Niagara Natural Heritage Park

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Joshua Roy Mason
6 years ago
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1 A Future Proposal For the Niagara-on-the-Lake DND Lands Parks Canada Lakeshore Road Property 1 May, 2016 The Harmony Residents Group

2 We are proposing a Natural Heritage Park be established on the Parks Canada Lakeshore Road site To create a natural heritage park consisting of recreational and educational amenities 2

The Lakeshore Road property is filled with important natural and historical features The Battle of Fort George National Historic Site - Site of American landing and fierce fighting in May,

3 The Lakeshore Road property is filled with important natural and historical features The Battle of Fort George National Historic Site - Site of American landing and fierce fighting in May, 1813 A Carolinian forest, meadows, creeks and wetlands Lake Ontario waterfront Additional heritage interest - Secord farm, U.E.L settlement - First Nations hunting and fishing - DND training 3

The establishment of a park would be an important

enhancement Creeks & wetlands need rehabilitation

4 The establishment of a park would be an important step towards habitat conservation and wildlife protection on the site Species-At-Risk need protection Forests need conservation and enhancement Creeks & wetlands need rehabilitation Shoreline erosion needs to be stopped Habitats need preservation 4

5 The property has educational possibilities, for local and regional institutions Environment Science History Archeology & other research 5

6 The park would position Niagara to capitalize on the large and growing - global nature and heritage tourism market Nature-based travel o 20% of international travel o Growing at 4-10% Nature & heritage are motivators for visiting Niagara Nature & heritage visitors stay longer & visit year round 6

7 When fully operational, future possibilities exist for the park to offer a range of heritage and nature based experiences such as.. Passive use park and beach Access Controlled access Trails 1813 Battle Site Military Museum 7 Peace Garden Trails Natural Wetlands Secord Homestead (replica)

8 There is potential to retain the existing sewage treatment building for developing a gateway to the site s natural and heritage attractions Welcome Centre Interpretive Centre Meeting / exhibit space Information hub 8

9 Can be developed in stages, and park features and programs can be added over time as partners and funding are attracted Nature Trails Battlefield Walk - Museum Other Attractions Now.. Over Time.. Parking Picnic Area Interpretive Centre 9

10 The site contains an ecologically diverse Carolinian Forest One of last stands of Carolinian forests on the shores of the Great Lakes Only 5% of that ecosystem remains 10

Chimney Swift, Hooded Warbler, White Wood Aster Special

11 Several Species-At-Risk have been found on the property Endangered: Eastern Flowering Dogwood, Butternut Threatened: Chimney Swift, Hooded Warbler, White Wood Aster Special Concern: Snapping Turtle, Eastern Milksnake, Monarch Butterfly, Shumard Oak 11

12 Wildlife is abundant on the site Wildlife includes: Red-shouldered Hawk Heron, Geese, Ducks, Wild Turkeys Bank Swallows Deer and Foxes Red-spotted Newt Warblers, wrens, Great Horned Owl 12

13 The property contains Provincially Significant Wetlands and an ANSI * * Area of Natural Scientific Interest Goals: Reduce storm run off Protect habitats Improve water and air quality What s at stake: Two Mile Creek and estuary Three Mile Creek Four Mile Creek 13

14 The site boasts the longest stretch of public shoreline in Niagara-on-the-Lake The shoreline of Lake Ontario is mostly inaccessible to the public Opportunity to provide public access to the waterfront Shoreline erosion has been a problem for decades 14

15 Rehabilitated lagoons could become a Natural Wetland Benefits: Expanded habitat for wildlife Attraction for: Educators Nature lovers Opportunity to: Retain existing lagoons Work in concert with nature 15

16 The Carolinian Forest needs preservation and enhancement Goals: Protect Species-At-Risk Encourage native species Improve water and air quality What s at stake: The forest itself The creeks & wetlands The shoreline 16

Reforestation would further improve the site and benefit the environment Opportunities: The plain between Two and Three Mile Creeks The scrub

17 Reforestation would further improve the site and benefit the environment Opportunities: The plain between Two and Three Mile Creeks The scrub brush along Lakeshore Road Invasive species in the Niagara Shores Park Reforestation could help reduce Ontario s tree deficit(1 billion trees) 17

18 A natural heritage park will complement popular Niagara attractions Nature o Heritage o Cultural o o Niagara Falls, parks & escarpment Canadian military, political, and commercial history Wineries and restaurants Shaw Festival, Music Niagara 18

19 Niagara Natural Heritage Park will benefit the Niagara economy Capitalize on natural and heritage attractions o o Increase year-round visitors Create new business opportunities Extend length of stay to benefit o o B&B s, hotels, inns Restaurants & shops 19

Rouge National Park. Opportunities and Challenges

Rouge National Park. Opportunities and Challenges Rouge National Park Opportunities and Challenges January 2013 Rouge Park Finch Meander Rouge Beach at Lake Ontario Toronto GLWQA Area of Concern Rouge National Park Nationally Significant First Nation