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Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area Management Plan: chapter 5

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5 Management approaches

Active management to maintain upland and wetland habitats and the associated species is required at the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area (NWA). The overall management philosophy for the Prince Edward Point NWA is to protect, improve and restore upland and wetland habitats to provide staging and feeding habitat for waterfowl and migratory birds, and in order to ensure the continued existence of wildlife and plants, including species at risk. Species habitat use, timing windows, critical habitats and other constraints will be considered within all management actions.

This section and table 4 contain a description of approaches that could be used in the management of the Prince Edward Point NWA. However, management actions will be determined during the annual work planning process and will be implemented as human and financial resources allow.

Table 4: Management Approaches for Prince Edward Point NWA
Management Challenges and Threats Goals and Objectives Management Approaches (actions, including level of priority1)
  • Loss and degradation of upland stopover and breeding habitat for migratory birds and wildlife
  • Loss of grassland habitats to natural succession, with associated loss of breeding bird species
  • Loss of natural water-level fluctuations in riparian wetlands as a result of Lake Ontario water regulation and climate change effects

Goal 1: Sustain habitats for the benefit of native migratory species and resident flora and fauna, including species at risk.

Sub-goal 1.1: Maintain and improve upland stopover and breeding habitat for migratory birds and wildlife.

  • 1.1a: Important areas of upland habitat, including woodlands, grasslands, shoreline beaches and cliffs for resident and migrant birds at risk are identified through survey and research.
  • 1.1b: Appropriate action is taken, based on survey and research results (see Section 5.4) in order to manage and protect important upland breeding and stopover habitat for migratory birds, especially species at risk.

Sub-goal 1.2: Maintain grassland habitats in order to retain, and increase where appropriate, dependent resident wildlife and migratory populations, and significant species (e.g., species at risk or those of regional significance).

  • 1.2a: An area of at least 50 ha is identified and actively maintained as grasslands.
  • 1.2b: Within this area, the current diversity of grassland species is maintained or increased, perennial shrub and tree cover remains less than 25%, and grassland communities are dominated by native grass species (e.g., Poverty Grass (Danthonia spicata), Tufted Hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa), Little Bluestem (Schizachryium scoparia).
  • 1.2c: The extent of available habitat for resident and migrant open-country birds at risk is identified, and maintained or increased in area through active management.

Sub-goal 1.3: Maintain and improve the quality of Great Lakes riparian and inland wetland habitats to sustain use by migratory and resident populations of wildlife, including species at risk.

  • 1.3a: The current extent of wetland habitat, especially for wetland species at risk, is identified, and its areas are maintained or increased.
  • 1.3b: Potential sources of pollution, excess sedimentation or erosion, or invasive species have been eliminated or are being actively managed.
  • Conduct biological inventories for the NWA every five years to report on biological diversity and threats. (2)
  • Monitor habitat change (i.e. extent and quality of wetland, grassland, upland vegetation communities including the extent of invasive species) using aerial photography and site visits. (1)
  • Survey and monitor species at risk populations to evaluate effectiveness of management activities to protect and enhance critical habitats. (1)
  • Maintain bird monitoring programs conducted by Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory (PEPtBO); collaborate with other organizations on survey, research and monitoring programs; complete periodic habitat assessments. (1)
  • Implement recommendations from the grassland feasibility assessment (i.e. establish, manage and monitor a 50 ha area of grassland habitat). (1)
  • Implement recommendations from recovery strategies for grassland-dependent species at risk where feasible, such as maintaining large patches of grassland habitat through mowing or controlled burning. (1)
  • Encourage and support monitoring and research projects. (1)
  • Apply habitat management recommendations from recovery documents for wetland-dependent species at risk. (1)
  • Reduction in biodiversity due to invasion of non-native plant species in parts of the NWA
  • Predation pressures and habitat disruption by feral domestic animals

Goal 2: Reduce the impacts of invasive species and feral animals on native biodiversity.

Sub-goal 2.1: Reduce the extent and percent cover of invasive alien plant species.

  • 2.1a: Every five years, map the distribution and percent cover of invasive alien plants to determine areas of concern.
  • 2.1b: Initiate control programs where cover by invasive plant species exceeds 10% of a plant community, and continue control to maintain cover at or below 10%.

Sub-goal 2.2: Eradicate feral domestic animals within the NWA.

  • 2.2a: Continue to monitor the impacts of overabundant wildlife and feral and domestic animals on diversity of native flora and fauna. Maintain management of overabundant wildlife populations, if required, over the long term.
  • Establish a baseline inventory and monitor habitat change (i.e. extent and quality of upland and wetland vegetation communities, including the extent of invasive species) using aerial photography and site visits. (1)
  • Prepare and implement an invasive species plan for the NWA to reduce the spread of invasive and non-native species, where feasible, and prevent new invasive non-native plants from establishing. (2)
  • Undertake targeted control to reduce the spread of invasive and non-native species where feasible. Consider best management practices and guidance documents, where available. (1)
  • Implement monarch vegetation planting plan. (1)
  • Undertake planting of native species to restore disturbed sites and to increase riparian and vegetative buffers. (1)
  • Remove problem animals. (1)
  • Engage Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Wildlife Enforcement Directorate as required. (1)
  • Increased demand for public access and use, especially of waterfront areas
  • Legacy of waterfront lots around Long Point Harbour, and associated dredging and disposal activities

Goal 3: Manage human uses of the NWA to meet current standards and ensure conservation objectives are met.

Sub-goal 3.1: Manage remaining leases (2) at Long Point Harbour to ensure compliance with all federal laws, policies and lease provisions and over time restore affected lands and waters.

  • 3.1a: The activities of seasonal users of the harbour follow federal laws, policies and lease provisions.
  • 3.1b: Restore lands and shoreline areas with terminated leases, so that no anthropogenic structures (including boats, waste materials etc.) remain.
  • 3.1c: All harbour maintenance activities follow relevant standards.

Sub-goal 3.2: Promote the opportunities for responsible public access and use to enhance Canadians’ connection to nature, while managing and monitoring visitor (staff, researchers, the public and partners) activities in the NWA, to ensure a safe environment and to reduce the ecological impacts of human use on the NWA.

  • 3.2a: Coordinate with Federal Wildlife Enforcement personnel for compliance and promotion with respect to Wildlife Area Regulations and the Species at Risk Act, and reduce the number of incidents of prohibited activities within the NWA to no more than five per year.
  • 3.2b: Plan and implement Connecting Canadians to Nature infrastructure (trails, signage, and interpretive displays) in order to increase public support, participation in the conservation of the site, and compliance with regulations and site restrictions.
  • 3.2c: Increase the number of annual visitors from 1,000 (estimate for 2014) to 5,000 by the end of 2020.
  • 3.2d: Legacy issues are resolved in coordination with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Contaminated Sites Program and Department of National Defence’s Unexploded Explosive Ordnance program.
  • Post notices and install signs and maintain Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service (ECCC-CWS) website, to promote compliance with the Wildlife Area Regulations and reduce unauthorized access and occurrence of prohibited activities, and avoid and reduce disturbance to wildlife and habitat. (1)
  • Post weight limit and “use at own risk” signage at dock(s). (1)
  • Implement the Connecting Canadians to Nature visitor landscape plan. (1)
  • Conduct site visits four times a year to monitor and maintain facilities and infrastructure, and to assess wildlife impacts and mitigate as necessary. (1)
  • Contract routine site maintenance and reporting activities. (1)
  • Schedule periodic formal assessments of all facilities and infrastructure and identify contaminant risks. (2)
  • Enforce the Wildlife Area Regulations through regular visits by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Wildlife Enforcement Directorate. (1)
  • Complete periodic monitoring and risk assessments by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Contaminated Sites program and Department of National Defence’s Unexploded Explosive Ordnance program. (1)
  • Complete review and renewal of leases where they are still valid; update lease provisions to current standards; consider consolidating leaseholders on south side of harbour; remove unauthorized users and structures. (1)
  • Remove waste materials and restore natural conditions on vacated lots. (1)
  • Fragmentation of natural habitats providing connecting links for migrant wildlife through development pressures in Prince Edward County

Goal 4: Increase habitat connectivity in the vicinity of the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area, and support regional landscape-level conservation efforts and partnerships.

Sub-goal 4.1: Consolidate and, where possible, expand the protected area land base to increase connectivity of habitats and migration corridors.

  • 4.1a: Lands adjacent to the NWA are identified, prioritized and protected through acquisition or other means.
  • 4.1b: Ensure ECCC-CWS capacity to maintain relationships with government, non-government organizations, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation, and stakeholders, to participate in community and stakeholder meetings and coordinate with partners on shared issues and management approaches.
  • Encourage conservation of priority adjacent lands through future inclusion within the NWA or other options such as conservation easements in partnerships with local naturalists groups, etc. (2)
  • Participate in partnerships and collaborations to address the conservation of adjacent lands and support regional conservation initiatives. (1)

5.1 Habitat protection and management

Grasslands and thickets

There has been limited active habitat or vegetation management in the NWA in the past. Instead, natural succession has been allowed to take place unimpeded. This has created a diversity of habitat types throughout the NWA that are used by a wide range of species.

To maintain this habitat diversity at the Prince Edward Point NWA, including sufficient habitat for breeding grassland bird species such as the Bobolink, active management will need to occur.

Environment and Climate Change Canada is currently undertaking an assessment of the benefits and feasibility of maintaining a large 50 ha grassland area at Prince Edward Point NWA. The large area reflects the requirements of a number of area-sensitive grassland and open-country bird species. The assessment is reviewing the extent and dynamics of grassland areas on the property, and assessing options for their management and restoration, including recommended plot size, location and quality. The assessment will also review the habitat requirements and likely impacts of suggested management approaches to grassland and open-country species, including species at risk. The resulting recommendations will be considered relative to the overall management goals and objectives for the Prince Edward Point NWA, as well as the long-term human and financial resource requirements. Additionally, active management of invasive species will be implemented (3-year treatment plan for Dog Strangling Vine) followed by a planting plan for Monarch-friendly plants (Milkweed, etc.).

Riparian wetlands

Since the extent of riparian wetlands is affected most by water levels, which are beyond NWA management control, regular surveying will track changes in wetland extent, biodiversity, and the presence and abundance of wetland-dependent species at risk. Research and monitoring will also assess any changes in habitat quality, in part by using wildlife indicators such as the presence of species at risk, including Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and Western Chorus Frog (Pseuducris triseriata). Recommendations from recovery strategies or action plans for these species will also be incorporated as available.

Other habitat types

All other habitat types within the NWA - forests, inland wetlands and shorelines--will be monitored through routine site visits to identify emerging issues such as new invasive species that may require a management response. Changes in terrestrial habitat extent and composition will be monitored using aerial photography and vegetation mapping.

Regional habitat connections

Since Prince Edward Point is of particular importance to migrating wildlife, the maintenance of effective ecological connections to other habitats that provide connections for migrants is especially important. These connections include the chain of islands across Lake Ontario to the south and east, as well as habitat patches on the land base of Prince Edward County that assist birds and other wildlife on their passage. Therefore, the NWA has a direct interest in broader landscape conservation initiatives.

Efforts to maintain or increase capacity of ECCC-CWS staff to establish and maintain relationships with neighbours, local planning authorities, conservation organizations, government and non-government organizations, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation, stakeholders and enforcement personnel will facilitate a holistic and coordinated approach for the management and conservation of the Prince Edward Point NWA.

As shown in Figure 3, several parcels of private land extend into the NWA, in one case creating a complete break in continuity of public ownership. Eventual inclusion of these lands within the NWA would be beneficial. In addition, future opportunities may arise to consider conservation of adjacent lands to the west of the current holdings of the NWA, when private owners are seeking to dispose of their lands or willing to consider other options such as conservation easements.

5.2 Invasive and non-native plants and feral and domestic animals

The presence of invasive and alien plant species creates competition problems with native species. Because of the history of this site, a significant number of non-native species are already present, many of which are long-established and in essence integrated into existing habitats. Problems arise with aggressive species that have the ability to rapidly spread to the detriment of native vegetation.

Activities to control invasive and alien plant species will be considered only if the species are determined to be causing significant problems for wildlife or the ecological integrity of their habitats. Surveying of known problem species (Dog-Strangling Vine, Garlic Mustard, Common Lilac) will be carried out to document the size and number of habitat patches dominated (> 10% cover) by these species. Interventions to reduce the spread of invasive species or to remove them will be investigated and conducted where feasible.

If a new alien plant species with the potential to become invasive is detected, efforts will be undertaken to eradicate the species within two years of the date it was detected.

Where routine monitoring of the NWA identifies particular problems with feral and domestic animals, removal of problem animals may be undertaken by Environment and Climate Change Canada, and people releasing or feeding feral animals may face enforcement actions.

5.3 Wildlife management

Migratory birds

Because of the importance of Prince Edward Point to migratory birds, monitoring activities to be carried out in the NWA will be directed toward obtaining further relevant information on the movements, activities and numbers of migrants and to inform habitat management actions.

The majority of bird monitoring within the NWA will continue to be undertaken by PEPtBO under permit from Environment and Climate Change Canada. The Canadian Migration Monitoring Network (CMMN) station is currently the only full-time migration monitoring station on eastern Lake Ontario and is one of twenty-five CMMN stations across Canada. PEPtBO is the most easterly migration monitoring station on the Great Lakes, providing important regional information on Neotropical migrants. The standardized monitoring of migratory songbirds during spring and fall migration is conducted at stations within the network and includes three types of data collection: bird banding, daily observations and census routes.

In 2001, PEPtBO implemented a nocturnal owl monitoring project. Since then, over 2000 owls have been banded during fall migration (Okines 2009). Environment and Climate Change Canada will continue to allow such migration monitoring activities within the Prince Edward Point NWA.

5.4 Monitoring and surveys

Monitoring and surveys may be authorized for ECCC-CWS staff, Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Wildlife Enforcement Directorate (ECCC-WED), and other federal and provincial agencies and researchers where it supports identified research and management needs. Effective and efficient monitoring requires careful planning and a coordinated approach. For species at risk, locations (e.g. resident, breeding and migrant) in the NWA will be identified and monitored over time to assess population size and distribution as well as potential and existing threats. Monitoring methods and priorities will be in accordance with animal care protocols and species recovery strategies, management plans, action plans and other relevant policies. Ongoing monitoring needs are as follows:

  1. establish baseline and track changes in wetland, grassland and forest habitats (i.e., extent and quality, biodiversity, and habitat dependent species at risk);
  2. establish baseline population and distribution estimates for key plant and animal species within the NWA;
  3. assess the overall ecosystem quality of the area for a range of wildlife and plant species with an emphasis on habitats required by migrating songbirds, waterfowl, owls, hawks, Monarch and species at risk, as well as other provincially rare species; monitor responses to threats;
  4. assess the effectiveness of current or future management practices;
  5. monitor and assess the impacts of visitation and access on the NWA;;
  6. assess the changes in extent and density of invasive and non-native species, and the applicability of control and eradication methods; and
  7. assess the vulnerability of wetland and grassland plant and wildlife communities to climate change variability.

The following general site monitoring activities will be undertaken during quarterly visits to the site:

  1. site conditions (e.g., roads, fences, gates, occurrence and density of weeds and invasive and alien species);
  2. installation or replacement of NWA boundary and regulatory signage;
  3. public access and visitor use of trails, parking lot and washroom;
  4. occurrences of prohibited activities, vandalism or damage to facilities; and
  5. weather events and consequent hazards (e.g., erosion, wind damage, fallen tree limbs).

Beyond the ongoing agreements described above with PEPtBO to monitor migrant birds, Environment and Climate Change Canada will continue to encourage and collaborate with organizations and researchers to monitor various native and non-native wildlife taxa, wildlife disease and pathogens, and to assess response to management practices within the NWA. Examples include monitoring of nocturnal bats, ticks as vectors for Lyme disease, and populations of Monarch.

Special attention may be directed toward populations that appear to play an important role as prey during migration or breeding periods. Small mammals, insects, fish, crustaceans, amphibians or reptiles could be heavily preyed upon by birds during breeding, migrating or staging, or through permanent residence in the area. Gaining a better understanding of the population and distribution of these prey species might show some behavioural relationships or habitat preferences of birds and may be pursued to improve NWA management.

Environment and Climate Change Canada will work with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF) Lake Ontario Management Unit to identify and monitor aquatic species in the pond, riparian marshes and harbour within the Prince Edward Point NWA, with an emphasis on species at risk.

Habitat assessments such as vegetation community mapping and species inventories may be conducted periodically to monitor habitat change over time, evaluate management practices, and identify potential threats and stressors to habitat and opportunities for mitigation.

Locations of resident species at risk in the NWA will be identified and monitored over time to assess numbers, distribution, potential and existing threats, and to determine and implement best management practices and recovery actions. Monitoring methods and priorities will be in accordance with species recovery strategies and other relevant policies.

5.5 Public information & outreach

One of the goals of the Connecting Canadians to Nature initiative is to increase public access to the selected NWAs while managing their visitation so that activities do not interfere with the conservation of wildlife. Indeed, one way of reducing damage caused by unauthorized activities is to create opportunities and promote authorized activities, and by communicating this clearly to potential users. Section 6.2 lists authorized activities with special restrictions for Prince Edward Point NWA.

On-site awareness programs are not being planned for Prince Edward Point NWA. Awareness is generated through a CWS website and via printed materials available on the Environment and Climate Change Canada protected area website.

Goals for public information and outreach include the following:

  1. Explaining the nature of NWAs, their local and regional importance, and the general role of the ECCC-CWS Protected Areas Network and national habitat program;
  2. Explaining the natural and historical human phenomena leading to the diversity of habitats now encountered in the NWA;
  3. Explaining the importance of different NWA habitats to migratory birds, and emphasizing the importance of the area’s geographic location to annual migration patterns;
  4. Outlining the importance of the NWA habitats for other wildlife species, including species at risk (reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fishes, plants, etc.);
  5. Promoting appreciation for habitat and wildlife at the Prince Edward Point NWA and the public’s role in ongoing protection of the site; and,
  6. Increasing awareness of and promoting compliance with the CWA and Wildlife Area Regulations.

To meet these goals, ECCC-CWS has developed printed materials such as the Prince Edward Point NWA fact sheet, which is available to visitors, and installing interpretive signs in public access areas.

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