Prince Edward Island Dalvay-by-the-Sea - Management Plan national park of canada a n
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Prince Edward Island
n a t i o n a l pa r k o f c a n a d a
and
Dalvay-by-the-Sea
nat i o na l h i s t o r i c s i t e o f c a na da
Management Plan
f e b r ua r y 2 0 0 7
Prince Edward Island
national park of canada
and
Dalvay-by-the-Sea
nat i o nal historic site of canada
Management Planii
© Her Majesty the Queen in right of Library and Archives Canada
Canada, represented by the Chief Cataloguing in Publication
Executive Officer of Parks Canada,
2007. Parks Canada
Prince Edward Island National Park of
Cette publication est aussi disponible Canada and Dalvay-by-the-Sea
en français. National Historic Site of Canada:
Management Plan / Parks Canada
For more information about the
management plan or about Prince Issued also in French under the title:
Edward Island National Park Parc national du Canada de l’Île-du-
of Canada and/or Dalvay-by-the-Sea Prince-Édouard et lieu historique
National Historic Site of Canada: national du Canada Dalvay-by-the-Sea :
Plan directeur / Parcs Canada
Prince Edward Island
National Park of Canada Includes bibliographical references.
Dalvay-by-the-Sea
National Historic Site of Canada isbn 0-662-44315-2
2 Palmers Lane cat. no. R64-105/49-2006E
Charlottetown, PE C1A 5V6
Canada 1. Historic sites – Canada
– Management.
tel: 902-566-7050 2. Historic sites – Prince Edward
fax: 902-566-7063 Island – Management.
e-mail: pnipe.peinp@pc.gc.ca 3. National parks and reserves
www.pc.gc.ca – Canada – Management.
4. National parks and reserves – Prince
Edward Island – Management.
I. Parks Canada. Atlantic Service
Centre.
FC2614.P74PP36 2006
971.6’21
C2006-980237-8
Front Cover Image Credits
Background Image: Barrett and MacKay Insets Top (left to right): Parks Canada; J. Butterill; Jacques Pleau
Insets Bottom (left to right): John
Sylvester; John Sylvester; Todd KeithPrince Edward Island National Park of Canada iii
Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site of Canada
Management Plan
Foreword
Canada’s national historic sites, national parks and national marine
conservation areas offer Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast
unique opportunities to experience and understand our wonder-
ful country. They are places of learning, recreation and fun where
Canadians can connect with our past and appreciate the natural,
cultural and social forces that shaped Canada.
From our smallest national park to our most visited national
historic site to our largest national marine conservation area, each of
these places offers Canadians and visitors unique opportunities to
experience Canada. These places of beauty, wonder and learning are
valued by Canadians – they are part of our past, our present and
our future.
Our Government’s goal is to ensure that each of these special
places is conserved.
We see a future in which these special places will further
Canadians’ appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of Canada,
the economic well-being of communities, and the vitality of our
society.
Our Government’s vision is to build a culture of heritage conser-
vation in Canada by offering Canadians exceptional opportunities to
experience our natural and cultural heritage.
These values form the foundation of the new management plan
for Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada and Dalvay-by-
the-Sea National Historic Site of Canada. I offer my appreciation to
the many thoughtful Canadians who helped to develop this plan,
particularly to our dedicated team from Parks Canada, and to all
those local organizations and individuals who have demonstrated
their good will, hard work, spirit of co-operation and extraordinary
sense of stewardship.
In this same spirit of partnership and responsibility, I am pleased
to approve the Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada and
Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan.
John Baird
Minister of the Environmentiv
Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada
Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site of Canada
Management Plan
Recommendations
Recommended by:
Alan Latourelle
Chief Executive Officer
Parks Canada
David Lipton
Field Unit Superintendent
Prince Edward Island Field Unit
Parks Canadavi
Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada vii
Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site of Canada
Management Plan
Executive Summary
This new management plan for Prince Cultural Resource Management
Edward Island National Park of Canada and Cultural resources found within the park
Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site of include historical buildings such as Green
Canada provides strategic direction for the Gables and the Simpson House, archaeologi-
protection of ecological and commemora- cal sites, and cultural landscapes found at
tive integrity, the provision of meaningful Greenwich and Stanhope. Key actions in this
visitor experiences, and the delivery of public plan include:
education and awareness programs. The plan
includes a 15 year vision for the park and site. • Examine feasibility of establishing more
It also incorporates performance measures to flexible off-season hours at Green Gables;
allow Parks Canada to gauge progress over • Develop, with partners, a commemora-
time. The plan was developed with the input tive integrity statement and management
of First Nations, stakeholders, visitors and the plan for the new L. M. Montgomery’s
general public. This plan will be the primary Cavendish National Historic Site; and
accountability document for the park and site • Conduct research with others to increase
over the next five years. knowledge of cultural resources.
Some of the key actions that will be taken during the life of Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site
this management plan include: A separate management plan for this site is
included as Chapter 8 in this document. The
Ecological Integrity plan is based on the commemorative integrity
Parks Canada is responsible for maintain- statement for the site and includes the follow-
ing and restoring the ecological integrity ing key actions:
of Prince Edward Island National Park.
Key actions that will contribute to this goal • Prepare a conservation maintenance plan
include: for the site;
• Develop landscape standards for the
• Complete the development of a compre- grounds;
hensive ecological monitoring program; • Conduct regular inspections to ensure
• Complete a vegetation inventory and the commemorative integrity of the site is
vegetation management plan; being maintained;
• Complete a restoration plan for disturbed • Evaluate the impact on the building’s her-
sites and implement priority restoration itage character of any proposed adjacent
projects; developments;
• Conduct an ecological evaluation of • Enhance the existing interpretive materi-
federal Crown lands and incorporate als for the site; and
strategic parcels into the national park; • Conduct additional visitor surveys to
• Complete an aquatic restoration plan; gauge the effectiveness of interpretation.
and,
• Declare a wilderness area under Section
14 of the Canada National Parks Act (2000).viii
Public Education Working With the Mi’kmaq
Promoting public awareness and understand- Parks Canada worked closely with the
ing of the natural and cultural heritage of the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward
park is a critical part of Parks Canada’s man- Island during the preparation of this manage-
date. The park provides a range of interpreta- ment plan. Parks Canada wishes to main-
tion programs that contribute to meaningful tain a strong working relationship with the
visitor experiences, and outreach learning Island’s Mi’kmaq and plans to implement the
opportunities that deliver key messages following actions:
beyond park boundaries. Key actions include:
• Enhance presentation of Aboriginal herit-
• Increase the number of visitors participat- age in the park and surrounding area;
ing in personalized interpretive programs; • Pursue research of mutual interest;
• Enhance the interpretation of Aboriginal • Develop skills training and information to
heritage in the park; prepare Mi’kmaq people for careers with
• Develop opportunities to deliver resource Parks Canada;
protection messages at high-use recrea- • Improve communication regarding
tional areas in the park; employment competitions;
• Review the interpretation programs at • Explore opportunities to establish a
Green Gables to ensure they reflect the Mi’kmaq/Aboriginal cultural centre;
national significance of the new L.M. • Develop an agreement on the use of the
Montgomery’s Cavendish National park for traditional spiritual and
Historic Site; and, ceremonial purposes.
• Develop strategies to deliver key mes-
sages more effectively to residents of Collaboration and Public Engagement
Prince Edward Island. Collaboration and community involvement
are critical to achieving the shared vision out-
Visitor Experience lined in the plan. Some key actions to support
Parks Canada strives to facilitate meaningful this involvement include:
visitor experiences that connect Canadians
and other park visitors to the natural and • Review and update the established
cultural heritage of the park. Key actions that Advisory Board process to ensure it is
will contribute to this goal include: effective;
• Enhance communication opportunities
• Prepare a park trail plan to maximize trail with park user groups and other stake-
opportunities, including a multi-use trail holders;
along the Gulf Shore Parkway corridor, • Prepare annual management plan imple-
and a new trail and boardwalk to provide mentation reports with the involvement
continued access to Cavendish Sandspit of the public;
beach; • Continue to participate in the PEI Model
• Collaborate with others to develop public Forest; and,
transit options where feasible; • Establish a Greater Ecosystem Working
• Continue the upgrade of Cavendish Group.
Campground;
• Engage stakeholders in a discussion of the
future of Robinsons Island Campground;
• Upgrade the Green Gables Golf Course.Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada ix
Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site of Canada
Management Plan
Administration and Operations An environmental assessment of this man-
Parks Canada will continue to operate Prince agement plan was conducted to ensure that
Edward Island National Park in an environ- no significant environmental impacts will
mentally and fiscally sustainable manner in result from its implementation. Strategic and
support of the Parks Canada mandate. Key project-specific environmental assessments
actions include: will be required for a number of proposed
plans and projects identified in this manage-
• Correct deficiencies in the water ment plan. Implementation of the manage-
distribution system; ment plan should result in an improvement
• Prepare a potable water management in the ecological integrity of Prince Edward
plan; Island National Park.
• Prepare a mowing plan that reduces,
where feasible, the area mowed along
park roadways and around facilities;
• Incorporate environmental technologies
into new or upgraded facilities to maxi-
mize energy efficiency and water
conservation.Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada xi
Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site of Canada
Management Plan
Table of Contents
Foreword ........................................................................................................................... iii
Recommendations................................................................................................................ v
Executive Summary.............................................................................................................vii
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Purpose of the Management Plan.............................................................................1
2.0 Role of Prince Edward Island National Park in the Canadian
National Park System.............................................................................................3
3.0 Planning Context
3.1 Park Setting and Regional Land Use..........................................................................5
3.2 Visitation Trends.......................................................................................................7
3.3 Public Involvement During the Management Plan Review.........................................8
4.0 Vision
4.1 Vision for Prince Edward Island National Park in 2020...............................................9
5.0 Maintaining and Restoring Ecological Integrity
5.1 Overview of Park Ecological Integrity......................................................................11
5.2 Ecosystem Research, Monitoring and Performance Indicators.................................13
5.3 Forest Ecosystems..................................................................................................15
5.4 Wetlands and Aquatic Ecosystems..........................................................................17
5.5 Coastal Ecosystems................................................................................................18
5.6 Public Safety and Law Enforcement........................................................................21
6.0 Park Zoning and Wilderness Area Declaration
6.1 Zone I - Special Preservation Area..........................................................................23
6.2 Zone II - Wilderness Area........................................................................................23
6.3 Zone III - Natural Environment Area.........................................................................27
6.4 Zone IV - Outdoor Recreation..................................................................................27
6.5 Environmentally Sensitive Site Designations...........................................................27
6.6 Declared Wilderness Areas......................................................................................27
7.0 Managing Cultural Resources
7.1 Level 1 Cultural Resources.....................................................................................31
7.2 Level 2 Cultural Resource Inventory........................................................................32
7.3 Cultural Resource Management Direction...............................................................32
8.0 Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site Of Canada Management Plan
8.1 Introduction............................................................................................................35
8.2 Role of Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site in the National System.................36
8.3 Commemorative Integrity........................................................................................36
8.4 Current Situation Analysis.......................................................................................37xii
8.5 Vision Statement for Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site................................40
8.6 Managing for Commemorative Integrity..................................................................40
8.7 Plan Implementation...............................................................................................42
9.0 Public Education
9.1 Heritage Presentation.............................................................................................43
9.2 Outreach Education and External Communications.................................................44
9.3 Performance Indicators for Public Education...........................................................45
10.0 Visitor Experience
10.1 Experience Relevance.............................................................................................47
10.2 The Park Trail System.............................................................................................48
10.3 The Gulf Shore Parkway, Vehicle Circulation and Public Transit................................52
10.4 Beaches.................................................................................................................53
10.5 Camping.................................................................................................................54
10.6 Winter Recreational Activities..................................................................................55
10.7 Recreational Activities Assessment.........................................................................55
10.8 Green Gables Golf Course.......................................................................................56
10.9 Visitor Experience Performance Indicators..............................................................56
11.0 Working with the Mi’kmaq of Prince Edward Island
11.1 Background............................................................................................................57
11.2 Management Plan Consultations and Collaborative Projects....................................57
12.0 Collaboration and Public Engagement
12.1 Community Involvement.........................................................................................59
12.2 Collaboration with Adjacent Land Owners and Managers........................................59
13.0 Administration and Operations
13.1 Park Administration Offices.....................................................................................61
13.2 Maintenance Compounds.......................................................................................61
13.3 Water Quality..........................................................................................................61
13.4 Environmental Stewardship....................................................................................61
14.0 Environmental Assessment Summary.................................................................63
15.0 Implementation Strategy......................................................................................65
16.0 References............................................................................................................69
Appendix
Heritage Presentation Visitor Goals.................................................................................... 71
Reference Maps
MAP 1 Regional Setting...................................................................................................... 6
MAP 2A Park Zoning – Western Sector.................................................................................24
MAP 2B Park Zoning – Central Sector..................................................................................25
MAP 2C Park Zoning – Eastern Sector..................................................................................26
MAP 3 Wilderness Areas....................................................................................................29
MAP 4 Dalvay-by-the-Sea Site Plan...................................................................................38
MAP 5A Park Facilities – Western Sector..............................................................................49
MAP 5B Park Facilities – Central Sector...............................................................................50
MAP 5C Park Facilities – Eastern Sector..............................................................................51Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada
Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site of Canada
Management Plan
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Purpose of the Management Plan
was initiated to ensure that the management
On behalf of the people of Canada, Parks
plan continues to provide sound direction
Canada protects nationally significant
for the protection of park resources and the
examples of Canada’s natural and cultural
provision of meaningful visitor experiences
heritage and fosters public understanding,
and effective learning programs.
appreciation and enjoyment in ways that
This plan review also addressed the need
ensure the ecological and commemorative
for a management plan for Dalvay-by-the-
integrity of these places for present and
Sea National Historic Site, which is contained
future generations.
within the boundaries of the national park.
The Canada National Parks Act (2000) and
For ease of reference, the management plan
the Parks Canada Agency Act (1998) require
for this historic site is included in its entirety
each national park and national historic site
as Chapter 8.
administered by Parks Canada to develop
The revised management plan provides
management plans. These plans reflect
Parks Canada staff with a framework for
the legislation and policies of the Agency,
decision-making. It will guide the develop-
and are developed with public consulta-
ment of the Prince Edward Island Field Unit
tion. Management plans are approved by
Business Plan, and the park work planning
the Minister, and are tabled in Parliament.
processes. The plan includes a vision of the
Management plans are reviewed every five
park and site, and clear management objec-
years, to ensure that they remain relevant
tives and actions for resource conservation,
and responsive.
visitor experience, public awareness and
The last management plan for Prince
understanding, and cultural resource man-
Edward Island National Park was tabled
agement.
in Parliament in 1998. Many of the priori-
All of the commitments outlined in this
ties in that plan have been addressed, and
plan are achievable within the existing finan-
many changes have occurred that affect the
cial capacity of the field unit. This plan will
management and operation of the park. In
remain valid until the completion of the next
the fall of 2001, a management plan review
management plan review.Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada
Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site of Canada
Management Plan
2.0 Role of Prince Edward Island National Park in the
Canadian National Park System
Cavendish Beach. Todd Keith
The National Parks System Plan is based uplands and slopes, to black spruce bogs on
on a landscape framework that includes 39 low, poorly drained flats, and white spruce
distinct natural regions as defined by their stands in exposed coastal locations. Prince
unique combination of physical and biologi- Edward Island National Park provides excel-
cal characteristics. One of the goals of Parks lent representation of the geology and coastal
Canada is to establish at least one national features of this natural region, and also pro-
park in each of these 39 natural regions. tects a variety of upland forested vegetation
Prince Edward Island National Park communities.
represents the Maritime Plain Natural Region The Canada National Parks Act states that
within the National Parks System. This region the maintenance and restoration of ecologi-
is characterised by an undulating, landscape cal integrity is the first priority of national
of low elevation, underlain by relatively soft park management. At Prince Edward Island
sandstone, conglomerate, and shale. Sandy National Park this means protecting the
beaches, sandspits, barrier islands, and shift- biological and physical features, biodiversity,
ing sand dunes are common along the coastal and ecological processes that are character-
margins. River estuaries are often bordered istic of the Maritime Plain Natural Region
by salt marshes. Native forest types found on the north shore of the island. Landscapes
in this region are part of the Acadian Forest protected in the park include coastal beaches
biome, and range from hardwood forests of and dunes, sandstone headlands, salt-
sugar maple, yellow birch, and beech on rich marshes, freshwater and brackish ponds,
the federal Species at Risk Act (2003). Prince
Edward Island National Park provides a key
protected area for these species. The park also
plays an important role as a benchmark for
scientific research and monitoring of natural
ecosystems and processes such as coastal
dynamics.
Protecting and presenting Canada’s cul-
tural heritage are also important priorities for
Prince Edward Island National Park. In addi-
tion to Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic
Site, the park protects a variety of cultural
resources reflecting a long history of human
use by First Nations, and by Acadian, French
and British settlers.
The public is encouraged to appreciate,
MacNeills Pond. Todd Keith understand, and enjoy the natural and cul-
tural heritage of the park, in ways that leave
small streams, and upland till habitats that it unimpaired for this and future generations.
support a range of vegetation types, includ- Park visitors have opportunities to experience
ing old agricultural fields in various stages dynamic coastal landscapes, terrestrial and
of ecological succession. The ecosystems aquatic ecosystems, and cultural resources
of the park support a variety of plant and through a variety of recreational opportuni-
animal species, including six species at risk. ties, and guided and self-guided learning
These include the piping plover and the opportunities.
Gulf of St. Lawrence aster, both listed underPrince Edward Island National Park of Canada
Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site of Canada
Management Plan
3.0 Planning Context
Blooming Point. Barrett and MacKay
3.1 Park Setting and Regional Land Use pies a transition zone between land and sea.
Prince Edward Island National Park was Throughout its length the park protects some
established in 1937. The original park area of the most outstanding coastal landscapes
extended for approximately 40 kilometres along the north shore of Prince Edward
along the north shore of Prince Edward Island Island, including long barrier beaches, bara-
from the Cavendish Sandspit in New London chois ponds, coastal headlands, and rare par-
Bay to Blooming Point in Tracadie Bay. In abolic dunes. Five large coastal bays and their
1998, the national park was expanded with surrounding upland watersheds border the
the addition of a portion of the Greenwich park on the south. The dominant land uses
Peninsula on St. Peters Bay (map 1). in the surrounding region are agriculture,
The park is one of the smallest in Canada, tourism and forestry. Commercial fishing is
encompassing an area of approximately still an important activity for many coastal
24.7 km2. Parks Canada also manages an communities, and aquaculture is a significant
additional 12.5 km2 of federal Crown land industry in the large coastal bays.
adjacent to the park that has been acquired The park is bordered by a number of small
since 1974. The most recent acquisition was communities. Cavendish, in the western
a 16 hectare property near Cavendish that sector, is a traditional farming community
was purchased in 2005. Some of these Crown that has also become the main tourist centre
lands will eventually be incorporated into the for the central north shore. North Rustico is
national park. a fishing and farming community with an
Prince Edward Island National Park is increasing emphasis on tourism. Brackley
adjacent to the Gulf of St. Lawrence and occu- Beach, Stanhope, and Dalvay are small tour-
MAP 1
North National Historic Sites Of Canada
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
AND NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA Administered By Parks Canada - PEI
Regional Setting 1 Dalvay-by-the-Sea
2 Ardgowan
3 Province House
0 5 10 15 km
Tignish 4 Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst
Gulf of St. Lawrence
7
Egmont
Bay
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
NATIONAL PARK OF CANADA
ds
an
Isl
1
n
le
da Y
Summerside
a g RR
Souris
M FE
e
th
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
to
2
Borden 3
CHARLOTTETOWN
ion
at
e d er e
nf idg 1 4
Co Br Montague
Cardigan
Bay
1
NEW
16
BRUNSWICK
Port Elgin No
Baie Verte rth
um
Wood Islands
b e rla
nd
2 Strait
Sackville
Cape
to No
George
va
Y
Amherst NOVA SCOTIA Pictou
Island
FERR ScotiaPrince Edward Island National Park of Canada
Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site of Canada
Management Plan
ism communities adjacent to the beaches Europeans began to settle the island in
in the central part of the national park. the early 1700s. First the French, Acadians,
Covehead is a small fishing community. At and subsequently the British and other
the eastern end of the park, St. Peters is a fish- Europeans rapidly occupied the island and
ing and farming community that has recently began exploiting its resources. Throughout
begun to develop its tourism potential. the 1800s and early 1900s, much of the land
The beaches of Prince Edward Island was cleared for agriculture. In the mid-1900s,
National Park have been valued as a recrea- land abandonment led to an increase in forest
tional area for over 100 years. The creation cover. White spruce and shade-intolerant
of the park in 1937 played a significant role hardwoods quickly invaded old fields and
in developing the province’s recreation and now dominate many new forest stands. The
tourism industry. Today, it remains the pre- existing land cover is a mosaic of old agri-
mier tourist attraction on the Island. cultural fields interspersed with remnant
Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site woodlands, hedgerows, streams, wetlands,
of Canada is contained within the borders of dunes and coastal landscapes.
the national park. This site was constructed in
1896 as a seaside summer home, and is now
operated as an historic inn. Green Gables is 3.2 Visitation Trends
also a major heritage attraction within the The beaches and other heritage resources
park, and is part of the recently designated of the park attract large numbers of visitors
L.M. Montgomery’s Cavendish National during the summer months. Visitation in
Historic Site of Canada. 2004-05 was estimated at more than 887,000,
Archaeological evidence found at up 2% from the previous year. Green Gables
Greenwich indicates that Aboriginal people recorded a total of 140,000 visits, down 6%
may have used the area as long ago as 10,000 from the previous year. In 2003, visitation to
years before the present. Shell middens found the Greenwich Interpretation Centre, hiking
at Robinsons Island demonstrate that aborigi- trails, and beach facility was estimated at
nal people were harvesting marine resources 46,000 person visits (May-October), a 1.5%
from Rustico Bay around 1500 years ago. The increase over the previous year. In 2005, 82%
existing evidence suggests that Aboriginal of park visitors were from Canada, 14% were
use at this site was based on hunting, fishing from the United States, and 4% were from
and gathering. Local archaeological research other countries.
has not located Aboriginal habitation sites.
St. Peters. Todd Keith
Most of the visitation occurs during the First Nations during the winter and spring
two month summer season. According to of 2004. The results of these discussions were
research conducted in 2005, approximately incorporated into planning proposals, and a
89% of visitors are day users, while 11% stay newsletter was distributed to park employ-
one or more nights in the park or adjacent ees, stakeholders and the public in the winter
communities. Beach use is the most popular of 2005. Seven public open houses were held
visitor activity, with 86% of survey respond- between February and July 2005 to provide
ents indicating they participated in this activ- an opportunity for members of the public and
ity. Sight-seeing, walking, hiking and cycling seasonal residents to meet with Parks Canada
are also important activities for many visitors. staff and discuss the management of the park
and site.
The response was generally positive. There
3.3 Public Involvement During the is a wide level of agreement on the park
Management Plan Review vision. The actions contained in this manage-
This park management plan review com- ment plan are supported by the majority of
menced in September 2001. The involvement those who participated in the consultations.
of park employees, stakeholders and the The issues most often raised during the
public has contributed greatly throughout the consultation period were: maintaining visitor
course of the review. Community advisory access to park beaches; improving the trans-
boards and tourism groups were engaged in portation infrastructure in the park; strength-
discussions during 2002 and 2003. An open ening the protection of park ecosystems; and
house was held in August 2003 for seasonal ensuring the availability of a range of high
residents living adjacent to the park. Park quality recreational opportunities. Beach use,
visitors were surveyed during the summers walking, hiking, cycling, and windsurfing
of 2003, 2004 and 2005. Discussions were were popular topics of discussion.
held with a range of park interest groups andPrince Edward Island National Park of Canada
Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site of Canada
Management Plan
4.0 Vision
4.1 Vision for Prince Edward Island National Park Recognition of the Cultural Significance
Prince Edward Island National Park and of the Area: Park visitors will recognise and
Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site will understand the need to ensure the com-
be treasured parts of a national system of memorative integrity of Dalvay-by-the-Sea as
protected heritage areas, where Canadians a national historic site. They will understand
are welcome to experience, enjoy, and learn the significance of other cultural resources
about the natural and cultural heritage of the that provide a link to our past and offer
island’s dynamic north shore coastal environ- evidence of the changing human use of the
ment. The public will recognise and support land and water. These include Aboriginal/
the park as an integral part of the environ- Mi’kmaq, Acadian, French and British archae-
mental, social, and economic fabric of the ological sites and Green Gables. The knowl-
region. It will be known as a park that con- edge of cultural resources will be enhanced
veys a genuine sense of place and provides through collaborative research efforts with
meaningful visitor experiences. Continued Mi’kmaq, Acadian, and other community
public engagement and support will ensure partners.
the natural and cultural resources of the park
are sustained for the use and enjoyment of Meaningful Visitor Experiences: Visitors will
this and future generations. experience the diversity of natural and cul-
tural heritage resources in the park by taking
In 15 years, park management efforts will advantage of a variety of recreational oppor-
achieve the following objectives and results: tunities that meet their needs and expecta-
tions. Beach use and camping, supported by
Native Species and Ecological Processes: environmentally sustainable park facilities,
The park will be a valued protected area of will remain the focal point of the visitor exper
dynamic, naturally evolving coastal ecosys- ience, while hiking and cycling will play a
tems, freshwater pond and stream ecosys- greater complementary role. The park hiking
tems, wetland ecosystems, and upland forest trail system will offer visitors a diversity
ecosystems. Park populations of species at of forest and coastal habitats, and cultural
risk, including the piping plover, the Gulf sites to explore. Improved infrastructure will
of St. Lawrence aster, and other provincially ensure that active transportation becomes a
or regionally rare species, will be stable or viable means of experiencing the park.
increasing and their habitat will be securely
protected. Visitors will understand and sup- Engaging Learning Opportunities: Through
port the need to strongly protect the park’s participation in heritage presentation oppor-
most sensitive habitats. Active ecological res- tunities, park visitors will be engaged in
toration efforts will continue to re-establish learning about and understanding this spe-
elements of native Acadian forest biodiver- cial place and the challenge of protecting it
sity, and restore disturbed areas associated for future generations. Telling the park stories
with former park facilities. will foster a sense of environmental steward-
ship among Canadians. External communi-
cations by Parks Canada and partners will
build awareness and understanding beyond
the park boundary.10
Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada 11
Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site of Canada
Management Plan
5.0 Maintaining and Restoring Ecological Integrity
The coastal terrestrial environment is
dominated by fine sand beaches and dune
complexes. Sand is derived from the rela-
tively soft sandstone cliffs, and from offshore
sandbars. Littoral drift and aeolian proc-
esses transport the sand along the coast and
deposit it on long sandy beaches and in a
series of shifting dunes. Primary dunes are
vegetated mainly with marram grass and
continue to shift over time. Secondary and
tertiary dunes represent progressively older,
Acadian hardwood forest. Parks Canada
more vegetated and stable dune forms.
Baymouth bars extend from the mainland
The Canada National Parks Act states that the
across most of Tracadie Bay and New
“maintenance or restoration of ecological integrity,
London Bay.
through the protection of natural resources and
The coastal environment provides special-
natural processes, shall be the first priority …” in
ized habitat for a number of wildlife species.
all aspects of park management. This responsi-
The park beaches provide important nest-
bility is shared among all staff of Parks Canada,
ing and foraging habitat for several species
with the Resource Conservation section taking
of shorebird, including the endangered
the lead role in ecosystem protection, research
piping plover. Black guillemots, cormorants,
and monitoring.
and gulls nest on the sandstone cliffs in the
Cavendish area. The dunes provide excellent
denning sites for red fox, and also serve as
5.1 Overview of Park Ecological Integrity
foraging habitat for short-eared owls, a spe-
cies of special concern.
5.1.1 Biophysical Context
The till uplands were cleared for agri-
The park is found within the Prince Edward
culture, and are in various stages of forest
Island Ecoregion of the Atlantic Maritime
succession. It is predicted that the typical late
Ecozone. This area is underlain by gently
successional ecosystems would consist pre-
dipping strata of late Palaeozoic sandstones,
dominantly of tolerant hardwood and mixed
conglomerates, and shales. The sedimen-
wood Acadian forest, with black spruce and
tary rocks are mantled with loamy glacial
larch in wet areas, and white spruce in coastal
till. Marine beach deposits and aeolian
locations. Most of this ecosystem type within
sand dunes occur in most low-lying coastal
the park is still in various stages of old field
locations. The park contains four principal
regeneration and is dominated by white
ecosystem types: coastal systems consist-
spruce or a mixture of shrubs, white spruce
ing of beaches, dunes, sandstone headlands,
and other pioneer species such as white
saltmarshes and bays; wetlands consisting of
birch, pin cherry, and red maple. Some mixed
freshwater marshes, bogs and fens; aquatic
wood forest consisting of red maple, yellow
ecosystems consisting of ponds and streams;
and white birch, balsam fir and white spruce
and forest ecosystems.
exists at Greenwich, and a few other locations
in the park. Some small remnants of mixed12
of land clearing on the Island. It is suspected
that fire did not play a significant role in
shaping forest ecosystems, however the fire
disturbance regime will be determined in the
near future. Forest ecosystem succession was
probably initiated by wind disturbance, and
periodic population eruptions of defoliating
and wood boring insects.
5.1.2 Species at Risk
There are six species at risk that occur within
the park (table 1). The piping plover, a small
shorebird that nests on the beaches of the
park, is internationally endangered, and is
listed on Schedule 1 of the federal Species at
Crown lands, Cavendish. Todd Keith Risk Act. The Gulf of St. Lawrence aster is a
small annual plant that grows in wet sandy
tolerant hardwood stands with sugar maple, habitat found in dune slacks and along sandy
American beech, yellow birch, and ironwood streams. It has been identified at several loca-
(only one known location) survive in isolated tions in the park, but because it is an annual
pockets. The best example of this native and not a perennial, its distribution and
forest type is found on Crown lands in the abundance vary from year to year.
Cavendish area. There are also several planta- The other four species at risk are not
tions of native and non-native conifers that known to breed in the park, although they
were established on old fields in the park. may use specific habitats for feeding or stag-
Wetlands and freshwater ecosystems ing at different times of the year.
provide habitat for several fish species, and
aquatic invertebrates. Brook trout occur 5.1.3 Managing for Ecological Integrity
in several park streams and waterbodies, The Canada National Parks Act defines ecologi-
and gaspereau are found seasonally within cal integrity as “... a condition that is determined
Schooner Pond. to be characteristic of its natural region and likely
The most important natural processes in to persist, including abiotic components and
the coastal zone are erosion and sedimenta- the composition and abundance of native spe-
tion. In addition to reworking the coastal geo- cies, biological communities, rates of change and
morphology, these processes also affect many supporting processes.” In other words, all of
of the park aquatic habitats, by altering fresh the ecological parts are present and healthy,
and saline water inputs, and infilling basins natural processes are operating properly and
and dune slacks. Within forested ecosystems, the trends suggest that this situation will
the natural disturbance processes are not continue.
well understood, owing to the long history
Table 1: Species at Risk Occurring in Prince Edward Island National Park.
Common Name Scientific Name Status
Piping plover Charadrius melodus melodus Endangered
Gulf of St. Lawrence aster Symphyotrichum laurentianum Threatened
Short-eared owl Asio flammeus Special Concern
Barrow’s goldeneye (eastern pop.) Bucephala islandica Special Concern
Monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus Special Concern
Striped bass (Southern Gulf pop.) Morone saxatilis ThreatenedPrince Edward Island National Park of Canada 13
Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site of Canada
Management Plan
be required. An ecosystem working group
will be established to support these research
needs. Strong partnerships will be developed
with the Parks Canada Bioregional Network,
partners in the greater ecosystem, and the
proposed Parks Canada Atlantic Cooperative
Study Unit. The remainder of this chapter
provides details on the priorities for the park
ecological integrity program.
5.2 Ecosystem Research, Monitoring and
Performance Indicators
Prince Edward Island National Park plays an
Freshwater pond. John Sylvester
important role as a site for ecological research
and monitoring. Partners in these activities
The Ecological Integrity Statement con-
include several universities and colleges from
tained in the 1998 Ecosystem Conservation
the region and across Canada, independent
Plan for Prince Edward Island National
researchers, and other government agen-
Park describes the state of health of the key
cies such as the Department of Fisheries and
park ecosystems. Preliminary results of park
Oceans, the Geological Survey of Canada,
research and monitoring has further refined
and the Canadian Wildlife Service.
the understanding of the park’s ecosystem
health. table 2 presents a preliminary evalua-
5.2.1 Ecological Research
tion of the state of health of the park ecosys-
Research plays a vital role in helping Parks
tems and the trend in their condition.
Canada understand how ecosystems func-
In order to manage for ecological integ-
tion, what role different habitats play in
rity, additional research and monitoring will
the life history of species, and how human
Table 2: Preliminary Ecosystem Assessment, Prince Edward Island National Park.
Indicator Ecosystem Percentage Rationale for Rating
Ecosystems Condition of Park
and Trend * Area * *
Forests Poor 45 Forests are regenerating following land clearing and agriculture, although
(includes representation of native Acadian forest species is poor. There is increasing
regenerating fragmentation outside of the park boundaries related to agriculture, tourism,
old fields) residential and recreational development. Some forest restoration work has
been initiated and partnerships have been created with others in the greater
ecosystem.
Wetlands Fair 5 Wetlands are in fair health. Purple loosestrife, an invasive non-native plant, is
a stressor in some wetland areas. Rising sea levels related in part to global
climate change may inundate coastal wetlands.
Freshwater Fair 4 Increased fragmentation and land use activities such as agriculture and
residential development outside of the park boundary can affect freshwater
ecosystems through nutrient loading, siltation, increased water temperature,
decrease in buffer protection, and aquatic fragmentation. Within the park
boundary stressors include land use practises such as road salt application,
mowing and turf management adjacent to watercourses, park infrastructure
and lack of adequate riparian buffer zones in some areas.
Coastal Fair 30 Trampling has affected some dune areas. Some areas have been restored.
Strong recovery effort for piping plover. Rising sea levels related in part to
global climate change may increase coastal erosion and inundate low-lying
areas in the park.
* Arrows indicate whether the condition of an ecosystem is thought to be improving, declining, or remaining stable. These assessments are based
on limited data, and therefore take a precautionary approach.
* * The remaining 16% of the park is classified as park facilities and roads.14
influences affect ecosystems and ecologi- parks are being integrated into a bioregional
cal processes. Parks Canada will continue approach that will strengthen Parks Canada’s
to encourage and participate in research ability to identify and report on regional
initiatives that will support better ecosystem trends. This approach focuses on a suite of
management within the park and surround- composite ecosystem indicators. The results
ing region. of monitoring programs will be used to report
Some important research topics that will be on the condition of ecological integrity in
investigated over the next five years include: State of the Park Reports that will be prepared
the natural dynamics of sand dune ecosys- on a five-year cycle. Monitoring results will
tems; the potential impact of climate change also be used in the preparation of national
on the physical and biological components of State of Protected Heritage Area Reports.
the four indicator ecosystems; the effective- The Atlantic-Quebec Bioregion has identi-
ness of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem res- fied six ecosystem indicators that will be the
toration; the diversity, abundance and habitat focus of monitoring and reporting. Four of
requirements of amphibians in the park and these indicator ecosystems are represented
greater ecosystem; and, the ecological role of in Prince Edward Island National Park and
corridors, connectivity and forest patch size in a number of measures have been identified
the park and the greater ecosystem. for each indicator (see table 3). Over the next
several years specific targets and thresholds
5.2.2 Ecological Monitoring and will be developed for each of the measures in
Performance Indicators collaboration with bioregional partners and
Ecological monitoring aims to detect and the ecosystem working group. The measures
understand changes in the health of park will be refined and targets developed by 2008.
ecosystems. The efforts of individual national Implementation of this monitoring program
Table 3: Ecological Integrity Indicators and Measures for Prince Edward Island National Park
Ecological Integrity Measures
Indicators
Biodiversity Ecosystem Processes Ecosystem Structure and
Function
Forest Ecosystems • Songbirds • Regeneration plots • Forest plots
• Birds of Prey (white pine, red oak, ironwood) • Park landscape composition
• Lichens • Decomposition • Landscape fragmentation
• Bryophytes • Nutrient cycling (dead wood) • Trampling
• Vascular plants • Climate
• Garlic mustard
• Salamanders
• Gypsy moth
Wetland Ecosystems • Amphibians • Climate • Water quality
• Waterfowl • Ice watch
• Purple loosestrife
• Birds of prey
Freshwater Ecosystems • Fish populations • Brook trout spawning • Water quality
• Benthos • Chlorophyll a (eutrophication) • Riparian cover
• Hydrology • Turbidity
• Climate • Aquatic fragmentation
• Stream temperature
Coastal Ecosystems • Bank nesting birds • Dune migration • Vegetation plots
• Cliff nesting birds • Unauthorized trails
• Shore birds
• Coastal songbirds
• Saltmarsh birds
• Piping plover
• Terns
• Gulf of St. Lawrence aster
• Birds of prey
• Red foxPrince Edward Island National Park of Canada 15
Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site of Canada
Management Plan
will provide data to support a more com- successional white spruce, balsam fir and
prehensive evaluation of the health of park shade-intolerant hardwoods. Some old fields
ecosystems. These results will be described are covered primarily in shrubs and herba-
in a State of the Park Report prior to the next ceous plants. Several conifer tree plantations
management plan review. have also been established in the park. These
vegetation types do not adequately represent
Management Actions: native biodiversity, nor do they support the
• Continue to refine measures and develop native ecological processes characteristic of
targets and thresholds by 2008-2009. the Acadian forest.
• Prepare a State of the Park Report in 2011 Parks Canada has begun to conduct res-
based on the results of the monitoring toration activities on several old fields. This
program. program aims to enhance the representation
of Acadian forest species in the park. Forest
restoration has been initiated on 16.6 hectares
5.3 Forest Ecosystems of former agricultural land, with the planting
of over 54,000 seedlings during the summers
5.3.1 Inventory and Planning of 2002 and 2003. An additional 21 hectares of
Forest ecosystem management and con- former agricultural land is slated for restora-
servation planning is constrained by a lack tion. There are many additional areas of the
of recent data on vegetation cover for the park that provide opportunities for active res-
park and federal Crown lands. The existing toration, including the old fields and conifer
vegetation inventory for the park dates from plantations.
1978. Crown land vegetation was mapped in The Greenwich sector includes old fields
1988. A vascular plant survey was conducted and an area of mixedwood forest. A portion
by the Island Nature Trust on Crown lands in of the old fields has been identified for re-for-
Cavendish in 2001 and 2002. As a first step to estation, primarily through natural regenera-
improving ecological integrity Parks Canada tion. Active restoration may be considered
will obtain an updated vegetation inventory if warranted in order to achieve the desired
for the entire park and Crown lands. ecosystem succession. The remainder of the
The new inventory will be used to develop old fields at Greenwich will be maintained in
a Vegetation Management Plan for the park a non-forested condition as part of a cultural
and Crown lands. This plan will identify landscape (see section 7.3.3 for details).
targets for improving the distribution of
native Acadian forest vegetation through 5.3.3 Fire Management
the use of various silvicultural techniques, Parks Canada’s national Fire Management
such as thinning, planting, and creation of Directive requires national parks to develop
gaps in areas of single-species (i.e. white 10-year Fire Management Plans in consulta-
spruce) forest cover to allow regeneration of a tion with stakeholders in local communities,
diversity of native tree species. The Vegetation surrounding jurisdictions and fire manage-
Management Plan will also address the fire ment specialists. The plan must include a
history of park forests and outline forest fuel 5-year schedule for forest fuel management,
modification strategies consistent with the and it must be approved by the Field Unit
Fire Management Plan. Superintendent before any fuel reduction
actions are undertaken.
5.3.2 Acadian Forest Restoration The regeneration of dense white spruce
Prince Edward Island National Park lies stands on abandoned agricultural fields
within the Acadian forest region. Native within the park has led to an accumulation
forest types that were found in this region of dry, dead wood on the forest floor. This
included late successional shade-tolerant has led to concerns about the forest fire risk
hardwoods and mixed wood forests that among local residents and Parks Canada
dominated the upland areas. The extant for- managers. In response to these concerns
ests within the park consist primarily of early Parks Canada has completed a fuel mapping16
Federal Crown Lands. Todd Keith
program that will help to assess the fire risk 5.3.5 Restoration of Disturbed Sites
in key areas of the park. These data will be The development footprint within the park
used to develop a Fire Management Plan for will be reduced through the restoration of
the park in accordance with the national Fire disturbed sites that are no longer required
Management Directive. Over the next several for park purposes. Visitor facilities that have
years Parks Canada will implement fuel reached the end of their serviceable life, or no
reduction efforts in the high priority areas longer meet the needs of park visitors include
identified through this program. A commu- the kitchen shelter overlooking North Rustico
nity consultation on this project was held in Beach, the western portion of the Brackley
February 2005. day use area including the tennis court
and washroom building, the abandoned
5.3.4 Ecological Integrity Theme Project Robinsons Island day use area, and a paved
Prince Edward Island National Park is driveway loop west of the Cape Turner picnic
undertaking one of eleven ecological integrity area. These facilities will be removed and the
theme projects that were funded through a areas restored to natural conditions. A reduc-
national Parks Canada competitive process. tion in the size of parking areas is anticipated
Referred to as the visitor experience renewal as a result of the visitor experience renewal
initiative, the focus of the initiative is to initiative, and this will yield additional areas
promote healthy ecosystems, healthy com- for restoration. An updated Restoration Plan
munities and active living by investing in will be developed. Restoration actions will be
environmentally sound, economically viable initiated over the next five years on priority
visitor experience opportunities that enhance sites such as the abandoned Robinsons Island
protection of natural areas while contributing day use area.
to public education and healthy lifestyles.
Active transportation and public transit 5.3.6 Federal Crown Lands Administered by
options may be developed in the park and Parks Canada
linked to adjacent communities. Successful The federal government has acquired
implementation of this project will result more than 12.5 km2 of lands adjacent to the
in a decrease in motor vehicles and park- national park since 1974. These lands are
ing spaces in the park, an improvement in intended to serve as a buffer between the
the park’s ecological integrity and increased park and adjacent development, and as a
participation in active living. Consultations means to compensate for erosion losses along
with industry and community interests were the shoreline. Some of these lands are pres-
initiated in 2006 to assist in the prioritiza- ently leased to local farmers for agricultural
tion of activities to be undertaken within this production. Other parcels of Crown land
specific initiative. More details on this project contain significant natural areas that con-
are provided in Chapter 10. tribute to the ecological integrity of the park.You can also read
