. The dunes and beaches of Outlet
5
graminoid – a term that refers to grasses, sedges, and rushes collectively
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sector receive much heavier visitation and are zoned accordingly in the park
management plan. These communities are less diverse than those in West Lake Dunes
sector.
Value to wildlife: The varied vegetation composition of the beach and dune
environments provide valuable habitat for a diverse community of birds, especially
during migration. It also provides cover for small mammals and their predators,
especially in the West Lake Dunes sector. Their contiguous, undisturbed nature benefits
wildlife. Interestingly, huge congregations of several species of dragonfly have been
noted in the cedar trees on the West Lake Dunes in the fall (Catling and Brownell 1998).
2.2. Forest Communities
A variety of deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forest communities are found in the park
on the dunes and in the intervening landscape. Coniferous plantations are described in
section 2.4, Cultural Landscapes.
Deciduous Forest Ecosites
At Sandbanks, these ecosites are mainly small (< 10 ha) patches of shadetolerant forest remnants, some of which have very old (>150 years) trees. These
forests are found where soils are more developed, especially around the
Woodlands Campground, along County Road 12 and MacDonald Lane, and in
the upland portion at the east end of the Outlet sector. The canopies of these
forest patches are dominated by Sugar Maple, Red Oak, and White Ash, with
associated Black Cherry, American Beech, Basswood, and Black Maple. The
subcanopies and understories are generally sparse (< 25% cover), with
occasional Ironwood, elms, and hickories. The ground layer, while diverse in
some areas, also tends to be sparse. Forest vegetation types include Dry-Fresh
Oak-Hardwood Deciduous Forest Type (FOD2-4), Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple
(FOD5-1), Sugar Maple – Oak (FOD5-3), and Sugar Maple – White Ash
(FOD5-8) Deciduous Forest vegetation types.
Mixed Forest Ecosites
The naturally forested dunes of Outlet Sector are composed of this forest type,
which is dominated by White Cedar, along with scattered patches of White Birch,
American Elm, White Ash, and Red Oak. The subcanopy and understorey are
relatively dense and include a variety of shrub species: Chokecherry, White
Spruce, White Pine, Hemlock, Riverbank Grape, serviceberries, buckthorns*, and
honeysuckles*. Some smaller sections of mixed forest are found in the
Woodlands/Agricultural Sector near West Point and the Dunes Day Use area.
These communities can be generally described as Dry-Fresh White Cedar
Mixed Forest Ecosite (FOM4) ecosites.
History & Successional Processes: For the most part, the mature deciduous and
mixed forests that remain in the park have been present since the early 1900s or earlier.
Mature deciduous woodlots in the Woodlands/Agricultural Sector have been used
sporadically for maple syrup production or fuelwood harvesting since that time. Small
patches of younger deciduous forest exist in a few locations – these are either sites that
are succeeding naturally from a nearby seed source, or are naturalized plantations.
Aerial photography indicates that the mixed forest community along the back of the
Outlet Sector has been relatively intact throughout the last century.
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Condition: Due to their long history of human use, forests in the park are generally
degraded, with sparse or disturbed understories and an apparent lack of woody debris
and natural regeneration. There is also a lack of hydrological diversity in the forests –
the forest floor is fairly uniform in microtopography and moisture levels. Existing mature
deciduous woodlots in the Woodlands/Agricultural sector are small and isolated. The
forests 6 of the Outlet Sector are busy campgrounds. Patches of invasive species are
present in the ground cover and may threaten the natural understorey community.
The park staff has noted a visible browse line indicative of high levels of deer browse
near the 4-way stop on County Road 12. However, a recent wildlife assessment
indicates that deer numbers in the park are generally low, with possible seasonal
congregations occurring. Because the park is open to the surrounding landscape, there
is not a concern of deer over-abundance.
Value to Wildlife: The park’s forest remnants provide important habitat for a variety of
wildlife. The variety of forest blocks and their proximity to other habitat types are
important to migrating and breeding birds, especially those that use forest edges. Some
interior forest species are present, but their numbers are limited due to the small size
and fragmentation of forest patches. Forested areas and edges have the greatest
diversity of breeding bird species in the park, including some regionally rare species (J.
Dewey, pers. comm.). They may also provide nesting habitat for Southern Flying
Squirrels (Special Concern federally). Forested areas are generally lacking in
amphibians and reptiles, due to the lack of vernal pools, ground cover, downed woody
debris, and easy access to water.
2.3. Wetland Communities
Wetlands are confined to small areas of shoreline marsh and the panne communities of
the West Lake Dunes and Outlet sector.
Meadow Marsh Ecosites (Pannes)
This ecosite is found extensively in the West Lake Dunes sector in the interdunal
slack areas behind the foredunes and to a lesser extent in the Outlet sector
between the beachfront and the forested backdunes, on the north side of the
road. They were formerly found in the area where the parking lots were
constructed in the Outlet sector. Pannes are graminoid-dominated flat
depressions between sand dunes that have fluctuating water levels – they are
arguably the park’s most ecologically unique vegetation features. The
Sandbanks pannes of the West Lake Dunes Sector are considered the best
developed in the Great Lakes region. They generally have alkaline soils
developed on calcareous sands. These ecosites support concentrations of rare
species, including Low Nutrush. The Sandbanks pannes are composed of a
complex of vegetation types that are better differentiated in the unreleased
version of the ELC; in the current version, they fall under the Graminoid Coastal
Meadow Marsh (MAM4-1) vegetation type, ranked as S2.
6
The sugar-black maple forest of Outlet campground once had a cedar understorey and a very rich and
diverse flora of spring herbs, as noted in an International Biological Programme survey in 1969. No other
stand of this type was known in eastern Ontario. The site is still known for its wildflower diversity, but Garlic
Mustard and trampling threaten the ground layer.
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Shallow Marsh Ecosites
A few small marsh areas are found on the park shorelines, including the
southwest shore of West Lake, southwest corner of East Lake, and the Outlet
River. The marshes typically consist of large-leaved emergent plants like Cattail,
Pickerel-weed, and Softstem Bulrush. The provincially rare Swamp Rose Mallow
(Special Concern federally) is found in this habitat type along the Outlet River, as
is Narrow-leaved Water-plaintain. The dominant vegetation type in these areas
is Cattail Mineral Shallow Marsh (MAS2-1) vegetation type.
History and Successional Processes: The park’s wetland communities, except the
pannes in Outlet sector, have not changed noticeably in the last several decades. The
stabilization of the dunes, as well as the stable water levels of Lake Ontario, mean that
the environmental conditions that drive hydrological processes in the panne sites have
remained relatively constant.
Condition: The marshes and pannes of Sandbanks are generally undisturbed. The
Outlet River has been artificially channelized near its mouth and there is concern that
motor watercraft traffic disturbs the aquatic vegetation. The West Lake sector pannes
have some trails and remnants of old roads through them, but these receive little traffic
and appear to have a limited effect on the vegetation. A diverse panne community once
existed alongside the mixed coniferous forest of the East Lake Sector. Remnants of this
community bear some resemblance to those of the West Lake Dunes pannes, but are
much more disturbed and fragmented.
Wildlife: The park’s wetland habitats provide essential habitat to birds, fish, insects,
reptiles, and amphibians. The marshes have a high ecological value as staging and
nesting areas for many birds, including Least Bitterns (Threatened) and Black Terns
(Special Concern provincially), while the pannes are important foraging habitat for
migrating birds and nesting habitat for shorebirds. The marshes are particularly
important for amphibians and reptiles, including turtle species at risk. The Outlet River
and East Lake marshes, and fishless ponds of the pannes, provide the only natural
breeding habitat for many species of dragonflies, including some provincially rare
species.
2.4. Agricultural Lands & Disturbed Areas
The current version of the ELC does not deal with these areas comprehensively. ELC
codes are not used to describe the cultural landscapes below.
The area between the two dune areas has a deeper, more advanced soil profile that, like
much of Prince Edward County, has been used extensively for agriculture. There are 3
basic types of agricultural lands in the park: active agricultural lands, retired agricultural
lands, and hedgerows.
Active Agricultural Lands
Several fields (~45 ha) are currently in cultivation through a long-standing lease
agreement with a farmer. In fields with deeper soils, cash crops such as barley,
soybeans, and corn are rotated. Fields with poor soil are used for alfalfa hay.
Cash crop fields are generally heavily fertilized and treated with Roundup.
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“Weedy” native and non-native species grow in the borders, including Orchard
Grass, Reed Canary Grass, clovers, milkweeds, asters.
Retired Agricultural Lands
A selection of agricultural areas has been retired gradually over the past 20
years, comprising about 158 ha. These fields are priorities for restoration as
outlined in Section 4. Vegetation composition of retired fields depends on how
long they have been left fallow, last treatment of site, proximity to seed sources,
and type and depth of soil. Typically, these fields are dominated by non-native
and native grasses and herbs (Common Timothy, Canada Bluegrass, Poverty
Oat Grass, Orchard Grass, Common Milkweed, goldenrods and asters). In some
fields European Buckthorn* is invading, threatening the ongoing succession of
the site.
Hedgerows
Although less prevalent than in the past, there are many hedgerows throughout
the Woodlands/Agricultural sector (~27 ha). Their species composition and
density vary tremendously, but most contain remnants of the original forest
cover. While native hardwoods may form the canopy of some hedgerows, the
understorey layers are generally composed of early successional species like
buckthorn, hawthorn, crabapple, and Red Cedar.
Disturbed Sites
There are several disturbed areas within the park, generally restricted to
development zones, and less than 30 ha. These areas include roadsides, lawns
and tile beds, and the campsites. The disturbed areas are typically composed of
mainly non-native species. It is in these areas that invasive herbs like Garlic
Mustard and Dog-Strangling Vine have gained a foothold.
History & Successional Processes: As described above, these areas have a varied
history. While natural succession appears to be taking place around the edges of some
old fields, most of these areas are in a state of stalled succession, due to ongoing
activities, intensity of historic use, or domination by invasive species like buckthorn.
Condition: Due to their very nature, all of these areas are clearly disturbed. However,
some of the old fields and hedgerows do have the capacity to become higher quality
natural areas.
Value to Wildlife: Although disturbed, these areas provide a diversity of habitats to
wildlife. A large proportion of breeding birds in park partially or completely rely on open
areas to fulfill their habitat requirements, including the Red-headed Woodpecker. This
rare bird (Special Concern) has been observed nesting near Lakeshore Lodge and in the
maple row along County Road 12 in the past. It uses open areas for foraging. Old fields
and shrub thickets/hedgerows are particularly important to many of the breeding birds.
Migrating shorebirds use the open fields for foraging, but many prefer recently tilled
fields. There is some concern that active fields may be a sink for breeding birds since
hay is harvested before the first clutch fledges. Old fields in particular also provide
habitat for small mammals, which are prey for many other species. All open areas are
also important butterfly habitat due to their abundance of nectar plants and larval host
species.
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2.5. Plantations
The current version of the ELC does not deal with these areas comprehensively. ELC
codes are not used to describe the plantations below.
The east end of the West Lake dunes is covered in a patchy plantation that stretches
from the shore of Lake Ontario at Richardson’s Campground back to the eastern corner
of West Lake, and inland to County Road 12, an area of approximately 80 ha. The
plantation and its history are described in detail in Implementation Schedule B. Most
of the area was planted in Scots Pine, with scattered individuals or patches of Jack Pine,
Mugho Pine, Eastern White Pine, European Larch, Red Pine, Black Locust, and
Hackberry. There is also a 2 ha Norway Spruce stand at the easternmost corner of the
plantation.
History and Successional Processes: The plantation was established in stages from
the 1920s to the 1960s, in association with a Department of Lands and Forests nursery
that was on site. The intent was to prevent the migration of the dunes onto valuable
farmland. In some areas, typically the lowlands on the edges of the plantations, some
succession of shrubby and deciduous species is occurring. In the most open areas,
aggressive pioneer species dominate. The upland areas are quite dry and open with little
soil cover and little succession.
Condition: The Scots Pine are generally unhealthy, with many trees dead or dying.
Pine Shoot Beetle and Sirex Wood Wasp have been identified as sources of mortality.
Some of the Black Locust also appear unhealthy.
Value to Wildlife: The dense conifer areas provide winter cover for deer and other
species. A canid den has been found in the plantation. Forest Bird Monitoring has not
revealed any notable species and bird species diversity is relatively low, although the
plantation edges have provided nesting habitat to regionally rare birds (J. Dewey pers.
comm.). Hawks (Sharp-shinned, Coopers) have occasionally nested in the plantation in
the past, and Wild Turkeys are often seen. The Hackberry plantation provides habitat
for butterfly species that depend on Hackberry.
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3.0 General Vegetation Stewardship Policies
General vegetation stewardship policies are detailed below under four broad categories:
operations and maintenance, protection and education, restoration activities, and
invasive species. These policies, which apply to all areas of the park, are based on
Ontario Parks policy and the direction provided in the 1993 Management Plan. If
Ontario Parks policy or the management plan are updated, the more conservative
policies will apply. Policies specific to certain environments or management zones are
detailed in section 4: Vegetation Management Units and Prescriptions.
3.1. Operations and Maintenance
Policies in this section apply to the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the park.
It is essential that the maintenance staff is familiar with, and follows, these
guidelines.
Herbicide Use
All herbicide use must be in compliance with Ontario Parks policy PM 2.16, Use of
Pesticides and Herbicides in Provincial Parks. Any person authorized to apply herbicides
in the park must comply with the Pesticides Act.
As stated in the management plan, noxious weeds like Poison Ivy and non-native
invasive species may be controlled with herbicides as required. Only herbicides that
biodegrade quickly, have low or no soil activity and for which environmental impacts
have been tested and shown to be minimal will be used (e.g. glyphosate and triclopyr).
Herbicide use will be kept to a minimum and alternatives to chemical herbicides will
continue to be used whenever possible. Spraying will only be done where park visitors
or park staff are not at risk of contact during normal activities, preferably during the offpeak season.
Poison Ivy may be controlled in development zones or along trails in natural environment
or historic zones where park visitors may come into contact with the plant.
The urgent need to reduce or eliminate invasive exotic species from the park represents
an exceptional circumstance, and small, localized applications may be used to control
exotic species in all areas of the park. Further details on invasive species control is
provided in section 3.4.
Herbicidal spraying along adjacent transportation corridors could have a detrimental
effect on plant communities within the park, especially in areas targeted for restoration.
Athol Township will be encouraged to use only mechanical means to remove brush from
the portions of County Road 18 and 12 road allowances that are adjacent to the park.
•
•
Herbicide use is restricted and must be in compliance with provincial
regulations
Herbicide use must be kept to a minimum, using suggested chemicals and
avoiding areas where park visitors and staff may contact it
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Hazardous Trees and Windthrows
Safety of park visitors is the highest priority for hazardous tree treatment decisions.
Nonetheless, the ecological importance of dead tree material, or downed woody debris,
must also be considered in all cases. Downed woody debris plays a crucial role in forest
ecology, and can be key to restoring natural areas at Sandbanks.
Hazardous trees may be felled in development and historical zones or within 15 m of
trails in natural environment zones if threaten the safety of park users.
Dead standing trees will be removed only if absolutely necessary, as they provide
important habitat 7 for birds, mammals, insects, and contribute to ecological processes as
they decompose. Before dead trees are removed the actual risk they pose will be
assessed by the superintendent or designate, and if possible, only broken or rotted limbs
or crowns will be removed, leaving the lower trunk for wildlife.
Windthrown and felled limbs and trunks will be left in place, except those portions that
impede passage on roads or trails, or have fallen on mown portions of day-use areas,
campsites, park facilities, or actively used agricultural fields. When feasible, limbs and
trunks that are removed will be used to create brush piles for restoration of dunes and
agricultural land; otherwise, they will be chipped in place and used for trail maintenance
or salvaged for firewood. Build up of fuel load is unlikely to become an issue except in
the plantation area, which requires other management prescriptions described later.
After high windfall events, trees will only be removed when they pose a threat to the
public, including an increase in fire risk. In cases of extreme weather events like ice or
wind storms, clean up and salvage operations will follow provincial guidelines.
Appendix A details the treatment options for hazardous and windthrown trees and the
criteria for their use. Direction for tree removal in plantation areas is provided in section
3.3.
•
•
Unless it is unsafe to do so, windthrown and dead standing trees should be
left in place as they serve important ecological functions. Refer to
Appendix A for a decision guide.
When woody material must be removed from the site, it will be used to
create brush piles for restoration, chipped for trail maintenance, or
salvaged for firewood.
Insect Pests
The main Scots Pine plantation is currently affected by a Pine Shoot Beetle infestation
and a European Wood Wasp infestation (see Implementation Schedule B), causing
high tree mortality. New species of invasive pests may be identified. Most outbreaks or
infestations of native insect pests are considered to be natural processes by Ontario
Parks. Neither of these species is native. The park management plan states that insect
7
Cavity-nesting birds, such as the provincially rare Red-headed Woodpecker (Special Concern) and other
woodpeckers, depend on standing dead trees for the construction of nesting cavities. These cavities may in
turn be used by secondary cavity nesters such as Eastern Bluebirds, Eastern Screech Owls, Black-capped
Chickadees, and flying squirrels. The presence of these cavity-dependent species in campsites, day use
areas, and along trails greatly enhances the experience of park users, and increases the educational
opportunities in the park.
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pests will not be controlled unless they threaten significant park values, such as
vegetation communities or heritage structures, or if they threaten public well-being.
When necessary, park staff will be educated to recognize the various life stages of
serious insect pests, and will cooperate with OMNR and Canadian Forestry Service
(CFS) staff in monitoring programs. Control methods used should give preference to
non-chemical and species-specific treatments when possible, and should be considered
in discussion with the Forest Health Unit and zone office staff.
•
Native insect pest outbreaks and diseases are natural processes and
should not be controlled unless significant values within or adjacent to the
park are threatened or the pest is a recent invader to Ontario. Forest
Health Unit and zone office staff must be consulted.
Fire Management
MNR recognizes fire as an essential ecosystem process, fundamental to restoring and
maintaining the ecological integrity of protected areas in the Deciduous Forest Region.
Studies of the historical role of fire in this region are limited. Though fire did occur
occasionally, it was much less common than in other forest regions. Aboriginal use of
fire may have been a significant factor but its extent and impacts are not well understood
(Van Sleeuwen, 2006).
The Forest Fire Management Strategy for Ontario (OMNR 2004a) provides strategic
direction for the management of wildfire across Ontario. Sandbanks Provincial Park is in
the Southern Ontario Fire Management Zone according to this provincial strategy. Fire
management involves the protection of values and attainment of resource stewardship
objectives in two ways:
• Fire response: the protection of people, property, and natural areas from wildfire
• Fire use: the strategy of maintaining fire as an ecological process through the
application or management of prescribed fire
Given the size and shape of the park, its proximity to adjacent developed areas, and the
fuel load in the plantations, fire management within Sandbanks will focus on protection
of public health and safety, property and infrastructure. Therefore all forest fires will
receive a full response and sustained action. Sustained action, if required, will be
directed through an approved Fire Assessment Report that has been developed in
consultation between the Park Superintendent or Zone Manager and authorized fire
management personnel.
“Light on the land” fire suppression techniques will be used whenever feasible. These
minimal impact suppression techniques do not unduly disturb natural or cultural values.
Examples may include limiting the use of heavy equipment or the felling of trees during
fire response.
Consistent with the Ontario FireSmart program, a forest fire hazard identification and risk
assessment should be completed for park infrastructure, and steps taken to reduce or
mitigate the threat posed by fire to park infrastructure.
Response for structural fires and forest fires is guided by a municipal forest fire
management agreement between the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR)
and the municipality.
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Prescribed burning is the deliberate, planned, and knowledgeable application of fire by
authorized personnel to a specific land area to accomplish pre-determined objectives.
Prescribed burning to achieve ecological or hazard reduction objectives may be
considered in the future. Plans for any prescribed burning will be developed in
accordance with the MNR Prescribed Burn Policy, its associated planning manual, and
the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves,
in cooperation with Haliburton Fire Management Headquarters.
•
Fire management will be in accordance with existing policies and
strategies
Mowing
Mowing will be done to the least extent possible, and only in order to ensure the safety
and comfort of park users. A mowing plan does not exist for the park but will be
developed based on the principles of this strategy.
Roadsides will be maintained to a standard sufficient to ensure visibility. A close mowed
shoulder of up to a maximum of 2 m or less will be maintained adjacent to all paved
roads. The mowed shoulder provides an important safety zone for cyclists and
pedestrians to step off the road to avoid oncoming traffic. Mowing may also serve to
control Poison Ivy. Areas around road intersections and beach parking lots will be rough
cut infrequently throughout the operating season to provide adequate visibility.
Day use areas will continue to be mowed as necessary, although areas where mowing
can be reduced will be targeted by park staff. In some areas, if mowing is eliminated,
efforts to prevent invasion by non-native invasive species will be necessary.
In all mowing and cutting operations, care must be taken to avoid girdling trees and
small shrubs. Damaged trees and shrubs will be protected from further damage by
having tree guards/plastic pipe wrapped around each.
•
Mowing will be done to the least extent possible, and will not damage
natural vegetation or trees. A mowing plan will be developed.
Leaf and Vegetation Disposal
Unless they are being used in specific restoration actions, leaves and vegetation debris
other than tree trunks and limbs will be placed in a composting area. Dumping leaves
and brush can suppress indigenous vegetation, create conditions favourable to exotic
species, spread seed and roots of exotic species and create a fire hazard; therefore,
dumping of leaves anywhere other than the specified location is strictly prohibited.
Preferably, leaves may be left where they fall or mulched into the lawn. Burning of
leaves is prohibited.
When invasive species are removed, they will be disposed of according to the guidelines
provided in section 3.4.
•
Leaves and vegetation debris will be disposed of in a composting area
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Landscaping
Native trees and shrubs from a local stock source will be used to create shade and
privacy in campgrounds and other areas as necessary. A list of sources for local stock
is provided in Appendix C.
3.2. Protection and Education
Policies detailed in this section provide guidance for monitoring and protecting the
significant natural features of the park. These policies must be consulted before any
planned development activities, including trails, campsites, and other facilities.
Significant Species and Species At Risk
Detailed knowledge of rare plant species in the park is limited to a rare species inventory
and assessment by Brownell (1999). While Brownell’s report is thorough, the work was
limited to 7 field days. The author recognizes the need for further botanical
investigations in the park to verify historical records 8 and to find previously unknown
occurrences of rare species. The park contains many unusual vegetation communities
(see Section 2) that are likely to support more significant species.
Sandbanks provides habitat for at least 44 nationally, provincially, or regionally
significant plant species (Appendix H), some of which are considered to be significant
disjuncts 9 from their main populations. Provincially rare species and recommendations
for their protection are listed in Table 3.1. Many of these species are not conspicuous or
easily recognized, and are therefore at risk of accidental destruction.
The majority of rare species in the park occur in nature reserve zones. This zoning does
allow some potentially destructive activities, including the construction of trails and other
nature interpretation facilities. Detailed site planning of trails and other facilities must
include consultation with the zone ecologist prior to construction. All terrain vehicle
(ATV) use by staff must be kept to a minimum in nature reserve areas.
• Any proposed developments in nature reserve and natural environment
zones require consultation with zone ecologist
• All staff must ensure locations of species at risk are kept confidential
8
Butterfly Weed is likely to be extirpated from the park, but Calypso Orchid, seen by Whiting and Catling in
1986, may be presented in the forested dunes of Outlet Sector.
9
disjunct – describes a satellite population that is distant from the core range of a species
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Table 3.1. Provincially rare species known to occur at Sandbanks 10 (Brownell 1999)
Swamp Rose Mallow •
Hibiscus moscheutos ssp.
moscheutos
Special Concern; S3
11
321757E 4862622N
•
•
•
Narrow-leaved Water- •
plantain
Alisma gramineum
S3S4
Marram Grass •
Ammophila brevigulata
S3
•
•
•
•
Long-leaved Reed Grass •
Calamovilfa longifolia
S3
316031E 4864807N
•
•
Bugseed •
Corispermum sp.
S1S3
316009E 4865259N
•
•
Ram’s-head Lady’s-slipper •
Cypripedium arietinum
S3
•
Plains Puccoon
•
Lithospermum caroliniense
S3
316677E 484418N (main population)
Low Nutrush •
Scleria verticillata
S3
316621E 4864132N
•
•
Gray-stemmed Goldenrod
•
Solidago nemoralis ssp. decemflora
S1S2
316893E 4864436N
4 plants (14 stems) found in 1998
new record for E. Ontario; significant disjunct for population (closest
known population in Niagara area and in upper New York state
size and quality of marsh habitat must be maintained; potential
threats include changes in water quality and level, and erosion
through wave action
population should be monitored regularly
small band of several hundred plants along north shore of Outlet
Creek near woodyard and dock; also along south shore near County
Road 18 bridge
restricted to Great Lakes beaches and dunes
dominant ground cover with Sand Cherry on leeward sides of
foredune and sections of back dunes at West Lake
reduced at Outlet dunes due to trampling and erosion, but
rebounding due to protection – some planted from nursery
planted plots from Pinery stock are largest populations in park – no
longer used in dune rehabilitation
nurseries of Sandbanks stock still maintained on one tilebed
unknown origin – possible accidental introduction
small patch of 50 stems along main path through West Lake bar on
low dune ridge dominated by Little Bluestem
most easterly North American record; 390 km disjunct from other
Ontario populations
genus is new record for Eastern Ontario – taxonomy of genus
unclear, but most species rare in Ontario
found in cedar graveyard on loose sand at West Lake dunes in a 30 x
30 m area
growing with Seaside Spurge and Tall Wormwood
last seen in 1986 in back Outlet dunes
needs to be confirmed
occurs sporadically in foredunes and leeward base of back dunes at
West Lake; one population found in Outlet sector
thousands of plants along 3 m wide strip at interface of wet panne
and high isolated dune at West Lake
grows with Twig-rush and white-cedar seedlings
may be close to proposed dunes trail
found on active back dunes adjacent to West Lake, northwest of
former pit
10
This document uses the terminology and rankings proposed by the OMNR (June 2006). Species’ status
assessments are made provincially by COSSARO (Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario).
The provincial “S-ranks” are assigned by the OMNR’s Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC). S1 –
extremely rare in Ontario; S2 – very rare in Ontario; S3 – rare to uncommon in Ontario.
11
Datum is NAD27. UTMs are not available for all species, and some require verification.
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Plant and Seed Collection
Plants may not be collected by anyone other than Ontario Parks staff unless they
receive permission through a permit. Although there is currently no provincial policy for
traditional plant collection by Aboriginal groups, this activity may be permitted in
consultation with the zone ecologist. Seed collection for use outside the park for
conservation purposes may be permitted on a case-by-case basis through consultation
with the zone ecologist and the park superintendent until an Ontario Parks seed
collection policy is approved.
Seeds may be collected for use in propagation and planting within the park for
restoration and naturalization purposes. Harvesting effort will be rotated and spread
throughout the park. The amount of seed collected will be limited based on the species,
and determined in consultation with the zone ecologist (OMNR, 2001). Records will be
kept regarding:
•
•
•
•
The species and amount of seed harvested;
The location of harvesting;
The date of harvesting;
The destination of seed collected (OMNR, 2001).
A park herbarium was established in 1976 by a summer student. Brownell (1999) noted
several misidentifications, and recommended that the herbarium be organized and
maintained to assist in botanical research in the park. Partners may be encouraged to
do this work, such as students at Sir Sanford Fleming College.
• Plant and seed collection must be approved through a permit or an
agreement with an Aboriginal user
• When seed is collected for use within the park records will be kept
Natural Heritage Education
An important part of the park’s mandate is to educate the public and foster an
appreciation for the park’s natural values. Public education programs are also integral to
fostering understanding, agreement, and compliance with the policies set out in this and
other management plans. Signage may also be used to identify sensitive areas to the
public.
The park’s NHE program already includes several ecology themes. With regards to
vegetation management, public education programs may include the following subjects:
• Unique vegetation communities – focus on different types of communities found
in dunes, their unique features and processes, and how we protect them
• Threats from exotic species – what species are in the park, why we worry about
them, what are appropriate control measures
• Ecological processes in woodlands – how forest ecosystems function, the
importance of downed woody debris, why we need people to be careful in
woodlands
When discussing plant and other species at risk with the public, park staff will continue to
keep the locations of these species confidential in order to ensure their protection from
illegal harvesting, damage from trampling, unapproved seed collection, and other
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disturbances in accordance with the draft bulletin PM 11.03.02, Species At Risk
Information Guidelines.
• The NHE program should continue to include messages about vegetation
stewardship
3.3. Restoration Activities
Due to its long history of human use, several areas of Sandbanks require restoration to
enhance and protect natural features. This section deals with a range of restoration
activities, listed in priority order based on urgency. Funding will be required through
Ontario Parks or external agencies, but in some cases, volunteer help may be sufficient.
Intensive restoration activities specific to the dunes, plantations, and agricultural lands
are described in further detail in section 4.0, Vegetation Management Units and
Implementation Schedules B and G.
Development Zone Restoration
Several areas of the Outlet campground require
restoration to prevent further destruction of
vegetation communities. The riparian ecosystem
along the Outlet River supports many rare species
and at least 3 species at risk, and the shoreline
should be maintained in as natural a state as
possible. Campsites along the river in Area B will be
assessed, and those that are negatively affecting
riparian communities will be removed and restored,
as recommended in the park management plan.
Vegetation destruction and
erosion due to pedestrian traffic in
Outlet campground.
Complete vegetation destruction and erosion is apparent along the ridge between
campsites 55 and 59 (see inset). The roots of several mature trees are completely
exposed and at risk of damage. In order to allow this area to recover, a cedar rail fence
should be constructed at the back of campsites 54 and 55, and a chipped path installed
between the campsites to direct pedestrians. Native shrubs like Black and Flowering
Raspberry and Prickly Gooseberry obtained from a local greenhouse supplying local
native stock (Appendix C) can be planted to deflect traffic. All campsites should be
monitored for similar signs of erosion and impact on
the surrounding vegetation.
remnant panne habitat near
Much of the panne habitat in the Outlet sector was
parking lots in Outlet sector
lost when the parking lots were constructed.
However, some panne communities and species
remain in isolated areas beside the parking lots and
road. These communities and species are currently
threatened by excessive mowing, uncontrolled
pedestrian traffic, and invasion by Scots Pine. Scots
Pine should be removed from these areas and a fence
erected immediately to protect the most intact panne
areas. Highly degraded panne areas are good candidates for educational restoration
projects, where mowing and trampling are limited.
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• Habitat destruction in development zones will be assessed and mitigated
where feasible.
Sourcing Plant Stock for Landscaping and Restoration Planting
To the extent possible, plants used in development zone landscaping and in restoration
throughout the park will be propagated using seeds from the park, either by establishing
a park nursery or through a partnership with a local nursery. Records are to be kept on
amount of seed harvested, location, data, and destination. If this is not possible, plants
should at least be of local (preferably Prince Edward County or south Northumberland,
Hastings, and Lennox and Addington counties, or eastern Ontario) origin. These
measures will help to ensure the continuation of plants that are specially adapted to the
park’s environmental conditions. Appendix C lists local nurseries that may provide
contract propagation or local native plant stock.
Transplanting Marram Grass and other species may be done for restoration purposes.
See section 4.1 for details on Marram Grass transplanting.
• Local native stock will be used for all planting and restoration in the park.
3.4. Invasive and Exotic Species
Approximately 82 of 384, or 20%, of the known terrestrial plant species at Sandbanks
are not native to Ontario. Of these, at least 36 species have the potential to become
invasive 12. Four in particular, Garlic Mustard, Dog-strangling Vine (or Pale
Swallowwort), Common Buckthorn, and Purple Loosestrife, are already established in
the park and need to be monitored and controlled (Appendix D – Invasive Species
Monitoring and Control Guidelines). The park staff has recently initiated several
monitoring and removal protocols for these species. White Sweet Clover may also be
behaving as an invasive in the dune and panne communities, and its spread should be
tracked. The SE Zone Invasive Exotic Plant Management Strategy provides further
guidelines for managing these plants.
Priorities for control at this point are those plants that are not yet widespread, or that are
threatening significant natural areas: all patches of Dog-Strangling Vine, Garlic Mustard
in the mature deciduous forest in Outlet Campground, and small buckthorn shrubs
where they are becoming newly established. These species are known to spread
quickly and exclude native vegetation if not controlled. Appendix E provides fact sheets
for each species of concern and appropriate control measures. In many cases
herbicides are the only option for effectively controlling established invasive species.
The Invasive Species Strategy and Appendix E provide direction for the proper control
techniques and use of herbicides.
• Aggressive invasive species will be controlled when possible following
approved guidelines.
• Invasive species that may pose a threat to park environments will be
monitored.
12
Invasive exotic plants are species not native to Ontario that have the potential to negatively impact native flora, fauna,
and ecosystems, often by spreading and dominating habitat
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The park staff has controlled Purple Loosestrife in the panne habitat near the Sandbanks
Beach Day Use parking lot since 1990 in order to prevent its spread into this unique
ecosystem. Anecdotal observations in other nearby similar natural areas suggest that
Purple Loosestrife numbers eventually stabilize without control. Small test plots in which
Purple Loosestrife is not removed have been established to document the true threat of
this species at this site. If the results show that Purple Loosestrife is unlikely to spread
into the pannes, time and resources can be devoted to controlling other species instead.
• Test plots should continue to be monitored to determine the threat of
Purple Loosestrife
Many non-native species can exist in an area for several years before their populations
increase dramatically. For this reason, park policy states that non-native tree or shrub
species must not be used for landscaping or restoration. The use of non-native
ornamental plants for gardening purposes near buildings should be stopped completely,
or limited to species that cannot reproduce or spread in Ontario.
• Many ornamental shrubs, periwinkle (myrtle), ground ivy, euphorbias,
bellflower, orange day lily, and sweet violet must not be used in
landscaping and will be removed where established.
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4.0 Vegetation Management Units and Management Prescriptions
The Vegetation Management Units (VMU) described in the following tables and shown in Figure 2 indicate where specific vegetation management prescriptions and techniques will be applied. The natural communities
described in section 2, combined with existing park zoning and management requirements, form the basis for the VMU designations. These VMU have been assigned with the intent to provide protection to important
natural values. In development zones, the protection of natural values will be balanced with the need for access, recreational uses, and operational facilities. Areas that do not require specific management actions have not
been assigned to VMU and will be managed under the general policies outlined in section 3.
Zones
4.1. Beaches and Dunes
• Outlet Dunes
(Natural Environment
Zone)
Management Objectives
Management Guidelines
Vegetation Communities
Comments
•
•
A complete dune management plan based on the most current scientific
knowledge and research available is required to guide the management,
restoration, and monitoring of the beach and dune environments in the park
(see Section 8.0 for resources).
Recreational use should not be expanded in any of the dune areas until a dune
management plan is completed. Efforts are needed to limit pedestrian traffic to
a small number of defined trails. Laying down brush has been effective in
preventing trampling at other dune sites and may be used at Sandbanks. Trails
should use designs that have worked in other protected areas to limit the
effects of erosion, and should not cause the destruction of any significant
species.
Destabilized dunes, especially those encroaching on parking areas and other
recreational facilities, will be the focus of restoration. Planting programs must
be well-designed and use native stock only. Sandbanks currently has two
Marram Grass nurseries 13.
The beach-side campsites between sites 19 – 38 in Outlet Campground are
causing vegetation destruction and subsequent foredune destabilization. The
1993 management plan calls for the closure of these popular sites. Until
detailed guidelines are provided, the installation of wooden posts in campsites
on the foredune may help to control trampling, and planting beach grass on the
windward side may help restore the dunes.
•
Beach/Bar Ecosites
•
•
Sand Dune Ecosites
•
Meadow Marsh Ecosites
(Pannes)
A detailed prescription for renaturalizing the plantation areas and reducing fire
risk will be developed with the assistance of relevant experts (Implementation
Schedule B). This plan may recommend the use of prescribed burning. The
prescription will address the problem of rapid die-back of trees due to Pine
Shoot Beetle and other invasive non-native insects
Park staff will continue to monitor natural areas near plantations for recruitment
of non-native species. Where cover of Scots Pine or Black Locust seedlings or
saplings becomes substantial, young trees will be cut or girdled when possible.
Cut material will be left in place.
•
•
Outlet Beach &
Wellington Bay Day
Use area
(Development Zone)
•
•
West Lake Dunes
(Nature Reserve Zone)
To maintain existing open
dune, beach, and panne
communities and their natural
successional processes, and
to restore these values where
they have been degraded from
past or current human impacts
To prevent further damage
through the education of park
visitors and the enforcement
of current policies prohibiting
certain activities in the dunes
and on the beaches.
•
•
•
4.2. Plantations
• West Lake Plantation
Dunes
Zone)
•
•
Richardson
Campground
(Development Zone)
•
To encourage succession to
natural forest composition,
while maintaining existing
level of cover for stabilization,
wildlife, and aesthetic
purposes
To prevent invasion and
spread of non-native tree
species
•
•
13
•
Æ
Æ
Æ
Æ
All plantation ecosites
•
A dune management strategy is
currently in preparation through an
agreement with Wilfrid Laurier
University.
The dune management strategy
addresses:
Appropriate recreational uses
Mitigation of impacts from existing
uses
Guidelines for future uses
Education
The large Scots Pine plantation in
the West Lake Dunes sector is in
poor health and has been affected
by Pine Shoot Beetle. Diseased
trees are dying, creating openings
in the canopy and contributing
organic matter to the soil; however,
dieback may be occurring too
quickly.
A Marram Grass nursery of stock from Pinery Provincial Park was established in 2 plots, encompassing approximately 0.5 ha, in the West Lake Dunes in 1989. The Pinery stock was initially obtained from Michigan. There is concern that these plants may be
geneticially different from the native Sandbanks stock, and may therefore weaken the local stock through cross-breeding. There is also some concern that the West Lake Dunes nurseries are affecting dune processes, although this has not been confirmed (Brownell
1999). A nursery also exists on the tile bed next to the park store – these plants are used for restoration in the Outlet Dunes area. Although the history of this particular nursery is unclear, it is unlikely to be Pinery stock (Y. Bree, pers. comm.)
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Zones
Management Objectives
Management Guidelines
Vegetation Communities
Comments
4.3. Woodlands
Forested sections of:
•
•
No further development should be undertaken in this unit without a detailed life
science inventory and ecological assessment.
When developments in this unit are approved, plant material and topsoil
should be salvaged if possible to be used for restoration.
The 1993 Management Plan recommended a vegetation monitoring program
be implemented in conjunction with the development of the new Woodlands
Campground. Anecdotal evidence suggests that there has been a decrease
in downed woody material (DWD) and forest understorey herbs in the mature
woodlots since the installation of the campgrounds. The monitoring plan
outlined in Appendix F will quantify changes in DWD and vegetation over time
and space. Preliminary results show significant differences in the amount of
DWD at 75 m away from campsites and within 25 m. These results highlight
the importance of educating campers about the negative ecological impacts of
collecting dead wood. It may be appropriate to enact a ban on collecting
DWD in campgrounds in deciduous forests in the park.
Invasive species are a serious threat in this unit. Areas where the forest floor
is intact and still has native flora are a priority for implementing the measures
outlined in section 3.4.
•
•
•
Mixed Forest Ecosites
Restoration will not target any individual species, but will encourage habitat
that supports a natural assemblage of wildlife
Restoration will be implemented following the development of a detailed
restoration plan (Implementation Schedule G), based on the guiding
strategies provided in the 2003 Vegetation Restoration Strategy (N-S
Environmental)
•
Active Agricultural Lands
•
Retired Agricultural
Lands
•
Hedgerows
To establish a continuous tract
of woodland through the park
•
Woodlands Sector
Zone)
•
•
•
Woodlands
Campgrounds
(Development Zone)
To protect and enhance native
forest communities,
maintaining natural ecological
processes
•
•
Outlet Campground
(Development Zone)
•
West Point
(Historic Zone)
•
•
Park Gate
(Development Zone)
4.4. Agricultural Lands
Former & current open
agricultural lands of:
•
•
MacDonald Farm
(Historic Zone)
•
•
Woodlands/Agricultural
Sector
Zone)
To create more natural forest
cover in formerly cultivated
areas by implementing the
park restoration strategy
To maintain historic landscape
patterns of agriculture in the
appropriate zones and areas
•
•
•
Woodlands
Campground
(Development Zone)
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Deciduous Forest
Ecosites
•
•
These areas are a priority for
protection in the park.
In the long term, the restoration of
agricultural areas adjacent to this
unit will increase the extent and
continuity of forest.
The MacDonald Farm historic zone
is intended to preserve historic
planting and hedgerow patterns.
The restoration will not affect the
few remaining original hedgerows
and fields as determined through
analysis of aerial photography.
5.0 Research and Monitoring Needs
Several of the proposed management activities provide significant opportunities for
research and monitoring. By monitoring the responses of the earliest phases of
management activities, these activities can be modified to improve their results through
an adaptive management process.
Specific management activities and responses that should be monitored are listed
below. Park staff or external researchers can work with the zone ecologist to develop
appropriate monitoring protocols if they are not provided in this document.
•
•
•
•
•
Removal of non-native conifers from plantations has the potential to have adverse
impacts. Site disturbance may stimulate growth of undesirable species, which may
inhibit the regeneration of desirable species (Implementation Schedule B)
Experimental control of non-native invasive plants should be conducted in a way that
allows the success of control techniques to be assessed, and to determine the rate of
spread of invasive species (Appendix D)
The impact of Woodlands Campground on the native understorey in the surrounding
forest needs to be assessed (Appendix F)
Restoration of damaged vegetation communities in Outlet Campground should be
periodically monitored.
Restoration of former field areas (Implementation Schedule G). Monitoring needs are
also detailed in North-South Environmental’s 2003 Vegetation Restoration Strategy.
Research and monitoring needs will be promoted to other agencies and institutions
whenever possible. When research is conducted in partnership with other agencies or
institutions, research permits will require that summaries of findings or copies of final
publications be provided to park and zone staff.
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6.0 Funding/Linkages
The projects identified in this plan will require external funding and partnerships in order
to be successfully implemented. Park staff will work in cooperation with zone staff to
identify appropriate experts and partners. Specific management activities requiring
partner support include:
•
•
•
•
•
Plantation management – tree removal
Plantation management – underplanting with native species
Invasive species control (where cutting or pulling are appropriate measures)
Agricultural Area restoration – seed collection and propagation
Agricultural Area restoration – seed and seedling planting
Potential partner organizations include the Friends of Sandbanks, the Prince Edward
County Field Naturalists, the Prince Edward County Stewardship Council, Sir Sanford
Fleming College, as well as various local school groups. Niagara College runs an
internship program for the graduates of their Ecosystem Restoration program. Should
funding become available individuals from this program may be interested in carrying out
proposed restoration activities.
There are many sources of funding that are available to non-governmental
organizations. Partners may be used to obtain funding from these sources for park
management activities. A list of possible funding sources is available from SE Zone.
7.0 Summary of Public Consultation and Environmental Assessment
Requirements for Implementation
As directed by Provincial Park Policy PM 11.03.01 and the Class Environmental
Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves (MNR 2005), public
consultation is an important part of the vegetation stewardship planning and
implementation process. The projects described within this strategy are Category “A” or
“B” projects under the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and
Conservation Reserves. In April 2008 stakeholders and local residents were notified by
mail that the draft plan was available for review, a paid advertisement appeared in the
local newspaper, and the plan was posted on the Ontario Parks website. Following the
release of the notices and draft document there was a 45-day review and comment
period. No comments were received.
The release of the approved Sandbanks Vegetation Management Plan was announced
in September 2009. The approved plan was made available by
download from the Ontario Parks’ website:
http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/invit.html, or by request for printed copies. A project
evaluation and statement of completion were prepared for those projects that are
screened as Category “B”.
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8.0 General References and Resources
Bellhouse, T. and B. Naylor. 1996. The Ecological Function of Down Woody Debris in
the Forest of Central Ontario. Version 2.0. Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources, CRST Technical Report No. 43, revised. 29 pp.
Brownell, V.R. 1999. Significant Plant Species Inventory of Sandbanks Provincial Park.
Ontario Parks, South Eastern Zone, Kingston.
Chapman, L.J. and D. F. Putnam. 1984. The Physiography of Southern Ontario.
3rd Edition. Ontario Geological Survey. 270 pp.
Crabe, T., R. Bonenberg, and R. Klinkenberg. 1988. Pinery Provincial Park Resource
Management Strategy. Pinery Provincial Park, Wingham District, Southwestern
Region, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Crins, B. Personal Communication. 2003. Senior Conservation Ecologist. Ontario
Parks. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Crins, W.J. 2002. Ecozones, ecoregions and ecodistricts of Ontario. Queens
Printer for Ontraio.
Czerwinski, E. Personal Communication. 2004 – 2006. Forest Health Technician.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Davis, R. 2006. Fire Management Direction for Park Plans. February 2006.
Draft. Planning and Research Section, Ontario Parks.
Ecological Services. 1999. Sandbanks Provincial Park Wildlife Inventory. Ontario
Parks, South Eastern Zone, Kingston.
Farrar, J. L. 1996. Trees in Canada. Canadian Forest Service. Natural
Resources Canada.
Geomatics International Inc. 1995. Management options for old-field sites in
Southern Ontario. Guidelines and literature review. Southern Region
Science and Technology Transfer Unit Technical Report TR-009. 17 pp. +
4 appendices.
Havinga, D. & Ontario Invasive Plants Working Group 2000. Sustaining
Biodiveristy, A Strategic Plan for Managing Invasive Plants in Southern
Ontario.
Lee, H., W. Bakowsky, J. Riley, J. Bowles, M. Puddister, P. Uhlig, and S. McMurray.
1998. Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: First Approximation
and its Application. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, North Bay.
2009
26 of 28
Norris, T. and D. Cuddy. 1990. An Evaluation of the Life Science Resources of
Sandbanks Provincial Park. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Kemptville.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1990. Sandbanks Provincial Park Management
Planning Background Information and Issues. Queen’s Printer for Ontario.
OMNR. 1993. Sandbanks Provincial Park Management Plan. Queen’s Printer for
Ontario.
OMNR. 2000a. A Silvicultural Guide to Managing Southern Ontario’s Forests.
Version 1.1. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Queens Printer for
Ontario. Toronto. 684 pp.
OMNR. 2000b. Conserving the Forest Interior: A Threatened Wildlife Habitat.
Extension Note. Produced by the Land Owner Resource Center and
OMNR. 2001. Rondeau Provincial Park Vegetation Management Plan. Queen’s Printer
for Ontario.
OMNR. 2003. Beattie Pinery Vegetation Stewardship Plan. Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources.
OMNR. 2004b. Fire Management Policy for Provincial Parks and Conservation
Reserves. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Directive No. FM 2:12,
PM 11.03.03, PL 3.03.09.
OMNR. 2004a. Forest Fire Management Strategy for Ontario Ont. Min. Nat. Res.,
Queens Printer for Ontario, Toronto. 64 p.
OMNR. 2006. Bronte Creek Provincial Park Vegetation Management Plan. draft.
Snetsinger, M.A., R. Snetsinger, D. Kristensen, and I.D. Macdonald. 2001 (Draft). Life
Science Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest in Site District 6E-15: A Review
and Assessment of Significant Natural Areas in Site District 6E-15. Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources, Kingston.
OMNR. 1995a. Clearing the Way: Preparing the Site for Tree Planting.
Extension Note. Produced by the LandOwner Resource Center and the
OMNR. 1999. Management Options for Abandoned Farm Fields. OMNR.
Extension Note. Produced by the Land Owner Resource Center. With
support from the Natural Heritage Information Center and Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources.
OMNR. 1999a. Restoring Old-Growth Features to Managed Forests in Southern
Ontario. OMNR Extension Note. Produced by the Landowner Resource
Center. With support from Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and
Eastern Ontario Model Forest.
2009
27 of 28
OMNR. 2000. Careful Handling and Planting of Nursery Stock. OMNR.
Extension Note. Produced by the Land Owner Resource Center and
OMNR. 2004b. Fire Management Policy for Provincial Parks and Conservation
Reserves. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Directive No. FM 2:12,
PM 11.03.03, PL 3.03.09.
OMNR. 2004a. Forest Fire Management Strategy for Ontario Ont. Min. Nat. Res.,
Queens Printer for Ontario, Toronto. 64 p.
OMNR.2005. Springwater Vegetation Stewardship Plan. Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources.
OMNR. n.d. Managing regeneration in conifer plantations to restore a mixed
Hardwood forest. Produced by the Landowner Resource Center, with support
from Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Eastern Ontario Model Forest.
OMNR. n.d.a. Do you have a healthy woodlot? OMNR Extension Note.
Produced by the LandOwner Resource Center. With support form the
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Upper Thames Conservation
Authority.
Ostry, M.E., Mielke, M.E., and Skilling, D.D. 1994. Butternut Strategies for
Managing a Threatened Tree. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC—165. St. Paul, MN:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest
Experiment Station. 7p.
Rodger, L. 1998. Tallgrass Communities of Southern Ontario: A Recovery Plan.
Report prepared for World Wildlife Fund Canada and the Ontario Ministry
of Natural Resources.
TGO, 2001. Fire and the Prairie. Fact Sheet. Tallgrass Ontario, Ontario
Tallgrass Prairie and Savanna Association.
Undersander, D., M. Casler and D. Cosgrove. 1996. Identifying pasture grasses.
University of Wisconsin Extension. A3637
Van Sleeuwen, M. 2006. Natural fire regimes in Ontario. Ontario Ministry of
Natural Resources Queen’s Printer for Ontario, Toronto. 145p
2009
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APPENDIX A – Hazardous Tree Treatment Options
Hazardous tree removal is restricted to development and historical zones, along
roadsides, and along trails in natural environment and nature reserve zones. The
following treatment options should be considered in the order given. Assessment of
hazardous trees will be done by the park superintendent or designate.
1. No action required
No action is required for trees if they are:
• Dead or living trees that are leaning away from trails, roadways, or facilities,
provided the upturned root mass will not cause damage to trails or roads
• Trees within naturalization areas of development zones that do not pose a risk to
trail, roadways, or facilities outside the naturalization area
2. Thinning of crown
A hazardous tree may be treated by removal of selected limbs in the crown (thinning)
when the trunk and base is sound and:
• The tree has a slight lean or shows signs of shifting (heaving or cracking of soil).
Removing part or all of the crown will reduce its weight and the stress on the
lower trunk and roots
• Weakness and rot is restricted to the upper crown/limbs
• Limbs are interfering with power lines of buildings
3. Cut top and upper limbs leaving bare trunk
Trim back the crown and limbs to the main trunk(s) and limbs, relieving stress on the
root system and reducing the possibility of the tree falling while leaving valuable wildlife
habitat. Document the location of these trees and inspect annually. Use this method
when:
• The tree is located in a campground and day use areas and has significant rot or
weakness in the crown or upper limbs but sound trunk and base.
• Rot is present in the trunk, but enough sound wood is left to support a bare trunk.
• The tree is a softwood or crotched oak.
4. Felling
Felling of a hazardous tree is the final recourse when options 1 to 3 are not adequate to
ensure the safety of park users and facilities. Complete removal is necessary only
when:
• The base will not provide support to a bare trunk
• The tree is leaning such that the root system will not be able to support it, or a
hazard is created by the uplifted roots
• There is substantial cracking in the trunk, indicating that the tree will likely fall
due to wind or to ice accumulation
• When limbing or crown removal is not safe for the cutter/feller or park staff
Unless they obstruct a roadway, trail, or facility or create a safety hazard, felled trees
should be left in place.
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IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE B – Plantation Renaturalization Plan
Background and Site Description
The West Lake Dunes were naturally forested until around 1850. Timber cutting and cattle
grazing concentrated in the late 1800s destabilized the dunes and caused their migration
inland. Some large cedar skeletons in the northwest portion of the plantation remain as
evidence of this history. The area originally known as Sandbanks Provincial Park was
established as a forestry station in 1921. Reforestation of the eastern portion of this sector
from the 1930s to the 1960s prevented further migration of the dunes, but the unforested
parts of the dunes remain active. The core plantation area covers approximately 80
hectares, with 25% of that south of the road in the Richardson Campground area. This plan
refers specifically to the plantation in the natural environment zone on the north side of the
road.
The entire plantation area is extremely patchy. Most of the area was planted in Scots Pine,
with scattered individuals or patches of Jack Pine, Mugho Pine, Eastern White Pine,
European Larch, Red Pine, Norway Spruce, and Black Locust. Large Cottonwoods are also
present throughout, although it is not clear if these were planted. Some areas appear older
than others, spacings vary, and the condition and size of the trees is very variable. The
largest Scots Pines are approximately 20 – 29 cm diameter at breast height (dbh), although
most trees are less than 15 cm dbh. In some sections where the Scots Pine have done well
and are quite tall (> 10 m height), they are surprisingly straight and are perhaps marketable
(although there is very low volume present). Most Scots Pine are unhealthy due to a
number of factors including poor site quality, Pine Shoot Beetle, and Sirex Wood Wasp.
Some Black Locust also appear unhealthy.
Similarly, the understorey and ground cover are variable: in sections of dense pine, there is
almost no understorey or ground layer of vegetation. In more patchy or open areas, young
Scots Pine, White Pine, willows, Eastern White Cedar, Chokecherry, and White Birch have
established to a limited extent. In the most open areas, aggressive pioneer species
dominate.
Deciduous species are moving into the edges of the plantation. In particular, the west side
of the plantation is quite diverse and a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs are present.
This area does not require active restoration.
The entire site is ecologically fragile: the substrate is almost pure sand with a thin layer of
organic material that is mainly composed of pine needles; many areas are diseased; and
invasive or aggressive species other than Scots Pine are scattered throughout.
Fire is a concern at this site. The increasing volume of standing dead timber and downed
woody debris, as well as the extremely dry conditions, make the site vulnerable to fire.
Unlike other types of areas requiring restoration in southern Ontario, fire will not enhance
this site – it will destroy the very thin layer of soil and duff present and create open
conditions too quickly to allow for renaturalization.
The area is of unknown value to wildlife. The dense conifer areas likely provide winter cover
to deer and other species. At least one canid den has been found in the plantation. Forest
Bird Monitoring has not revealed any notable species and bird species diversity is relatively
low. Hawks (Sharp-shinned, Coopers) have occasionally nested in the plantation in the
past, and Wild Turkeys are often seen.
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Norway Spruce Stand
The 2 ha stand of Norway Spruce is very dense, with almost no light reaching the forest
floor and therefore no natural infiltration of deciduous species. It does, therefore, provide
winter cover for wildlife. Tree diameters and spacing are quite variable. Diameters range
from approximately 10 – 20 cm, and spacings range from 1 – 2 m. Most trees, while in good
health and very straight, have very small crowns (< 30% of height). These trees may be
marketable, although the area is quite small and will not produce substantial yields.
Restoration and Management Goals
Plantation management for conversion to more natural conditions is a fairly new science,
and it is essential that an adaptive management approach be used. Methods applied in
other plantations may not work at Sandbanks due to unique site conditions. Also, due to the
extensive nature of the Scots Pine plantation, it must be accepted that Scots Pine and other
non-native tree species may never be completely eradicated. Therefore, the overarching
goal for management of the plantation at Sandbanks is to maintain and enhance
healthy ecological processes. This includes:
• encouraging the establishment and spread of self-sustaining native species
• preventing the loss of soil cover and destabilization of sand
• promoting natural succession
• discouraging the establishment of new invasive species
• ensuring the safety of park visitors and staff
The composition of the forested dunes in the Outlet Sector provides an idea of what the
dunes at West Lake might have looked like before they were logged. However, the
plantation is unique in that the sand substrate recently moved into the area from the West
Lake dunes, and the site was originally similar to the surrounding agricultural and woodlot
area.
Restoration and management of this plantation should be considered successful if the site
eventually supports a diversity of self-sustaining native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants
that are able to withstand the harsh environmental conditions of the site. Such a scenario
will undoubtedly include non-native species, but as long as they play a positive ecological
role, they will not detract from the overall goal.
Priorities and Recommendations
Management recommendations have been discussed with forestry specialists and Ontario
Parks staff, and are listed below. Park staff are currently working with fire specialists to
develop recommendations for reducing the fire hazard and promoting restoration of the
plantation.
Monitoring
• Monitoring is an essential component of any restoration project, especially when using
adaptive management. Park staff have noticed marked changes in the plantation in the
past 15 years, and more changes are expect to occur naturally and as management
actions are implemented.
• Areas where restoration is planned should be monitored first to determine species
composition and help determine appropriate restoration goals.
2009
A-3
•
A photographic monitoring program should be established immediately. Stations should
be selected along the trails through the plantation in each unique area (i.e. each area
showing different stand conditions) – approximately 20 – 30 stations. At each station,
the GPS coordinates should be recorded, the location should be pinpointed on a
topographic map, and high quality landscape photographs should be taken in all four
directions. The canopy, subcanopy, understorey, and ground layers in each photo
should be described. This photographic monitoring should take place in mid-summer to
capture the deciduous and herbaceous growth.
Dead Stands
• Several sections of Scots Pine have succumbed to Pine Shoot Beetle within the past 5 –
10 years and have died quickly and fallen. This has occurred on both sides of the main
road, and these guidelines should be applied in both areas.
• Conditions vary in these recently opened areas, but for the most part, the understorey
layer is dominated by aggressive pioneer species like raspberries, Common Buckthorn,
and Poison Ivy. Black Locust and Scots Pine have also been noted regenerating in
these areas.
• In these areas, downed woody debris will contribute to the development of soil.
• Eastern White Cedar saplings or seedlings can be planted in these areas to encourage
succession to a more natural community. Saplings will require mulching around them or
other active management to prevent competition from more aggressive species.
Planting should be throughout opened areas and approximately 10 – 20 m into the
edges of the surrounding living plantation.
Open Areas
• In some upland areas, the harsh conditions make it difficult to sustain a healthy tree
cover, and there are patches of bare sand. These areas are visible in recent aerial
photography.
• In these areas, the planted trees appear stunted and their roots are visible above the dry
sand. These areas are fragile, and will be vulnerable to destabilization if the trees die.
• One option is to plant Marram Grass in these open areas in order to stabilize the sand.
Marram Grass is adapted to open dune conditions of wind and unstable sand and may
not thrive in these conditions. If this management approach is attempted, its results
should be thoroughly documented.
• Seed from shrubs in the West Lake Dunes that are well-adapted to harsh conditions
(e.g. Heart-leaved Willow, Sand Cherry) can also be collected and planted in these
areas.
Norway Spruce
• If the Norway Spruce area is no longer required for wildlife cover, it will need to be
thinned to encourage establishment of native species.
• Creating small canopy gaps is the preferred option for renaturalizing conifer plantations;
however, this method is not logistically feasible because the trees are so tall and tightly
spaced. Instead, sections of rows should be thinned.
• The initial thinning should aim to remove roughly 30% of the trees as illustrated above.
Thinning should avoid opening up the edge of the stand, as this will promote the
invasion of weedy species.
• The thinned areas will need to be underplanted with seedlings or seeds of the desired
species (Sugar Maple, White Ash) due to the lack of adjacent seed sources and
opportunities for natural dispersal into the site. Seeds may be collected within the park.
2009
A-4
•
•
•
Additionally, it is important to establish key desired species in order to discourage
invasion by unwanted species, which abound in the surrounding area (e.g. Scots Pine,
Common Buckthorn).
Alternatively, thinning can begin in patches near the edges of the area adjacent to mixed
forest to allow seeds to infiltrate naturally.
This treatment should be repeated on a 10 year cycle or at an interval that is appropriate
for the rate of renaturalization that takes place. This treatment will also be sufficient to
reduce fire risk.
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APPENDIX C – Local Native Plant Sources
The following list of suppliers was extracted from the 2004-2005 Native Plant Resource
Guide for Ontario, produced by the Ontario Chapter of the Society for Ecological
Restoration (SER). All suppliers listed below are either from a certified source as
designated by Ontario’s Natural Selections, or follow the SER’s guidelines for native
plant stock. Businesses marked with an asterisk do contract growing. Suppliers marked
with an asterisk do custom seed collection.
Sandbanks is situated in Zone 36 of the Tree Seed Zones of Southern Ontario as
designated by OMNR in 1996, and Canadian Plant Hardiness Zone 5b (2000).
Arboretum, The
Chalk Lake Greenhouses
University of Guelph
RR#4 Uxbridge ON
Guelph, ON
(905) 649-5284
K1G 2W1
galloway.family@sympatico.ca
(519)824-824-4120
arboretu@uoguelph.ca
Limited quantities and only sell at annual
plant sale.
Ferguson Forest Centre
Gardens North*
275 County Rd. 44
North Gower, ON
Kemptville, ON
(613) 489-0065
K0G 1J0
seed@gardensnorth.com
1-888-791-1103
info@seedlingnursery.com
www.seedlingnursery.com
seedling orders
Holloway Farms
Glorious Gardens*
Stirling, ON
Kingston, ON
(613) 531-2797 rosemary_hill@hotmail.com (613) 395-6120
*will collect seeds
edheuvel@attcanada.net
consulting/restoration
Kimdale Lane Tree Nursery
Moonlight Crofters Heritage Trees
Lindsay
Douglas, ON
(705) 324-0479
1-888-291-4799
carl.kimmett@sympatico.ca
heritagetrees@on.aibn.com
consulting/restoration
Peterborough Ecology Park
Stewartville Tree Nursery
Peterborough
White Lake, ON
(705) 745-3238
(613) 623-0548
www.greenup.on.ca
info@prevland.com
consulting
specializes in large scale plantations
The Old Field Garden & Wildflower
Nurserv
2935 Porter Rd. R.R. 1
Oxford Station, ON
K0G 1T0
(613) 258-7945
Oldfieldgarden@sympatico.ca
www.oldfieldgarden.on.ca
on site consulting for restoration
work/design services
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APPENDIX D – Invasive Species Monitoring and Control Guidelines
Monitoring and control of invasive species should follow the guidelines provided in the
SE Zone Invasive Exotic Plant Management Toolkit. These activities should be reported
on the forms provided in the toolkit.
Nine species are considered invasive or potentially invasive at Sandbanks. Updated
recommendations for the 5 most invasive species at Sandbanks are summarized below.
The other species are Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa), Rambler Rose (Rosa multiflora),
European Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsis-ranae), and Eurasian milfoil (Myriophyllum
spicatum). The two rose species are not likely acting as invasives and do not require
formal monitoring. Control of the aquatic species is unlikely to be successful.
GARLIC MUSTARD
Priority for Removal
Location and Abundance
Actions taken to date
Control and Research
Needs
DOG-STRANGLING
VINE
Needs
COMMON BUCKTHORN
Needs
PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE
High priority in less disturbed areas and in one area of Outlet
Campground A
Outlet River Campground Areas A & B and several other
locations
Hand-pulling, cutting, spraying with glyphosate, brush
blankets
Mechanical methods only in wildflower area of campground
Experimental application of control methods should continue
to be monitored for success
High in all locations
Limited to a few areas, especially Lakeshore Lodge area,
but spreading
Hand-pulling, cutting, spraying with glyphosate
Glyphosate is likely only successful method, but flowering
plants should at least be cut
Medium
Throughout – most common in old field areas
Mapping
Removal should coincide with old field restoration
Needs
Medium
East Lake and West Lake wetlands
Hand-pulling in pannes since 1990, and a no-control area
established 2003
If plants do not invade the no-control area within 5-10 years,
control efforts may be reduced
WHITE SWEET
CLOVER
Medium
Becoming more abundant in disturbed areas of West Lake
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APPENDIX D – Invasive Species Monitoring and Control Guidelines
Needs
pannes
None
Hand pulling and monitoring of invasion and effectiveness of
control
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APPENDIX E – Invasive Species Information Sheets
Garlic Mustard
Mustard Family
Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.) Cavara and Grande
Brassicaceae
Common Names
In North America, Garlic Mustard is the only common named used. Common names
used for this species in England include; Hedge-garlic, Sauce-alone, Jack-by-the-Hedge,
and Poor-man’s-mustard.
Distribution
Introduced from Britain, Belgium, and The Netherlands, and is native to Europe,
commonly occurring south of 68º, and absent from the extreme south. This species also
occurs in North Africa, India, Sri Lanka, and has spread to both North America and New
Zealand.
In Ontario, Garlic Mustard is established in the St. Lawrence- Great Lakes Deciduous
Forest Region, and is most abundant in south western Ontario and in the Ottawa region.
In the last 25 years, Garlic Mustard has spread to the Canadian Shield, and is now
common in deciduous woods on the Shield.
In SEZ parks, Garlic Mustard is known to occur in Charleston, Murphy’s Point,
Sandbanks, Presqu’ile, Voyageur, Darlington and Petroglyphs.
Biology and Ecology
General Description: Garlic Mustard is a true biennial herb, and therefore completes its
life cycle in two years. In the first year, basal rosettes develop, and are recognizable by
June. The rosettes over winter and mature the following spring. Adult plants can grow to
1.9 metres in height, and the plant averages one metre at the time of flowering.
Leaves: Basal leaves are kidney-shaped with scalloped edges, and 6-10 cm in
diameter. Stem leaves are alternate, sharply toothed, triangular, and are 3-8 cm long,
becoming smaller toward the top of the stem. Petioles are pubescent and 1-5 cm long.
Both the basal and stem leaves have a strong garlic odour when crushed, but the scent
becomes weaker as the season progresses, and the scent is absent by fall.
Flowers: Flowers are 6-7 mm in diameter, and consist of 4 white petals that narrow at
the base. Six stamens are present, with two of the stamens shorter than the other four.
Fruit: Fruit capsule 2.5-6 cm long and 2mm wide. Each plant produces an average of 416 capsules, with each capsule producing 10-20 seeds. The seeds are 3mm long and
1mm wide and are black and diagonally ridged. Seeds are dispersed from mid June to
September, and generally fall within a few metres of the parent plant.
Similar species: May be confused with other rosette forming species, especially Viola
spp. (violets). The strong odour can help distinguish Garlic Mustard from other species.
The garlic odour is strongest in spring.
Habitat: Garlic Mustard can be found in open forests, and edge habitats, as well as
under isolated conifer trees. Garlic Mustard can also grow in full sun and full shade, but
grows best in semi-shaded areas. As a disturbance adapted plant, Garlic Mustard is
most commonly found in areas of repeated disturbance, and will stabilize when the
2009
A-9
disturbance is no longer present. For this reason, campgrounds often have an extremely
high abundance of Garlic Mustard, as visitors are continually disturbing the soils.
Dispersal: Garlic Mustard is spread primarily by humans, including clothing, hair, shoes,
and by vehicles. It is not known if rodents and birds disperse this species, although
isolated plants have been found in forest interiors. This species does not appear to be
wind dispersed, and the seeds do not float well. Garlic Mustard has an ‘advance-retreat’
spread pattern. Nuzzo (2000) noted one colony increased by 36 m one year, and
decreased by 18 m the next. Colonies tend to advance outward and join up with satellite
colonies to form a massive colony.
Potential Threats to Native Flora and Fauna
There has been limited research studying the community dynamics of Garlic Mustard. It
is assumed that Garlic Mustard outcompetes native ground flora, as invaded sites
frequently have lower species diversity than similar sites that have not been invaded
(Nuzzo, 2000; White, 1993). In a study by Faulkner (1996) at Point Pelee National Park
and Rondeau Provincial Park, species diversity and richness was very similar in
quadrats with and without Garlic Mustard at Point Pelee. However, at Rondeau, where
Garlic Mustard is a recent invasion, species diversity and richness was lower in quadrats
with Garlic Mustard than in quadrats with no Garlic Mustard. Falkenberg (1996) believes
that this may be a result of Garlic Mustard invaded areas where native species were
already suppressed due to overgrazing by deer. Bazely (2002) has observed an
increase in native species diversity in Rondeau Provincial Park after White-tailed Deer
numbers were reduced. White-tailed deer do not appear to browse Garlic Mustard, and
overgrazing of native species may allow Garlic Mustard to invade these disturbed areas.
Garlic Mustard may pose a threat to some species of butterflies, including the West
Virginia White (P. virginiensis), a species ranked S3 and Vulnerable by COSSARO.
Larvae oviposited on Garlic Mustard die off before development is completed (Nuzzo,
2000).
Control Methods
• Mechanical control of this species has had mixed results. Cutting plants at ground
level appears to be the most successful mechanical control method. Cut flowering
plants can result in a 99% mortality rate. Cutting above ground level is not as
successful: Nuzzo (2000) found that stems cut 10 cm above the ground resulted in a
71% mortality rate. Plants should be cut just before flowering. This plant should
never be pulled. Pulling is generally not effective, and can result in more vigorous
growth due to the soil disturbance and root fragments left in the ground (Murphy,
2003; Lamb, 2003).
•
Chemical control using Glyphosate has proved successful. Nuzzo (2000) found that
using glyphosate at concentrations of 1, 2, and 3% reduced cover by > 95%. Cover
may be reduced further with higher concentrations. Fall is the preferred time of year
for chemical control, as native plants are dormant, and the herbicide will not be
present in the soil during the growing season. If it is not feasible to apply the
herbicide in the fall, it may be applied in early spring.
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A-10
•
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) can co-exist, and may even outcompete Garlic
Mustard. Plant in nodes – will take 5 – 10 years to fill in. Can be used as a control
method, or planted after control
measures
carried out.
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White Sweet Clover
Pea Family
Melilotus alba
Fabaceae
Alternate Common Name(s)
N/A
Distribution
Native to Eurasia, White Sweet Clover was first introduced in the 1600’s and later became a
valuable forage crop and soil nutrient builder. It is also an import species for honey farmer,
the genus name coming from the Greek word meli which means honey. It is distributed
throughout temperate North America.
In SEZ parks, White Sweet Clover occurs in most parks, but is considered a concern due to
its invasiveness into significant habitat in Sandbanks and Peter’s Woods.
Biology and Ecology
General Description: White Sweet Clover can grow up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) in height and
have alternately arranged leaves with finely toothed leaf margins. Flowers are white in
colour and are arranged in clusters on a central stem.
Leaves: alternate, compound, trifoliolate, finely toothed leaf margins, 4 to 5 mm long,
smooth or few sparse hairs on leaf bottom, leafstalk up to 2 mm long on lateral leaflet and 5
to 6 mm on terminal leaflet.
Flowers: late spring to fall with white petals in long, slender and spike-like clusters.
Seeds: Annual to biennial, egg shaped. A single plant can produce 14K to 350K
seeds/plant and seeds can remain in seed bank for decades before germinating.
Similar Species
M. officinalis (Yellow Sweet Clover) looks much like M. alba however M. officinalis has
yellow flowers and flowers earlier in season.
Habitat: Broad range of habitat types and is capable of withstanding sever drought and
cold conditions. Commonly found in abandoned fields and along roadsides with direct or
partial sunlight. Also occurs in lowland sites of mountain brush and aspen woodlands.
Gravel to sandy soils that are calcareous though highest abundances occur on rich loams
and clay loams.
Dispersal: Can travel short distances by wind and large distances can be facilitated
through water movement.
Potential Threat to Native Flora and Fauna
White Sweet Clover readily invades open areas. Their size, growth rate and ability to
withstand a wide variety of environmental conditions allow them to restrict a wide variety of
species. They are most problematic in prairies, alvars, natural meadows, and savannas
(Cole, 1991b; botanist survey).
Control Strategies
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White Sweet clover is a very difficult plant to control however as it does not spread
vegetatively, restricting seed formation can allow for successful management (Cole, 1991).
This can be accomplished through cutting of flowering plants and hand removal techniques
performed for several consecutive years. Prescribed burning may also be used.
•
If a prescribed burn is to be used, managers need to consider the likelihood of
cancellation of later burns as burns that are only performed periodically can actually
cause the population to grow in size. In order for this technique to be successful
managers need to burn early in spring followed by herbicide applications or physical
removal techniques later in the fall. Do not use prescribed burns late in the fall as
this has been shown to stimulate the growth of dormant seeds (Environment
Canada, 2003).
•
Cutting of flowering plants and hand pulling should focus on first-year plants. The
physical removal of plants should be performed in late fall or early spring and cutting
should be performed before flowers develop.
•
If herbicides are used the effects to native species needs to be considered.
•
Biological control methods such as the use of Sweet Clover Weevil have so far
proven to be ineffective.
Trifoliolate leaf
2009
Spike-like clusters
A-13
Common Buckthorn
Glossy Buckthorn
Buckthorn Family
Rhamnus cathartica L.
Rhamnus frangula
Rhamnaceae
Alternate Common Name
European Buckthorn
Distribution
Native to most of Europe, and west and north Asia.
In Ontario, Buckthorn is found east and south west of the Canadian Shield.
In SEZ, Buckthorn is known to occur in Peter’s Woods, Fitzroy, Sandbanks, Presqu’ile,
Darlington, Voyageur, Charleston Lake, Murphys Point, Burntlands, Emily, and Menzel.
Biology and Ecology
Brackets indicate Glossy Buckthorn features where they differ from Common Buckthorn.
General Description: Shrub or small tree, up to 6 m in height. Branches spine tipped (No
spine). Branchlets are stout and purplish-red or grey-brown (brown to gray with pale
lenticels). Leaves persist throughout the winter.
Leaves: Leaves up to 8 cm long and 4 cm wide, and generally opposite, but can be subopposite or alternate. Elliptic to ovate leaves have a shiny appearance and fold slightly
along the midrib near the tip (Do not fold). Strongly curved veins. Leaf margin toothed. (Leaf
margins wavy).
Flowers: Less than 6 mm in diameter, greenish yellow. Found in dense clusters in the leaf
axils. Early June.
Fruit: Three – four seeds in a berry-like drupe. Clustered fruit turns black when ripe in
August or September.
Similar species: The native Buckthorn, Alder-leaved Buckthorn (Rhamnus alnifolia), has
much narrower leaves, has no thorns, and, as the name implies, looks more like an alder
species.
Habitat: Common Buckthorn found in dry to moist habitats, especially open areas and
successional forests (Soper and Heimburger, 1982). Glossy Buckthorn prefers wetter and
more acidic soils. Buckthorn does not do well in deep shade, and colonies are often evenaged, as seedlings cannot grow under shade of mature plants.
Dispersal: Dispersed by birds, mice and possibly by members of the deer family. Seed may
also be water dispersed, as the dry fruit of Common Buckthorn can float for 6 days and seed
for 3 days before sinking, while the fresh fruit of Glossy Buckthorn can float for 19 days, and
dry seeds for one week (Converse, 1984). This is significant for populations found along
waterways, or areas that are seasonally flooded (Converse, 1984).
Potential Threats to Native Flora and Fauna
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Buckthorn can change the soil acidity and profile. This is a concern in areas where the soil is
very thin, such as alvar communities (Murphy, 2003; Lamb, 2003).
Whelan (1992) has found that many species of avifauna use Buckthorn as an alternate
nesting site, and Tyerman (2002) has noted warblers nesting in Buckthorn at Presqu’ile. It is
not known what effect if any this is having on nest predation.
Buckthorn tends to stall natural succession, as it will grow in dense even-aged colonies.
Control Methods
• Mechanical control is not recommended, as suckering is common, and this can lead to
more vigorous growth.
• Underplanting disturbed woods may be effective to prevent an invasion. Undeplanting
may also limit re-invasion where no native saplings are present.
• Girdling is an effective alternative treatment to herbicides if time and resources permit,
as resprouting does not occur. Girdling can be done at any time in the winter. The shrub
should be girdled as close to the base as possible, and the girdle should be 2-3 cm
wide. In plants under 4.5 cm diameter, a flame torch can be used to destroy the
cambium layer. The flame should be in contact with the plant for at least five seconds.
Chemical control is effective using triclopyr (ester formulation), using a 30%+ concentration,
mixed with diesel for cut stump or EZ-Ject treatment (Lamb, 2003; Murphy, 2003). An 8%
concentration is sufficient for foliar spray. Cut stump treatments should be done in March,
and June if using the EZ-Ject system. As Buckthorn tends to suppress other species, a site
restoration may be necessary after control.
Glossy Buckthorn
Common Buckthorn
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Dog-strangling Vine Vincetoxicum rossicum (Kleo.) Barb. & V. nigrum (L.)
Moench.
Milkweed Family
Asclepiadaceae
Alternate Common Name
Black Swallow-wort and Pale Swallow-wort
Distribution
Pale Swallow-wort (V. rossicum) is more prevalent in Ontario than Black Swallow-wort (V.
nigrum). This species can be found from Hamilton to Cornwall and north to Lake Simcoe
and Ottawa (Kubisz, 1992). Dog-strangling Vines commonly occur in old fields, disturbed
corridors, and forest edges (Sheeley, 1996). Another Vincetoxicum species, V. hirundinaria
Medik., has been located in a few locations in the Niagara region, but there have been no
records of this species in the past few decades. Black Swallow-wort is native to the
Mediterranean region, and Pale Swallow-wort is native to the Ukraine and southern Russia
(Sheely, 1996).
Dog-strangling Vine is currently found in Presqu’ile, Sandbanks and Darlington Provincial
Parks. The abundance and distribution at Sandbanks is unknown. The distribution at
Presqu’ile is patchy and confined to high use areas, although it is starting to show up in
woodland areas. The Darlington population is spreading, and is also found growing in a
conifer plantation.
Biology and Ecology
General Identification: Vincetoxicum spp. are herbaceous perennial vines, that grow either
erect, or twining on supporting vegetation. Vincetoxicum can grow up to two metres in
height, depending on the habitat. Subterranean buds on the root crown are present. V.
nigrum has rhizomes, but it is yet to be determined if rhizomes are present on V. rossicum.
Leaves: The leaves are opposite, 5-10 cm long, hairless and smooth/shiny, oblong to ovate,
narrowing to a point at the tip, rounded to subcordate at the base with short petioles, and the
margins are entire to wavy.
Flowers: The flowers are 5-9 mm wide, arising from the leaf axil, with 3-10 flowers per
cluster. Black Swallow-wort flowers are purple-black, and Pale Swallow-wort flowers are
pale to dark maroon, purple or pinkish. Both species have 5 fleshy petals
Fruits: The pods are typical of the milkweed family. Pods are 4-7 cm long and slender,
persisting on the vine after splitting lengthwise to release many tufted windborne seeds.
Seeds are released in late summer to fall on windy, dry days.
Similar species: May be confused with other milkweeds when the plants are either young
or stunted.
Habitat: Dog-strangling Vine is associated with disturbed areas, such as hydro corridors, old
fields, quarries, nurseries and Christmas tree farms. Dog-strangling Vine occupies a wide
ecological niche, and does well in full sun or partial shade, and in moist or dry soils. These
plants can also invade deeply shaded areas, although seed production is reduced in this
habitat type. Natural areas that have some type of disturbance regime may also be invaded.
Alvar communities are often invaded due to the extreme hydrologic regime. Although DogSandbanks Vegetation Management Plan
2009
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strangling Vine has not yet invaded alvar communities in the SEZ, these communities
should be closely monitored for invasions. Pale Swallow-wort is associated with calcareous
soils, and this may also be true of Black Swallow-wort (Lawlor, 2001). The habitat in which it
is found in parks has not been fully described.
Dispersal: Wind dispersed.
Impacts
Dog-strangling Vine can form dense stands that exclude and may displace native vegetation
- further research is needed to determine the impact of this on native plant communities
(Lawlor, 2001). Toxic substances present in this species may also have allelopathic
(suppress the growth of other species) properties.
Laboratory trials have shown that Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) will use Black
Swallow-wort as an alternate host to lay their eggs on, rather than the native milkweeds.
Larvae found on Black Swallow-wort experience high levels of mortality. It is possible that
Monarch butterflies may also oviposit on Pale Swallow-wort. It is not yet known how and to
what extent this may affect Monarch populations (Lawlor, 2001).
Control Measures
• Mechanical methods have not proven successful (Lawlor, 2001; McKewan, 2002;
Cappuccino, 2002, Towel, 2002; Christensen, 1998). Both mowing and digging may
actually stimulate growth (Cappuccino, 2002). Digging has the added disadvantage of
disturbing the soil, which may promote more vigorous growth from the seed bank. If root
crowns are dug up, they must be removed from the site, as crowns left on the ground
can re-sprout (Lawlor, 2001) Mowing may be partially successful if this is carried out until
the seed bank is depleted, but the site will need to be completely restored afterwards.
Christensen (1998) found that repeated mowing reduced the average stem height, but
did not have a great effect on total cover. Mowing should be carried out twice per
growing season: once in mid-June, and again in early August.
• Hand-pulling is not recommended, as root crown fragments in the soil will re-sprout
(Lawlor, 2001).
• Mulching has been attempted with both leaf litter and plastic sheeting. A common
problem with this method is that animals will tear the sheeting, and plants can push
through the mulch. Unless a tear resistant fabric can be utilized, this method is not
recommended (Christensen, 1998). Again, this method kills all plants below the mulch or
sheeting, and plastic sheeting can also kill soil microbes.
• Fire may not be effective at reducing the number of mature plants in a colony, but may
be useful after chemical application to remove seedlings, but further research is needed
to substantiate this (Lawlor, 2001).
• Chemical control is the most effective method (Lawlor, 2002; Christensen, 1998;
McKewan). Glyphosate is recommended, as it is not persistent in the soil, and has a low
level of toxicity in animals with no long term negative effects. Triclopyr has been tested
on this species, and results were not as high as plants treated with glyphosate (Lawlor,
2002). Foliar spraying of herbicides appears to be the most successful application
method, but this is only practical in monocultures. Cut-stem application (wicking stems
and leaves of trimmed plants) provides species specific control, and is recommended in
areas where the goal is to release surrounding vegetation. A 5% solution of glyphosate is
required for foliar spraying, and a 50%+ solution for cut-stem application. This dosage is
higher than recommended by the manufacturer. Application should be done at the bud
2009
A-17
formation stage (early June), early in the flowering stage, and again in August (Lawlor
(2002). Monitoring and control may be necessary in consecutive years to eradicate the
colony, but it is not known how long seeds persist in the soil (Christensen, 1998; Lawlor,
2002).
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APPENDIX F – Woodlands Monitoring Protocol
Background
The park management plan recommended the development of a monitoring program for
the understorey of the mature forests in Woodlands Campground in conjunction with the
development of the campground. It is known that roads and other unnatural openings in
forests can have negative impacts on the composition of the forest for plants. Also,
downed woody debris (DWD) like sticks and small logs are an important part of a forest
ecosystem, but are often collected by campers for firewood.
The purpose of the monitoring program is to track changes in ecological conditions of
woodlands adjacent to campgrounds. This can best be done by monitoring herbaceous
vegetation and downed woody debris. If negative impacts are observed mitigative
measures can be taken through education, enforcement, or other means as appropriate
or necessary.
Goals for Woodland Monitoring
Ideally, this kind of monitoring program would be established prior to site disturbance in
order to obtain baseline data and track changes in site conditions over time. However,
the monitoring program outlined below will still allow us to determine the changes due to
human activities in:
• ground vegetation of the mature forest
• downed woody debris
The use of control sites will provide a good statistical comparison immediately.
Previous Studies
A preliminary monitoring program was established by the assistant park naturalist in
1997 immediately following the construction of the campground. Forty 1x1 m plots were
randomly located in the forest and field areas of Woodlands Campground. Percent
cover and composition of ground vegetation was determined in each plot in late August
of 1997. Unfortunately, the location of the forest control plots assumed that the impact
of the campground would not extend more than 25m into the forest interior; this is
unlikely, and so those plots cannot function as true controls. It is not possible to relocate
the exact location of these plots. A student project examining soils was also conducted
previously.
Woodland Monitoring Protocol Methods
The protocols outlined below can easily be completed by students if they have sufficient
field identification skills. They are also easily analyzed. Monitoring should take place
every other year.
Monitoring Design
Sites have been selected where campsites are within the forest matrix (Table G-1). At
each site, a 100 meter line (----) is run from the campsite post () into the surrounding
forest, angled to avoid the edge of the forest at the end of the transect. Three 10 meter
transects (⎥⎪⎢) are run approximately perpendicular to this 100 m line: one each at 10 m,
25 m, and 75 m. The transects are run in such a way that they do not overlap the
immediate footprint of the campsite () and they begin at the base of the nearest tree
() on the left side of the 100 m line (see diagram below). This base tree is marked with
orange paint at its base, immediately right of the starting point of the transect. Downed
woody debris and vegetation are evaluated within 50 cm on either side of this 10 m
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transect, and a photo is taken of the transect. The same transects will be evaluated
each time. Orange paint should be brought each year to touch up the marks.
25 m
10 m
75 m
Photographic Monitoring
One of the easiest methods of tracking vegetation change is to photograph an area in
the same location over regular intervals. Although this has not been initiated yet, it can
be initiated immediately in the forested area of the campground and repeated in 5 year
intervals or sooner, depending on staff availability and the rate of vegetation change
• Photos should be taken during downed woody debris monitoring (mid-May) and
during vegetation monitoring (mid-June)
• Photos should be taken with a digital camera. An attempt should be made to take
the pictures in favourable light conditions, and at as high a resolution as possible.
• Photos should be taken at the end of each 10 m transect, so that the transect, the
base tree, and some of the surrounding area is visible. The individual ID information
for the photo should be written on a board and visible within the photo. For example,
the photo taken at campsite 626, at the 75 m distance, in May 2006 should say: 626
– 75 May/06.
• Exact locations of all photos taken should be recorded and stored with the photos
(including campsite post number, direction photos taken in, and GPS coordinates if
possible).
• Photos should be stored on CD, but should also be printed and saved in hardcopy.
Vegetation
This protocol allows comparison of numbers, not percent cover, of native and non-native
plants species and tree saplings and shrubs among distances from campsites and
years. It is based on a protocol developed for monitoring tallgrass prairies. Number is
preferable to cover as it is less subjective, faster to evaluate, and simplifies the analysis.
• Vegetation monitoring should occur in mid June, prior to the end of the school year
and the July long weekend. This will allow us to evaluate vegetation abundance
without disturbing park visitors and before they can have an immediate impact on
these variables.
• The number of all herbaceous individuals less than 50 cm in height are counted within
a 1 m wide area centred on the 10 m transect (ie: a 10 m2 plot). In most cases this is
quite easy as understorey diversity and abundance is low. In areas with high
abundance of individual plants numbers can be estimated.
• The number of tree saplings and shrubs (woody species greater than 50 cm in height
and less than 5 cm diameter at breast height) are counted within the same transect as
the herbaceous vegetation.
Downed Woody Debris
This protocol allows comparison of numbers, not volumes, of downed woody debris
among distances from campsites and years. It is based on elements of the Ecological
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Land Classification, Environment Canada’s Ecological Monitoring and Assessment
Network (EMAN), and the SE Zone’s Interior Campsite Impacts protocols.
• The number of pieces of DWD is counted within a 1 m wide area centred on the 10 m
transect (ie: a 10 m2 plot).
• DWD is recorded according to size class: 2.5 – 10 cm, 10 – 40 cm, and > 40 cm in
diameter, where diameter is estimated based on the expected original size of the stick
or log, and is its largest diameter within the transect.
• DWD is also recorded according to one of three decay classes, modified from the
standard MNR decay classes (see table below).
• In order to count as being within the transect, the DWD must have a diameter of at
least 2.5 cm within the transect area.
• DWD must be at least 30 cm long.
• DWD that is caught in low branches or lying at an angle should be counted only if it
can easily be dropped to the ground (ie: would have been lying on the ground if it
weren’t for branches holding it up).
Decay Class
MNR Decay Class
Bark
Twigs
Shape
Structure
Colour of Wood
Portion of log on
ground
Intact
1 and 2
Intact
Present or absent
Round
Intact
Original colour
elevated on
support points
Partially Decayed
3
Trace or Damaged
Absent
Round
Intact
Faded
sagging
Decayed
4 and 5
Absent
Absent
Round to Oval
Decaying
Faded
all on ground
Analysis
Data can be summarized by park staff if time permits; analysis can be completed by
zone office staff. Both Vegetation and Downed Woody Debris can be analyzed using an
ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), as they involve quantitative data. The experimental
treatments that we are looking for differences among are the distances from the
campsites: 10, 25, and 75m. There are 10 repetitions of each experimental treatment.
The response variables that we will conduct the analyses on are:
• Vegetation: Total # Native Plants, Total # Non-native Plants, Total # Shrubs/Saplings;
Totals by species
• Downed Woody Debris: Total # DWD (can break into decay classes and size classes
to see what type of debris is contributing most to differences)
The null hypothesis that we are testing is: There is no difference in the number of
(indicator species or pieces of DWD) among distances (10, 25, 75m) from the campsite.
Fauna
Amphibians, particularly salamanders and newts, are sensitive to forest understorey
condition and are easy to monitor. A general salamander survey has been initiated in
the park, including four plots in the woodlands campground. A detailed salamander
monitoring protocol has been developed by EMAN.
A preliminary survey of the monitoring sites has revealed little habitat available to
salamanders. However, if it is decided to initiate a more structured salamander
monitoring program in the Woodlands Campground, the EMAN protocol can be adopted.
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Such a protocol would involve laying two pieces of rough-cut lumber at the beginning,
mid-point, and end of each 10 m transect. There is a concern that these materials would
be collected by campers and used as firewood.
Forest bird monitoring has already been initiated in the park. The same standard
methods can be used to assess differences in bird fauna between the forest interior (>
100 m from a forest edge) and the campground areas.
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Table G-1. Locations and descriptions of Woodlands Monitoring Transects, established in 2006. Bearings are given without
declination.
Cmpst# 100m
10m
10m comments
25m
25m comments
75m
75m comments
line
bearing
bearing
bearing
bearing
616
89
175
Am Beech - large
172
Sugar Maple - med. age
177
Sugar Maple - large
angled to avoid road
ends just before central
edge
transect to avoid #614
617
356
80
Sugar Maple - med. age 98
115
Sugar Maple - dead
crossed main transect at
several trees have been
crossed main transect at
12 m to avoid campsite
cut and removed, soil very
76 m, large treefort
disturbed
nearby
623
18
87
124
Sugar Maple - large
ends near 13m and edge
crosses near 27 m
of campsite
625
293
22
22
starts close to 626 and
crosses at 77m
doesn't cross main
transect
630
281
352
Sugar Maple - large
31
Black Cherry - dead
starts at 24 m
660
35
143
Sugar Maple - small
140
Black Cherry - med. age
159
starts at 11m - tree has
human disturbance
evidence of dog tied to
evident
it?
662
287
23
Sugar Maple - large
12
29
doesn't cross main
starts at 27 m
transect
679
258
331
Red Oak - large
11
338
med. dead tree
begins on right and goes
through wet depression
to right to avoid campsite
and cedar
695
338
84
Sugar Maple - small
55
Red Oak - med. age
63
Red Oak - med. age
doesn't cross main
transect, starts at 2nd
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tree back
702
345
76
2009
Sugar Maple - med.
starts at 12 m
84
Sugar Maple - small
A-24
51
Sugar Maple - med.
IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE G – Restoration Implementation Plan
Intensive restoration is required in the former agricultural areas of the park in order to
recreate natural vegetation cover. In 2002, North-South Environmental Consultants were
contracted to prepare a restoration strategy for all former agricultural areas in the park. The
strategy provides an overview of areas requiring restoration in the park, vegetation history,
soils information, priorities for restoration, and general restoration methods.
Table G-1 provides a detailed schedule and overview for restoration, based on the
Sandbanks Restoration Plan (North-South Environmental 2003) and park staff input. This
table should be used as a guideline for planning restoration implementation as funds
become available. Financial and “manpower” assistance may be available from a variety of
sources. A knowledgeable supervisor will be required if volunteers are used. Once the
Phase I sites have been completed, similar methods can be applied to the remaining sites
as funding and assistance are available.
Methods described below constitute an adaptive management approach and are thought to
be the most likely to produce successful results over time. As each method is applied, it
should be monitored to determine its success before it is applied in a new section. If
necessary, methods can be modified based on observed outcomes.
Pits and Mounds
This technique is intended to mimic the natural pits and mounds, or “microtopography”,
found in forest ecosystems. If the physical makeup of the land can be restored less tree
planting will be required as species naturally seed in. There are many benefits to this
method:
• Facilitates natural regeneration and succession – seeds get trapped in pits, and
wildlife using area spread seeds (e.g. squirrels store seeds in mounds)
• Provides a variety of microhabitats and allows the landscape to store water
• Provides wide range of moisture conditions, increasing diversity
• Provides habitat and water for birds, mammals, frogs, salamanders, and
invertebrates
• Mounds are formed of open aerated soil and organic debris accumulates in pits
• Invasive non-native species are less likely to take over because they are habitat
generalists and are outcompeted by native species that are adapted to the various
microhabitat conditions
This method has been refined in New England and was used
in 2001 by the Nature Conservancy of Canada in a woodlot
and field area in southwestern Ontario (Clear Creek Forest),
where they have already seen many positive results. The
methods described below are adapted from the methods
used by these practitioners:
• Review old airphotos to determine natural topography
& drainage of site
• Determine drainage & request permits to block tile
beds from municipality if necessary
• Pits and mounds are created in the fall (preferably September-October) using an
earth mover with a large scooped blade (10 foot blade & 3 foot track) – doing the
work in the fall allows the earth to settle, organic matter to come into the site, and
water to collect before the next growing season
2009
A-25
•
•
•
•
•
Vary size and orientation to approximate natural landscapes – small pits and mounds
should be 3 – 5 m is diameter and 1 m deep, about 250 of each per hectare
Create several larger ponds per hectare – these will act as deep permanent pools
Leave a 5-10 m buffer near forest edge so roots of established trees are not
disturbed
An earth-mover can work approximately 6 hectares/day, at a rate of $500/day
Seed or plant as necessary or possible – see seeding & planting methods
Hedgerows
Hedgerows should be established around the perimeter of the restoration sites after the land
has been treated. These will help to create linkages in the landscape, act as a barrier to the
spread of invasive seeds, and improve microclimate conditions. This method is described
further in the North-South Environmental report, including appropriate species.
• Create hedgerows composed of native species of the area
• Use fast-growing tree species and caliper stock - will function as a hedgerow and
attain a height out of the reach of deer quicker
• Create 3 or 4 staggered rows of trees spaced approximately 3 m apart to provide a
barrier (the trees within each row should be placed every 1.5 m apart)
• Plant container/potted stock shrubs between each of the rows of trees, spaced
approximately 1 m apart
• Plant the trees early in the spring (April/May) following the planting method below
• Monitor survival of planted stock to determine appropriateness of species
• Use poplars, White Ash, Chokecherry, and sumac in areas close to salted roads
Detailed Planting Methods
Planting trees and shrubs on the sites will speed up the process of creating a continuous
canopy by initiating succession and acting as a seed source for continued regeneration.
Plant Selection
• Select trees and shrubs that:
Grow well in the open and have some deer resistance (e.g. oaks)
Sucker profusely (e.g. Trembling Aspen and Balsam Poplar)
Have heavy annual seed crop
Disperse seeds by birds (e.g. cherries and dogwoods) and wind (e.g. White Birch)
• Initially plant pioneer species that will help to condition the soil and provide shade for
shade tolerant species to grow later. Some climax species can also be mixed in or
added in subsequent years.
• Obtain the plant material from a local supplier (Appendix C).
• Bareroot or container/potted stock of plants can be purchased. The advantages and
disadvantages of each are outlined below.
Bareroot
Cheaper, easy to transport large quantities
Roots must be kept moist at all times
Must be planted when dormant in spring and
2009
Container/potted stock
More expensive, bulky and heavy to
transport
Can be stored easily
More flexible in planting times
A-26
fall
More difficult to plant (roots often curved, not
packed in tightly, holes not big enough,
incorrect depth)
Use only when planting with experienced staff
Easy to plant correctly
Use when planting with volunteers
Planting Plan
• Stake out planting locations beforehand, using the nucleation or matrix method.
Nucleation •
•
•
•
Matrix
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Establishment of nucleation clumps is a priority over the matrix plantings
as these will help seed the matrix areas and create uneven-aged stands.
Clumps should be placed on the mounds and be large enough to create
an enhanced microclimate (10-15 trees at 3m spacing).
Trees should be caliper size as these establish quicker, have more
visual impact, more drought tolerance, and are less susceptible to
herbivory and competition.
Shrubs should be planted in small groupings of 3 to 5 plants between the
trees with 1m spacing (approximately a shovel length).
Matrix plantings will help fill out the canopy.
Distribute plants throughout the restoration area at a spacing of 1.5m to
create a natural looking forest. These should not be in rows
Trees should be 2-4L pot size (~1m tall) or tall bareroot “whips” to
provide a balance between cost and adequate presence.
All woody species plantings should be conducted before June (preferred) or after August
(if necessary) to allow maximum establishment and growth of the plants and minimize
stress on them.
Water all trees and shrubs prior to planting to ensure adequate moisture for
establishment.
All plantings should have plastic tubing placed around the lower stem to reduce small
mammal damage and make it easier to locate plantings for future monitoring.
Wood chip mulch should be applied in a donut-shaped mound around each planting to
decrease competing vegetation and help to hold moisture in the soil.
Continuing care of the restoration site will be required in the first year or two, including
the following (can use volunteers):
Monitor for severe drought conditions that may require supplemental watering in July
Check for extensive deer browse damage that may require treatment (eg. deer
sprays, altered species list, etc)
Cut any extensive growth of competing vegetation away from the plantings – may
require addition of extra mulch in future years
Mechanically remove new invasive species from the site
Remove protective tubing as the trees outgrow them
Volunteer Involvement
Planting events are an excellent opportunity to involve volunteers in restoring the landscape.
Knowledgeable staff will be required to train and supervise volunteers to ensure quality
control. Some considerations when working with the volunteers are outlined below.
• Provide an overview of the purpose of restoration including anticipated successional
changes.
2009
A-27
•
•
•
•
Use container stock of all plants as they provide more consistent results. There is a
much greater likelihood that volunteers will incorrectly plant bareroot stock resulting in
higher mortality.
Lay out all plants in their intended locations in advance so that the species are placed in
their appropriate microsite conditions.
Conduct a demonstration planting to ensure that all volunteers are planting to the same
standard.
Perform a “tug test” on all trees to check the quality of each planting.
Seeding Method
Areas requiring intensive restoration or lacking a good seed source can be seeded. This
method is less expensive than planting and should be used whenever possible. This will be
particularly important in supplementing the matrix plantings. Partners or volunteers may be
interested in helping with seed collection.
• Seeds can be collected from on site but should never be more than 10% of the seed
from the population nor more than 10% from an individual plant.
• Clean and pre-treat the seeds prior to planting or provide them to a local grower to
propagate (see list in Appendix C). Seed may also be available in mixes from native
plant growers but ensure that no non-native or non-local species are included in the mix.
• The following species are known to successfully establish from seed with the appropriate
pre-planting requirements in order to break seed dormancy. There are some conflicting
opinions on the exact times of stratification but these are rough guidelines intended to
simulate winter.
Round-leaved and Alternate-leaved Dogwood – 90 days cold stratification
Green Ash – 90-120 days cold moist stratification
White Oak – none
Red Oak – 90 days cold stratification
Common Elderberry – 90 days cold stratification
• Seeding should occur in the spring when ample moisture is available for germination.
• Once a treed canopy has been established native herbaceous species can be
introduced as seed to encourage the growth of this understorey.
Monitoring and Adaptive Management
Follow-up monitoring is essential to this project, as subsequent restoration efforts
will be based on the successes and lessons learned during the initial phases.
Monitoring methods and stations can be set up by zone staff, and can be checked by trained
summer staff.
The location and abundance of all invasive species (particularly European Buckthorn,
Norway Maple,and non-native pines) should be recorded to allow control strategies to be put
in place according to Appendix D.
For all sites restored in the first phase, and sites where intensive restoration has taken
place, the following monitoring program should be followed. At subsequently restored sites
less detailed monitoring (tallies only) can take place. Results from this monitoring will
determine the success of restoration methods and needs for improvement. If different
experimental techniques are attempted the monitoring should be done to allow simple
statistical comparisons of techniques.
2009
A-28
•
•
•
A tally of all planted individuals should be conducted by species in the following
categories to determine total mortality of the planted material: healthy, mild damage
(some defoliation), medium damage (dead/broken leader), severe damage (only
epicormic branches), and dead.
Five plots measuring 10m by 10m should be permanently marked and the coordinates
determined by GPS within each restoration site to monitor the growth and survival of all
planted material. Within these plots:
Four photographs should be taken from the centre point of the plot looking out in
each of the cardinal directions.
Heights and diameters should be taken of each tree so that they can be tracked over
time.
Any new “volunteer” trees or shrubs that were not planted (ie: naturally established)
should be noted as such and measured as above.
Cover estimates should be made for each woody species within the plot as well as a
total percent cover of all woody species for the entire plot, as this provides an
indication of progress towards canopy closure.
A complete species list for the plot should be created to measure changes in plant
diversity. These data can be analyzed using an appropriate diversity index.
One 1m by 1m plot should be located in each of the four corners of the larger plot to
measure the percent cover of all herbaceous and graminoid species. Calculate
importance values for each species to note changes over time
Additional information should be recorded on water levels, wildlife use, damaging agents
(disease, insects, browse, etc.) and signs of disturbance.
Annotated Resources
Barry, W.J., A.S. Garlo, C.A. Wood. 1996. Duplicating the Mound-and-Pool
Microtopography of Forested Wetlands. Restoration and Management Notes
14:1, 14-21.
• provides construction details for pits and mounds method
Bellemare, J., G. Motzkin, and D.R. Foster. 2002. Legacies of the agricultural past in
the forested present: an assessment of historical land-use effects on rich
mesic forests. Journal of Biogeography 29: 1401 – 1420.
• describes effect of historical uses on soil chemistry, even when forest cover is reestablished – see fewer nutrient-demanding herbs with more recent disturbance
• forest herbs need to re-establish through seed-dispersal – dispersal method can affect reestablishment success, along with rates of seed production and establishment requirements
• establishment also depends on distance from primary forest and refugia (hedgerows)
• provides good species lists and seed dispersal classification
McLachlin, S.M. and D.R. Bazely. 2001. Recovery patterns of understorey herbs and
their use as indicators of deciduous forest regeneration. Conservation Biology
15: 98-110.
• describes microsite needs of native understorey herbs
Verheyen, K., O. Honnay, G. Motzkin, M. Hermy, and D.R. Foster. 2003. Response of
forest plant species to land-use change: a life-history trait-based approach.
Journal of Ecology 91: 563-577.
• describes how specific life-history traits of different species affect regeneration
2009
A-29
Silvics of North America
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/silvics_manual/table_of_contents.htm
An introduction to the use of native plants for restoration
http://www.nps.gov/plants/restore/pubs/intronatplant/toc.htm
2009
A-30
Table G-1. Details on specific techniques are provided in the Sandbanks Restoration
Strategy. Soils information was supplemented by conversations with Keith MacDonald.
Implementation will depend on resource availability. All methods should include follow-up
monitoring.
Site
A&B
Priority
phasing
I
Restoration
strategy
Long term
priority 1
Specific techniques
Notes on Current Condition
• Pits & mounds
• Hedgerows
• Pits & mounds
• Hedgerows
• Seeding and/or planting
• Invasive species removal
• Plough & disc to remove old
grass cover
• Pits & mounds
• Will be difficult to rehabilitate –
requires more research
•
•
•
•
•
C&D
I
Intensive
E&F
I
Long term
priority 1
H
II
Long term
priority 1
G, I, J
II
Long term
priority 1
K, L, M
III
Long term
priority 2
O
II
Intensive
N
ongoing
P
II
Q,R,S
III
Long term
priority 2
grass cover
• Hedgerows
T
ongoing
Natural
regeneratio
n
• Monitor for invasives
U
III
Long term
priority 2
grass cover
• Hedgerow on north edge
V
I
Long term
priority 1
• Invasive species removal
grass cover
Natural
Regenerati
on
Long term
priority
1/Intensive
grass cover where necessary
• Pits & mounds
• Hedgerow on north edge
• Hedgerows
• Might be a problem because of
poor soil – possible campground
grass cover
• Pits & mounds
• Hedgerows
• Seeding &/or planting
• Monitor for invasives
• Create pits & mounds as each
field retired
• Hedgerows
• Seeding &/or planting in NW
corner as possible or necessary
2009
Brighton sandy loam, 1-1.5m depth
Excellent farming soil
Last farmed 2000, row crop rotation
Brighton sandy loam, 0.6-1m depth
Last farmed 2001, row crop rotation
• Disturbed area of concern – invaded by
buckthorn
• Ameliasberg loam, 0.6-1m depth
• Surrounded by hedgerows
• Disturbed area of concern – past soil removal,
existing dump, red cedar & buckthorn invading
• Brighton gravelly sand 0.6-1m depth
• Darlington loam 0.6-1m depth
• Has natural hedgerows
• Last farmed 1995 wheat
• G-maples starting to move in
• K & L – Brighton gravelly sand, 0.6-1m depth
(poor soil)
• M – Athol sandy loam, 1-1.5m
• Last farmed 1990 hay
• Athol sandy loam & Darlington loam, depths
varying 0.6 to over 1.5 m
• Last farmed 1990 hay & 1995 row crop rotation
• Darlington loam, 1-1.5m depth
• Poor farming soil
• Last farmed 2001 alfalfa
• Athol sandy loam depth varies 1 - 1.5m
• Some good farming soil in middle of fields
• Zoned historic in mp, but old hedgerows pattern
no longer present
• Still partially in cultivation 2004 – row crop
rotation, lots of fertilizer & Roundup used
• Small sections near woodlot not farmed since
1990
• Athol sandy loam, depth varies 0.6 to 1.5m
• R&S – soils complex, ridge of limestone gravel
runs through field, other sections sandy loam
• R&S – last farmed 1995 wheat
• Q last farmed 1996 wheat, R, S last farmed 1995
wheat
• Athol sandy loam, depth 0.6-1m
• soil very gravelly & shallow, gets progressively
worse towards water
• Last farmed late 80’s
• Athol sandy loam, depth 0.6-1m
• Soil very gravelly & shallow, gets progressively
worse towards water)
• Last farmed 1992 hay
• Disturbed area of concern – invaded by
buckthorn
• Athol sandy loam
• Soils possibly better than U
• Last farmed late 80’s?
A-31
APPENDIX H – Sandbanks Species List
NHIC
Hidden Spike-moss
VB
S4
Field Horsetail
DC
S5
Equisetum variegatum
Variegated Horsetail
DC
S5
Botrychium virginianum
Rattlesnake Fern
JD
S5
Osmundaceae
Osmunda regalis
Royal Fern
JD
S5
Dennstaedtiaceae
Pteridium aquilinum
Bracken Fern
DC
S5
Thelypteridaceae
Thelypteris palustris
Marsh Fern
DC
S5
Dryopteridaceae
Athyrium filix-femina
Subarctic Lady-fern
JD
S5
Dryopteridaceae
Cystopteris bulbifera
Bulblet Fern
JD
S5
Dryopteridaceae
Cystopteris fragilis
Fragile Fern
JD
S5
Dryopteridaceae
Dryopteris carthusiana
Spinulose Shield Fern
JD
S5
Dryopteridaceae
Dryopteris goldiana
Goldie's Woodfern
JD
S4
Dryopteridaceae
Dryopteris intermedia
Evergreen Woodfern
DC
S5
Dryopteridaceae
Dryopteris marginalis
Marginal Wood-fern
DC
S5
Dryopteridaceae
Gymnocarpium dryopteris
Oak Fern
JD
S5
Dryopteridaceae
Matteuccia struthiopteris
Ostrich Fern
JD
S5
Dryopteridaceae
Onoclea sensibilis
Sensitive Fern
DC
S5
Dryopteridaceae
Polystichum acrostichoides
Christmas Fern
JD
S5
Polypodiaceae
Polypodium virginianum
Rock Polypody
JD
S5
Pinaceae
Abies balsamea
Balsam Fir
DC
S5
Pinaceae
Larix decidua*
European Larch*
x
SE2
Pinaceae
Larix laricina
American Larch
DC
S5
Pinaceae
Picea abies*
Norway Spruce*
DC
SE3
Pinaceae
Picea glauca
White Spruce
DC
S5
Pinaceae
Picea mariana
Black Spruce
DC
S5
Pinaceae
Pinus banksiana
Jack Pine
DC
S5
Pinaceae
Pinus mugo*
Mugo Pine*
x
SE1
Pinaceae
Pinus resinosa
Red Pine
DC
S5
Pinaceae
Pinus strobus
Eastern White Pine
DC
S5
Pinaceae
Pinus sylvestris*
Scotch Pine*
DC
SE5
Pinaceae
Tsuga canadensis
Eastern Hemlock
DC
S5
NHIC Scientific Name
NHIC Common Name
Selaginellaceae
Selaginella eclipes
Equisetaceae
Equisetum arvense
Equisetaceae
Ophioglossaceae
2009
Nonnative
VB
Invasive
Obs.
Family
COSSARO
This list is compiled from a variety of sources and should not be considered exhaustive. Most
records were taken from Norris and Cuddy (1990), who compiled their list from several sources.
Records in Norris and Cuddy that came only from Sandbanks Plant List and were not confirmed by
another biologist are not included as there were concerns about possible misidentifications.
Obs: Observers listed are the most recent observations by a recognized botanist or other reliable
source. DC = Norris and Cuddy (1990); JD = J. Dewey, Park Naturalist; VB = Brownell (1999), BC =
Bill Crins, Ontario Parks Senior Ecologist (field visit 2003), x = other (former inventories by Kathy
Lindsay, Ian MacDonald, Roland Beschel as cited in Norris and Cuddy 1990), miscellaneous field
inventories by Corina Brdar.
Invasive: Species with lower numbers (ie: higher ranks) are more invasive. Following Havinga, D. and
the Ontario Invasive Plants Working Group. 2000. Sustaining Biodiversity: A Strategic Plan for
Managing Invasive Plants in Southern Ontario.
COSSARO: Provincial Species At Risk designations.
Non-native: species that are not native to this part of Ontario.
VB: designations provided in Brownell 1999. E. Ont = rare in Eastern Ontario; LOL = rare in Lake
Ontario Lowlands physiographic region.
E.ont
X
X
X
2
A-32
X
Cupressaceae
Juniperus communis
Ground Juniper
DC
S5
Cupressaceae
Juniperus virginiana
Eastern Red Cedar
DC
S5
Cupressaceae
Thuja occidentalis
Eastern White Cedar
DC
S5
Taxaceae
Taxus canadensis
Canadian Yew
DC
S5
Aristolochiaceae
Asarum canadense
Canada Wild-ginger
x
S5
Nymphaeaceae
Nuphar variegata
Yellow Cowlily
DC
S5
Nymphaeaceae
Nymphaea odorata
American Water-lily
DC
S5
Ranunculaceae
Actaea pachypoda
White Baneberry
DC
S5
Ranunculaceae
Actaea rubra
Red Baneberry
DC
S5
Ranunculaceae
Anemone acutiloba
Liverleaf
x
S5
Ranunculaceae
Anemone cylindrica
Long-fruited Anemone
DC
S4
Ranunculaceae
Anemone virginiana var. riparia
River Anemone
DC
SU
Ranunculaceae
Aquilegia canadensis
Wild Columbine
DC
S5
Ranunculaceae
Caltha palustris
Marsh Marigold
DC
S5
Ranunculaceae
Ranunculus abortivus
Kidney-leaved Buttercup
x
S5
Ranunculaceae
Ranunculus acris*
Tall Butter-cup*
x
SE5
Ranunculaceae
Thalictrum dioicum
Early Meadowrue
x
S5
Berberidaceae
Podophyllum peltatum
May Apple
x
S5
Papaveraceae
Chelidonium majus*
Greater Celandine*
DC
SE5
Papaveraceae
Sanguinaria canadensis
Bloodroot
DC
S5
Fumariaceae
Dicentra cucullaria
Dutchman's Breeches
x
S5
Ulmaceae
Celtis occidentalis
Common Hackberry
x
S4
Ulmaceae
Ulmus sp.
Elm
x
Ulmaceae
Ulmus glabra*
Wych Elm*
DC
SE1
Urticaceae
Boehmeria cylindrica
False Nettle
x
S5
Urticaceae
Parietaria pensylvanica
Pennsylvania Pellitory
DC
S4
Urticaceae
Pilea pumila
Canada Clearweed
x
S5
Urticaceae
Urtica dioica ssp. gracilis
nil
DC
S5
Juglandaceae
Shag-bark Hickory
DC
S5
Juglandaceae
Carya ovata
Juglans cinerea
Butternut
DC
S3?
Fagaceae
Fagus grandifolia
American Beech
DC
S5
Fagaceae
Quercus alba
White Oak
x
S5
Fagaceae
Quercus macrocarpa
Bur Oak
x
S5
Fagaceae
Quercus rubra
Northern Red Oak
DC
S5
Betulaceae
Alnus incana ssp. rugosa
Speckled Alder
x
S5
Betulaceae
Betula alleghaniensis
Yellow Birch
DC
S5
Betulaceae
Betula papyrifera
Paper Birch
DC
S5
Betulaceae
Carpinus caroliniana
American Hornbeam
DC
S5
Betulaceae
Corylus cornuta
Beaked Hazelnut
DC
S5
Betulaceae
Ostrya virginiana
Eastern Hop-hornbeam
Chenopodiaceae
Chenopodiaceae
Chenopodium album(*)
Corispermum sp.
Chenopodiaceae
Portulaceae
x
S5
White Goosefoot
DC
SE5
Bugseed
VB
S1S3
Salsola kali*
Russian Thistle*
DC
SE5
Claytonia virginica
Narrow-leaved Spring Beauty
x
S5
Caryophyllaceae
Arenaria serpyllifolia*
Thyme-leaf Sandwort*
x
SE5
Caryophyllaceae
Silene vulgaris*
Bladdar Campion*
DC
SE5
Polygonaceae
Polygonum sp.(*)
nil
Polygonaceae
Polygonum amphibium
Water Smartweed
DC
S5
Polygonaceae
Rumex acetosella*
Sheep Sorrel*
DC
SE5
Polygonaceae
Rumex crispus*
Curly Dock*
DC
SE5
Clusiaceae
Hypericum majus
Larger Canadian St. John'swort
x
S5
2009
X
X
4
X
END
(x)
X
X
X
x
(x)
4
X
X
A-33
Clusiaceae
Hypericum perforatum*
St. John's-wort*
DC
SE5
Clusiaceae
Hypericum punctatum
Common St. John's-wort
DC
S5
Clusiaceae
Triadenum fraseri
Marsh St. John's-wort
DC
S5
Tiliaceae
American Basswood
DC
S5
Malvaceae
Tilia americana
Hibiscus moscheutos
x
S3
Violaceae
Viola adunca
Sand Violet
VB
S4S5
Violaceae
Viola pubescens
Downy Yellow Violet
x
S5
Cucurbitaceae
Echinocystis lobata
Wild Mock-cucumber
x
S5
Salicaceae
Populus balsamifera
Balsam Poplar
DC
S5
Salicaceae
Populus deltoides
Eastern Cottonwood
DC
S5
Salicaceae
Populus grandidentata
Large-tooth Aspen
DC
S5
Salicaceae
Populus tremuloides
Trembling Aspen
DC
S5
Salicaceae
Salix sp.(*)
Willow(*)
Salicaceae
Salix cordata
Sand Dune Willow
DC
S4S5
Salicaceae
Salix eriocephala
Heart-leaved Willow
VB
S5
Salicaceae
Salis exigua
Sandbar Willow
x
S5
Brassicaceae
Alliaria petiolata*
Garlic Mustard*
x
SE5
Brassicaceae
Alyssum alyssoides*
Pale Alyssum*
x
SE5
Brassicaceae
Arabis hirsuta
Hairy Rock-cress
DC
S5
Brassicaceae
Barbarea vulgaris*
Yellow Rocket*
x
SE5
Brassicaceae
Cakile edentula
American Sea-rocket
VB
S4
Brassicaceae
Capsella bursa-pastoris*
Common Shepherd's Purse*
DC
SE5
Brassicaceae
Cardamine concatenata
Cutleaf Toothwort
DC
S5
Brassicaceae
Pennsylvania Bitter-cress
DC
S5
Brassicaceae
Cardamine pensylvanica
Cardamine X maxima
nil
NC
S2S3
Brassicaceae
Thlaspi arvense*
Field Penny-cress*
DC
SE5
Ericaceae
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Bearberry
DC
S5
Monotropaceae
Monotropa hypopithys
American Pinesap
VB
S4
Primulaceae
Lysimachia ciliata
Fringed Loosestrife
x
S5
Primulaceae
Lysimachia terrestris
Swamp Loosestrife
DC
S5
Primulaceae
Trientalis borealis
Northern Starflower
x
S5
Grossulariaceae
Ribes cynosbati
Prickly Gooseberry
x
S5
Crassulaceae
Sedum acre*
Gold-moss*
DC
SE5
Saxifragaceae
Mitella diphylla
Two-leaf Bishop's-cap
x
S5
Saxifragaceae
Saxifraga virginiensis
Virginia Saxifrage
DC
S5
Rosaceae
Agrimonia gryposepala
Tall Hairy Groovebur
x
S5
Rosaceae
Amelanchier sp.
Serviceberry
x
Rosaceae
Crataegus sp.
Hawthorn
Rosaceae
Fragaria vesca
Woodland Strawberry
DC
S5
Rosaceae
Fragaria virginiana
Virginia Strawberry
DC
S5
Rosaceae
Geum aleppicum
Yellow Avens
DC
S5
Rosaceae
Geum canadense
White Avens
DC
S5
Rosaceae
Malus sp.(*)
nil
Rosaceae
Potentilla anserina
Silverweed
DC
S5
Rosaceae
Potentilla argentea*
Potentilla paradoxa
Silvery Cinquefoil*
DC
SE5
Rosaceae
Bushy Cinquefoil
NC
S3
Rosaceae
Potentilla recta*
Sulphur Cinquefoil*
DC
SE5
Rosaceae
Prunus pumila var. pumila
Sand Cherry
VB
S4?
Rosaceae
Prunus serotina
Wild Black Cherry
DC
S5
Rosaceae
Prunus virginiana
Choke Cherry
DC
S5
Rosaceae
Pyrus communis*
Common Pear*
DC
SE4
Rosaceae
Rosa acicularis
Prickly Rose
DC
S5
Rosaceae
Rosa blanda
Smooth Rose
x
S5
2009
Swamp Rose-mallow
4
X
SC
E.Ont
x
(x)
LOL
1
X
X
3
X
E.Ont
X
E.Ont
X
LOL
X
x
x
(x)
X
X
E.Ont
X
A-34
Rosaceae
Rosa multiflora*
Rambler Rose*
DC
SE4
Rosaceae
Rosa rugosa*
Rugosa Rose*
x
SE1
Rosaceae
Rubus idaeus ssp.
melanolasius
Wild Red Raspberry
DC
S5
Rosaceae
Rubus occidentalis
Black Raspberry
DC
S5
Rosaceae
Rubus odoratus
Purple Flowering Raspberry
DC
S5
Fabaceae
Astragalus canadensis
Canadian Milkvetch
DC
S4
Fabaceae
Coronilla varia*
Common Crown-vetch*
DC
SE5
Fabaceae
Desmodium canadense
Showy Tick-trefoil
DC
S4
Fabaceae
Lathyrus japonicus
Beach Pea
DC
S4
Fabaceae
Lathyrus maritimus
Beach Pea
VB
?
Fabaceae
Lathyrus palustris
Vetchling Peavine
DC
S5
Fabaceae
Lotus corniculatus*
Birds-foot Trefoil*
DC
SE5
2
X
Fabaceae
Medicago lupulina*
Black Medic*
x
SE5
4
X
Fabaceae
Medicago sativa*
Alfalfa*
DC
SE5
Fabaceae
Melilotus alba*
White Sweet Clover*
DC
SE5
2
X
Fabaceae
Robinia pseudo-acacia*
Black Locust*
x
SE5
2
X
Fabaceae
Trifolium aureum*
Yellow Clover*
x
SE5
Fabaceae
Trifolium hybridum*
Alsike Clover*
DC
SE5
Fabaceae
Trifolium repens*
White Clover*
DC
SE5
4
X
Fabaceae
Vicia cracca*
Tufted Vetch*
DC
SE5
2
X
Elaeagnaceae
Shepherdia canadensis
Canada Buffalo-berry
x
S5
Haloragaceae
Myriophyllum spicatum*
Eurasian Water-milfoil*
x
SE5
Haloragaceae
Proserpinaca palustris
Marsh Mermaid-weed
VB
S4
Lythraceae
Decodon verticillatus
Hairy Swamp Loosestrife
DC
S5
Lythraceae
Lythrum salicaria*
Purple Loosestrife*
DC
SE5
Onagraceae
Circaea lutetiana
Southern Broadleaf Enchanter's
Nightshade
DC
S5
Onagraceae
Epilobium angustifolium
Fireweed
DC
S5
Onagraceae
Oenothera biennis
Common Evening-primrose
DC
S5
Onagraceae
Oenothera parviflora
Northern Evening-primrose
DC
S4?
Cornaceae
Cornus alternifolia
Alternate-leaf Dogwood
DC
S5
Cornaceae
Cornus foemina ssp. racemosa
Stiff Dogwood
DC
S5
Cornaceae
Cornus rugosa
Roundleaf Dogwood
DC
S5
Cornaceae
Cornus stolonifera
Red-osier Dogwood
DC
S5
Viscaceae
Arceuthobium pusillum
Dwarf Mistletoe
VB
S5
Celastraceae
Celastrus scandens
Climbing Bittersweet
DC
S5
Euphorbiaceae
Chamaesyce polygonifolia
Seaside Spurge
VB
S4
Rhamnaceae
Rhamnus cathartica*
Buckthorn*
DC
SE5
Vitaceae
Parthenocissus vitacea
Virginia Creeper
DC
S5
Vitaceae
Vitis riparia
Riverbank Grape
DC
S5
Aceraceae
Acer negundo
Box Elder
DC
S5
Aceraceae
Acer rubrum
Red Maple
DC
S5
Aceraceae
Acer saccharinum
Silver Maple
DC
S5
Aceraceae
Acer saccharum
Sugar Maple
DC
S5
Aceraceae
Acer saccharum ssp. nigrum
Black Maple
x
S4?
Aceraceae
Acer spicatum
Mountain Maple
DC
S5
Anacardiaceae
Rhus glabra
Smooth Sumac
DC
S5
Anacardiaceae
Rhus radicans
Poison Ivy
DC
S5
Anacardiaceae
Rhus typhina
Staghorn Sumac
DC
S5
Geraniaceae
Geranium maculatum
Wild Crane's-bill
DC
S5
Geraniaceae
Geranium robertianum*
Herb-robert*
DC
SE5
Balsaminaceae
Impatiens capensis
Spotted Jewel-weed
DC
S5
2009
1
X
X
1
X
E.Ont
X
X
X
E.Ont
1
X
E.Ont
E.Ont
1
X
1
X
A-35
Araliaceae
Aralia nudicaulis
Wild Sarsaparilla
x
S5
Araliaceae
Aralia racemosa
American Spikenard
x
S5
Apiaceae
Cicuta bulbifera
Bulb-bearing Water-hemlock
DC
S5
Apiaceae
Daucus carota*
Wild Carrot*
DC
SE5
Apiaceae
Heracleum lanatum
Cow-parsnip
VB
S5
Apiaceae
Osmorhiza claytonii
Hairy Sweet-cicely
DC
S5
Apiaceae
Pastinaca sativa*
Wild Parsnip*
DC
SE5
Apiaceae
Sanicula marilandica
Black Snake-root
DC
S5
Gentianaceae
Gentianopsis crinita
Fringed Gentian
x
S5
Apocynaceae
Apocynum androsaemifolium
Spreading Dogbane
DC
S5
Asclepiadaceae
Asclepias incarnata
Swamp Milkweed
DC
S5
Asclepiadaceae
Asclepias syriaca
Kansas Milkweed
DC
S5
Asclepiadaceae
Asclepias tuberosa
Butterfly Milkweed
NC
S4
Asclepiadaceae
Cynanchum rossicum*
European Swallow-wort*
x
Solanaceae
Solanum dulcamara*
Climbing Nightshade*
Convolvulaceae
Calystegia sepium
Hedge Bindweed
Convolvulaceae
Convolvulus arvensis*
Polemoniaceae
Phlox divaricata
Hydrophyllaceae
Hydrophyllum virginianum
John's Cabbage
DC
S5
Boraginaceae
Cynoglossum officinale*
Common Hound's-tongue*
DC
SE5
X
Boraginaceae
Common Viper's-bugloss*
DC
SE5
X
Boraginaceae
Echium vulgare*
Lithospermum canescens
Hoary Puccoon
NC
S3
Boraginaceae
Lithospermum caroliniense
Plains Puccoon
VB
S3
Boraginaceae
Lithospermum officinale*
European Gromwell*
DC
SE5
Phrymaceae
Phryma leptostachya
Lopseed
DC
S4S5
Verbenaceae
Verbena hastata
Blue Vervain
DC
S5
Verbenaceae
Verbena simplex
Narrow-leaved Vervain
DC
S4
Lamiaceae
Galeopsis tetrahit*
Brittle-stem Hempnettle*
DC
SE5
X
Lamiaceae
Leonurus cardiaca*
Common Motherwort*
DC
SE5
X
Lamiaceae
Lycopus americanus
American Bugleweed
DC
S5
Lamiaceae
Lycopus europaeus*
European Bugleweed*
x
SE5
Lamiaceae
Lycopus uniflorus
Northern Bugleweed
x
S5
Lamiaceae
Mentha arvensis
Corn Mint
DC
S5
Lamiaceae
Mentha X piperita*
Pepper Mint
DC
SE4
Lamiaceae
Monarda fistulosa
Wild Bergamot Bee-balm
DC
S5
Lamiaceae
Nepeta cataria*
Catnip*
DC
SE5
Lamiaceae
Prunella vulgaris(*)
Self-heal
DC
S5
Lamiaceae
Scutellaria galericulata
Hooded Skullcap
DC
S5
Lamiaceae
Scutellaria lateriflora
Mad Dog Skullcap
DC
S5
Lamiaceae
Stachys hispida
Hispid Hedge-nettle
DC
S4S5
Lamiaceae
Teucrium canadense
American Germander
DC
S5
Plantaginaceae
Plantago major*
Nipple-seed Plantain*
DC
SE5
Oleaceae
Fraxinus americana
White Ash
DC
S5
Oleaceae
Fraxinus nigra
Black Ash
x
S5
Oleaceae
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Green Ash
DC
S5
Oleaceae
Syringa vulgaris*
Common Lilac*
x
SE5
Scrophulariaceae
Agalinis paupercula
Small-flowered Agalinis
x
S4S5
Scrophulariaceae
Agalinis tenuifolia
Slender Agalinus
VB
S4S5
Scrophulariaceae
Chaenorrhinum minus*
Common Dwarf Snapdragon*
DC
SE5
Scrophulariaceae
Linaria vulgaris*
Butter-and-eggs*
DC
SE5
Scrophulariaceae
Mimulus ringens
Square-stem Monkeyflower
DC
S5
Scrophulariaceae
Penstemon hirsutus
Hairy Beardtongue
DC
S4
Scrophulariaceae
Rhinanthus minor
Little Yellow-rattle
x
S4
2009
X
E.Ont
3
X
SE5
1
X
DC
SE5
3
X
DC
S5
Field Bindweed*
x
SE5
3
X
Wild Blue Phlox
x
S4
E.Ont
X
3
X
4
X
4
X
(X)
X
2
X
LOL
X
4
A-36
X
Scrophulariaceae
Verbascum thapsus*
Great Mullein*
Orobanchaceae
Epifagus virginiana
Beechdrops
DC
SE5
x
S5
Lentibulariaceae
Utricularia intermedia
Lentibulariaceae
Utricularia minor
Lentibulariaceae
Flatleaf Bladderwort
DC
S5
Lesser Bladderwort
VB
S5
Utricularia vulgaris
Greater Bladderwort
DC
S5
Campanulaceae
Campanula aparinoides
Marsh Bellflower
DC
S5
Campanulaceae
Campanula rotundifolia
American Harebell
DC
S5
Campanulaceae
Lobelia kalmii
Kalm's Lobelia
DC
S5
Rubiaceae
Galium sp.
Bedstraw
Rubiaceae
Galium triflorum
Sweet-scent Bedstraw
DC
S5
Rubiaceae
Hedyotis longifolia
Longleaf Bluets
VB
S4?
Caprifoliaceae
Diervilla lonicera
Northern Bush-honeysuckle
x
S5
Caprifoliaceae
Linnaea borealis
Twinflower
DC
S5
Caprifoliaceae
Lonicera canadensis
American Fly-honeysuckle
x
S5
Caprifoliaceae
Lonicera dioica
Mountain Honeysuckle
DC
S5
Caprifoliaceae
Lonicera tartarica*
Tartarian Honeysuckle*
DC
SE5
Caprifoliaceae
Sambucus canadensis
Common Elderberry
DC
S5
Caprifoliaceae
Sambucus racemosa ssp.
pubens
Red Elderberry
DC
S5
Caprifoliaceae
Viburnum acerifolium
Maple-leaf Viburnum
DC
S5
Caprifoliaceae
Viburnum lentago
Nannyberry
DC
S5
Asteraceae
Achillea millefolium(*)
Yarrow
DC
S5
Asteraceae
Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Annual Ragweed
DC
S5
Asteraceae
Anaphalis margaritacea
Pearly Everlasting
DC
S5
Asteraceae
Antennaria neglecta
Field Pussytoes
DC
S5
Asteraceae
Arctium minus*
Lesser Burdock*
DC
SE5
X
Asteraceae
Artemisia biennis*
Biennial Wormwood*
x
SE5
X
Asteraceae
Artemisia campestris
Pacific Wormwood
DC
S5
Asteraceae
Bidens cernua
Nodding Beggar-ticks
DC
S5
Asteraceae
Bidens frondosa
Devil's Beggar-ticks
DC
S5
Asteraceae
Chrysanthemum
leucanthemum*
Oxeye Daisy*
DC
SE5
Asteraceae
Cichorium intybus*
Chicory*
DC
SE5
Asteraceae
Cirsium arvense*
Creeping Thistle*
DC
SE5
Asteraceae
Conyza canadensis
Fleabane
x
S5
Asteraceae
Erechtites hieracifolia
Fireweed
x
S5
Asteraceae
Erigeron annuus
White-top Fleabane
DC
S5
Asteraceae
Erigeron philadelphicus
Philadelphia Fleabane
DC
S5
Asteraceae
Erigeron strigosus
Daisy Fleabane
DC
S5
Asteraceae
Eupatorium maculatum
Spotted Joe-pye Weed
DC
S5
Asteraceae
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Common Boneset
DC
S5
Asteraceae
Eupatorium rugosum
White Snakeroot
DC
S5
Asteraceae
Eurybia macrophylla
Large-leaf Wood-aster
DC
S5
Asteraceae
Euthamia graminifolia
Flat-top Fragrant-golden-rod
DC
S5
Helianthus strumosus
Pale-leaf Sunflower
DC
S5
Hieracium aurantiacum*
Orange Hawkweed*
DC
SE5
Hieracium pilosella*
Mouseear*
DC
SE5
Inula helenium*
Elecampane Flower*
DC
SE5
4
X
x
S5
X
x
DC
S5
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Petasites frigidus*
Asteraceae
Prenanthes altissima
Tall Rattlesnake-root
Asteraceae
Solidago caesia
Bluestem Goldenrod
DC
S5
Solidago flexicaulis
Broad-leaved Goldenrod
DC
S5
2009
E.Ont
x
Sweet Coltsfoot
Asteraceae
X
E.Ont
1
X
(x)
X
X
1
X
3
X
X
A-37
Asteraceae
Solidago nemoralis ssp.
decemflora
Gray-stemmed Goldenrod
Asteraceae
Solidago ptarmicoides
Prairie Goldenrod
Asteraceae
Symphyotrichum boreale
Rush Aster
Asteraceae
Symphyotrichum cordifolium
Heart-leaf Aster
DC
S5
Asteraceae
Symphyotrichum ericoides
White Heath Aster
DC
S5
Asteraceae
Symphyotrichum lanceolatum
Panicled Aster
DC
S5
Asteraceae
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
New England Aster
DC
S5
Asteraceae
Taraxacum officinale*
Brown-seed Dandelion*
DC
SE5
X
Asteraceae
Meadow Goat's-beard*
DC
SE5
X
Alismataceae
Tragopogon pratensis*
Alisma gramineum - S3S4
Grass-leaved Water-plantain
VB
S3S4
Alismataceae
Alisma triviale
Northern Water-plantain
DC
S5?
Alismataceae
Sagittaria latifolia
Broadleaf Arrowhead
DC
S5
Hydrocharitaceae
Elodea canadensis
Broad Waterweed
DC
S5
Hydrocharitaceae
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae*
European Frogbit*
DC
SE5
Juncaginaceae
Triglochin maritimum
Common Bog Arrow-grass
DC
S5
Juncaginaceae
Triglochin palustre
Slender Bog Arrow-grass
VB
S5
Potamogetonaceae
Potamogeton crispus*
Curly Pondweed*
DC
SE5
Potamogetonaceae
Potamogeton gramineus
Grassy Pondweed
DC
S5
Najadaceae
Najas flexilis
Slender Naiad
DC
S5
Araceae
Arisaema triphyllum
Jack-in-the-pulpit
DC
S5
Lemnaceae
Lemna minor
Lesser Duckweed
DC
S5
Juncaceae
Juncus balticus
Baltic Rush
DC
S5
Juncaceae
Juncus brachycephalus
Small-head Rush
VB
S4S5
Juncaceae
Juncus brevicaudatus
Narrow-panicled Rush
DC
S5
Juncaceae
Juncus bufonius
Toad Rush
DC
S5
Cyperaceae
Carex aquatilis
Water Sedge
DC
S5
Cyperaceae
Carex aurea
Golden-fruited Sedge
DC
S5
Cyperaceae
Carex comosa
Bristly Sedge
DC
S5
Cyperaceae
Carex crawei
Crawe Sedge
VB
S4
Cyperaceae
Carex flava
Yellow Sedge
DC
S5
Cyperaceae
Carex garberi
Elk Sedge
VB
S4
Cyperaceae
Carex lasiocarpa
Slender Sedge
DC
S5
Cyperaceae
Carex pellita
Woolly Sedge
BC
S5
Cyperaceae
Carex pensylvanica
Pennsylvania Sedge
DC
S5
Cyperaceae
Carex rosea
Rosy Sedge
DC
S5
Cyperaceae
Carex viridula
Little Green Sedge
DC
S5
Cyperaceae
Cladium mariscoides
Twig Rush
DC
S5
Cyperaceae
Cyperus bipartitus
Umbrella Sedge
VB
S5
Cyperaceae
Cyperus esculentus
Chufa Flat-sedge
DC
S5
Cyperaceae
Cyperus odoratus
Rusty Flatsedge
VB
S5
Cyperaceae
Dulichium arundinaceum
Three-way Sedge
DC
S5
Cyperaceae
Eleocharis compressa
Flat-stemmed Spike-rush
KL
S4
Cyperaceae
Eleocharis elliptica
Slender Spike-rush
VB
S5
E.Ont
Cyperaceae
Eleocharis pauciflora
Fewflower Spikerush
VB
S5
E.Ont
Cyperaceae
Capillary Beakrush
DC
S4?
Cyperaceae
Rhynchospora capillacea
Scleria verticillata -S3
Low Nutrush
VB
S3
Poaceae
Agrostis hyemalis
Winter Bentgrass
KL
S1
Poaceae
Agrostis stolonifera
Spreading Bentgrass
DC
S5
Poaceae
Alopecurus aequalis
Ammophila breviligulata
Short-awn Foxtail
DC
S4S5
Poaceae
American Beachgrass
VB
S3
Poaceae
Andropogon gerardii
Big Bluestem
DC
S4
Poaceae
Bromus inermis
Awnless Brome
DC
S5
2009
VB
S1S2
x
S5
DC
S5
1
X
1
X
E.Ont
E.Ont
E. Ont
E. Ont
LOL
E.Ont
A-38
Poaceae
Calamagrostis canadensis
Canada Blue-joint
DC
S5
Poaceae
Calamovilfa longifolia var.
magna
Sand Reed Grass
VB
S3
Poaceae
Dactylis glomerata*
Orchard Grass*
DC
SE5
Poaceae
Danthonia spicata
Poverty Oatgrass
x
S5
Poaceae
Echinochloa crusgalli*
Barnyard Grass*
DC
SE5
Poaceae
Elymus canadensis
Nodding Wild-rye
DC
S4S5
Poaceae
Festuca rubra
Red Fescue
DC
S5
Poaceae
Festuca saximontana
Rocky Mountain Fescue
VB
S4
Poaceae
Muhlenbergia mexicana
Mexican Muhly
DC
S5
Poaceae
Panicum capillare
Old Witch Panic-grass
DC
S5
Poaceae
Panicum flexile
Wiry Witch Grass
DC
S4
Poaceae
Panicum virgatum
Old Switch Panic Grass
VB
S4
Poaceae
Phalaris arundinacea
Reed Canary Grass
DC
S5
Poaceae
Phleum pratense*
Meadow Timothy*
DC
SE5
X
Poaceae
Poa compressa*
Canada Bluegrass*
DC
SE5
X
Poaceae
Poa nemoralis*
Woods Bluegrass*
DC
SE3
Poaceae
Poa pratensis
Kentucky Bluegrass
DC
S5
Poaceae
Schizachne purpurascens
Purple Oat
DC
S5
Poaceae
Schizachyrium scoparium
Little Bluestem
VB
S4
LOL
Poaceae
Sorghastrum nutans
Yellow Indian-grass
VB
S4
LOL
Poaceae
Sporobolus cryptandrus
Sand Dropseed
VB
S4
E.ont
Poaceae
Sporobolus neglectus
Small Dropseed
DC
S4
Poaceae
Zizania aquatica
Indian Wild Rice
DC
S4
Sparganiaceae
Sparganium eurycarpum
Large Bur-reed
DC
S5
Typhaceae
Typha angustifolia*
Narrow-leaved Cattail
DC
SE5
Typhaceae
Typha latifolia
Broad-leaf Cattail
DC
S5
Pontederiaceae
Heteranthera dubia
Grassleaf Mud-plantain
DC
S5
Pontederiaceae
Pontederia cordata
Pickerel Weed
DC
S5
Liliaceae
Erythronium americanum
Yellow Trout-lily
x
S5
Liliaceae
Maianthemum canadense
Wild-lily-of-the-valley
x
S5
Liliaceae
Maianthemum racemosum ssp.
racemosum
False Solomon's-seal
DC
S5
Liliaceae
Maianthemum stellatum
Starflower False Solomon'sseal
DC
S5
Liliaceae
Polygonatum pubescens
Downy Solomon's-seal
DC
S5
Liliaceae
Trillium grandiflorum
Large-flower Trillium
DC
S5
Liliaceae
Uvularia grandiflora
Large-flowered Bellwort
Iridaceae
Iris pseudacorus*
Iridaceae
x
S5
Yellow Iris*
DC
SE3
Iris versicolor
Blueflag
DC
S5
Orchidaceae
Calypso bulbosa
Fairy Slipper
NC
S4S5
Orchidaceae
Early Coralroot
VB
S5
Orchidaceae
Corallorhiza trifida
Cypripedium arietinum
Ram's-head Lady's-slipper
NC
S3
Orchidaceae
Epipactis helleborine*
Eastern Helleborine*
DC
SE5
Orchidaceae
Liparis loeselii
Loesel's Twayblade
DC
S4S5
Orchidaceae
Spiranthes cernua
Nodding Ladies'-tresses
x
S5
Orchidaceae
Spiranthes romanzoffiana
Hooded Ladies'-tresses
VB
S5
2009
3
X
X
E.Ont
E.Ont
5
X
4
X
E.Ont
X
A-39

Sandbanks Draft Veg Mgmt Plan

Transcription

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