Ecological integrity in Ontario’s provincial parks and conservation reserves: A discussion paper

Description of policy

The Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act (2006) (PPCRA) identifies that one of the objectives for provincial parks and conservation reserves is to permanently protect representative ecosystems, biodiversity and provincially significant elements of Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage and to manage those areas to ensure that ecological integrity is maintained. The PPCRA also states that the maintenance of ecological integrity shall be the first priority and the restoration of ecological integrity shall be considered in all aspects of the planning and management of Ontario’s system of provincial parks and conservation reserves.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) recognizes the need to develop a strategic framework that guides ecological integrity work in Ontario’s provincial parks and conservation reserves. The release of this discussion paper, Ecological Integrity in Ontario’s Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves: A Discussion Paper is one of the first steps in developing this strategic framework. Consultation on this discussion paper is intended to stimulate ideas and feedback that will help inform government on future actions that could be included within an Ecological Integrity Strategic Framework and Action Plan for Ontario’s Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves.

Purpose of policy

MNRF is releasing this discussion paper to help engage Indigenous communities, stakeholders and the public in a dialogue about:

• approaches to maintaining and restoring ecological integrity in Ontario’s provincial parks and conservation reserves,
• challenges to maintaining and restoring the ecological integrity of provincial parks and conservation reserves;
• opportunities that may exist to address these challenges, and
• development of an Ecological Integrity Strategic Framework and Action Plan for Ontario’s provincial parks and conservation reserves.

Other information

To view the discussion paper click on provided link.

The discussion paper is written in a workbook style, with questions embedded throughout. While feedback on any aspect of the discussion paper is welcome, the questions included in the paper are intended to help guide comments and allow a wide range of audiences to provide feedback to inform the development of an Ecological Integrity Framework and Action Plan for Ontario’s provincial parks and conservation reserves. Once a draft strategy is developed, there will be additional opportunities to provide feedback.

In conjunction with this Environmental Registry posting, a short online survey has been set up as a way to provide input on the questions included in the discussion paper. The survey can be found at the following link.

The following web links provide additional (or supporting) information:

Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006

State of Ontario’s Protected Areas Report (2011)

Ontario’s Protected Areas Planning Manual

Public consultation

This proposal was posted for a 90 day public review and comment period starting October 26, 2017. Comments were to be received by May 8, 2018.

All comments received during the comment period are being considered as part of the decision-making process by the Ministry.

Please Note: All comments and submissions received have become part of the public record.

Other public consultation opportunities

Additional opportunities for engagement with key stakeholders and Indigenous communities will be undertaken throughout the 90 day posting period.