Wallace Bay National Wildlife Area Management Plan: chapter 5

5 Management approaches

This section contains a description of some of the possible approaches that could be used in the management of the Wallace Bay National Wildlife Area (NWA). Management actions will be determined during the annual work planning process and will be implemented as human and financial resources allow.

**Table 6: Management Approaches for Wallace Bay National Wildlife Area**
Management Challenges & Threats	Goals and Objectives	Management Approaches (actions, including level of priority)^g
Habitat loss from deterioration of the conditions is challenging the NWA.	Goal 1: Forest habitat will be managed to maintain populations of forest birds. Objective 1.1: Manage the existing 100 ha of forested habitats so that the NWA contains large contiguous areas of mature Acadian Forest.	Allowing natural succession processes to occur on the NWA. (3)
Habitat loss from deterioration of the conditions is challenging the NWA.	Goal 3: Grassland habitats will be managed to provide habitat for migratory birds including bobolink and aerial insectivores. Objective 3.1: Grasslands are maintained by periodic mowing conducted outside of the nesting season.	Allowing natural succession processes to occur on the NWA as well as potential activities such as periodic mowing. (1)
Tourism activities, some activities being illegal within the NWA, such as off-road vehicle use and large-horsepower boating, may become a cumulative environmental affect. The growing public use of the NWA increases expectations of more public facilities; the public frequently assumes the NWA to be a park rather than habitat set aside for wildlife.	Goal 4: Human activities that have negative impacts on the habitat or the wildlife of Wallace Bay NWA are minimized. Objective 4.1: Control unauthorized and prohibited activities in the NWA. Objective 4.2: Inform visitors of NWA regulations and educate the public in the value of habitat protection and the primary mandate of NWAs being protection of wildlife. Objective 4.3: Provide and maintain a safe entry point and boat launch to facilitate authorized public use. Objective 4.4: Mitigate potential impacts of commercial activities in the vicinity of the NWA.	Maintain the public parking area and boat launch for public use. Conduct periodic site inspections. (1) Provide educational material on wildlife viewing, viewing ethics, and impact of cumulative environmental effects. (1) Report illegal use of off-road vehicles to Wildlife Enforcement Division. (1) Maintain signage, particularly public notice and boundary signs. (1) Install trail counters allowing to monitor the number of visitors (2) Communicate with local businesses concerning the protected status of Wallace Bay NWA and the importance of minimal disturbance of habitat and wildlife. (1)
Forestry and farming operations around the NWA may have impacts such as adjacent forest stand loss and potential run-off and soil erosion from fields.	Goal 1: Forest habitat will be managed to maintain populations of forest birds. Objective 1.1: Manage the existing 100 ha of forested habitats so that the NWA contains large contiguous areas of mature Acadian Forest. Objective 1.2: Acquire by fee simple purchase, lands within proposed boundaries of existing NWA.	Review existing NWA boundaries to ensure that the boundaries are adequate for site protection and management. (1) Propose acquisition, through fee simple purchase by willing vendors.(2) Track land use changes within and adjacent to the NWA through a periodic review of aerial photography. (1) Through partners (Province of Nova Scotia, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Nature Conservancy of Canada and Eastern habitat Joint Venture), provide adjacent land owners tools and resources for land management (such as various best management practices handbooks) and sources for funding assistance. (2) Encourage best management practices on farms. (2) Document and report the number and nature of incidents where evidence exists of illegal activities within Wallace Bay NWA to the Wildlife Enforcement Division. (1)
Forestry and farming operations around the NWA may have impacts such as adjacent forest stand loss and potential run-off and soil erosion from fields.	Goal 2: Wetland habitats will be managed to provide habitat for migratory birds including waterfowl, waterbirds, and marshbirds. Objective 2.3: Acquire by fee simple purchase, adjacent lands with existing or potential wildlife value.	Review existing NWA boundaries to ensure that the boundaries are adequate for site protection and management. (1) Propose acquisition, through fee simple purchase by willing vendors, of lands which may minimize or eliminate sources of potential up-slope contamination. (2) Track land use changes within and adjacent to the NWA through a periodic review of aerial photography. (1) Through partners (Province of Nova Scotia, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Nature Conservancy of Canada and Eastern habitat Joint Venture), provide adjacent land owners tools and resources for land management (such as various best management practices handbooks) and sources for funding assistance. (2) Encourage best management practices on farms. (2) Document and report the number and nature of incidents where evidence exists of illegal activities within Wallace Bay NWA to the Wildlife Enforcement Division. (1)
Increased rural residential development places pressures on the NWA, such as illegal access by off-road vehicles, small-scale land encroachments, and potential contamination from on-site waste management.	Goal 1: Forest habitat will be managed to maintain populations of forest birds. Objective 1.2: Acquire by fee simple purchase lands within proposed boundaries of existing NWA.	Review existing NWA boundaries to ensure that the boundaries are adequate for site protection and management. (1) Propose additions, through fee simple purchase by willing owners, of lands which may minimize or eliminate immediate development pressures. (2) Through partners (Province of Nova Scotia, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Nature Conservancy of Canada and Eastern habitat Joint Venture), provide adjacent land owners tools and resources for land management (such as various best management practices handbooks) and sources for funding assistance. (2)
Coastal erosion and habitat loss is presently minimal and isolated to the edges of the salt marsh. Sea-level rise and climate changes, with increasing frequency and strength of storms, may cause this erosion to increase with eventual significant loss of wetland habitat.	Goal 2: Wetland habitats will be managed to provide habitat for migratory birds including waterfowl, waterbirds, and marshbirds. Objective 2.1: Manage the six controlled water level impoundments (138 ha) comprising fresh and brackish water wetlands for optimal use by a broad spectrum of native species. Maintain open water and vegetation at a 50:50 ratio (with patches of vegetation interspersed with areas of shallow open water), with a high degree of interspersion and plant species diversity. Objective 2.2: Retain the 104 ha of salt marshes in their natural state and, where possible, protect these wetlands from exterior influences such as surface water induced eutrophication and sea-level rise. Objective 2.3: Acquire by fee simple purchase, adjacent lands with existing or potential wildlife value.	Monitor habitat changes and coastal erosion within the NWA through annual aerial photography. Habitat changes and coastal erosion, or land accretion, can be monitored in a cost effective and timely manner. (1) Identify and remove barriers to inland migration of salt marshes in response to rising sea-levels. (3) Identify and mitigate areas of high erosion on impoundment dikes. (2)
The isolation and fragmentation of the NWA is detrimental to the ecological integrity of the site and adds administrative inefficiencies.	Goal 1: Forest habitat will be managed to maintain populations of forest birds. Objective 1.2: Acquire by fee simple purchase lands within proposed boundaries of existing NWA	Secure lands identified for acquisition only from a willing vendor, at market value based on “highest and best use”. (3)
Dams and water management	Goal 2: Wetland habitats will be managed to provide habitat for migratory birds including waterfowl, waterbirds, and marshbirds. Objective 2.1: Manage the six controlled water level impoundments (138 ha) comprising fresh and brackish water wetlands for optimal use by a broad spectrum of native species. Maintain open water and vegetation at a 50:50 ratio (with patches of vegetation interspersed with areas of shallow open water), with a high degree of interspersion and plant species diversity.	Identify and remove barriers to inland migration of salt marshes in response to rising sea-levels. (3) Identify and mitigate areas of high erosion on impoundment dikes. (2)

^g Level of priority: 1 (from 0 to 3 years); 2 (from 4 to 6 years); 3 (from 7 to 10 years)

5.1 Habitat management

5.1.1 Wetlands

The six managed wetlands within the NWA are monitored yearly with aerial photography, combined with periodic ground inspections recording the wetland water depth and condition of dykes and control structures. Of these marshes, five are freshwater impoundments and one is a brackish marsh. There is also a natural marsh with tidal flow minimized with an aboiteau (Table 3). These impoundments, as well as the natural marsh above the aboiteau, are collaboratively managed by Ducks Unlimited Canada and ECCC-CWS (under a land use agreement).

Ducks Unlimited Canada is responsible for the maintenance of the dykes and control structures within these impoundments (MacKinnon and Kennedy 2011). The structures are constructed and maintained at the sole risk, cost and expense of Ducks Unlimited Canada, who cannot construct or erect any structure without prior approval of the Minister.

The extensive salt marshes below the brackish impoundment and east of the Aboiteau Road require no active management. Once partially drained for agriculture, only strands of remnant dykes remain as evidence of this past history. The objective associated with these 104 ha of salt marshes is to retain them in their natural state and, where possible, protect these wetlands from exterior influences such as surface water induced eutrophication and sea-level rise. The low-intensity farming activities occurring on the 10 ha of agricultural upland do not interfere with this objective.

The goal is to manage the six controlled water level impoundments (138 ha) comprising fresh and brackish water wetlands for optimal use by a broad spectrum of native species. Maintain open water and vegetation at a 50:50 ratio (with patches of vegetation interspersed with areas of shallow open water), with a high degree of interspersion and plant species diversity. Environment and Climate Change Canada staff meets annually with DUC representatives to review and discuss the aerial photographs, and decisions related to water levels are taken collaboratively.

5.1.2 Forests

No broad-based management of the forest habitat is anticipated or required at present. However, old house sites with associated wildlife food trees such as apple may be retained in early succession to benefit species that use and are attracted to this type of habitat.

The 100 ha of forested habitats will be managed so that the NWA contains large contiguous areas of mature Acadian Forest. No wood cutting will be done in order to preserve its ecological integrity.

5.1.3 Grasslands

Grassland habitats will be managed to provide habitat for migratory birds including bobolink and aerial insectivores. Discussions with the neighbouring farmers operating in the NWA help keep this area beneficial to certain birds by performing late harvest and low-intensity grazing. Periodic mowing is conducted outside of the nesting season.

Nest boxes and nest structures are installed and maintained for species such as Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow and Barn Swallow.

5.2 Wildlife management

Hunting, fishing, and trapping are authorized within the Wallace Bay NWA by virtue of a public notice posted at entrances. The wetlands of Wallace Bay have experienced a long history of human use, and the wetlands at the head of the harbour continue to be an important waterfowl hunting area (Barkhouse 1979). Sustainable trapping, using humane methods, provides an additional economic return to the rural community. To manage the muskrat population, Environment and Climate Change Canada promotes trapping. Their number is maintained such as they fulfill their natural role while avoiding overpopulation. These activities are regulated within existing federal and provincial statutes; population monitoring is conducted by the responsible authorities.

The 18.2 ha brackish marsh (Impoundment 3A) (Table 3) is particularly valuable as a feeding area for waterfowl due to the dense stands of Sago Pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus) that benefit from the elevated salinity (Hounsell 1984a; Hounsell 1984b; Hounsell 1986; Martin 1977a; Martin 1977b). The salt marshes below the brackish impoundment and east of the Aboiteau Road, and associated marsh ponds, provide important habitat for a diversity of shorebird species.

5.3 Monitoring

Effective and efficient monitoring requires careful planning and a coordinated approach. Monitoring will be carried out in a manner that contributes to meeting recovery strategy and action plan objectives. Ongoing monitoring needs are as follows:

Waterfowl population monitoring (fall migration surveys) to determine use every 5 years.
Breeding bird surveys (forest songbirds) every 5 years.
Vegetation regeneration and habitat change monitoring at old homestead locations every 5 years.
Macro habitat changes based on annual aerial photography, supported by ground-based annual inspections and botanical surveys every 5 years.
Water level and vegetation monitoring (annually) in freshwater impoundments.
Nest boxes and nest structures monitoring.
Monitoring the number of visitors in the NWA.

5.4 Research

Research activities will be considered for permitting when the results obtained through research have the potential for the following:

Determining the distribution and abundance of reptiles and amphibians within the National Wildlife Area by conducting a detailed inventory.
Determining the impact, if any, of the 99 exotic plant species known to occur in the National Wildlife Area.
Determining the distribution, abundance, and habitat use of fish species within the National Wildlife Area and adjacent waters.
Understanding the current extent of tourism, adventure tourism, ecotourism, and visitation to the National Wildlife Area and surrounding region and determining the impact, if any (positive or negative) of tourism on the National Wildlife Area.
Determining the ideal size of the National Wildlife Area, given the management plan goals related to the conservation of migratory birds (including waterfowl).
Identifying potential impacts of climate change on the ecology and infrastructure of the NWA and possible mitigation strategies, including water-level management.
Determining the occurrence within the NWA of species listed as probable under Table 5.

To obtain a permit in order to conduct research in Wallace Bay National Wildlife Area and to receive instructions concerning guidelines for a research proposal, please contact:

National Wildlife Area - Research Request
Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service
17 Waterfowl Lane, P.O. Box 6227
Sackville, New Brunswick, E4L 1G6
Permit requests should be directed to: Permit.Atl@ec.gc.ca

5.5 Public information and outreach

The unique character of Wallace Bay NWA and its significance as a coastal wetland presume public education and awareness “at a distance”. Accordingly, a poster featuring an aerial photograph portraying the wetland habitats of Wallace Bay NWA has been prepared under the national “Heritage to Protect” series and distributed as opportunity presents itself and upon request. Visitors should be informed of NWA regulations and educated in the value of habitat protection and the “wildlife first” management approach for protected areas. Management activities, facts and observations about Wallace Bay NWA will be communicated through the national web site and by referencing the national platform.

Table of contents

Date modified:: 2017-08-31

Language selection

Search