Portobello Creek National Wildlife Area Management Plan: chapter 6

6 Authorizations and Prohibitions

In the interest of wildlife and their habitat, the effects of 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 the wildlife area and provide mechanisms for the Minister of the Environment to authorize certain activities to take place in NWAs that are otherwise considered prohibited. 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 Portobello Creek NWA, entry is allowed.

6.2 Authorized Activities

For Portobello Creek NWA, notices authorizing the following non-commercial activities have been posted at all designated access points.

Authorized activities without special restrictions:

1. Wildlife observation
2. Hiking
3. Skating
4. Skiing
5. Snowshoeing
6. Photography

Authorized activities with special restrictions:

1. Hunting, fishing and trapping (subject to federal and provincial regulations)
2. Canoeing (outboard motors should be less than 10 horsepower)
3. Berry picking (non-commercial berry-picking only)

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:

National Wildlife Area - Permit Request
Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service
17 Waterfowl Lane, P.O. Box 6227
Sackville NB E4L 1G6

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 and Climate Change Canada policy document is available on the Protected Areas 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 NWAs, to the implementation of management plans, and enforcement activities conducted by an officer or employee of Environment and Climate Change Canada.

6.5 Other Federal and Provincial Authorizations

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

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

National Wildlife Area - Permit Request
Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Atlantic Region
17 Waterfowl Lane, P.O. Box 6227
Sackville NB E4L 1G6