Portage Island National Wildlife Area Management Plan: chapter 6

6 Authorizations and prohibitions

In the interest of wildlife and their habitat, human activities are minimized and controlled in National Wildlife Areas (NWAs) through the implementation of the Wildlife Area Regulations . These regulations set out activities that are prohibited [subsection 3(1)] in wildlife areas and provide mechanisms for the Minister of the Environment to authorize certain activities that are otherwise considered prohibited to take place in NWAs. The regulations also provide the authority for the Minister to prohibit entry into NWAs.

Activities within an NWA are authorized where notices have been posted at the entrance to or along the boundaries of the NWA or when notices have been published in local newspapers. All activities in an NWA are prohibited unless a notice has been posted or published authorizing the activity to take place. However, in addition to notices, certain activities may be authorized by obtaining a permit from the Minister of the Environment.

6.1 Prohibition of entry

Under the Wildlife Area Regulations , the Minister may publish a notice in a local newspaper or post notices at the entrance of any wildlife area or on the boundary of any part thereof prohibiting entry to any wildlife area or part thereof. These notices can be posted when the Minister is of the opinion that entry is a public health and safety concern or when entry may disturb wildlife and their habitat.

For the Portage Island NWA, entry is not prohibited; however public visitation is not encouraged owing to the fragile nature of the dune habitat and the presence of an endangered species (Piping Plover). Authorized activities and those activities that will be considered for permitting are described below. Domestic cats are prohibited and domestic dogs are only allowed in support of waterfowl hunting.

6.2 Authorized activities

For Portage Island NWA, notices authorizing the following activities will be posted in Gammon Cove with a 2’ x 4’ NWA identification sign. The listed permissible activities are consistent with allowable public use within Atlantic Region NWAs, although all listed activities may not occur at this site.

Authorized activities without special restrictions are as follows:

1. Wildlife observation
2. Hunting and trapping ^{Footnote1of 6.2}
3. Hiking
4. Picnicking

Domestic cats are prohibited and domestic dogs are only allowed in support of waterfowl hunting.

Note: If there is a discrepancy between the information presented in this document and the notice, the notice prevails as it is the legal instrument authorizing the activity.

6.3 Authorizations

Permits and notices authorizing an activity may be issued only if the Minister is of the opinion that the activity is scientific research relating to wildlife or habitat conservation; or the activity benefits wildlife and their habitats or will contribute to wildlife conservation; or the activity is not inconsistent with the purpose for which the NWA was established and is consistent with the most recent management plan.

The Minister may also add terms and conditions to permits in order to minimize the impact of an activity on wildlife and wildlife habitat.

All requests for permits or authorizations must be made (in writing or online) to the following address:

Attention: Permits Officer
Atlantic Region Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service
17 Waterfowl Lane, P.O. Box 6227
Sackville NB E4L 1G6
Or:
Permits Officer email (Atlantic Region)

For further information, please consult the Policy when Considering Permitting or Authorizing Prohibited Activities in Protected Areas Designated under the Canada Wildlife Act and Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (December 2011) . This Environment Canada policy document is available on the Protected Areas website at Protected Area website.

6.4 Exceptions

The following activities will be exempt from the requirements for permitting and authorizations:

• Activities related to public safety, health or national security that are authorized by or under another Act of Parliament, or activities that are authorized under the Health of Animals Act and the Plant Protection Act to protect the health of animals and plants;
• Activities related to routine maintenance of National Wildlife Areas and to the implementation of management plans, and enforcement activities conducted by an officer or employee of Environment Canada.

6.5 Other federal and provincial authorizations

Depending on the type of activity, other federal or provincial permits or authorizations may be required to undertake an activity in the Portage Island NWA.

Contact your regional federal and provincial permitting office for more information.

Attention: Permits Officer Atlantic Region
Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service
17 Waterfowl Lane, P.O. Box 6227
Sackville NB E4L 1G6
Province of New Brunswick
Department of Natural Resources and Energy
P.O. Box 6000
Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1 Tel.: 506-453-3826