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County of Haliburton Natural Heritage Mapping: A Compilation and Preliminary Assessment

Prepared for:

Haliburton Highlands Land Trust PO Box 792 Minden, ON K0M 2k0

May, 2007

Prepared by: Glenside Ecological Services Limited

2490 Horseshoe Lake Rd. R.R.#1 Minden, Ontario Canada K0M 2K0

Phone: 705-286-3181 Fax: 705-286-6582 Email: [email protected] Web: www.glenside-eco.ca

Project 07009

County of Haliburton Natural Heritage Mapping

Prepared by Glenside Ecological Services Limited ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................4

Background.................................................................................................................................. 2 Purpose and Scope of Study ........................................................................................................ 2 Acknowledgements...................................................................................................................... 3

THE GREAT LAKES CONSERVATION BLUEPRINT.....................................................4 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 5

Aquatic Biodiversity......................................................................................................................... 5 Terrestrial Biodiversity..................................................................................................................... 6

Results.......................................................................................................................................... 7 Priority Stewardship Areas............................................................................................................... 7 Other High Scoring Polygons........................................................................................................... 7

FOREST RESOURCE INVENTORY ..............................................................................11 Forest Resource Inventory ......................................................................................................... 12

WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE HABITAT............................................................................20 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat .................................................................................................... 21

Avifauna ......................................................................................................................................... 21 Herpetofauna .................................................................................................................................. 21 Mammals........................................................................................................................................ 21 Species at Risk ............................................................................................................................... 21

Wildlife Habitat Suitability Matrix............................................................................................ 22 OTHER DATA SETS ......................................................................................................35

Provincially Significant Wetlands ............................................................................................. 36 Enhanced Wetland Mapping...................................................................................................... 36

Lochlin Wetland............................................................................................................................. 37 Burnt River Wetland ...................................................................................................................... 38 Marsden Complex .......................................................................................................................... 38

Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest..................................................................................... 38 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................................41

Summary and Recommendations .............................................................................................. 42 APPENDIX A: HALIBURTON AVIFAUNA.....................................................................44

Haliburton Avifauna & .............................................................................................................. 45 APPENDIX B: HALIBURTON HERPETOFAUNA .........................................................50

Haliburton Herpetofauna & ....................................................................................................... 51 APPENDIX C: HALIBURTON MAMMALS ....................................................................52

Haliburton Mammals & ............................................................................................................. 53 APPENDIX D: HALIBURTON RARE SPECIES ............................................................55

Haliburton Rare Species ............................................................................................................ 56 APPENDIX E: SPECIES RANKING AND STATUS DESCRIPTIONS...........................58

Species Ranking and Status Descriptions .................................................................................. 59 GRank (Global Rank)..................................................................................................................... 59 SRank (Provincial Rank)................................................................................................................ 60 COSEWIC, Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada ..................................... 61 SARO, Species At Risk in Ontario List ......................................................................................... 62

TABLE OF FIGURES Figure 1: Conservation Blueprint ................................................................................................................... 9 Figure 2: Conservation Blueprint and Other High Scoring Terrestrial System Polygons ............................ 10 Figure 3: Ecosites ......................................................................................................................................... 16 Figure 4: FRI Development Stages - Old Growth ........................................................................................ 17 Figure 5: Shorelines Adjacent to Lakes >10ha............................................................................................. 18


Prepared by Glenside Ecological Services Limited iii

Figure 6: Shorelines Adjacent to Lakes >100ha........................................................................................... 19 Figure 7: Location Map of Ontario portion of BCR 12 ................................................................................ 23 Figure 8: Red-shouldered Hawk Forested Habitat (based on 2004 matrix).................................................. 26 Figure 9: Southern Flying Squirrel Forested Habitat (based on 2004 matrix).............................................. 27 Figure 10: Five-lined Skink Forested Habitat (based on 1997 matrix)......................................................... 28 Figure 11: Eastern Hog-nosed Snake Forested Habitat (based on 1997 matrix) .......................................... 29 Figure 12: Wood Thrush Habitat (based on 2004 matrix)............................................................................ 30 Figure 13: Blackburnian Warbler Forested (based on 2004 matrix) ............................................................ 31 Figure 14: Black-throated Green Warbler Habitat (based on 1997 matrix).................................................. 32 Figure 15: Golden-winged Warbler Habitat (based on 1997 matrix) ........................................................... 33 Figure 16: Common Nighthawk Habitat (based on 1997 matrix) ................................................................ 34 Figure 17: Provincially Significant Wetlands and Wetlands with High Potential for Significance ............. 39 Figure 18: Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest ...................................................................................... 40 TABLE OF TABLES Table 1: Ecosite Summarization................................................................................................................... 12 Table 2: Forest Type Summarization ........................................................................................................... 13 Table 3: Forest Development Stages - Old Growth...................................................................................... 14 Table 4: Natural Shoreline Summary for lakes > 10ha ................................................................................ 15 Table 5: Natural Shoreline Summary for Coldwater Lakes >100ha............................................................. 15 Table 6: Available Habitat for Species at Risk............................................................................................. 23 Table 7: Available Habitat for Eight Conservation Priority Species ............................................................ 24 Table 8: Natural Heritage Check sheet......................................................................................................... 42

INTRODUCTION


Prepared by Glenside Ecological Services Limited 2

Background A natural heritage systems approach allows for an assessment of individual natural heritage

features and functions in their overall landscape context1. A landscape approach would identify

the most important natural heritage features from a landscape perspective, thereby allowing

planning authorities and non-government organizations to be proactive in providing linkages and

corridors and ensuring adequate representation. Capital resources for conservation are often

difficult to secure and insufficient to protect all features, thus there is a need for a natural heritage

systems approach to identify focal areas for conservation. In regard to the Haliburton Highlands

Land Trust (HHLT) such a system would assist in identifying high priority acquisitions and

determining optimum allocation of resources.

A landscape approach would also allow planning authorities to react in an informed manner when

faced with a development application. Currently in the County of Haliburton natural heritage

features and functions are assessed in response to development applications on a site specific

scale and the cumulative impact of the development is unknown. With a well defined natural

heritage system the cumulative impact of any development application will be understood and

appropriate mitigation can be prescribed.

The initiation of a natural heritage mapping project in Haliburton County will allow for fruitful

partnerships to foster with projects and organizations such as The Land Between, the Muskoka

River Watershed Inventory Project, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) as well

as the County of Haliburton and its associated municipalities and will facilitate an integrated

resource management approach in the context of land and water-use planning, environmental

planning and assessment, and the monitoring of environmental indicators such as ecosystems,

communities and species.

Purpose and Scope of Study In the development of a natural heritage systems plan it is important to consider the physical and

biological characteristics of an area, existing protected areas and the pattern of settlement, the

feasibility of connectivity, and social aspects such as public priorities and economic

costs/benefits. While the social aspects are beyond the scope of this immediate project much can

1 OMNR 2006. Natural Spaces: A Proposed Modeling and Scenario-based Approach for Identifying Natural Heritage Systems in Southern Ontario – Discussion Paper



be determined about the physical and biological aspects of the County through a compilation and

summarization of existing spatial data, past studies and models. This report will compile and

summarize existing natural heritage data and models specific to the County of Haliburton, with

the intent of establishing a foundation for a natural heritage systems plan.

Acknowledgements Funding for this project was provided by The Land Between through a grant received from the

Metcalf Foundation. The Land Between is a collaborative focused on the transition zone between

the hilly Canadian Shield in the north and the Limestone Plain to the south. This mosaic ecotone

crosses the southern portion of the County of Haliburton and is sensitive to disruption due to

characteristically shallow soils, exposed bedrock and proximity to connected aquatic resources.

Research and prioritization is being conducted to reveal best management practices.

The Haliburton Highlands Land Trust initiated and managed the project and Paul C. Heaven of

Glenside Ecological Services Limited was the principal author of the report.

THE GREAT LAKES CONSERVATION BLUEPRINT



Overview The Great Lakes Conservation Blueprint2 & 3 represents the latest effort - with an extent covering

the County of Haliburton - to assemble, map and analyze the available information on biological

diversity. Focused on the Canadian portion of the Great Lakes ecoregion, this computer-based

landscape-level analyses compiled digital data on the biodiversity and defined ecological systems,

identified biodiversity targets and set conservation goals. Every ecological system polygon was

scored based on coarse filters and the highest scoring polygons were selected for the conservation

blueprint. A gap analysis was conducted to assess how much of this biodiversity was within

existing protected areas, and terrestrial and aquatic priority stewardship areas were defined.

Additional habitat polygons were added to ensure that species and habitats at risk were included.

The coarse filter analysis criteria to identify aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity priority

stewardship areas are listed below.

Aquatic Biodiversity The ecological systems for the aquatic biodiversity conservation blueprint were defined by

delineating individual Great Lakes coastal areas, inland lakes or wetlands, or aggregations of

adjacent stream segments within common watershed position, gradient, permeability and water

storage potential. Each ecological system polygon was then scored based on the following

criteria:

Condition criteria Special features criteria

Percent natural cover Rare species

Distance from cropland and urban areas Rare vegetation communities

Pit, quarry and mine sites

Intakes and outflows

Roadlessness

Road crossings

Invasive and non-native species

Indicator species

2 Henson, B.L., K.E. Brodribb and J.L Riley. 2005 Great Lakes Conservation Blueprint for Terrestrial Biodiversity. Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Natural Heritage Information Centre. Queen’s Printer for Canada. 3 Wichert, G.A., K.E. Brodribb, B.L. Henson and C. Phair. 2005 Great Lakes Conservation Blueprint for Aquatic Biodiversity. Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Natural Heritage Information Centre. Queen’s Printer for Canada.



Ecological criteria Diversity criteria

Size of wetlands Diversity of ecological system

Distance from dams types

Coincidence with conservation lands

Proximity to protected areas

Riparian areas associated with streams

Great Lakes shoreline

Riparian area of inland lakes

Terrestrial Biodiversity The ecological systems for the terrestrial biodiversity conservation blueprint were defined by

integrating vegetation communities derived from the Forest Resource Inventory data with

quaternary geology. To enhance the wetland representation, which is poor in the FRI data,

Ontario Peatland Inventory and OMNR evaluated wetland data was also incorporated. Each

ecological system polygon was then scored based on the following criteria:

Condition criteria Special features criteria

Degree of natural cover within a 2 km radius Rare species

Distance from cropland Rare vegetation communities

Distance from urban or settlement areas

Presence of pits and quarries

Distance from mines

Hydro corridors and transmission lines

Railways

Roadlessness

Ecological criteria Diversity criteria

Site size Diversity of ecological system

Fire disturbance size types

Size of core area or edge buffer size

Cores and corridors

Presence of old growth forest

Proximity to existing protected areas



Coincidence of existing conservation lands

Hydrological functions

o Wetlands

o Riparian areas of streams

o Great lakes shoreline

o Riparian areas of inland lakes

o Presence of potential valley systems

Results

Priority Stewardship Areas Based on the coarse filter analysis and the integration of rare species and habitat data, a total of

37,915 ha were identified as priority stewardship areas in the County of Haliburton. These areas

occur outside of existing protected and conservations areas and represent 5,922 ha of terrestrial

systems and 31,993 ha of aquatic systems. The latter was further broken down into 19,428 ha of

stream systems, 12,029 ha of lake systems and 536 ha of wetland systems (See Figure 1).

Some of these areas are found on Crown land however many remain in the public domain and are

therefore vulnerable to loss. In regard to aquatic lake system priority stewardship areas, although

the area itself (i.e. the lake) is crown land, impact to these areas result from use of the shorelines.

Therefore efforts spent in securing and protecting natural shorelines adjacent to these areas are

effective in protecting the area itself.

Other High Scoring Polygons Extirpation, immigration and emigration are natural ecological functions and therefore

fragmentation of the landscape can result in extensive loss of biodiversity. Linking corridors

between habitats can effectively address the impacts of fragmentation. The Conservation

Blueprint identified priority stewardship areas but made no attempt to link the areas together.

In the coarse filter analysis each polygon was given a total score ranging from 0-6 for the aquatic

system and 0-8 for the terrestrial system. Although those ranking highest were delineated in the

Conservation Blueprint as priority stewardship areas, those polygons that scored immediately

below the threshold are still of ecological value. An examination of the total scores was



conducted to determine if the data was helpful in identifying potential corridors and links between

the Conservation Blueprint priority stewardship areas and protected areas.

In the County of Haliburton, all aquatic system polygons scoring above zero were delineated as

priority stewardship areas, however many high scoring terrestrial system polygons were not

included in the final blueprint (See Figure 2). These areas should be considered when exploring

linkages and corridors between the priority stewardship areas, particularly where clusters of

terrestrial and aquatic priority stewardship areas and high scoring polygons occur.

Some clusters have been identified in Figure 2; however it will be important to take into

consideration not only the existence of natural heritage features but their condition and the socio-

economic feasibility of their protection when defining linkages and corridors. Although the

Conservation Blueprint does take into consideration condition of the natural heritage feature the

blueprint was developed using data applicable to the entire Great Lakes Ecoregion on the

Canadian Shield. Better data exists for the County of Haliburton that may allow for further

refinement of the defined areas. The following sections explore some of this data and its

application in defining our natural heritage.

9

Figure 1: Conservation Blueprint

10

Figure 2: Conservation Blueprint and Other High Scoring Terrestrial System Polygons

Clusters

FOREST RESOURCE INVENTORY



Forest Resource Inventory

Ecosite Classification When conducting a site evaluation on the Canadian Shield many consultants define the forest

types or “ecosites” in accordance with the OMNR ecosystem classification system for Central

Ontario4. However the relative abundance of an ecosite within the County is unknown and

therefore it is impossible to reflect on the cumulative impact of proposed development.

The Forest Resource Inventory (FRI) data classifies forests of Haliburton County into “ecosites”

and age groups for forest management purposes. A summarization of this data will allow

municipalities, consultants and conservation groups to plan proactively, thereby ensuring

maintenance and enhancement of landscape habitat diversity.

Twenty-three forested ecosites are found within the County (See Figure 3 and Table 1)

Table 1: Ecosite Summarization

Ecosite Ecosite Description Area (ha) Percent Percent Details Non-forested 0 Rock 2662.15 2% 0 Other Non-forested 107266.05

24% 98%

Total Area Non-forested 109928.20 Forested 28 Sugar Maple - Hemlock - Yellow Birch 88325.74 25% 25 Sugar Maple - Beech - Red Oak 63431.73 18% 29 Sugar Maple - Yellow Birch 35702.16 10% 17 Poplar - White Birch 32514.63 9% 27 Sugar Maple - White Birch - Poplar - White Pine 25149.56 7% 26 Sugar Maple - Basswood 24739.27 7% 18 Poplar - White Birch - White Spruce - Balsam Fir 11666.45 3% 30 Hemlock - Yellow Birch 11555.40 3% 14 White Pine - Largetooth Aspen - Red Oak 9561.70 3% 22 White Cedar - Other Conifer 7584.65 2% 34 White - Cedar - Lowland Hardwood 6295.60 2% 35 Lowland Hardwood 5856.10 2% 24 Sugar Maple - Red Oak - Basswood 5824.04 2% 23 Red Oak - Hardwood 5662.07 2% 33 White Cedar - Other Conifer 4017.92 1% 11 White Pine - Red Pine 3240.42 1% 32 White Cedar - Black Spruce - Tamarack 2489.87

76%

1%

4 Chambers, B. A., Naylor, B.J., Nieppola, J., Merchant, B. and Uhlig, P. 1997. Field Guide to Forest Ecosystems of Central Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Queen’s Printer of Ontario. 200pp



21 White Cedar - White Pine - White Birch - White Spruce 1778.14 1%

12 Red Pine 1578.63 0% 16 Black Spruce - Pine 1528.63 0% 31 Black Spruce - Tamarack 865.71 0%

20 White Pine - Red Pine - White Spruce - White Birch - Trembling Aspen 437.56 0%

15 Jack Pine 23.06 0% Total Area Forested 349829.03 Total Area 459757.24

The forests of the County of Haliburton are 74% shade tolerant or mid tolerant hardwood forests

with a high component of sugar maple. Shade tolerant forests are typically secondary forests as

they require an existing overstorey in order to become established. Another 15% represents

shade intolerant hardwoods and mixedwoods. These forests are typically early successional

forests or the first type of forest to become established in an open area. The remaining 11% of

the forests represent the conifer and hardwood lowlands, white pine and red pine stands and jack

pine and black spruce stands with the latter representing less than 1% of the overall composition

(See Table 2).

Table 2: Forest Type Summarization

Forest Type Percent Tolerant and Mid-tolerant Hardwoods 74% Intolerant Hardwoods and Mixedwoods 15% Conifer and Hardwood Lowlands 6% White Pine and Red Pine 4% Jack Pine and Black Spruce <1%

Examining the forest type spatial distribution it appears that the majority of the tolerant and mid-

tolerant hardwoods dominate the central and northern portion of the County with the remaining

forest types located to the west and south (See Figure 3).

Rocky Barrens Rocky barrens represent another habitat type, further adding to the landscape mosaic. Although

non-forested, rocky barrens and associated crevices provide snake hibernacula in the winter and

in the summer are utilized as snake basking sites to raise body temperatures. Rocky barrens are

also limited in the County of Haliburton representing only 2% of the landscape. The majority of

the rocky barrens are found in the southern and south-western portion of the County (See Figure

3).



Old Growth The OMNR have defined old growth forest within the framework of the Provincial Ecological

Land Classification system5. Based on this standardized classification system the FRI data was

queried to identify the old growth forests currently existing in the County of Haliburton. Of the

forested landscape in the County of Haliburton, approximately 16% (57,000 ha) is classified as

old growth forest. The majority of the forested landscape is classified as mature forests with a

representation of approximately 57% (200,028 ha). Immature, sapling and pre-sapling forests

make up the remaining 27% of the forested landscape (See Table 3 & Figure 4).

Table 3: Forest Development Stages - Old Growth

Development Stage Area (ha) Percent

Old 57160.56 16%

Mature 200028.36 57%

Immature 78764.43 23%

Sapling 7576.03 2%

Pre-sapling 6299.66 2% Total Forested Area 349829.03 84%

Shoreline Development All productive forests in the County of Haliburton were given an ecosite classification. Those

natural areas that were not defined as a productive forest were either classified as a wetland, lake,

river/stream, rocky barren and grass/meadow. Unnatural areas were defined as developed

agricultural land, unclassified, road or railway. Other classifications occur as well, however it is

unknown as to whether they would be natural or unnatural (e.g. island, miscellaneous and other

non-forested).

Through an analysis of this data it is possible to extract a rough calculation of the natural

shorelines found in the County of Haliburton. Focusing on waterbodies greater than 10 ha, 66%

of the shorelines in the County of Haliburton remain in a natural forested state, 11% in a natural

non-forested state and 18% in an unnatural state (Table 4).

5 Uhlig, P., A. Harris, G. Craig, C. Bowling, B. Chambers, B. Naylor and G. Beemer. 2001. Old growth forest definitions for Ontario. Ont. Min. Nat. Res., Queen’s Printer for Ontario, Toronto, ON. 53 p.



Table 4: Natural Shoreline Summary for lakes > 10ha

Description Perimeter (km) Percent Natural Forested Shoreline 2597.188 66%

Natural Non-forested Shoreline 413.437 11%

Unnatural shoreline 689.309 18%

Unknown 222.707 6%

Total shoreline 3922.642

Examining coldwater lakes greater than 100 ha shows an increase in the percent of developed

shoreline (See Table 5). Coldwater lakes are typically larger and deeper lakes with rocky

shorelines; characteristics that are preferred by most cottagers.

Table 5: Natural Shoreline Summary for Coldwater Lakes >100ha

Description Perimeter (km) Percent Natural Forested Shoreline 886.573 58%

Natural Non-forested Shoreline 54.648 4%

Unnatural shoreline 494.739 32%

Unknown 105.004 7%

Total shoreline 1540.964

Figure 5 & Figure 6 show the distribution of shoreline development adjacent to lakes greater than

10 ha and coldwater lakes greater than 100 ha respectively.

Kawagama, Kennisis, Redstone, Haliburton and Percy Lake (See Figure 6) are identified as the

largest lakes with a significant portion of natural shoreline. However, development pressures

over the last few years have been focused on the western shore of Kennisis Lake and Redstone

Lake and recently, a subdivision of 100 lots has been proposed along the shorelines of Haliburton

and Percy Lakes. Although the rate of recent development on Kawagama Lake is unknown, the

Conservation Blueprint identified Kawagama Lake as an aquatic lake system priority stewardship

area, highlighting its ecological value. Natural shorelines adjacent to large, deep, coldwater lakes

are limited in the County of Haliburton.

16

Figure 3: Ecosites

17

Figure 4: FRI Development Stages - Old Growth

18

Figure 5: Shorelines Adjacent to Lakes >10ha

19

Figure 6: Shorelines Adjacent to Lakes >100ha

Kawagama Lake

Kennisis LakeRedstone Lake

Haliburton Lake

Percy Lake

WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE HABITAT



Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat In order to assess the availability of habitats and the impacts of their limitations on wildlife

populations it is important to first comprehend the wildlife community associated with the area of

study. To this end Glenside Ecological Services Limited compiled a County of Haliburton

species list for the following wildlife groups: avifauna, herpetofauna, mammals and species at

risk.

Avifauna The avifauna species list represents the most recent data from the Bird Studies Canada Breeding

Bird Atlas6. All sampling squares touching the County of Haliburton were selected and a list of

species documented within these squares was generated (See APPENDIX A: HALIBURTON

AVIFAUNA).

Herpetofauna The herpetofauna species list for the County of Haliburton was generated from the Ontario

Herpetofaunal Summary Atlas maintained by the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC)7

(See APPENDIX B: HALIBURTON HERPETOFAUNA).

Mammals The mammal species list was generated from the Atlas of the Mammals of Ontario database

currently housed at the NHIC8. The original database was compiled by the Federation of Ontario

Naturalists. Similarly to the avifauna data all sampling squares touching the County of

Haliburton were selected and a list of species documented within these squares was generated

(See APPENDIX C: HALIBURTON MAMMALS).

Species at Risk A list of rare species found within the County of Haliburton was also generated by the NHIC,

based on a compilation of all element occurrences of rare species found within the County of

Haliburton9 (See APPENDIX D: HALIBURTON RARE SPECIES). An element occurrence is a

verified spatial documentation of a rare species. It should be noted that this list is more up-to-

date than that available online, as the NHIC are in the process of redesigning their website and

therefore are no longer updating the existing website. 6 Provided by Mr. Denis Lepage, Bird Studies Canada. 08/02/2007 7 Provided by Mr. Mike Oldham, Natural Heritage Information Centre, 08/02/2007 8 Provided by Mr. Simon Dodsworth, Natural Heritage Information Centre, 08/02/2007



Wildlife Habitat Suitability Matrix One of the primary functions of natural heritage mapping is to protect the biodiversity of a

landscape, of which species at risk are a significant contributing factor. However, reflective of

their nature there is a paucity of data regarding species at risk locations, and determining presence

in the field is difficult and usually too costly to accomplish.

Bellhouse and Naylor (1997)10 examined the habitat affinities of 305 species of amphibians,

reptiles, birds and mammals that inhabit the Great Lakes – St Lawrence forests of Central

Ontario. The resulting habitat suitability matrix is a classification of habitat use by wildlife based

on forest stand development and composition and the habitat needs of species. This matrix

represents a synthesis of the best information available at the time.

Holloway, Naylor and Watt (2004)11 revised the habitat suitability matrix for the Great Lakes – St

Lawrence region. Although this exercise focussed on fewer species (85) the new matrix

standardized the development stages and incorporated new data to make the predictions more

robust.

It must be noted that habitat concerns such as fragmentation, edge and patch size have not been

incorporated into the matrix.

Based on the matrix and the wildlife fauna defined in the attached appendices, habitat suitability

maps have been created for the forest dwelling species at risk found within the County of

Haliburton and with limited habitat. Table 6 lists the species for which data existed and the

habitat suitability matrix is relevant. Species highlighted in green represent species with limited

habitat and for which maps were produced (See Figure 8, Figure 9, Figure 10 & Figure 11).

9 Provide by Mr. Simon Dodsworth, Natural Heritage Information Centre. 08/02/2007 10 Bellhouse, T.J. and B.J. Naylor. 1997. Habitat relationships of wildlife in Central Ontario. Ont Min. Nat Res. SCSS Tech Rpt. No. 53. 11 Holloway, G.L., B.J. Naylor and W. R. Watt. 2004. Habitat relationships of wildlife in Ontario: Revised habitat suitability models for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence and Boreal East forests. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Science and Information Branch, Southern Science and Information and Northeast Science and Information Joint Technical Report #1. 110pp.



Table 6: Available Habitat for Species at Risk

Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Pref.

Level Use Area Percent

Available Matrix Source

Birds

Buteo lineatus Red-shouldered Hawk Preferred General 141460.40 31% 2004

Used General 116246.69 25% 2004

Mammals

Glaucomys volans Southern Flying Squirrel Preferred General 58317.32 13% 2004

Used General 20212.26 4% 2004

Myotis septentrionalis Northern Long-eared Bat Preferred Breeding 295559.13 64% 1997

Used Feeding 9965.41 2% 1997

Reptiles

Eumeces fasciatus Five-lined Skink Used General 4014.88 1% 199712

Glyptemys insculpta Wood Turtle Preferred General 311601.95 68% 1997

Used General 7806.42 2% 1997

Heterodon platirhinos Eastern Hog-nosed Snake Used General 21358.20 5% 199713

Thamnophis sauritus Eastern Ribbonsnake Used General 336579.89 73% 1997

Total Area 459757.24

Ontario Partners in Flight (PIF) are in the process of developing landbird conservation plans for

the Bird Conservation Regions (BCR)

in Ontario. The purpose of these plans

is to guide landbird conservation

efforts to ensure that the distribution,

diversity and abundance of birds across

the region are sustained within the

bounds of natural variability for the

forest ecosystem. Within these plans,

PIF identifies landbird conservation

priorities for each region. The County

of Haliburton falls within the Boreal

Hardwood Transition region (ON BCR

12), for which the plan was developed

in 2006 (See Figure 7)15.

12 Rocky barrens added from FRI 13 Rocky barrens and grass meadows added from FRI 14 Ontario Land Cover data 1990s edition, Crins 2002. 15 Ontario Partners in Flight. 2006. Ontario Landbird Conservation Plan: Boreal Hardwood Transition (North American Bird Conservation Region 12), Priorities, Objectives and Recommended Actions. Version 1.0.

Figure 7: Location Map of Ontario portion of BCR 1214



The landbird conservation plan for ON BCR 12 identifies as conservation priorities 51 (31%) of

the 167 species of landbirds that regularly breed or winter within the region. For the purposes of

this report and through consultation with Leora Berman of The Land Between, eight conservation

priority species were selected from this list, that are found within the County of Haliburton. All

eight of these species are threatened by habitat loss and/or habitat degradation; however the types

of habitat these species use varies greatly. Table 7 lists the eight conservation priority species,

their habitat guild and the available habitat within the County of Haliburton. Habitat distribution

maps are provided for those species with limited habitat as identified in green (See Figure

12,Figure 13, Figure 14Figure 15Figure 16 ).

Table 7: Available Habitat for Eight Conservation Priority Species

Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Guild Habitat Pref.

Level Area (ha) Percent Matrix Source

Wilsonia canadensis Canada Warbler Deciduous Forest Preferred 228227.05 50% 1997

Used 113588.15 25%

Dendroica caerulescens Black-throated Blue Warbler Deciduous Forest Preferred 301054.81 65% 2004

Used 29717.36 6%

Catharus fuscescens Veery Deciduous Forest Preferred 306911.95 67% 2004

Used 27310.71 6%

Hylocichla mustelina Wood Thrush Deciduous Forest Preferred 139899.37 30% 2004

Used 178317.72 39%

Dendroica fusca Blackburnian Warbler Coniferous Forest Preferred 121176.49 26% 2004

Used 221541.87 48%

Dendroica virens Black-throated Green Warbler Coniferous Forest Preferred 207500.16 45% 1997

Used 125782.23 27%

Vermivora chrysoptera Golden-winged Warbler Early Successional Forest Used 15808.11 3% 199716

Chordeiles minor Common Nighthawk Non-forest Upland Used 20265.49 4% 199717

Total Area 459757.24

Not surprisingly, those species with a habitat preference for deciduous forests appear to have

abundant habitat in the County of Haliburton whereas those with a preference for coniferous or

early successional forests are more limited. Although the southern flying squirrel and the wood

thrush have a preference for deciduous forests the reason for the limited habitat is due to their

preference for older forests.

The wildlife habitat suitability matrix highlights the importance of preserving our diversity of

habitats as it clearly demonstrates how limited habitat exists for some of our native species.

Unfortunately, one cannot conclude that those species with abundant habitat are not of concern as 16 Brush/alder thickets and grass meadows added from FRI



the wildlife habitat suitability matrix does not address the quality of the available habitat.

Although the forests of the County of Haliburton are predominantly mature deciduous, without a

comprehensive understanding of the layout of forest access roads, rural development and utility

lines it is difficult to determine how contiguous these forests are. Many of our native fauna are

area sensitive, thereby requiring large tracts of contiguous forest in order to survive. Whether

these species are indeed threatened will need to be determined by an analysis of anthropocentric

disturbances.

17 Rocky barrens and grass meadows added from FRI

26

Figure 8: Red-shouldered Hawk Forested Habitat (based on 2004 matrix)

27

Figure 9: Southern Flying Squirrel Forested Habitat (based on 2004 matrix)

28

Figure 10: Five-lined Skink Forested Habitat (based on 1997 matrix)

29

Figure 11: Eastern Hog-nosed Snake Forested Habitat (based on 1997 matrix)

30

Figure 12: Wood Thrush Habitat (based on 2004 matrix)

31

Figure 13: Blackburnian Warbler Forested (based on 2004 matrix)

32

Figure 14: Black-throated Green Warbler Habitat (based on 1997 matrix)

33

Figure 15: Golden-winged Warbler Habitat (based on 1997 matrix)

34

Figure 16: Common Nighthawk Habitat (based on 1997 matrix)

OTHER DATA SETS



Provincially Significant Wetlands The Conservation Blueprint included all Provincially Significant Wetlands (PSW’s) as Protected

Areas18; however the dataset only identified three PSW’s in the County of Haliburton. Since

2003, three additional PSW’s have been identified in the County and must be integrated into the

dataset.

Further, the current level of protection associated with wetlands is not sufficient to protect the

critical habitat of wetland dependent species. Although the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS)

clearly states that no development is permitted in a PSW, the protection associated with the lands

adjacent to a PSW is more lax. Specifically, the PPS requires that any development occurring in

the lands adjacent to the PSW be supported by a study (or site evaluation) that clearly

demonstrates that there will be no negative impacts to the natural functions and features

associated with the PSW. The Natural Heritage Reference Manual19 defines adjacent lands to a

PSW as lands within 120 m.

Site evaluations focus on known natural features and functions of the PSW and the immediate

area of development. Typically there is no assessment of the cumulative impact of such

development on the entire wetland and wetlands within the County. For example, an application

to rezone an area for the purposes of mineral extraction 20 m from a PSW was recently approved

in the County of Haliburton. Core terrestrial habitat for amphibians is found 159-290 m from the

wetland edge20. Given that the current system allows for such activities as mineral extraction to

occur in close proximity to a PSW, then it becomes clear that adjacent lands sufficient to support

amphibian populations are not being protected. This suggests that properties adjacent to a PSW

are a priority for protection.

Enhanced Wetland Mapping Once evaluated many more wetlands in the County of Haliburton are likely to be provincially

significant. Currently resources to evaluate wetlands are severely limited and therefore

alternative approaches must be sought. Although it has proven impossible to predict the outcome

of an Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES) evaluation, size has proven to be the single 18 McMurtry, Mike. 13/02/2007. pers. comm. Natural Heritage Information Centre 19 Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 1999. Natural Heritage Reference Manual for Policy 2.3 of the Provincial Policy Statement.



most contributing factor to provincial significance of wetlands. However, it is unknown as to

whether size of individual wetlands or the size of the wetland complex within which it functions,

is of more value.

The Ministry of Natural Resources used satellite imagery and elevation models to produce digital

wetland maps for the County of Haliburton resulting in a significant increase in the known extent

of wetlands. A relatively high degree of confidence is placed in these mapped features as

rigorous field verification has been completed. Field verification concluded that the boundaries

are accurate to +/- 35m, and wetland identification is 96% accurate.

This Enhanced Wetland Mapping (EWM) for the County of Haliburton also calculated the extent

of wetland complexing, by grouping wetlands within the same watershed and close proximity

(750m), in accordance with the OWES.

In an attempt to rank wetlands in the County of Haliburton based on their potential for provincial

significance, size of individual wetlands and complexes of wetlands were assessed and ranked

between 1 & 50. These two scores were then combined for each polygon for a final ranking

between 1 & 100. Figure 17 depicts the wetlands with the highest potential for provincial

significance (i.e. those ranking between 80 and 100) based on the size of the individual wetland

polygon and their associated complex. The largest, or highest ranking wetlands represent the

most likely candidates for provincial significance and those wetlands found on private land are

the most vulnerable. Three wetlands fitting these characteristics are described below.

Lochlin Wetland

This wetland is located near Lochlin and is the largest unprotected wetland/complex in the

County. A peat substrate and pockets of tamarack and black spruce, based on quaternary geology

data and Forest Resource Inventory data respectively, suggest that the wetland is either a bog or

fen: two wetland ecosystems that require the most time to become established. Finally the

majority of this wetland appears to be on private land based on the coarse ownership delineation

in the FRI data.

20 Semlitsch, R.D. and J. R. Bodie. 2003. Biological Criteria for Buffer Zones around Wetlands and Riparian Habitats for Amphibians and Reptiles. Conservation Biology. Vol 17, NO 5. pp 1219-1228



Burnt River Wetland

The Burnt River Wetland represents two converging riverine wetlands located along the Burnt

and Irondale rivers. As well as being two of the larger wetlands in the County, the area also was

identified as a Priority Stewardship Area representing a stream aquatic system in the

Conservation Blueprint.

Marsden Complex

Similarly to the Burnt River Wetland, the Marsden complex is a large wetland identified as a

Priority Stewardship Area representing a wetland system in the Conservation Blueprint.

Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest Prior to 2006, seven Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) were identified in the County

of Haliburton: Clear Lake; Dawson Ponds/Plastic Lakes; Tory Hill Formation; Silent

Lake/Lowrie Lake; Silent Lake Provincial Park; and Silent Lake Nature Reserve Zones 1 & 2.

All of these areas were included in the Conservation Blueprint as protected areas.

In a recent development, an Earth Science ANSI was defined in the geographical township of

Minden. This new ANSI encompasses a well defined esker and is found adjacent to a recently

designated provincially significant wetland. Although the designation has been confirmed the

boundaries are pending. This ANSI, once delineated should be incorporated into the natural

heritage plan.

39

Figure 17: Provincially Significant Wetlands and Wetlands with High Potential for Significance

Lochlin Wetland

Burnt River Wetland

Marsden Complex

40

Figure 18: Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest

Clear Lake

Dawson Ponds/Plastic Lakes

Tory Hill Formation

Silent Lake

SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS



Summary and Recommendations As presented, the County of Haliburton Natural Heritage Mapping will provide the Haliburton

Highlands Land Trust (HHLT) with direction in regard to determining the significance of a

subject property. Through the use of a simple check sheet (See Table 8) the HHLT can determine

whether a subject property is likely to contribute to the overall biodiversity of the County of

Haliburton.

Table 8: Natural Heritage Check sheet

Natural Heritage Feature Yes No

Conservation Blueprint Priority Stewardship Area Terrestrial

Wetland

Stream

Adjacent to Lake

Conservation Blueprint high ranking area (but not a priority stewardship area)

Limited ecosite

Old growth forest

Rocky barrens

Natural, undeveloped shoreline adjacent to large, deep, coldwater lake

Large unevaluated wetland

Adjacent lands to Provincially Significant Wetland

Known presence of a species at risk

Limited habitat of a species at risk or priority bird species

Although useful at this level, the development of a natural heritage plan that can be integrated

into an Official Plan is far from complete. For example, this project focussed primarily on

defining some of the limited natural heritage features in the County of Haliburton but made no

effort to assess the quality or condition of these features. Size, shape, connectivity, disturbance,

fragmentation and proximity all contribute significantly to these attributes and therefore must be

taken into account when prioritizing areas for stewardship or conservation. To this end Glenside

Ecological Services Limited recommends the following:

Integrate land-use into the natural heritage system.

The Conservation Blueprint integrated land-use to some extent however the datasets utilized were

not optimized for the County of Haliburton. For example, the Conservation Blueprint took into



account roadlessness. The emergency response road network is the best available road coverage

for the County of Haliburton, yet the Ontario Road Network was used in the analysis.

Another dataset that is not yet available to the HHLT but would provide tremendous insight into

land-use and habitat condition is the parcel fabric. This feature delineates the boundaries of each

individual lot, identifies the lot as vacant or developed and defines the owner as private or crown.

A layer such as this would allow for an analysis of waterfront and rural development, proximity

of natural features to development as well as an accurate assessment of the distribution the natural

functions and features in regard to ownership (private or crown).

The success of a natural heritage plan is dependent on support from all levels of government as

well as the public and non-government organizations. One of the biggest challenges will be to

determine the weight of each ecological feature: a task that can only be addressed through open

discussions between all vested parties. To this end Glenside Ecological Services Limited also

recommends the following:

Integrate socio-economic values into the natural heritage system.

To date, very little focus has been placed on water quality and water budget: two features of

utmost importance to the County of Haliburton. To this end Glenside Ecological Services

Limited recommends the following:

Integrate source water protection into the natural heritage system;

Integrate flood attenuation into the natural heritage system; and

Integrate groundwater recharge/discharge into the natural heritage system.

The importance of a natural heritage mapping plan cannot be overemphasized and is only now

being realized in southern Ontario. The cost of implementing such a plan only escalates as an

area becomes more developed. Glenside Ecological Services Limited commends the Haliburton

Highlands Land Trust for initiating the project in the County of Haliburton

APPENDIX A: HALIBURTON AVIFAUNA



Haliburton Avifauna21 & 22 Scientific Name Common Name GRANK SRANK COSEWIC MNR TRACK FAMILY

Accipiter cooperii Cooper's Hawk G5 S4B,SZN NAR NAR N ACCIPITRIDAE

Accipiter gentilis Northern Goshawk G5 S4 NAR NIAC N ACCIPITRIDAE

Accipiter striatus Sharp-shinned Hawk G5 S5B,SZN NAR NAR N ACCIPITRIDAE

Actitis macularia Spotted Sandpiper G5 S5B,SZN N SCOLOPACIDAE

Aegolius acadicus Northern Saw-whet Owl G5 S4B,SZN N STRIGIDAE

Agelaius phoeniceus Red-winged Blackbird G5 S5B,SZN N ICTERIDAE

Aix sponsa Wood Duck G5 S5B,SZN N ANATIDAE

Anas americana American Wigeon G5 S4B,SZN N ANATIDAE

Anas crecca Green-winged Teal G5 S4B,SZN N ANATIDAE

Anas discors Blue-winged Teal G5 S5B,SZN N ANATIDAE

Anas platyrhynchos Mallard G5 S5B,SZN N ANATIDAE

Anas rubripes American Black Duck G5 S5B,SZN N ANATIDAE

Archilochus colubris Ruby-throated Hummingbird G5 S5B,SZN N TROCHILIDAE

Ardea herodias Great Blue Heron G5 S5B,SZN N ARDEIDAE

Asio otus Long-eared Owl G5 S4 N STRIGIDAE

Aythya collaris Ring-necked Duck G5 S5B,SZN N ANATIDAE

Bartramia longicauda Upland Sandpiper G5 S4B,SZN N SCOLOPACIDAE

Bombycilla cedrorum Cedar Waxwing G5 S5B,SZN N BOMBYCILLIDAE

Bonasa umbellus Ruffed Grouse G5 S5 N PHASIANIDAE

Botaurus lentiginosus American Bittern G4 S4B,SZN N ARDEIDAE

Branta canadensis Canada Goose G5 S5B,SZN N ANATIDAE

Bubo virginianus Great Horned Owl G5 S5 N STRIGIDAE

Bucephala albeola Bufflehead G5 S3B,SZN Y ANATIDAE

Bucephala clangula Common Goldeneye G5 S5B,SZN N ANATIDAE

Buteo jamaicensis Red-tailed Hawk G5 S5B,SZN NAR NAR N ACCIPITRIDAE

Buteo lineatus Red-shouldered Hawk G5 S4B,SZN SC SC Y ACCIPITRIDAE

Buteo platypterus Broad-winged Hawk G5 S5B,SZN N ACCIPITRIDAE

Butorides virescens Green Heron G5 S4B,SZN N ARDEIDAE

Caprimulgus vociferus Whip-poor-will G5 S4B,SZN N CAPRIMULGIDAE

Cardinalis cardinalis Northern Cardinal G5 S5 N CARDINALIDAE

Carduelis pinus Pine Siskin G5 S5B,SZN N FRINGILLIDAE

Carduelis tristis American Goldfinch G5 S5B,SZN N FRINGILLIDAE

Carpodacus mexicanus House Finch G5 SE N FRINGILLIDAE

Carpodacus purpureus Purple Finch G5 S5B,SZN N FRINGILLIDAE

Cathartes aura Turkey Vulture G5 S4B,SZN N CATHARTIDAE

Catharus fuscescens Veery G5 S4B,SZN N TURDIDAE

Catharus guttatus Hermit Thrush G5 S5B,SZN N TURDIDAE

Catharus ustulatus Swainson's Thrush G5 S5B,SZN N TURDIDAE

Certhia americana Brown Creeper G5 S5B,SZN N CERTHIIDAE

21 Species list from Bird Studies Canada, Breeding Bird Atlas data 08/02/2007 22 Status based on NHIC data 22/02/2007



Scientific Name Common Name GRANK SRANK COSEWIC MNR TRACK FAMILY

Ceryle alcyon Belted Kingfisher G5 S5B,SZN N ALCEDINIDAE

Chaetura pelagica Chimney Swift G5 S5B,SZN N APODIDAE

Charadrius vociferus Killdeer G5 S5B,SZN N CHARADRIIDAE

Chordeiles minor Common Nighthawk G5 S4B,SZN N CAPRIMULGIDAE

Circus cyaneus Northern Harrier G5 S4B,SZN NAR NAR N ACCIPITRIDAE

Cistothorus palustris Marsh Wren G5 S5B,SZN N TROGLODYTIDAE

Cistothorus platensis Sedge Wren G5 S4B,SZN NAR NAR N TROGLODYTIDAE Coccothraustes vespertinus Evening Grosbeak G5 S5B,SZN N FRINGILLIDAE

Coccyzus americanus Yellow-billed Cuckoo G5 S4B,SZN N CUCULIDAE Coccyzus erythropthalmus Black-billed Cuckoo G5 S4B,SZN N CUCULIDAE

Colaptes auratus Northern Flicker G5 S5B,SZN N PICIDAE

Columba livia Rock Dove G5 SE N COLUMBIDAE

Contopus cooperi Olive-sided Flycatcher G4 S5B,SZN N TYRANNIDAE

Contopus virens Eastern Wood-pewee G5 S5B,SZN N TYRANNIDAE Corvus brachyrhynchos American Crow G5 S5B,SZN N CORVIDAE

Corvus corax Common Raven G5 S5 N CORVIDAE

Cyanocitta cristata Blue Jay G5 S5 N CORVIDAE

Cygnus buccinator Trumpeter Swan G4 S2S3 NAR NAR N ANATIDAE Dendroica caerulescens

Black-throated Blue Warbler G5 S5B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Dendroica castanea Bay-breasted Warbler G5 S5B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Dendroica coronata Yellow-rumped Warbler G5 S5B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Dendroica discolor Prairie Warbler G5 S3S4B,SZ

N NAR NAR N PARULIDAE

Dendroica fusca Blackburnian Warbler G5 S5B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Dendroica magnolia Magnolia Warbler G5 S5B,SZN N PARULIDAE Dendroica pensylvanica Chestnut-sided Warbler G5 S5B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Dendroica petechia Yellow Warbler G5 S5B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Dendroica pinus Pine Warbler G5 S5B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Dendroica tigrina Cape May Warbler G5 S5B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Dendroica virens Black-throated Green Warbler G5 S5B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Dolichonyx oryzivorus Bobolink G5 S4B,SZN N ICTERIDAE

Dryocopus pileatus Pileated Woodpecker G5 S4S5 N PICIDAE

Dumetella carolinensis Gray Catbird G5 S5B,SZN N MIMIDAE

Empidonax alnorum Alder Flycatcher G5 S5B,SZN N TYRANNIDAE

Empidonax flaviventris Yellow-bellied Flycatcher G5 S5B,SZN N TYRANNIDAE

Empidonax minimus Least Flycatcher G5 S5B,SZN N TYRANNIDAE

Empidonax traillii Willow Flycatcher G5 S5B,SZN N TYRANNIDAE

Euphagus carolinus Rusty Blackbird G5 S5B,SZN N ICTERIDAE

Falcipennis canadensis Spruce Grouse G5 S5 N PHASIANIDAE

Falco columbarius Merlin G5 S4B,SZN NAR NAR N FALCONIDAE

Falco sparverius American Kestrel G5 S5B,SZN N FALCONIDAE

Fulica americana American Coot G5 S4B,SZN NAR NAR N RALLIDAE

Gallinago gallinago Common Snipe G5 S5B,SZN N SCOLOPACIDAE

Gallinula chloropus Common Moorhen G5 S4B,SZN N RALLIDAE




Gavia immer Common Loon G5 S4B,SZN NAR NAR N GAVIIDAE

Geothlypis trichas Common Yellowthroat G5 S5B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Grus canadensis Sandhill Crane G5 S4B,SZN N GRUIDAE Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle G4 S4B,SZN NAR END-R Y ACCIPITRIDAE

Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow G5 S5B,SZN N HIRUNDINIDAE

Hylocichla mustelina Wood Thrush G5 S5B,SZN N TURDIDAE

Icterus galbula Baltimore Oriole G5 S5B,SZN N ICTERIDAE

Junco hyemalis Dark-eyed Junco G5 S5B,SZN N EMBERIZIDAE

Larus argentatus Herring Gull G5 S5B,SZN N LARIDAE

Lophodytes cucullatus Hooded Merganser G5 S5B,SZN N ANATIDAE

Loxia curvirostra Red Crossbill G5 S5B,SZN N FRINGILLIDAE

Loxia leucoptera White-winged Crossbill G5 S5B,SZN N FRINGILLIDAE

Melanerpes carolinus Red-bellied Woodpecker G5 S4 N PICIDAE Melanerpes erythrocephalus

Red-headed Woodpecker G5 S3B,SZN SC SC Y PICIDAE

Meleagris gallopavo Wild Turkey G5 S4 N PHASIANIDAE

Melospiza georgiana Swamp Sparrow G5 S5B,SZN N EMBERIZIDAE

Melospiza lincolnii Lincoln's Sparrow G5 S5B,SZN N EMBERIZIDAE

Melospiza melodia Song Sparrow G5 S5B,SZN N EMBERIZIDAE

Mergus merganser Common Merganser G5 S5B,SZN N ANATIDAE

Mimus polyglottos Northern Mockingbird G5 S4B,SZN N MIMIDAE

Mniotilta varia Black-and-white Warbler G5 S5B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Molothrus ater Brown-headed Cowbird G5 S5B,SZN N ICTERIDAE

Myiarchus crinitus Great Crested Flycatcher G5 S5B,SZN N TYRANNIDAE

Oporornis philadelphia Mourning Warbler G5 S5B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Otus asio Eastern Screech-owl G5 S5 NAR NAR N STRIGIDAE

Pandion haliaetus Osprey G5 S4B,SZN N ACCIPITRIDAE

Parula americana Northern Parula G5 S4B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Passer domesticus House Sparrow G5 SE N PASSERIDAE Passerculus sandwichensis Savannah Sparrow G5 S5B,SZN N EMBERIZIDAE

Passerina cyanea Indigo Bunting G5 S5B,SZN N CARDINALIDAE

Perisoreus canadensis Gray Jay G5 S5 N CORVIDAE Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Cliff Swallow G5 S5B,SZN N HIRUNDINIDAE

Phalacrocorax auritus Double-crested Cormorant G5 S4B,SZN NAR NAR N

PHALACROCORACIDAE

Pheucticus ludovicianus

Rose-breasted Grosbeak G5 S5B,SZN N CARDINALIDAE

Picoides arcticus Black-backed Woodpecker G5 S4 N PICIDAE

Picoides pubescens Downy Woodpecker G5 S5 N PICIDAE

Picoides villosus Hairy Woodpecker G5 S5 N PICIDAE

Pipilo erythrophthalmus Eastern Towhee G5 S4B,SZN N EMBERIZIDAE

Piranga olivacea Scarlet Tanager G5 S5B,SZN N THRAUPIDAE

Podilymbus podiceps Pied-billed Grebe G5 S4B,SZN N PODICIPEDIDAE

Poecile atricapillus Black-capped Chickadee G5 S5 N PARIDAE

Poecile hudsonicus Boreal Chickadee G5 S5 N PARIDAE

Pooecetes gramineus Vesper Sparrow G5 S4B,SZN N EMBERIZIDAE




Porzana carolina Sora G5 S4B,SZN N RALLIDAE

Quiscalus quiscula Common Grackle G5 S5B,SZN N ICTERIDAE

Rallus limicola Virginia Rail G5 S4B,SZN N RALLIDAE

Regulus calendula Ruby-crowned Kinglet G5 S5B,SZN N REGULIDAE

Regulus satrapa Golden-crowned Kinglet G5 S5B,SZN N REGULIDAE

Riparia riparia Bank Swallow G5 S5B,SZN N HIRUNDINIDAE

Sayornis phoebe Eastern Phoebe G5 S5B,SZN N TYRANNIDAE

Scolopax minor American Woodcock G5 S5B,SZN N SCOLOPACIDAE

Seiurus aurocapillus Ovenbird G5 S5B,SZN N PARULIDAE Seiurus noveboracensis Northern Waterthrush G5 S5B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Setophaga ruticilla American Redstart G5 S5B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Sialia sialis Eastern Bluebird G5 S4S5B,SZ

N NAR NAR N TURDIDAE

Sitta canadensis Red-breasted Nuthatch G5 S5B,SZN N SITTIDAE

Sitta carolinensis White-breasted Nuthatch G5 S5 N SITTIDAE

Sphyrapicus varius Yellow-bellied Sapsucker G5 S5B,SZN N PICIDAE

Spizella pallida Clay-colored Sparrow G5 S4B,SZN N EMBERIZIDAE

Spizella passerina Chipping Sparrow G5 S5B,SZN N EMBERIZIDAE

Spizella pusilla Field Sparrow G5 S5B,SZN N EMBERIZIDAE Stelgidopteryx serripennis

Northern Rough-winged Swallow G5 S5B,SZN N HIRUNDINIDAE

Sterna hirundo Common Tern G5 S4B,SZN NAR NAR N LARIDAE

Strix varia Barred Owl G5 S4S5 N STRIGIDAE

Sturnella magna Eastern Meadowlark G5 S5B,SZN N ICTERIDAE

Sturnus vulgaris European Starling G5 SE N STURNIDAE

Tachycineta bicolor Tree Swallow G5 S5B,SZN N HIRUNDINIDAE

Toxostoma rufum Brown Thrasher G5 S5B,SZN N MIMIDAE

Troglodytes aedon House Wren G5 S5B,SZN N TROGLODYTIDAE

Troglodytes troglodytes Winter Wren G5 S5B,SZN N TROGLODYTIDAE

Turdus migratorius American Robin G5 S5B,SZN N TURDIDAE

Tyrannus tyrannus Eastern Kingbird G5 S5B,SZN N TYRANNIDAE

Vermivora chrysoptera Golden-winged Warbler G4 S4B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Vermivora peregrina Tennessee Warbler G5 S5B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Vermivora pinus Blue-winged Warbler G5 S4B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Vermivora ruficapilla Nashville Warbler G5 S5B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Vireo flavifrons Yellow-throated Vireo G5 S4B,SZN N VIREONIDAE

Vireo gilvus Warbling Vireo G5 S5B,SZN N VIREONIDAE

Vireo olivaceus Red-eyed Vireo G5 S5B,SZN N VIREONIDAE

Vireo philadelphicus Philadelphia Vireo G5 S5B,SZN N VIREONIDAE

Vireo solitarius Blue-headed Vireo G5 S5B,SZN N VIREONIDAE

Wilsonia canadensis Canada Warbler G5 S5B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Wilsonia citrina Hooded Warbler G5 S3B,SZN THR THR Y PARULIDAE

Wilsonia pusilla Wilson's Warbler G5 S5B,SZN N PARULIDAE

Zenaida macroura Mourning Dove G5 S5B,SZN N COLUMBIDAE

Zonotrichia albicollis White-throated Sparrow G5 S5B,SZN N EMBERIZIDAE



Scientific Name Common Name GRANK SRANK COSEWIC MNR TRACK FAMILY V. pinus/chrysoptera Blue/Golden-winged

Warbler

Vermivora chrysoptera x V. pinus

Brewster's Warbler

Coccyzus sp. Black/Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Anas platyrhynchos x A. rubripes

Mallard x Am. Black Duck Hybrid

APPENDIX B: HALIBURTON HERPETOFAUNA



Haliburton Herpetofauna23 & 24 Scientific Name Common Name GRANK SRANK COSEWIC MNR TRACK FAMILY Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens Red-spotted Newt G5T5 S5 N SALAMANDRIDAE

Ambystoma laterale Blue-spotted Salamander G5 S4 N AMBYSTOMATIDAE

Ambystoma maculatum Spotted Salamander G5 S4 N AMBYSTOMATIDAE

Eurycea bislineata Northern Two-lined Salamander G5 S4 N PLETHODONTIDAE

Hemidactylium scutatum Four-toed Salamander G5 S4 NAR NAR N PLETHODONTIDAE

Plethodon cinereus Eastern Red-backed Salamander G5 S5 N PLETHODONTIDAE

Bufo americanus American Toad G5 S5 N BUFONIDAE

Pseudacris crucifer Spring Peeper G5 S5 N HYLIDAE

Hyla versicolor Gray Treefrog G5 S5 N HYLIDAE

Pseudacris triseriata Western Chorus Frog G5 S4 NAR NAR N HYLIDAE

Rana sylvatica Wood Frog G5 S5 N RANIDAE

Rana pipiens Northern Leopard Frog G5 S5 NAR NAR N RANIDAE

Rana palustris Pickerel Frog G5 S4 NAR NAR N RANIDAE

Rana clamitans Green Frog G5 S5 N RANIDAE

Rana septentrionalis Mink Frog G5 S5 N RANIDAE

Rana catesbeiana American Bullfrog G5 S4 N RANIDAE

Chelydra serpentina Snapping Turtle G5 S5 N CHELYDRIDAE Chrysemys picta marginata Midland Painted Turtle G5T5 S5 N EMYDIDAE

Emydoidea blandingii Blanding's Turtle G4 S3 THR THR Y EMYDIDAE

Clemmys guttata Spotted Turtle G5 S3 END END Y EMYDIDAE

Eumeces fasciatus Five-lined Skink G5 S3 SC SC Y SCINCIDAE Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis Eastern Gartersnake G5T? S5 N COLUBRIDAE

Thamnophis sauritus Eastern Ribbonsnake G5 S3 SC SC Y COLUBRIDAE Nerodia sipedon sipedon Northern Watersnake G5T5 S5 NAR NAR N COLUBRIDAE Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata

Northern Red-bellied Snake G5T5 S5 N COLUBRIDAE

Storeria dekayi Dekay's Brownsnake G5 S5 NAR NAR N COLUBRIDAE

Opheodrys vernalis Smooth Greensnake G5 S4 N COLUBRIDAE

Diadophis punctatus Ring-necked Snake G5 S4 N COLUBRIDAE

Heterodon platirhinos Eastern Hog-nosed Snake G5 S3 THR THR Y COLUBRIDAE

Lampropeltis triangulum Milksnake G5 S3 SC SC Y COLUBRIDAE

Glyptemys insculpta Wood Turtle G4 S2 SC END Y EMYDIDAE

Sternotherus odoratus Stinkpot G5 S3 THR THR Y KINOSTERNIDAE

23 Species list from M. Oldham NHIC Ontario Herpetofaunal Summary Atlas, 08/02/2007 24 Status based on NHIC data 22/02/2007

APPENDIX C: HALIBURTON MAMMALS



Haliburton Mammals25 & 26 Scientific Name Common Name GRANK SRANK COSEWIC MNR TRACK FAMILY

Castor canadensis Beaver G5 S5 N CASTORIDAE

Eptesicus fuscus Big Brown Bat G5 S5 N VESPERTILIONIDAE

Ursus americanus Black Bear G5 S5 NAR NAR N URSIDAE

Lynx canadensis Lynx G5 S5 NAR NAR N FELIDAE

Sorex cinereus Masked Shrew G5 S5 N SORICIDAE

Felis concolor Mountain Lion G5 S2S3? Y FELIDAE

Canis latrans Coyote G5 S5 N CANIDAE Peromyscus maniculatus Deer Mouse G5 S5 N MURIDAE

Tamias striatus Eastern Chipmunk G5 S5 N SCIURIDAE

Sylvilagus floridanus Eastern Cottontail G5 S5 N LEPORIDAE

Pipistrellus subflavus Eastern Pipistrelle G5 S3? Y VESPERTILIONIDAE

Myotis leibii Small-footed Bat G3 S2S3 Y VESPERTILIONIDAE

Mustela erminea Ermine G5 S5 N MUSTELIDAE

Martes pennanti Fisher G5 S5 N MUSTELIDAE

Sciurus carolinensis Grey Squirrel G5 S5 N SCIURIDAE



Canis lupus Gray Wolf G4 S4 N CANIDAE

Parascalops breweri Hairy-tailed Mole G5 S4 N TALPIDAE

Lasiurus cinereus Hoary Bat G5 S4 N VESPERTILIONIDAE

Mus musculus House Mouse G5 SE N MURIDAE

Tamias minimus Least Chipmunk G5 S5 N SCIURIDAE

Mustela nivalis Least Weasel G5 SU Y MUSTELIDAE

Myotis lucifugus Little Brown Bat G5 S5 N VESPERTILIONIDAE

Mustela frenata Long-tailed Weasel G5 S4 N MUSTELIDAE

Martes americana Marten G5 S5 N MUSTELIDAE

Zapus hudsonius Meadow Jumping Mouse G5 S5 N DIPODIDAE Microtus pennsylvanicus Meadow Vole G5 S5 N MURIDAE

Mustela vison Mink G5 S5 N MUSTELIDAE

Alces alces Moose G5 S5 N CERVIDAE

Ondatra zibethicus Muskrat G5 S5 N MURIDAE

Glaucomys sabrinus Northern Flying Squirrel G5 S5 N SCIURIDAE

Myotis septentrionalis Northern Long-eared Bat G4 S3? Y VESPERTILIONIDAE

Blarina brevicauda Northern Short-tailed Shrew G5 S5 N SORICIDAE

Rattus norvegicus Norway Rat G5 SE N MURIDAE

Erethizon dorsatum Porcupine G5 S5 N ERETHIZONTIDAE

Sorex hoyi Pygmy Shrew G5 S4 N SORICIDAE

Procyon lotor Raccoon G5 S5 N PROCYONIDAE

25Source Atlas of the Mammals of Ontario Database, Federation of Ontario Naturalists, Provided by S. Dodsworth, NHIC 08/02/2007 26 Status based on NHIC data 22/02/2007




Vulpes vulpes Red Fox G5 S5 N CANIDAE Tamiasciurus hudsonicus Red Squirrel G5 S5 N SCIURIDAE

Lutra canadensis River Otter G5 S5 N MUSTELIDAE

Microtus chrotorrhinus Rock Vole G4 S3S4 N MURIDAE Lasionycteris noctivagans Silver-haired Bat G5 S4 N VESPERTILIONIDAE

Sorex fumeus Smoky Shrew G5 S5 N SORICIDAE

Lepus americanus Snowshoe Hare G5 S5 N LEPORIDAE

Synaptomys cooperi Southern Bog Lemming G5 S4 N MURIDAE

Glaucomys volans Southern Flying Squirrel G5 S3 SC SC Y SCIURIDAE

Clethrionomys gapperi Southern Red-backed Vole G5 S5 N MURIDAE

Condylura cristata Star-nosed Mole G5 S5 N TALPIDAE

Mephitis mephitis Striped Skunk G5 S5 N MEPHITIDAE

Didelphis virginiana Virginia Opossum G5 S4 N DIDELPHIDAE

Cervus elaphus Wapiti G5 SX N CERVIDAE

Sorex palustris Water Shrew G5 S5 N SORICIDAE

Peromyscus leucopus White-footed Mouse G5 S5 N MURIDAE

Odocoileus virginianus White-tailed Deer G5 S5 N CERVIDAE

Marmota monax Woodchuck G5 S5 N SCIURIDAE

Napaeozapus insignis Woodland Jumping Mouse G5 S5 N DIPODIDAE

APPENDIX D: HALIBURTON RARE SPECIES



Haliburton Rare Species Scientific Name Common Name SRANK GRANK MNR

Vascular Plants

Callitriche heterophylla Large Water-starwort S2? G5

Carex folliculata Long Sedge S3 G4G5

Carex haydenii Cloud Sedge S3 G5

Carex novae-angliae New England Sedge S3 G5

Carex trisperma var. billingsii A Sedge S2S3 G5T?

Ceratophyllum echinatum Prickly Hornwort S3 G4?

Gnaphalium sylvaticum Woodland Cudweed S3? G5

Isoetes engelmannii Engelmann's Quillwort S1 G4 END

Juncus militaris Bayonet Rush S3S4 G4

Listera auriculata Auricled Twayblade S3 G3

Monarda didyma Bee-balm S3 G5

Panax quinquefolius American Ginseng S2 G3G4 END

Platanthera macrophylla Goldie's Round-leaved Orchid S2 G5?T4

Polygonum careyi Carey's Smartweed S3S4 G4

Potamogeton bicupulatus Snail-seed Pondweed S3S4 G4?

Potamogeton confervoides Algae-like Pondweed S2 G4

Rhexia virginica Virginia Meadow-beauty S3S4 G5

Subularia aquatica Water Awlwort S3? G5

Utricularia geminiscapa Hidden-fruited Bladderwort S3 G4G5

Xyris difformis Carolina Yellow-eyed-grass S3? G5

Non-vascular Plants

Sphagnum lescurii A Moss S1 G5

Birds

Buteo lineatus Red-shouldered Hawk S4B,SZN G5 SC27

Falco peregrinus anatum Peregrine Falcon S2S3B,SZN G4T3 END-R

Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead Shrike S2B,SZN G4 END-R

Mammals

Glaucomys volans Southern Flying Squirrel S3 G5 SC

Myotis septentrionalis Northern Long-eared Bat S3? G4

Pipistrellus subflavus Eastern Pipistrelle S3? G5

Reptiles

Clemmys guttata Spotted Turtle S3 G5 SC

Emydoidea blandingii Blanding's Turtle S3 G4 THR

Eumeces fasciatus Five-lined Skink S3 G5 SC

Glyptemys insculpta Wood Turtle S2 G4 END

Heterodon platirhinos Eastern Hog-nosed Snake S3 G5 THR

27 Recently de-listed.



Scientific Name Common Name SRANK GRANK MNR

Lampropeltis triangulum Milksnake S3 G5 SC

Sternotherus odoratus Stinkpot (Musk Turtle) S3 G5 THR

Thamnophis sauritus Eastern Ribbonsnake S3 G5 SC

Butterflies

Amblyscirtes hegon Pepper and Salt Skipper S3? G5

Dragonflies and Damselflies

Aeshna clepsydra Mottled Darner S3 G4

Coenagrion interrogatum Subarctic Bluet S4 G5

Enallagma aspersum Azure Bluet S3 G5

Gomphus adelphus Moustached Clubtail S3 G4

Gomphus borealis Beaverpond Clubtail S2 G4

Gomphus descriptus Harpoon Clubtail S3 G4

Nasiaeschna pentacantha Cyrano Darner S3 G5

Somatochlora cingulata Lake Emerald S2S3 G5

Somatochlora elongata Ski-tailed Emerald S3? G5

Somatochlora kennedyi Kennedy's Emerald S3 G5

Somatochlora minor Ocellated Emerald S3 G5

Somatochlora walshii Brush-tipped Emerald S3 G5

Somatochlora williamsoni Williamson's Emerald S3 G5

Stylogomphus albistylus Least Clubtail S3 G5

Williamsonia fletcheri Ebony Boghaunter S2 G3G4

Snails

Vertigo elatior Tapered Vertigo S2S3 G?

APPENDIX E: SPECIES RANKING AND STATUS DESCRIPTIONS



Species Ranking and Status Descriptions28 GRank (Global Rank): The overall status of a species or ecological community is regarded as its "global" status; this range-wide assessment of condition is referred to as its global conservation status rank (GRank). Global conservation status assessments are generally carried out by NatureServe scientists with input from relevant natural heritage member programs (such as the NHIC in Ontario) and experts on particular taxonomic groups, and are based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative information. The factors considered in assessing conservation status include the total number and condition of occurrences; population size; range extent and area of occupancy; short- and long-term trends in these previous factors; scope, severity, and immediacy of threats, number of protected and managed occurrences, intrinsic vulnerability and environmental specificity.

Ranking Definition G1, Critically Imperilled At very high risk of extinction due to extreme rarity (often 5 or

fewer populations), very steep declines, or other factors.

G2, Imperilled At high risk of extinction due to a very restricted range, very few populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors.

G3, Vulnerable At moderate risk of extinction due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors.

G4, Apparently Secure Uncommon but not rare; some cause for long-term concern due to declines or other factors.

G5, Secure Common; widespread and abundant.

GH Possibly Extinct (species)- missing; known from only historical occurrences but still some hope of rediscovery or Presumed Eliminated (historic, ecological communities)- Presumed eliminated throughout its range, with no or virtually no likelihood that it will be rediscovered but with the potential for restoration.

GX Presumed extinct (species)- not located despite intensive searches and virtually no likelihood of rediscovery or Eliminated (ecological communities) - Eliminated throughout its range, with no restoration potential due to extinction of dominant or characteristic species.

GU Unrankable, currently unrankable due to lack of information or due to substantially conflicting information about status or trends. Whenever possible, the most likely range is assigned and the question mark qualifier is added (e.g., G2?) to express uncertainty, or a range rank (e.g., G2G3) is used to delineate the limits (range) or uncertainty.

28 This information was taken directly from the Glossary of Terms in the following document: Henson, B.L., K.E. Brodribb and J.L Riley. 2005 Great Lakes Conservation Blueprint for Terrestrial Biodiversity. Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Natural Heritage Information Centre. Queen’s Printer for Canada.



? Denotes inexact numeric rank (i.e., G4?).

G? Unranked, or, if following a ranking, rank tentatively assigned

(e.g.,G3?).

Q Questionable taxonomy- taxonomic distinctiveness of this entity at the current level is questionable.

T Denotes that the rank applies to a subspecies or variety.

SRank (Provincial Rank): Provincial (or Subnational) ranks are used by the Ontario Natural Heritage Information Centre to set conservation priorities for rare species and vegetation communities. These ranks are not legal designations. Provincial ranks are assigned in a manner similar to that described for global ranks, but consider only those factors within the political boundaries of Ontario. Comparison of global and provincial ranks, gives an indication of the status and rarity of an element in Ontario in relation to its overall conservation status, therefore providing insight into the urgency of conservation action for it in the province. The NHIC evaluates provincial ranks on a continuous basis and produces updated lists annually.

Ranking Description S1 Extremely rare in Ontario; usually 5 or fewer occurrences in the

province or very few remaining individuals; often especially vulnerable to extirpation.

S2 Very rare in Ontario; usually between 6 and 20 occurrences in the province or with many individuals in fewer occurrences; often susceptible to extirpation.

S3 Rare to uncommon in Ontario; usually between 21 and 100 occurrences in the province; may have fewer occurrences, but with a large number of individuals in some populations; may be susceptible to large-scale disturbances.

S4 Common and apparently secure in Ontario; usually with more than 100 occurrences in the province.

S5 Very common and demonstrably secure in Ontario.

SH Historically known from Ontario, but not verified recently (typically not recorded in the province in the last 20 years); however suitable habitat is thought to be still present in the province and there is reasonable expectation that the species may be rediscovered.

C Captive/Cultivated; existing in the province only in a cultivated state; introduced population not yet fully established and self-sustaining.



S? Not ranked yet, or if following a ranking, rank uncertain (e.g., S3?). S? species have not had a numerical rank assigned.

SA Accidental; of accidental or casual occurrence in the province; far outside its normal range; some accidental species may occasionally breed in the province.

SAB Breeding accidental.

SAN Non-breeding accidental.

SE Exotic; not believed to be a native component of Ontario's flora or fauna.

SR Reported for Ontario, but without persuasive documentation which would provide a basis for either accepting or rejecting the report.

SRF Reported falsely from Ontario.

SU Unrankable, often because of low search effort or cryptic nature of the species, there is insufficient information available to assign a more accurate rank; more data is needed.

SX Apparently extirpated from Ontario, with little likelihood of rediscovery. Typically not seen in the province for many decades, despite searches at known historic sites.

SZ Not of practical conservation concern inasmuch as there are no clearly definable occurrences; applies to long distance migrants, winter vagrants, and eruptive species, which are too transitory and/or dispersed in their occurrence(s) to be reliably mapped; most such species are non-breeders, however, some may occasionally breed.

SZB Breeding migrants/vagrants.

SZN Non-breeding migrants/vagrants.

COSEWIC, Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada is a national committee of experts that assesses and designates which wild species are in danger of disappearing from Canada. COSEWIC assigns the following status to species:

Status Description EXT, Extinct A species that no longer exists.

EXP, Extirpated A species no longer existing in the wild in Canada but occurs

elsewhere.

END, Endangered A species facing imminent extirpation or extinction.



THR, Threatened A species likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not

reversed.

SC, Special Concern A wildlife species that may become a threatened or an endangered species because of a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats.

NAR, Not At Risk A species that has been evaluated and found to be not at risk of extinction given the current circumstances.

DD, Data Deficient A species for which there is inadequate information to make a direct.

SARO, Species At Risk in Ontario List is a list issued by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources' Species at Risk Section. These status designations apply to the provincial level, and are used in the application of Ontario's legislation and policy for the protection of species at risk and their habitat. Ontario status designations are the product of complementary review and assessment processes implemented at national and provincial levels. The provincial review process is implemented by the OMNR's Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO), which includes non - OMNR representation.

Status Description EXT, Extinct A species that no longer exists anywhere.

EXP, Extirpated A species that no longer exists in the wild in Ontario but still occurs

elsewhere.

END-R, Endangered (Regulated)

A species facing imminent extinction or extirpation in Ontario which has been regulated under Ontario's Endangered Species Act (ESA).

END, Endangered (Not Regulated)

A species facing imminent extinction or extirpation in Ontario which is a candidate for regulation under Ontario's ESA.

THR, Threatened A species that is at risk of becoming endangered in Ontario if limiting factors are not reversed.

SC, Special Concern A species with characteristics that make it sensitive to human activities or natural events (formerly Vulnerable).

NAR, Not at Risk A species that has been evaluated and found to be not at risk (formerly Not In Any Category).

DD, Data Deficient A species for which there is insufficient information for a provincial status recommendation (formerly Indeterminate).

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