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Transcript
Table of Contents – SWH Ecoregion 5E Criterion Schedule IDENTIFICATION OF Significant Wildlife Habitat 1. 1 Seasonal Concentration Areas of Animals Waterfowl Stopover and Staging Areas (Terrestrial) Waterfowl Stopover and Staging Areas (Aquatic) Shorebird Migratory Stopover Area Raptor Wintering Area Bat Hibernacula Bat Maternity Colonies Bat Migratory Stopover Area Turtle Wintering Areas Snake Hibernaculum Colonially -Nesting Bird Breeding Habitat (Bank and Cliff) Colonially -Nesting Bird Breeding Habitat Breeding Habitat (Tree/Shrubs) Colonially -Nesting Bird Breeding Habitat (Ground) Deer Yarding Areas 1.2 Rare Vegetation Communities or Specialized Habitat for Wildlife 1.2.1 Rare Vegetation Communities Beach/ Beach Ridge/ Bar/ Sand Dunes Shallow Atlantic Coastal Marsh Cliffs and Talus Slopes Rock Barren Sand Barren Alvar Old Growth Forest Bog Tallgrass Prairie Savannah Rare Forest Type - Red Spruce Rare Forest Type – White Oak 3 3 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 9 10 11 11 12 13 15 15 16 16 17 17 19 20 21 21 22 23 24 DRAFT February 2012 1.2.2 Specialized Habitat for Wildlife Waterfowl Nesting Area Bald Eagle and Osprey Nesting, Foraging and Perching Habitat Woodland Raptor Nesting Habitat Turtle and Lizard Nesting Areas Seeps and Springs Aquatic Feeding Habitat Mineral Lick Denning Sites for Mink, Otter, Marten Fisher and Eastern Wolf Amphibian Breeding Habitat (Woodland) Amphibian Breeding Habitat (Wetlands) Mast Producing Areas 1.3 Habitat for Species of Conservation Concern (Not including Endangered or Threatened Species) Marsh Bird Breeding Habitat Open Country Bird Breeding Habitat Shrub/Early Successional Bird Breeding Habitat Special Concern and Rare Wildlife Species 1.4 Animal Movement Corridors Amphibian Movement Corridors Cervid Movement Corridors Furbearer Movement Corridor 1.5 Exceptions for EcoRegion 5E Eco-District 5E-11 - Rare Forest Types:_ Jack Pine Eco-District 5E- 13 – Late Winter Moose Habitat Eco-Region 5E 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 37 37 38 39 41 42 43 45 45 2 DRAFT February 2012 Eco-Region 5E SCHEDULE 5E: IDENTIFICATION OF Significant Wildlife Habitat This Schedule is designed to provide the recommended criteria for identifying Significant Wildlife Habitat (SWH) within Ecoregion 5E. Tables 1.1 through 1.4 within the Schedules provide guidance for SWH designation for the four categories of SWH outlined in the Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide and its Appendices cxlviii, cxlix. Table 1.5 contains and provides descriptions for exceptions criteria for ecoregional SWH which will be identified at an ecodistrict scale. Exceptions occur when criteria for a specific habitat are different within an ecodistrict compared to the remainder of an ecoregion or if a habitat only occurs within a restricted area of the ecoregion. The Schedules, including description of wildlife habitat, wildlife species, and the criteria provided for determining SWH, are based on science and expert knowledge. The Ecological Land Classification(ELC) Ecosite codes are based on the Operation Draft - Ecosites of Ontarioccxx, in addition ecosites are also outlined using the Field Guide to Forest Ecosystems (FEC) of Central Ontario ccvi. The information within these schedules will require periodic updating to keep pace with changes to wildlife species status in the Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) list, or as new scientific information pertaining to wildlife habitats becomes available. Therefore, MNR will occasionally need to review and update these schedules and provide addenda. A reference document for all SWH is found after the schedules and includes citations for all ecoregional schedules. Each citation used to assist with the criteria for SWH will be indicated by a roman numeric symbol. Where no reference exists, MNR expert opinion is used for determination of criteria, the symbol “Í” represents where MNR expert opinion was utilized to develop defining criteria. Criteria For Significant Wildlife Habitat in Ecoregion 5E 1. 1 Seasonal Concentration Areas Seasonal Concentration Areas are areas where wildlife species occur annually in numbers at certain times of the year, sometimes highly concentrated within relatively small areas. In spring and autumn, migratory wildlife species will concentrate where they can rest and feed. Other wildlife species require habitats where they can survive winter. Examples of Seasonal Concentration Areas include deer wintering areas, breeding bird colonies and hibernation sites for reptiles cxlviii. Table 1.1 outlines which Seasonal Concentration Areas constitute SWH. Table 1.1 Seasonal Concentration Areas for Wildlife Species Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Codes Sources American Black Duck Fields with sheet water during Waterfowl Wood Duck These Spring (mid March to May). Stopover and Green-winged Teal field/meadow ELC Fields flooding during spring Staging Areas Blue-winged Teal ecosites with (Terrestrial) melt and run-off provide CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria Studies carried out and verified presence of an annual concentration of any listed species, evaluation methods to follow “Bird and Bird 3 Wildlife Habitat Rationale; Habitat important to migrating waterfowl. Waterfowl Stopover and Staging Areas (Aquatic) Rationale; Important for local and migrant waterfowl populations during the spring or fall migration or both periods Wildlife Species Mallard Northern Pintail Northern Shoveler American Wigeon Gadwall Canada Goose Cackling Goose Snow Goose American Black Duck Northern Pintail Northern Shoveler American Wigeon Gadwall Green-winged Teal Blue-winged Teal Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Lesser Scaup DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Codes Sources appropriate soils important invertebrate foraging and vegetation: habitat for migrating waterfowl. G060-062 Agricultural fields with waste G077-079 grains are commonly used by G093-095 waterfowl, these are not G109-111 considered SWH. Information Sources - Plus evidence of Anecdotal information from the annual spring landowner, adjacent landowners flooding from melt or local naturalist clubs may be water or run-off. good information in determining occurrence. EIS reports and other studies prepared by CA’s Sites documented through waterfowl planning processes (eg. EHJV implementation plan) Naturalist Clubs Ducks Unlimited Canada ELC Ecosites: G142-G152 Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria Habitats: Guidelines for Wind Power Projects”ccxi Any mixed species aggregations of 100Í or more individuals required. The area of the flooded field ecosite habitat plus a 100-300m radius buffer dependant on local site conditions and adjacent land use is the significant wildlife habitat cxlviii. Annual use of habitat is documented from information sources or field studies (annual use can be based on studies or determined by past surveys with species numbers and dates). SWHDSScxlix Index #7 provides development effects and mitigation measures. Studies carried out and verified Ponds, marshes, lakes, bays, coastal inlets, and watercourses presence of: used during migration. Sewage Aggregations of 100Í or more treatment ponds and storm water of listed species for 7 daysÍ, ponds do not qualify as a SWH, results in > 700 waterfowl use however a reservoir managed as days. a large wetland or pond/lake Areas with annual staging of does qualify. ruddy ducks, canvasbacks, These habitats have an abundant and redheads are SWH cxlix food supply (mostly aquatic The combined area of the invertebrates and vegetation in ELC ecosites and a 100m shallow water); radius area is the SWH cxlviii Information Sources Wetland area and shorelines 4 Wildlife Habitat combined. Sites identified are usually only one of a few in the eco-district. Wildlife Species Greater Scaup Long-tailed Duck Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Ring-necked duck Common Goldeneye Bufflehead Redhead Ruddy Duck Red-breasted Merganser Brant Canvasback Ruddy Duck Greater Yellowlegs Lesser Yellowlegs Marbled Godwit Hudsonian Godwit Black-bellied Plover Rationale; High quality American Golden-Plover shorebird Semipalmated Plover stopover habitat is Solitary Sandpiper extremely rare Spotted Sandpiper and typically has Semipalmated Sandpiper a long history of Pectoral Sandpiper use. White-rumped Sandpiper Baird’s Sandpiper Least Sandpiper Purple Sandpiper Shorebird Migratory Stopover Area DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Codes Sources Canadian Wildlife Service staff know the larger, most significant sites. Check website: http://wildspace.ec.gc.ca Naturalist clubs often are aware of staging/stopover areas. OMNR Wetland Evaluations indicate presence of locally and regionally significant waterfowl staging. Sites documented through waterfowl planning processes (eg. EHJV implementation plan) Ducks Unlimited projects Element occurrence specification by Nature Serve: http://www.natureserve.org ELC Ecosites: Shorelines of lakes, rivers and G005-G006 wetlands, including beach areas, G160-G162 bars and seasonally flooded, muddy G170-G172 and un-vegetated shoreline habitats. G176-G178 Great Lakes coastal shorelines, G186-G188 including groynes and other forms G204-G214 of armour rock lakeshores, are extremely important for migratory shorebirds in May to mid-June and early July to October. Storm water retention ponds and sewage lagoons are not considered SWH. Information Sources Western hemisphere shorebird reserve network. Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria associated with sites identified within the SWHTG cxlviii Appendix K cxlix are significant wildlife habitat. Evaluation methods to follow “Bird and Bird Habitats: Guidelines for Wind Power Projects”ccxi Annual Use of Habitat is Documented from Information Sources or Field Studies (Annual can be based on completed studies or determined from past surveys with species numbers and dates recorded). SWHDSScxlix Index #7 provides development effects and mitigation measures. Studies confirming: Presence of 3 or more of listed species and > 1000Í shorebird use days during spring or fall migration period. (shorebird use days are the accumulated number of shorebirds counted per day over the course of the fall or spring migration period) Whimbrel stop briefly (<24hrs) during spring migration, any site with >100Í Whimbrel used for 3 years or more is significant. The area of significant 5 Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species Stilt Sandpiper Short-billed Dowitcher Red-necked Phalarope Whimbrel Ruddy Turnstone Sanderling Dunlin Raptor Wintering Area Rough-legged Hawk Long-eared Owl Boreal Owl Northern Saw-whet Owl Rationale; Sites used by multiple species, a Special Concern: high number of Short-eared Owl individuals and used annually are most significant DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Codes Sources Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) Ontario Shorebird Survey. Bird Studies Canada Ontario Nature Local birders and naturalist clubs. Combination of meadow/field and forest/woodland ecosites. Need to have a forest ELC Ecosite : G011-G019 G023-G028 G033-G043 G048-G059 G064-G076 G081-G092 G097- G108 G113-G125 or Central Ontario FEC Ecosites ES11 – ES35 And A meadow/field ELC Ecosite: G020-022 G029-032 G044-047 G060-063 The habitat provides a combination of fields and woodlands that provide roosting, foraging and resting habitats for wintering raptors. Raptor wintering sites need to be > 20 ha cxlviii, cxlix with a combination of forest and upland.xvi, xvii, xviii, xix, xx, xxi . Least disturbed sites, idle/fallow or lightly grazed field/meadow with adjacent woodlands cxlix Information Sources: OMNR Ecologist or Biologist may be aware of locations of wintering raptors. In addition, these staff may know local naturalists that may be aware of the locations of raptor wintering habitats. NHIC maintains winter concentration data in connection with wind power developments. Data from Bird Studies Canada, most notably for Short-eared Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria shorebird habitat includes the mapped ELC shoreline ecosites plus a 100m radius area cxlviii Evaluation methods to follow “Bird and Bird Habitats: Guidelines for Wind Power Projects”ccxi SWHDSScxlix Index #8 provides development effects and mitigation measures. Studies confirm the use of these habitats by: One or more Short-eared Owls or; At least 10 individuals and two spp.of the listed spp Í. To be significant a site must be used regularly (3 in 5 years) cxlix for a minimum of 20 days by the above number of birdsÍ. Evaluation methods to follow “Bird and Bird Habitats: Guidelines for Wind Power Projects”ccxi SWHDSScxlix Index #10 provides development effects and mitigation measures. 6 Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species Big Brown Bat Little Brown Myotis Tri-coloured Bat/Eastern Rationale; Bat hibernacula Pipistrelle are rare habitats in Northern Myotis all Ontario Eastern Small-footed landscapes. Myotis Bat Hibernacula Bat Big Brown Bat DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Codes Sources G077-080 Owls. G093-096 EIS reports and other studies G109-112 prepared by CA’s. Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria Bat Hibernacula Hibernacula may be found in may be found in abandoned caves, horizontal association with mine shafts (adits), abandoned components of underground foundations and cliffs and rock talus areas of limestone bedrock with in these ELC solution channels known as Ecosites; Karsts. The locations and site G158-G159 characteristics of bat G164 hibernacula are relatively G180-G181 poorly known. Calcareous bedrock Information Sources is fairly rare in OMNR Districts for possible ecoregion 5E. locations and contact for local Or Central Ont. experts FEC: NHIC stores Bat Hibernacula ES4 data in Animal Concentration ES5 Area under Biotics. Most (Note: buildings are known historical and currently not considered to extant bat hibernacula are be SWH) contained in this database. Ministry of Northern Development and Mines for location of mine shafts and adits. Clubs that explore caves (eg. Sierra Club) University Biology Departments with bat experts. Maternity colonies Maternity colonies can be found in All sites with confirmed hibernating bats is SWH Í. The area includes 1000m radius around the entrance of the hibernaculum cxlviii, ccvii, Í. Studies are to be conducted during the peak swarming period (Aug. – Sept.). Surveys should be conducted following methods outlined in the “Guideline for Wind Power Projects Potential Impacts to Bats and Bat Habitats”ccv. If a SWH is determined for Bat Hibernacula then Movement Corridors are to be considered as outlined in Table 1.4.1 of this Schedule. SWHDSScxlix Index #1 provides development effects and mitigation measures. Maternity Colonies with 7 Wildlife Habitat Maternity Colonies Wildlife Species Little Brown Myotis Silver-haired Bat Northern Myotis Rationale; Known locations of forested bat maternity colonies is extremely rare in all Ontario landscapes. Bat Migratory Stopover Area Hoary Bat Eastern Red Bat DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Codes Sources considered SWH tree cavities, vegetation and often in are found in buildlingsxxii, xxv, xxvi, xxvii, xxxi forested Ecosites. (buildings are not considered to be SWH). ELC Ecosites: Maternity roosts are not found in G016-G019 caves and mines in Ontarioxxii. G028 Maternity colonies located in G040-G043 Mature (dominant trees > 80yrs G055-G059 old) deciduous or mixed forest G070-G076 standsccix, ccx with >10/ha large G088-G092 diameter (>25cm dbh) wildlife G103- G108 treesccvii. G118-G125 Female Bats prefer wildlife or: trees (snags) in early stages of Central Ontario decay, class 1-3 ccxiv or class 1 Forest Ecosites: or 2 ccxii. ES14 ES17 Northern Myotis prefer ES18 ES23 contiguous tracts of older forest ES24 ES25 cover for foraging and roosting ES26 ES27 in snags and treesccix ES28 ES29 Silver-haired Bats prefer older ES30 mixed or deciduous forest and form maternity colonies in tree cavities and small hollows. Older forest areas with at least 21 snags/ha are preferredccx Information Sources OMNR for possible locations and contact for local experts University Biology Departments with bat experts. No specific ELC types. Long distance migratory bats typically migrate during late Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria confirmed use by; >20 Northern Myotiscxlix >10 Big Brown BatsÍ >20 Little Brown MyotisÍ >5 Adult Female Silverhaired BatsÍ The area of the habitat includes the entire woodland or the forest stand ELC Ecosite containing the maternity coloniesÍ. Evaluation methods for maternity colonies should be conducted following methods outlined in the “Guideline for Wind Power Projects Potential Impacts to Bats and Bat Habitats”ccv. SWHDSScxlix Index #1 provides development effects and mitigation measures. The confirmation criteria and habitat areas for this SWH are 8 Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species Silver-haired Bat Rationale: Movement corridors for long distance migrant bats are extremely important as these species of bats are susceptible to land use change and installation of obstacles that may affect movement patterns. Turtle Wintering Midland Painted Turtle Areas Special Concern: Northern Map Turtle Snapping Turtle Rationale; Generally sites are the only known sites in the area. Sites with the highest number of individuals are most significant. DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Codes Sources summer and early fall from summer breeding habitats throughout Ontario to southern wintering areas. Their annual fall migrations concentrate these species of bats at stopover areas. The location and characteristics of stopover habitats are generally unknown. Information Sources OMNR for possible locations and contact for local experts University Biology Departments with bat experts. For Snapping and Midland Painted turtles; ELC Ecosites: G128-G135 G140-G152 For Northern Map Turtle - Open Water areas such as deeper rivers or streams and lakes with current can also be used as over-wintering habitat. For most turtles, wintering areas are in the same general area as their core habitat. Water has to be deep enough not to freeze and have soft mud substrates. Over-wintering sites are permanent water bodies, large wetlands, and bogs or fens with adequate Dissolved Oxygen. cix, cx, cxi, cxviii Information Sources EIS reports and other studies prepared by CA’s Local naturalists and experts, as well as university herpetologists may also know where to find some of these sites. OMNR ecologist or biologist may be aware of locations of wintering turtles Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria still being determined SWHDSS cxlix Index #38 provides development effects and mitigation measures Presence of 5 over-wintering turtles of Midland Painted Turtles is significantÍ. One or more Northern Map Turtle or Snapping Turtle overwintering within a wetland is significantÍ. The mapped ELC ecosite area with the over wintering turtles is the SWH. If the hibernation site is within a stream or river, the deep-water pool where the turtles are over wintering is the SWH. Over wintering areas may be identified by searching for congregations (Basking Areas) of turtles on warm, sunny days during the fall (Sept. – Oct.) or spring (Mar. – April) cvi. 9 Wildlife Habitat Reptile Hibernaculum Rationale; Generally sites are the only known sites in the area. Sites with the highest number of individuals are most significant. Wildlife Species Snakes: Eastern Gartersnake Northern Watersnake Red-bellied Snake Brownsnake Smooth Green Snake Ring-necked Snake Special Concern: Milksnake Eastern Ribbonsnake Lizard: Special Concern: Five-lined Skink DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Codes Sources Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria Congregation of turtles is more common where wintering areas are limited and therefore significant cix, cx, cxi, cxii. SWHDSScxlix Index #28 provides development effects and mitigation measures for turtle wintering habitat. For snakes, hibernation takes place Studies confirming: For all snakes, in sites located below frost lines in Presence of snake hibernacula habitat may be burrows, rock crevices and other found in any used by a minimum of five forested ecosite in natural locations. Areas of broken individuals of a snake sp. or; and fissured rock are particularly central Ontario individuals of two or more snake valuable since they provide access other than very spp. to subterranean sites below the frost wet ones. Talus, Congregations of a minimum of linexliv, l, li, lii, cxii . Wetlands can also Rock Barren, five individuals of a snake sp. or; be important over-wintering habitat Crevice and Cave, individuals of two or more snake in conifer or shrub swamps and and Alvar sites spp. near potential hibernacula swales, poor fens, or depressions in may be directly (eg. foundation or rocky slope) bedrock terrain with sparse trees or related to these on sunny warm days in Spring shrubs with sphagnum moss or habitats. (Apr/May) and Fall (Sept/Oct)Í . sedge hummock ground cover. Note: If there are Special Information Sources The existence of Concern Species present, then rock piles or In spring, local residents or site is SWH slopes, stone landowners have observed the Note: Sites for snake hibernation fences, and emergence of snakes on their possess specific habitat crumbling property (e.g.old dug wells). parameters (e.g. temperature, foundations assist EIS reports and other studies humidity, etc.) and consequently in identifing prepared by CA’s. are used annually, often by many candidate SWH. Local naturalists and experts, as of the same individuals of a local well as university herpetologists population [i.e. strong may also know where to find hibernation site fidelity.]. Other For Five-lined some of these sites. critical life processes (e.g. Skink; Central mating) often take place in close Ontario Forest Five-lined skink prefer mixed forests 10 Wildlife Habitat Colonially Nesting Bird Breeding Habitat (Bank and Cliff) Rationale; Historical use and number of nests in a colony make this habitat significant. An identified colony can be very important to local populations. All swallow population are Wildlife Species Bank Swallow Cliff Swallow Northern Rough-winged Swallow DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Codes Sources Ecosites: with rock outcrop openings ES14.2, providing cover rock overlaying ES17 – ES20, granite bedrock with fissures cciii. ES23 – ES30 Information Sources Or; EIS studies carried out by ELC Ecosites: Conservation Authorities. G056-G059 Local naturalists and experts, as G070-G076 well as university herpetologists G087-G092 may also know where to find G103-G108 some of these sites. G118-G125 OMNR ecologist or biologist may be aware of locations of wintering skinks Habitat found in the following ELC Ecosites: G001-G004 G007-G008 G020-G021 G029-G031 G044-G046 G060-G062 G077-G079 G093-G095 G109-G111 G173-G175 G201-G203 G210-G212 Any site or areas with exposed soil banks, sandy hills, borrow pits, steep slopes, and sand piles that are undisturbed or naturally eroding that is not a licensed/permitted aggregate area. Does not include man-made structures (bridges or buildings) or recently (2 years) disturbed soil areas, such as berms, embankments, soil or aggregate stockpiles. Does not include a licensed/permitted Mineral Aggregate Operation. Information Sources Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria proximity to hibernacula. As such, a 30 m radius centred on the hibernaculum is the SWHÍ SWHDSScxlix Index #13 provides development effects and mitigation measures for snake hibernacula. Presence of any active hibernaculum for skink is significant. The ELC Ecosite polygon containing the skink hibernacula is the SWHÍ SWHDSScxlix Index #37 provides development effects and mitigation measures for fivelined skink wintering habitat. Studies confirming: Presence of 1 or more nesting sites with 8cxlvix or more cliff swallow pairs or 50Í bank swallow, and rough-winged swallow pairs during the breeding season. A colony identified as SWH will include a 50m radius habitat area from the peripheral nestsccvii Field surveys to observe and count swallow nests are to be completed during the breeding season (may-July). Evaluation methods to follow “Bird and Bird Habitats: Guidelines for Wind Power Projects”ccxi 11 Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species declining in Ontario cxcix. Great Blue Heron Colonially Black-crowned Night Nesting Bird Breeding Habitat Heron (Tree/Shrubs) Rationale; Large colonies are important to local bird population, typically sites are only known colony in area and are used annually. Colonially Nesting Bird Breeding Habitat (Ground) Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Little Gull Ring-billed Gull DRAFT February 2012 Eco-Region 5E CANDIDATE SWH CONFIRMED SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Defining Criteria Codes Sources EIS Reports prepared by SWHDSScxlix Index #4 provides Conservation Authorities. development effects and mitigation measures Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. Bird Studies Canada; NatureCounts http://www.birdscanada.org/bird mon/ Naturalist Clubs. ELC Ecosites: Studies confirming: Nests in live or dead standing G064-G076 trees in wetlands, lakes, islands, Presence of 10Í or more active G081-G092 and peninsulas. Shrubs and nests of Great Blue Heron. G097-G108 occasionally emergent vegetation Presence of 1 or more active G113-G125 may also be used. nests of Black-crowned Night G128-G136 Most nests in trees are 11 to 15 m HeronÍ is significant. from ground, near the top of the The edge of the colony and a Central Ontario tree. minimum 300m area of habitat Forest Ecosites: Information Sources or extent of the Forest Ecosite ES11.2 ES12.2 Breeding Bird Atlas, colonial containing the colony or any ES13.2 ES14.2 nest records. island <15.0ha with a colony is ES15.2 ES16.2 Ontario Heronry Inventory 1991 the SWH cc, ccvii ES17.2 ES18.2 available from Bird Studies Confirmation of active ES19.2 ES20.2 Canada or NHIC (OMNR). heronries must be achieved ES21.2 ES23.2 Aerial photographs can help through site visits conducted ES24.2 ES25.2 identify large heronries. during the nesting season (April ES26.2 ES27.2 EIS reports and other studies to August) or by evidence such ES28.2 ES29.2 prepared by CA’s as the presence of fresh guano, ES30.2 ES31 MNR District Offices. dead young and/or eggshells ES32 ES33 cxlix Local naturalist clubs. SWHDSS Index #5 provides ES34 ES35 development effects and mitigation measures. Brewer’s Blackbird Nesting colonies of gulls and terns Studies confirming: habitat is in ELC are on islands or peninsulas (natural Presence of > 25 active nests for Ecosites: or artificial) associated with open Herring Gulls or Ring-billed G001-G004 water, marshy areas, lake or large Gulls, >5 active nests for 12 Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species Common Tern Caspian Tern Rationale; Colonies are Brewer’s Blackbird important to local bird population, typically sites are only known colony in area and are used annually. DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Codes Sources G007-G008 river (two-lined on a 1;50,000 NTS G020-G021 map). G029-G031 G044-G046 Brewers Blackbird colonies are G060-G062 found loosely on the ground in or G077-G079 in low bushes in close proximity G093-G095 to streams and irrigation ditches G109-G111 within farmlands. G142-G145 Information Sources Breeding Bird Atlas, rare/colonial species records. Canadian Wildlife Service EIS reports and other studies prepared by CA’s MNR District Offices. Local naturalist clubs. Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria Deer Yarding Areas Rationale: Winter habitat for deer is considered to be the main limiting factor for northern deer populations. In White-tailed Deer May be found in all Tall Treed forest and swamp ELC Ecosites; G12-G15 G23-G27 G33-G38 G48-G54 G64-G69 G81-G87 Common Tern or >2 active nests for Caspian TernÍ. Presence of 5 or more pairs for Brewer’s BlackbirdÍ. Any active nesting colony of one or more Little Gull, and Great Black-backed Gull is significantÍ. The edge of the colony and a minimum 150m area of habitat, or the extent of the ELC ecosites containing the colony or any island <3.0ha with a colony is the SWH cc, ccvii Studies would be done during May/June when actively nesting. Evaluation methods to follow “Bird and Bird Habitats: Guidelines for Wind Power Projects”ccxi SWHDSScxlix Index #6 provides development effects and mitigation measures. No Studies Required: Deer wintering areas or winter concentration areas (yards) are Generally, there will be a history areas deer move to in response to of traditional use of the yard by the onset of winter snow and deer, although deer do move to cold. This is a behavioural other areas over the course of response and deer will establish time if conditions in the yard traditional use areas. The yard is change or due to societal impacts composed of two areas referred (i.e. artificial deer feeding). There to as Stratum I and Stratum II. may be circumstances where deer Stratum II covers the entire have recently moved to new 13 Wildlife Habitat winter, deer congregate in “yards” to survive severe winter conditions normally encountered. Sites typically have a long history of annual use by deer. Sites identified are typically the only known sites in the area. Wildlife Species DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Habitat Criteria and Information Codes Sources G97-G103 winter yard area and is usually a G113-G118 mixed or deciduous forest with G128-G129 plenty of browse available for food. Agricultural lands can also Central Ontario be included in this area. Deer Forest Ecosites: move to these areas in early ES11 ES14 winter and generally, when snow ES16......ES18 depths reach 20 cm, most of the ES20 ES21 deer will have moved here. If the ES22 ES27 snow is light and fluffy, deer may ES28 ES30 continue to use this area until 30 ES31 ES32 cm snow depth. In mild winters, ES33 ES34 deer may remain in the Stratum II area the entire winter. Note: OMNR to The Core of a deer yard (Stratum determine this I) is located within Stratum II habitat. and is critical for deer survival in areas where winters become severe. It is primarily composed of coniferous trees (pine, hemlock, cedar, spruce) with a canopy cover of more than 60%cxciv. OMNR determines deer yards following methods outlined in “Selected Wildlife and Habitat Features: Inventory Manual" cxcv Woodlots with high densities of deer due to artificial feeding are not significantÍ. Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria areas. Deer Yards are mapped by OMNR District offices. Locations of Core (Stratum 1) and Stratum 2 deer yards considered significant by OMNR will be available at local MNR offices. Field investigations that record deer tracks in winter are done to confirm use (best done from an aircraft). Preferably, this is done over a series of winters to establish the boundary of the Stratum I and Stratum II yard in an "average" winter. MNR will complete these field investigations. cxcv If a SWH is determined for Deer Wintering Area or if a proposed development is within a Stratum II yarding area then Movement Corridors are to be considered as outlined in Table 1.4.1 of this Schedule. SWHDSScxlix Index #2 provides development effects and mitigation measures. 14 DRAFT February 2012 1.2 Rare Vegetation Communities or Specialized Habitat for Wildlife Eco-Region 5E 1.2.1 Rare Vegetation Communities Rare vegetation communities often contain rare species, particularly plants and small invertebrates, which depend on such habitats for their survival and cannot readily move to or find alternative habitats. When assessing rare vegetation communities, one of the most important criteria is the current representation of the community in the planning area based on its area relative to the total landscape or the number of examples within the planning area. There are a number of criterion used to define rare vegetation communities, however the NHIC uses a system that considers the provincial rank of a species or community type as a tool to prioritize protection efforts. These ranks are not legal designations but have been assigned using the best available scientific information, and follow a systematic ranking procedure developed by The Nature Conservancy (U.S.). The ranks are based on three factors: estimated number of occurrences, estimated community aerial extent, and estimated range of the community within the province: S1 Extremely rare - usually 5 or fewer occurrences in the province, or very few remaining hectares. S2 Very rare - usually between 5 and 20 occurrences in the province, or few remaining hectares. S3 Rare to uncommon - usually between 20 and 100 occurrences in the province; may have fewer occurrences, but with some extensive examples remaining. The setting of criteria for significant wildlife habitat (SWH) has incorporated this ranking system into its process of determining rare vegetation communities and as such, a rare vegetation community is defined to include areas that contain a provincially rare vegetation community and/or areas that contain a vegetation community that is rare within the planning area. SWH Table 1.2.1 contains a listing of rare vegetation communities that are considered SWH for the planning area contained within Ecoregion 5E. Table 1.2.1 Rare Vegetation Communities. Rare Vegetation Community ELC Ecosite Code Central Ontario Beach/ Beach Ridge/ FEC: Bar/ Sand Dunes ES1 ES2 Rationale; Uncommon to rare in ELC Ecosites: Ecoregion, some of the G005-G006 best examples are in the G166-G168 North Channel (e.g. G182-G184 Mississagi River delta). G213-G214 CANDIDATE SWH Habitat Description Vegetation can vary from patchy and barren to tree cover but less than 60%. Characterised by unstable sand. Detailed Information and Sources Any identified beach, beach ridge, or sand dune. Information Sources OMNR Planner, Forester, Ecologist or Biologist may be aware of locations. Local Naturalist clubs Conservation Authorities County soil maps (sand map units along coastal CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria Field studies confirm the presence of at least one of the indicator plant species identified is to be considered significant Í. ELC Ecosite Area for Beach Ridge or Bar or Sand Dune is the SWH. SWHDSScxlix Index #37 provides direction for rare species and 15 Rare Vegetation Community Shallow Atlantic Coastal Marsh Rationale: Provincially rare communities almost entirely restricted to Ecoregion 5E. Cliffs and Talus Slopes Rationale; Uncommon to rare in DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Code Indicator Spp. Marram Grass (Ammophila breviligulata) Beach Pea (Lathyrus japonicus) Habitat Description ELC Ecosites: G143-G145 G148-G152 Shallow marsh occurs on shallow mineral (sand) or mineral organic (sandy peat) shoreline subject to low wave energy, on inland lakes and beaver ponds particularly those that experience fluctuating water levels from year to year (i.e. some years with exposed shorelines in summer /fall). Indicator Spp.: Virginia Meadowbeauty (Rhexia virgininica) Other Associated Spp: Rhynchospora capitellata, Xyris difformis, Panicum spretum, Triadenum virginicum, Polygonum careyi and Juncus militaris. ELC Ecosites: G158-G159 G166-G168 G173G175 Vegetation can vary from patchy and barren to tree cover but less than 60%. Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Detailed Information and Sources bays) Information Sources NHIC database Local naturalist clubs Nature Serve Canada Defining Criteria habitats. A Shallow Marsh is considered significant if the Indicator Sp. and >4 Other Associated Spp. are present.Í ELC Ecosite Area for Shallow Atlantic Coastal Marsh is the SWH. Any cliff or talus slope. Information Sources OMNR Planner, Forester, Ecologist or Biologist may SWHDSScxlix Index #37 provides direction for rare species and habitats. Any cliff or talus slope with lichen Umbilicaria spp and >3 of the characteristic species identified is considered significant.Í 16 Rare Vegetation Community Ecoregion 5E, Calcium rich, marble cliffs are a much rarer feature. Rock Barren Precambrian Rock Barren Rationale; Uncommon to rare in Ecoregion, DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Code G182-G184 G201-G203 Central Ontario Forest Ecosites: ES6 ES7 Detailed Information and Sources be aware of locations. Cliffs and talus NHIC will have slopes in 5E are information on known primarily locations. Precambrian rock and Local Naturalist clubs are typically sparsely Conservation Authorities vegetated. Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Habitat Description Characteristic flora for cliffs and talus slopes include: lichen, such as Rock Tripe Umbilicaria spp., and ferns Polypodium virginianum, Cystopteris fragilis and Woodsia ilvensis, Cryptogramma stelleri, Woodsia alpina, and Saxifraga paniculata,. ELC Ecosites: Vegetation can vary Any rock barren area greater G163-G165 from patchy and than 1 ha. G179-G181 barren to tree cover Information Sources but less than 60%. OMNR Planner, Forester, Central Ontario Ecologist or Biologist may Forest Ecosites: Rock barrens are be aware of locations. ES8 characterized by NHIC will have extensive areas of information on known Characteristic exposed granitic rock locations. Defining Criteria Fragrant Cliff Fern (Dryopteris fragrans), is rare in Eco-region 5E and Woodsia scopulina ssp. laurentiana, has a significant portion of its global range in 5E, where it occurs on a variety of substrates, including granite. Any cliff or talus slope with these rare plant species is significant.Í ELC Ecosite Area for the cliff or talus slope is the SWH.Í SWHDSScxlix Index #21 provides development effects and mitigation measures. Field studies identifying the presence of >4 characteristic plant spp. and a relatively undisturbed site should be considered significant Í. ELC Ecosite Area for the rock barren is the SWH.Í SWHDSScxlix Index #21 provides 17 Rare Vegetation Community Sand Barren DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Code flora for Rock Barrens include: lichens Cladina spp. and mosses Polytrichum spp.), sparse grasslands of Danthonia spicata and Deschampsia flexuosa, low shrubs (Juniperus communis, Vaccinium angustifolium, Comptonia peregrina, and stunted open grown trees Quercus alba, Quercus rubra and Pinus strobus. Also, Pteridium aquilinum, Aralia hispida, Spiranthes casei, Saxifraga virginiensis, Gaylussacia baccata, Corydalis sempervirens, Prunus pensylvanica, and Comandra umbellata. ELC Ecosites: Habitat Description bedrock sparsely vegetated. Sand Barrens Detailed Information and Sources Local Naturalist clubs Conservation Authorities County soil maps will show these as bedrock with sparse soil map units. Any sand barren area, no Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria development effects and mitigation measures. Sand Barrens containing any 18 Rare Vegetation Community Rationale; Uncommon to rare in Ecoregion Alvar Rationale; Alvars are extremely rare habitats in Ecos-region 5E. Most alvars in Ontario are in Eco-regions 6E and 7E. Alvars in 5E are small and highly localized just north of the Palaeozoic- DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Code G007 G215 Central Ontario Forest Ecosite: ES10 Characteristic plant species of sand barrens in 5E include:Cladina spp., Carex houghtoniana, Carex merrittfernaldii, Comptonia peregrina, Rubus flagellaris, Selaginella rupestris, and Viola labradorica, Polygonella articulata, and Stipa spartea. Southern Ontario ELC Ecosites: ALO1 ALS1 ALT1 FOC1 FOC2 CUM2 CUS2 CUT2-1 Detailed Information and Sources typically are exposed minimum size. sand, generally Information Sources sparsely vegetated OMNR Planner, Forester, and caused by lack of Ecologist or Biologist may moisture, periodic be aware of locations. fires and erosion. Local Naturalist clubs They have little or no Conservation Authorities soil and the underlying rock protrudes through the surface. Usually located within other types of natural habitat such as forest or savannah. Vegetation can vary from patchy and barren to tree covered but less than 60%. Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Habitat Description An alvar is typically An Alvar site > 0.5 ha in size lxxv a level, mostly . unfractured calcareous bedrock Information Sources feature with a mosaic Alvars of Ontario (2000), of rock pavements Federation of Ontario and bedrock overlain Naturalists lxxvi. by a thin veneer of Ontario Nature – soil. The hydrology Conserving Great Lakes of alvars may be Alvarsccviii. Defining Criteria characteristic plant species should be considered significant. Í. ELC Ecosite Area for the sand barren is the SWH.Í Site must not be dominated by exotic or introduced species (<50% vegetative cover exotics)Í. SWHDSScxlix Index #20 provides development effects and mitigation measures. Field studies identify one or more of the 5E Plant Indicator species lxxv Site must not be dominated by exotic or introduced species. The alvar must be in excellent condition and fit in with surrounding landscape with few conflicting land uses lxxv. SWHDSScxlix Index #17 provides development effects and mitigation 19 Rare Vegetation Community Precambrian contact. DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Code CUW2 Central Ontario Forest Ecosites on very shallow soils: ES13.1 ES14.1 ES16.1 ES21.1 ES9 5E Alvar Plant Indicator species: Penstemon hirsutus, Panicum philadelphicum, Scutellaria parvula, Rhus aromatica, Monarda fistulosa, Senecio pauperculus Old Growth Forest Rationale; Due to historic logging practices, extensive old growth forest is rare in the Ecoregion. Interior habitat provided by old growth forests is required by many wildlife species. Long-lived forest spp. within these Central Ontario Forest Ecositescxlviii ; ES11 ES12 ES14 ES20 ES21 ES22 ES23 ES24 ES25 ES26 Detailed Information and Sources complex, with Natural Heritage alternating periods of Information Centre. inundation and OMNR Ecologists or drought. Vegetation Biologists. cover varies from Local Naturalist clubs. sparse lichen-moss Conservation Authorities. associations to grasslands and shrublands and comprising a number of characteristic or indicator plant. Undisturbed alvars can be phyto- and zoogeographically diverse, supporting many uncommon or are relict plant and animals species. Vegetation cover varies from patchy to barren with a less than 60% tree cover lxxviii . Old Growth forests Stands 30 ha or greater in size are characterized by or with at least 10 ha interior exhibiting the habitat assuming 100 m greatest number of buffer at edge of forest Í . old-growth characteristics, such Information Sources as mature forest with OMNR Forest Resource large trees that has Inventory mapping been undisturbed. OMNR Forester, Ecologist Heavy mortality or or Biologist. Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Habitat Description Defining Criteria measures. Field Studies will determine: If dominant trees species of the ecosite are >140 years old, then stand is Significant Wildlife Habitat cxlviii The stand will have experienced no recognizable forestry activities cxlviii The area of Forest Ecosites combined to make up the stand is the SWH. SWHDSScxlix Index #23 provides 20 Rare Vegetation Community Bog Rationale: Bogs are a fairly rare vegetation community in Ecoregion 5E. DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Code ES27 ES28 ES29 ES30 or; ELC Ecosites: G011-G15 G017-G018 G023 G027 G033 G036 G039-G042 G048 G051 G054-G058 G064 G066 G069 G071-G075 G081 G084 G087 G089-G091 G103 G105-G107 G113 G115 G118 G120-G124 Habitat Description ELC Ecosites: G126 G137-G138 Bogs are nutrientpoor, acid peatlands dominated by peat mosses (Sphagnum sp.), ericaceous shrubs and sedges (Cyperaceae). The water table is at or near the surface in spring and slightly lower the remainder Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Detailed Information and Sources turnover of over Local Naturalist clubs storey trees resulting Conservation Authorities in a mosaic of gaps Sustainable Forestry that encourage Licence (SFL) companies development of a will possibly know multi-layered canopy locations through field and an abundance of operations. snags and downed woody debris. Any size Bog. Information Sources Ontario wetland Evaluation System available at OMNR District Offices OMNR ecologist or biologist may be aware of locations. NHIC has information on known locations. Local Naturalist clubs. Defining Criteria development effects and mitigation measures. The Bog ELC Ecosite identified is SWH. ELC Ecosite area is the SWH SWHDSScxlix Index #22 provides development effects and mitigation measures. 21 Rare Vegetation Community DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Code Habitat Description of the year and is vitually isolated from mineral soil waters ccvii . Tallgrass Prairie Rationale: In Ecoregion 5E, there are few if any tallgrass prairie remnants. Tallgrass plant species occur, often together, primarily along shorelines.. Savannah Southern ELC Ecosites: TPO1 TPO2 Central Ontario Ecosite: ES10 Indicator Spp. Andropogon gerardii and Spartina pectinata Characteristic Spp. Bromus kalmii, Ceanothus herbaceus, Lechea intermedia, Monarda fistulosa, Penstemon hirsutus, Polygala polygama, Rudbeckia hirta, Sorghastrum nutans, Viola fimbriatula, Southern ELC Ecosites: Tallgrass Prairie is an open vegetation with less than < 25% tree cover, and dominated by prairie species, including grasses. Detailed Information and Sources Conservation Authorities. No minimum size to site Í. Site must be restored or a natural site. Remnant sites such as railway right of ways are not considered to be SWH. Information Sources Natural Heritage Information Centre. OMNR Ecologists and Biologists. Local Naturalists clubs. Conservation Authorities. A Savannah is related No minimum size to site Í to tallgrass prairie, Site must be restored or a Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria Field studies confirm one or more of the Tallgrass Prairie Indicator Species listed and 2 or more of the Characteristic Spp. identified is a SWH.Í Area of the ELC Ecosite is the SWH. Site must not be dominated by exotic or introduced species. SWHDSScxlix Index #19 provides development effects and mitigation measures. Field studies confirm one or more of the Savannah indicator species listed in 22 Rare Vegetation Community Rationale: Savannahs are extremely rare habitats in Ontario. Rare Forest Type: Red Spruce Rationale; Stands containing red spruce trees are rare in Ecoregion 5E. DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Code TPS1 TPS2 TPW1 TPW2 CUS2 ELC Ecosites: G036 G051 G066 G084 G086 G100 G102 G116 G117 Central Ontario Forest Ecosites: ES 30.1 ES 30.2 Habitat Description but includes trees, which vary from 25 – 60% canopy cover. The open areas between the trees are dominated by prairie species, while forest species are found beneath the tree canopy. Red Spruce is a valued wildlife cover tree. Historically red spruce was much more abundant then it is now within the Ecoregion 5e forests.ccxiii Red spruce is a shade tolerant conifer that evolved within tolerant hardwood forests ccxiii . Red spruce grows best in a cool, moist climate. It will grow in shallow, till soils (ave. of 46 cm) and may grow on sites unfavourable for other species such as Detailed Information and Sources natural site. Information Sources Natural Heritage Information Centre. OMNR Ecologists and Biologists. Local Naturalists clubs. Conservation Authorities. Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria Appendix N should be present Í. Note: Savannah plant spp. list from Ecoregion 6E should be used lxxv Area of the ELC Ecosite is the SWH. Site must not be dominated by exotic or introduced species. SWHDSScxlix Index #18 provides development effects and mitigation measures. No minimum size to stand. Information Sources OMNR Forester, Ecologist or Biologist may be aware of locations. Local Naturalist clubs Conservation Authorities Any forest stand with > 10% red spruce is to be considered significant Í. The ELC Ecosites containing the red spruce woodland/forest stand is the SWH. SWHDSScxlix Index #37 provides direction for rare speices and habitats. 23 Rare Vegetation Community DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Code Habitat Description Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Detailed Information and Sources Defining Criteria No minimum size to stand. Information Sources OMNR Forester, Ecologist or Biologist may be aware of locations. Local Naturalist clubs Conservation Authorities Any forest stand with > 10% white oak is to be considered significant Í. organic soils over rock, steeper slopes, and wet bottomlands, although poorly drained sites will inhibit growth. . Rare Forest Type: White Oak Rationale; Stands containing white oak trees are rare in Ecoregion 5E. White Oak ELC Ecosites: G017 G041 G057 G072 G090 G106 G121 Central Ont. FEC: ES 14.1 ES14.2 White oak is a valued wildlife mast producing tree. The mast produced by the white oak tree is often preferred over the more common red oak acorn. Forest stands containing white oak trees are uncommon in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Forest. The ELC Ecosites containing the white oak woodland/forest stand is the SWH. SWHDSScxlix Index #37 provides direction for rare speices and habitats. 24 DRAFT February 2012 Eco-Region 5E 1.2.2 Specialized Habitat for Wildlife Some wildlife species require large areas of suitable habitat for their long-term survival. Many wildlife species require substantial areas of suitable habitat for successful breeding. Their populations decline when habitat becomes fragmented and reduced in sizecxlviii. Specialized habitat for wildlife is a community or diversity-based category, therefore, the more wildlife species a habitat contains, the more significant the habitat becomes to the planning area. The largest and least fragmented habitats within a planning area will support the most significant populations of wildlife. The specialized habitats for wildlife that are considered as SWH are outlined in Table 1.2.2. Table 1.2.2 Specialized Habitats of Wildlife considered SWH. Specialized Wildlife Habitat Waterfowl Nesting Area Rationale; Important to local waterfowl populations, sites with greatest number of species and highest number of individuals are significant. Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Codes American Black Duck Northern Pintail Northern Shoveler Gadwall Blue-winged Teal Green-winged Teal Wood Duck Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Mallard Canada Goose American Widgeon Bufflehead Common Goldeneye All upland habitats located adjacent to these wetland ELC Ecosites are Candidate SWH: G129-G135 G142-G152 Note: includes adjacency to provincially Significant Wetlands Habitat Criteria and Information Sources A waterfowl nesting area extends 120 m cxlix from a wetland (> 0.5 ha) or a cluster of 3 or more small (<0.5 ha) wetlands within 120 m of each individual wetland where waterfowl nesting is known to occur cxlix. Upland areas should be at least 120 m wide so that predators such as racoons, skunks, and foxes have difficulty finding nests. Wood Ducks, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye and Hooded Mergansers utilize large diameter trees (>40cm dbh) in woodlands for cavity nest sites. Information Sources Ducks Unlimited staff may know the locations of particularly productive nesting sites. OMNR Wetland Evaluations for indication of significant waterfowl nesting habitat. CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria Studies confirmed: Presence of 3 or more nesting pairs for listed species excluding MallardsÍ, or; Presence of 10 or more nesting pairs for listed species including MallardsÍ. Any active nesting site of an American Black Duck is considered significant. Nesting studies should be completed during the spring breeding season (April June). Evaluation methods to follow “Bird and Bird Habitats: Guidelines for Wind Power Projects”ccxi A field study confirming waterfowl nesting habitat will determine the boundary of the waterfowl nesting habitat for the SWH, this may be greater 25 Specialized Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Codes Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Habitat Criteria and Information Sources EIS reports and other studies prepared by CA’s. Defining Criteria Bald Eagle and Osprey Nesting, Foraging and Perching Habitat Rationale; Nest sites are fairly uncommon in Eco-region 5E and are used annually by these species. Many suitable nesting locations may be lost due to increasing shoreline development pressures and scarcity of habitat. Osprey Special Concern Bald Eagle Forest communities directly adjacent to riparian areas – rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands or less than 120 m cxlviii from the wetland and will provide enough habitat for waterfowl to successfully nest. SWHDSScxlix Index #25 provides development effects and mitigation measures. Nests are associated with lakes, ponds, Studies confirm the use of these rivers or wetlands along forested nests by: shorelines, islands, or on structures One or more active Osprey or over water. Bald Eagle nests in an areacxlviii . Some species have more than Osprey nests are usually at the top a one nest in a given area and tree whereas Bald Eagle nests are priority is given to the primary typically in super canopy trees in a nest with alternate nests notch within the tree’s canopy. included within the area of the SWH. Nests located on man-made objects are For an Osprey, the active nest not to be included as SWH (e.g. and a 300 m radius around the telephone poles and constructed nesting nest or the contiguous woodland platforms). stand is the SWH ccvii, maintaining undisturbed Information Sources shorelines with large trees NHIC compiles all known nesting within this area is important cxlviii sites for Bald Eagles in Ontario. . MNR values information For a Bald Eagle the active nest (LIO/NRVIS) will list known and a 400-800 m radius around nesting locations the nest is the SWH. cvi, ccvii Nature Counts, Ontario Nest Area of the habitat from 400Records Scheme data. 800m is dependant on site lines OMNR Ecologist or Biologist may from the nest to the be aware of locations of nesting development and inclusion of raptors. In addition, these staff may perching and foraging habitat cvi 26 Specialized Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species Red-tailed Hawk Great Horned Owl: Broad-winged Hawk Sharp-shinned Hawk Merlin Rationale: Nests sites for Barred Owl these species are Red-shouldered Hawk rarely identified; Coopers Hawk these habitats Northern Goshawk are often used annually by these species. Woodland Raptor Nesting Habitat DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Codes May be found in all forested ELC Ecosites in Community Class: TR May also be found in the forested swamp ELC Ecosites: G128-G133 Habitat Criteria and Information Sources know local naturalists that may be aware of the locations of raptor nests. Sustainable Forestry Licence (SFL) companies will identify additional nesting locations through field operations. Check the Breeding Bird Atlas or Rare Breeding Birds in Ontario for species documented EIS reports and other studies prepared by CA’s. Local naturalists may know of other locations. Use maps and aerial photographs to identify forests with few roads that tend to have less human disturbance. Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria To be significant a site must be used annually. When found inactive, the site must be known to be inactive for > 3 years or suspected of not being used for >5 years before being considered not significant. ccvii Observational studies to determine nest site use, perching sites and foraging areas need to be done from mid March to mid August. Evaluation methods to follow “Bird and Bird Habitats: Guidelines for Wind Power Projects”ccxi SWHDSScxlix Index #26 provides development effects and mitigation measures All natural or conifer plantation Studies confirm: woodland/forest stands lxxxviiii, lxxxix, xc, xci, Presence of 1 or more active xciii, xciv, xcv,xcvi, cxxxiii . nests from species list is Stick nests found in a variety of considered significantcxlviii. intermediate-aged to mature conifer, Red-shouldered Hawk and deciduous or mixed forests within Northern Goshawk – A 400m tops or crotches of trees. Species radius around the nest or 28 ha such as Merlin or Coopers hawk nest of suitable habitat is the SWH ccvii along forest edges sometimes on . peninsulas or small off-shore Barred Owl – A 200m radius islands. around the nest is the SWH ccvii Includes nest sites within tree . cavities for Barred Owl and Broad-winged Hawk, Coopers sometime Great Horned Owls and Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Merlin. Red-tailed Hawk – A 100m 27 Specialized Wildlife Habitat Turtle and Lizard Nesting Areas Rationale; These habitats are rare and when identified will often be the only breeding site for local populations of Wildlife Species DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Codes Midland Painted Turtle Special Concern Species Northern Map Turtle Snapping Turtle Five-lined Skink Turtle Nesting areas may be adjacent to these ELC Ecosites: G138 G140-149 Habitat Criteria and Information Sources In disturbed sites, nests may be used again, or a new nest will be in close proximity to old nest. Information Sources OMNR Ecologist or Biologist may be aware of locations of nesting raptors. Sustainable Forestry Licence (SFL) companies will identify additional nesting locations through field operations. Check the Breeding Bird Atlas or Rare Breeding Birds in Ontario for species documented. Check data from Bird Studies Canada. EIS reports and other studies prepared by CA’s. Use maps and aerial photographs to identify forests with few roads that tend to have less human disturbance. For Five-lined Skink; Central Ontario Forest Ecosites: ES14.2, ES17 – ES20, ES23 – ES30 Best nesting habitat for turtles are close to water and away from roads and sites less prone to loss of eggs by predation from skunks, raccoons or other animals. For an area to function as a turtlenesting area, it must provide sand and gravel that turtles are able to dig in and are located in open, sunny areas. Nesting areas on the sides of municipal or provincial road embankments and shoulders are not Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria radius around the nest is the SWHccvii. Merlin and Sharp-Shinned Hawk – A 50m radius around the nest is the SWHccvii. Conduct field investigations from mid-March to end of May. The use of call broadcasts can help in locating territorial (courting/nesting) raptors and facilitate the discovery of nests by narrowing down the search area. SWHDSS cxlix Index #27 provides development effects and mitigation measures. Studies confirm: Presence of 5 or more nesting Midland Painted TurtlesÍ The area or collection of sites within an area of exposed mineral soils where the turtles nest, plus a radius of 30-100m around the nesting area dependant on slope, riparian vegetation and adjacent land use is the SWH.cxlviii 28 Specialized Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species ELC Ecosite Codes turtles. Seeps and Springs Rationale; Seeps/Springs DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH Or; ELC Ecosites: G056-G059 G070-G076 G087-G092 G103-G108 G118-G125 Wild Turkey Ruffed Grouse Spruce Grouse Moose White-tailed Deer Seeps/Springs are areas where ground water comes to the surface. Often they are found within Habitat Criteria and Information Sources SWH. Sand and gravel beaches adjacent to undisturbed shallow weedy areas of marshes, lakes, and rivers are most frequently used. Information Sources Use Ontario Soil Survey reports and maps to help find suitable substrate for nesting turtles (well-drained sands and fine gravels). Check the Ontario Herpetofaunal Summary records for uncommon turtles; location information may help to find potential nesting habitat for them. Use aerial photographs and maps to narrow the search for prime nesting areas including shoreline beaches located near weedy areas of wetlands, lake and river shorelines, road embankments near turtle habitat, and stream crossings/culverts. Skinks will nest under logs, in stumps or under loose rock in partially wooded areas EIS reports and other studies prepared by CA’s. Sightings by local Naturalist groups Any forested area (with <25% meadow/field/pasture) within the headwaters of a stream or river system cxvii, cxlix . Seeps and springs are important Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria Travel routes from wetland to nesting area are to be considered within the SWH.cxlix One or more Northern Map Turtle or Snapping Turtle nesting is a SWHÍ. Any confirmed active skink nest site and a 30 m radius around it is significantÍ. Field investigations should be conducted in prime nesting season typically late spring to early summer. SWHDSS cxlix Index #28 provides development effects and mitigation measures for turtle nesting habitat and Index #37 provides information for Five-lined Skink. Field Studies confirm: Presence of a site with 2 or moreÍ seeps/springs should be considered SWH. The area of a ELC forest 29 Specialized Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species ELC Ecosite Codes are typical of headwater areas and are often at the source of coldwater streams. Salamander spp. Aquatic Feeding Habitat Moose White-tailed Deer Rationale; Aquatic Feeding Habitats are an extremely important habitat component for moose and other wildlife as they supply important nutrients. DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH Habitat Criteria and Information Sources headwater areas feeding and drinking areas especially within forested in the winter will typically support a habitats. Any forested variety of plant and animal species cxix, cxx, cxxi, cxxii, cxiii, cxiv Ecosite within the . headwater areas of a Information Sources stream could have Topographical Map. seeps/springs. Thermography. Hydrological surveys conducted by CA's and MOE. Local naturalists and landowners may know some locations. Municipalities may have drainage maps and headwater areas mapped. Habitat may be found MNR maps these location on Crown in all forested land and rates the site on a scale of 0 – ecosites adjacent to 4, with 4 being the best. Feeding sites water. classed 3 or 4 are potential/candidate significantÍ. Where MAFA habitat is in low supply, class 2 MAFA habitat could also be considered potential/candidate significantÍ Wetlands and isolated embayments in rivers or lakes which provide an abundance of submerged aquatic vegetation such as pondweeds, water milfoil and yellow water lily are preferred sites. Adjacent stands of lowland conifer or mixed woods will provide cover and shade cxlviii. Information Sources Local naturalists and landowners may know some locations. Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria ecosite containing the seeps/springs is the SWH. The protection of the recharge area considering the slope, vegetation, height of trees and groundwater condition need to be considered in delineation the habitat cxlviii. SWHDSS cxlix Index #30 provides development effects and mitigation measures Observational studies of the moose feeding habitat observing use or track studies demonstrating use of the habitat are required for any candidate site; any candidate site with observed or demonstrated moose use is significantÍ. The area of the habitat includes the wetland area and adjacent forest stands (120m) of mixed or conifer forest, particularly those that provide thermal cover and/or travel corridors to other habitat features are considered significant cxcvii. Surveys should be conducted from mid June to end of July when submergent aquatic vegetation has peaked.cxcv If a SWH is determined for 30 Specialized Wildlife Habitat Mineral Licks Rationale; Mineral licks are a valuable habitat component but are also very rare on the landscape. Wildlife Species DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Codes Moose White-tailed Deer Habitat may be found in all forested ecosites. Habitat Criteria and Information Sources MNR values information (NRVIS) may list known locations OMNR Ecologist or Biologist may be aware of locations. Sustainable Forestry Licence (SFL) companies may identify additional MAFA locations through field operations. Topographical Maps together with aerial photographs will help locate potential sites. Methods for identification of Moose Aquatic Feeding Areas are outlined in OMNR’s Selected Wildlife and Habitat Features: Inventory Manual cxcv This habitat component is found in upwelling groundwater and the soil around these seepage areas. It typically occurs in areas of sedimentary and volcanic bedrock. In areas of granitic bedrock, the site is usually overlain with calcareous glacial till cxlviii. Information Sources Local naturalists and landowners may know some locations. MNR values information (NRVIS) may list known locations OMNR Ecologist or Biologist may be aware of locations. Sustainable Forestry Licence (SFL) companies may identify additional calving locations through field operations. Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria Aquatic Feeding Habitat then Movement Corridors are to be considered as outlined in Table 1.4.1 of this Schedule SWHDSS cxlix Index #24 provides development effects and mitigation measures. Studies confirming any known site will be considered significant together with a 120 m radius around the site cxcvii Í. The area of the habitat is the wetland, seep or spring containing the mineral lick and 100-200m of undisturbed contiguous forest around the site dependant on level of disturbance in the area cxlviii. Field investigations should be conducted in early spring prior to leaf out. Since sites will be very difficult to locate, consider using a small aircraft. SWHDSS cxlix Index #29 provides development effects and mitigation measures. 31 Specialized Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Codes Denning Sites for Mink, Otter, Marten Fisher and Eastern Wolf Mink Otter Marten Fisher Grey Wolf Rationale: Species are important furbearing mammals and specific denning habitat is becoming increasingly scarcer due to development pressures. Special Concern Eastern Wolf Habitat may be found in all forested ecosites. Habitat Criteria and Information Sources Mink prefer shorelines dominated by coniferous or mixed forests with dens usually underground. Mink will sometimes use old muskrat lodges cxlviii. Otters prefer undisturbed shorelines along water bodies that support productive fish populations with abundant shrubby vegetation and downed woody debris for denning. They often use old beaver lodges or log jams and crevices in rock piles cxlviii. Marten and fisher share the same general habitat, requiring large tracts of coniferous or mixed forests of mature or older age classes. Denning sites are often in cavities in large trees or under large downed woody debris cxlviii. Information Sources Local naturalists and landowners may know some locations. MNR values information (NRVIS) may list known locations OMNR Ecologist or Biologist may be aware of locations. Sustainable Forestry Licence (SFL) companies may identify additional denning sites through field operations. Topographical Maps together with aerial photographs will help locate potential sites. Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria Any known active denning site and a 100 m radius around it with the listed species is considered to be significantcxlviii. A known Eastern or Grey Wolf den site and a 200m radius will be considerd significantccvii. Extensive searches for denning sites are not recommended as they are very difficult to locate but protection of appropriate habitat should be considered during planning. SWHDSS cxlix Index #31 provides development effects and mitigation measures. 32 Specialized Wildlife Habitat Amphibian Breeding Habitat (Woodland). Rationale; These habitats are extremely important to amphibian biodiversity within a landscape and often represent the only breeding habitat for local amphibian populations. Wildlife Species DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Codes Eastern Newt Blue-spotted Salamander Spotted Salamander Four-toed Salamander Northern Two-lined Salamander Spring Peeper Wood Frog American Toad All forested, ELC Ecosites; The wetland breeding ponds (including vernal pools) may be permanent, seasonal, ephemeral, large or small in size and could be located within or adjacent to the woodland lxxii. Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Habitat Criteria and Information Sources Local trappers may know the location of prime denning sites. Presence of a wetland, lake or pond >500m2 (about 25m diameter) ccvii within or adjacent (within 120m) to a woodland (no minimum size) clxxxii, lxiii, lxv, lxvi, lxvii, lxviii, lxix, lxx The wetland, lake or pond and surrounding forest, would be the Candidate SWH. Some small wetlands may not be mapped and may be important breeding pools for amphibians. Breeding ponds within the woodland or the shortest distance from forest habitat are more significant because of reduced risk to migrating amphibians and more likely to be used. Woodlands with permanent ponds or those containing water in most years until mid-July are more likely to be used as breeding habitat cxlviii. Information Sources Refer to the Ontario Herpetofaunal Summary for historical records. Local landowners may also provide assistance as they may hear springtime choruses of amphibians on their property. Contact local OMNR Ecologist or Biologist and wetland evaluations. Local field naturalist clubs Defining Criteria Studies confirm; Presence of breeding population of 1 or more of the listed salamander species; or 2 or more of the frogs or toads with at least 100 individuals (adults, juveniles, eggs/larval masses) lxxi is significant. The habitat is the wetland and woodland or adjacent woodland ELC ecosites. The amount of area protected is dependant on slope, riparian vegetation, high water mark, density and height of trees and ground/surface water condition cxlviii. A study to determine this SWH will be required during the spring (May-June) when amphibians are migrating, are concentrated around suitable breeding habitat or have eggs/larval stages present within the wetland. SWHDSS cxlix Index #14 provides development effects and mitigation measures . 33 Specialized Wildlife Habitat Amphibian Breeding Habitat (Wetlands) Rationale; Wetlands supporting breeding for these amphibian species are extremely important and fairly rare within Central Ontario landscapes. Wildlife Species DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Codes Eastern Newt American Toad Spotted Salamander Four-toed Salamander Blue-spotted Salamander Gray Treefrog Western Chorus Frog Northern Leopard Frog Pickerel Frog Green Frog Mink Frog Bullfrog ELC Ecosites: G129-G135 G142-G152 Habitat Criteria and Information Sources Canadian Wildlife Service Amphibian Road Call Survey information. Ontario Vernal Pool Association (http://www.ontariovernalpools.org/) Wetlands and pools (including vernal pools) >500m2 (about 25m diameter) ccvii isolated from woodland/forest habitat(>120m) supporting high species diversity are significant; some small or ephemeral habitats may not be identified on MNR mapping and could be important amphibian breeding habitats clxxxiv. Amphibians mostly breed in habitats that lack fish. Presence of shrubs and logs increase significance of pond for some amphibian species because of available structure for calling, foraging, escape and concealment from predators. Bullfrogs require permanent water bodies with abundant emergent vegetation. Information Sources Ontario Herpetofaunal Summary database. Canadian Wildlife Service Amphibian Road Surveys and Backyard Amphibian Call Count. OMNR Ecologist or Biologist may know of populations, wetland Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria Studies confirm: Presence of breeding population of 1or more of the listed salamander species; or 3 or more of the listed frog or toad species with at least 20 breeding individuals (adults, juveniles, eggs/larval masses) lxxi, lxxiii or; Wetland with confirmed breeding Bullfrogs is significantÍ. The ELC ecosite wetland area and the shoreline are the SWH. Surveys to confirm breeding to be completed during spring (Apr to June) when amphibians are migrating, calling and breeding within the wetland habitats. If a SWH is determined for Amphibian Breeding Habitat (Wetlands) then Movement Corridors are to be considered as outlined in Table 1.4.1 of this Schedule. SWHDSS cxlix Index #15 34 Specialized Wildlife Habitat Mast Producing Areas Rationale: Mast is a very important food requirement for many wildlife species. Wildlife Species DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Codes Black Bear White-tailed deer Wild Turkey Ruffed Grouse ELC Ecosites: G015 G017 G019 G027-G028 G041-G043 G057 G059 G072 G090 G106 G108 G121 Central Ontario Forest Ecosites: ES14 ES17.1 ES23 ES24 ES25 ES26 Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Habitat Criteria and Information Sources evaluations may be a good source of information.. Use maps or aerial photography to locate marsh habitat. EIS reports and other studies prepared by CA’s. Most important areas are mature forests >0.5 ha containing numerous large beech and red oak trees that supply the energy-rich mast that wildlife prefer cxlviii . Defining Criteria provides development effects and mitigation measures. Other significant tree species include hickory, basswood, black cherry, ironwood, mountain ash, pin cherry, and butternut. Significant shrub species include blueberries, wild black berry, serviceberry, raspberry, beaked hazel, choke cherry and hawthorn cxlviii. Sites providing long-term, relatively stable food supplies, forest openings or barrens >1 ha provide excellent sites for mast producing shrubs cxlviii. Sites such as clear-cuts or burns are temporary source of food and are less significant cxlviii . Information Sources OMNR Ecologists, Biologists or Foresters may know of important feeding sites or areas with high composition of mast producing trees. Any forested site with a high component (>50%)Í of mast producing tree species >4065cm dbh cxlix or; An opening within a woodland/forested site with an abundance (50% ground cover)Í of mast producing shrubs (e.g. wild blackberry, serviceberry, raspberry, blueberry and beaked hazel) species is considered significant cxlix. Area of the early successional habitat or woodland/forest stand ELC ecosite is the SWH. Surveys should be conducted from June to August when plants are actively growing to determine presence. SWHDSS cxlix Index #3 provides development effects and mitigation measures 35 Specialized Wildlife Habitat Wildlife Species DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Codes Habitat Criteria and Information Sources FRI maps to locate stands with mast producing trees. SFL companies may know of areas through regular forest inventory work. Local naturalists clubs or hunters may be aware of important locations.. Aerial photography will assist in locating forest openings and bedrock outcrops. Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria 36 DRAFT February 2012 1.3 Habitat for Species of Conservation Concern (Not including Endangered or Threatened Species) Eco-Region 5E Habitats of Species of Conservation Concern include wildlife species that are listed as Special Concern or rare, that are declining, or are featured species. Habitats of Species of Conservation Concern do not include habitats of Endangered or Threatened Species as identified by the Endangered Species Act 2007. Table 1.3 assists with the identification of SWH for Species of Conservation Concern. Table 1.3. Habitats of Species of Conservation Concern considered SWH. Wildlife Species CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Marsh Bird Breeding Habitat Rationale; Wetlands for these bird species are very productive and rare in Central Ontario landscapes. American Bittern Sora Red-necked Grebe Pie-billed Grebe Redhead Ring-necked Duck Lesser Scaup Ruddy Duck Common Moorhen American Coot Wilson’s Phalarope Common Loon Sandhill Crane Green Heron Sedge Wren Marsh Wren Trumpeter Swan ELC Ecosites: G138-G152 For Green Heron: Above Ecosites plus: G129-G136. Special Concern: Yellow Rail Black Tern Open Country Bird Breeding Habitat Rationale; Upland Sandpiper Grasshopper Sparrow Vesper Sparrow ELC Ecosites: G008-G009 G020-G021 G029-G031 Habitat Criteria and Information Sources Nesting occurs in wetlands. All wetland habitat is to be considered as long as there is shallow water with emergent aquatic vegetation present cxxiv. For Green Heron, habitat is at the edge of water such as sluggish streams, ponds and marshes sheltered by shrubs and trees. Less frequently, it may be found in upland shrubs or forest a considerable distance from water. Information Sources Contact OMNR, wetland evaluations are a good source of information. Local naturalist clubs NHIC Records. EIS reports and other studies prepared by CA’s. Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas ccv. Large grassland areas (includes natural and cultural fields and meadows) >30 ha clx, clxi, clxii, clxiii, clxiv, clxv, clxvi, clxvii, clxviii, clxix . Grasslands CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria Studies confirm: Presence of 5 or more nesting pairs of Sedge Wren or Marsh Wren or or 1 pair of Sandhill Cranes; or breeding by any combination of 5 or more of the listed species Í. Note: any wetland with breeding of 1 or more Trumpeter Swans, Black Terns, Green Heron or Yellow Rail is SWH Í. Area of the ELC ecosite is the SWH. Breeding surveys should be done in May/June when these species are actively nesting in wetland habitats. Evaluation methods to follow “Bird and Bird Habitats: Guidelines for Wind Power Projects”ccxi SWHDSS cxlix Index #35 provides development effects and mitigation measures Field Studies confirm: Presence of nesting or breeding of 2 or more of the listed species.Í A field with 1 or more breeding 37 Wildlife Species DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite This wildlife habitat is declining throughout Ontario and North America. Species such as the Upland Sandpiper have declined significantly the past 40 years based on CWS (2004) trend records. Northern Harrier Savannah Sparrow Special Concern Short-eared Owl G044-G046 G060-G062 G077-G079 G093-G095 G109-G111 Habitat Criteria and Information Sources not Class 1 or 2 agricultural lands, and not being actively used for farming (i.e. no row cropping or intensive hay or livestock pasturing in the last 5 years) Í. Grassland sites considered significant should have a history of longevity, either abandoned fields, mature hayfields and pasturelands that are at least 5 years or older. The Indicator bird species are area sensitive requiring larger grassland areas than the common grassland species. Information Sources Use Agricultural land classification maps with aerial photographs to determine the potential grasslands that might be candidate sites. Ask local birders for location of grasslands that support abundant and species rich populations of area-sensitive species. EIS reports and other studies prepared by CA’s. Shrub/Early Successional Bird Breeding Habitat Willow Flycatcher Brown Thrasher Blue-winged Warbler ELC Ecosites: G009-G010 G021-G022 G031-G032 Large field areas succeeding to shrub and thicket habitats>30 ha in size. Shrub land or early successional fields, not class 1 or 2 Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria Short-eared Owls is to be considered SWH. The area of SWH is the contiguous ELC ecosite field areas. Conduct field investigations of the most likely areas in spring and early summer when birds are singing and defending their territories. Evaluation methods to follow “Bird and Bird Habitats: Guidelines for Wind Power Projects”ccxi SWHDSS cxlix Index #32 provides development effects and mitigation measures Field Studies confirm: Presence of nesting or breeding of 2 or more of species listed Í. A field with breeding Golden-winged 38 Wildlife Species DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Rationale; This wildlife habitat is declining throughout Ontario and North America. The Brown Thrasher has declined significantly over the past 40 years based on CWS (2004) trend records cxcix. Tennessee Warbler Prairie Warbler Eastern Towhee Clay-colored Sparrow Field Sparrow G046-G047 G062-G063 G079-G080 G095-G096 G111-G112 G134-G135 Special Concern: Golden-winged Warbler Patches of shrub ecosites can be complexed into a larger habitat for some bird species. Special Concern and All Special Concern and Rare Wildlife Provincially Rare Species (S1-S3, SH) plant and animal Rationale: These species are species. Lists of All plant and animal element occurrences (EO). Older element occurrences were Habitat Criteria and Information Sources agricultural lands, not being actively used for farming (i.e. no row-cropping, haying or live-stock pasturing in the last 5 years) Í. Larger shrub thicket habitats (>30 ha) are most likely to support and sustain a diversity of these species clxxiii . Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria Shrub and thicket habitat sites considered significant should have a history of longevity, either abandoned fields or lightly grazed pasturelands. Information Sources Use agricultural land classification maps and recent aerial photographs to determine the amount of potential shrub and thicket habitats. Ask local birders for location of shrub and thicket habitats that support abundant and species rich populations of areasensitive species. EIS reports and other studies prepared by CA’s. When an element occurrence is identified within a 1 or 10 km grid for a Special Concern or rare species; linking candidate habitat on the site needs to be completed to ELC Ecosites lxxviii Warbler is to be considered as Significant Wildlife Habitat. Í The area of the SWH is the contiguous ELC ecosite field/thicket area. Conduct field investigations of the most likely areas in spring and early summer when birds are singing and defending their territories Evaluation methods to follow “Bird and Bird Habitats: Guidelines for Wind Power Projects”ccxi SWHDSS cxlix Index #33 provides development effects and mitigation measures. Studies Confirm: Assessment/inventory of the site for the identified special concern or rare species needs to be completed during the time of year when the species is present or easily identifiable. 39 Wildlife Species DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Ecosite Provincially Rare or have experienced significant population declines in Ontario. these species are tracked by the Natural Heritage Information Centre. Habitat Criteria and Information Sources recorded prior to Information Sources GPS being MNR District offices may have available, therefore locally tracked occurrences. location NHIC Website: Biodiversity information may Explorer; lack accuracy http://nhic.mnr.gov.on.ca/nhic.c fm Expert advice should be sought as many of the rare spp. have little information available about their requirements. Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria Habitat form and function needs to be assessed from the assessment of vegetation types and an area of significant habitat that protects the rare or special concern species identified. The area of the habitat to the finest ELC scale that protects the habitat form and function is the SWH, this must be delineated through detailed field studies. SWHDSS cxlix Index #37 provides development effects and mitigation measures. 40 DRAFT February 2012 Eco-Region 5E 1.4 Animal Movement Corridors Animal Movement Corridors are elongated areas used by wildlife to move from one habitat to another. They are important to ensure genetic diversity in populations, to allow seasonal migration of animals (e.g. deer moving from summer to winter range) and to allow animals to move throughout their home range from feeding areas to cover areas. Animal movement corridors function at different scales often related to the size and home range of the animal. For example, short, narrow areas of natural habitat may function as a corridor between amphibian breeding areas and their summer range, while wider, longer corridors are needed to allow deer to travel from their winter habitat to their summer habitat. Identifying the most important corridors that provide connectivity across the landscape is challenging because of a lack of specific information on animal movements. There is also some uncertainty about the optimum width and mortality risks of corridors. Furthermore, a corridor may be beneficial for some species but detrimental to others. For example, narrow linear corridors may allow increased access for racoons, cats, and other predators. Also, narrow corridors dominated by edge habitat may encourage invasion by weedy generalist plants and opportunistic species of birds and mammals. Corridors often consist of naturally vegetated areas that run through more open or developed landscapes. However, sparsely vegetated areas can also function as corridors. For example, many species move freely through agricultural land to reach natural areas. Despite the difficulty of identifying exact movement corridors for all species, these landscape features are important to the long-term viability of certain wildlife populations. Animal Movement Corridors should only be identified as SWH where: Where a Confirmed or Candidate SWH has been identified by MNR or the planning authority based on documented evidence of a habitat identified within these Criterion Schedules or the Significant Wildlife Habitat Technical Guide. The identified wildlife habitats Table 1.4.1 will have distinct passageways or rely on well defined natural features for movements between habitats required by the species to complete its life cycle. Table 1.4.1 Animal Movement Corridors Habitat SPECIES CANDIDATE SWH ELC Eco-sites Amphibian Movement Corridors Rationale; Movement corridors for amphibians moving from their Eastern Newt Blue-spotted Salamander Spotted Salamander Gray Treefrog Spring Peeper Western Chorus Frog Wood Frog Corridors may be found in all ecosites associated with water. Corridors will be determined based on identifying the significant breeding habitat CONFIRMED SWH Habitat Criteria and Information Sources Movement corridors between breeding habitat and summer habitat clxxiv, clxxv, clxxvi, clxxvii, clxxviii, clxxix, clxxx, clxxxi . Movement corridors must be determined when Amphibian breeding habitat is confirmed as Defining Criteria Field Studies must be conducted at the time of year when species are expected to be migrating or entering breeding sites. Corridors should consist of native vegetation, roadless area, nogaps such as fields, 41 Habitat SPECIES DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Eco-sites terrestrial habitat to breeding habitat can be extremely important for local populations. Northern Leopard Frog Pickerel Frog Green Frog Mink Frog Bullfrog American Toad for these species in Table 1.1 Habitat Criteria and Information Sources SWH from Table 1.2.2(Amphibian Breeding Habitat –Wetland) of this Schedule Í. Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria Information Sources MNR District Office. NHIC. EIS reports and other studies prepared by CA’s Naturalist Clubs. Cervid Movement Corridors Rationale: Corridors important for all species to be able to access seasonally important life-cycle habitats or to access new habitat for dispersing individuals by minimizing their vulnerability while White-tailed Deer Moose Corridors may be found in all forested ecosites. Movement corridor must be determined when Deer Wintering Habitat is confirmed as SWH from Table 1.1 and Moose Aquatic Feeding Area and Mineral Lick Habitat from Table 1.2.2 of this schedule. Í A deer wintering habitat identified by the OMNR as SWH in Table 1.1 of this Schedule will have corridors that the deer use during fall migration and spring dispersion clxxxii, clxxxiii, cxlix, cxciv . waterways or bodies, and undeveloped areas are most significantcxlix Corridors should be at least 200m widecxlix with gaps <20mcxlix and if following riparian area with at least 15m of vegetation on both sides of waterwaycxlix . Shorter corridors are more significant than longer corridors, however amphibians must be able to get to and from their summer and breeding habitatcxlix. SWHDSS cxlix Index #40 provides development effects and mitigation measures Studies must be conducted at the time of year when deer or moose are migrating or moving to and from yard, mineral lick or feeding areas. Corridors that lead to a deer wintering yard should be unbroken by roads and residential areas. Corridors that lead moose to MAFA’s, and mineral licks should remain intact. Corridors should be at least 42 Habitat SPECIES DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Eco-sites travelling. Habitat Criteria and Information Sources Corridors typically follow riparian areas, woodlots, areas of physical geography (ravines, or ridges). Corridors will be multi-functional i.e. these will function for any smaller mammal species as well. Information Sources MNR District Office. NHIC. EIS reports and other studies prepared by CA’s. Naturalist Clubs. Furbearer Movement Corridor Rationale: The identification of denning sites is rare, corridors to and from the habitat must be maintained as this habitat is extremely important for local populations Mink Otter All Forested Ecosite Codes adjacent to or within shoreline habitats. Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Mink and Otter den sites are typically found within a riparian area of a lake, river, stream or wetland. The den site will potentially have a movement corridor associated with it. All Mink or Otter den sites identified using Table 1.22 of this schedule under the habitat of Denning Sites for Mink, Otter, Marten Fisher and Eastern Wolf are to be considered for an animal movement corridor. Defining Criteria 200m widecxlix with gaps <20mcxlix and if following riparian area with at minimum of 15m of vegetation cover on both sides of the waterwaycxlix . Shorter corridors are more significant than longer corridors, however cervids must be able to get to and from their habitatcxlix. SWHDSS cxlix Index #39 provides development effects and mitigation measures Studies to confirm: Studies must be conducted at the time of year when mink or otter are using the denning sites. Studies can be based on observation or from scat and track surveys SWHDSS cxlix Index #31 provides development effects and mitigation measures Information Sources Local naturalists and landowners may know some locations. 43 Habitat SPECIES DRAFT February 2012 CANDIDATE SWH ELC Eco-sites Habitat Criteria and Information Sources MNR values information (NRVIS) may list known locations OMNR Ecologist or Biologist may be aware of locations. Topographical Maps together with aerial photographs will help locate potential sites. Local trappers may know the location of prime denning sites and movement corridors. Eco-Region 5E CONFIRMED SWH Defining Criteria 44 DRAFT February 2012 1.5 Eco-Region 5E Exceptions for EcoRegion 5E Exceptions are candidate wildlife habitats that will have different criteria than what is proposed in the above schedules for an area within the Eco-region. The Exceptions will be based on Eco-Districts and municipalities can apply the exception for the eco-district within their planning area Table 1.5.1 Significant Wildlife Habitat Exceptions for Ecodistricts within EcoRegion 5E EcoDistrict Wildlife Habitat Candidate SWH and Species Ecosites Habitat Description Habitat Criteria and Information Jack Pine grows best No minimum size to stand. 5e-11 Rare Forest Types: Jack Pine ELC Ecosites: on soils that are sandy, Information Sources G012 silty or a coarse loam OMNR Forester, Ecologist Jack Pine G023 on dry to moist sites or Biologist may be aware of G034-G035 locations. Rationale; Uncommon to rare G049 in southern area of G065 Local Naturalist clubs Ecoregion 5E. G068 G082-G083 Conservation Authorities G098-G099 G114 Central Ont. FEC: ES13.1 ES13.2 ES15.1 ES 15.2 5E-13 Late Winter Moose Habitat The preferred ecosites are described in the Field Guide to Forest Ecosystems of Central Ontario ccvi: Late winter moose habitat is characterized by dense conifer cover with greater than 50% canopy closure and >10m in height. Snow depth in excess of 70cm restrict moose Conifer stands >50ha cxcv , dominated by tall trees >10mccvi , on gentle to moderately rugged sites with deep soils. Areas identified as rating 3 or 4 cxcv for late winter moose habitat are Candidate SWH. Information Sources Confirmed SWH Defining Criteria Any forest stand with > 40% jack pine is to be considered significant Í. The ELC Ecosites containing the jack pine woodland/forest stand is the SWH. SWHDSScxlix Index #37 provides direction for rare speices and habitats. Field Studies will confirm the use of these areas as late winter habitat by moose during the months of March and April. Moose are very difficult to observe in late winter habitat, therefore any number of 45 ES 16 ES 22 ES 30 ES 33 ES 34 Corresponding ELC Ecosites: G012-G014 G024-G026 G035-G038 G050-G053 G066-G068 G083-G086 G099-G102 DRAFT February 2012 movement during winter, however late winter thermal refuge is important in relieving heat stress . These habitats are extensively used by moose during late spring and summer due to the shade provided cxcv . OMNR Forester, Ecologist or Biologist may be aware of locations. The Selected Wildlife and habitat Inventory Manual (1998)cxcv outlines the inventory method for Late Winter Moose Habitat. Eco-Region 5E moose observed or moose tracks and trails observed in the habitat confirm this habitat as a SWH. The area of the SWH is the area of forest ecosites . SWHDSS cxlix Index #24 provides development effects and mitigation measures for aquatic feeding areas, similar effects and mitigation can be used for late winter habitat. 46
