Vegetation of the Long Point region historically included large areas of pine and oak dominated forests as well as oak savanna. These vegetation associations are distinct from most others in southern Ontario, and may have developed originally because of the environmental influence of the dry soils of the Norfolk sand plain (Szeicz and MacDonald, 1991). Mere remnants of these native forests and savanna exist in isolated areas (Gartshore et al., 1987).

Climate and Geologic Processes

The climate and geologic processes associated with glaciation and glacial retreat provided a changing environment for the development of the forests and other flora and fauna of Long Point and other parts of southern Ontario. Retreat of glacial ice, formation of glacial features upon the land, and drainage of glacial lakes opened up vast areas for colonization and development, allowing the immigration of plants and animals, including humans, into southern Ontario. These processes have influenced the formation of the land cover and resulted in the present character and distribution of the forests of the Long Point region. These processes illustrate natural changes that occur over long periods of time (Table 1).

Table 7.1 The Geological and Biological Environment of the Long Point Region Since Glaciation (Compiled from Karrow and Warner, 1990 in Beazley and Nelson, 1993)

Years B.P. (Before Present)	Glacial Period	Biological Environment/Vegetation
20,000-17,000	Nisouri Slade (southern limit of ice advance)	`
16,500-15,500 15,00-14,500	Erie Interstade Port Bruce Stade (ice Readvance, most S. Ont. glacial features formed)	dwarf shrub and herbaceous taxa (Arctic)with small growves of spruce
14,000-13,000	MacKinaw Interstade	sparse vegetation; rapid environmental chane and biotic colonization (open dwarf shrub meadows; wetland boreal and temperate plants; pond aquatic communities)
13,000-12,000	Port Huron Stade (Lake Whittlesey;surface glacial features formed; Norfolk sand plain)	closed black and white spruce forest (regional) with beach and dune communities(mastodons browsed on forest vegetation around wetland abandoned lake plains)
12,000-10,500	Lake Iroquois and Lake Algonquin	Mastodon and definite evidence of humans
10,500-10,000 10,000	Drainage of Lake Algonquin Nipissing Phase (isostatic effects)	significant effect on flora and fauna jack/red pine dominant (open pine forest with poplar, birch, oak esp. uplands and sandy lake beds; lowland-eastern white cedar, tamarack)
9000	erosion/weathering	white pine with elm and ash
9000-7500	`	mixed deciduous-coniferous: oak, elm, maple, ash, ironwood
8000-7500	`	decidous :hemlock appears
7500	`	hickory, basswood, walnut appear
6500	`	beech appears
5000	`	drop in hemlock quantities
600 200	`	disturbance :herbs, grasses, corn (First Nations agricultural use); ragweed, European weeds (Euro-American settlers)

Early Forest History

Some debate has occurred about the impact of indigenous peoples on forests. The debate centres around the idea that oak and grassland areas, or oak savannas, originated and were maintained by fires caused by humans. These fires were presumably set to drive game and provide grazing habitat for white-tailed deer, or to clear land for agricultural fields. Szeicz and MacDonald (1991) used survey notes, soil data and other evidence to prepare a pre-European vegetation map of the greater Long Point area (Figure 2). They concluded that the existence of oak savanna was not caused by the use of the land by early indigenous peoples. In examining archaeological and fossil pollen records they concluded that the origin of savanna in the Long Point area coincided with a period of climate change and not with causes such as agricultural practices by indigenous peoples. They further justified their conclusion by linking the historical location of savanna with the most well-drained and drier soils of the area, again supporting natural as opposed to human influences on savanna development.

Lumbering, Clearing for Agriculture, and Modern Settlement

In 1784, a tract of land was purchased by the British Crown from the Mississauga Indians, including the Long Point region (Dept. of Lands and Forests, 1963). Between 1791 and 1812, over 3000 immigrants took up land in the Long Point area. This was the beginning of a period of intense human impact in the area around Long Point, through lumbering, repeated wildfire after logging, clearing for agriculture and grazing of livestock in the forests, plains, and marshes (Heffernan, 1978).

The most wide-ranging change in vegetation occurred between the time of early Euro-American settlement, beginning about 1792, and the late 1800's. During this time the forest cover was removed through lumbering, clearing for agricultural fields, and burning for charcoal for the Normandale iron-making furnace. By 1900, only about 11 per cent of the forest cover was estimated to be left (Table 2). Forest cover has remained more or less stable since then, with some overall gain mainly attributed to reforestation and natural succession on abandoned farmland.

Much of the remaining forest cover is in ravines or areas of rugged topography, wet areas such as swamps, and other areas not easy to access for logging nor suitable for cultivated fields. Some forested areas remain at the backs of farms, consisting mainly of woodlots for purposes such as providing fuelwood, and on lands being conserved through public and private stewardship. Although the resource uses occurring in the wooded areas are not well known, many of these remaining wooded areas apparently have been recently grazed, retarding growth of the ground layer and forest succession. in 1989 the forest cover represented about 18 per cent of the land area (RMHN, 1989) (Table 2).

,A name="Table 7.2">Table 7.2 Remaining Woodland in Per Cent in Big Creek Region (Estimated from Census of Canada figures, 1851-1901, 1901-1951, and from Field Surveys, 1953-1963) (from Beazley and Nelson, 1993)

Planning for Natural Areas

The remaining forests and some marsh and savanna areas have been recognized as the basis for a natural areas system or "green framework" for the Long Point region. Planning for the conservation, enhancement and sustainable use of these natural areas requires that they be described in terms of their species composition, age, and other physical or natural characteristics. This identification and description allows for recognition of natural areas that can be seen as more important than others for their uniqueness, their representation of historic forests, or for other reasons (Beazley, 1993; Beazley and Nelson, 1993).

Fifty-six natural areas and sites are considered to be significant for conservation and sustainable use purposes (Figure 3).

Figure 7.3 Significant Natural Areas (SNA), Significant Sites (SS), and Carolinian Canada Sites (CC). (Compiled from Gartshore et al. 1987 and Allen et al. 1990 in Beazley and Nelson, 1993)

They provide for protection of species, tree cover, flood control, wildlife habitat and other social and ecological benefits to varying degrees. It is risky and difficult to identify some of these areas as more important than others for several reasons. Some may offer fewer benefits to humans than others, yet the service or services that they offer may be very important locally or to some people more than others.

All of the areas are part of an interacting system which we do not completely understand. We should therefore be cautious about losing any portion of it. The system itself is a relatively small part of the total land in the study area and for that reason should be protected, enhanced and wisely used in its entirety.

A map of priority areas for planning and management is presented in Figure 4. Six of these are considered to be areas of primary priority and seven of secondary priority. These rankings are based on the need for attention because of potential threats or constraints as well as environmental significance. The rankings may not always be acceptable to some readers who might evaluate or weight the background information so as to arrive at a different list than the one presented here. We recognize this possibility but advance the priority areas for strategic reasons.

Figure 7.4 Natural Areas of Primary and Secondary Prioruty for Planning and Management (labels are: SNA- Significant Natural Area(Gartshore et al, 1987) and CC-Carolinian Canada Site (allem et al, 1990) in Beazley and Nelson, 1993)

The main intent is that the priority list will encourage discussion and the making of judgments about the future of the natural areas in the Long Point region. Many of these natural areas are under increasing land use and other stresses. Planning and management actions are needed if some or all of their valuable services to their owners and to society more generally are not to be reduced or lost. In this regard it should also be pointed out that the natural areas provide the basis for a green framework or regional system of connected natural areas. Some natural areas can provide linkage or corridor functions, facilitating the movement of species and supporting community and landscape diversity and sustainability.

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a possible regional system of natural areas. A major part of this system centres on the Big Creek Valley with Venison Creek, Dedrick's Creek and Deer Creek as key corridors (See Chapter 2, Figure 8). Much forest cover remains in this network of natural areas and river valleys. In studying the foregoing and other possible networks in the Long Point region it is possible to envision reforestation or other restoration of some areas in order to expand and to strengthen the system as a whole.

Opportunities for restoration focus mainly on the corridor or linkage system. Substantial benefit could be provided by restoring some surrounding areas as buffers and enhancing existing areas by removing exotic species and reintroducing native species. Potential areas for restoring connections are identified on Figure 5. This initial identification of areas is again strategic in nature, with the intent that detailed ecological assessments and further discussion will occur before action.

Figure 7.5 Initial Strategic Planning Schematic for Regional Natural Areas System Including Core Natural Areas and Corridors Connecting Them, Primarily along River Valleys (from Beazley and Nelson, 1993)

Further analysis should be conducted to confirm the significance of these areas, the extent and magnitude of stresses, and any changes that may have occurred since the initial inventory and field observations. Risk assessment should be conducted to identify potential negative effects of restoring connections among natural areas, such as the opening up of any areas sensitive to predation, the spread of disease, or invasion of exotic species. Research should also be carried out on land and resource use and possible economic opportunities linked to conservation and restoration activities.

Photo 7.1 Big Creek (Photographed by Karen Beazley)

Landowners of potential restoration areas should also be contacted to discuss the character of the natural areas and potential cooperation for restoration projects with them. Areas of focus for potential restoration occur along Big Creek (Photo 1) and Dedrick's Creek, as well as including other areas providing good potential for connections between natural areas and river valleys. In order to complete the basic framework of the system, important areas for potential restoration in the short term include connections along: Vanessa Swamp (SNA-23) and Big Creek; north and south Big Creek Bend (SNA-2), and along Big Creek; and, south of Backus Woods (SNA-1) to Lake Erie along Dedrick's Creek (Figure 5).

Other areas of interest include connections along Venison Creek and Deer Creek at Big Creek and between Big Creek and Little Otter Creek, through Courtland Swamp headwaters (SNA-4) and along Cranberry Creek. Other opportunities include Turkey Point and Spooky Hollow (SNA-20 and 22) connecting inland to St. Williams Forest, Walsh Carolinian Forest, Pine Grove Forest and Trout Creek Valley (SNA-12, 18, 21, 24), thereby linking the Lake Erie coast with Dedrick's Creek and Big Creek. These areas are in close proximity to each other. Direct connections could be made with relatively small scale restoration. The connection from Big Creek to Little Otter Creek Valley through Courtland Swamp headwaters is significant because it links the Big Creek system to Big Otter Creek. (See Surface Drainage map, Figure 8 Chapter 2 on The Evolution of the Long Point Area) Opportunities for a connected natural areas system in the Big Otter Creek watershed warrant high priority and careful study.

Work Cited

Allen, G. M., P.F. Eagles and Price, S.D. 1990. Conserving Carolinian Canada University of Waterloo Press. Waterloo, Ontario.

Beazley, K.F. 1993. Forested Areas of Long Point: Landscape History and Strategic Planning M.A. Thesis in Geography. Heritage Resources Centre. University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario.

Beazley, K. and Nelson, J.G. 1993. Forested Areas of Long Point Region: Landscape History and Strategic Planning Long Point Environmental Folio Publication Series. (Nelson, J.G. and Lawrence, P.L. eds). Technical Paper 3. Heritage Resources Centre, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario.

Chanasyk, V. 1970. The Haldimand-Norfolk Environmental Appraisal. Vol. 1 Inventory and Analysis Ontario Ministry of Treasury, Economics and Intergovernmental Affairs. Toronto, Ontario.

Chanasyk, V. 1970. The Haldimand-Norfolk Environmental Appraisal. Vol. 2 Synthesis and Recommendations Haldimand-Norfolk Study. Ontario Ministry of Treasury, Economics and Intergovernmental Affairs. Ontario.

Department of Lands and Forests. 1963. Big Creek Valley Conservation Report Conservation Authorities Branch. Toronto, Ontario.

Eagles, P.F.J. and Beechy, T.J. 1985. Critical Unprotected Natural Areas in the Carolinian Life Zone of Canada Final Report. The Identification Subcommittee of Carolinian Canada. The Nature Conservancy of Canada; The Ontario Heritage Foundation; and, World Wildlife Fund Canada. Toronto, Ontario.

Gartshore, M.E., Sutherland, D.A., and McCracken, J.D. 1987. The Natural Areas Inventory of the Regional Municipality of Haldimand-Norfolk. Vol. 1. Natural Areas Norfolk Field Naturalists. Simcoe, Ontario.

Heffernan, S. E. 1978. Long Point Ontario: Land Use, Landscape Change and Planning M.A. Thesis, School of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Waterloo. Waterloo, Ontario.

Karrow, P.F. and Warner, B.G. 1990. "The Geological and Biological Environment For Human Occupation in Southern Ontario" In The Archaeology of Southern Ontario to A.D. 1650 (Ellis, C.J. and Ferris, N. eds). Occasional Publications of the London Chapter, Ontario Archaeological Society, Publication Number 5. London Chapter O.A.S. London, Ontario.

Regional Municipality of Haldimand-Norfolk. 1989. Economic Base Study 1989 Department of Planning and Development. Townsend, Ontario.

Rowe, J.S. 1972. Forest Regions of Canada Dept. of Fisheries and the Environment. Canadian Forestry Service Publication No. 1300. Ottawa, Ontario.

Szeicz, J.M. and MacDonald, G.M. 1991. "Post Glacial History of Oak Savanna in Southern Ontario" Canadian Journal of Botany 69(7): 1507-1519.

Wilcox, S. 1993. The Historical Economies of the Long Point Area Long Point Environmental Folio Publication Series. (Nelson, J.G. and Lawrence, P.L. eds). Working Paper 1. Heritage Resources Centre, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario.

Appendix 7

List of Scientific Names of Tree Species Reported in Text

Common Name	Scientific Name
Maple	Acer sp.
Birch	Betula sp.
Hickory	Carya sp.
Beech	Fagus sp.
Ash	Fraxinus sp.
Walnut	Juglans sp.
Tamarack	Larix sp.
Ironwood	Ostrya sp.
Spruce	Picea sp.
White Spruce	P. glauca
Black Spruce	P. Mariana
Pine	Pinus sp.
Jack Pine	P. banksiana
Red Pine	P. resinosa
White Pine	P. stroba
Poplar	Populus sp.
Oak	Quercus sp.
Eastern White Cedar	Thuja occidentallis
Basswood	Tilia sp.
Hemlock	Tsuga sp.
Elm	Ulmus sp.