Gros Morne National Park of Canada, 2016 to 2021: action plan implementation report 2021
Official title: Implementation Report: Multi-species Action Plan for Gros Morne National Park of Canada (2016 to 2021)

Long description for cover image
This cover page consists of multiple photos.
The descriptions and credits are ordered clockwise from top left.
This is a photograph of Gros Morne mountain, reflected in an alpine pond at the base of the mountain. Autumn grasses, pond lilies, and a moody, cloudy grey sky are all mirrored in the glassy, still water.
This is a photo of a caribou doe striding across a grassy fen in the early spring of the coastal lowlands in GMNP. The fen has not greened up yet and she still has her thick winter coat. She looks directly at the photographer as she walks by. Her impressive antlers indicate she is a mature doe. A dense band of wind sculpted spruce and fir trees, known as 'tuckamore" form a seemingly impenetrable barrier behind her.
This photo shows a group of five juvenile Harlequin ducks swimming together, left to right. The water is rough as they travel just off a rocky shoreline.
This photo shows Mountain Fern habitat in the Long Range mountains. Four people, Parks Canada staff and community volunteers involved in a survey for the fern, take a break on a steep slope covered in Mountain ferns. One person reclines on the slope just below a patch of ferns, another sits on a boulder, two more stand as they all take in the view of a distant highland pond, surrounded by steep forested hills with rocky outcrops. The far shore has cliffs with rocky barrens visible on the tops of the hills.
This photo is of a single male Barrows Goldeneye duck, swimming along from right to left, dipping his beak in the ocean. The contrast between his black and white plumage is striking, and is reflected in the rippled but glassy water. His bright yellow eye is noticeable against his glossy plumage.
Document information
Recommended citation:
Parks Canada Agency. 2021. Implementation Report: Multi-species Action Plan for Gros Morne National Park of Canada (2016 – 2021). Species at Risk Act Action Plan Series. Parks Canada Agency, Ottawa. v + 16 pp.
For copies of the report, or for additional information on species at risk, including the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) Status Reports, residence descriptions, recovery strategies, action plans and other related recovery documents, please visit the please visit the Species at Risk Public RegistryFootnote 1 .
Photo credits:
Cover illustration, clockwise from top left: Gros Morne Mountain, J. Hoffman, Parks Canada Agency (PCA); Caribou, C. Davignon, PCA; Harlequin ducks, M. Burzynski; Mountain Fern, M. Burzynski; Barrow's Goldeneye, D. Whitaker, PCA.
Action plan highlight: American marten suitable habitat map, J. Burton and S. Taylor, PCA.
Également disponible en français sous le titre:
« Rapport de mise en œuvre : Plan d'action visant des espèces multiples dans le parc national du Canada du Gros-Morne (2016-2021) ».
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, 2021. All rights reserved.
ISBN 978-0-660-41069-2
Catalogue no. CW69-21/12-1-2021E-PDF
Content (excluding the illustrations) may be used without permission, with appropriate credit to the source.
Preface
The federal, provincial, and territorial government signatories under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk (1996)Footnote 2 agreed to establish complementary legislation and programs that provide for effective protection of species at risk throughout Canada. Under the Species at Risk Act (S.C. 2002, c.29) (SARA), one or more action plan(s) provides the detailed recovery planning that supports the strategic direction set out in the recovery strategy for SARA-listed Extirpated, Endangered and Threatened species. Parks Canada multi-species action plans address a suite of species of conservation concern within one or more Parks Canada managed areas, including species that require an action plan under SARA.
The Minister responsible for the Parks Canada Agency (the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change) is the competent minister under SARA for the species found in Gros Morne National Park of Canada and in 2016 published the Multi-species Action Plan for Gros Morne Island National Park.
Under section 55 of SARA, the federal competent minister must monitor the implementation of an action plan and the progress towards meeting its objectives, and assess and report on its implementation and its ecological and socio-economic impacts five years after the plan comes into effect. A copy of the report must be included in the Species at Risk Public Registry. The Minister responsible for the Parks Canada Agency has prepared this Implementation Report: Multi-species Action Plan for Gros Morne National Park of Canada (2016-2021).
The achievement of population and distribution objectives identified within the recovery strategy or management plan for a species may require a long time frame. In these cases, a five-year reporting window may not be sufficient to show demonstrable progress towards meeting site-based population and distribution objectives identified for that species within a Parks Canada site-based action plan. Parks Canada monitors, evaluates and, as necessary, adapts measures taken to achieve species survival or recovery, and will report on progress towards meeting site-based population and distribution objectives every five years.
Acknowledgments
Parks Canada would like to acknowledge those who have contributed to implementation of the Multi-species Action Plan for Gros Morne National Park of Canada. Thanks are extended to: Parks Canada staff members Darroch Whitaker, Holly Lightfoot, Gabrielle Robineau Charette, Jake Burton, Scott Taylor, Shawn Gerrow, Margie Wilkes, Greg Knott, Ray Reid, Tom Knight, Randy Thompson (ret.), Carson Wentzell (ret.), Jennifer Hoffman, Noah Campbell and Darien Ure. In addition, thanks are extended to Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation and Miawpukek First Nation; Jordi Segers, Scott McBurney and Tessa McBurney (Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative); and Erin Fraser, Darrian Washinger, Ian Warkentin and Jenna McDermott (Memorial University, Grenfell Campus).
Executive summary
This document reports on implementation of the Multi-species Action Plan for Gros Morne National Park of Canada between 2016 and 2021. It reports on implementation of measures identified in the plan, assesses progress towards meeting site-based population and distribution objectives and evaluates socio-economic impacts.
Species addressedFootnote 3
The action plan addressed 11 SARA-listed species and three species of conservation concern. Measures and site-based population and distribution objectives identified within the action plan were focused on two species, for which management actions within Gros Morne National Park could have a substantive impact on species survival or recovery: Piping plover (melodus subspecies) and American marten, Newfoundland population.

Long description of diagram
This diagram shows a thick ring that is segmented into sections. Each section of the ring reflects a category of SARA classification, and is weighted in size based on the number of species in each category. The total number of species included in this report is reflected by a number in the middle of the ring. The diagram shows 14 total species, 4 Endangered species, 3 Threatened species, 4 Special Concern species, and 3 non-SARA listed speciesFootnote 4 of conservation concern.
Implementation of the action plan
9 measures (recovery actions) were identified in the multi-species action plan. Implementation of the action plan is assessed by determining progress towards completing each measure and is outlined in Section 2 of this report. During the five-year period, all 9 measures were initiatedFootnote 5 and 9 were completed. An additional 4 measures identified in the action plan were implemented because resources and/or partnerships became available to support the work.

Long description of diagram
This diagram shows two thick rings, each segmented into two parts. The segments reflect a percentage of recovery actions initiated and completed in the action plan, and are weighted accordingly. One ring shows the measures initiated (100%), while the other ring shows measures completed 100%) in the plan. The percentages are shown as numbers in the centre of the rings as well.
Ecological impacts
2 site-based, population and distribution objectives (PDOs) were developed in the action plan; however, one was not applicable as the species (Piping Plover) did not breed within the site over the last 5 years. Ecological impacts are assessed by measuring progress towards achieving the site-based population and distribution objectives and are outlined in Section 4. The one objective that was implemented was fully achieved.

Long description of diagram
This diagram shows two thick rings, each segmented into two parts. The segments reflect a percentage of Population and Distribution Objectives partially achieved and fully achieved in the action plan, and are weighted accordingly. One ring shows the Population and Distribution Objectives that are partially achieved (100%), while the other ring shows the Population and Distribution Objectives that are fully achieved (100%). The percentages are shown as numbers in the centre of the rings as well.
Socio-economic impacts
The measures proposed in the action plan had limited socio-economic impact and placed no restrictions on land outside the boundary of the national park. Direct costs of implementing this action plan were borne by Parks Canada. Indirect costs were minimal while benefits included positive impacts on park ecological integrity, greater awareness of species and enhanced opportunities for engagement of visitors, local communities and Indigenous groups.

Long description of diagram
This diagram shows three circles overlapping with one another in an upside-down triangle shape. Each circle has text in the middle. The top left circle says "Environmental", the top right circle says "Social", and the bottom circle says "Economic".
1. Context
This document reports on implementation of the Multi-species Action Plan for Gros Morne National Park of CanadaFootnote 6 between 2016 and 2021, assesses progress towards meeting its population and distribution objectives, and evaluates its socio-economic impacts. It addresses 14 species, including 7 SARA-listed Extirpated, Endangered, and Threatened species (for which an action plan is required) as well as four SARA-listed Special Concern speciesFootnote 7 .
Site-based population and distribution objectives were developed for two species for which implementation measures within Gros Morne National Park could have a substantive impact on recovery: Piping plover (melodus subspecies) and American marten (Newfoundland population).
2. Implementation of the action plan
Implementation of the Multi-species Action Plan for Gros Morne National Park of Canada is assessed by measuring progress towards completing the recovery measures identified in the action plan (Table 1). Refer to the original action planFootnote 6 for a description of each measure, the desired outcomes, and the threats that each measure addresses.
Species and measure | Desired outcome | Progress towards outcome | Progress (% complete) |
---|---|---|---|
1) Piping plover Reduce human disturbance of breeding plovers: Take steps to reduce disturbance of breeding plovers, including use of interpretative panels and signage to promote compliance with disturbance mitigation measures (e.g., dogs on leash) and, if warranted, area closures in the vicinity of nests coupled with signage to redirect visitors to nearby open beaches. |
Signage is present on plover beaches and nesting areas are closed when nesting occursFootnote 8. |
|
100% |
2) Red Knot Visitor awareness about shorebird stopovers: Install interpretative panels and signage at Belldown's Point and other stopover sites in the future. |
Information on site importance to shorebirds and park regulations is available to visitors at stopover sites to encourage compliance and minimize human disturbance. |
|
100% |
3) American Marten, Newfoundland population Snaring Regulations: Develop initiatives to promote compliance with brass/picture cord snare wire regulations in GMNP and adjacent areas. |
No stainless steel wire is used in GMNP. |
|
100%* |
4) American Marten, Newfoundland population Habitat mapping: Update GIS land cover maps for GMNP and in conjunction with the province, use the updated classification to map suitable and critical habitat for marten. |
Updated GIS land cover data is available and marten habitat in GMNP is mapped by 2016. |
|
100% |
5) American Marten, Newfoundland population Moose population management: Reduce moose populations and maintain them at a target density of 1-2 moose/km2. |
Moose population density is reduced by 2018 and is maintained at between 1 and 2 moose/km2 over survey area by 2023. |
|
100%* |
6) Little Brown Myotis and Northern Myotis Bat Inventory: Assess distribution and relative abundance of bats in GMNP using digital ultrasonic activity recorders. |
The distribution and relative abundance of bat species in GMNP is understood and a long-term bat monitoring protocol is developed by 2016. |
|
100%* |
7) Little Brown Myotis Bat Best Management Practices (BMP): Develop and implement Best Management Practices for maintenance of infrastructure used by roosting bats. |
Bat BMPs are available and in use by 2016. |
|
100%* |
8) Barrow's Goldeneye Breeding status of Barrow's Goldeneye: Monitor use of nest boxes by Barrow's Goldeneye. |
Breeding status of Barrow's Goldeneye in GMNP is clarified by 2018. |
|
100% |
9) American Eel Mitigate barriers to fish passage: Implement BMPs for fish passage at road crossings when culverts are replaced during road maintenance. |
All new / replaced culverts in GMNP are passable to eels. |
|
100% |
Additional measures were identified in the action plan that would be beneficial to complete should resources become available. Table 2 describes the actions that Gros Morne National Park was able to initiate during 2016 and 2021. Measures from the action plan that were not initiated will be carried forward for consideration in a revised action plan.
Species and measure | Desired outcome | Progress towards outcome | Progress (% complete) |
---|---|---|---|
Develop and implement media strategy (All species at risk in GMNP) |
At least one media story highlighting species at risk in GMNP annually. |
|
100% |
Contribute to in-park programming (All species at risk in GMNP) |
School-aged children in the region are aware of species at risk conservation in GMNP. |
|
50% |
Incorporate species at risk monitoring and recovery into Visitor Experience Opportunities (All species at risk in GMNP) |
A connection to place is fostered by incorporating species at risk content into visitor experience opportunities. |
|
50% |
Provide species at risk information throughout park (All species at risk in GMNP) |
Park visitors learn about species at risk through a diverse suite of non-personal media. |
|
100% |
3. Action plan highlights
American marten (Newfoundland pop.) population estimate
The key threats to this population identified in the Recovery StrategyFootnote 9 are incidental mortality from snaring and trapping and habitat loss and degradation. These are relevant in GMNP because residents are permitted to snare Snowshoe Hare and browsing by hyper-abundant moose may have led to habitat degradation.
Population and distribution objectives for GMNP (based on national objectivesFootnote 9 ):
- Short-term goal: Maintain occupancy of potential marten habitat at current level
- Long-term goal: Maintain or increase occupancy of potential marten habitat
Trend in GMNP:
Increasing: Population of marten in GMNP presumed extirpated through 1990s, estimated as <5 in 2001–2002, 15–20 in 2012 and 26-36 individuals in 2017.
Population monitoring:
Monitoring consisted of presence (occupancy) detection in suitable habitat units using winter track transects supplemented with observations obtained through hair trapping, incidental sightings and citizen science monitoring.
Results:
Hair samples collected in 2016-2017 in marten suitable habitat confirmed the presence of 20 individuals in GMNP. A marten habitat model developed based on the description of critical habitat presented in the recovery strategy shows that over 30% of the park is suitable marten habitat.

Long description of image
This image is of a map of Gros Morne National Park with an overlay of suitable habitat for female American Marten (Newfoundland population). Much of this habitat is shown to be in the forested areas of the southern and eastern regions of the park. Two blocks of critical habitat are outlined along the eastern boundary of the park.
The map also shows the point locations of American marten observations from various surveys done between 2001 and 2016. Some of these point locations are outside the park adjacent to the boundary, or within community enclaves.
4. Ecological impacts
Ecological impacts of the action plan are assessed by measuring progress towards meeting the site-based population and distribution objectives described in the action plan (Table 3). See the original action plan for national Population and Distribution Objectives (where available) and General Information and Broad Park Approach for each species.
Species | Site-based population and distribution objectives | Population monitoring | Progress towards site-based population and distribution objectives | Progress (% achieved) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Piping Plover (melodus subspecies) | Maintain productivity of 1.65 chicks/pair/year, calculated as a 5 year running average. | Suitable habitat is surveyed each spring; if a pair is found, productivity is monitored following Parks Canada's Piping Plover monitoring protocol. |
|
n/a |
American Marten (Newfoundland population) | Short-term goal: Maintain occupancy of potential marten habitat at current level; Long-term goal: Maintain or increase occupancy of potential marten habitat. | Monitoring consists of presence (occupancy) detection in suitable habitat units using hair trapping, incidental sightings and citizen science monitoring. |
|
100% |
These additional species were considered in the Multi-species Action Plan for Gros Morne National ParkFootnote 10 , however no population and distribution objectives were developed for them: Red Crossbill (Endangered), Red Knot (Endangered), Olive-sided Flycatcher (Threatened), Harlequin Duck, Rusty Blackbird, and Short Eared Owl (all Special Concern). Most are occasional visitors to the park and GMNP is of limited importance to the species' national recovery. There is no systematic survey effort for most of these species however, the park Ecological Integrity Monitoring Program assesses Red Crossbill through the ongoing winter forest bird surveys as well as Harlequin Duck through ongoing population size and productivity surveys at 5-year intervals. While no Red Crossbill were detected during winter bird surveys in 2016, 2017 and 2021, 20 Harlequin Ducks (8 pairs and four individuals) were observed along four rivers in GMNP during the 2018 survey. Population monitoring of the remainder of species is through opportunistic recording of observations.
5. Socio-economic impacts
The Species at Risk Act requires the responsible federal minister to report on the socio-economic costs of the multi-species action plan (MSAP) and the benefits derived from its implementation. The MSAP only applies to protected lands and waters under the authority of the Parks Canada Agency, which are often subject to fewer threats (e.g., industrial activities) compared to other areas as the lands are managed to preserve ecological and commemorative integrity. This section does not include socio-economic impacts of existing permitted activities that may be occurring in Parks Canada places as those have been addressed through other processes (e.g., impact assessments). This socio-economic assessment is narrow in scope, as it is focused on the measures implemented within the action plan, and primarily focuses on Indigenous partners, leaseholders, licensees, residents and visitors. The overall socio-economic impacts of the multi-species action plan for Gros Morne National Park, described as costs and benefits, are outlined below.
Costs
The majority of costs to implement the action plan were borne by Parks Canada out of existing salaries and goods and services dollars. This includes incremental salary costs, materials, equipment, and contracting of professional services for measures outlined in Tables 3 (Recovery measures that will be conducted by Gros Morne National Park) and 4 (Other recovery measures that will be encouraged through partnerships or when additional resources become available) of the action plan. Action plan measures were integrated into the operational management of Gros Morne National Park. These costs to the Parks Canada Agency were covered by prioritization of existing funds and salary dollars and did not result in additional costs to society.
No major socio-economic costs to partners, stakeholders or Indigenous groups were incurred as a result of this action plan. The action plan applies only to lands and waters in Gros Morne National Park, and did not bring any restrictions to land use outside the national park. As such, this action plan placed no extraneous socio-economic costs on the public. No restrictions were required on visitor activities on regulated lands to protect and recover species at risk. However, local residents with snaring permits for Snowshoe Hare are required to use brass snare wire. Some may see this as a negative restriction, although most people are supportive of the requirement and willingly comply.
Benefits
Measures presented in the action plan for Gros Morne National Park contributed to meeting recovery and population and distribution objectives for Threatened and Endangered species, and also contributed to meeting management objectives for species of Special Concern. These measures are expected to have an overall positive impact on ecological integrity and enhance opportunities for appreciation of the sites and the species by visitors and the general public, resulting in positive impacts on biodiversity and the value individuals place on preserving biodiversity.
The measures sought a balanced approach to reducing or eliminating threats to species at risk populations and habitats, and included protection of individuals and their habitat, species re-establishment, and increasing public awareness and stewardship. These measures had an overall positive impact on ecological integrity in GMNP.
In particular, the moose population reduction program in GMNP is helping to restore forest habitat and promote natural forest regeneration and biodiversity. This in turn supports the expansion of the American Marten population. Additionally, snaring regulations have mitigated the risk of marten being caught and killed in Snowshoe Hare snares in the cutting blocks. Bat boxes have also been installed at several campgrounds and day use areas throughout the park to provide secure roosting sites in or near renovated buildings.
Potential economic benefits of the recovery of the species at risk found in these sites cannot be easily quantified, as many of the values derived from wildlife are non-market commodities that are difficult to appraise in financial terms. Wildlife, in all its forms, has value in and of itself, and is valued by Canadians for aesthetic, cultural, spiritual, recreational, educational, historical, economic, medical, ecological and scientific reasons. The conservation of wildlife at risk is an important component of the Government of Canada's commitment to conserving biological diversity, and is important to Canada's current and future economic and natural wealth.
To this end, the park has worked to:
- Raise awareness of the importance of Species at Risk to the region and how the park and visitors can help protect them
- Engage and inform hundreds of local students and the public on Little Brown Myotis and American Eel through Species at Risk interpretation events
- Share data and information products with regional conservation partners to better understand and protect Species at Risk that move in and out of GMNP lands
- Further develop relationships and partnerships with Qalipu Mi'kmaq and Miawpukek First Nations, weaving Indigenous Knowledge into recovery actions with a focus on the recovery of culturally important species such as American Eel
Summary
The measures proposed in the action plan had limited socio-economic impact and placed no restrictions on land outside the boundary of the national park. Direct costs of implementing this action plan were borne by Parks Canada. Indirect costs were minimal, while benefits included positive impacts on park ecological integrity, greater awareness of species and enhanced opportunities for engagement of visitors, local communities and Indigenous groups.
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