Sandbanks Draft Veg Mgmt Plan - Ontario Parks

IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE B – Plantation Renaturalization Plan
Background and Site Description
The West Lake Dunes were naturally forested until around 1850. Timber cutting and cattle
grazing concentrated in the late 1800s destabilized the dunes and caused their migration
inland. Some large cedar skeletons in the northwest portion of the plantation remain as
evidence of this history. The area originally known as Sandbanks Provincial Park was
established as a forestry station in 1921. Reforestation of the eastern portion of this sector
from the 1930s to the 1960s prevented further migration of the dunes, but the unforested
parts of the dunes remain active. The core plantation area covers approximately 80
hectares, with 25% of that south of the road in the Richardson Campground area. This plan
refers specifically to the plantation in the natural environment zone on the north side of the
road.
The entire plantation area is extremely patchy. Most of the area was planted in Scots Pine,
with scattered individuals or patches of Jack Pine, Mugho Pine, Eastern White Pine,
European Larch, Red Pine, Norway Spruce, and Black Locust. Large Cottonwoods are also
present throughout, although it is not clear if these were planted. Some areas appear older
than others, spacings vary, and the condition and size of the trees is very variable. The
largest Scots Pines are approximately 20 – 29 cm diameter at breast height (dbh), although
most trees are less than 15 cm dbh. In some sections where the Scots Pine have done well
and are quite tall (> 10 m height), they are surprisingly straight and are perhaps marketable
(although there is very low volume present). Most Scots Pine are unhealthy due to a
number of factors including poor site quality, Pine Shoot Beetle, and Sirex Wood Wasp.
Some Black Locust also appear unhealthy.
Similarly, the understorey and ground cover are variable: in sections of dense pine, there is
almost no understorey or ground layer of vegetation. In more patchy or open areas, young
Scots Pine, White Pine, willows, Eastern White Cedar, Chokecherry, and White Birch have
established to a limited extent. In the most open areas, aggressive pioneer species
dominate.
Deciduous species are moving into the edges of the plantation. In particular, the west side
of the plantation is quite diverse and a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs are present.
This area does not require active restoration.
The entire site is ecologically fragile: the substrate is almost pure sand with a thin layer of
organic material that is mainly composed of pine needles; many areas are diseased; and
invasive or aggressive species other than Scots Pine are scattered throughout.
Fire is a concern at this site. The increasing volume of standing dead timber and downed
woody debris, as well as the extremely dry conditions, make the site vulnerable to fire.
Unlike other types of areas requiring restoration in southern Ontario, fire will not enhance
this site – it will destroy the very thin layer of soil and duff present and create open
conditions too quickly to allow for renaturalization.
The area is of unknown value to wildlife. The dense conifer areas likely provide winter cover
to deer and other species. At least one canid den has been found in the plantation. Forest
Bird Monitoring has not revealed any notable species and bird species diversity is relatively
low. Hawks (Sharp-shinned, Coopers) have occasionally nested in the plantation in the
past, and Wild Turkeys are often seen.
Sandbanks Vegetation Management Plan A-2
Ontario Parks, SE Zone
2009