Badlands Background Document - updated October 2012

Transcription

Cheltenham Badlands
Management Planning
Background Information
Updated October 2012
Primary changes between November 2008 and October 2012:
• Updated maps
• Updated Ecological Information
• Inclusion of 2009 Erosion Study
• Inclusion of Thanksgiving 2011 Public Use Study
The Bruce Trail Conservancy
Cheltenham Badlands Background Information
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 1
2.
Regional Context/Land History/Land Use ........................................................................................... 1
2.1 Overview .................................................................................................................................. 1
2.2 Regional Context ..................................................................................................................... 2
2.3 Land Classification ................................................................................................................... 4
2.3.1 Ecology ......................................................................................................................................4
2.3.2 Niagara Escarpment Plan ...........................................................................................................5
2.4 Land Tenure ............................................................................................................................. 7
2.4.1 Previous Ownership ...................................................................................................................7
2.4.2 Summary of Acquisition ............................................................................................................7
2.4.3 Current Uses ..............................................................................................................................8
2.5 Climate ..................................................................................................................................... 9
2.6 Earth Science Features ......................................................................................................... 10
2.7 Geomorphology ..................................................................................................................... 10
2.8 Surface Water, Drainage and Groundwater .......................................................................... 12
2.9 Soils ....................................................................................................................................... 12
2.10 Life Science Features ............................................................................................................ 13
2.10.1 Biotic Conditions ..................................................................................................................... 13
2.10.2 Wildlife .................................................................................................................................... 17
2.10.3 Federally, Provincially and Regionally Rare Species .............................................................. 19
2.10.4 Aquatic Resources ................................................................................................................... 21
3.
Market Analysis .................................................................................................................................... 21
3.1 Public Use Study – March 2000 to April 2002 ....................................................................... 21
3.2 Public Use Study – Thanksgiving Weekend 2011 ................................................................. 23
4.
Issues ..................................................................................................................................................... 25
5.
References ............................................................................................................................................ 28
Appendix A
Assessment of Erosion at the Cheltenham Badlands, Peel Region, Ontario
Appendix B
List of Observed Flora and Fauna
Appendix B
2005 OBBA Summary for Cheltenham Badlands Area
List of Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Regional Map of Cheltenham Badlands Area ........................................................................ 2
Shale Slopes of the Cheltenham Badlands ............................................................................. 4
Aerial Photograph of the Cheltenham Badlands (looking south) ............................................. 6
Cheltenham Badlands Site Map .............................................................................................. 8
Soil Units on the Cheltenham Badlands Property ................................................................. 13
Badlands Property Vegetation Communities ......................................................................... 17
Cars on Olde Base Line Road – Thanksgiving Weekend 2011 ............................................ 24
Site Traffic Conditions During October 2011 Thanksgiving Weekend .................................. 25
Page i
List of Tables
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 7
Cheltenham Badlands Physical Location ................................................................................ 9
Brampton's Average Climate (Source: www.brampton.ca) ................................................... 10
Herpetofaunal Species Sited in the Cheltenham Badlands Area ......................................... 18
NHIC records of Species at Risk and provincially rare species on the Badlands property ... 20
Summary of Results from Badlands Visitor Monitoring Program ......................................... 22
Summary of Traffic Data for Thanksgiving Weekend 2011 ................................................... 24
Summary and Status of Recommendations from 2001 Stewardship Plan ........................... 26
Page ii
1.
Introduction
The Cheltenham Badlands property is located on the Niagara Escarpment northwest of
Brampton, near the villages of Inglewood and Cheltenham. The Badlands are a popular tourist
destination due to the unique topography of the area, and its relative proximity to major urban
areas. In 2000 the 36.6-hectare property containing the Badlands was purchased for inclusion in
the Niagara Escarpment Parks and Open Spaces System (NEPOSS) with Ministry of Natural
Resources (MNR) funding. The Ontario Heritage Trust (OHT) holds title and the Bruce Trail
Conservancy (BTC) manages the lands. Acquisition of the property ensured public ownership of
this Provincially Significant Earth Science ANSI (Area of Natural and Scientific Interest) and
secured 1.4 km of the Bruce Trail optimum route.
Under the Niagara Escarpment Plan, a management plan must be developed for the property,
which will give guidance to the landowner, land managers and the planners on how the property
should be used. Over the course of the management planning process a series of documents are
produced, which include the Terms of Reference, Background Information, Preliminary
Management Plan and Final Management Plan.
This document provides the Background Information in support of the Management Planning
Process. As work progresses on the project, additional background material has been added to
the document. The first version of the Background Information document was provided in
November 2008. This current version represents information acquired as of September 2012.
2.
Regional Context/Land History/Land Use
2.1
Overview
The Cheltenham Badlands (also referred to as the Inglewood Badlands) are located
approximately 2 km west of Highway 10 on Olde Base Line Road, near the villages of
Inglewood and Cheltenham (Figure 1). Major transportation routes in the area include Highway
10. Peel Regional Road 12 (Olde Base Line Road) forms the northern boundary of the property.
The Badlands are part of Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment, which was designated a UNESCO
(United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Biosphere Reserve in
1990. The property contains one of the best examples of “badlands topography” development in
southern Ontario, and has been designated a provincially significant Earth Science Area of
Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Badlands
topography is rare in Ontario because in most areas the shale is protected from erosion by
overlying hard rock (limestone, dolostone or sandstone), sand or gravel. In this area, the
unprotected shale has eroded into a series of striking ridges and gullies, which are a popular
tourist draw.
The Badlands also lie within the Inglewood Slope Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA), which
is an important groundwater discharge area. The coldwater stream on the property at the foot of
the badlands is a tributary of the Credit River.
Page 1
Figure 1
2.2
Regional Map of Cheltenham Badlands Area
Regional Context
The regional area consists of rural properties, some of which have been severed into hobby farms
and individual residences. The closest business centres are Cheltenham, approximately 3
kilometres to the south, Belfountain to the north and Inglewood to the northeast. Major
transportation routes in the area include Highway 10 to the east. Peel Regional Road 12 (Olde
Base Line Road) forms the northern boundary of the property.
The Niagara Escarpment passes through this area. The Ecological Survey of the Niagara
Escarpment Biosphere Reserve (Riley et. al., 1996) divides the Escarpment into five different
sections depending on physiographic characteristics. This particular segment of the Escarpment
is identified as the Halton Section which stretches from Burlington (just north of Hwy. 5) north
to the Regional Municipality of Peel, west of Cheltenham (Riley et al., 1996).
The Halton Section of the Escarpment contains a wide range of physiographic features,
vegetation community types and a high degree of floral and faunal diversity (Riley et al., 1996).
There are several major outlier valleys as well as a large re-entrant valley. Many creeks run
through this section (Riley et al., 1996). The small streams on the Badlands property are
Page 2
tributaries of the Credit River, one of the cold-water streams in the Dufferin Section of the
Escarpment.
Historically, the primary land use in the area has been agriculture, and quarrying for sandstone
and limestone. Clearing of forests has been extensive due to the relative absence of major
natural barriers such as major Escarpment slopes which acted as impediments to agriculture
along other sections of the Escarpment.
In most cases, the soil along the Escarpment proved too poor for crops, so grazing of livestock
became a major agricultural land use with considerable grazing of unfenced woodlands. In
recent years, large portions of marginal agricultural lands have been retired and allowed to
regenerate, and improved farming practices such as stream and woodlot fencing have resulted in
significant decreases in woodland grazing. Recent selective logging has also been light. Most
forests date back to the period of extensive logging in the area 70 to 100 years ago. No logging
has occurred on the Badlands property for at least 50 years, but the removal of trees prior to that
in an attempt at agriculture initiated the erosion of the Badlands.
The Halton Section has probably faced greater environmental pressures from development,
resource-extraction and recreation than the other sections of the Escarpment, particularly over
the past few decades (Riley et al., 1996). One of the major trends in residential development in
the Halton Section is low-density estate housing, which has occurred adjacent to natural areas
throughout this section. Associated impacts included cutting firewood, ‘clean-up’ of decaying
logs, introduction of invasive plant species, and the construction of on-line artificial ponds which
raises water temperatures thus negatively impacting cold-water fish species (Riley et al., 1996).
These pressures are a serious concern particularly since the Halton Section includes some of the
most intact natural areas along the Niagara Escarpment. These large woodland-wetland
complexes provide suitable habitat for a high diversity of species requiring large tracts of forest
to maintain viable populations. These corridors permit the movement of animals that require a
variety of habitats to survive. The Badlands property lies on the periphery of the largest corridor
(20 km long, covering 40 km2) that runs from Limehouse, north to the Forks of the Credit in the
Dufferin Section of the Escarpment (Riley et al., 1996).
The Badlands property is located at the toe of the Niagara Escarpment, just west of Inglewood
village. It fronts onto the south side of Olde Base Line Road as well as the east side of
Creditview Road in the Town of Caledon (formerly Chinguacousy Township). The property is
generally surrounded by forested areas to the north and west, intensive agriculture to the south
and rural residential areas to the east. A sandstone quarry is also located on the northern side of
Olde Base Line Road.
The property has a fairly hilly topography with exposed clay hills and two large ravines. The
largest of the exposed clay hills are called the Cheltenham Badlands, Queenston shale that has
been exposed and has eroded over time (Figure 2). The property is located immediately south of
the Escarpment and contains two steep valley ridges, tableland, swales, thicket, mature and
young forest, and the Badlands. The skyline of Toronto and the Peel Plain are visible from the
Page 3
southern portion of the Badlands area. The property is a provincially significant geological site
and a popular tourist spot due to the Badlands.
2.3
Land Classification
2.3.1
Ecology
The Cheltenham Badlands are contained within the boundaries of the Badlands property. The
significance of this unique feature has resulted in its designation as an Earth Science Area of
Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). The Badlands property also lies within the Inglewood
Slope Environmentally Significant Area, as designated by Credit Valley Conservation.
Life Science and Earth Science ANSIs are identified by the Ministry of Natural Resources
(MNR) and are given provincial, regional, or local significance. They are chosen as areas of
land and water containing natural landscapes or features that have been identified as having
values related to protection, natural heritage appreciation, scientific study, or education. Life
Science ANSIs consist of landscapes, environments and biological communities representative
of thirteen site regions found in Ontario. Earth Science ANSIs consist of rock types, fossil
assemblages and associations of landforms found in these areas and are representative of
Ontario's past and present geological environments. Life Science ANSI's along the Niagara
Escarpment are protected within the policies of the Niagara Escarpment Plan (NEP), as well as
within some Municipal and/or Regional Official Plans.
The Badlands property contains the best example of ‘badlands topography’ in southern Ontario.
The erosion began when a portion of the property was cleared of trees in the early 20th century.
This property clearly illustrates the process of erosion of shale. Once this type of erosion
becomes established, it continues fairly rapidly, particularly if the land is over-used such as by
over-grazing or large numbers of people traversing the area. The Badlands are well known but
little research has been done on the site.
Figure 2
Shale Slopes of the Cheltenham Badlands
Page 4
The bedrock at the Badlands is Queenston Shale, the base rock of the Niagara Escarpment. As a
result of removal of vegetation during land clearing and livestock grazing in the early 1900s, the
shale has eroded into a series of hummocks and gullies. The unique topography is a strong draw
for tourists, school groups at all levels, and the media arts community (for example, the site is
popular for photographers and film shoots). Figure 3 is an aerial photograph of the site, showing
the unusual topography and the informal parking area for site visits on Olde Base Line Road.
Management challenges for the Badlands appear to be related primarily to high public use of the
site and include:
• Concerns over safety along the road adjacent to the site, due to number of visitors and
their cars
• Garbage and littering
• Vandalism of signage and trail structures
• Creation of trespass or “rogue” trails
• Impact from pedestrian, equestrian and wheeled traffic on the slopes, trails and in other
areas of the site
Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are identified on a regional basis for management and
preservation considerations. ESA studies can be undertaken by private, non-profit, or public
agencies for their own purposes and they are often incorporated into Municipal and/or Regional
planning statutes. Areas designated as ESAs are deemed significant by virtue of their natural
character and if they are perceived to have long term value to the region as a natural area.
The Badlands property lies within the Inglewood Slope Environmentally Sensitive Area which is
an important groundwater discharge area. Groundwater emerges from the Escarpment face into
several streams that empty directly into the Credit River. The cold-water stream on the Badlands
property is a tributary of the Credit River. Other significant features of this property include
excellent bedrock exposure and the Badland erosional topography. Several significant flora
species have also been discovered within the ESA and may be present on the Badlands property.
2.3.2
Niagara Escarpment Plan
The NEP is a set of planning objectives and policies that aim to strike a balance between
development and preservation of the Escarpment. The Niagara Escarpment Commission governs
the NEP, requirements of which over-ride municipal by-laws. The property is designated as
Escarpment Protection Area, which acts as a buffer zone between the natural core and areas of
more intense development. Escarpment Protection Areas are often more visually prominent than
Escarpment Natural Areas. Included in this designation are Escarpment features that have been
significantly modified by land use activities such as agriculture or residential development, land
needed to buffer prominent Escarpment Natural Areas, and natural areas of regional significance.
(Section 1.4, NEP, 2005).
The NEP also includes policies for the administration of the Niagara Escarpment Parks and Open
Spaces System (NEPOSS). NEPOSS was set up to protect key natural, cultural and recreational
areas along the Escarpment. There are currently more than 100 existing and proposed public
parks and open spaces within the system. The Bruce Trail functions as a key link between these
parks and open spaces.
Page 5
Figure 3
Aerial Photograph of the Cheltenham Badlands (looking south)
Photo courtesy of Jan Hannah
Page 6
The Badlands Property has been classified as an Escarpment Access park under the NEP; access
parks as described as follows:
These areas will compliment the larger, and in some cases, more
developed parks or open space areas, by providing opportunities for
public access to the Niagara Escarpment at appropriate points along the
Escarpment. These areas will normally be small and may provide
modest facilities to support day use activities at view points, rest areas,
trailheads, picnic sites, scenic areas, fishing areas, beaches, or other
points of interest.
New Escarpment Accesses may be established by the Ministry of Natural
Resources, conservation authorities, or on the initiative of local
municipalities or organizations such as service clubs.
NEP 2005
The Niagara Escarpment was designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 1990 by the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) through their Man and the
Biosphere Program because of the policies in the Niagara Escarpment Plan. A Biosphere
Reserve is an area that has successfully balanced conservation and preservation of a significant
ecosystem with surrounding development.
2.4
Land Tenure
2.4.1
Previous Ownership
The Historical Atlas of Peel County notes that the property was purchased in 1870 by George
Wilson, who owned it until at least 1877. The next identifiable owner was Russell Cooper, who
purchased the property in 1929. During the early 1900s agriculture was the main land use, and
the main activity was cattle pasture. A section of hardwood forest in the northwest corner was
fenced off from the cattle, and some timber and fuel wood had been cut in this corner over the
years. The farming ceased around 1931 and natural regeneration began to occur. In 1931 a
small area south of the junction of the streams was planted with Scots pine which has since self
seeded in several areas of the property.
2.4.2
Summary of Acquisition
The BTC first became aware of the property in 1989 when the Cooper family indicated an
interest to sell. The property was later included on the 1999 list for acquisition through the
Natural Areas Protection Program (NAPP). At that time an agreement could not be reached to
purchase the property, although a handshake agreement was reached for the Trail to cross the
property. The landowner assisted in the route selection for the Trail. The Trail crossed the
property through a handshake agreement before the property was acquired in 2000.
At the time of acquisition discussions, the BTC was considering severing a lot along Creditview
Road to recoup some of the cost of the property. The Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC)
suggested that there may be development potential as the property was over 80 acres and can be
accessed by two roadways. However the Town of Caledon had designated it as part of the
‘Environmental Protection Area’ and concluded that no development could occur. The NEC
Page 7
suggested locating a developable lot on the property was possible even with this designation.
However, it was decided to not pursue the severance for the additional lot.
The property was ultimately acquired in 2000 for $550,000 by the Province of Ontario
(Management Board Secretariat). Title to the property was transferred to the Ontario Heritage
Trust (OHT) in 2002 and the BTC retained management responsibility. The Caledon
Countryside Alliance committed to assisting with the management of the property with the intent
to focus on public education of the Badlands.
2.4.3
Current Uses
The main Bruce Trail currently crosses the property in a south – north direction primarily in the
eastern area. Between 2001 and 2007 the Russell Cooper side trail (named for the former owner
of the property) linked the main trail to the unofficial viewing area at the top of the shale slopes
by Olde Base Line (Figure 4). This trail has since been closed.
Figure 4
Cheltenham Badlands Site Map
Page 8
While the property is visited by hikers who cross through on the main Bruce Trail, the
overwhelming majority of visits to the site occur at the unofficial viewing area adjacent to Olde
Base Line. The site is a very popular stop off for weekend tourists driving through the area.
The Badlands Property is located at the very start of the Caledon Hills Bruce Trail Club section
and can be found on Map 14 in the Bruce Trail Reference Guide, Edition 27, starting at
kilometre 0.0. The main Trail enters the property from the southern corner, travels along the
eastern border than veering westward exiting near the northern corner. The Olde Baseline
Sidetrail breaks off from the main trail a short distance in and travels west exiting near the
western corner onto Olde Baseline Road. There are 983 metres of Main Trail and 710 metres of
Sidetrail.
The Bruce Trail has been on the property since 1989, when permission for passage was received
from the previous landowner. Until 2007 a side trail allowed access from the main trail up to an
unofficial Badlands viewing area by the road. This trail was closed in 2007 due to concerns over
erosion of the treadway and maintenance issues (see significant issues Section 4).
2.5
Climate
The City of Brampton lies approximately 15 km south of the Badlands and provides the closest
community for which climate data is available. A comparison of the physical locations for the
Badlands and the City of Brampton is provided in Table 1.
Table 1
Community
Brampton
Badlands
Cheltenham Badlands Physical Location
Latitude
42º 42’ North
43° 96' North
Longitude
79º 46’ West
79° 97' West
Elevation
221 m
340 m
Most of Southwestern Ontario, generally in the range of 39°N to 44°N latitude, has a moderate
humid continental climate (Koppen climate classification Dfa: very warm summer subtype),
similar to that of the inland Mid-Atlantic States and the lower Great Lakes portion of the U.S.
Midwest. The region has hot, humid summers and cold winters. It is considered a temperate
climate when compared with most of Canada. Precipitation increases the further eastward in this
zone and is less seasonally uniform in the west. In the summer, the air masses often come out of
the southern United States, due to stronger Bermuda High Pressure ridges that move into the
North American continent, which draw warm, humid air northward from the Gulf of Mexico.
Throughout the year, but especially in the fall and winter, temperatures are moderated somewhat
by the lower Great Lakes, making it considerably milder than the rest of the provinces and
allowing for a longer growing season than areas at similar latitudes in the continent's interior.
Both spring and fall are generally pleasantly mild, with cool nights. Annual precipitation ranges
from 750 mm (30 inches) to 1000 mm (40 inches) and is well distributed throughout the year
with a summer peak 1. Table 2 provides Bramptons’ Average Climate.
1
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontario#Climate and http://en.wikipedia.org/Humid_continental_climate
Page 9
Table 2
Brampton's Average Climate (Source: www.brampton.ca)
Average Annual…
Rainfall
Humidity
Sunshine
Snowfall (November – March)
Wind
Prevailing Direction
Average Velocity
Sea Level Pressure
January
July
Minimum
-11.7° C
13.7° C
68.82 cm
75%
2,045 hrs
130.00 cm
North and west
15.4 km/hr
101.6 kpa
Mean Daily Temperatures
Maximum
Average
-3.4° C
-7.3° C
26.5° C
19.8° C
Of greatest interest climatically is precipitation and the affect it has on the Cheltenham Badlands
property. The exposed shale is very soft and readily turns to thick, sticky clay with rain or melt
water, and it stays wet much longer than other sites. After a day of rain, the land takes two to
three days to dry out. Human use of the site during these conditions is a concern. The clay is
disturbed and is often tracked off-site.
No significant microclimates have been identified on the property.
2.6
Earth Science Features
The Halton Section of the Niagara Escarpment contains many landform features including cliffs,
crevices, rims and slopes, major outlier valleys, re-entrant valleys, small incised gorges and
broad bedrock-based terraces (Riley et al., 1996). Several outlier valleys including the Milton
Outlier Valley and the Silver Creek Valley characterize this section of the Escarpment. Bronte
Creek Valley is the large re-entrant valley in the section. Shale plains, slopes and valleys are
most extensive at the southern and northern ends of the section which includes the Badlands
property. At the base of the main Escarpment slopes there are often extensive shale slopes of the
Queenston Formation. Because the shale is soft and easily eroded, the slopes often have steep,
narrow valleys, occasionally with small bottomland features. Compared with the Dufferin and
Grey Sections, only minor representation of till plains and of moraines occurs in this section
(Riley et al., 1996).
The majority of the property is flat to gently rolling, with a slight slope to the south. The
northwestern section of the property, close to Olde Base Line Road has the hummocky rills and
gullies of the Badlands as well as two steep ravines to the southwest of the Badlands. The
caprock of the Niagara Escarpment lies to the north of the property.
2.7
Geomorphology
Red shale of the Queenston formation outcrops over a large area near the base of the Niagara
Escarpment. The gray bands within the Badlands are also shale with a different chemistry. The
badlands topography is a result of extensive erosion of the shale slopes. Once erosion of the
relatively soft shale becomes established, it continues quickly. Although erosion sites are
normally stabilized, the Cheltenham Badlands site offers interpretive and aesthetic value, and as
such it is important to control and monitor.
Page 10
A study was conducted by the University of Toronto in 1992, headed by Dr. Joe Desloges, which
indicated the rate of vertical erosion of the badlands is 2.8 cm/year (Desloges and Smith, 1994).
The study did not indicate what proportion of the erosion results from human activity at the site.
With funding from the Ontario Heritage Trust, the BTC solicited a more comprehensive study by
Dr. Desloges, which was carried out in 2009. Six permanent benchmarks were installed in and
around the Badlands. In addition, 11 cross-sections, three longitudinal profiles and two highresolution 3-D survey plots were surveyed and tied into the local benchmarks. It was intended
that at least four cross-sections would serve as control for future surveys.
A copy of the study is provided in Appendix A; the researchers’ conclusions were as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Between 1973 and 2009, maximum lowering (degradation) in the main portion of the
property was up to 3.2 metres.
Average annual rates of lowering vary spatially between 0.7 and 2.5 cm per year. The
largest value compares favourably with other studies.
The illite and chlorite rich clay-shales of the Badlands are subject to moderate swelling
and then shallow surface cracking during dry conditions. Over a single season a surface
crust forms that is weakened by freeze-thaw and is then subject to raindrop impact and by
one or more mass movement processes.
Cross-section results in the steeper upper slope areas point towards a pattern of gullies
deepening at a greater rate than ridge tops when averaged across a complete section. It is
the opposite case for the lower cross-section site where infilling of gullies reduces the
lowering rate.
Longitudinal profiles in three main gully channels confirm the results derived from crosssection profiles. Slopes remain steep in the upslope areas but have become more concave.
Gradient has decreased downslope as a result of infilling by efficient transport and
deposition of eroded materials.
Measurements in this study show that between 1973 and 2009 the average volumetric
rate of sediment removal was around 40 to 66 m3 per year. There is no strong evidence to
show rates prior to 1973, but the gully forms suggest high rates throughout development
of the Badlands over the last 100 years. Gullies in lower gradient areas of the main site
are becoming stabilized as they become filled.
With the exception of the low gradient divide of the main Badlands site near the parking
area, foot traffic is not a major factor in increasing the shear strength of the clay-shales,
thus does not appear to reduce erosion.
Human foot traffic (sliding, etc.) in the heavily visited main site may account for up to
10% of the annual sediment loss, and thus denudation, in that area. Repeat surveys of
disturbed and control cross-sections will provide for more definitive results on human
impact and the effects of management strategies.
Specific sediment yield at the Badlands is equivalent to about 24,000 to 31,000 tonnes
per km2 per year, or at least two orders of magnitude larger than “normal” rates for this
region of southern Ontario.
The final points specifically provide important information for the management planning
Page 11
process: 1) compression of the soil by foot traffic is not reducing erosion (as had been postulated
by some), and 2) foot traffic including sliding on the ridges and gullies accounts for up to 10
percent of the sediment that is eroded from the site each year.
While the study also notes that the amount of sediment eroded from the site is at least 100 times
greater than “normal” rates for this region of southern Ontario, the data for the “normal” rates
includes all land surfaces and not just surfaces similar to the Queenston Shale. Further study of
the erosion rates at the benchmarks in the heavily visited areas and the non-visited areas will help
quantify the amount of sediment being eroded due to human impact.
2.8
Surface Water, Drainage and Groundwater
The Halton Section is noteworthy for extensive areas of shallow-soiled bedrock plain. In the
depressions between ridges wetlands are common and organic deposits are widespread. Beaverflooding is frequent in these wetlands, which in many cases form the headwaters of tributaries of
major streams (Riley et al., 1996). In addition, there are numerous creeks in this section.
The Badlands property is part of the Credit River Watershed which is comprised of 1,000
square kilometers of land, drained by the Credit River and its 1,500 kilometers of tributaries. The
property is in the central area of the Forks of the Credit to Churchville subwatershed within the
boundaries of the watersheds managed by Credit Valley Conservation.
The stream that runs through the property is used as a summer refuge by creek chub, dace and
Atlantic Salmon / Brown Trout. The portion of the stream flowing close to the Badlands most
likely does not support fish due to, according to CVC, instream barriers which could be related to
naturally high gradients and the relatively low flow. (Sampling of the stream would be needed to
confirm this conclusion.) However, it does contribute to the fishery. Care must be taken not to
generate sediment, particularly before July.
A wetland area lies immediately east of the stream and helps to reduce the amount of sediment
entering the stream. The sediment is, however, remaining in this wetland area and may be
having an adverse affect on its vegetation.
2.9
Soils
According to provincial soil mapping, the soil types covering the Badlands property are Oneida
Clay Loam, Bottomland and Lockport Clay (Figure 5). The majority of the property is covered
by Lockport Clay which have formed over the red shale of the Queenston formation. This soil
group is shallow in nature and have good drainage patterns and is prone to severe erosion if the
vegetative layer is removed. The low lying areas encompassing the creeks and wetlands are
classified as Bottomland which is an immature soil and shows little horizon differentiation. The
drainage varies but is usually poor. A small portion of the southern corner is classified as Oneida
Clay Loam which is a grey – brown coloured soil with good drainage but is susceptible to
erosion (Hoffman and Richards, 1953). The slopes range from variable in the bottomland to
steep on other areas of the property. Generally, the soils on the property contain few stones.
Page 12
Figure 5
Soil Units on the Cheltenham Badlands Property
In 2009 an assessment of the erosion at the Badlands was prepared for the BTC by the geography
department of the University of Toronto. It involved a scientific study of the erosion processes
and rates at that time as well as a framework for future monitoring at the site. The results of this
study showed that the erosion rates at the site are much higher than other typical land surfaces in
the area and that human foot traffic may account for up to 10% of the annual sediment loss and
denudation (the long-term sum of processes that cause the wearing away of the earth’s surface
leading to a reduction in elevation and relief of landforms and landscapes) on the Badlands
themselves.
2.10
Life Science Features
2.10.1 Biotic Conditions
An initial biophysical inventory was completed for this property by BTC staff in 2000 and a
natural heritage inventory was performed in 2009 by staff of Credit Valley Conservation. BTC
staff revisited the property in 2011 and 2012 to perform an update to the ecological inventory of
the property. Vegetation surveys were conducted between October 25, 2011 to May 9, 2012. A
complete list if flora identified on the property can be found in Appendix B. Vascular plant
species were documented according to the Ontario species list of the NHIC (NHIC, 2008), and
their status was verified using NHIC and OMNR rankings. The vegetation communities on the
Page 13
property were classified according to the Ecological Land Classification System for Southern
Ontario (Lee et al., 2008). 2 The ELC system is a tool for classifying natural heritage features
and it provides a standardized sampling method for ecosystem description, inventory and
interpretation that is applicable across Ontario. An ecological approach is used that is based on
the most stable and consistent characteristics of ecosystems. The ELC system can be used to
classify land at various spatial scales. For the purposes of this management plan, the polygons
are described down to the vegetation type where the description is related to more detailed
information about the dominant species in the plant community, according to relative cover. For
example, a Cultural Thicket on a mineral substrate is described at the ecosite level as a “Mineral
Cultural Thicket Ecosite” (CUT1), however at the vegetation type level it might be described as
a “Gray Dogwood Cultural Thicket Type” (CUT1-4). Field data for the vegetation communities
was recorded on standardized data sheets that contain sufficient fields to characterize the general
biophysical conditions, disturbance history and dominant species in the canopy, sub canopy,
understorey, and ground layers. The data sheets were designed so that the data collected could be
used to classify each identified polygon according to the ELC system for Southern Ontario (Lee
et al. 1998).There are 11 distinct vegetation communities (Figure 6).
Vegetation Communities
Community 1: Dry – Fresh Sugar Maple Deciduous Forest – FODM5-1
The mature forest community in the northwest corner of the property has a thick canopy
dominated by Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) with associates of White Ash (Fraxinus
americana), American Basswood (Tilia americana), American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) and
Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). The average age of the trees in this forest is approximately 40
years, however, there are a few old maple trees that could be 100 years old. The subcanopy
mirrors the overlying layer with the exception of Hemlock and the moderate shrub layer is
comprised of Chokecherry (Prunus virginianum) and Alternate Leaved Dogwood (Cornus
alternifolia) mixed with ash and beech saplings. The ground layer is a carpet of Trout Lily
(Erythronium americanum), Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) and White Trillium
(Trillium grandifolia) in the Spring being replaced later in the year by Enchanters Nightshade
(Circaea lutetiana), Zigzag Goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis) and Large Leaved Aster (Eurybia
macrophylla). Invading species, especially Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), are spreading
through the community.
Community 2: Mixed Forb Mineral Meadow Marsh – MAMM2-4
This wetland area lies at the bottom of the southern slope of community 1 and follows the creek
which crosses the property from the south western edge. After a few hundred metres from
entering it narrows down to only a few metres adjacent from both sides of the creek. A lush
covering of True Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides) and Meadow Horsetail (Equisetum
pratense) lies beneath taller forbs such as Spotted Joe Pyeweed (Eupatorium maculatum),
2
Community descriptions include the distinctions between the following forest layers (Lee et al., 1998):
Canopy: Highest layer of vegetation; receives direct sunlight
Sub-canopy: Vegetation layer under the canopy; does not, for the most part, receive direct sunlight
Understorey: Vegetation layer intermediate in height between the canopy and ground layer (shrubs and saplings)
Ground : Vegetation layer that is nearest to the substrate surface
Page 14
Spotted Touch-me-not (Impatiens capensis) and American Germander (Teucrium canadense).
Patches of Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) are scattered throughout and towering above
are tall Black Willow (Salix nigra) and a few White Elm (Ulmus americana) and Green Ash
(Fraxinus pennsylvanica).
Community 3: Native Deciduous Regeneration Thicket – THDM4-1
This wooded area is quite young compared to the deciduous forest of Community 1. The density
of trees in some areas is quite high while patchy in other areas. The community is dominated by
White Ash and White Elm. There are several seasonally wet drainage swales in this community.
A few snags (trees that are dead and standing) are also present in this community.
This area was pasture field until the early 1930s at which time the land was left fallow and
natural regeneration began. Sugar Maple, Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) and White Cedar
(Thuja occidentalis) are naturally appearing throughout the subcanopy with the numerous Apple
(Malus pumila) and Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) trees. The wild apple and pear trees provide
excellent wildlife food and cover. Non native species dominate the ground cover with White
Clover (Trifolium repens), Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) and Ox-Eye Daisy (Leucanthemum
vulgare) growing alongside Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadense), Virginia Strawberry
(Fragaria virginiana) and grasses.
Community 4: Dry – Fresh Scots Pine Naturalized Coniferous Plantation – FOCM6-3
This ecosite is situated below Community 1 and is dominated by Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
that were planted over 50 years ago. In addition to the Scots pine there are many maples and
White Ash trees beginning to grow up through the subcanopy as the pines are dying. The Scots
Pine has formed a dense canopy allowing very little sunlight through resulting in a sparse shrub
layer of a few Chokecherry and ash saplings and a limited ground cover of Common Speedwell
(Veronica officinalis),Enchanters Nightshade and King Devil (Hieracium piloselloides) . The
pines are beginning to spread throughout the property and into neighbouring areas and should be
thinned to control this invasive species.
Community 5: Fresh – Moist Elm Deciduous Woodland – WODM5-2
This area lies along the northern boundary of community 11 and is a transition zone from the
wetland to the dryer landscape of the Badlands. The canopy is very open with a few elms and ash
overlying a thicker shrub layer with apple, young ash, cedar and Downy Serviceberry
(Amelanchier arborea). Cow Vetch (Vicca cracca), Canada Goldenrod, Ox-Eye Daisy, King
Devil and Mouseear Hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum) cover the ground.
Community 6: Fresh – Moist White Cedar – Hardwood Mixed Forest – FOMM4-3
Lying between the cattail marsh and the Badlands is a small hill with a distinct canopy of cedar
mixed with deciduous trees of maple and ash. This is a young community and was probably
established after the area was cleared. The ground layer is unique as a substantial population of
Page 15
Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides) grows here among woodland sedges and grasses.
This is the only area where these strawberries grow.
Community 7: Mixed Mineral Meadow marsh – MAMM3-1
This community follows the dominant eastern watercourse in the north eastern corner of the
property. It is dominated by Dark Green Bulrush (Scirpus atrovirens), Grass Leaved Goldenrod
(Euthamia graminifolia) and sedges, mainly Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea). There are no trees
in this small ecosite however a number of dead elm trees are present. A few scattered Red Osier
Dogwood are found throughout.
Community 8: Dry – Fresh Sugar Maple – Red Oak Deciduous Forest – FODM5-3
The mature forest from the neighbouring property to the northeast spills over onto the Badlands
site in this linear community where Sugar Maple and Red Oak (Quercus rubra) dominate the
closed canopy with lesser numbers of Basswood and White Ash. The subcanopy is also
dominated by maples and oak with the addition of Black Cherry and some Beech. The
understory is of moderate cover with young ash, Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and
Hawthorns along the edge. The ground layer is sporadic with clumps of Large Leaved Aster and
Long Stalked Sedge (Carex pedunculata) growing among seedlings of Buckthorn and ash.
Community 9: Dry – Fresh White Ash – Hardwood Deciduous Forest – FODM4-2
A young forest of White Ash and White Elm runs along the eastern boundary for the length of
the property. Canopy cover is much thicker here than the regenerating area covering the majority
of the property. The ground cover is more representative of an older forest as disturbance loving
species are replaced by Enchanters Nightshade, Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia),
Agrimony (Agrimonia gryposepala) and Rough Avens (Geum laciniatum).
Community 10: Badlands
The Badlands area is almost entirely denuded of vegetation. The surface substrate has been
eroded away to form the badlands. Vegetation from the adjacent communities surrounds this
community. A few White Elm dot the landscape as do Mouse Ear Hawkweed, Common
Dandelion (Taraxicum officinale) and King Devil.
Community 11: Cattail Graminoid Mineral Meadow Marsh – MAMM1-2
Broad Leaved Cattail dominates this wetland surrounding the creek in the south western corner.
Other forbs include Yellow Sedge (Carex flava), Fox Sedge, Soft Rush (Juncus effuses), Jointed
Rush (Juncus articulates), Dark Green Bulrush, Meadow Horsetail and Reed Canary Grass
(Phalaris arundinacea). A few isolated Black Willow tower above with smaller Trembling
Aspen (Populus tremuloides) and Green Ash. Clumps of Red Osier Dogwood are also found
throughout. Invasive species such as Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and Phragmites
(Phragmites australis) have moved into the wetland area.
Page 16
Figure 6
Badlands Property Vegetation Communities
2.10.2 Wildlife
A list of all wildlife records from the biophysical inventories undertaken on the property
can be found in Appendix B. The Halton section has species from both northern and southern
elements due to its location as a transition between forest regions (Riley, 1996).
Birds
57 species of bird were observed on the property (See Appendix A). Though no formal bird
species inventories were conducted, occurrences are based on incidental wildlife observations
made during ecological inventory surveys. Most of the species recorded on the property are
common or abundant in southern Ontario, however three species, the Chimney Swift, Bobolink
and Eastern Meadowlark are designated as Species at Risk due to observed population declines
(see section 2.10.3). The breeding bird community includes a variety of forest, edge, field and
early successional associated species. These labels describe the habitat or area of the vegetative
community that is preferred by specific species recorded on the property.
Page 17
Area sensitive species are those that are generally found only in larger tracts of habitat whether it
be forest, meadow, marsh or thicket. These species have experienced a decline in southern
Ontario due to habitat fragmentation associated with urbanization. Of the bird species that were
recorded, eleven are considered to be area sensitive. These are: White-breasted Nuthatch, Veery,
Scarlet Tanager, Pileated Woodpecker, Ovenbird, Hermit Thrush, Hairy Woodpecker, Eastern
Meadowlark, Broad Winged Hawk, Bobolink and Black and White Warbler.
For the purposes of the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas 3 (OBBA), the Badlands property lies in
study square #17NJ84. The summary from the second OBBA, completed in 2005, indicates the
presence of 100 species in the area (see Appendix C for a summary). None of the aquatic
species will be found on the Badlands property due to the lack of permanent open water.
Amphibians
Amphibians are another faunal group that can be used to assess the quality of available habitat,
and are much more readily surveyed than groups such as reptiles and mammals. Though no
formal bird species inventories were conducted, occurrences are based on incidental wildlife
observations made during ecological inventory surveys. Four species of amphibian were
observed on the property (see Appendix B). The Ontario Herpetofaunal Summary Database
indicates that 15 species of reptiles and amphibians have been sited in the region of the Badlands
property. The small wetland area on the property is probably a breeding site for at least some of
the species listed in Table 3.
Table 3
Herpetofaunal Species Sited in the Cheltenham Badlands Area
Latin Name
Common Name
Bufo americanus
Chelydra serpentina serpentina
American Toad
Common Snapping Turtle
Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis
Lampropeltis triangulum tirangulum
Rana clamitans
Hyla versicolor
Chrysemys picta marginata
Rana pipiens
Plethodon cinereus
Storeria occipitomaculata
occipitomacula
Pseudacris crucifer
Notophthalmus viridescens
Ambystoma maculatum
Pseudacris triseriata
Rana sylvatica
Eastern Garter Snake
Eastern Milk Snake
Green Frog
Grey Treefrog
Midland Painted Turtle
Northern Leopard Frog
Northern Red-backed Salamander (or Eastern Red-backed Salamander)
Northern Redbelly Snake
Northern Spring Peeper
Red Spotted Newt (or Eastern Newt)
Spotted Salamander
Western Chorus Frog
Wood Frog
2
The Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas is a five-year project undertaken to develop an up-to-date and accurate picture of
the status and distribution of breeding birds in Ontario. The original project ran from 1981-1985. Designed to build
on its predecessor’s success, the Second OBBA gathered data from 2001-2005. Jointly managed by the Federation
of Ontario Naturalists, Bird Studies Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and
Ontario Field Ornithologists, the project enlists volunteers to monitor 100m squares within a 10km grid square.
Summaries of what has been found in these squares is available on-line at www.birdsontario.org.
Page 18
Mammals
Eight species of mammal were observed on the property (See Appendix B). Though no formal
mammalian species inventories were conducted, occurrences are based on incidental wildlife
observations made during ecological inventory surveys. No federally or provincially listed
species were observed on the property although there is significant habitat to support a number
of species. All species observed on the property are relatively common.
Reptiles
Two species of reptile were observed on the property (See Appendix B). Though no formal
reptile species inventories were conducted, occurrences are based on incidental wildlife
observations made during ecological inventory surveys. A dead specimen of a Milksnake was
found on the property. It is rated as S3 by the NHIC and as Special Concern provincially. It is
likely that more individuals are in the area as significant habitat is present on the property.
Lepidoptra and Odonota
21 species of Lepidoptra and Odonota were observed on the property (See Appendix B). Though
no formal species inventories were conducted, occurrences are based on incidental wildlife
observations made during ecological inventory surveys. No federally or provincially listed
species were observed on the property although there is significant habitat to support a number
of species. All species observed on the property are relatively common. This is one of only two
sites during CVC fieldwork (2008, 2009), where Beaverpond Baskettail (Epitheca canis) was
observed (CVC,1999).
Inventories that will include a survey of breeding amphibians and nesting birds should be
conducted as part of the preparation of the management plan.
2.10.3 Federally, Provincially and Regionally Rare Species
The Committee for the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO) and the Committee on
the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) are responsible for determining if a
species should be considered at risk. Classifications within this list are Extinct, Extirpated,
Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern, which are afforded varying levels of protection
under the federal Species at Risk Act (2002) and the provincial Endangered Species Act (2007).
The purpose of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) is to prevent the loss of indigenous species
through extinction or extirpation and to provide a framework for the recovery of endangered and
threatened species. SARA also encourages the management of other species to prevent them
from becoming at risk (Government of Canada, 2009).
Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), no one can willfully “kill, injure, interfere with or
take or attempt to kill, injure, interfere with or take any species of fauna or flora”, or “destroy or
interfere with or attempt to destroy or interfere with the habitat of any species of fauna or flora,
declared in the regulations to be threatened with extinction.”4 The penalties for contravention of
this act are a fine of up to $ 250,000.00, up to one year in prison, or both.
As soon as a species is listed under the ESA it is automatically protected from harm and within
one year of being listed a Recovery Strategy is implemented. These strategies identify what
4
Endangered Species Act, 2007: Ministry of Natural Resources. Available: http://www.elaws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_07e06_e.htm#BK41 [July 12, 2010]
Page 19
needs to be done to stop or reverse the decline of a species. Each recovery strategy sets goals and
objectives, identifies critical habitat, and describes the research and management activities that
are needed and are prepared in cooperation and consultation with provincial and territorial
governments, wildlife management boards, Aboriginal organizations and stakeholders.
The Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC) tracks Species at Risk as well as provincially
rare species, and a geographic query of their database can be made to determine if any of these
species have been recorded in a particular area. The database does not give specific locations but
rather a general area for each record. The NHIC database can be accessed at
(http://nhic.mnr.gov.on.ca).
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Information Centre, the
following tracked species have been recorded in the general area of the Badlands property but
not necessarily on the property itself (NHIC, 2008) (Table 4).
Table 4
NHIC records of Species at Risk and provincially rare species on the Badlands property
Species
Scientific Name
Ambystoma hybrid population 1
(jeffersonianum genome
dominates)
Clinostomus elongatus
Myotis leibii
Pipistrellus subflavus
Crotalus horridus
Stylurus scudderi
Mesodon sayanus
Triodopsis tridentata
Juglans cinerea
Asplenium scolopendrium var.
americanum
Common Name
Jefferson X Blue-spotted
Salamander, Jefferson
genome dominates
Redside Dace
Small-footed Bat
Eastern Pipistrelle
Timber Rattlesnake
Zebra Clubtail
Spike-lip Crater
Northern Threetooth
Butternut
American Hart's-tongue
Fern
COSEWIC
MINR
5
S-RANK
S2
SC
THR
EXP
EXP
NAR
NAR
END
END
S3
S2S3
S3?
SX
S3
S3
S3S4
S3?
SC
SC
S3
One of these species was identified on the property. Four Butternut trees were located in the
deciduous forest communities. This species typically occurs in low numbers in open canopy
deciduous forests, along forest edges and in open fields and hedgerows. Although still a
somewhat commonly occurring species, the Butternut has been listed as S3/Endangered
provincially and nationally due to recent dramatic declines throughout its range due to infection
by the fungal Butternut Canker. In Ontario, the Forest Gene Conservation Association (FGCA),
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) and several other organizations are working
together on a Butternut recovery strategy that seeks to find trees with high resistance to the
disease in order to develop healthy disease resistant seedlings. All trees exhibit some evidence of
the canker but look relatively healthy.
5
S2= Imperiled in the province because of rarity due to very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other
factors making it very vulnerable to extirpation from the province
S3= Vulnerable in the province due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other
factors making it vulnerable to extirpation
NAR=Not Applicable - a conservation status rank is not applicable because the species is not a suitable target for conservation activities.
THR=Designated Threatened by COSEWIC or MNR , SC=Special Concern by COSEWIC or MNR , END=Endangered by COSEWIC or MNR
EXP=Extripated from the province(MNR,2009)
Page 20
Eastern Meadowlarks were observed in 2009 during the CVC Natural Areas Inventory (NAI).
Although still rather abundant, being ranked S4B by the NHIC, this species was recently listed at
Threatened by COSSARO due to observed population declines. These declines have been
attributed to grassland habitat loss both in Ontario and in their southern wintering grounds. This
species was not observed in inventories.
The Bobolink is a grass nesting bird that was listed as Threatened by the Ministry of Natural
Resources in 2010 due to significant population decline. Bobolinks were observed on the
Badlands property in 2009 during the CVC NAI. This species was not observed in inventories.
The Chimney Swift is an aerial forager that was also recently designated as Threatened both
provincially and nationally. This bird was observed flying over the property during the 2009
CVC NAI.
A patch of Prairie Sundrops were identified in 2012 by BTC ecologists in community 2. They
are listed as S2 by the NHIC in Ontario.
A dead specimen of a Milksnake was found on the property in 2011 during the BTC biological
inventory. They are found throughout Ontario but uncommon and are designated as Special
Concern provincially and nationally.
Regionally rare species are those that are considered to have a low frequency of abundance in a
particular geographic region. Yellow Sedge (Carex flava), Loose Flowered Sedge (Carex
laxiflora), Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum), Hitchcock’s Sedge (Carex hitchcockiana),
Cleavers (Galium aparine), Canada Rush (Juncus canadensis), Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus
virginiana), Whorled Loosestrife (Lysimachia quadrifolia), Tufted Loosestrife (Lysimachia
thyrsiflora), Black Willow (Salix nigra), Strict Blue Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium montanum),
Peach Leaved Willow (Salix amygdaloides), Giant Blue Cohosh (Caulophylum giganteum),
White Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum var. pilosum) and Rock Elm (Ulmus thomasii) are
considered to be regionally rare in the area according to CVC (CVC, 2002).
2.10.4 Aquatic Resources
No information on the aquatic species on the property has been collected.
3.
Market Analysis
3.1
Public Use Study – March 2000 to April 2002
A focused monitoring program to characterize public use of the Badlands was implemented over
a 2-year period, from March 2000 to April 2002. During the program, volunteers recorded
standardized counts of the number of vehicles and visitors to the Badlands.
Information
regarding visitor activities, origin, and duration of stay was also recorded in a more ad hoc
manner. The quantitative and qualitative data from this monitoring effort provide a reasonable
understanding of the nature of use of the Badlands by the visiting public.
Page 21
During a total of 62 hours of monitoring time, a total of 1,234 visitors to the Badlands were
recorded. The average number of visitors observed per hour was 20. However, there was great
variability in the intensity of visitation, with the number of visitors being greatest during the nonwinter months (April to October), especially on holiday weekends. The maximum rate of
visitation for the monitoring periods on record was 184 people per hour (April, 2001).
Monitoring of the Badlands during winter months often resulted in a zero count of visitors.
The number of vehicles was essentially proportional to the number of visitors and followed the
same seasonal trends (i.e., few vehicles in winter, most vehicles in non-winter months). An
average rate of 6.2 vehicle arrivals per hour was recorded, with a maximum rate of 63 cars per
hour. Among the monitoring information was an incidental one-time observation of heavy
vehicular visitation to the Badlands on the Thanksgiving weekend in 2001. A count of 89 parked
cars was reported, and the total number of visitors on the Badlands at that time was estimated to
be greater than 200.
The survey revealed that the majority of vehicles stopping at the Badlands were personal
automobiles (362 observed in total during the program). During summer months, a small
number of motorcycles (18 in total) visited the Badlands. Buses were not frequently observed (3
in total), but accounted for approximately 11% (i.e., 141 people) of the visitor total. Table 5
provides data on number of visits and modes of transportation over time.
The records generated during the Badlands visitor monitoring program reveals certain aspects of
site use, many of which confirm the commonly held understanding. In summary, the monitoring
program suggests the following general aspects of public visits to the Badlands;








The majority of visitors arrive by automobile, although organized bus tours can
contribute significantly to public presence at the Badlands. Very few visitors arriving on
foot or on bicycle
Badlands visits are most frequent and intense on fair-weather weekends, particularly
holiday weekends. At peak rates, use of the Badlands can be described as intense.
Observations suggests that the duration of visits is generally short (typically less than15
minutes), and visitors are often looking for other places to visit or explore in the area.
Records suggest that a large number of Badlands visitors are from Peel Region
(Brampton, Mississauga), with a considerable number specifically from Caledon (Bolton,
Cheltenham, Inglewood, Caledon East).
More than half of all visitors do venture onto the exposed shale to some extent. The
public is much less inclined to walk on exposed area during wet conditions.
A significant proportion of visitors do read the information plaque.
Photography is a common activity.
Visitors often express their appreciation of the area, and a desire to preserve it for future
visitation.
Table 5
Year
2000
2000
Summary of Results from Badlands Visitor Monitoring Program
Month
March
July
effort (hrs)
1
0.5
cars
6
buses
motorcycles
total visitors
20
0
Page 22
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
2001
2001
2001
2001
2001
2001
2001
2001
2001
2001
2001
2002
2002
2002
Totals
3.2
August
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
December
January
March
April
1
7
3
7.5
3
1
1.5
5
7
3
5
2
3
2
2
1
1
2
3
61.5
4
28
>15
25
3
0
1
6
63
29
36
21
2
18
55
0
6
28
16
362
5
1
1
3
1
6
2
2
3
18
13
110
144
48
5
1
2
24
184
68
162
69
26
75
151
0
17
77
38
1234
Public Use Study – Thanksgiving Weekend 2011
On October 8, 9 and 10, 2011 – Thanksgiving Weekend – Region of Peel staff conducted a study
of public visitation to the Badlands site. Specifically, the researchers counted the number of cars
within the “Study Area” at 15-minute intervals, starting at 11:00 am and ending at 6:45 pm; the
“Study Area” is the area of the road stretching from the east end of the Cheltenham Badlands
property to the west.
The researchers differentiated between the number of cars that were new compared to the
previous time interval, and the number of cars that were the same i.e. had been there during the
previous count; this data was used to determine the total number of cars that visited the site over
the study period.
Researchers also noted the arrival of buses and made other observations.
Figure 7 and Table 6 provide the results of the study, which are summarized as follows:
• The maximum number of cars present on the site at any one time over the Thanksgiving
Weekend was 79, 101 and 162, on October 8, 9 and 10, respectively. This peak occurred
at roughly between 3:30 and 4:15 pm each day.
• The researchers counted the number of new cars on the site during the 15 minute
intervals. This data was used to determine how many cars visited the site over the entire
day. The data revealed that on October 8, 9 and 10, the total numbers of individual cars
visiting the site between 11:00 am and 6:45 pm were 331, 431 and 992, respectively.
Assuming an average of 2 people per car, roughly 2000 people visited the site on the
Thanksgiving Monday between 11:00 am and 6:45 pm.
Page 23
Figure 7
Cars on Olde Base Line Road – Thanksgiving Weekend 2011
Number of Cars Parked on North and South Side Olde Base Line Road at the Badlands
October 8 to 10, 2012 11:00 am to 6:45 pm
180
160
140
t
n
e
s 120
e
r
P
rsa100
C
f
o 80
r
e
b
m 60
u
N
40
8-Oct
9-Oct
10-Oct
20
0
Table 6
0
:0
1
1
5
:1
1
1
0
:3
1
1
5
:4
1
1
0
:0
2
1
5
:1
2
1
0
:3
2
1
5
:4
2
1
0
:0
3
1
5
:1
3
1
0
:3
3
1
5
:4
3
1
0
:0
4
1
5
:1
4
1
0 5 0
:3 :4 :0
4 4 5
1 1 1
Time of Day
5
:1
5
1
0
:3
5
1
5
:4
5
1
0
:0
6
1
5
:1
6
1
0
:3
6
1
5
:4
6
1
0
:0
7
1
5
:1
7
1
0
:3
7
1
5
:4
7
1
0
:0
8
1
5
:1
8
1
0
:3
8
1
5
:4
8
1
Summary of Traffic Data for Thanksgiving Weekend 2011
Date
Maximum Number of
Cars at the Site at any
one time
Time when maximum
number of cars present
Total number of cars at
the site between during
the study period
Other Observations
October 8, 2012
October 9, 2012
October 10, 2012
79
101
162
3:30 to 3:45 pm
4:00 to 4:15 pm
3:45 to 4:00 pm
331
431
992
South Side (eastbound):
• School bus arrived 11:23, departed
12:24; 23 adults 14 children
• Bus arrived 14:00, departed 14:18;
47 adults
15:25; 29 adults 3 children
15:27; 52 adults
15:27; 48 adults
North Side (westbound):
• School bus arrived 15:17,departed
15:27; 48 adults
South Side (eastbound):
• School bus arrived
12:29, departed 13:00;
11 adults
North Side (westbound):
• School bus arrived 11:40
am, departed 12:15 pm;
10 adults
Photographs of the site during the study period are provided in Figure 8 below. The researchers
also provided the following general observations:
• On some days cars parked along the road extended beyond the borders outlined for the
study purposes
Page 24
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The North side of Olde Base Line Rd has “no stopping” signs posted, yet many people
still parked there
There were 2 parking enforcement officers issuing tickets to those parking on the North
side
Many motorists were upset receiving the tickets indicating they did not see the signs
Cars, slowing down to park along the road or pulling out onto the road on either side,
were forcing vehicles on the road to slow down
Buses pulling over and pulling out created traffic problems
Many visitors indicated they would like to see washrooms installed at the site
Some visitors notified surveyors that many people took rocks from the site as souvenirs.
They would like warning signs to be posted prohibiting this practice.
Figure 8
4.
Site Traffic Conditions During October 2011 Thanksgiving Weekend
Issues
The bedrock at the Badlands is Queenston Shale, the base rock of the Niagara Escarpment. As a
result of removal of vegetation during land clearing and livestock grazing in the early 1900s, the
shale has eroded into a series of hummocks and gullies. The unique topography is a strong draw
for tourists, school groups at all levels, and the media arts community (for example, the site is
popular for photographers and film shoots). Most “Day Trip” tourists will visit only for fairly
short lengths of time, however anecdotal observations are that on some weekends hundreds of
people visit the site. There is no formal parking area for the site, although there is space adjacent
to the road on the south side for parking. An interpretive sign had been placed at the apex of the
Badlands to provide information about the Badlands formation and management. Due to
considerable vandalism this sign was removed in Fall 2012.
Page 25
Table 6 provides recommendations that were included in the 2001 Land Stewardship Plan
created for the property. Where more than one name is listed under "Responsibility", the first
name listed will be responsible for the initiation of the recommendation. Some of the
recommendations have been carried out while others are pending. A column has been added to
the table to provide an update as of Fall 2012.
Table 7
Summary and Status of Recommendations from 2001 Stewardship Plan
Priority Ranking
High
- Address issues immediately and/or make them a primary consideration in all
property management decisions.
Medium - Address issues when time and resources are available, but urgency is less than
those slotted as 'high'.
Low
- Although these issues are important for the care and stewardship of the property,
they are not urgent.
Ongoing - Use to help guide the long term stewardship of the property.
Recommendation from 2001
Stewardship Report
Create an interpretive sign
which describes the Badlands
and the significance of the
site.
Priority
Responsibility
Status as of Fall 2012
High
BTC staff, Caledon
Countryside Alliance, BTC
Environment Committee with
assistance from the Credit
Valley Conservation.
Determine if the high
numbers of visitors are
having an adverse impact on
the site and if access should
be controlled.
High
Research teams, BTC staff,
Caledon Countryside
Alliance.
A 2’ x 3’ five-colour Interpretive sign
on a steel pedestal bolted to a
concrete plug was erected in July
2003. This sign has been removed
due to vandalism; a new sign will be
created with updated information,
branding, etc.
The CCA created a visitor monitoring
program, staffed by volunteers, that
recorded numbers and types of
visitors. Additional studies have been
carried out by the Region of Peel
Do not undertake projects
around the stream that would
generate excess sediment,
particularly before July.
Organize a cleanup party to
remove the garbage from the
site.
High
Land Steward, Trail Director
No projects have been undertaken in
this area.
High,
Ongoing
Land Steward
Investigate the possibility of
having the property brought
into the Niagara Escarpment
Parks and Open Spaces
System and consider this
option.
Medium
BTC staff and Board of
Directors
In the first few years of acquisition,
cleanup was ongoing by the
members of the CCA, the Land
Steward and other interested BTC
and Club volunteers. In 2003
garbage receptacles were erected at
the unofficial parking area. Due to
increased garbage that was beyond
the capacity of the volunteers to
address, a contractor was hired in
Summer 2012 to pick up garbage at
the site on a regular basis.
Property was brought into NEPOSS
as an Access Park.
Page 26
Monitor the spread of
invasive species and
undertake control methods
following the BTC’s
Vegetation Policy.
Determine if methods are
available to collect the
sediment from the Badlands
before it enters the stream.
Medium
Land Steward
Medium
Pending outcome of management
planning process
Contact a local forester to
determine the best method
for thinning the Scots pine.
Investigate the possibility of
restoring the wetland area.
Medium
Land Steward, Caledon
Countryside Alliance, with
assistance from the BTC
Environment Committee and
Credit Valley Conservation.
Land Steward, BTC staff
planning process
Investigate the aquatic
species on the property with
the assistance of Credit
Valley Conservation.
Close unauthorized trails.
Medium
Countryside Alliance with
assistance from the BTC
Environment Committee
Countryside Alliance
Medium
Trail Director, Trail Captain,
Land Steward
Complete the side trail to the
Badlands with a link to the
main Trail.
Medium
Land Steward
Evaluate the property for the
need and practical
implementation of an official
BTC parking lot.
Contact the Ministry of
Citizenship, Culture and
Recreation to determine if
any archaeological sites are
registered on the property.
Medium
L.S. Director
Trail Director
L.S. Committee
Unauthorized trails were closed within
a few years of acquisition, however in
recent years the unauthorized trail
use has increased, and new
unauthorized trails have been
created.
The Side Trail was created, but
closed in 2007 due to concerns over
erosion of the treadway and
surrounding vegetation.
The issue of the parking lot is being
investigated in the context of the
management planning process.
Medium
BTC staff
Post ‘Permitted Uses’ and ‘No
Campfires’ signs and monitor
the area for further activity.
Construct a well-marked trail
around the Badlands to limit
the impact of visitors to the
site.
Medium
Land Steward
Low
Land Steward
Contact the neighbouring
landowners or local historians
to inquire as to their
knowledge of the stone fence,
its age and relevance to past
landuse in the area.
Low
Land Steward
Medium
planning process
Aquatic species identified
The OHT reported that while there
are three registered sites within 3 km
of the property, there are no
registered archaeological sites on the
property itself. Some investigation
has been done by the OHT
archaeological staff on site historical
features.
Signs have been posted but are often
ignored and/or vandalized.
Work had begun on a marked trail
highlighting features of interest, but
was not completed. The side trail
was closed down due to erosion
issues.
Some investigation has been done by
the OHT archaeological staff on site
historical features.
Management challenges for the Badlands appear to be related primarily to high public use of the
site and include, but may not be limited to:
Page 27
•
•
•
•
•
5.
Concerns over safety along the road adjacent to the site, due to number of visitors and
their cars
Garbage and littering
Vandalism of signage and trail structures
Creation of trespass or “rogue” trails
Impact from pedestrian, equestrian and wheeled traffic on the slopes, trails and in other
areas of the site
References
The following documents or materials, among others, will guide and support the planning
project. The list is not comprehensive and other materials may be consulted as they are
identified.
Anderson, D., L. Dupuis, and H. Duthie, 1995. An Environmental Inventory of the Bruce Trail,
The Bruce Trail Association, Hamilton, Ontario.
Baker, J., 2000. Environmental Site Assessment - Cooper Property. The Bruce Trail Association,
Hamilton, Ontario.
The Bruce Trail Association, 1991. Bruce Trail Comprehensive Plan, The Bruce Trail
Association, Hamilton, Ontario.
The Bruce Trail Association, 2002, Cooper Property, Bruce Trail Property Number 54-008,Land
Stewardship Plan, The Bruce Trail Association, Hamilton, Ontario.
The Bruce Trail Association, 2006. Trail Reference Guide, 24th Edition. The Bruce Trail
Association, Hamilton, Ontario.
BTC Files (Property Acquisition folder, user surveys, other correspondence)
Bruce Trail Conservancy. 2012.
The Bruce Trail Reference: Trail Guide and Maps. “Map 14.” 27th ed. Hamilton: The
Bruce Trail Conservancy.
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC). Natural Areas Inventory,1999.
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), Plants of the Credit River Watershed. 2002.
Government of Canada, 2002. Species at Risk Act. 101p.
Halton Region Conservation Authority, 1998. Flood Plain & Headwater Area Regulations,
Halton Conservation Authority, Milton, Ontario.
Page 28
Hoffman D.W. and N.R. Richards. 1953. Soil Survey report No. 18. Soil Survey of Peel County,
Ontario. Ottawa, Experimental Farms Service, Canada Department of Agriculture.
Knuston, F. and R.W. Hendren. 1999. Limited Appraisal in a Summary Report of Russell
Cooper Estate - W1/2 Part Lot 34, Concession 3, WHS, former Chinguacousy Township,
Caledon, Ontario. Hendren Mitchell Real Estate Appraisals Ltd.
Lee, H.T., W.D. Bakowsky, J. Riley, J. Bowles, M. Puddister, P. Uhlig and S. McMurray. 1998.
Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: First Approximation and Its
Application. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. SCSS Field Guide FG-02.225 pp.
Lee, H.T. 2008. Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario: Ecosystem Tables
(version 2)
Natural Heritage Information Centre. 2008. Ministry of Natural Resources, Natural Heritage
League, Nature Conservancy of Canada. http://nhic.mnr.gov.on.ca/nhic_.cfm. Accessed
June 17, 2012.
Niagara Escarpment Commission, 2005. The Niagara Escarpment Plan, Ministry of Natural
Resources, Toronto, Ontario
Niagara Escarpment Commission, 2012. Niagara Escarpment Parks and Open Spaces System
Manual, Ministry of Natural Resources, Georgetown, Ontario.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, 1975. Earth Science Candidate Nature Reserves in the
Niagara Escarpment Planning Area, Ministry of Natural Resources, Division of Parks
System Planning Branch.
Riley, J. & J. Jalava, and S. Varga, 1996. Ecological Survey of the Niagara Escarpment
Biosphere Reserve, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Southcentral Region.
Tovell, Dr. W.M., 1992. Guide to the Geology of the Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Escarpment
Commission, Ashton-Potter Limited, Concord, Ontario.
Walker, C., R. Wood, D. Harvey, D. Pugsley, 1997. Bruce Trail Association 1997 Trail Audit,
The Bruce Trail Association, Hamilton, Ontario.
Page 29
Appendix A
Assessment of Erosion at the
Cheltenham Badlands, Peel Region, Ontario
Appendix B
List of Observed Flora and Fauna
List of Observed Flora
A total of 256 species of vascular plants were recorded on the Badlands property representing 52
families and 151 genera. 32% of the plant community is made up by non-native species.
Key to Status
MNR
Natural
Heritage
Information
Centre
(NHIC 2008)
Provincial
Ranking
S1
Critically
Imperiled
S2
Imperiled
S3
Vulnerable
S4
Apparently
Secure
Secure
Presumed
Extirpated
S5
SX
SNA
Not
Applicable
S?
Not
Ranked Yet
Critically imperiled in the province because of extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer
occurrences) or because of some factor(s) such as very steep declines making it
especially vulnerable to extirpation from the province.
Imperiled in the province because of rarity due to very restricted range, very few
populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors making it very
vulnerable to extirpation from the province.
Vulnerable in the province due to a restricted range, relatively few populations
(often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors making it
vulnerable to extirpation.
Uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or
other factors.
Common, widespread, and abundant in the province
Species or community is believed to be extirpated from the nation or
state/province. Not located despite intensive searches of historical sites and other
appropriate habitat, and virtually no likelihood that it will be rediscovered.
A conservation status rank is not applicable because the species is not a suitable
target for conservation activities or is not believed to be a native component of
Ontario's flora..
Or if following a ranking, Rank Uncertain (e.g. S3?). S? species have not had a
rank assigned.
Species Highlighted Red are considered Species at Risk (provincially and nationally rare)
Species highlighted in Green are considered rare within the CVC watershed
Scientific name
Acer saccharinum
Acer saccharum var.
saccharum
Achillea millefolium
Ageratina altissima
Agrimonia gryposepala
Agrostis gigantea
Agrostis stolonifera
Alliaria petiolata
Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Amelanchier arborea
Amelanchier laevis
Anemone virginiana var.
virginiana
Antennaria neglecta
Apocynum cannabinum
Aquilegia canadensis
Arctium lappa
Common Name
COSEWIC
S-Rank
Family
Silver Maple
Sugar Maple
S5
S5
Aceraceae
Aceraceae
Yarrow
White Snakeroot
Tall Hairy Groovebur
Redtop
Creeping Bentgrass
Garlic Mustard
Annual Ragweed
Downy Serviceberry
Smooth Serviceberry
Virginia Anemone
S5
S5
S5
SNA
S5
SNA
S5
S5
S5
S5
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Rosaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Brassicaceae
Asteraceae
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Ranunculaceae
Field Pussytoes
Indian Hemp
Wild Columbine
Greater Burdock
S5
S5
S5
SNA
Asteraceae
Apocynaceae
Ranunculaceae
Asteraceae
Scientific name
Arctium minus
Arisaema triphyllum
Asclepias syriaca
Asparagus officinalis
Athyrium filix-femina var.
angustum
Barbarea vulgaris
Betula papyrifera
Bidens frondosa
Bromus inermis
Caltha palustris
Cardamine diphylla
Cardamine pensylvanica
Carex aurea
Carex bebbii
Carex blanda
Carex communis
Carex cristatella
Carex flava
Carex gracillima
Carex granularis
Carex hitchcockiana
Carex hystericina
Carex laxiflora
Carex pensylvanica
Carex radiata
Carex retrorsa
Carex rosea
Carex spicata
Carex stipata
Carex vulpinoidea
Carya cordiformis
Carya ovata
Caulophyllum
giganteum
Caulophyllum thalictroides
Cerastium fontanum
Cichorium intybus
Circaea canadensis
Cirsium arvense
Cirsium vulgare
Clinopodium vulgare
Convallaria majalis
Conyza canadensis
Common Name
COSEWIC
S-Rank
Family
Lesser Burdock
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Common Milkweed
Garden Asparagus-fern
Lady Fern
SNA
S5
S5
SNA
S5
Asteraceae
Araceae
Asclepiadaceae
Liliaceae
Dryopteridaceae
Yellow Rocket
Paper Birch
Devil's Beggar-ticks
Awnless Brome
Marsh Marigold
Two-leaf Toothwort
Pennsylvania Bittercress
Golden-fruited Sedge
Bebb's Sedge
Woodland Sedge
Fibrous-root Sedge
Crested Sedge
Yellow Sedge
SNA
S5
S5
SNA
S5
S5
S5
Brassicaceae
Betulaceae
Asteraceae
Poaceae
Ranunculaceae
Brassicaceae
Brassicaceae
S5
S5
S5
S5
S5
S5
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Graceful Sedge
Meadow Sedge
Hitchcock's Sedge
S5
S5
S5
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Porcupine Sedge
Loose-flowered
Sedge
S5
S5
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Pennsylvania Sedge
Stellate Sedge
Retrorse Sedge
Rosy Sedge
A Sedge
Stalk-grain Sedge
Fox Sedge
Bitter-nut Hickory
Shag-bark Hickory
Giant Blue Cohosh
S5
S4
S5
S5
SNA
S5
S5
S5
S5
S4?
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Juglandaceae
Juglandaceae
Berberidaceae
Blue Cohosh
Common Mouse-ear
Chickweed
Chicory
Broad-leaved
Enchanter's Nightshade
Canada Thistle
Bull Thistle
Field Basil
European Lily-of-thevalley
Fleabane
S5
SNA
Berberidaceae
Caryophyllaceae
SNA
S5
Asteraceae
Onagraceae
SNA
SNA
S5
SNA
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Lamiaceae
Liliaceae
S5
Asteraceae
Scientific name
Cornus alternifolia
Cornus amomum
Cornus sericea
Crataegus mollis
Crataegus monogyna
Cynanchum rossicum
Dactylis glomerata
Danthonia spicata
Daucus carota
Dianthus armeria
Digitalis grandiflora
Dipsacus sylvestris
Dryopteris carthusiana
Dryopteris marginalis
Eleocharis erythropoda
Elymus virginicus var.
virginicus
Epifagus virginiana
Epilobium hirsutum
Epilobium parviflorum
Common Name
COSEWIC
S-Rank
Family
Alternate-leaf Dogwood
Silky Dogwood
S5
S5
Cornaceae
Cornaceae
Red-osier Dogwood
Downy Hawthorn
English Hawthorn
European Swallow-wort
Orchard Grass
Poverty Oatgrass
Wild Carrot
Deptford-pink
Yellow Foxglove
Common Teasal
Spinulose Shield Fern
Marginal Wood-fern
Bald Spikerush
Virginia Wild Rye
S5
S5
SNA
SNA
SNA
S5
SNA
SNA
SNA
SNA
S5
S5
S5
S5
Cornaceae
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Asclepiadaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Apiaceae
Caryophyllaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Asteraceae
Dryopteridaceae
Dryopteridaceae
Cyperaceae
Poaceae
Beechdrops
Great-hairy Willow-herb
Small-flower Willowherb
Epipactis helleborine
Eastern Helleborine
Equisetum pratense
Meadow Horsetail
Erigeron annuus
White-top Fleabane
Erigeron philadelphicus
Philadelphia Fleabane
Erigeron strigosus
Daisy Fleabane
Erysimum cheiranthoides Worm-seed Mustard
Erythronium americanum Yellow Trout-lily
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Common Boneset
Eurybia macrophylla
Large-leaf Wood-aster
Euthamia graminifolia
Flat-top Fragrantgolden-rod
Eutrochium maculatum
Spotted Joe-pye Weed
var. maculatum
Fagus grandifolia
American Beech
Festuca arundinacea
Tall fescue
Festuca pratensis
Meadow Fescue
Fragaria vesca
Woodland Strawberry
Fragaria virginiana
Virginia Strawberry
Fraxinus americana
White Ash
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Green Ash
Catchweed Bedstraw
Galium aparine
Galium triflorum
Sweet-scent Bedstraw
Geranium robertianum
Herb-robert
Geum aleppicum
Yellow Avens
Geum canadense
White Avens
Geum fragarioides
Barren Strawberry
Geum laciniatum
Rough Avens
S5
SNA
SNA
Orobanchaceae
Onagraceae
Onagraceae
SNA
S5
S5
S5
S5
SNA
S5
S5
S5
S5
Orchidaceae
Equisetaceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Brassicaceae
Liliaceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
S5
Asteraceae
S4
SNA
SNA
S5
S5
S4?
S5
S5
Fagaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Oleaceae
Oleaceae
Rubiaceae
S5
SNA
S5
S5
S5
S4
Rubiaceae
Geraniaceae
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Scientific name
Glyceria grandis
Glyceria striata
Grindelia squarrosa
Hamamelis virginiana
Hesperis matronalis
Hieracium lachenalii
Hydrophyllum virginianum
Hypericum perforatum
Impatiens capensis
Inula helenium
Juglans cinerea
Juglans nigra
Juncus articulatus
Juncus canadensis
Juncus dudleyi
Juncus effusus
Juncus nodosus
Juncus tenuis
Juniperus virginiana
Lactuca canadensis
Lactuca serriola
Lapsana communis
Leersia oryzoides
Leonurus cardiaca
Leucanthemum vulgare
Lithospermum officinale
Lonicera tatarica
Lotus corniculatus
Lycopus americanus
Lycopus uniflorus
Lysimachia ciliata
Lysimachia quadrifolia
Lysimachia thyrsiflora
Lythrum salicaria
Maianthemum canadense
Maianthemum
racemosum
Malus pumila
Matteuccia struthiopteris
Medicago lupulina
Melilotus albus
Melilotus altissimus
Mentha arvensis
Myosotis laxa
Myosotis scorpioides
Nasturtium microphyllum
Common Name
COSEWIC
S-Rank
Family
American Mannagrass
Fowl Manna-grass
Broadleaf Gumweed
American Witch-hazel
Dame's Rocket
Common Hawkweed
John's Cabbage
Common St. John'swort
Spotted Jewel-weed
Elecampane Flower
Butternut
END
S4S5
S5
SNA
S5
SNA
SNA
S5
SNA
Poaceae
Poaceae
Asteraceae
Hamamelidaceae
Brassicaceae
Asteraceae
Hydrophyllaceae
Clusiaceae
S5
SNA
S3?
Balsaminaceae
Asteraceae
Juglandaceae
Black Walnut
Jointed Rush
Canada Rush
S4
S5
S5
Juglandaceae
Juncaceae
Juncaceae
Dudley's Rush
Soft Rush
Knotted Rush
Path Rush
Eastern Red Cedar
S5
S5
S5
S5
S5
Juncaceae
Juncaceae
Juncaceae
Juncaceae
Cupressaceae
Canada Lettuce
Prickly Lettuce
Common Nipplewort
Rice Cutgrass
Common Mother-wort
Oxeye Daisy
European Gromwell
Tartarian Honeysuckle
Birds-foot Trefoil
American Bugleweed
Northern Bugleweed
Fringed Loosestrife
Whorled Loosestrife
Water Loosestrife
S5
SNA
SNA
S5
SNA
SNA
SNA
SNA
SNA
S5
S5
S5
S4
S5
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Poaceae
Lamiaceae
Asteraceae
Boraginaceae
Caprifoliaceae
Fabaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Primulaceae
Primulaceae
Primulaceae
Purple Loosestrife
Wild-lily-of-the-valley
False Solomon's-seal
SNA
S5
S5
Lythraceae
Liliaceae
Liliaceae
Common Apple
Ostrich Fern
Black Medic
White Sweet Clover
Tall Yellow Sweetclover
Corn Mint
Small Forget-me-not
True Forget-me-not
One-row Water-cress
SNA
S5
SNA
SNA
SNA
S5
S5
SNA
SNA
Rosaceae
Dryopteridaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Lamiaceae
Boraginaceae
Boraginaceae
Brassicaceae
Scientific name
Nasturtium officinale
Oenothera biennis
Oenothera pilosella
Onoclea sensibilis
Oryzopsis asperifolia
Ostrya virginiana
Parthenocissus inserta
Persicaria amphibia
Persicaria
hydropiperoides
Persicaria maculosa
Phalaris arundinacea
Phleum pratense
Phragmites australis ssp.
australis
Picea glauca
Pilosella aurantiaca
Pilosella officinarum
Pinus resinosa
Pinus strobus
Pinus sylvestris
Plantago lanceolata
Plantago major
Platanthera aquilonis
Poa compressa
Poa nemoralis
Poa pratensis ssp.
pratensis
Populus balsamifera
Populus grandidentata
Populus tremuloides
Potentilla recta
Prunella vulgaris ssp.
lanceolata
Prunus avium
Prunus serotina
Prunus virginiana
Pyrus communis
Quercus alba
Quercus rubra
Ranunculus abortivus
Ranunculus acris
Ranunculus recurvatus
Rhamnus cathartica
Rhus typhina
Common Name
COSEWIC
S-Rank
Family
True Watercress
Common Eveningprimrose
Prairie Sundrops
SNA
S5
Brassicaceae
Onagraceae
S2
Onagraceae
Sensitive Fern
White-grained
Mountain-ricegrass
Eastern Hop-hornbeam
Virginia Creeper
Water Smartweed
Mild Water-pepper
S5
S5
Dryopteridaceae
Poaceae
S5
S5
S5
S5
Betulaceae
Vitaceae
Polygonaceae
Polygonaceae
Lady's Thumb
Reed Canary Grass
Meadow Timothy
European Reed
SNA
S5
SNA
SNA
Polygonaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
White Spruce
Orange Hawkweed
Mouseear
Red Pine
Eastern White Pine
Scotch Pine
English Plantain
Nipple-seed Plantain
Leafy Northern Green
Orchid
Canada Bluegrass
Woods Bluegrass
Kentucky Bluegrass
S5
SNA
SNA
S5
S5
SNA
SNA
S5
S5
Pinaceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Pinaceae
Pinaceae
Pinaceae
Plantaginaceae
Plantaginaceae
Orchidaceae
SNA
SNA
S5
Poaceae
Poaceae
Poaceae
Balsam Poplar
Large-tooth Aspen
Trembling Aspen
Sulphur Cinquefoil
Self-heal
S5
S5
S5
SNA
S5
Salicaceae
Salicaceae
Salicaceae
Rosaceae
Lamiaceae
Sweet Cherry
Wild Black Cherry
Choke Cherry
Common Pear
White Oak
Northern Red Oak
Kidney-leaved
Buttercup
Tall Butter-cup
Hooked Crowfoot
Buckthorn
Staghorn Sumac
SNA
S5
S5
SNA
S5
S5
S5
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Fagaceae
Fagaceae
Ranunculaceae
SNA
S5
SNA
S5
Ranunculaceae
Ranunculaceae
Rhamnaceae
Anacardiaceae
Scientific name
Ribes cynosbati
Ribes americanum
Ribes triste
Robinia pseudoacacia
Rosa blanda
Rosa rubiginosa
Rubus allegheniensis
Rubus idaeus ssp.
strigosus
Rubus occidentalis
Rubus odoratus
Rumex crispus
Salix alba
Salix amygdaloides
Salix bebbiana
Salix discolor
Salix eriocephala
Salix fragilis
Salix nigra
Schoenoplectus
tabernaemontani
Scirpus atrovirens
Scirpus microcarpus
Sisyrinchium montanum
Solanum dulcamara
Solidago altissima ssp.
Altissima
Solidago caesia
Common Name
COSEWIC
S-Rank
Family
Prickly Gooseberry
Wild Black Currant
Swamp Red Currant
Black Locust
Smooth Rose
Sweet Briar
Allegheny Blackberry
Wild Red Raspberry
S5
S5
S5
SNA
S5
SNA
S5
S5
Grossulariaceae
Grossulariaceae
Grossulariaceae
Fabaceae
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
Black Raspberry
Purple Flowering
Raspberry
Curly Dock
White Willow
Peach-leaved Willow
S5
S5
Rosaceae
Rosaceae
SNA
SNA
S5
Polygonaceae
Salicaceae
Salicaceae
Bebb's Willow
Pussy Willow
Heart-leaved Willow
Crack Willow
Black Willow
S5
S5
S5
S5
S4?
Salicaceae
Salicaceae
Salicaceae
Saliaceae
Salicaceae
Soft-stem Club-rush
S5
Cyperaceae
Dark-green Bulrush
Red-tinge Bulrush
Strict Blue-eyed-grass
S5
S5
S5
Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Iridaceae
Climbing Nightshade
Tall Goldenrod
SNA
S5
Solanaceae
Asteraceae
S5
Asteraceae
S5
Asteraceae
S5
Asteraceae
S5
Asteraceae
SNA
SNA
SNA
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Rosaceae
SNA
S5
Caryophyllaceae
Asteraceae
S5
Asteraceae
S5
Asteraceae
S5
Asteraceae
Blue-stemmed
Goldenrod
Solidago canadensis var. Canada Goldenrod
canadensis
Solidago flexicaulis
Broad-leaved
Goldenrod
Solidago nemoralis var.
Gray Goldenrod
nemoralis
Sonchus asper
Spiny-leaf Sowthistle
Sonchus oleraceus
Common Sowthistle
Sorbus aucuparia
European Mountainash
Stellaria graminea
Little Starwort
Symphyotrichum
Heart-leaf Aster
cordifolium
Symphyotrichum ericoides White Heath Aster
var. ericoides
Symphyotrichum
Panicled Aster
lanceolatum ssp.
lanceolatum
Symphyotrichum
Calico Aster
lateriflorum
Scientific name
Symphyotrichum novaeangliae
Symphyotrichum
pilosum var. pilosum
Symphyotrichum
puniceum
Taraxacum officinale
Teucrium canadense
Thalictrum dioicum
Thuja occidentalis
Tilia americana
Toxicodendron rydbergii
Tragopogon dubius
Tragopogon pratensis
Trifolium aureum
Trifolium pratense
Trifolium repens
Trillium grandiflorum
Tsuga canadensis
Tussilago farfara
Typha angustifolia
Typha latifolia
Ulmus americana
Ulmus thomasii
Urtica dioica ssp. dioica
Veronica americana
Veronica officinalis
Veronica peregrina ssp.
peregrina
Veronica serpyllifolia
Vibernum opulus
Viburnum lentago
Vicia cracca
Vicia tetrasperma
Vitis riparia
Common Name
COSEWIC
S-Rank
Family
New England Aster
S5
Asteraceae
White Heath Aster
S5
Asteraceae
Swamp Aster
S5
Asteraceae
Brown-seed Dandelion
American Germander
SNA
S5
Asteraceae
Lamiaceae
Early Meadowrue
Eastern White Cedar
American Basswood
Rydberg's Poison Ivy
Meadow Goat's-beard
Meadow Goat's-beard
Yellow Clover
Red Clover
White Clover
White Trillium
Eastern Hemlock
Colt's Foot
Narrow-leaved Cattail
Broad-leaf Cattail
American Elm
Rock Elm
S5
S5
S5
S5
SNA
SNA
SNA
SNA
SNA
S5
S5
SNA
SNA
S5
S5
S4?
Ranunculaceae
Cupressaceae
Tiliaceae
Anacardiaceae
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Liliaceae
Pinaceae
Asteraceae
Typhaceae
Typhaceae
Ulmaceae
Ulmaceae
Stinging Nettle
American Speedwell
Gypsy-weed
Purslane Speedwell
SNA
S5
SNA
S5
Urticaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Scrophulariaceae
Thyme-leaved
Speedwell
European Highbush
Cranberry
Nannyberry
Tufted Vetch
Lentil Vetch
Riverbank Grape
SNA
Scrophulariaceae
SE4
Caprifoliaceae
S5
SNA
SNA
S5
Caprifoliaceae
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Vitaceae
List of Observed Fauna during all Field Visits
Species Highlighted Red are considered Species at Risk (provincially and nationally rare)
Common Name
Green Frog
Northern Leopard Frog
Red Backed Salamander
Wood Frog
Alder Flycatcher
American Crow
American Goldfinch
American Robin
American Woodcock
Belted Kingfisher
Black and White Warbler
Black Billed Cuckoo
Black Capped Chickadee
Black Throated Blue
Warbler
Blue Jay
Blue Winged Warbler
Bobolink
Broad Winged Hawk
Brown Headed Cowbird
Brown Thrasher
Cedar Waxwing
Chimney Swift
Chipping Sparrow
Common Grackle
Common Yellowthroat
Downy Woodpecker
Eastern Kingbird
Eastern Meadowlark
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Towhee
Taxonomy
AMPHIBIAN
AMPHIBIAN
AMPHIBIAN
AMPHIBIAN
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
Eastern Wood Pewee
European Starling
Field Sparrow
Golden Crowned Kinglet
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
BIRD
Status
S5
S5
S5
S5
S5
S5
S5
S5
S5
S5
S5
S5
S5
S5
Notes
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
Observed May 14/2012
CVC NAI/2009
Observed October 25/2011
Vocalization May 14/2012
CVC NAI/2009,June 26/2012
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
S5
Observed May 14/2012,2000
S5
S4B/THR/THR CVC NAI/2009
S5
Observed June 26/2012,CVC NAI/2009
S5
CVC NAI/2009
S5
CVC NAI/2009
S5
CVC NAI/2009
S4B/THR/THR CVC NAI/2009
S5
CVC NAI/2009
S5
CVC NAI/2009
S5
S5
S5
CVC NAI/2009
S4B/THR
CVC NAI/2009
S5
CVC NAI/2009
S5
Pair observed May 14/2012 collecting nest
material
S5
CVC NAI/2009
S5
CVC NAI/2009
S5
S5
Common Name
Gray Catbird
Great Crested Flycatcher
Hairy Woodpecker
Hermit Thrush
House Wren
Indigo Bunting
Mourning Dove
Nashville Warbler
Northern Cardinal
Northern Flicker
Ovenbird
Pileated Woodpecker
Red Bellied Woodpecker
Red Eyed Vireo
Red Tailed Hawk
Red Winged Blackbird
Rose Breasted Grosbeak
Ruffed Grouse
Scarlet Tanager
Song Sparrow
Turtle Dove
Veery
Warbling Vireo
White Breasted Nuthatch
Woodthrush
Yellow Bellied Flycatcher
Banded Purple
Cabbage White
Comma Butterfly
Common Ringlet
Eastern Tailed Blue
European Skipper
Hobomonk Skipper
Juvenals Duskywing
Little Wood Satyr
Long Dash Skipper
Morning Cloak
Northern Cloudywing
Taxonomy
Status
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
BIRD
S5
LEPIDOPTRA S5
LEPIDOPTRA S5
LEPIDOPTRA S5
LEPIDOPTRA S5
LEPIDOPTRA S5
LEPIDOPTRA S5
LEPIDOPTRA S5
LEPIDOPTRA S5
LEPIDOPTRA S5
LEPIDOPTRA S5
LEPIDOPTRA S5
LEPIDOPTRA S5
Notes
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009, BTC NAI/2000
CVC NAI/2009
Vocalization June 26/2012
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
Common Name
Northern Crescent
Pearly Crescentspot
Question Mark Butterfly
Red Admiral
Silvery Blue
Spring Azure
Summer Azure
Tiger Swallowtail
White Admiral
Coyote
Eastern Cottontail
Porcupine
Raccoon
Red Squirrel
White Tailed Deer
Beaverpond Baskettail
Common Whitetail
Ebony Jewelwing
Lancet Clubtail
Twelve Spotted Skimmer
Widow Skimmer
Eastern Garter Snake
Milk Snake
Taxonomy
Status
LEPIDOPTRA S5
LEPIDOPTRA S5
LEPIDOPTRA S5
LEPIDOPTRA S5
LEPIDOPTRA S5
LEPIDOPTRA S5
LEPIDOPTRA S5
LEPIDOPTRA S5
LEPIDOPTRA S5
MAMMAL S5
MAMMAL S5
MAMMAL S5
MAMMAL S5
MAMMAL S5
MAMMAL S5
ODONATA S5
ODONATA S5
ODONATA S5
ODONATA S5
ODONATA S5
ODONATA S5
REPTILE
S5
REPTILE
S3/SC
Turkey Vulture
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Chipmunk
BIRD
MAMMAL
MAMMAL
S5
S5
S5
Notes
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
Observed June 26/2012
CVC NAI/2009
Dead individual observed December 1/2011
CVC NAI/2009
Tracks observed May 14/2012
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
CVC NAI/2009
Observed June 26/2012
CVC NAI/2009
Dead young individual observed October
25/2011
BTC NAI/2000
BTC NAI/2000
BTC NAI/2000
Appendix C
2005 OBBA Summary for Cheltenham Badlands Area

Badlands Background Document - updated October 2012

Transcription

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