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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReforestation & Land Use Advisory Board 1962Metropoltan 5oronto ancl legion Conservation _lduthoriiy MINUTES E -1 Reforestation & Land Use Advisory Boards., Thursday. _ March 29/62_ No— The Reforestation & Land Use Advisory Board met in the Board Room at 17 Mill Street, on Thursday, March 29th, 1962, commencing at 2:00 p. m. PRESENT WERE: Chairman Vice - Chairman Members Conservation Authorities Br. Conservation Authorities Br. SeCretary- Treasurer - Asst. Director of Operations Conservation Services Administrator R. L. Nesbitt R. Jennings J. A. Bryson G. Gardhouse H. L. Fair H. G. Norry J. K. Parker W. T. Monaghan F. M. Redelmeier A. A. Wall P. Harvey A. D. Latornell F. L. Lunn E. F. Sutter M. G. Johnson rINUTES : The Minutes of Meeting No. 2/61 were presented. Res. #1 Moved By:- R. Jennings Seconded By:- J. K. Parker RESOLVED THAT:- the Minutes of Meeting No. 2/61 as presented, be adopted as if read. Carried Unanimously. 1962 PROGRFLMME: The Staff presented a Report of the Programme proposed for 1962. Res. #2 Res. #3 Res. #4 Moved By:- H. G. Norry Seconded By:- R. Jennings RESOLVED THAT:- the Staff be instructed to prepare for distribution to Municipalities and other interested parties, up -to -date information on the control of Dutch Elm Disease. Carried Unanimously. Moved By:- G. Gardhouse Seconded By:- R. Jennings RESOLVED THAT:- the Staff be directed to review and prepare a-report for the next meeting on the Farm Pend Subsidy Programme with a view to possibly increasing the said subsidy. Carried Unanimously. Moved By:- H. L. Fair Seconded By:- J. A. Bryson E -•2 - 2 - RESOLVED THAT : - the Staff Report on the 1962 Programme be received and approved, and further that it be appended as Schedule aAa of these Minutes. Carried Unanimously. SCOTCH PINE PLANTATIONS: As directed by the last Meeting of the Board, the Staff presented a report regarding the Scotch Pine Plantations of the Authority. Res. #5 Moved By :- G. Gardhouse Seconded By :- F. Redelmeier THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT : - no additional Scotch Pine Plantations be established and further that present plantations be pruned and marketed on a wholesale basis. Adopted Unanimously. ...REFER TO EXECUTIVE SPECIAL DAYS: T.e Staff presented a report proposing that as a means of assisting lad-owners in becoming better infor!ed of the Authority's Programmes th&; arrangements be made to hold a series of 1 -day Workshops covering For.st Management and Farm Pond Management. Res.g6 Moved By:- F. M. 'Redelmeier Seconded By:- R. Je finings THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT : - as a means of informing private land- owners of the technical Aspects of the Reforestation and Farm Pond Programmes of the Authority, that Arrangements be made by the Staff to hold a series of Forest Management and Farm Pond Days. Adopted Unanimously. ...REFER TO EXECUTIVE AGRICULTURAL REHABILITATION AND DEVELOPMENT ACT: Mr. A. t. Latornell of the Con §ervation authorities Branch of the Departmem of Lands and Forests reviewed the information available on the Eg_'icultural Rehabilitation and Development Act. Res. #7 Moved By :- F. M. Redelmeier Seconded By :- G. Gardhouse RE3OLVED THAT : - the Staff be directed to prepare a report with recommendatiofe covering projects which might qualify for assistance under the Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Act. Carried Unanimously. FOREST & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AREAS SURVEY: A Staff Report on Forest and Wildlife Conservation Areas Survey was presented and considered in detail. Res, #$ Moved By:- J. A. Bryson Seconded By:- J. K. Parker RESOIU ED THAT : - the Staff Report on the Forest and Wildlife Conservation Areas Survey be received and appended as Schedule 41P of these Minutes, and 'further; THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT : - the recommendations contained therein be adopted. Adopted Unanimously. ... REFER TO EXECUTIVE E -3 3 TAX EXEMPTION ON WOOD LANDS: A communication was presented together with a-recommendation from the R.D.H.P. Advisory Board, recommending that a st1d5-r'be made to lecure aft interpret &tion of certain Sections of the Assessment Act insofar as it applies to wood lands. Res Moved By:- H. G. Norry Seconded By:- G. Gardhouse RESOLVED THAT:- the Staff,'in conjunction with the Solicitor, be requested to study and prepare a report of the action necessary to clarify the intent of Section 4(18) of the Assessment Act. Carried Unanimously. ADVISORY BOARD NAME: The desirability of charging the name of the "Board, which had been referred back for further study, was discussed at some length. Res. , #10 Moved By:- R. Jennings Seconded By:- J. K. Parker THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:- no action be taken in the matter of changing or altering the name of the Board. Adopted Unanimously. ADJOURNMENT: ...REFER TO EXECUTIVE On Motion, the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. R. L. Nesbitt F. L. Lunn Chairman Secretary -3 reasurer E -4 SHEDULE ,9A0 1962 PROGRAMME of the REFORESTATION & LAND USE ADVISORY BOARD FORESTRY: a. Reforestation: Trees to .be planted by private landowners applying for subsidies 150,000 Trees to be planted by Authority 270,000 Trees to be planted by Authority on Authority owned lands 230,000 Trees to be planted by Dept. of Lands & Forests under Agreement 150,000 Total Estimated Plantings 900,000 b. Woodlot Management: Detailed plans are being prepared on the management of many'of the Authority9s wbodlots. Much of the labour force which is on Staff each Winter will be used in improvement cuttings and harvest of overmature trees. Plazas are being prepared on retail- ing firewood in Conservation Areas each Winter. c. Dutch Elm Disease Programme: 600-E1m trees will be sprayed in the Conservation Areas. Some Elms will be removed and others pruned. d. Landscaping: Trees which have grown to a height of four to five feet will be planted in Conservation Areas. Other suitable trees growing the wild' will be selected, root- pruned and later moved to Conservation Areas. e. Farm_Tree Replacement Programme: A total of apptoximately twenty thousand trees are being grown for use in this Programme, which should commence as a service in 1963 or 1964. f. Forestry Studies: Thesc include studies on the -use of hbrbicides in establishing trees, particularly hardwoods, stuaies on mixed conifer and h.rdwood reforestation, and studies on the use of repellants to protect hardwood plantings, particularly landscape trees. LAND USE: (a) Grassed Waterway Subsidies: No projects appear to be forthcoming immediately. However, the Agricultural representatives may find opportunities for developing projects for 1962. (b) Tile Drainage Subsidies: Several applications are anticipated. However, there are none on hand at the moment. E -5 - 2 - (c) Stream Bank Erosion Control Project: Trials of various methods of stabilizing stream banks will be made in two or three Conservation Areas. Material for the propose Programme on private lands above Reservoir Sites will be grown in the Authority9s mnrsery. In addition, the Conservation Authorities Branch of the Department of Lands and Forests has been requested to survey water courses in the region above Reservoir Sites to indicate problem areas. (d) Farm Pond Subsidies: Several applications for engineering assistance are on hand, and designing will commence soon. (e) Farm Operations: Close to two hundred acres of Authority -owned lands will be cropped by the Authority, while two units -- one at Claremont Conservation Area and one at the Albion Hills Conservation Area -- are managed by private land- owners in Agreement with the Authority. FISH AND WILDLIFE: (a) Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project: Studies and management will be continued on the establishment of shrub plantings as a wildlife habitat improvement measure, aid the establishment of food plots in Conservation Areas to encourage wildlife. (b) Farm Pond Studies: These studies and services to private land - owners will be continue. Among the studies are those �n trout management in ponds, bass management in ponds, and aquatic weed control. Several ponds will be stocked with trout and many with bass in 1962. (c) Stream Surveys: Surveys on streams, particularly at Reservoir Sites, will be continued. Information is needed on the populations and manage- ment of stream fish, their distribution, the possible effects that the Flood Control Plan might have on these populations, the silt content of stream waters and other aspects. Primarily, j.t is an attempt to tie in fish management with the Water Conseryatim Plan of the Authority. Other miscellaneous projects will be undertaken such as an evaluation of the use of wood duck boxes in attracting this species of waterfowl to ponds and lakes, an evaluation of put - and -take trout fishing at the Glen Haffy and Albion Hills Conservation Areas and several other projects. The Staff involved in the work of the Conservation Services Division of the Authority will include a Forester, a Biologist, an Agricultural Engineering Technician, and a Field Supervisor of projects. It is hoped that the comprehensive planning that this unit* of the Authority',- Staff provides, will well serve the objectives of the multiple -use concept of the Authorityes programme. E -6 SCHEDULE "IP FOREST & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AREAS SURVEY INTRODUCTION: In December, 1960, the Reforestation and Land Use Advisory Board received a report on Forest and Wildlife Conservation Areas. The report pointed out the need for a category of land to be purchased and developed by the Authority to complement its other Programmes which involve the acquisition of Flood Plain Lands, Conservation Areas (major -use) and Authority Forests (under Agreement). The creation of this new category of land, termed Forest and Wildlife Conservation Area land, would allow the purchase and development of upstream river valleys, source aims, and wetlands. Unfortunately, no provision had been made by the Authority in their planning to acquire such lands. Flood Plain Lands are purchased downstream in areas of urbanization. Conservation Areas are to be enlarged, but few new ones developed other than those associated with the Flood Control Plan. Authority Forest land is becoming increasingly difficult to acquire because of land costs, and the Programme has become isolated to the North - Western portion of the Region. The inclusion of low- intensity public use into the Forest and Wildlife Conservation Area Programme justifies the higher cost of Conservation Lands, which prohibits their use for Forestry purposes alone. At that Meeting, the Advisory Board passed the following Resolution: Moved By:- W. J. Agar Seconded By :- R. Jennings RESOLVED THAT : - the Staff Report on Forest and Wildlife Conservation Areas be received and appended as Schedule nBU of these Minutes; AND FURTHER, THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:- the recommendations contained therein as amended and set forth herein be adopted: (a) the Authority adopt a policy of acquisition and development of Forest and Wildlife Conservation Areas; (b) the Staff be directed to undertake a survey of suitable lands; (c) any Areas so acquired be managed under the direction of the Resorestation and Land Use Advisory Board, with the assistance of the Wildlife Sub - Committee or under Agreement with the Department of Lands and Forests; (d) the Government of Ontario be requested to approve of any Schemes adopted under this policy and make a Grant of 50% of the cost thereof; (e) the Staff be directed to investigate the possibility of eventual co- ordination of the Forestry Programme; Carried Unanimously. At the same Meeting, a report on the proposed Palgrave Forest and Wildlife Conservation Area was received, and the Board recommended the purchase of the property. Several months later, an addition to the Palgrave Area was recommended. The Authority is obliged to purchase Conservation Lands upstream from Reservoir Sites. These lands must be acquired in connection with the Flood Control and Water Conservation Plan in an Agreenent with the Provincial and Dominion Governments. Recently the Plan Of Ancillary Conservation Measures was forwarded to the Minister of the Department of Lands and Forests. This Brief outlines the several E -7 -2- projects which will be undertaken by the Authority ancillary to the Flood Control and Water Conservation Plan. The Ancillary Measures Plan proposes the acquisition and development of 2,100 acres of Forest and Wildlife Conservation Area Lands during the priod 1962 to 1971, and 2,500 acres during the period 1972 to 1981. The Authority has agreed to purchase an additional 4,500 acres of Conservation Land for Authorit Forest over the next twenty years. Furthermore, the policy of the Authority regarding Forest and Wildlife Conservation Areas is defined as follows: aThe Forest and Wildlife Conservation Area is similar to reforestation land with Forestry as the primary objective. These lands, however, must have added features such as pemanent flowing streams or standing water, and must be more than two hundred acres in size. They are managed by block plantings of two to five acres in size, with fire guards and shrub rows between blocks. Streams are ponded and stocked for fishing. The Forest and Wildlife Area is located largely in the headwater region and is suitable for low- intensity recreational use. Multiple use of these lands is accomplished because of their physical character- istics and the type of management applied to the lands.• The purpose of this report is to present the results of the Survey requested by the Advisory Board, and to make further proposals regard- ing the development and use of Forest and Wildlife Conservation Areas. METHODS OF SURVEY: The Forest and Wildlife Conservation Areas Survey was undertaken by a committee of the Authority Staff. The members were: W. A. McLean (Chairman) T. E. Barber M.. G. Johnson E. F. Sutter The committee established terms of reference fcr their work which are summarized as follows: (a) the first stage of the Survey should include the examination of areas considered suitable for Conservation purposes on the basis of their inherent_Rhysical characteristics; (b) classification of lands suited to various uses, that is, for major -use Conservation Areas, for Forest and Wildlife Conservation Areas, and for Authority ForRsts, should be made after the basic data is collected; (c) the following areas should be excluded: - Metropolitan Toronto and the area between Metro and No. 7 Highway; - Toronto Township; - South of Concession II, Pickering Township; - one Concession East and West of Yonge Street; (d) suitable lands should be mapped on topographic maps (14 = 1 mile) The committee members each surveyed a portion of the total area under consideration. Thereafter, K. G. Higgs and M. G. Johnson checked the results of the Survey over the entire area. All lands which were indicated as physically suitable were investigated further aid a property file, including ownership and assessment, was prepared. The lands were designated as follows: E -8 - 3 - 1. Suitable for Authority Ford; t:' These lands are those near or adjacent to existing Authority Forest, with a minimum of potential for public use. Character- istically, they are lands marginal or submarginal for agriculture, which lack streams or good pond sites. 2. Suitable for Major -Use Conservation Areas: These lands occur adjacent to existing major -use Areas, and are under consideration as extensions to these Areas. As well, these lands occur on or adjacent to Reservoir Sites, which will be used as major -use Conservation Areas. 3. Suitable for Forest and Wildlife Conservation Areas: These lands have potential for recreational use; characteristic- ally, they are lands marginal or submarginal for agriculture, possessing streams, ponds, lakes or good pond sites. Some lands are flood -plain lands, while others are sites for Reservoirs, which will not be managed as major -use Conservation Areas. The purpose of the Survey was to examine lands suitable for the latter use. Therefore, lands suitable for Forest and Wildlife Conservation Areas were categorized on the basis of the following basic points: 1. a total of 2,100 acres should be acquired.during 1962 to 1971, and an additional 2,500 acres should be purchased during the following 10 -year period (Ancillary Measures Brief); 2. for ease and economy in administration and management, future Forest and Wildlife Conservation Areas should be in units of 200 acres ar more, preferably nearby major -use Conservation Areas where Staff and equipment will be readily available; Forest and Wildlife Conservation Areas which link -up separate major -use Conservation Areas could be better supervised, would contribute revenue (collected at public entrances of the ]after) towards their management, and might provide the opportunity for the Authority to develop attractive "driveways=" through Conservation Lands; 3. selection of proposed Forest and Wildlife Conservation Areas should be made on the basis of: (a) physical attributes (streams, lakes, natural woodlands); (b) location in respect to other Authority -owned lands (for reasons mentioned in Item 2); (c) amount of development by private owner which has been undertaken already on the land; (d) the relative need for Conservation management; On the basis of these considerations, lands suitable for Forest and Wildlife Conservation Areas were divided into three categories: (a) not expensively developed to date; excellent physical attributes, suitable located for most economical management; (b) somewhat more developed by private landowners, or less suitably located, or both; (c) rather intensively developed, or poorly located in respect to other Authority lands, or both; E -9 4. RESULTS OF SURVEY: A total of 54,443 acres of land which appeared to be physically suitabl= for Conservation uses by the Authority was mapped. This acreage is composed of the following amount of various types of land, as disting- uished according to the method described: (Table 1) DIVISION OF LANDS SUITABLE FOR CONSERVATION USES BY THE AUTHORITY Conservation Land Acreage Major -use Conservation Area 14,400 Forest & Wildlife Conservation Area 34,843 Authority Forest 5.200 TOTAL 54,443 The Forest and Wildlife (l onservation Area land was categorized accordin? to the method described and the results appear as follows: (Table 2) ACREAGE OF VARIOUS CATEGORIES OF LANDS SUITABLE FOR FOREST & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AREAS Forest & Wildlife Conservation Area Land Acreage "Ad 5,005 "B 4843 18,,845 WC* 6,150 TOTAL 34,843 *much of this land should be available for management as Forest & Wildlife Conservation Areas through Water Control Schemes, that is -- flood plain lands and certain Reservoir Sites. USES & DEVELOPMENT OF FOREST & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AREAS: The main use of these Areas is Forestry, but recreation is of some importance, notable fishing, natural- history study, and possibly controlled hunting. Management, therefore, should be directed toward the following: 1. Forestry -- includes the reforestation of most, but not all, of the open land and the management of existing woodlands. Some hardwood plantations should be established. Fire breaks should be established wherever necessary. 2. Fish & Wildlife -- shrub rows and wildlife food plantings should be established to encourage wildlife. Streambank and gully erosion control, undertaken using shrub and herbaceous plantings wherever possible, would add valuable habitat for wildlife. Stream protection measures also would benefit game fish -- particularly trout. Ponds should be developed for fishing and fire protection. 3. Recreation -- facilities should be limited to the minimum necessary to facilitate low- intensity use and discourage heavy use. A short entrance road and small parking lot should suffice. Picnic tables may not be necessary. E -10 - 5 - Demonstrations of various aspects of Conservation management will be useful in presenting information to private landowners through tours and special days. The question of hunting should be further investigated. Under certain conditions -- mostly conditions of public supervision -- the Authority would be advised to allow hunting in Forest and Wildlife Conservation Areas. Some pressure would be taken off private lands; wildlife crops would be harvested rather than perish due to natural causes and a crecreational need would be provided. Recently the Federation of Ontario Naturalists has adopted a policy on hunting on public lands. The organization recognizes hunting as a form of outdoor recreation and requests the Province and the Conservation Authorities tm acquire public hunting areas. They demand that in parks, hunting be forbidden. Several objections, perhaps equal in strength to the points in favour as listed previously, may be madd. Most of these involve public conduct and safety, not only in hunted areas, but also on other public lands where hunting may not be allowed but might be attempted occasionally. It is suggested that the Ontario Department of Lands and Forests be asked to indicate its position and the efforts that its staff will make to ensure the successful operation by the Authority of not only Forest and Wildlife Conservation Areas as areas where the public may hunt but also Authority -owned land where, for good reasons, it wishes hunting forbidden. When the position of the Province is clarified, the Authority should be in a much better position to determine the status of Forest and Wild- life Conservation Areas regarding hunting. However, it should be pointed out that the Province has the right to open Authority Forest lands to hunting. Therefore, the Province, through the Department of Lands and Forests, should be in an excellent position to ensure the success of all types of endeavours aimed at providing areas where the public may hunt. Development of Forest and Wildlife Conservation Areas will be carried out by the Conservation Areas Advisory Board. Their planning, however, will be done in co- operation with the Conservation Services Division. Costs should be extremely low as compared with major -use Conservation Areas. The following estimates may serve as a useful guide to costs: (Table 3) COST ESTIMATES OF VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF FOREST & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AREAS Explanation Cost per 100 acres On the basis of 1/4. to 3/4 of the area requiring re- forestation 4.50. - Shrub borders, food plots 500. - 1 Large or 2 Small Ponds The minimun length necessary $ 500. Item xi:eforestation Wildlife Plantings Ponds Road & Parking Lot Fencing, Grounds Improvement Stream Improvement TOTAL 1,350. 1,000. 3,000. 1,000. $ 200. - $ 600. $ 500. $5,150. - $7,450. Many items are not fixed, such as the amount of reforestation, fencing, road required. Other items may be more or less fixed such as the amount of money to be spent On ponds, stream improvement, etc. Where a very small length of stream occurs on a property, funds for stream improvement might well E -11 - 6 - be spent on pond development. The cost per one hundred acres might decrease somewhat with an increase in the size of any Forest and Wild- life Conservation Area. Such a saving wou]i be achieved because of more efficient operation, less road required, and less fencing needed. Maintenance costs would be low and might be recovered through the sale of woodlot products. RECOMMENDATIONS: (a) that Forest and Wildlife Conservation Areas land be developed by the Conservation Areas Advisory Board as such lands are acquired in keeping with the policy of use and management as recommended in this report; (b) that the Department of Lands and Forests be requested to'indicate its position and the efforts that its staff will make to ensure ensure the proper and safe conduct of hunters and to ensure the successful operation of lands on which the Authority might allow public hunting; Vetropo/tan Jomnto and /ion Conseruation ..Agority MINUTES E -12 Reforestation & Land Use Advisory Board Thurs. Oct. 4/62 No. 2/62 The Reforestation and Land Use Advisory Board met in the Workshop of the Albion Hills Conservation Area on Thursday, October 4th, 1962, commencing at 2:00 p.m. PRESENT WERE: Chairman Vice - Chairman Members Conservation Services Administrator Authority Staff Lands & Forests Secretary- Treasurer R. L. Nesbitt R. Jennings• G. Gardhouse E. Lemon J. A. Simpson F. M. Redelmeier A. A. Wall H. G. Norry M. G. Johnson J. Borland P. Harvey F. L. Lunn FIELD INSPECTION - PALGRAVE AREA: The first portion of the Meeting was devoted to a Field Inspection of the Palgrave Forest and Wildlife Conservation Area. MINUTES: Res. #11 Moved By:- H. G. Norry Seconded By:- R. Jennings RESOLVED THAT:- the Minutes of Meeting No. 1/62 as presented, be adopted as if read. Carried Unanimously. FARM POND ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME: As directed by a previous Resolution, the Staff presented a comprehensiv report on the present Farm Pond Programme. Res. #12 Moved By:- E. Lemon Seconded By:- G. Gardhouse THE BOARD RECOMMENDS ¶{AT:- the following action be taken in connection with the Farm Pond policy: (a) the present subsidy be retained; (b) that the regulations be revised to permit payment of subsidy on artificial wetlands developed for wildlife management purposes, providing the pond be not less than three feet deep and not less tan one acre in area. Carried Unanimously. FARM TREE REPLACEMENT PROGRAMME: The Staff presented a report reviewing the Farm Tree Replacement Programme and advising that commencing in 1963 it will be possible to implement the said Programme. E -13 Res. #13 - 2 - Moved By :- G. Gardhouse Seconded By :- F. M. Redelmeier THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:- private land owners be charged at the rate of fifty cents per tree for trees supplied and planted under the Farm Tree Replacement Programme; and IT IS FURTHER RECOMMENDED THAT : - the Staff be authorized to accept applications commencing November lst, 1962. Carried Unanimously. TAX EXEMPTION ON WOOD LANDS: A communication from the Solicitor was presented in answer to an inquiry from the Board in connection with the interpretation of Section 4, Subsection 1$, of the Assessment Act dealing with the exceptions from taxation for land used for forestry purposes. Res. #14 Moved By:- H. G. Norry Seconded By:- R. Jennings RESOLVED THAT:- the Chairman be requested to prepare a Resolution for presentation to the Conservation Authorities Conference requesting an amendment to the Assessment Act to provide an interpretation for the term "forestry purposes ". Carried Unanimously. DUTCH ELM DISEASE REPORT: The Staff presented a.report on the Dutch Elm Disease which had been prepared for distribution on the direction of the Board. Res. #15 Moved By :- R. .Jennings Seconded By :- A. A. Wall RESOLVED THAT:- the Report on Dutch Elm Disease in the Metropolitan Toronto and region area be received and approved for distribution to the Municipalities and other interested persons. Carried Unanimously. REPLACEMENT OF MEMBEh! The Secretary advised that Mr. Managhan had been transferred out of this area by the Department of Lands and Forests and that Mr. J. A. Simpson is replacing him, and suggested that Mr. Simpson be officially invited to become a member of the Board. Res. #16 Moved By :- F. M. Redelmeier Seconded By :- E. Lemon RESOLVED THAT : - in view of the transfer of Mr. W. Managhan that Mr. J. A. Simpson be appointed a member of the Reforestation and Lard Use Advisory Board and that a communication be forwarded by the Secretary to Mr. W. Managhan thanking him for his efforts while a member of the Board. Carried Unanimously. PROPOSED STREAM BANK EROSION SURVEY: Res. #17 Moved By:- R. Jennings Seconded By:- G. Gardhouse THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT : - the staff be authorized E -14 - 3 - to employ additional Summer help in 1963 season to carry out a Survey of Stream Bank Erosion problems in the region; AND BE IT FURTHER RECOMMENDED THAT:- Mr. M. G. Johnson be authorized to tour certain areas of Michigan State to study corrective meaalres taken in connection with the Stream Bank problem Carried Unanimously. AGRICULTURAL REHABILITATION AND DEVELOPMENT ACT SUB - COMMITTEE: Res. #18 Moved By:- R. Jennings Seconded By:- G. Gardhouse RESOLVED THAT:- Messrs. Redelmeier and Lemon be a Sub- Committee to study and bring in recommendations in connection with proposed projects under the Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Act. Carried Unanimously. ADJOURNMENT: On Motion, the Meeting adjourned at 5 :45 p.m. R. L. Nesbitt F. L. Lunn Chairman Secretary- Treasurer Metropolitan aronto and Region Conieruation -Authority MINUTES E -15 Reforestation and Land Use Advisory Board Fri. Jan. 11/63 #3/62 The Reforestation and Land Use Advisory Board met in the Beard Room at 17 Mill Street on Friday, January llth, 1963, commencing at 2 :00 p.m. PRESENT WERE : - • Authority Chairman Dr. G. Ross Lord Authority Vice Chairman W. C. Davidson Advisory Board Chairman R. L. Nesbitt Advisory Board Vice Chairman R. Jennings Members J. A. Bryson G. Gardhouse E. Lemon F. M. Redelmeier J. A. Simpson Dept. of Lands & Forests J. H. Sellers Secretary- Treasurer F. L. Lunn Dir. of Operati'ns K. G. Higgs Conservation Services Administrator M. G. Johnson MINUTES: The Minutes of Meeting No. 2/62 were presented. Res. #19 Moved By:- Dr. G. Ross Lord Seconded By:- G. Gardhouse RESOLVED THAT:- the Minutes of Meeting No. 2/62 as presented be adopted as if read. Carried Unanimously. STAFF REPORT - 1962: Mr. Johnson presented the 1962 Staff Progress Report. Res. #20 Moved By:- F. M. Redelmeier Seconded By:- R. Jennings RESOLVED THAT : - the Staff Report of the Reforestation and Land Use Advisory Board be received and appended as Schedule aAst of these Minutes; Carried Unanimously. PROGRAMME & BUDGET - 12a: The proposed Programme and Preliminary Budget Estimarbe- for'1963 was presented. Res. #21 Moved By :- G. Gardhouse Seconded By :- J. A. Bryson RESOLVED THAT:- the proposed Programme for 1963 be received and further; THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT : - the Preliminary Budget Estimates as amended and set forth herein be adopted; Forestry: A -61 Private Tree Planting $ 5,000.00 A -62 Reforestation Subsidies 1,000.00 E-16 - 2 - A-63 Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project $ 19000.00 Land Use; A-72 Grassed Waterway Subsidies 10000.00 A-73 Tile Drainage Subsidies 29000.00 A-74 Farm Pond Research 2000.00 A-75 Farm Pond Subsidies & Services 3,000.00 A-76 Farm Tree Replacement Programme and Dutch Elm Disease Control 1,200.00 A-77 Farm Plan Assistance 10000.00 Fish & Wildlife: A-82 Fish Rearing 29200.00 A-83 Bird Feeding 300.00 General Water Control Scheme: G-4 Stream Surveys 29500.00 Forest Lands: Forest and Wildlife Conservation Land 30,000.00 Carried Unanimously. PROPOSED FARM PLAN ASSISTANCE: Mr. Lemon suggested steps be taken to encourage and assist farmers to implement and develop farm plans. Res. #22 Moved By:- F. M. Redelmeier Seconded By:- R. Jennings RESOLVED THAT:- Messrs. Lemon, Bryson, Gardhouse, and a representative of the Department of Agriculture be a Sub-Committee to study and bring in recomm6ndations having regard to the adoption of the proposed Farm Plan Assistance Programme; Carried Unanimously. AUTHORITY FOREST - REPORT FOR 1960-1961: Mr. Simpson presented the Report on the Management of the Authority Forest for the year 1960-1961. Res. #23 Moved By:- Dr. G. Ross Lord Seconded By:- G. Gardhouse THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:- action be instituted to transfer the Henderson and Walker tracts of the Atthority Forest to management by the Authority as part of the Albion Hills Conservation Area; and THE BOARD FURTHER RECOMMENDS THAT:- action be instituted to transfer management of the Taylor property from the Albion Hills Conservation Area to the Department of Lands and Forests. Carried Unanimously. Res. #24 Moved By:- J. A. Bryson Seconded By:- R. Jennings RESOLVED THAT:- the Report on Management of the Authority Forest be received, and further that a copy be forwarded to each Authority member for their information. Carried Unanimously. E -17 -3 TILE DRAINAGE SUBSIDY: The Staff reported that an application for a Tile Drainage Subsidy had been received in which the work had not been inspected and requested direction on same. Res. #25 Moved By:- E. Lemon Seconded By :- F. M. Redelmeier RESOLVED THAT:- the work carried out in connection with the application by W. W. Priddle on Part of Lot 19, Concession III, W.Y.S., Township of North York, be inspected by representatives of the Board and the local Agricultural Engineer, and if found satisfactory, the Subsidy be approved. Carried Unanimously. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER: Res. #26 Moved By :- E. Lemon Seconded By:- G. Gardhouse THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:- Mr. D. L. Parks, or his representative, of the Soil and Field Crops Branch of the Department of Agriculture, be appointed a member of this Board. Carried Unanimously. REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE: A communication was presented from Mr. J. G. K. Strathy, requesting technical advice and financial assistance to clear the outlet stream of Hacket Lake of debris etc. The matter was considered in detail. Res. #27 Moved By :- R. Jennings Seconded By:- J. A. Simpson RESOLVED THAT:- Mr. J. G. K. Strathy • be advised that the policy of the Authority in cases such as described in his letter of November 2nd, 1961, and located on privately owned land is to limit assistance to such technical advice as the staff is able to provide. Carried Unanimously. ADJOgRNMENT : On Mrition, the Meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m. R. L. Ne(bitt F. L. Lunn Chairman Secretary- Treasurer E -1$ 3¢HEDULE "4'1: STAFF PROGRESS REPORT OF THE REFORESTATION AND LAND USE PROGRAM .- 1962 FORESTRY REFORESTATION: In 1962 a total of 553,000 private lands by the Authority. received tree planting services were granted subsidies on their of Laids and Forests planted 67, trees were planted on Authority and Forty -eight private land owners from the Authority,while two landowners own plantings. The Ontario Department 000 trees on Agreement Forests. The following tables provide more detailed information on the number of trees planted in Municipalities and Conservation Areas. WOODLOT i NAGEMENT : Detailed plans were prepared for authority woodlots at Heart Lake Glen Haffy, Albion Hills, Cold Creek, Boyd, Bruce's Mill, Greenwood and Claremont. As part of returns from improvement work 10,000 fbm of sawlogs were sold. A fuelwood price schedule was prepared and nearly all of the 180 cords of wood salvaged from woods operations and elm tree removal has been sold. Approximately 600 Christmas trees were sold. DUTCH ELM DISEASE PROGRAM: Approximately 600 trees were sprayed in Conservation Areas. The same number were cut. Key elms were marked for spraying in all the Conservation Areas. Trees also were marked for removal in the winter of 19623 in all Conservation Areas. LANDS9APING: Over 100 trees 4 -5 feet in height were planted in Conservation Arean. A trial project in transplanting 1$ large trees up to 25 feet tall took place at Boyd and Albion. Some mature trees in the main picni,c area were pruned at Boyd to reduce hazard and improve their vigor, FARM TREE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM: A good response was shown to this program which will commence in in the spring of 1963 with 1100 trees 5 -7 feet tall available for Conservation Areas and 1650 trees offered for farm planting. To data 11 requests have been received from private landowners. FORESTRY STUDIES: - use of herbicides in establishing hardwood trees in treated turf. - on mixed plantings of hardwoods and conifers. -on use of animal repellents on hardwood trees. -on use of soil sterilants for growth control'in fireguards. - on Rost of fuelwood production. SPECIAL PROJECTS: - spraying of young plantations infested by sawfly larvae in June at Albion and Glen Haffy. - pruning of Christmas trees at Glen Haffy and Greenwood and the sale of trees. - continued development of the arboretum to be used mainly in conjunction with the Conservation School. -2- LAND USE GRASSED WATERWAYS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: In 1962, two applications for grassed waterway subsidies were wade, of which one was paid, and the other recently approved for pay- r..:snt. • E -19 TILE DRAINAGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: A total of 1$ tile drainage subsidies were paid in 1962. One applicatiol for subsidy is on hand. This assistance program has become increasingly popular. FARM POND ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: This program is the largest within the land use services. A total of 103 pond sites were inspected, on which 65 ponds were designed and constructed. Many of the remaining landowners will no doubt construct ponds in 1963 and apply for subsidy. In 1962, 31 applications for subsidy were received, of which 25 were paid and 6 rejected, mainly, because of their very small size. At the present time there are 23 applications for assistance on hand and 6 requests for subsidies. Three ponds were constructed in Conservation Areas, 2 at Palgrave and 7. a;; Boyd, while improvements were made to the Cold Creek pond. A fctin Dcnd day attended by 150 people was a successful extension project in 1962. CUNTRUL ASSISTANCE: Thn staff made visits to provide technical advice on 6 bank evoolorl problems. There is an increasing demand for technical Ete.nce in this field. S'1 ALAM BANKS N CONTROL PROJECTS: Two major projects were undertaken in 1962, one at the Palgrave .Forest and Wildlife Conservation Area and the other at Humber Trails Conservation Area. At the Palgrave Area, close to one -half mile of the Humber River was improved. A variety of stream improvement structures were installed including log and gabion double -wing deflec- tors, log single -wing deflectors, a gabion dam a log and lumber dam and severaldigger logs and log benches. As well, eroding banks were graded, The banks graded in the spring were rip- rapped and seeded with various mixtures, while those banks graded in the late fall were rip - rapped and will be seeded in the spring, 1963. At Humber Trails, several structures were built, but the bulk of the work consideration MR in an effort to improve habitat for trout. F.ApI OPERATIONS Close to 200 acres of Authority -owned lands were cropped by the ,,.• k.thority. Hay, oats and wheat were produced and marketed. Two farm ,:unite, one at Claremont Conservation Area and one at the Albion Hills C ^ncervation Area were managed by private landowners and operated ,.at ..sxactorily. 477..;-7.7-7, alp.ty Albion 116, 050 C�ledon . 13;100'• Chinguacousy 3,050 Kinu 57,500" Markham . .. 9, 00 ' Drone 06, 6,000 North York Pickering 40,000 Uxbridge 25, 000 Vc.ughan 26,100 TABLE 1 Trees Planted by the Conservation Authority on Private Lands, 1962 E -20 Whitchurch TOTAL -3- TABLE 2 8,300 )46,500 Trees Planted in Conservation Areas, 1962 Conservation Area 1962 Albion Hills 5,525 Black Creek Boyd 12,527 Claremont emont Cold Creek 13,353 Dingle 1,4.00 Glen Haffy 3,169 Glen Major 11,02 Greenwood 30,100 Heart Lake 13,495 Humber Trails 4,000 Palgrave 93,$30 Uxbridge TOTAL 200,924 FISH AND WILDLIFE FARM POND SERVICES: Twenty private farm ponds were stocked with fish, namely large- mouth bass, but some with speckled trout. A total of 32 private owners were assisted with aquatic weed control; 45 applications were made using chemicals provided free of charge by the manufacturers. About a dozen ponds were inspected in 1962 for fish stocking and weed control in 1963. Several other pond owners were advised on such matters as muskrat control, pond improvements and other matters. FARM FOND RESEARCH: In the spring of 1962 several trout ponds were inspected to obtain information on the growth and survival of speckled trout. This particular project has been continued since 1959 when the ponds were stocked. Most of the ponds stocked with largemouth bass by the Authority in earlier years were inspected to obtain information on the crops, growth and survival of this species. Pond owners have co- operated in pond fish management studies by maintaining harvest records. Aquatic weed control research was continued for the fifth year and now staff may provide up -to -date technical aid to pond owners plagued with aquatic weeds and algae. One interesting project involved the treatment of a pond with copper sulfate to eradicate snails which host a parasite attacking smallmouth bass. STREAM SURVEYS: Surveys of streams, particularly at reservoir sites, were continued. Information was obtained on the populations and management of fish, their distribution, life histories etc, Sufficient information has been collected In the past four year to describe 'phe stream fish populations and recommend their management in conjunction with the Flood Control Plan and Conservation Areas Program. WILDLIFE HABITAT IMPROVEMMIENT: A total of 30,000 shrubs were planted in Conservation Areas. Many of these shrubs were planted in experimental plots in a continuing program to evaluate the suitability of various shrubs and the cultural methods which may be employed in their establishment. Over 1000 plots, which contain 30 shrubs and 3 species in each, have been established. An evaluation of their success has continued. All plots established previously were visited and the survival noted. Wildlife food plots were established in 5 Conservation Areas. Three sets of plots were set -4- E -21 up as experiment to evaluate the Use of various herbicides. Some small grain was harvested to supply bird feeders this winter. MISCELLANEOUS PROJECTS: The evaluation of the use of wood duck boxes in attracting watFa fowl to ponds and lakes was continued. Put- and -take trout fishing ai• Glen Haffy and Albion Hills was studied closely. A total of 7,132 anglers fished at Glen Haffy and caught 4,29$ trout. At the Albion Trout Club, which was operated on a group - permit basis, 511 anglers harvested 743 speckled and rainbow trout. At Albion Hills, where voluntary creel census was maintained during 1VJay, the 253 anglers who returned their cards had caught 479 trout. Unfortunately less than one -half of the anglers returned creel census cards and the fishing pressure and harvest was at least double that recorded.