CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Kirk, D.; Murch, B.; and Durst, J.
Date : 2004.
Title : Eramosa Karst Area of natural and scientific interest (ANSI).
Publication : 49th Annual Meeting of the Geological Association and the Mineralogical Association of Canada. May 12-14, 2004. Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
In April 2000, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) introduced a new confirmation procedure for Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). ANSIs are defined as “… areas of land and water containing natural landscapes or features that have been identified as having life science or earth sciences values related to protection, scientific study or education.” - Provincial Policy Statement 1996. The first and to date only ANSI to be confirmed using this procedure is the Eramosa Karst. The ANSI confirmation procedure ensures a consistent approach when identifying new ANSIs and modifying or deleting existing ANSIs. It contains nine steps. Steps 1 to 5 address scientific evaluation and identification and steps 6 to 9 are the notification and confirmation processes. Landowners and stakeholders are to be consulted throughout the procedure and their comments on the scientific findings must be considered before any decision on an ANSI confirmation can be reached. The Eramosa Karst is within the former City of Stoney Creek in the City of Hamilton immediately south of the Niagara Escarpment. It contains examples of 16 different karst features, seven of which are provincially significant. A karst is a limestone region with underground drainage and many cavities and passages caused by the dissolution of the rock. The Eramosa Karst was confirmed as a provincially significant earth science ANSI on February 13, 2003. For various reasons it took three years to complete the process but the time was well spent in ensuring the involvement of all concerned and testing and refining the ANSI confirmation procedure. While decisions on the appropriate levels of protection and land uses are the responsibility of the local municipality, OMMR provides ongoing support and advice. Key to this is the Eramosa Karst ANSI science report which maps the ANSI’s four sub areas and provides stewardship recommendations for each. Efforts are now underway to safeguard the karst features by the City of Hamilton designating them as an Environmentally Significant Area, transferring key provincial lands to the Hamilton Conservation Authority and looking at the eventual development of a natural resource management plan in consultation with landowners and other stakeholders.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology