Cape Jourimain National Wildlife Area Management plan

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Cape Jourimain National Wildlife Area

Cape Jourimain National Wildlife Area (NWA) is a coastal headland in southeast New Brunswick (NB), next to Bayfield. It was established in 1980. The NWA has an area of 625 hectares. It covers the closest point between NB and Prince Edward Island (PEI).

The NWA has biological importance. NWA wetlands support 2000 migrating waterfowl and 40 new broods every year. Common species include the American black duck and the Canada goose. 26 shorebird species have been noted in the NWA. Several endangered species, such as the peregrine falcon, frequent the area as well. The area is unique because many birds flying through the Northumberland Strait use the NWA as a landfall.

Cape Jourimain NWA has historic, economic, and strategic importance as well. It has a long history of human use. The NWA was first used by Indigenous Peoples. It is within traditional Mi’kmaq territory. In the late 19th century, after European settlement, the area became an important winter sea connection between NB and PEI. Today the NWA is operated by the not-for profit Cape Jourimain Nature Centre Inc.

Cape Jourimain NWA is part of the Connecting Canadians to Nature (CCN) initiative. The NWA is very popular with visitors. CCN will help Canadians enjoy and connect with nature. CCN funding will improve visitor services. For example, it will improve access and help with on-site programming.

NWAs are protected and managed under the Canada Wildlife Act. This management plan pairs with protection provided for existing Aboriginal or treaty rights.