Charleston Lake Background Information, Issues and Plan Alternatives

Transcription

1 Charleston Lake Background Information, Issues and Plan Alternatives

2 2002, Queen s Printer for Ontario Printed in Ontario, Canada Additional copies of this publication are available at no charge from the Ministry of Natural Resources at the Charleston Lake Provincial Park office or by mail from: Park Superintendent Charleston Lake Provincial Park 148 Woodvale Road Lansdowne, Ontario K0E 1L0 (613) ISBN X

3 - i - Approval Statement I am pleased to approve the Charleston Lake Provincial Park Background Information, Issues and Plan Alternatives document as part of Stage 2 of the management planning process for the park. The issues and associated proposed policy or plan alternatives outlined in this document reflect the intent of Ontario Parks to protect the natural and cultural features of Charleston Lake Provincial Park, and maintain and develop high quality opportunities for outdoor recreation and heritage appreciation for both residents of Ontario and visitors to the province. Following public review of this document, draft policies will be refined and a Preliminary Park Management Plan prepared for the park as Stage 3 of this management planning process. Original signed 07 February 2002 Adair Ireland-Smith Managing Director Ontario Parks February 2002

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5 - ii - Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction Why a Management Plan? The Park and its Region Charleston Lake s Setting Why is Charleston Lake Special? Access/Transportation Routes Population Centres Land Use UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve Planning Area Neighbouring Lands and Ecosystem Management Land Tenure The Park and greater Charleston Lake area - Who s in Charge? Existing Park Facilities Social and Economic Benefits Important Benefits to Communities, the Province and Society Economic Impacts (Benefits from expenditures) Park and Visitor Spending 1998/ Natural and Cultural Resources Climate Earth Science Features Geology and Geomorphology Watersheds Life Science Features Species at Risk Vegetation Fire Management Fauna Blue Mountain ANSI Waterbodies Cultural Resources Aboriginal Use Post European Settlement Education and Research Recreation Sport Hunting and Snowmobiling in the Blue Mountain area Commercial Activities Markets and Use Constraint and Capability Analysis Special Features and Sensitive Areas A Policy for Charleston Lake Provincial Park Classification Park Goal Objectives Zoning Policy Issues and Alternatives Potential Crown land additions (Leeder Block) Park Boundary Delineation Access to Blue Mountain Area...30

6 - iii Recreational Activities Hunting Snowmobiling All terrain and off road vehicles Boating Mountain Biking Trails Campground Development Management and use of park islands Management of Cultural Resources Management of Natural Resources Species at Risk Vegetation management Fisheries Management Invasive Species and Animal Population Management Charleston Lake Watershed Health UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve Park staff activities: fire suppression, search and rescue, enforcement Key References...36 List of Figures Figure 1. Regional Setting Figure 2. Planning Area. 7 Figure 3. Existing Park Facilities.. 10 Figure 4. Park User Participation in Activities 1996 and Figure 5. Current Zoning Based on 1978 Master Plan 27 List of Tables Table 1. Populations in Local Communities... 5 Table 2. Average Temperature and Precipitation for 2 Climatic Stations. 12 Table 3. Averaged Park Statistics 1976 to

7 Introduction Charleston Lake Provincial Park was regulated as a Natural Environment class provincial park in Planning and management policies for provincial parks state that Natural Environment class parks incorporate outstanding recreational landscapes with representative natural and historical features to provide high quality recreational and educational experiences. The initial impetus for the regulation of the park came in 1962, when an area landowner offered his property on Charleston Lake for sale to the provincial government in the Charleston Lake Provincial Park interests of establishing a wilderness recreation area. The parklands were acquired beginning in 1964 through an ARDA (Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Administration) agreement between provincial and federal governments. Between 1968 and 1970, design plans for the park were prepared with development proceeding in Camping commenced unofficially in 1973 with the official park opening occurring in At the time of regulation the park was comprised of an area of ha. A park master plan (now known as management plan ) was approved in 1978 as the official policy for the conservation, development and management of the area. In 1993, the Ontario Government s Keep It Wild initiative proposed regulating an area of Crown land on the eastern side of the lake, known as the Blue Mountain Reserve, and several Crown islands as provincial park lands. Following public consultations in 1994, the decision was made to add these Crown lands to the park. Regulation occurred in 1997, bringing the area of the park to ha. A minor boundary amendment approved in 1998 and regulated in 2001 resulted in a park boundary area of 2353 ha at the time of this management planning exercise. Ontario Parks is a branch of the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) that has been administering Ontario s provincial parks system since Ontario Parks plans, develops, and manages the provincial parks system. The goal of Ontario Parks is to ensure that Ontario s provincial parks protect significant natural, cultural and recreational environments, while providing ample opportunities for visitors to participate in recreational activities. 1.1 Why a Management Plan? Ontario Parks prepares management plans for individual provincial parks to outline how it will protect, develop, manage, and operate those parks. Management plans show how individual parks will contribute to achieving the objectives of the provincial parks system, and set out policies that will maintain or enhance that contribution over a 20 year period. A management plan is reviewed or amended as needed to ensure the continuing relevance of the existing information, and to provide the flexibility to accommodate changes required by new circumstances affecting the park. A master plan was approved for Charleston Lake Provincial Park in As outlined previously, the park has had a significant land base increase since 1978, in the form of the Blue Mountain area and Crown island additions. Since it is over 20 years old, the 1978 plan will be replaced by a new management plan following current planning practices and policies. This Background Information, Issues and Plan Alternatives document is

8 - 2 - designed to provide a concise overview of the features of the park, the lands regulated since 1978, the park planning policy outlined in the 1978 Master Plan, and a summary of the issues to be addressed through this plan review. For each issue, proposed policy or policy alternatives to ensure the long term protection, management and use of the park will be identified. 2.0 The Park and its Region 2.1 Charleston Lake s Setting Charleston Lake Provincial Park is situated on Charleston Lake, located in the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville in southeastern Ontario. The park includes lands in the municipal Township of Athens and Rear of Yonge and Escott, and the municipal Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands (geographic townships of Rear of Leeds and Landsdowne, Front of Leeds and Landsdowne and Front of Escott). The park is within the Kemptville District area of the Southcentral Region of the MNR, and is administered by the South Eastern Zone of Ontario Parks. Frontenac and Murphys Point Provincial Parks are within a 50 km radius, as well as several local Conservation Areas operated by the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority. To the south of the park along the St. Lawrence River are St. Lawrence Islands National Park and two Parks of the St. Lawrence, Ivy Lea Campsite and Browns Bay Day Use. The Rideau Canal system is to the west of the park, and the Thousand Islands section of the St. Lawrence River is to the south (Figure 1). The park is within the area of interest to the Rideau to St. Lawrence Chapter of the Algonquin to Adirondacks Conservation Association, and within the area of a proposed United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Biosphere Reserve. Located centrally in the Ottawa-Montreal- Toronto triangle, the park is an extremely popular destination and vacation site. Approximately 90,000 people visit the park each year. 2.2 Why is Charleston Lake Special? Charleston Lake Provincial Park is located on the Frontenac Axis, a southerly extension of the Precambrian or Canadian Shield that extends from Algonquin Park in Ontario to the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. The Frontenac Axis is characterized by shallow till and rock ridges, and is noticeably different from surrounding lands to the east and west, known as limestone plain, that have a relatively flat topography. The Frontenac Axis area consists of an undulating landscape, with relatively bare rock knobs interspersed with channels filled with clay. Charleston Lake Provincial Park Many lakes, streams and wetlands have formed in shallow depressions. The bare rock ridge of Blue Mountain is the highest elevation in the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands. Aboriginal peoples used the area for seasonal hunting, fishing and food gathering. Much of this area was settled in the 19 th century, but the shallow soil proved to be marginal farmland, and settlers were forced to augment their farm income with wood harvesting and maple syrup production.

9 - 3 - The Charleston Lake area has a unique mix of plant and animal species. Although at a quick glance the rugged topograpy and areas of mixed forest give it a northern appearance, this area of southeastern Ontario is within a tension zone. A tension zone is a term used to indicate an area where there is a particularly rapid transition of flora and fauna. In addition to climatic influences, Charleston s barren rock ridges are in many places interrupted by moist valleys underlain by marble, which has created areas of rich soil. This allows plant communities not generally found in this area to flourish. The area is predominantly forested, with a mix of northern coniferous species and deciduous species with more southern affinity. The Blue Mountain area of the park is within an area designated by the MNR as a provincially significant Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI), due to its earth and life science values. The landscape around Charleston Lake is well suited to outdoor recreation. In the 1860 s the area was a leisure retreat area, with people travelling to the lake from Ottawa, Toronto and upper New York State. Steam and sailing vessels were common on the lake s waters and there was excellent fishing. Today the lake remains a popular outdoor recreation area, supporting provincial, municipal and private parks and campgrounds. Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority Conservation Areas near the park include Eden Grove, Wiltse Wetland and Marble Rock. Landowners along the lake enjoy the scenic vistas and excellent swimming, fishing and other recreational activities. 2.3 Access/Transportation Routes The major transportation corridor route to the park from the east or west is the MacDonald Cartier Freeway (Highway 401). The park is located approximately 16 km north of Highway 401, via exit 659 to County Road 3. This exit is near the Village of Ivy Lee, just west of the Thousand Islands Bridge to the United States. Highway 15 is the other major route in the vicinity of the park, for visitors travelling from the north (Figure 1). A park sign is located at the intersection of County Road 3 and Woodvale Road, and directs users to the park entrance. The only designated entry point to the Blue Mountain area of the park is by water from Charleston Lake via the Huckleberry Hollow landing. There is evidence of entrance to this area via land by all terrain vehicle users, leading to concerns that include severe damage to hiking trails and sensitive features of the park, use of unauthorized entry points to the park, and tresspassing on private lands (section 6.0). 2.4 Population Centres No large towns or cities are located on Charleston Lake or adjacent to the park boundaries. The village of Charleston is located at the northern end of the lake, while at the southern extremity is the village of Outlet. There are cottage communities for both seasonal and annual use and private campgrounds along areas of the lake. The villages of Delta, Lansdowne and Athens are within 10 km of the park and along with Charleston and Outlet supply some services. The town of Gananoque is within 25 km, and is the nearest source of adequate community services. The city of Brockville is to the east of the park within a distance of 50 km, and Kingston is 60 km to the southwest. Although the population in the surrounding area is increasing, there were no significant changes in population growth over the past 10 years. A comparison of local populations from 1991 to 1996 and year 2028 population projections for Leeds and Greenville and the province are indicated in Table 1.

10 -4- Figure 1: Regional Setting # # # # # # U.S.A. 7 Kingston LAKE ONTARIO OTTAWA 417 Smiths Falls Brockville Gananoque 416 Morrisburg Canada MURPHYS POINT PROVINCIAL PARK 15 U.S.A. BON ECHO PROVINCIAL PARK SANDBANKS PROVINCIAL PARK LAKE ONTHE MOUNTAIN PROVINCIAL PARK SILVER LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK FRONTENAC PROVINCIAL PARK FITZROY PROVINCIAL PARK RIDEAU RIVER PROVINCIAL PARK CHARLESTONLAKE PROVINCIALPARK Charleston Lake km 7 Canada SHARBOT LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK International Boundary # Major Settlements Drainage Primary Highways Secondary Highways Railway Charleston Lake Provincial Park Provincial Parks (operating) County Boundaries Charleston Lake Provincial Park, Background Information, Issues & Plan Alternatives February 2002

11 Land Use Aside from the park lands, land ownership in the Charleston Lake area is predominately private. Because of the rugged topography of the area and marginal use as farmland, agricultural land use is interspersed with natural wooded and wetland areas. Rural land use is predominately pasture (dairy and beef cattle), limited cash crop, and managed woodland. There is a block of Crown land to the east of the park, known as the Leeder Block, that is approximately 750 ha in size. 2.6 UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve A nomination has been submitted for a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Biosphere Reserve designation of an area referred to as the 1000 Islands/Frontenac Axis region. This area has important natural and ecological values and supports a variety of economic, social and recreational activities. A Biosphere Reserve is a concept that, once expressed through official designation by UNESCO, permits local people to develop, promote and organize projects and activities linking conservation with social and economic development in their region. This proposal has been led by the Canadian Thousand Islands Heritage Conservancy with advice and recommendations from a Steering Committee made up of representatives of a wide variety of perspectives, interests, communities and organizations in the region. Charleston Lake is within this proposed Biosphere Reserve region, and the park is designated in the Biosphere Reserve nomination document as a core protected area. Park staff have membership on the Steering Committee, and Ontario Parks, South Eastern Zone has supplied a letter of support in-principle for the nomination, contingent upon broad support for the initiative from the diverse interests in the area. The Biosphere Reserve concept is one which encourages local people to engage in locally directed improvement of their communities, through voluntary cooperative action. The concept has been endorsed by most of the municipal, provincial and federal government authorities in the area. Table 1. Populations in Local Communities Population in 1991 Population in 1996 % change 1991 to 1996 Gananoque (Town) Cornwall (City) Ottawa (City) * Municipality of Brockville Municipality of Kingston Front of Escott (Twp) Front of Leeds and Lansdowne (Twp) Rear of Leeds and Lansdowne (Twp) Population 2028 Population % Increase Projection Leeds and Grenville 99, , Ontario 11,665,100 15,354, * includes Front of Yonge (Twp) and Rear of Yonge and Escott (Twp)

12 Planning Area The planning area includes all areas (2353 ha) regulated under the Provincial Parks Act as Charleston Lake Provincial Park as of November The regulated area is comprised of the original 909 ha park area regulated in 1975, the 1425 ha addition regulated in 1997, and a recent 19 ha minor boundary amendment. The regulated park area includes 46 islands or part islands within Charleston Lake. The planning area also includes approximately 750 ha of Crown lands to the north and east of the park, known as the Leeder Block (Figure 2). These lands are within the geographic Townships of Rear of Yonge and Escott and Front of Yonge. Kemptville District MNR has requested that this block of Crown land be considered for addition to the park. These lands are mainly wooded, including areas of deciduous and mixed forest with species compositions like those of the existing park, and plantation areas. Leeders Creek flows through the block, and there are small lakes and streams and many wetlands, both seasonal and permanent, throughout the area. These Crown lands include approximately 65 ha north of Leeders Creek, that was included in the planning area for the 1978 Master Plan, and is within the Blue Mountain ANSI boundary. The Crown land within the ANSI boundary is a high priority for addition to the park due to its recognized significance, and known value it would add to the park. The District will supply updated natural, cultural and recreational value information that will be required to assist with evaluating the suitability for addition of these lands to the park. Any recommendation for addition of these lands to the park would require approval in the Park Management Plan and would proceed through park boundary and District Land Use Guideline amendment requirements. 3.1 Neighbouring Lands and Ecosystem Management Ontario Parks is committed to an ecosystem management approach during park planning and management. The regulated park boundary is not a physical barrier separating the park from the surrounding landscape. Private lands within the Blue Mountain ANSI boundary are eligible for the Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program (CLTIP). Complementary land use approaches by owners of these properties benefit the natural heritage features of the entire ecosystem within the ANSI. Plans for park lands within the ANSI will be developed in consultation with the public, including the park s neighbours. Ontario Parks will share these plans for Charleston Lake Provincial Park lands with its neighbours throughout the planning process. This approach is a cooperative and participatory one, and does not imply provincial control on private property rights. Ontario Parks would not consider acquiring private land unless property that would enhance the values of the park is offered for sale by willing vendors. 3.2 Land Tenure The western area of the park (908.7 ha) includes the peninsula between Slack Bay and Runnings Bay, and a large block of land on the western shore of Runnings Bay. The park land located along the eastern shore of the lake is commonly referred to as the Blue Mountain area ( ha). The remaining park lands are comprised of entire or partial island holdings (131.6 ha) within Charleston Lake.

13 - 7 - Figure 2. Planning Area Charleston Lake Provincial Park Legend Planning Area Provincial Park Leeder Block Crown land Other Features Blue Mountain ANSI (Area of Natural and Scientific Interest) Road Charleston Lake Water feature Lake Wetland Watercourse N M This map is illustrative only. Do not rely on it as a precise indicator of routes, locations of features, nor as a guide to navigation. Copyright 2002 Queen's Printer for Ontario

14 - 8 - In 1964, land acquisitions for Charleston Lake Provincial Park commenced through the Federal ARDA program. A large block of land consisting of the peninsula between Slack Bay and Runnings Bay was the initial purchase after being offered for sale to the Ontario Government. Additional lands purchased on the western side of this area became the developed area of the park. The 1978 master plan recommended that Crown islands and Crown lands in the Blue Mountain area be included in the master plan for management purposes, but at the time these lands were not regulated as provincial park. In 1997, in an effort to afford these areas greater protection and detailed management, they were officially designated as parkland and regulated as such under the Provincial Parks Act. In October of 2001, a 19 ha area of land within the Blue Mountain area was added to the park in regulation. This 19 ha had been owned by Canadian National/ Canadian Pacific Railway, and was returned to the Crown. Presently, there are several privately owned cottages adjacent to the park along the shoreline. These properties would only be considered for park acquisition if offered to the province by willing vendors. 3.3 The Park and greater Charleston Lake area - Who s in Charge? There are several agencies that have jurisdiction over different aspects of Charleston Lake and the planning area, that in many instances work together cooperatively. In general, MNR Kemptville District has jurisdiction over the lake bed and waters of Charleston Lake. The Ontario Parks, South Eastern Zone of the MNR administers all lands and waters within the provincial park boundary regulated under the Provincial Parks Act, including the lakebed 30 m from all park mainland shorelines and 10 m from park island shorelines. The MNR Kemptville District office has responsibility for fisheries management and enforcement of regulations under the provincial Public Lands Act, and can be asked to comment on municipal planning matters by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. View from Mud Bay Commercial activities that occur on Charleston Lake are licensed through MNR Kemptville District. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is responsible for the management and protection of fish habitat under the federal Fisheries Act, and in the Charleston Lake area some components of this responsibility have been delegated to the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority and the MNR. The Ontario Provincial Police are responsible for search and rescue operations on land and water. The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority owns and maintains two public boat launch areas on Charleston Lake, one at the south end within the village of Outlet, and the other at the north end in the village of Charleston. The portage between Red Horse Lake and Donaldson Bay of Charleston Lake is located on Crown land and is maintained by the park. The water level of Charleston Lake is controlled by a dam at Outlet operated by Granite Power, formerly called Gananoque Light and Power Company.

15 Existing Park Facilities Figure 3 illustrates current facility development in the park. The park has: 7.6 km of roads, including the main road and campground and day use access roads 238 developed campsites, including 83 with electricity, grouped in three campgrounds 10 interior campsites (5 clusters) accessible only by hiking or watercraft 3 group campsites accommodating up to 120 campers day use parking area for about 80 cars 350-seat amphitheatre for natural heritage education programming boat launch at Boathouse Cove 150 m² Visitor Centre consisting of interpretive display area, Friends Nature Shop, and meeting area 8.5 km of interpretive trails throughout the west section of the park (Shoreline Centennial, Sandstone Island, Beech Woods, Hemlock Ridge Trails); and 12.6 km of hiking trails (Westside System, Quiddity Trail) including 500 m of barrier free trail, with 300 m of boardwalk. Winter ski trails consist of 2 km and 6 km intermediate loops. There is also an unmaintained trail to Blue Mountain that is accessible by water from a landing at Huckleberry Hollow, and is mostly within the park. drilled deep-well water distribution system, including a pump house comfort stations containing toilets, showers, and laundry facilities sewage treatment by septic systems, supplemented by pumpout of sewage from vault privies waste collection and recycling facilities located throughout park The 5 interior camping cluster sites, the picnic sites and the Westside System trails and Quiddity Trail are within a natural environment zone. All other development is within the Runnings Bay development zone identified in the 1978 plan. Interior campsite Suggestions from at least 10% of the campers or day users surveyed in 2000 were: ban motorized watercraft from beach/swimming area, better park maps/signs/info (new events/ attractions), repair/replace/add picnic table/benches/barbeques, great park/no changes, reduce park fees/day pass, clean washrooms/showers regularly. The following suggestions were made by 5 to 10% of users surveyed in 2000: more quiet zones/radio free areas/ban radios/ban car alarms, improve quality of firewood/availability of ice/cheaper, more washrooms/showers near beach, add or improve campsites/trails/level sites for RVs/drainage, add or improve store accessories/prices/drinking water, reduce or do not increase park fees/second vehicle fee, upgrade/add park facilities/expand park, improve quality of beach/swimming area, more/better playground facilities/kids programs.

16 Figure 3. Existing Park Facilities Charleston # Sheep Island # Deer Island # $ $ Buck Island Tallow Rock Bay Democrat Island Charleston Lake # # $ Big Bluff Island W oodvale Road Quiddity Trail/ Portage % Par k Bay West Tallow Rock Westside Trails % Tallow Rock Bay East P $ Shady Ridge Campground Gatehouse Meadowlands Par k Campground % % % Office Group Ca mp ing Mud Bay # Visitor Centre/ Friends Shop P % S lim Bay Canoe Launch P Runnings Bay Beech Woods Trail P $ Sandstone Beach Island Trail Bayside Campground Beach P # Hemlock Ridge Trail Shoreline Centennial Trail Boathouse Cove Boat Launch Croziers Island Huckleberry Hollow # 3 N Outlet Legend M Provincial Park Water features Trails Lake This map is illustrative only. Do not rely on it # Picnic sites Wetland as a precise indicator of routes, locations of $ Interior campsites Watercourse features, nor as a guide to navigation. Road Copyright 2002, Queen's Printer for Ontario

17 Social and Economic Benefits Provincial parks provide a wide range of social and economic benefits. While some of these benefits can be measured in economic terms, many cannot. 4.1 Important Benefits to Communities, the Province and Society There are many benefits which provincial parks and protected areas provide to local communities, the province and society in general that are not easily reported in economic terms. The following are a number of important benefits that demonstrate how parks support our quality of life: protection and contribution to ecological functions (water & soil production) protection of resource integrity (some of the last green spaces left in the province) health effects from use of parks (mental, physical, spiritual benefits) worker productivity (healthy and happy workers tend to be more productive - a visit to a provincial park can contribute) educational benefits (young and old learning about our environment) scientific benefits (research in provincial parks) international responsibilities to protect natural settings, features and wildlife business location decisions (quality of life/business) and community cohesion Communities with attractive waterfronts, low crime rates, varied recreational activities, and healthy environments are sought out by residents, businesses and tourists. The recreation opportunities and scenery within the park help make the local communities attractive to a variety of groups, including families and retirees who are seasonal or permanent residents, businesses, and tourists. The retirement community brings in pension income, which is often indexed to inflation and is recession proof. Municipalities receive payment in lieu of taxes on an annual basis for all acquired lands within the park. 4.2 Economic Impacts (Benefits from expenditures) Charleston Lake Provincial Park has a significant economic impact on the surrounding area. Economic impacts are measured based on expenditures, and are a way to track and demonstrate the flow of park and visitor expenditures in the economy. The following are economic impacts associated with park expenditures and the estimated visitor spending at Charleston Lake for the 1998/99 fiscal year Park and Visitor Spending 1998/99 The sum of the expenditures made by the park on operations and capital plus the average visitor trip expenditures (camper and day visitor) is called the initial expenditure. The estimated initial expenditure at Charleston Lake during fiscal 1998/99 was $2,199,992 million. A total of $440,611 was spent on park operations, and capital expenditures amounted to $113, Camper and day use visitor expenditures on items including food and beverages, fuel and transportation, attractions and entertainment totalled $1,566, Park operating and capital expenditures were taken from the unit cost analysis sheets. 2 Visitor expenditures for Charleston Lake are average expenditures for the South Eastern Zone and are taken from the 1998 Park User Survey.

18 Ontario Parks reports on 4 indicators of economic impact: Value Added, Provincial Gross Sales/Provincial Gross Output, Wages & Salaries, and Provincial Person Years of Employment. These terms are defined in the glossary for this document. Based on an initial expenditure of $2,119,992 the following impacts resulted at Charleston Lake (the figures indicate total economic effects (direct + indirect + induced effects)): Value Added = $2,827,491 million Provincial Gross Sales (or Provincial Gross Output) = $5,390,554 Wages & Salaries = $1,731,763 Provincial Person Years of Employment = 61 One of the best understood and concrete measures of the social and economic contribution of a park is the number of jobs supported. As noted above, the combined economic activity at Charleston Lake supports 61 person years of employment in the province each year. Park related spending provides the area with employment opportunities and contributes to a stable local economy and community. 5.0 Natural and Cultural Resources The diversity of plant and animal life, the lake s combination of coldwater and warmwater habitats and its attractive scenery have all contributed to making the park a significant protected area in many ways. 5.1 Climate Charleston Lake s climate is similar to other areas in southeastern Ontario, although elevation, abrupt topography, vegetation, and the proximity to small waterbodies and the St. Lawrence River all affect the local weather conditions. Generally, temperatures are pleasant for the appropriate seasonal activities, and while snowfall is often heavy, periods of mild temperatures often reduce snow cover greatly. The Lyndhurst data station operated by Environment Canada between 1976 and 1993 was located within the park. The mean temperature and precipitation at the Lyndhurst and Brockville stations are listed in Table 2. These averages are similar to the data interpolated from the Kingston and Brockville stations for the years 1941 to 1970, reported in the 1978 Master Plan. Table 2. Average Temperature and Precipitation for 2 Climatic Stations* Mean Daily Temperature ( C) Lyndhurst Station ( ) Brockville PCC Station ( ) Mean Total Mean Total Mean Daily Mean Total Rainfall (mm) Snowfall (cm) Temperature Rainfall (mm) January February March April May trace trace June July August September October November December Annual * data received from Environment Canada, Ontario Region Mean Total Snowfall (cm)

19 Earth Science Features The Charleston Lake planning area is situated on the Frontenac Axis, an extension of the Precambrian or Canadian Shield, which extends into the Adirondacks in New York State and divides the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Lowlands. Rocks of the Precambrian and Paleozoic periods are found in contact in the park. Soil deposits are coarse to medium sand with isolated areas of gravel till, fine sand, silt and clay. The soil covering is generally thin with much exposed bedrock. Drainage is generally poor throughout the area due to the thin soils overlaying bedrock and areas of bare rock ridges. Valleys between ridges are frequently wet as many such areas have no drainage channel. Located as it is on the Frontenac Axis, Charleston Lake has inherited the rugged character of the Canadian Shield. Extremely steep, rocky slopes follow much of the shoreline while inland the terrain is equally rugged with a system of abrupt ridges and valleys. This is particularly evident in the Blue Mountain area, the lands to the northwest of Runnings Bay, and on many of the park islands. These ridges and valleys tend to run from northeast to southeast. Blue Mountain is the highest point in the area, rising 108 m above Charleston Lake. There are steep cliff faces along much of the lake shoreline. The peninsula between Slack Bay and Runnings Bay is primarily a flat-lying sandstone plateau, which turns into gently rolling terrain in the south Geology and Geomorphology Rocks within the park represent two major geological time periods. Separated in age by millions of years, the rocks of the Precambrian era (quartzite, granites, metamorphic gneisses) are in contact with the relatively younger sandstones and conglomerates of the Paleozoic time period. During the Precambrian era, folding and refolding, intruding of fluids, metamorphism, and varying degrees of erosion occurred. Areas of granite and quartzite have resisted weathering and are typical of ridge areas. Valleys were formed as the softer marble was eroded. Paleozoic sediments were deposited over this terrain, but in most areas erosion and glacial action have removed these sandstones and limestones. This process has left the park area with a series of barren, or thinly soil-covered, rock ridges and valleys that generally possess deeper, richer soils. Lenses of clay are occasionally encountered in these soils, and are quite prevalent in areas to the southeast of Blue Mountain. Rock overhang Several rock overhangs have been discovered within the park. These rock overhangs are situated in areas where conglomerate, in this case a weakly cemented mixture of quartzite pebbles, has crumbled from beneath the resilient sandstone layer leaving a rock ledge sheltering the remaining floor of Precambrian rock. These overhangs are of cultural significance (section 5.6). More detailed information on the geology and geomorphology of the park is found within the 1978 master plan.

20 Watersheds The park is within the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority watershed area. The drainage area of Charleston Lake is 277,000 ha and includes both Killenbeck Lake and Leeders Creek, which flow into Charleston Lake. Charleston Lake flows via Wiltse Creek to the Gananaoque River, which outlets into the St. Lawrence River in the town of Gananoque. 5.4 Life Science Features A life science survey and evaluation was completed in 1994 for the Blue Mountain ANSI and Charleston Lake Crown islands (White 1994) and more recently for the west area of the park along Runnings Bay (White 1998). The park supports a diversity of plant and animal species, including provincially and regionally significant species. Charleston Lake is an important coldwater sports fishery. The 1998 life science report identified seven significant areas within the west area of the park, and recommended that these areas be established as nature reserve zones (White 1998) Species at Risk Ten species that are designated by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), as of special concern, threatened or endangered have been recorded within the park. Several of these are wildlife species that use the park area seasonally, like the red-shouldered hawk, a species of special concern that nests in the park. Year-round residents include the black rat snake, designated by COSEWIC and by the MNR as threatened, and the southern flying squirrel, a COSEWIC designated species of special concern. The resource management guidelines of the 1978 Master Plan identify the need for protection and preservation of the black rat snake, and the plan supported research on this species. In accordance with this direction, a draft resource management Black rat snake plan for black rat snake conservation and management was prepared in Vegetation Due to the great diversity of vegetation communities in the Charleston Lake area, the park is host to a large number of species. Life science surveys of all areas of the park have identified at least 10 provincially significant, and 43 regionally significant plant species. The park vegetation is influenced by a variety of climatic and land based factors. The Charleston Lake area possesses a complex and intriguing floral community due to its location in the transition zone between the more northerly coniferous forests, and the deciduous forests of the south. This diverse belt of vegetation is further complicated by the Frontenac Axis shield area. The result is that within this area there is a compact area with diverse vegetation that has been termed a tension zone. The 1978 Master Plan records that the late botanist R.E. Beschel said of the area: Nowhere in Canada outside of the mountains does the overall pattern of vegetation and flora change so intensively over so short distances. Throughout all areas of the park, sharp contrasts in forest types are encountered when moving from dry upland ridges to the many poorly drained troughs. The ridges are frequently characterized by white pine, stunted oak, eastern red cedar, juniper shrubs, and various grasses. In some areas natural succession is causing the gradual replacement of the pine stands with

21 tolerant hardwoods. In the Blue Mountain area in particular, many of these ridges have stands of the provincially significant pitch pine (Pinus rigida), ranked S2S3 3 by the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC). To a much lesser extent, small pockets of the provincially significant winged sumac (Rhus copallina), ranked S3S4 by the NHIC, are found along the upland ridges (formerly known as shining sumac). There are two different forest communities within the western area of the park, due to the differing landscape north and south of Runnings Bay. North of Runnings Bay is predominantly mixed forest typical of the Great Lake-St Lawrence Forest Region, with dominant species of white pine, red and white oak, and sugar maple. Forest in the area south of Runnings Bay is predominantly deciduous, characterized by sugar maple, red and white oak, basswood, beech and ironwood. The transition area between these two communities supports a band of coniferous-rich mixed forest dominated by white pine, white cedar and hemlock (White 1998). Mixed hardwood forests dominated by sugar maple are most associated with the deeper soils of low areas. In areas where cattle grazing occurred in the past, hop hornbeam (ironwood) is prevalent although other trees are beginning to dominate. Local pockets of rich soil have led to lush growth where ash, yellow birch, and basswood are found. Other associated species are bitternut and shagbark hickory, American beech, eastern hemlock, white oak, red oak, butternut and white elm. On several ridge areas, hemlock stands dominate with little or no understory. In shallow swamp areas, soft maples, 3 S1, S2 and S3 species are considered provincially rare based on the number of known occurrences in the province. alder, willows and a variety of ferns and sedges dominate. Several cattail marshes are present within the park area, and many of the shallow bays support dense populations of pondweed (Potamogeton spp.), American eel grass (Vallisneria americana), water lily, water milfoil, bladderwort, and Canada waterweed (Elodea canadensis). It is not clear what effects the lake water level manipulation has on the significant shoreline communities, and the life science report identifies that any changes in these annual fluctuations must consider effects on these shoreline communities (White 1998). Control of invasive plant species, such as garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), especially in campground areas, is important to prevent negative impacts on native plant communities. The invasive plant Eurasian water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) was not recorded in 1998, but staff should continue to watch for its appearance in aquatic communities. Zebra mussels were first reported for Charleston Lake in 2000 and monitoring of populations began in Areas of Scots pine were planted near the park office, with the intent of transplanting them to campground areas. There are also remnants of Scots pine plantations in the Runnings Bay homestead areas Fire Management Park staff are responsible for initial response in the case of fire within the park boundary, and offer support to municipalities. There is a forest fire evacuation plan for the park, but no approved fire management plan Fauna Invertebrates The insects, and other invertebrate groups have received little attention as is common in most areas. It is assumed

22 that species and microclimate variations will permit a good cross-section of typical eastern Ontario invertebrates; however, further study is necessary to achieve a proper understanding and to prepare a suitable checklist. Fish Charleston Lake has both coldwater and warmwater environments. Twenty-eight fish species have been identified within the park s waterbodies. The deep, coldwater areas provide suitable habitat for lake trout, whitefish, lake herring and burbot. Fish species present in the shallower, warmwater segments of the lake include large and smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed, black crappie, rock bass, brown bullhead and grass pickerel. Minnow species include emerald and golden shiners, northern red belly dace, banded killifish, bluntnose minnow, brook silversides, and Johnny darter. Fisheries management of Charleston Lake is the responsibility of the MNR, Kemptville District. The District manages the fisheries according to the Brockville District Fisheries Management Plan ( ). Charleston Lake is one of 2 lakes with the best natural lake trout populations within the Kemptville District area. Lake trout are of interest because they are more sensitive to poor water quality than other fish species. As a result of several years of stocking, there are both native and stocked classes of lake trout within the lake. Lake trout are stocked annually, and currently alternate between a Charleston Lake strain and Lake Manitou strain. The Charleston Lake strain result from eggs collected from spawning areas in Charleston Lake, raised for 1.5 years at the White Lake fish hatchery, and then released back into the lake. In order to reduce disturbance to the spawning beds, and due to hatchery production constraints, different strains are rotated for the stocking program. The Lake Manitou strain were stocked in the year 2000; Charleston Lake strain will be stocked in 2002 and District staff completed a Spring Littoral Index Netting (SLIN) project in Charleston Lake in the spring of 2000, to assess relative abundance and other biological indicators of lake trout. Mud Lake, within the Blue Mountain area of the park, is managed as a put and take fishery. Fish species recorded in 1970 in Mud Lake were yellow and brown bullhead, pumpkinseed, bluegill, golden shiner, emerald shiner, blackchin shiner, yellow perch, blacknose dace, brook trout and brindle shiner. Rainbow trout were stocked experimentally in the 1950s, but none were found during a 1968 species survey. Brook trout have been stocked in Mud Lake since This is a highly sought after species for fishing, and is stocked annually as a quick growing put and take fishery, with no expectation that it will reproduce. The brook trout are primarily taken through ice fishing. Issues that have implications for the future of stocking of this lake include sensitivity of the surrounding landscape to use, access routes and modes of travel to the lake. Mammals Charleston Lake contains mammal species representative of eastern Ontario. Thirty-five species are on the park checklist. Beavers leave the most obvious signs of their presence in the park, while more secretive species such as the woodland jumping mouse, ermine, star-nosed mole, and fisher are occasionally seen. There are several deer yards in the park area, bear are intermittently seen in the remote areas of the park and Blue Mountain area, and river otter and mink are frequently reported by canoeists. The effects of wildlife populations on the flora of the park are being monitored. The southern flying squirrel is ranked as a species of special concern, with several known

23 activity areas within the park. Racoon rabies has been an issue in the area for the past two years. The MNR trap and vaccination program appears to have been successful in controlling the incidences of racoon rabies. Birds Charleston Lake supports bird species representative of those found in eastern Ontario. One hundred and ninety-three species have been noted on the park s wildlife checklist. The larger species include turkey vulture, osprey, great blue heron, common loon, the red-shouldered hawk (species of special concern), and barred owl. All of these species nest within the park. Bald eagles, protected under the provincial Endangered Species Act, are seen frequently during the late winter and early spring months. Cerulean warblers (designated as species of special concern by COSEWIC) and golden-winged warblers are sighted during the early summer months. Historical records indicate that at one point, peregrine falcons nested on, or adjacent to park property. In 2001 the Leeds County Stewardship Council reintroduced peregrine falcons to property on Charleston Lake adjacent to the planning area, and continue to monitor their progress. Peregrine falcons are designated as threatened by COSEWIC, and are protected under the provincial Endangered Species Act. Reptiles and Amphibians Thirty-one species of reptiles and amphibians have been recorded for the park. While many species such as bullfrog, leopard frog, northern water snake and painted turtle are frequently seen, others such as mudpuppy, pickerel frog, stinkpot (musk turtle) and ringneck snake are rarely observed. The black rat snake, designated by COSEWIC as threatened and ranked as provincially significant (S1), is a key species for the park and protection is afforded it through the Provincial Parks Act and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. Several areas throughout the park have been identified as key activity areas and overwintering sites for this species. A draft resource management plan for black rat snake is in place, and a recovery plan is in progress. Recovery actions, including research and public education, are ongoing Blue Mountain ANSI A survey of the life science features of the Blue Mountain ANSI was completed in 1994 (White 1994). This evaluation was part of an ANSI program to identify and protect significant life science features and values throughout Ontario. The extensive forest communities, rock barrens and shorelines of the site have important representation values. The ANSI is recognized as provincially significant. Several recommendations from that evaluation are related to the park area, including: the overriding consideration in the management plan for this area must be the protection of natural values impacts from motorized vehicle use (ATVs, 4x4s) were identified as a significant threat to the integrity of the ANSI (section 6.0) stewardship arrangements should be encouraged with private landowners within the ANSI, to reward and encourage long-term commitment to protection of the natural features of the area trespassing on private land to gain access to the Crown land was identified as a concern location of any new hiking trails must ensure significant features are not put at risk provide a single public access at the south end for hiking only

24 snowmobile use could be permitted if restricted to recognized trials with good snow cover, outside of sensitive areas (rock barrens, pitch pine) mountain biking should be monitored and controlled if pressure increases reevaluate stocking program for Mud Lake, weigh recreational benefits against degradation caused by increased activity beaver population control necessary to reduce damage to particular vegetation communities deer hunting should continue to keep population at a sustainable level locate and protect habitat for rare fauna (black rat snake hibernacula) aquatic systems should receive high priority for additional floral and faunal studies 5.5 Waterbodies Charleston Lake has a surface area of approximately 2620 ha and shoreline length of 177 km, and is characterized by large, deep, coldwater areas, and expanses of shallow warmwater. This coldwater and warmwater makeup is reflected in the diversity of the lake s aquatic community. While numbers vary depending on the definition of island used, it is estimated that the lake contains 125 islands. These islands create a multitude of environments and add to the aesthetic charm of the lake. Submerged or semi-submerged shoals are abundant and provide excellent habitat for aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates. In some areas of the lake, water depth increases gradually, while some rock faces plunge almost vertically 35m until levelling off as lake bottom. The area of Runnings Bay opposite the entrance to Slim Bay is the deepest part of the lake at 100 m. Runnings Bay is the site of the park s two beaches, and is extensively explored and fished by park and lake visitors. Water quality is excellent for swimming and other types of aquatic recreation. Buoys stretching across the bay north of Whitefish Island and Pike Island restrict motorboat access to Runnings Bay. Slim Bay is also restricted to nonmotorized vessels, in order to preserve its serene nature and habitat for wildlife species such as the common loon, largemouth Canoeing on Charleston Lake bass, and osprey. The water level of Charleston Lake is controlled by a dam, operated by Granite Power, located at the south end of the lake at the community of Outlet. The dam was installed in the mid 1880s and raised the lake level by over one metre. The most substantial water level change occurs in September to October before freeze-up, when the level is reduced by more than one metre. Since these annual water level fluctuations have been occurring for over 100 years it can be assumed that the significant vegetation species and communities currently along the lake shoreline are able to persist under these conditions, and may require fluctuating water levels. Any changes to the annual control of water levels should consider effects on the shoreline vegetation communities (White 1998). Mud Lake is a small, yet deep lake located in the Blue Mountain area. It is a popular hiking and fishing destination, along with nearby Basin Lake, which is located on private land. In past years, both lakes have been stocked with Brook Trout by the Ministry of Natural Resources, although stocking of Basin Lake ceased recently. Mud Lake is managed as a put-and-take fishery.

25 The park is a stakeholder in ensuring activities on the lake and its shorelines promote a healthy lake environment. Planning for the park will be based upon an ecosystem approach, recognizing that natural systems do not correspond to human made boundaries. The primary vehicle to protect the lake environment is land use planning, through the development of Official Plan and by-law protections that ensure key values of the lake are protected. As an example, on lands adjacent to lakes, requirements for future development projects related to setbacks, slope and natural shorelines can help to protect wildlife habitat (e.g. fish, loons). The 1978 master plan included a guideline that effort be made, in conjunction with other Ministry and government programs, to protect Charleston Lake from over development. The document also identified a need for maintaining or enhancing lake water quality. 5.6 Cultural Resources The west area of the park has undergone considerable archaeological research, and many sites have been identified. Some of these sites are within a historical zone, as defined by the 1978 Master Plan. Other sites within the natural environment zones were to be designated as historical areas. The Blue Mountain area of the park has had little evaluation of archaeological significance Aboriginal Use It is thought that the Charleston Lake area was a seasonal hunting and gathering area for native groups dating back as far as 3000 years. Archaeologists have identified over 30 sites exhibiting evidence of native use around Charleston Lake. Many of these sites are located within the park area, including five of the seven known rockshelters. The other sites are mainly open-air campsites on the shores of the lake. The rockshelters are naturally occurring rock overhangs created by erosion (section 5.2.1). Archaeological surveys indicate that these rockshelters were used seasonally by native hunting and gathering parties. They are currently the only known rockshelters exhibiting human use in Ontario. As well as being culturally significant, they are important earth science features Post European Settlement Evidence of several nineteenth century pioneer agricultural landscapes is present within the park, as well as the remains of a number of small mine sites. They are of historical interest as insights into the European settlement history of the Frontenac Axis area. An archaeological evaluation and artifact salvage of one of the homestead sites was initiated by the park in The most characteristic historical activities are those associated with nineteenth and twentieth century recreation. As early as 1860, Charleston Lake had gained notice as a prime outdoor recreation area in eastern Ontario. Tourists from cities in Ontario and New York State began to frequent the area, drawn by the spectacular scenery, and the outstanding fishing, especially for the much sought after salmon trout (lake trout). 5.7 Education and Research Consistent with the direction in the 1978 Master Plan, the park offers a range of educational programming concentrating on the natural and cultural heritage of the park and surrounding area. The interpretive themes covered are: geology and geomorphology of the Frontenac Axis, ecology of the Frontenac Axis, early native use, early settlement, and early recreation. The program has a black rat

26 snake education component to aid with the recovery of this species at risk. A Natural Heritage Education Operating Plan, approved in 1991 and updated annually, guides the program. In July and August, approximately 12 programs are offered weekly, including guided hikes, evening programs, children s programs, campfires, historical dramas and workshops. Special events include an archaeology day, Legends and Lore of the Charleston Shore historical music program, and an annual star gaze evening with internationally recognized astronomer Terence Dickinson. Approximately 7,365 people attended park programs in the year A total of 8,520 people visited the park s nature centre, and an estimated 23,000 people walked the nature trails. Preliminary analysis of the 2001 education program indicates an increase in attendance from the year The Friends of Charleston Lake Park was established in 1995 and is an active volunteer cooperating association which supports education, interpretation, and research in the park. The Friends have been partners with the park, producing publications, employing students in their nature shop, staging special events, and funding research and purchase of equipment for the park s natural heritage education program. A variety of post-secondary institutions use the park as a research area for various topics under the required research permits. Research applications are reviewed based on provincial park policy requirements and the Ontario Parks, South Eastern Zone Research and Information Strategy (Ontario Parks 2001). 6.0 Recreation The park is a popular recreation destination for users from Ontario, other provinces and the United States. The land and lake areas of the park allow for a variety of land and water based activities. Permitted activities are based on zoning, and include hiking, cross country skiing, nature viewing, swimming, camping, picniking, boating, fishing, hunting and snowmobiling. Park user surveys are completed every 4 years, most recently in 1996 and The results of the 1996 and 2000 User Surveys related to activities in which day users and campers participate while visiting the park are illustrated in Figure 4. The Park Camper Surveys 2000 determined that roughly 75% of park campers use the interpretive and hiking trails during their visit to the park. The Hemlock Ridge and Beech Woods trails were the least used trails by groups in the year 2000 (35% use for each trail). In order to protect sensitive features and visitor enjoyment, power boats are restricted from Slim Bay, Duck Bay and the area of Runnings Bay within the park. Outside of these areas a 10 km/h speed limit applies within 30 m of the shore, except for the purpose of towing a person on water skis or other equipment perpendicular to the shore. All terrain vehicle damage The Park Superintendent does not operate any areas for the purpose of operating an all terrain vehicle, therefore consistent with the Provincial Parks Act and the regulations thereunder all terrain vehicle use is not permitted within the park. There is evidence of increasing all

27 terrain vehicle use in the Blue Mountain area of the park. This unauthorized use is causing severe damage to the values of the area through trampling of vegetation, widening of trails, rutting and erosion of trails. These users also enter this area of the park at unauthorized access points. There is all terrain vehicle use of the Leeder Block of Crown land that is included within the planning area, and will be evaluated for suitability to add to the park. Policies for this use would need to be determined for any areas of the Leeder Block selected for addition to the park. Provincial park policy indicates that all terrain vehicle use may be permitted in development and access zones if supported in a management plan. 6.1 Sport Hunting and Snowmobiling in the Blue Mountain area There was extensive public input in 1994 related to the addition of the Blue Mountain area to the park, through written comments, public meetings and stakeholder group meetings. The Minister made a commitment that sport hunting would continue in Natural Environment Zones within the Blue Mountain area that were to be defined through a new park management plan. At the time of regulation of this area under the Provincial Parks Act, a regulation was made under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act to allow hunting for game birds, migratory game birds and game mammals within this area. A commitment was made for snowmobiling to continue on designated trails. The Athens and District Snowmobile Club maintains trails in the Charleston Lake area on behalf of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC). Users of the trails must have a valid OFSC trail permit. A commitment was made that the use of motorized vehicles other than snowmobiles would be prohibited, apart from the use of all terrain vehicles by people with physical disabilities. 7.0 Commercial Activities Commercial licences are granted by the MNR under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the regulations thereunder. Consistent with provincial park policy, commercial fishing and bait harvesting within park encompassed waterbodies will be phased-out by December 31, 2009, when the current licencee dies, or when the licence is surrendered, whatever comes first. Based on provincial park policy, commercial fishing and bait harvesting within areas of Charleston Lake that are included in the park boundary are permitted to continue, since the lake is not wholly enclosed within the park boundary. There is one commercial food fishing licence that includes the waters of Charleston Lake. This licence does not exclude the areas of Runnings Bay, Slim Bay and Mud Bay within the park where power boats are prohibited. The park has permitted this activity within the park waters during off seasons. There are three commercial bait licences that include waters within the park boundary. These licences do not exclude the areas of Runnings Bay, Slim Bay and Mud Bay within the park where power boats are prohibited. This activity will be phased out of waterbodies completely enclosed by the park boundary (i.e. Mud Lake).

28 Figure 4. Park User Participation in Activities 1996 and % Use 25 0 Swimming/wading Picnicking Motorboating Trail hiking Canoeing Biking Fishing Guided hikes/walks Casual play Historical/nature displays Playground facilities Nature viewing/photography Visiting viewpoints/lookouts Attending staff presentations Resting/Relaxing Other Activity 1996% Day Use 2000% Day Use 1996 % Camper Use 2000 % Camper Use

29 Markets and Use Charleston Lake Provincial Park s prime market area lies within a 280 km radius of the park, and includes over 6.0 million people. A large number of urban residents, from Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, faithfully and repeatedly visit the park each summer. New York State and Pennsylvania residents represent a constant clientele as well. Based on the year 2000 visitor surveys, of the park s visitors approximately 85% are from Ontario; 10% are from other provinces, principally Québec; and 5% are from the United States of America. Based on the number of permits issued, an estimated 18,000 people visited Charleston Lake Provincial Park for dayuse in 1999, and 14,600 in The day use figures include only those who visited during the May to October fee collection period. The number of users visiting the park during the remainder of the year is unknown. Between mid-may and the end of September of 2000, campers visiting the park stayed for a total of 67,446 camper nights using 251 developed campsites. During July and August of 2000, the occupancy rate at regular campsites was 83%. The average length of stay was 4.3 days, and the average party size was 3.9 people. Over the past 5 years the campground occupancy rate has averaged 85%. Averaged park statistics for the years 1976 to 2000 are listed in Table Constraint and Capability Analysis The goal of the Provincial Park system is to provide a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities and to protect provincially significant natural, cultural and recreational environments in a system of Provincial Parks. The protection of provincially significant natural and cultural features is the primary concern of the park planning process. Constraints and capabilities are important in determining feasible alternatives for resolving development and management issues. A constraint and capability analysis was completed for the 1978 Master Plan based on available background Table 3. Averaged Park Statistics 1976 to Year Average Visitors Day-Use Visitors N/A N/A Daily Vehicle Permits Annual/Seasonal Vehicle Permits Bus Permits N/A Campsites Campsite Permits N/A N/A N/A Campers Camper Nights* Campsites Occupied** Avg. Length of Stay (days) Average Party Size July-Aug % Occupancy * defined as one camper staying in park for one night (regular, group and interior) ** defined as one campsite occupied for one night

30 information on earth science (geomorphology, soil, topography), life science (sensitive species/habitats, ANSI) and cultural features within the park. Based on geomorphology, soil and topography, development suitability was determined. Drainage is poor, the thin soils are susceptible to erosion, and vegetation cover is sensitive to disturbance. The type and intensity of use are limited by these shield characteristics of the park. Due to the shallow soil, rock outcrops and steep slopes characteristic of the area, approximately 10% of the existing and recommended park was identified as having good to fair development potential. The majority of good development potential areas from that analysis that are within the park boundary are along the Runnings Bay peninsula, and are within a development zone. 9.1 Special Features and Sensitive Areas Special features and sensitive areas were mapped using available information for the 1978 Master Plan. This information was used in determining zoning for the park (section 10.4). The Blue Mountain area was identified as a provincially significant ANSI in the Brockville District Land Use Guidelines, five years after completion of the 1978 Master Plan (OMNR 1983). A detailed life science study of the Blue Mountain ANSI and the Crown islands within Charleston Lake was completed in 1994 (White 1994). The information from these evaluations, and subsequent information, will be used to update the management policies and zoning concepts in the 1978 plan. natural environment zones. The existing zoning for the Blue Mountain area includes a nature reserve zone, within which hunting is not permitted according to policy. The 1978 plan identified that the area available for hunting would require visible boundary markers to prevent hunter/trail user conflicts. Implementing the identification of zoning boundaries on the ground has been constrained by the need for a survey of the park boundary. The life science surveys and evaluations and subsequent information for the west area of the park, the Blue Mountain area, and Crown islands will be used to redefine zoning boundaries. Changes in zoning and zoning boundaries within the Blue Mountain area would have potential effects on where hunting continues, as well as on the location of trails. The 1994 life science study identified that the open rock barrens that are such an important feature of the Blue Mountain are among the most sensitive of habitats to recreational use (White 1994). A View from Blue Mountain popular destination for hikers and snowmobilers is the crest of Blue Mountain itself, and existing routes to the mountain follow along rock barrens. The existing trails pass through the nature reserve zone, where the largest stands of pitch pine and other sensitive species and habitats occur. The 1978 plan identified that trails must be located away from sensitive areas. Following public consultation regarding the addition of the Blue Mountain area to the park in 1994, it was determined that hunting would be allowed to continue in