Phone: 705-286-3181
Fax: 705-286-6582
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.glenside-eco.ca
2490 Horseshoe Lake Rd.
R.R.#1
Minden, Ontario
Canada, K0M 2K0
Glenside Ecological Services Limited
Thursday, June 26, 2008 Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation P.O. Box 81 Baysville, ON, P0B 1A0
RE: Lower Oxtongue River
Lot 10, Concession 8
Geographic Township of Franklin
District Municipality of Muskoka
Dear Mr. Mark McLean:
Attached please find the results of the site visit of the above described property conducted by Glenside
Ecological Services Limited on June 19th, 2008. A total of five different ecosites were identified on site
and the report describes each of these as well as reflects on the habitat requirements of the Species at
Risk found in the District Municipality of Muskoka and the suitability of the habitats found on the subject
property. A list of all species observed as well as two maps delineating the various ecosites is provide.
Glenside appreciates the opportunity to work with organizations such as the Lake of Bays Heritage
Foundation and hope our services were performed to your satisfaction. Please let me know if you
require anything further.
Sincerely,
Paul C. Heaven
for Glenside Ecological Services Limited
Enc: Lower Oxtongue River Report
Invoice
Lower Oxtongue River June 26, 2008
Prepared by Glenside Ecological Services Limited 2
ES11: WHITE PINE - RED PINE
This ecosite is found in the northeast corner of the
property and represents a plateau approximately 10 m
above the river. The species composition is 40 % Red
Pine (Pinus resinosa), 19% White Pine (Pinus strobes)
16% Large-tooth Aspen (Populus grandidentata) 10%
White Spruce (Picea glauca) 7% Balsam Fir (Abies
balsamea), and 8% other. Tall shrubbery consisted
primarily of Beaked Hazel (Corylus cornuta) and the
groundcover was dominated by Bracken Fern
(Pteridium aquilinum), Wild Sarsaparilla (Aralia
nudicaulis), Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), Canada
Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense), Late Lowbush
Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) and Northern
Starflower (Trientalis borealis).
Mature and dying white birch (Betula papyrifera) trees
were observed throughout. This species is shade
intolerant thereby suggesting that the area was cleared
in the recent past. This interpretation was supported
by evidence of fire in the form of burned stumps.
Numerous large diameter red pine and white pine were
also observed scattered throughout. Red and white
pine have a high tolerance for fire and these specimens
likely survived the burn.
Standing dead snags and cavities of all types are
common and downed woody debris is abundant
though moderate in diameter.
ES18: POPLAR – WHITE BIRCH – WHITE SPRUCE
– BALSAM FIR
Ecosite 18 represents the largest area of the property
and is found in the lowlands immediately adjacent to
the river. This compartment has a species composition
of 36% Balsam Fir, 24% White Birch, 16 % Red Maple
(Acer rubrum) 9% Trembling Aspen (Populus
tremuloides) 8% White Spruce and 6% other. Tall
shrubbery consisted primarily of Beaked Hazel and Fly
Honeysuckle (Lonicera canadensis) and the
Photograph 1: Ecosite 11
Photograph 2: Ecosite 25
Lower Oxtongue River June 26, 2008
Prepared by Glenside Ecological Services Limited 3
groundcover was dominated by Canada Mayflower,
Bracken Fern, Wild Sarsaparilla, Bunchberry and
Ground Pine (Lycopodium dendroidium).
This area lacked the mature large diameter trees found
on the plateau and the high component of shade
intolerant trees indicate that this area was fully cleared
by the fire in the early 1900’s.
Small pockets of standing water were also observed.
Although this compartment is not a wetland given the
high component of upland species, given its low profile
and close proximity to the Oxtongue River ephemeral
wet areas and periodic flooding are likely.
FES1-4: LEATHERLEAF - FORB SHRUB FEN
The Leatherleaf-Forb Shrub Fen is found at the upper
end of a meandering scar of the Oxtongue River. This
wetland has deep organic soils and is dominiated by
leatherleaf and sphagnum moss. Tamarack (Larix
laricina) and Speckled Alder (Alnus incana) can be
found scattered throughout. Where the water is less
stagnant Broad-leaf Cattail (Typha latifolia) and Wild
Calla (Calla palustris) can be found.
SWT2-1: ALDER MINERAL THICKET SWAMP
Two Alder Mineral Thicket Swamps can be found along
the watercourse draining from the above described fen
into the Oxtongue River as well as in a second meander
scar to the south. This wetland in dominated by a
thicket of Speckled Alder. Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda
cinnamomea), Goldthread (Coptis trifolia), Bunchberry
(Cornus canadensis) and Sphagnum moss dominate
the ground cover.
MAM2-6:BROAD-LEAVED SEDGE MINERAL
MEADOW MARH
A small mineral meadow marsh can be found in the
Oxtongue meander scar to the south. This wetland is
Photograph 4: SWT2-1
Photograph 3: FES1-4
Lower Oxtongue River June 26, 2008
Prepared by Glenside Ecological Services Limited 4
dominated by sedges and rushes,
specifically Cottongrass Bulrush (Scirpus
cyperinus), Fringed Sedge (Carex
crinita), and Stalk-grain Sedge Carex
stipata). The Alder Mineral Thicket
Swamp encompasses much of this
wetland as shown in Photograph 5.
SPECIES AT RISK
Table 1 lists the Species at Risk for
which the Natural Heritage
Information Centre has documented in
the District Municipality of Muskoka.
This list was provided to Glenside
Ecological Services Limited in June of
2008 upon request.
Reviewing this list, historically the Henslow’s Sparrow and Cerulean warbler are found further south of
the subject property1. The Least Bittern prefers cattail marshes with scattered pockets of open water in
the size range of 5 ha2 and this type of habitat is not found on the subject property. The Peregrine
Falcon preferred nesting sites are cliff faces ranging from 50-200m in height3 and this habitat feature s
not found on the subject property.
The Golden-winged Warbler prefers forests of early succession, alder thickets and beaver marshes4.
Ecosite SWT2-1 is an alder thicket and would be suitable habitat for the Golden-winged Warbler.
In regard to reptiles, the Eastern Foxsnake and Massasauga are historically found in the western
portions of the District Municipality of Muskoka5 and therefore would not likely be associated with the
subject property. The Milksnake has a habitat preference for open habitats though can be found in pine
1 Cadman, M.D., P.F.J. Eagles and F.M. Helleiner, 1987. Atlas of Breeding Birds of Ontario. Federation of Ontario Naturalists, University of Waterloo Press, Waterloo, Ontario 2 COSEWIC. (2001). COSEWIC Assessment and Update Status Report on the Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis in Canada. Ottawa: Committee on the Status of Endangered Widlife in Canada. 3 COSEWIC. (2007). COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus (pealei
subspecies - Falco peregrinus and pealei anatum/tundrius - Falco peregrinus anatum/tundrius) in Canada. Ottawa:
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 4 COSEWIC. (2006). COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera in Canada. Ottawa: Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 5 NHIC Herp Atlas 2008 http://nhic.mnr.gov.on.ca/nhic_.cfm
Photograph 5: MAM2-6
Lower Oxtongue River June 26, 2008
Prepared by Glenside Ecological Services Limited 5
forests and mixed pine hardwoods6 and therefore may be found on the subject property. Eastern Hog-
nosed snakes have a preference for dry mixed forests and pine/oak forests associated with poor sandy
soils, for hibernation and nesting purposes7. Ecosite 11 as described above would be considered suitable
habitat for the Eastern Hog-nosed Snake. Further the primary food source of the Eastern Hog-nosed
snake is the American Toad; American Toads were observed on the subject property. The Eastern
Ribbonsnake is a semi-aquatic species that frequents wetlands, ponds and streams with a preference for
quiet shallow water with abundant sunlight and bordered by low dense vegetation.8 The Broad-leaved
Sedge Mineral Meadow Marsh found on the subject property would be suitable habitat.
Five-lined Skinks prefer rocky outcrops with good cover rock9 and this habitat feature is not found on
the subject property.
Both the Blanding’s Turtle and Spotted Turtle feed in marshesError! Bookmark not defined. and the
marsh type found on the subject property would provide suitable habitat. The Stinkpot also prefers a
marsh habitat, though is limited to an aquatic environment. The marsh on the subject property is
hydrologically linked to the Oxtongue River and therefore would be suitable habitat. The Wood Turtle
has a preference for slow moving, meandering rivers with sandy substrates as well as alder thickets and
alder swale10. The Alder Mineral Thicket Swamp found on the subject property would be suitable
habitat for the Wood Turtle. The Northern Map Turtle is historically found in the western portions of the
District Municipality of Muskoka11 and therefore it is unlikely that it would be found on the subject
property.
In regard to the vascular plants, Butternut is shade intolerant and commonly found in association with
basswood, black cherry, beech, black walnut, elm, hemlock, hickory, oak, red maple, sugar maple, yellow
poplar, white ash and yellow birch. This forest structure is not found on the subject property. Similarly
American ginseng is found in sugar maple dominated forests and therefore not likely found on the
subject property. Engelmann’s quillwort is an aquatic species found in shallow waters in fresh flowing,
circumneutral to calcareous waters and substrates. The substrate typically consists of a sand or silty
6 Fischer, L. (2002). COSEWIC status report on the milksnake Lampropeltis triangulum in Canada in COSEWIC
assessment and status report on the milksnake Lampropeltis triangulum in Canada. Ottawa: Committe on the
Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 7 Cunnington, G. M., & Cebek, J. (2005). Mating and Nesting Behavior of the Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon
platirhinos) in teh Northern Portion of its Range. The American Midland Naturalist , 174 (2), 474-478. 8 Smith, K. (2002). COSEWIC status report on the eastern ribbonsnake Thamnophis sauritus in Canada in COSEWIC
assessment and status report on the eastern ribbonsnake Thamnophis sauritus. Ottawa: Committee on the Status
of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 9 COSEWIC. (2007). COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Five-lined Skink Eumeces fasciatus in Canada. Ottawa: Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 10 Kraus, T. (2005). Update COSEWIC Status Report on Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta). . Midhurst: Interim Draft
Report prepared for Committee on the Status of Endangered Widllife in Canada. 11 NHIC Herp Atlas 2008 http://nhic.mnr.gov.on.ca/nhic_.cfm
Lower Oxtongue River June 26, 2008
Prepared by Glenside Ecological Services Limited 6
sand layer over clay or clayey-sand, often within a dense granitic cobble bed. The Lower Oxtongue River
has a sandy substrate however it is unknown whether it is calcareous or not.
Further research would be required to determine the habitat requirements of the remaining species
which is an exercise beyond the scope of this project.
There are approximately another 80 rare species found in the District Municipality of Muskoka and with
the Ecosite descriptions provided above it is feasible to review the habitat requirements of each rare
species and scope further inventories on determining the presence of species for which suitable habitat
is present.
Table 1: Species at Risk in the District Municipality of Muskoka
Scientific Name Common Name Status
COSEWIC OMNR
Bartonia paniculata ssp. paniculata Branched Bartonia THR THR
Chimaphila maculata Spotted Wintergreen END END-R
Isoetes engelmannii Engelmann's Quillwort END END-NR
Juglans cinerea Butternut END END-NR
Panax quinquefolius American Ginseng END END-NR
Phegopteris hexagonoptera Broad Beech Fern SC SC
Ammodramus henslowii Henslow's Sparrow END END-R
Dendroica cerulea Cerulean Warbler SC SC
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon SC THR
Ixobrychus exilis Least Bittern THR THR
Vermivora chrysoptera Golden-winged Warbler
SC
Clemmys guttata Spotted Turtle END END-NR
Emydoidea blandingii Blanding's Turtle THR THR
Eumeces fasciatus Five-lined Skink SC SC
Glyptemys insculpta Wood Turtle THR END-NR
Graptemys geographica Northern Map Turtle SC SC
Heterodon platirhinos Eastern Hog-nosed Snake THR THR
Lampropeltis triangulum Milksnake SC SC
Pantherophis gloydi Eastern Foxsnake THR THR
Sistrurus catenatus Massasauga THR THR
Sternotherus odoratus Stinkpot THR THR
Thamnophis sauritus Eastern Ribbonsnake SC SC
Acipenser fulvescens Lake Sturgeon END SC
Esox americanus Grass Pickerel SC SC
SUMMARY
Lower Oxtongue River June 26, 2008
Prepared by Glenside Ecological Services Limited 7
The ecosites described provide a variety of habitats ranging from fens, shrub thickets and marshes to
coniferous forests and shade intolerant mixedwoods. Further ecosite 11, with the prominance of red
pine and numerous mature specimens with diameters exceeding 50cm, is limited in the landscape.
Although the abundance of this ecosite in the District Municipality of Muskoka is unknown, in the
County of Haliburton found immediately to the east this ecosite represents only 1% of the forested
landscape12. The subject property also has extensive natural shorelines thereby providing wildlife with
uninhibited water access. The diversity of habitats would be suitable for numerous Species at Risk,
specifically the Golden-Winged Warbler, Milksnake, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, Eastern Ribbonsnake,
Blanding’s Turtle, Spotted Turtle, Stinkpot and Wood Turtle.
Table 2, Table 3 and Table 4 lists the species observed during the site visit of the subject property on
June 19th, 2008.
Table 2: Vascular plants
FAMILY Scientific Name Common Name GRANK SRANK
ACERACEAE
Acer rubrum Red Maple G5 S5
APOCYNACEAE
Apocynum androsaemifolium Spreading Dogbane G5 S5
AQUIFOLIACEAE
Ilex verticillata Black Holly G5 S5
Nemopanthus mucronatus Mountain Holly G5 S5
ARACEAE
Calla palustris Wild Calla G5 S5
ARALIACEAE
Aralia nudicaulis Wild Sarsaparilla G5 S5
ASTERACEAE
Eurybia macrophylla Large-leaf Wood-aster G5 S5
Hieracium caespitosum Yellow Hawkweed G? SE5
BALSAMINACEAE
Impatiens capensis Spotted Jewel-weed G5 S5
BETULACEAE
Alnus incana Speckled Alder G5 S5
Betula alleghaniensis Yellow Birch G5 S5
Betula papyrifera Paper Birch G5 S5
Corylus cornuta Beaked Hazelnut G5 S5
CAPRIFOLIACEAE
Linnaea borealis Twinflower G5 S5
12 Heaven, P. C. (2007). County of Haliburton Natural Heritage Mapping: A compilation and preliminary
assessment. Haliburton: Haliburton Highlands Land Trust.
Lower Oxtongue River June 26, 2008
Prepared by Glenside Ecological Services Limited 8
FAMILY Scientific Name Common Name GRANK SRANK
Lonicera canadensis American Fly-honeysuckle G5 S5
Viburnum cassinoides Northern Wild-raisin G5 S5
Viburnum lantanoides Alderleaf Viburnum G5 S5
CORNACEAE
Cornus canadensis Bunchberry G5 S5
CUPRESSACEAE
Thuja occidentalis Eastern White Cedar G5 S5
CYPERACEAE
Carex bebbii Bebb's Sedge G5 S5
Carex crinita Fringed Sedge G5 S5
Carex intumescens Bladder Sedge G5 S5
Carex lacustris Lake-bank Sedge G5 S5
Carex stipata Stalk-grain Sedge G5 S5
Dulichium arundinaceum Three-way Sedge G5 S5
Scirpus cyperinus Cottongrass Bulrush G5 S5
DENNSTAEDTIACEAE
Pteridium aquilinum Bracken Fern G5 S5
DROSERACEAE
Drosera rotundifolia Roundleaf Sundew G5 S5
DRYOPTERIDACEAE
Athyrium filix-femina var. angustum Lady Fern G5T5 S5
Dryopteris carthusiana Spinulose Shield Fern G5 S5
Gymnocarpium dryopteris Oak Fern G5 S5
Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive Fern G5 S5
EQUISETACEAE
Equisetum fluviatile Water Horsetail G5 S5
Equisetum sylvaticum Woodland Horsetail G5 S5
ERICACEAE
Chamaedaphne calyculata Leatherleaf G5 S5
Gaultheria hispidula Creeping Snowberry G5 S5
Gaultheria procumbens Teaberry G5 S5
Ledum groenlandicum Common Labrador Tea G5 S5
Vaccinium angustifolium Late Lowbush Blueberry G5 S5
Vaccinium myrtilloides Velvetleaf Blueberry G5 S5
FAGACEAE
Quercus rubra Northern Red Oak G5 S5
GROSSULARIACEAE
Ribes cynosbati Prickly Gooseberry G5 S5
IRIDACEAE
Iris versicolor Blueflag G5 S5
Lower Oxtongue River June 26, 2008
Prepared by Glenside Ecological Services Limited 9
FAMILY Scientific Name Common Name GRANK SRANK
JUNCACEAE
Juncus effusus Soft Rush G5 S5
LAMIACEAE
Scutellaria galericulata Hooded Skullcap G5 S5
LILIACEAE
Clintonia borealis Blue Bead-lily G5 S5
Maianthemum canadense Wild-lily-of-the-valley G5 S5
Streptopus lanceolatus Rose Twisted-stalk G5 S5
LYCOPODIACEAE
Huperzia lucidula Shining Clubmoss G5 S5
Lycopodium clavatum Running Pine G5 S5
Lycopodium dendroideum Treelike Clubmoss G5 S5
MONOTROPACEAE
Monotropa hypopithys American Pinesap G5 S4
MYRICACEAE
Myrica gale Sweet Bayberry G5 S5
NYMPHAEACEAE
Nuphar variegata Yellow Cowlily G5T5 S5
OSMUNDACEAE
Osmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon Fern G5 S5
OXALIDACEAE
Oxalis acetosella Irish Shamrock G5 S5
PINACEAE
Abies balsamea Balsam Fir G5 S5
Larix laricina American Larch G5 S5
Picea glauca White Spruce G5 S5
Pinus resinosa Red Pine G5 S5
Pinus strobus Eastern White Pine G5 S5
PONTEDERIACEAE
Pontederia cordata Pickerel Weed G5 S5
PRIMULACEAE
Trientalis borealis Northern Starflower G5 S5
PYROLACEAE
Pyrola chlorantha
Greenish-flowered Wintergreen G5 S4S5
RANUNCULACEAE
Coptis trifolia Goldthread G5 S5
Thalictrum pubescens Tall Meadow-rue G5 S5
ROSACEAE
Fragaria vesca Woodland Strawberry G5 S5
Fragaria virginiana Virginia Strawberry G5 S5
Lower Oxtongue River June 26, 2008
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FAMILY Scientific Name Common Name GRANK SRANK
Potentilla palustris Marsh Cinquefoil G5 S5
Prunus serotina Wild Black Cherry G5 S5
Sorbus americana American Mountain-ash G5 S5
Sorbus decora Northern Mountain-ash G4G5 S5
Spiraea alba
Narrow-leaved Meadow-sweet G5 S5
RUBIACEAE
Galium asprellum Rough Bedstraw G5 S5
Galium triflorum Sweet-scent Bedstraw G5 S5
Mitchella repens Partridge-berry G5 S5
SALICACEAE
Populus balsamifera Balsam Poplar G5 S5
Populus grandidentata Large-tooth Aspen G5 S5
Populus tremuloides Trembling Aspen G5 S5
SARRACENIACEAE
Sarracenia purpurea Northern Pitcher-plant G5 S5
TYPHACEAE
Typha latifolia Broad-leaf Cattail G5 S5
VIOLACEAE
Viola cucullata Marsh Blue Violet G4G5 S5
Table 3: Non-vascular plants
FAMILY SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME GRANK SRANK
SPHAGNACEAE
Sphagnum sp. A Moss
MNIACEAE
Mnium sp A Moss
Table 4: Incidental wildlife observations
Mammals
Beaver Castor canadensis
Wolf Canis lupus
White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus
Raccoon Procyon lotor
Red squirrel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
Black bear Ursus americanus
Avifauna
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Yellow-rumped warbler Dendroica coronata
Lower Oxtongue River June 26, 2008
Prepared by Glenside Ecological Services Limited 11
Common yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas
Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus
Black-throated blue warbler Dendroica caerulescens
Pileated woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus
Yellow-bellied sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius
Black-capped chickadee Parus atricapillus
Song sparrow Melospiza melodia
White-throated sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis
Dark-eyed junco Junco hyemalis
Belted kingfisher Ceryle alcyon
Cedar waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum
Common grackle Quiscalus quiscala
Winter wren Troglodytes troglodytes
Amphibians
American toad Bufo americanus
Green frog Rana clamitans melanota
Leopard frog Rana pipiens
Northern spring peeper Pseudacris crucifer crucifer
Figure 1: Ecosites of the Lower Oxtongue River
Figure 2: Aerial photograph of the Lower Oxtongue River