The document provides information about the Cave Springs Management Plan stakeholder workshop. It outlines NPCA values, describes the Cave Springs property and classifications, discusses the purpose and objectives of the management plan study, outlines project timelines and tasks, and introduces the project support team and steering committee. The overall goal is to develop a management plan that protects the natural and cultural heritage features of Cave Springs while allowing appropriate public access and recreation.

1. Cave Springs Management Plan
Stakeholder Workshop
June 16, 2015

2. NPCA Values
• A sustainable balance between environmental conservation,
economic growth and agricultural prosperity.
• Clear and respectful communication.
• Integrity, fairness and sensitivity to all impacted by our actions and
decisions.
• Transparency, accountability and quality of services.
• Pragmatic solution oriented approaches to decision making.
• A respectful work environment and professional development.

3. We further value….
Imagination, Creativity, Passion, Risk-taking, Ideas, Boldness, Frankness,
Diversity, Respectful Differences, Personal Responsibility, Vulnerability,
Artistic Expression, Collaboration, Idea-building, Arts and Sciences, The
Beauty of Nature, Dialogue, Action, The Road Less Travelled, Dreamers,
Innovators, Out-of-the-Box Thinking, Optimists, Change, Youthful Energy
and Exuberance, Unabashed Enthusiasm, Wisdom and Experience of Age,
Respectful Disagreements, The World of Possibilities…..

4. About Cave Springs
• 100 acre property situated along the Niagara Escarpment, in the Town
of Lincoln
• The site features spectacular vistas overlooking Lake Ontario, a rich
and unique diversity of plants and habitat, and an exquisite
representation of the Niagara Escarpment’s talus slopes and cliffs
• The cultural folklore and mystique of Cave Springs is as rich as its
natural diversity with stories of buried treasures, German spies,
magical salt springs and a nearby Neutral Indian encampment

5. • The majority of the site includes the provincially significant Beamsville
Escarpment Life Science Area of Natural and Life Science Interest (ANSI)
• The majority of the Cave Springs Conservation Area is designated
Escarpment Natural Area, with a relatively small portion designated as
Escarpment Protection Area (NEP)
• The Cave Springs Conservation Area is classified as a “Nature Reserve”
within NEPOSS
About Cave Springs

6. Parks and Open Space Classifications
Nature Reserve
Nature Reserves represent the most significant and distinctive
natural areas and landforms found along the Niagara Escarpment.
These areas serve to protect selected life science and earth science
ANSI’s. Access to Nature Reserve class parks will not be widely
promoted due to the sensitivity of the features in them.
Natural Environment
Natural Environment lands are characterized by the variety and
combination of outstanding natural heritage features, cultural
heritage features and outstanding landscape. Activities may range
from back-country-hiking to…day use activities in the more
developed or accessible areas.

11. The Niagara Escarpment Plan requires all park and open
space agencies to prepare a management plan for each
park and open space in the NEPOSS.
Each management plan will establish direction for long-
term protection, development and management of the
park or open space that meet the requirements of the
Environmental Assessment Act and are consistent with
the Niagara Escarpment Plan.
Management plans should reflect the predominant
characteristics of the property while protecting natural
heritage features, creating outdoor educational and
recreational opportunities, and providing public access to
the Niagara Escarpment.

12. All management plans for NEPOSS properties
are expected to demonstrate consideration of
the NEPOSS objectives stated below:
1. To protect unique ecological and historical
areas;
2. To provide adequate opportunities for
outdoor education and recreation;
3. To provide adequate public access to the
Niagara Escarpment;
4. To complete a public system of major parks
and open space through additional land
acquisition and park and open space
planning;

13. 5) To secure a route for the Bruce Trail;
6) To maintain and enhance the natural
environment of the Niagara Escarpment;
7) To support tourism by providing
opportunities on public land for discovery and
enjoyment by Ontario’s residents and visitors;
8) To provide a common understanding and
appreciation of the Niagara Escarpment, and
9) To show leadership in supporting and
promoting the principles of the Niagara
Escarpment’s UNESCO World Biosphere
Reserve Designation through sustainable park
planning, ecological management, community
involvement, environmental monitoring,
research and education.”
(NEPOSS Planning Manual, March 2012)

14. Study Purpose and
Objectives:
Purpose
To ensure that the natural and cultural heritage
features of the property are fully and accurately
documented, establishing a baseline by which
the property can be maintained, monitored and
protected.
To determine appropriate levels of human
activity on the property - in ways that minimize
impacts on the natural environment.
To fulfill our responsibilities with respect to the
Niagara Escarpment Plan.

15. Objectives
1. To document the natural and cultural heritage features/attributes of the property.
2. To confirm a park classification as required by the NEPOSS Planning Manual.
3. To identify park and open space zones within the property as required by the NEPOSS
Planning Manual.
4. To determine appropriate types and levels of human activity.

16. Objectives
5. To enhance access to and awareness of the Bruce Trail.
6. To increase awareness of the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve
Designation.
7. To develop a plan for the maintenance, monitoring and protection of sensitive
habitat and ecological features.

17. Project Tasks
1. Research
2. Site Analysis
3. Public Consultation
4. Development of Alternatives
5. Preparation and Submission of a Management Plan
* It is required that NEC review and endorse the plan, and that MNR approve it.

18. Cave Springs Master Plan
Ecological Inventory
• Ecological Land Classification (Vegetative communities)
• Spring Ephemeral Plants
• Old Growth/ Snags
• Reptiles (snakes and turtles)
• Amphibian (frogs, toad, salamanders)
• Large mammals
• Small mammals
• Bird Survey (breeding bird, owls,
crepuscular)
• Bats

19. Cave Springs Master Plan
Cultural Heritage Inventory and Planning Component
Objectives
• Identify the known and potential cultural heritage resources within the
Conservation Area lands (the inventory)
• archaeological sites
• built heritage features
• cultural landscapes
• Identify sound practices for the management and protection of these
resources (the planning)
PROJECT COMPONENTS
• Stage 1 Archaeological Resource Assessment
• Built Heritage and Cultural Landscape Assessment

20.  Background Document Review has included:
 Internal staff, Brock University, GIS mapping, nearby environmental
studies (landfill, quarry and sewage system)
 Field study has included:
 Installation of streambed piezometers
 ~Weekly measurements of surface water flow, groundwater levels, spring
flows, and water quality (pH, temperature, conductivity)
 Collection of general water quality samples from 10+ locations
 Some landowner interviews, including approval to conduct limited
monitoring of their water supplies
Upcoming tasks include: weekly flow/level monitoring, limited
water sampling, fracture /elevation survey, geomorphic
assessment, draft report (interpreting flow and chemical analyses,
drawing geologic cross-sections, making maps) and peer review
WATER RESOURCE ASSESSMENT UPDATE
MAY 1ST, 2015

21. Project Timelines (Known)
• NPCA Board approves development of a Management Plan for Cave Springs (June 2014)
• Ecological Study initiated (September 1, 2014)
• NPCA Board approves Terms of Reference and appoint Co-Chairs (September 2014)
• Recruit committee members and NPCA project support team members (Sept-Dec 2014)
• First Steering Committee meeting (December 2014)
• Public announcement/media release that the project is now underway and that stakeholders and
community members are encouraged to participate in the process (Jan 2015)
• Scope archaeological study (January 2015)
• Initiate cultural heritage study, site condition assessment and ground water study (Jan/Feb 2015)
• Develop project communication tools (Jan/Feb 2015)

22. • First Open House (April 2015)
• Commenting period (March-July 2015)
• Facilitated Workshop (June 2015)
• Completion of Ecological Study and all other studies (August 31, 2015)
• Preparation of Alternatives (September 2015)
• Second Open House (October 2015)
Project Timelines (Known)

23. • Preparation of a detailed Management Plan (November 2015)
• Steering Committee makes recommendation to NPCA Board (December 2015)
• NPCA Board approval (January 2016)
• Management Plan is submitted to Niagara Escarpment Commission for review and
endorsement
• MNR grants final approval (by April 2016)
Project Timelines (Known)

24. NPCA Project Support Team
Kim Frohlich - Ecologist
Piper McKinnon - GIS Analyst
Sarah Mastroianni - Planning Approvals Analyst
Jayme Campbell - Supervisor, Special Projects
Mich Germain - Superintendent, Central
Workshop
Amy Brant - Fish and Wildlife Technician
Tara Metzger - GIS Analyst
Kerry Royer - Community Outreach Coordinator
Deanna Lindblad - Restoration Project Lead
Michael Reles - Communications Specialist
Michael MacIntyre - Superintendent, Long Beach
Bob Hayslip - Park Assistant
Gregg Furtney - Conservation Areas Supervisor
Kevin Vallier – Fundraising and Communications
Mark Brickell - Project Manager

25. External Team Members/Partners
Cultural Heritage Study
• David Robertson, ASI, Senior Archaeologist
• Annie Veilleux, ASI, Cultural heritage Specialist
• Brian Narhi, ASI, Project Historian
Geological Study
• Bert Murphy, Geologist
Bird Study
• Bob Highcock
• Jean Hampson
Aerial Photography
• Andy Harris, LEV8
NEC/MNR Support
• Anne Marie Laurence
• Susan Cooper

26. The Steering Committee Composition:
• The Chair of the NPCA Board (Bruce Timms)
• Two NPCA Board members to serve as Co-Chairs (Bill Hodgson and Stew Beattie)
• Two additional NPCA Board members (Mickey DiFruscio and John Maloney)
• Two Community Liaison Advisory Committee representatives (Albert Garofalo and
David Ruttan)
• Four members from the general public (Ray Konkle, Trish Vidler, Kristene Sweet, Carla
Carlson)

27. Role of the Steering Committee
1. Receive project updates and provide project guidance
2. Share Expertise and Connect Resources
3. Assist/Oversee Public Engagement Process
4. Receive comments and make recommendations

28. How can the public best support this planning process?
• Through the sharing of personal stories and experiences
• By sharing expertise and connecting us with resources
• By providing comments and feedback
• By participating in project workshops
• By partnering with NPCA

29. Questions?