Recommendations for the Conservation of Public Lands ... · Recommendations for the Conservation of...
Transcript of Recommendations for the Conservation of Public Lands ... · Recommendations for the Conservation of...
Recommendations for the Conservation of Public Lands, Bonshaw – New Haven
Prepared by the Bonshaw Hills Public Lands Committee
Draft for Public Comment May 2013
2
TableofContents1. Mandate of the Bonshaw Hills Public Lands Committee ........................................... 3
2. Purpose of This Report ............................................................................................. 3
3. The Public Consultation Process and Associated Timelines .................................... 4
4. Land Parcels Considered by the Committee ............................................................ 5
4.1 Ecological and Historical Values of the Bonshaw Hills Region .............................. 7
5. Draft Recommendations for Public Lands Management ......................................... 10
5.1 Definitions of Key Land Management Terms ....................................................... 10
5.2 Land Management Principles .............................................................................. 11
5.3 General Recommendations for Long-term Management ..................................... 13
5.4 Land Parcel – Specific Management Recommendations .................................... 17
6. Estimation of Resources Required from the Province and Partner Groups ............ 25
7. Summary of Committee’s Draft Recommendations ................................................ 27
Appendix I Committee Membership .............................................................................. 28
Appendix II Descriptions of PEI Natural Areas Protection Act and Recreation
Development Act ........................................................................................................... 29
Title page photo credit: © John Sylvester
3
1. Mandate of the Bonshaw Hills Public Lands Committee
In 2012, permission was granted to the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure
Renewal (DTIR) by the Department of Environment, Labour and Justice (DELJ) to
proceed with the proposed Trans-Canada Highway realignment project between
Bonshaw and New Haven, Prince Edward Island. One of the stipulations of the permit
granted was the development of a management plan for environmentally sensitive land
in the area. Such a plan was to be developed by the DTIR within one year of the
approval date, with the input of government and non-government stakeholders which
might have an interest in co-management and protection of the land. DTIR staff
identified potential stakeholders in the local councils, land conservation and recreation
communities and invited them to participate in this committee. A list of committee
members is provided in Appendix I.
Our Task: The Committee’s focus complements Condition 9 of the October 1, 2012 Environmental Approval issued by the Provincial Department of Environment, Labour and Justice. Long-term management plans are to be developed for ecologically important lands in the area of the ongoing TCH Realignment Project, specifically for provincial parcels 860031, 219253, 219154, 218636 and 218669, as well as other lands agreed upon by the committee.
2. Purpose of This Report
One of the first resolutions of the Bonshaw Hills Public Lands Committee was to ask for
input from Islanders on the long-term management of public lands in the highway
realignment area. To that end, we seek your constructive comment on this report, which
outlines a set of draft land management recommendations that the Committee has
develop
will cons
for the M
3. The
In the in
public vi
standard
name sh
submiss
forwarde
Date May 15,May 27,Jun 27, Jul – SeOct 1, 2
ed to advis
sider your c
Minister of D
Public C
terest of tra
iewing (http
d submissio
hown or om
sions will be
ed to the M
A 2013 D 2013 P2013 D
ep, 2013 C013 F
e Minister V
comments w
DTIR by Oc
Consultat
ansparency
p://www.gov
on template
mitted as au
e made ava
inister, app
Activity Draft recomPublic meeDeadline foConsideratiFinal recom
Vessey. On
when produ
ctober 1, 20
tion Proce
y, all submis
v.pe.ca/tir/b
e where you
thor of you
ailable for p
pended to o
mmendationting for disc
or public subion of public
mmendation
nce this con
ucing a deta
013.
ess and A
ssions from
bonshawhill
u may indic
r submissio
ublic viewin
our final set
ns availablecussion of dbmissionsc submissio
ns provided
nsultation p
ailed set of
Associate
m the public
ls). There is
cate your pr
on. With or
ng. All subm
of recomm
e for public draft recom
ons & revis to Minister
process is c
revised rec
ed Timel
c will be pos
s a check b
reference to
without you
missions wi
mendations.
comment mmendation
sion of recor by the Co
FRmWHBt(T
complete, w
commenda
ines
sted online
box on the
o have you
ur name, al
ill also be
.
ns, Dutch In
mmendatiommittee
Figure 1. Riparian margin aloWest RiveHowell’s Brook tributary (photo creTodd Dupu
4
we
tions
for
r
ll
nn
ons
ong er by
edit: uis)
4. Lan
Conditio
the Prov
existed i
Provinci
the Islan
historic s
Committ
recreatio
d Parcels
on 9 of the h
vince. Addit
in the area
al Park, Bo
nd Horse C
sites. Figur
tee conside
on within a
s Consid
highway rea
tional land p
prior to the
onshaw Pro
ouncil) and
re 3 shows
ered all of th
connected
ered by t
alignment a
parcels wer
e start of the
ovincial Par
d two small
all public la
hese parce
, larger pub
the Comm
approval ide
re acquired
e project. T
k, the eque
areas along
ands adjace
els as havin
blic space.
mittee
entified 5 la
d and other
The latter in
estrian grou
g the West
ent to the h
g potential
Figeasgro(phDup
and parcels
provincial l
cludes Stra
unds (curren
t River asso
ighway cor
for conserv
gure 2. Basstern whiteove of oldehoto creditpuis)
s acquired b
lands alrea
athgartney
ntly leased
ociated with
rridor. The
vation and
se of largee pine in er forest t: Todd
5
by
ady
to
h
e
FFigure 3. Mapp of public laands in Bonshhaw Hills
6
7
4.1 Ecological and Historical Values of the Bonshaw Hills Region
“The center of Prince Edward Island is blessed with many hills, small valleys, tiny streams that broaden swiftly to estuaries as they run the short distance to the sea. The landscape is a patchwork of working and abandoned farms, woodlands in all stages of growth, unspoiled trails and roads. It is ideal country for walking: the hills are only a few hundred feet high. One seldom encounters a ‘No Trespassing’ sign.” Ian MacQuarrie, The Bonshaw Hills (1989)
The Bonshaw Hills region is a rolling tapestry of farms and forest, streams and springs.
The landscape has both ecological importance and recreational value for tourists and
Island residents alike. The hills are dominated by mixed hardwoods with many of the
shaded stream ravines home to remnants of Acadian riparian softwood and hardwood
forests. Patches of older woods containing sugar maple, yellow birch, eastern hemlock,
eastern white pine and some American beech are gems within larger blocks of younger
forest. The area provides more than a pretty panorama as it is frequented by locals and
city dwellers for its hiking trails and other recreational pursuits. The West (Eliot) River
watershed has cold, spring-fed water and some of the best habitat on the Island for
native Atlantic salmon. The river is a sports fishing favourite with brook trout in virtually
every tributary, large or small.
The area has a rich history of ship building, lumber milling and agriculture. Early
settlers in the watershed farmed the fertile lands around the estuary and shore, using
mussel mud harvested from the estuary in the winter to fertilize their fields of potatoes,
turnips, carrots and other market crops. Ship building was a big industry, with shipyards
at Bonshaw, Fairview and Shaw’s Wharf (St. Catherine’s). Mills were scattered all along
the river. The remnants of these mills still affect how the river flows today, even though
there are few mill ponds left intact. Logging occurred in the upper watershed for ‘ton
timber’ (
shipped
Figure 4in BonsMac Irw
Today, t
resource
Three pi
carvings
the publ
forest co
the parc
ground h
the fores
greater v
As Ian M
place, w
(large hardw
to England
4. Crosbyshaw, circwin)
there are st
e-based his
ioneer cem
s, homestea
ic land parc
over types f
cels, as are
hemlock, na
st cover ma
vistas of su
MacQuarrie
worth protec
woods), wh
d.
’s Mill on a 1930 (ph
till many rem
story, some
meteries, the
ad foundati
cels describ
for the area
large easte
ative ferns
ap in Figure
urrounding f
so eloquen
cting for peo
hich was the
the West Rhoto credi
minders of
e of which o
e remains o
ons, an old
bed in this d
a. Mature ea
ern white p
and wildflo
e 6. The ste
forest, field
ntly states i
ople and fo
en floated d
River t:
that
occur near t
of Crosby’s
d well and w
document.
Figure River iMegan
The fore
several
particul
river an
astern hem
ine, sugar m
wers. Thes
eep terrain a
s and river.
in his book,
r nature itse
down river t
the area of
Mill, old br
wharf remna
5. Ripariain land par Harris)
rest areas e
of the land
arly the old
d smaller s
mlock is pres
maple and
se are typic
also allows
.
, The Bons
elf.
to Charlotte
the highwa
idge abutm
ants are on
an margin rcel D (ph
encompass
d parcels ar
der groves a
streams. Fig
sent on at l
healthy und
cally shown
s for many g
shaw Hills, t
etown and
ay realignm
ments, rock
n or adjacen
along Weoto credit
ed within
re exceptio
adjacent to
gure 6 show
least three
der-stories
as ‘toleran
glimpses of
this is a spe
8
ent.
nt to
est t:
nal,
the
ws
of
of
t’ on
f
ecial
FFigure 6. Forrest cover typpes for Provinncial land paarcels in the BBonshaw hillls
9
10
5. Draft Recommendations for Public Lands Management
5.1 Definitions of Key Land Management Terms In this section, the Committee uses some terms to which people from different resource
backgrounds could attach varying meanings. To clarify what these words mean to us, a
brief list of key terms and their definitions is included here.
Table 1. Definitions for terms used by the Committee
Term Committee Definition Active living Physical activity outdoors, both consumptive (e.g., hunting, fishing,
trapping, berry-picking) and non-consumptive (e.g., hiking, cycling, photography)
Acquisition The purchase, trade for other land(s) or acceptance of a gift of land(s) Connectivity Presence of corridors (such as forest strips) which enhance plant and
animal movement to and from other blocks of desirable habitat. Corridors play an essential role in maintaining biological diversity
Conservation Planned management of a natural resource to prevent over-exploitation, destruction or neglect
Ecological integrity
An area’s current state as compared to its natural state. An area with good ecological integrity will have a natural diversity of plants and animals, no invasive species, and be functioning well. Maintenance of ecological integrity means managing the environment in such a way that natural processes are maintained and genetic, species and ecosystem diversity are assured for the future
Ecologically important lands
Places that have special environmental attributes worthy of retention or special care. These areas are critical to the maintenance of productive and diverse plant and wildlife populations
Enhancement The process of making the present environment more habitable for particular species or groups of species; distinct from restoration in that it introduces elements that were historically absent (e.g. nest boxes)
Hardwood Forest Types
"Tolerant" refers to forests dominated by tree species that grow well in the shade of other trees; they tend to be long-lived. Examples include sugar maple, American beech, red spruce and eastern hemlock. "Intolerant" refers to forests dominated by trees which grow better in direct sunlight than in the shade of other trees (i.e. they are intolerant of shade). Examples include trembling aspen, white birch, red pine and eastern larch
Lease An agreement by which an owner of real property gives the right of possession to another for a specified period of time and consideration
Licence A permission to do a particular act or series of acts on land of another
11
Term Committee Definition without possessing any interest in the land. The permission is exclusive to the two parties and cannot be transferred.
Natural capital
The “stock” of nature that provides a flow of goods and services that sustain us. For example, a stock of forest provides goods such as timber, ground hemlock and mushrooms, as well as services such as wildlife habitat, water filtration and erosion control
Preservation The process of working to protect something so that it is not damaged or destroyed; involves more limits on public access or use than conservation. A preserve is a piece of land that is managed through this process
Protection To legally restrict one or more uses of an area of land to ensure its natural features are not disturbed. The Natural Areas Protection Act and the Recreation Development Act are two examples of legislation that can be used to protect land on PEI
Recreation Non-motorized use of lands consistent with active living Restoration The process of restoring site conditions to what they were historically,
before disturbance and/or environmental degradation Riparian zone The unique area adjacent to and influenced by a river or stream
(includes but is not limited to the flood plain) Species-at-risk (regional)
Species of plants and animals with diminished population numbers that are considered to be of special concern, threatened or endangered in the region by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). These may or may not be listed on the national species-at-risk registry
5.2 Land Management Principles The first task of the Committee was to establish a basic set of principles for land
management that would direct decision-making at the smaller scale of individual land
parcels or groups of parcels. The following principles were derived through Committee
consensus:
1) Land management should consider relevant broader, existing strategies and policies such as the Provincial Climate Change Strategy and the West River Watershed Management Plan.
2) Conservation of existing areas with high geological, ecological or heritage values is of primary importance.
3) Strategic acquisition (through purchase or trade) or restoration of other areas is important where there is a positive impact on habitat connectivity or other broad management goals such as erosion control, active living or protection of view-scapes.
4) Pa
5) As
6) Gsme
7) Aec
8) Efr
9) Lac
10) Pto
11) W
Figure yellow
Preservationreas.
Allowable reecond on p
Given the tooils for eros
minimizing oxcessive nu
Active mananhance natutting for ex
Education aramework, tand managnd other puapital valuePublic acceo. Within the c
a. Manaskiingreseaof wh
b. Traditbe all
7. Older ubirch on p
n of lands s
esource usepromoting aopography osion, long-tour chronic utrient enric
agement (e.tural featurexample) wilnd nature ito promote gement shoublic lands es. ess will be a
context of pagement wig, snowshoarch. No moheelchairs), tional conslowed.
pland harparcel D (p
should be co
es should bactive, outdoof the Bonserm managland use pchment of g.g., tree cutes or publicll be reinventerpretatiowise use o
ould considein the vicin
allowed unle
principle #10ll accommoeing, low-imotorized vehunless it isumptive us
dwood staphoto cred
onsidered f
be based firsoor, sustain
shaw Hills regement planroblems asgroundwatetting, pruninc access. Asted in the
on values sof natural reer broader ity, to maxi
ess there is
0: odate multipmpact camphicle access for managses (hunting
and made dit: Megan
for the mos
st on minimnable livingegion and tns should r
ssociated wer. ng, planting
Any funds gproperties.hould be bu
esources. strategies fmize the pu
s a conserv
ple uses suping, educa
ss will be allgement purpg, fishing, tr
up largelyn Harris)
st special / m
mizing ecolo. the propensreflect a com
with soil eros
g) may be aenerated (f. uilt into the
for provinciublic benefi
vation or sa
uch as hikination, traininlowed (withposes. rapping, be
y of sugar
most sensit
ogical risks
sity of Islanmmitment tsion and
allowed to from tree
initial
al parklandit and natur
afety reason
ng, biking, ng and h the excep
rry-picking)
maple an
12
tive
and
nd to
ds ral
n not
ption
) will
d
13
5.3 General Recommendations for Long-term Management In the process of developing recommendations, the Committee discussed a number of
components of land management and of what it might look like over the long term.
1) Who should eventually hold the title to these public lands – the Province or a non-
government land conservation trust (such as the Island Nature Trust or the Nature
Conservancy of Canada)?
2) Who should be responsible for their management – the Province, a non-profit
organization or the Province in partnership with one or several non-profit
organizations?
3) What level of legislated environmental protection, if any, should be established for
each land parcel? This would include mechanisms such as designation under the
Natural Areas Protection Act (NAPA) and designation as a park under the
Recreation Development Act (see Appendix II for a brief description of these Acts).
4) How can connectivity, both in terms of wildlife and human use, be enhanced among
the various public lands?
5) How can the sometimes competing needs of ecological integrity and public use be
balanced in a way that optimizes both?
In the paragraphs which follow, initial answers are offered to these basic questions.
On the whole, the Committee felt that the public good would be better served by
transferring ownership of the provincial lands to land conservation trusts in perpetuity,
where long-term Provincial administrative costs could be minimized and any NAPA
designation could not as easily be lifted. An equally compelling option for the lands
adjacent to existing parklands would be to incorporate them into Bonshaw and
Strathgartney Provincial Parks. Long-term leases (e.g., 50+ years) to land conservation
trusts is a less-favoured option from the Committee’s perspective, but could work well if
the first two ownership choices turn out to be unworkable. Only productive agricultural
sections of parcels were considered to have potential value for future private ownership,
provided they could be swapped for other lands of high ecological value in the vicinity.
Several
parcels.
determin
(Figure 8
leasing f
parcel B
West Riv
Ecologic
councils
Figure to be leand Ho
Given th
lands en
under co
above) t
recomm
recomm
Protectio
for any p
recreatio
that the
needs.
groups we
The Unive
ned arrange
8); the new
for research
B). Other po
ver Waters
cal Forestry
s or addition
8. Educatieased and/lland Colle
he ecologica
ncompasse
onsideration
the Commit
mends long-
mended legis
on Act (NAP
parcels inco
on, reforest
manageme
re identified
rsity of Prin
ement with
w lease wou
h and educ
otential part
hed Group
y Project, m
nal non-prof
ion / resea/or licenseege
al value of
d by the lan
n (see sect
ttee strongl
term protec
slative vehi
PA), with a
orporated in
tation or wil
ent plans dr
d as possib
nce Edward
the Provinc
uld be a rep
cation but lo
tners in ma
, Cycling P
municipal
fit groups.
arch parceed by UPE
the forested
nd parcels
tion 4.1
y
ction of all 5
icle for such
dditional pr
nto existing
ldlife conse
rawn up for
ble partners
d Island and
ce, to lease
placement fo
ost with the
nagement i
EI, Island T
els EI
d
5 parcels an
h protection
rotection fro
g parks. The
ervation is a
r each parc
s in land ma
d Holland C
e and/or lice
or the land
highway p
include: Isla
Trails Inc, M
nd the addi
n would be
om the Rec
e managem
allowed by N
cel reflect th
anagement
College hav
ense some
parcel they
roject appr
and Nature
Macphail W
itional publi
the Natura
creation De
ment of som
NAPA legis
hose long-te
of public
ve a pre-
e of these la
y had been
roval (Figure
e Trust, the
Woods
ic lands. Th
al Areas
velopment
me pieces fo
slation prov
erm uses o
14
ands
e 3,
he
Act
or
vided
r
Given th
potentia
shows p
old farm
from rou
have mi
not com
Charlott
and Bon
access b
private l
provincia
that mig
for activ
Figure out from
The pote
for wildli
margins
are of pa
of forest
during th
zone alo
North Am
buffers a
populati
presents
along th
he location
l to expand
possible hik
m and woods
ughly 2 – 6
nimal envir
mon on the
etown. A la
nshaw Park
be develop
ands sandw
al parks. Fi
ht enable s
e living trai
9. Schemam the Bon
ential for co
ife use and
– the lands
articular im
t wildlife wil
heir life cyc
ong waterw
merican stu
at least 100
ons. The ac
s them with
e river that
of the land
d park boun
king and bik
s roads in p
km would r
ronmental im
e Island and
arger expan
ks would req
ed with one
wiched betw
gure 10 sh
such a link,
ls within tha
atic of posshaw Prov
onnection o
for human
s adjacent
portance fo
l use the rip
cle. There is
ways on the
udies sugge
0 m wide to
cquisition b
h a chance t
is consider
parcels ne
ndaries, rec
king trails w
parcels D a
require rela
mpact. Con
d particular
nsion of pa
quire an ag
e or more o
ween the ex
ows a conc
along with
at park layo
ssible trailvincial Par
of these land
use, is gre
to rivers an
or wildlife. N
parian zone
s a legislate
Island; how
est that wild
have healt
by the Provi
to lead by e
rably wider
ar existing
reational us
within expan
and E, the a
atively mode
ntinuous wo
rly not within
rkland that
greement fo
owners of
xisting two
ceptual layo
possibilitie
out.
ls startingrk
d parcels, b
eat. Riparian
nd streams
Ninety perce
e at some p
ed 15 m buf
wever, man
dlife need
thy
ince of land
example, gi
r than the le
provincial p
se and natu
nded parkla
addition of lo
est up-front
oodlands tra
n easy trav
would conc
or
out
s
g
both
n
–
ent
point
ffer
ny
ds adjacent
iving protec
egislated wi
parks, there
ure interpre
ands. With t
oop trails v
t resources
ails of these
velling dista
ceivably lin
t to the Wes
ction to a ba
idth. The C
e is great
etation. Figu
the existenc
varying in le
s to create a
e distances
nce from
nk Strathgar
st River
and of habi
Committee
15
ure 9
ce of
ength
and
s are
rtney
itat
encoura
recogniz
Figure concepexistingand Stradditionlands. Twould ror accewith pri
Similarly
mixed, m
forest re
these la
uncomm
a whole
habitat f
birds, am
and plan
their wild
within th
commun
seeds o
The natu
their val
institutio
values fo
parcel e
ages the exp
zing its imp
10. Expant linking tg parks (Brathgartnenal governThis concerequire puess agreemivate land
y, there are
mature hard
epresented
nd parcels
mon on the
. These are
for a numbe
mphibians,
nts. In recog
dlife value,
hese forest
nity. Uninte
n clothing a
ural elemen
ue for educ
ons on the I
or teaching
ncompassi
pansion of
ortance for
ded park two Bonshaw
y) and nment ept
urchase ments owners
stands of
dwood
within
that are
Island as
e valuable
er of forest
mammals
gnition of
the Comm
stands, to m
nded impac
and damag
nts that ma
cation and n
sland – Un
g in the field
ng the hem
protected r
r wildlife on
ittee recom
minimize an
cts might in
e to moist f
ke these pl
nature inter
iversity of P
d. They hav
mlock grove
riparian zon
land and in
mmends car
ny negative
nclude intro
forest soils
aces specia
rpretation. T
PEI and Ho
ve expresse
e (parcel A)
ne in this ar
n-stream.
reful plannin
e impact on
duction of i
through too
al and unco
The two ma
olland Colle
ed particula
and what r
rea of the W
ng of recrea
n the natura
invasive, no
o much foo
ommon als
ain post-sec
ege – recog
ar interest in
remains of
West River,
ational use
al forest
on-native p
ot or bike tra
o contribute
condary
nize these
n the land
the land tha
16
plant
affic.
e to
at
17
was previously the site of UPEI research studies (parcel B). These two pieces contain
relatively old trees as well as stream and riparian habitat (Figure 8). Parcel C along the
West River also provides easy access from Wharf Rd to the river estuary and adjacent
wetland and grassland habitats. The proximity to Charlottetown further promotes their
ease of use by conservation and biology students. The Committee supports their lease
of parcels A and B over the long term.
As grade school teachers look for ways to bring environmental education into the
curriculum for younger students, a well-placed and ecologically diverse area has value
for teaching youth about good stewardship practices. The lands and waters
encompassed by these parcels could be a day trip destination for schools during all
seasons. Field-based teaching is shown to have a strong and lasting positive impact on
children’s lifelong connection to the natural world.
The Committee has put considerable thought into how best to balance competing uses
and enhance linkages between parcels. We recommend that the Province and their
partner NGOs promote increased connectivity by exploring options to protect adjacent
private lands, particularly those with high ecological integrity.
Although the potential for connectivity of these pieces is important, it will likely not be
possible to link them all. Hence, the following table and subsections describe the
attributes and possible management of each land parcel individually.
5.4 Land Parcel – Specific Management Recommendations The following table summarizes the Committee’s draft recommendations for the 5 land
parcels identified in the permit approval as well as other public lands in the area. Refer
to Figure 3 for locations of land parcels. The Committee is asking for public input on the
management options outlined in this table.
18
Table 2. Recommended ownership and management of public lands
Parcel (see Figure 3)
Size (acres)
Suggested Ownership Suggested Protection
Suggested Management Strategies
A + A1 + public access to east & west
30+ Government, leased to UPEI / Holland College
NAPA Education and research by these institutions. Public access allowed, provided it does not interfere with education and research. Parking / foot access off the Peter’s Road re-alignment. Presence of a snowmobile trail in the vicinity may be a management issue.
B 23 Government, leased to UPEI / Holland College
NAPA Education and research by these institutions. Public access allowed, provided it does not interfere with education and research. Parking off the Peter’s Road re-alignment; foot access across private property.
C 71 Transferred or leased to Island Nature Trust OR added to Strathgartney Park
NAPA RDA
Conservation of riparian zone (100m). Agricultural land may be traded for high-priority conservation lands in the area. If kept, some of the agricultural land may be managed for grassland birds and some may be reforested in native trees.
D 156 Transferred or leased to Island Nature Trust OR added to Bonshaw Park
NAPA RDA
Conservation of riparian zone (>100m due to slope). Restoration forestry and walking / biking trails in the forest (using existing paths / roads where possible) outside the riparian zone. Reforestation of the agricultural fields a priority due to slope / erosion.
E 55 Transferred or leased to Island Nature Trust OR added to Bonshaw Park
NAPA RDA
Reforestation of old fields, restoration forestry in woodland. Walking / biking trails (using existing paths / roads where possible). The footbridge at Green Rd needs to be replaced.
F 137 Transferred or leased to Island Nature Trust
NAPA Conservation of riparian zone (>100m due to slope). Restoration forestry in the woodland;
19
Parcel (see Figure 3)
Size (acres)
Suggested Ownership Suggested Protection
Suggested Management Strategies
agricultural land may be managed for grassland birds and to maintain the view.
G 28 Transferred or leased to Island Nature Trust
NAPA Conservation of riparian zone and other ecologically sensitive areas on the property. Maintain some of or all existing trails for walking / biking, but no establishment of new trails. A new access and parking area will be needed, possibly in the northeast corner of this property. Management issues include current ATV usage, trash on site, and remnants of an old dam that should be removed.
Equestrian grounds
5 Government, leased to Island Horse Council
NAPA (riparian)
Maintain current usage and horse trails. Designate the existing 25 m riparian margin under NAPA.
Crosby’s Pond
13 Government NAPA (riparian)
Designate all of property under NAPA.
Additional photographic and written descriptions of the land parcels and their main attributes are provided on the following
pages.
Parcel AThis lan
Crawfor
habitat i
that zon
was also
area; it h
and mig
snowmo
College
research
not prec
is not co
Fi
Parcel BThis lan
the origi
mixed h
through
The eco
lend itse
College
and edu
the leas
compati Figure yellow
A:
d parcel en
d Stream a
n particular
e would no
o purchase
has some e
ht also be c
obiles in win
will be leas
h and educ
clude public
ompatible w
igure 11. C
B:
d parcel en
nal UPEI le
ardwood fo
this section
ological sen
elf to trail co
will be leas
ucation; pub
e agreeme
ble with res
12. Mixed birch and
ncompasses
and an asso
r is potentia
ot be advisa
d for the hig
existing olde
currently us
nter. UPEI a
sing this pro
ation but th
c access ex
with researc
Crawford S
ncompasses
ease and in
orest. Crawf
n and the te
sitivity of th
onstruction.
sing this pro
blic access
nt except w
search need
hardwoodsugar ma
s an old-gro
ociated mat
ally sensitiv
able. Howev
ghway real
er horse tra
sed by
and Holland
operty for
he lease do
xcept where
ch needs.
Stream and
s what rem
ncludes mat
ford Brook
errain is ver
his parcel d
. UPEI and
operty for re
is not precl
where it is n
ds.
ds, includiple (photo
owth hemlo
ture, health
e to overus
ver, the adj
ignment co
ails
d
es
e it
d old whit
ains of
ture
passes
ry steep.
oes not
Holland
esearch
luded by
not
ing o credit: F
ock and eas
y riparian e
se and esta
oining publ
ould be inclu
te pine (ph
Fiep de Bie
stern white
ecosystem.
ablishment o
lic parcel #2
uded in the
hoto credit
e)
pine stand
The riparia
of any trails
227298 wh
e managem
t: Fiep de
20
,
an
s in
ich
ent
Bie)
Parcel CThis par
by Whar
that no l
to be co
walls alo
River ar
riparian
boundar
Nature T
fields as
threaten
species-
Parcel DThis par
portions
white sp
earlier s
as recen
property
connect
could be
currently
C:
rcel contain
rf Rd, a par
onger exist
mpletely pa
ongside. Th
e excellent
wetland oc
ry, adjacent
Trust sees s
s habitat for
ned grassla
-at-risk).
Figure
D:
rcel is large
(which will
pruce and b
tage of tran
ntly as 2012
y, where far
ing Green R
e used to lin
y of questio
ns several s
rtially aband
ts. The road
assable aga
he views of
from this p
ccurs along
t to the rive
some poten
r the boboli
nd bird (see
e 13. View
e and varied
l be closest
balsam fir st
nsition back
2. There is
rming and h
Rd to the o
nk these pro
onable struc
small fields
doned road
d would nee
ain, but has
the West
property. A
the wester
er. Island
ntial in the
nk, a
e section 5
ws of wetla
d in its land
t to the real
tands that a
k to forest a
a network o
homesteads
ld Crosby’s
operties wit
ctural integr
with white s
d originally b
ed some cl
s wonderful
rn
.1,
and and th
scape. Orig
igned highw
are about 4
and three p
of old roads
s once occu
s Rd at the
th the Bons
rity.
spruce hed
built to acce
earing of ra
l heritage c
e West Ri (phot
ginally mos
way) now c
40 years old
lowed fields
s through th
urred. The
southwest
shaw comm
dgerows an
ess a gove
aspberries
components
ver from pto credit:
stly farmland
contain a m
d, former fie
s which we
his souther
existing foo
corner of th
munity; how
d is bisecte
rnment wha
and wild ro
s like old sto
parcel C fiMegan Ha
d, the south
mix of old-fie
elds in an
ere in row c
rn half of the
ot-bridge
his property
wever, it is
21
ed
arf
oses
one
ields rris)
hern
eld
rops
e
y
The nort
mature s
There ar
much gr
plain of
Committ
for linka
another
private l
This wou
across t
the flood
ecologic
and trail
is of conFigu
Parcel EThis par
were cle
growing
birch, bu
closest t
mature m
old road
edges o
be exten
km. Figure
thern sectio
sugar mapl
re no trails
reater. A sm
the larger W
tee has con
ges to Bolg
trail networ
ands (an ol
uld involve
he West Ri
d plain is re
cal impact o
network in
ncern. ure 14. Old
E:
rcel is adjac
ear-cut seve
up in scrub
ut the weste
to the West
mixed fores
ds along the
f this piece
nded to cre
15. Woods
on furthest
e-dominate
or roads in
mall un-nam
West River.
nsidered the
ger Park Rd
rk that exis
ld Red Cros
a second f
iver at a po
elatively wid
of such a st
n the riparia
der stand
cent to Bon
eral years a
bby native c
ern third of
t River rem
st. There ar
e western a
that could
ate a loop t
s road win
from the hig
ed upland h
these olde
med stream
. The
e potential
d and
ts on
ss trail).
footbridge
oint where
de. The
ructure
an margin
of sugar m
shaw Prov
ago and are
cherry and
the propert
ains in
re currently
and northern
fairly easily
trail of 2 or
nding alon
ghway and
hardwood fo
er forest are
flows acro
maple in th
incial Park.
e
ty
n
y
3
g the nort
ending at t
orest and m
eas and the
ss this prop
he uplands
. The upper
theastern
the West R
mixed riparia
eir ecologica
perty down
s (photo:
r (eastern)
edge of pacredit:
River contai
an forest.
al value is
into the flo
Megan Ha
slope areas
arcel E (phMegan Ha
22
ns
ood
rris)
s
hoto rris)
Parcel FThis lan
old Livin
end at H
old trees
remaind
MacKinn
propertie
realignm
to the br
inventor
time. Th
MacKinn
producti
the north
excellenFigu
Parcel GThis par
old Enco
that now
realignm
contain t
infrastru
Figure the newmanage
F:
d encompa
ngstone and
Howell’s Bro
s, particular
der of the pr
non Lane (b
es affected
ment). The n
rook) are re
ry and have
he sections
non Lane w
on as rece
h and surro
nt. ure 16. Vie
G:
rcel encomp
ounter Cree
w lies south
ment (Figure
the bulk of
ucture.
17. Portiow realignmement (are
asses two p
d Crosby fa
ook, a large
rly sugar m
roperties ar
built as an a
by the high
northern se
egistered in
e not been t
that now lie
were in tilled
ntly as 201
ounding fore
ews north fd
passes the
ek or Fairyla
of the high
e 17). It doe
the comme
n of parcement consiea outlined
parcels boug
arms. The s
e tributary o
aple, yellow
re in farmla
access road
hway
ections (clos
the steep
tilled for som
e south of
d crop
2. The view
est lands ar
from fieldsdown to H
area of the
and proper
hway
es not
ercial
el south ofdered for d in yellow
ght for the
steep, fores
of the West
w birch and
nd, which is
d to
ser
land
me
ws to
re
s on parceHowell’s Br
e
rty
f
w)
highway re
sted norther
River. The
d some Ame
s now bisec
el F. Woodrook (phot
ealignment,
rn edges of
e forest is m
erican beec
cted by the
ds in foregto credit:
originally t
f these parc
mixed with s
ch. The
e new
ground exMegan Ha
23
he
cels
some
tend rris)
There ar
well as a
stream a
hemlock
many yo
forest ca
on the Is
To the w
forest is
some wo
multiple
over the
accumu Figure birch caCreek pBie)
re several o
a few small
and mature
k scattered
oung trees c
anopy. This
sland and is
west, in the
more mixe
onderful old
commercia
e years have
lation of de
18. Matureanopy in r
property (p
old trails in
cabins in d
e mixed har
along the s
can be foun
s is not a co
s important
vicinity of t
ed in age bu
d individual
al uses of th
e resulted i
ebris.
e hemlockravine of ophoto cred
a network t
disrepair. A
dwood fore
slope of the
nd under th
ommon situ
t to conserv
the trails, th
ut also with
trees. The
his property
n some
k, maple anold Encoundit: Fiep d
that used to
A steep ravin
est. In partic
e ravine. Th
he
ation
ve.
he
e
y
nd nter
de
o service th
ne along th
cular, there
he hemlock
he old camp
he east side
e is a grove
is regenera
pground, as
e has a sma
of old east
ating well a
24
s
all
tern
and
25
6. Estimation of Resources Required from the Province and Partner Groups
The concepts for long-term management of these lands require a degree of resource
commitment from the Province. While partner groups may be willing to assist with the
logistics, most are non-profits with little or no capacity to shoulder much of the financial
burden of long-term management. This section of the report describes some of the
resource needs that must be considered when deciding the best option for
management.
The lands are currently owned by the Province. If lands were incorporated into larger
parks, then the financial resources required to manage the parklands would be
administered through the provincial department responsible for park maintenance,
currently the Department of Tourism and Culture (DTC). The DTC could partner with
non-profits to undertake the maintenance, but the administration of management would
still lie with the department. The Committee recommends that the seasonal use of any
expanded parklands be extended, including access to year-round parking facilities and
low-maintenance composting toilets. These facilities are particularly important to
accommodate greater use for nature interpretation by schools and recreational groups.
Should the expanded park concept not eventuate, long-term leases could be granted to
non-profit land trusts. Although the maintenance costs would then be shouldered by that
land trust, there would still be administrative costs to the Province. Depending on the
conditions of the lease, there can be substantial staff time involved in drawing up and
delivering the paperwork for leases. Lease administrators are housed within the
Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (DTIR).
If ownership was transferred to an NGO, such as Island Nature Trust, the costs of
management would be transferred with the ownership. Funds for land management
would then not come from taxpayers, except indirectly through any Provincial grants
that mig
is raised
The Com
designat
with them
year of a
land trus
Depend
consider
clean-up
stabiliza
Howeve
Committ
objective
interpret
ht be award
d independe
mmittee has
tion. These
m. The Pro
a long-term
sts if there w
ing on the l
rably. For e
p of old cam
ation of form
er, other par
tee recomm
e would be
tation costs
Photo
ded to the N
ently of gov
s recomme
e designatio
ovince woul
m managem
was a trans
land parcel
example, th
mpground in
mer steep ti
rcels such a
mends little
to have mi
s.
o credit: Ha
NGO. Most
vernment.
ended NAPA
ons would h
d need to a
ent plan. S
sfer in owne
in question
e former E
nfrastructur
lled fields th
as parcel A
to no mana
nimal mana
annah van
t funding to
A designati
have short-t
allocate fun
ome of the
ership.
n, managem
ncounter C
re. Parcel D
hrough plan
A have healt
agement of
agement co
den Heuve
o Island Nat
ion and, in
term admin
ds for those
NAPA cos
ment costs
Creek prope
D above Bo
nting of per
thy, intact e
f those land
osts, limited
el
ture Trust, a
some case
nistrative co
e costs with
sts could be
in the shor
erty requires
onshaw requ
rennial gras
ecosystems
ds. In the lo
d to trail ma
as an exam
es, parks
osts associa
hin the first
e deferred t
rt term vary
s resources
uires
sses and tre
s and the
ong term, th
anagement
26
mple,
ated
to
y
s for
ees.
he
and
27
7. Summary of Committee’s Draft Recommendations
1. Regarding ownership of the provincial lands, the Committee recommends:
a) The lands be transferred to non-profit land conservation trusts where
possible; this is our preferred option
b) As an alternative to transfer of the lands, those parcels in the vicinity of the
two provincial parks (Bonshaw and Strathgartney) could be incorporated into
an expanded provincial park
c) The lands could also be leased long-term (50+ years) to land conservation
trust(s); we see this as a possibility only if the previous two options turn out to
be unworkable
d) Ownership of productive agricultural land could be turned over to the
private sector if there was interest in a trade for other (private) lands of high
ecological value in the vicinity
2. The Province should seek partnerships to undertake restoration, nature
interpretation and active living recreation components of long-term management
3. All provincial lands in the area should be designated under NAPA for their
exceptional ecological value, both individually and when considered as a whole,
connected environment
4. Loop trails of several kilometres in length should be developed for active living
and would be of great value in an expanded parklands concept
5. Trails must be carefully planned to balance the ecological sensitivity of some of
the riparian and older upland forest stands with public use
6. The all-season use of any expanded parklands should be facilitated through
access to year-round parking facilities and low-maintenance composting toilets
7. The leasing of land parcels A and B by University of PEI and Holland College is
endorsed by the Committee; research and conservation needs should be the
determinants of timing and extent of public access
8. The Province and partner NGOs should explore options to protect adjacent
private lands with high ecological integrity
9. Parcel-specific management recommendations are listed in Table 2
28
Appendix I Committee Membership
Name Representation
Co-chairs
Todd Dupuis Atlantic Salmon Federation
Brian Thompson Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (DTIR), Land &
Environment Division
Committee
Art Ortenburger Bonshaw Community Council
John Jamieson Bonshaw resident
Mike Connolly Cycling PEI
Kate MacQuarrie Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Forests, Fish & Wildlife Division
Shelley Cole-Arbing DTIR, Environmental Management Section
Kim Horrelt DTIR, Infrastructure Division
Fiep de Bie Island Nature Trust
Jackie Waddell Island Nature Trust
Bryson Guptil Island Trails Inc.
Randy Angus Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI
Tim Banks Nature Conservancy of Canada
Diane Griffin Nature Conservancy of Canada
Mark MacKenzie New Haven – Riverdale Community Council
Daryl Guignion University of Prince Edward Island
Megan Harris West River Watershed Group, Central Queens Wildlife Federation
29
Appendix II Descriptions of PEI Natural Areas Protection Act and Recreation Development Act
The PEI Natural Areas Protection Act (NAPA) outlines the criteria for a natural area,
what types of lands the Minister of Environment, Labour and Justice may designate as a
natural area and how that designation must take place. The designation and de-
designation of Crown land is to be a public process complete with public consultation.
Private land can be designated without public input and in that case lands to be
designated are approved by the NAPA Technical Advisory Committee.
Each parcel of land must have an approved management plan as part of the
designation agreement and private parcels have additional restrictive covenants that
outline activities and uses that can and cannot be carried out on the land. Each set of
designation documents also includes an agreement to designate between the
landowner and the province and an Order to Designate signed by the Minister.
Designation and the associated management plan and restrictive covenant (for private
land) run with the land, and therefore provide permanent protection. In the case of
public lands, the designation can be removed by the Minister following public processes
if a better use of the land is determined.
Under this Act the Lieutenant Governor in Council may, on the recommendation of the
Minister, make regulations regarding the designation, activities on designated lands,
offenses and enforcement of the Act.
The Recreation Development Act and Provincial Park Regulations are administered
by the Department of Tourism and Culture (DTC). The Minister of Tourism and Culture
shall promote orderly development of recreation facilities and recreation services. Land
may be designated as a provincial park for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. The
Minister has the authority to accept a gift of any area of land, or can authorize an
30
exchange of public lands for other lands for the purpose of creating additional provincial
parks, or adding to any existing park.
No person shall use any provincial park in any manner contrary to any restrictions upon
the use prescribed by regulations. Except with permission of the Minister, the
regulations prohibit such activities as removal of plants, rocks, fossils or other objects of
natural curiosity, as well as polluting water or discarding rubbish.
Areas can also be protected under the Recreation Development Act to preserve objects
of beauty, fossil remains, and other objects of aesthetic, educational, historical or
scientific interest.