Located in Prince Edward County’s South Shore, Monarch Point Conservation Reserve was created by the Ministry of Environment Parks and Conservation on June 16, 2023.*

Monarch Point is the first new conservation reserve designated since 1999. Named for the Monarch Butterfly, its nearly 4,000 acres were previously known as Ostrander Point Crown Land Block and Point Petre Provincial Wildlife Area. Near an International Butterfly Reserve at Prince Edward Point, Monarch Point provides critical habitat for 39 endangered and at risk species including the Monarch Butterfly, birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, insects and plants. “In reviewing the location, Ontario Parks confirmed the area …has cultural heritage potential given its historic use and status as one of the last undeveloped stretches on Lake Ontario’s north shore.”**

Sources:

* news.ontario.ca/en/release/1003337/ontario-establishes-first-new-conservation-reserve-in-over-10-years
** Oct 4, 2023 “Monarch Point preserves 4,000 acres” advertisement by Todd Smith, MPP, Bay of Quinte, The Times, page 24

The South Shore of Prince Edward County is home to a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) that includes lands and near shore waters. In the west it stretches around Salmon Point to Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area in the east. Monarch Point Conservation Reserve stretches “from Soup Harbour to Long Point.”* The northern land boundary is Army Reserve and Hilltop Roads in Athol and South Marysburgh townships. Monarch Point includes two parcels of public lands (Ostrander Point Crown Land Block and Point Petre Provincial Wildlife Area). A detailed map of Monarch Point and other protected and public lands in Prince Edward County’s South Shore can be found at ssji.ca.

Source:

*Oct 4, 2023 “Monarch Point preserves 4,000 acres” advertisement by Todd Smith, MPP, Bay of Quinte, The Times, page 24

Managed by Ontario Parks, a conservation reserve is a designation that “strengthens the long-term protection and health of local wildlife and ecosystems”.* Furthermore, conservation reserves “Protect significant natural and cultural features while providing opportunities for a variety of compatible traditional activities (for example, fishing, hunting, trapping). Regulated under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, they are also important for scientific research and environmental monitoring.”** Monarch Point Conservation Reserve is managed by Ontario Parks – Sandbanks Provincial Park staff.

Sources:

* ontario.ca/page/ontarios-parks-and-protected-areas
** ontario.ca/laws/statute/06p12

An advertisement by Todd Smith, MPP Bay of Quinte notes, “Similar to a provincial park, like Sandbanks – which is about the same size as Monarch Point – conservation reserves are protected by legislation. They differ in that conservation reserves allow for traditional land uses to continue. Each conservation reserve is required to have a management direction that determines how land will be used while protecting the ecologically significant lands within.
(MPP Bay of Quinte Todd) Smith says he believes there will be room for scientific and recreational uses to co-exist at Monarch Point. ‘In most cases in Ontario, traditional activities like ATV riding and snow(mobil)ing, hunting and fishing have been allowed to continue,’ said Smith. ‘Now that we have a designated reserve, there will be public consultation to develop a plan and to determine what is appropriate for this area.’ That may mean that some areas are posted as prohibited for off-trail use, or that recreational trails are routed around sensitive areas.”*

Sources:

*Oct 4, 2023 “Monarch Point preserves 4,000 acres” advertisement by Todd Smith, MPP, Bay of Quinte, The Times, page 24

“Members of the public interested in participating in the upcoming consultation process should contact Smith’s constituency office (613-962-1144 or toddsmithmpp.ca) or email [email protected].”*

South Shore Joint Initiative anticipates this process will commence sometime in 2024 and will provide email updates about how you can get involved. Join our mailing list here.

Source:

*Oct 4, 2023 “Monarch Point preserves 4,000 acres” advertisement by Todd Smith, MPP, Bay of Quinte, The Times, page 24

There are several roads and trails that are suitable for walking. Sturdy footwear and tick repellant are advised. Ticks that carry Lyme disease are endemic in the County and there is Poison Ivy throughout the conservation reserve.

South Shore Joint Initiative volunteers are working on a possible footpath in the new conservation reserve. You can learn more about the footpath and volunteering with our non-profit here.

ATVs and hunting are permitted uses in the conservation reserve. Note that during hunting season, it is a good idea to wear brightly coloured clothes. Find current government information about Ontario hunting season dates here.*

At present, parking is available by the side of roads. Be aware that the roads are not regularly maintained and there are many potholes, large puddles and ruts. Roads within the conservation reserve are not municipal roads and are not regularly maintained.

Source:

*ontario.ca/page/tentative-dates-deer-and-moose-hunting-seasons

These lands and waters provide critical habitat for thousands of species. “Ontario Parks confirmed the area has globally rare alvar in good condition, landform and vegetation communities under protected elsewhere, hosts 39 endangered and at-risk species.”* Blanding’s turtles, Chimney Swifts, and Monarch Butterflies are just some of the threatened species in the conservation reserve. You can learn more about reptiles, amphibians, mammals, insects and plants at risk here and on this Government of Ontario site.**

Unfortunately, there are patches of Dog-strangling Vine, Garlic Mustard and Phragmites in the conservation reserve. Learn more about harmful foreign species that have invaded Ontario and how you can stop the spread of these by referring to the Government of Ontario site.***

Sources:

* Oct 4, 2023 “Monarch Point preserves 4,000 acres” advertisement by Todd Smith, MPP, Bay of Quinte, The Times, page 24
** ontario.ca/page/species-risk
*** ontario.ca/page/invasive-species-ontario

Monarch Point Conservation Reserve* is under the supervision of the superintendent of Sandbanks Provincial Park. To reach a park warden call: 1-613-219-0462. You can contact the park at 1-613-393-3319. Find more information about Sandbanks here.**

Sources:

* ontarioparks.com/parksblog/monarch-point/
** ontarioparks.com/park/sandbanks

There are additional protected lands – public, private, national and provincial – in Prince Edward County’s South Shore Key Biodiversity Area. [see map below]. Contact information for some of these areas:

• Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area (Federal, Environment and Climate Change – Canada Wildlife Service): 1-800-668-6767 and [email protected]
• Timber Island Provincial Park (Provincial): 1-613-393-3319
• Little Bluff Conservation Area (Quinte Conservation): 1-613-968-3434
• Hudgin-Rose Property and MapleCross Coastline Reserve (Nature Conservancy of Canada): 1-877-231-3552 and [email protected]