Basic Impact Assessment Parks Canada Version IAA 2019

1. PROJECT TITLE & LOCATION

Wetland Walkway Replacement – Hattie Cove, Pukaskwa National Park

2. PROPOSED PROJECT DATES

Planned commencement: 2020-11-01

Planned completion (in-water construction): 2021-08-31

Remediation follow-up monitoring: 2021-2025

3. NOTICES ON REGISTRY

Title for Registry: Wetland Walkway Replacement – Hattie Cove

Project notice posted on Registry 2019-10-28

BIA or any permits approval cannot be taken before 2019-11-27

4. PROJECT FILE NUMBER

Internal: PNP19_01 Registry: 80278

5. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Objective: This project aims to remove and replace the 180m long low lying boardwalk along the

Coastal Hiking Trail at the east end of Hattie Cove, to improve the overall condition rating and

functionality to meet prevailing design, standards and ensure code compliance and public safety.

Project phases and activities: Project will require staging areas in Borrow Pit and adjacent to the

project area. Staging area adjacent to project area requires vegetation clearing. Alternative access

to Coastal Hiking Trail requires ~70m of temporary trail clearing. Materials will be stored in

Borrow Pit and transported by helicopter to project area. Existing boardwalk infrastructure will

be removed in sections and transported by helicopter to Borrow Pit and disposed of. New

floating boardwalk will be installed in sections and concrete anchors added below the water. New

boardwalk will resume use as section of the Coastal Hiking Trail. Remediation of project area,

temporary staging areas and trails to occur for 5 years post-construction.

Project timing:

Initiation and planning: Completed by March 2021

Construction: April – August 2021

Completion: September 2021

Remediation: October 2021 – October 2025

See project description for further details.

6. VALUED COMPONENTS LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED

Geographical scope of the assessment will include the project area (180 m wetland

walkway), adjacent staging area and access to and from the wetland walkway, staging

area in the Borrow Pit, temporary canoe caches and alternative trail access points, and

helicopter flight path to the project area from the Borrow Pit.

Temporal scope of project will span from construction mobilization on-site to 5 years

post-project to ensure rehabilitation of project impact.

Valued physical components (air, soil and landforms, water, flora, fauna and cultural

resources) have been mostly undisturbed since the installation of existing infrastructure

in 1980s, with the exception of maintenance efforts over the past 2 years to retain the

function of the existing failing infrastructure, and use of the infrastructure May-October

annually by visitors to Pukaskwa National Park.

Valued physical components

o The 180 m boardwalk to be replaced is located within Management Zone II –

Wilderness (Aquatic) zone, identified as an environmentally sensitive site

(Pukaskwa National Park Management Plan 2015). The boardwalk crosses

palustrine marsh wetland, created via a beaver dam on the eastern edge of Hattie

Cove, Lake Superior. Marine substrate is soft silt, and water levels range between

0.5-2 m. Most of the marsh vegetation is grass, sedges and aquatic herbaceous

plants. Adjacent to the boardwalk is aspen-birch hardwood forest, sparse treed

fen and thicket swamp. A beaver lodge is located ~ 15m from the project area, and

a beaver dam is located ~ 30 m away.

o The project and surrounding area provides wetland and fish habitat, as well as

habitat for a range of boreal species, including breeding migratory birds, some of

which are species at risk (see Table 1). The project occurs within critical habitat

for woodland caribou – boreal population.

o The existing infrastructure is not valued as a built cultural resource (Paradis 2019,

pers. comm.). There are no known archeological or sites of cultural importance

within the geographical scope. There is potential for unrecorded archeological

resources within the staging area and access/abutments adjacent to the wetland

(Taylor 2019, pers. comm).

Valued human components

o The northern Superior region that the park falls within encompasses thirteen First

Nations and several Métis groups. The project location is near the main access of

the Park and is in closest proximity to the community of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg.

Given its close proximity to Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, the project area is regularly

used by local Indigenous people from this community to harvest food, medicines

or for other traditional cultural purposes. The project area provides trail access for

traditional use of lands in areas south of Hattie Cove.

o The existing wooden boardwalk provides an immersive visitor experience in a

coastal wetland of Lake Superior, a habitat not otherwise accessible on foot. The

existing infrastructure in the project area provides access to Pukaskwa National

Park’s Coastal Hiking Trail, Mdaabii Miikna, and White River Suspension Bridge

day hike. Approximately 10,000 people per year visit Pukaskwa National Park; a

high percentage of these visitors travel across this walkway. Existing

infrastructure submerges when used by visitors, creating difficult terrain.

Additionally, the wooden walkway becomes extremely slippery when wet, creating

a visitor safety hazard. It is expected that the new infrastructure material will

resolve the visitor safety hazard; there is no request that a railing be added to this

infrastructure. Motorized vessels for the general public are not permitted in this

area of Hattie Cove. However, non-motorized vessels are allowed in all areas of

Hattie Cove. Access to the project area over water is unlikely to occur due to a

beaver dam blocking the route between open water and where the walkway

occurs.

See Appendix 1: Effects Analysis for which project phases are likely to cause direct

effects to valued components. There is very low potential for this project to cause

indirect effects as it is a replacement of existing infrastructure.

Table 1. Potential for PNP19_01_WetlandWalkway to impact Species at Risk within Pukaskwa National Park.

SARA Legal Status Endangered Potential for Impact

Description

Little brown myotis

Myotis lucifugus Low Little brown myotis was recorded at the Visitor Centre (~ 2km from wetland walkway) in 2014. There is no known hibernaculum within the project area. Individuals may use the project area to roost and/or forage.

SARA Legal Status Threatened

Barn swallow Hirundo rustica Low There is no available nesting habitat within the geographical scope of the project. Individuals may forage within the project area.

Bank swallow Riparia riparia Low There is no available nesting habitat within the geographical scope of the project. Individuals may forage within the project area.

Canada warbler Cardellina canadensis Medium

Canada warbler was recorded at the Hattie Cove station of the Forest Bird Measure for the Ecological Integrity Monitoring Program of Pukaskwa National Park in 2009, 2010 and 2015, approximately 900m from the project location. A Canada warbler was observed at the wetland walkway in 1993, and a pair was observed ~ 500 m southwest of the wetland walkway in 2019 (eBird 2019). Removal of shrub layer in breeding habitat is identified as a threat to the recovery of this species (Environment Canada 2016a). Individuals may be nesting or foraging within the project area.

Woodland caribou – boreal population

Rangifer tarandus pop.14

High (critical habitat)

This project occurs within the bounding polygon for Woodland Caribou Critical Habitat for the Coastal Range within the Central Boreal Shield Ecoregion (Environment Canada 2012) and will temporarily destroy forest within critical habitat. Caribou have not regularly occurred in Pukaskwa National Park since 2011, though a transient individual was observed in the frontcountry of Pukaskwa National Park in 2015 (Patterson 2019, pers. Comm.). This project is not expected to negatively impact individuals, but will impact critical habitat.

Shortjaw cisco Coregonus zenithicus None There is no available habitat within the geographical scope of the project.

SARA Legal Status Special Concern

Monarch Danaus plexippus Low Many individuals have been noted in the frontcountry of Pukaskwa National Park, ~ 2 km from the project area. There is no available breeding habitat within the project area. Individuals may forage within the project area during spring or fall migration.

Peregrine falcon anatum/tundrius

Falco peregrinus pop.1

Low There is no available nesting habitat within the project area. Individuals may forage within the project area.

Pitcher’s thistle Cirsium pitcheri None There is no available habitat or individuals present within the project area.

Rusty blackbird Euphagus carolinus Medium

Rusty blackbirds have been observed in the front-country of Pukaskwa National Park in 2010 and 2017 (eBird 2019), and at the wetland walkway in April 2010 (PNP Incidental Sightings database). Suitable breeding habitat exists within the project area. Loss and degradation of breeding habitat (by forestry operations) is identified as a direct threat (COSEWIC 2017). Individuals may breed or forage within the project area.

Snapping turtle Chelydra serpentinae Unknown Presence of snapping turtles within the project area is unknown.

Eastern wood-peewee

Contopus virens Medium Eastern wood-pewee was observed at the White River, ~ 4km from the project site in 2018. Suitable breeding habitat is available within the project area. Loss and degradation of habitat on breeding grounds is a threat affecting this species (COSEWIC 2012). Individuals may breed or forage within the project area.

Common nighthawk

Chordeiles minor Low Common nighthawk was observed within the project area in 1993 (eBird 2019) and adjacent to the project area (~300 m) in August 1994 (PNP Incidental Sightings database). Suitable breeding habitat is unlikely within the project area. Individuals may forage within the project area.

Olive-sided flycatcher

Contopus cooperi Medium

Olive-sided flycatcher has been regularly observed in the frontcountry of Pukaskwa National Park and adjacent to the project area (~500 m) in 2018. Suitable breeding habitat exists within the project area. Changes in breeding habitat are not a known threat to the recovery of this species (Environment Canada 2016b). Individuals may breed or forage within the project area.

Yellow-banded bumblebee

Bombus terricola Medium Yellow-banded bumblebee was observed in the frontcountry of Pukaskwa National Park in 2018 (PNP Incidental Sightings database). There is suitable nesting habitat within the project area. Habitat disturbance is not identified as a threat to this species (COSEWIC 2015). Individuals may nest or forage within the project area.

7. EFFECTS ANALYSIS

Direct Effects

Air

Use of helicopter, machinery and construction personnel will cause increase in ambient noise levels.

Use of machinery, equipment will generate exhaust and other particulate matter.

Soil and landforms

Use of machinery and/or trampling may result in physical damage and increase erosion and sedimentation, especially within riparian zone.

Work in wetlands can lead to loss of wetland function as well as habitat fragmentation and a reduction in flood level protection.

Contamination of subsoil by human waste from use of pit privy.

Leakage of deleterious substances from poorly maintained and/or improper refueling of machinery and/or equipment may pollute and contaminate soils.

Water

Increase in suspended solids in water column (increase in turbidity) due to disturbance of underwater substrate.

Change in sediment concentrations due to sedimentation of water body from use of machinery, canoes and/or trampling (erosion) of riparian zone.

Increase in contaminant concentrations resulting from leakage of deleterious substances from poorly maintained and/or improper refueling of machinery and/or equipment.

Possible change in water quality characteristics (e.g. temperature, dissolved oxygen or nutrient concentrations) due to removal of aquatic vegetation, or increased turbidity.

Increase in contaminant concentrations from leaching of new infrastructure materials. Increase in contaminant concentrations from possible leaching of human waste from pit

privy.

Flora

Advertent removal causing death (e.g. aquatic vegetation removed for installation of infrastructure, terrestrial vegetation cleared for staging area and temporary trails).

Incidental burial, crushing or drowning of vegetation causing harm or death during construction activities.

Indirect effects of alteration to site conditions (e.g. turbidity, light availability) may change community composition.

Possible introduction of non-native and/or invasive plant species (e.g. Phragmites australis australis).

Fauna

Probable change in behaviour as a result of increased ambient noise and personnel. Probable disruption of life-cycle activities (e.g. breeding, foraging, migration) from

proximity to construction. o Possible disruption of breeding activities of species at risk avifauna including Canada

warbler (Cardellina canadensis; SARA: Threatened); rusty blackbird (Euphagus

carolinus; SARA: Special Concern); Eastern wood-pewee (Contopus virens; SARA: Special Concern); olive-sided flycatcher (Contopus cooperi; SARA: Special Concern); common nighthawk (Cordeiles minor; SARA: Special Concern); and other migratory birds protected under Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994.

o Possible disruption of life-cycle activities of herpetofauna including snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentinae; SARA: Special Concern).

o Possible disruption of other aquatic species (e.g. fish, mammals, invertebrates) due to construction noise, personnel, environmental changes.

o Possible disruption of other terrestrial species (e.g. mammals, invertebrates) due to construction noise, personnel, environmental changes.

Change in habitat (temporary or permanent). o Habitat which meets the biophysical requirements of critical habitat for woodland

caribou – boreal population (Rangifer tarandus pop. 14; SARA: Threatened) (i.e. mature forest) may be removed for the creation of a staging area. And access trails to canoe caches. However, as per the woodland caribou recovery strategy (COSEWIC 2012), critical habitat will not be destroyed because >65% of habitat is still available within the range (ON6 – Coastal Lake Superior). The total area of the ON6 range is 3765.98 km2, 84% of which is undisturbed habitat (COSEWIC, 2012). This project will affect 0.000001% of the habitat in the range because the area cleared will be no more than 50 m2.

o Temporary or permanent change in fish habitat - increased suspended solids, possible removal of aquatic vegetation.

Possible incidental death of wildlife including SAR. Possible introduction of non-native and/or invasive animal species or parasitic disease

(e.g. whirling disease, spiny waterflea). Potential toxicity or bioaccumulation from accidental release of deleterious materials or

leaching of new infrastructure materials.

Wetland and fish habitat

Introduction of fine sediments in a waterbody can have severe negative impacts on all life stages of fish and other aquatic life and their habitats.

Work in wetlands can lead to loss of wetland function as well as habitat fragmentation and a reduction in flood level protection.

Work in wetlands may also result in the direct loss of rare plants as these areas have high potential for rare plant species.

Physical damage/loss of vegetation, contributing to: loss of fish, herptile or any wildlife habitat connectivity, increased flows, and temporary or permanent loss or alteration of habitat (riparian and aquatic).

Disruption to wildlife (e.g. migration, or foraging times).

Cultural resources

Excavation required for pit privy, walkway abutments, restoration plantings could disrupt archeological resources.

Current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by Indigenous people

Closure of the project area for 2-6 weeks will restrict access to traditional land and resources.

Access to traditional lands and resources south of Hattie Cove via the Coastal Hiking Trail may be impacted if alternative options are not available.

Visitor experience and safety:

Probable closure of access to Coastal Hiking Trail via Hattie Cove wetland walkway for 2-6 weeks; terrestrial access to backcountry campsites and White River Suspension Bridge day hike may be impacted if alternate crossing options are not feasible.

Visitors may encounter construction activities if trail closure is not well communicated/signed.

New infrastructure materials should rectify safety concerns of the current infrastructure, but may cause/maintain slipping hazard if traction is not improved.

Construction may lead to decreased quality of visitor experience and contravene “wilderness feel” due to temporary closures, noise, and presence of people, machinery and/or equipment.

New infrastructure materials (plastic) may contravene “wilderness or natural feel” of backcountry experience.

8. MITIGATION MEASURES

1. A Pukaskwa National Park staff member will be identified as the Environmental

Surveillance Officer (ESO) for the duration of this project and shall conduct weekly

surveillance, being present at the beginning of key steps of construction process (e.g.

staging area clearing, installation of sedimentation control devices, old walkway removal,

aquatic vegetation clearing, installation of new walkway, installation of anchors) to

ensure mitigation measures are respected. The Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Environmental

Coordinator may participate in surveillance activities as desired.

2. The contractor shall submit an Environmental Protection Plan to identify

how their construction plan will meet the below-noted mitigations.

3. Project manager will designate on-site representative (Technical Services Officer I at

Pukaskwa National Park) to coordinate required project logistics.

General

4. In-water work shall be minimized.

5. All work and activities will comply with DFO conditions to Avoid Causing Harm to Fish

and Fish Habitat and won’t release deleterious substances to a waterbody.

6. In-water excavation shall be avoided.

7. Vegetation clearing shall be minimized.

8. Timing windows for spawning fish apply:

a. In-water work shall occur only between July 15 and August 30.

9. Timing windows for migratory birds apply:

a. Vegetation clearing shall occur between August 30 and May 1.

b. If clearing is required between May 1 and August 30, surveys for breeding birds

will be performed by a knowledgeable person prior to vegetation removal. Survey

duration and frequency will be determined by the ESO, in relation to the area

required for clearing, habitat complexity and risk to breeding migratory birds.

10. Contact ESO 2 weeks prior to commencement of work, onsite start-up meeting, arrange

site surveillance, issue Special Activity Permits (e.g. Aircraft Access Permit).

11. All National Park regulations to be observed by the contractors, subcontractors and their

employees (e.g. no feeding wildlife, no littering, no unauthorized camping etc., see

Appendix 3 for list of Rules and Regulations).

Location of facilities

12. Locate staging area 1 – Borrow pit in previously disturbed area; staging area 2 –

Project area in Aspen-Birch Hardwood ecosite, greater than 60 m away from edge of

wetland (Sheldon et al. 2005; Figures 1, 2). Exact staging locations are subject to

approval by the ESO and on-site representative.

13. Minimize area required for staging areas, or avoid using a staging area altogether – in the

event a staging areas cannot be avoided, it may not exceed 50 m2. Staging area 2 –

Project area should be only large enough for deposit of materials by long-line helicopter

and storage. Emergency landing for helicopter will be at staging area 1 – Borrow Pit.

14. Locate pit privy adjacent to staging area 2 - Project area to concentrate human impact.

a. Location of pit privy must be surveyed by PCA Terrestrial Archeology prior to

installation.

b. Pit privy must be installed > 100 m from the coastal wetland, or other water

sources. Pit privy must be installed above groundwater table. Exact location of

facilities shall be subject to approval by project manager, on-site representative

and ESO.

15. Locate potential canoe cache locations on north and south side of Hattie Cove to

minimize length of necessary trail creation and to minimize erosion potential due to

repeated canoe access (i.e. low grade slopes or bedrock). Exact canoe cache locations are

subject to approval by the ESO and Visitor Experience Manager of Pukaskwa National

Park (Figure 3).

Figure 1.General location of staging areas 1 -Borrow pit and 2 – Project area for PNP19_01 Wetland Walkway Replacement Project – Hattie Cove, Pukaskwa National Park.

Figure 2. Ecosites and topography around project area of PNP19_01 Wetland Walkway Replacement -

Hattie Cove, Pukaskwa National Park for determining location of staging area 2 – Project area.

Figure 3. Locations for canoe cache location on North and South side of Hattie Cove.

Equipment

16. Do not idle unnecessarily.

17. All equipment shall be cleaned and dried prior to entry to the Park to prevent

introduction of disease and invasive species.

18. Motorized vessels are not permitted within the Hattie Cove wetland. Non-motorized

vessels (e.g. rowboat, canoe, barge) may be used – all vessels must be cleaned, drained

and dried or disinfected prior to entry into the Park to prevent the introduction of

invasive aquatic species.

19. Whenever possible, operate machinery on land above the high water mark, on ice, or

from a non-motorized vessel in a manner that minimizes disturbance to the banks and

bed of the waterbody (i.e. ensure there is enough water to prevent grounding).

20. Boats, all materials and equipment with potential to come in contact with waterbodies,

must be cleaned and inspected for aquatic invasive alien species (e.g., zebra mussels)

before and following work. Proof this mitigation was applied may be requested before

equipment is permitted into the protected heritage place.

21. All equipment shall be in good working order, free of leaks, well-maintained and fitted

with standard, well-maintained, air emission control devices.

22. Equipment shall be hand-carried to project area on existing foot-trails or slung-in by

helicopter – all sling loads must be identified by the contractor and staged in designated

areas. Transport timing will be coordinated between the contractor, project manager and

on-site representative.

23. Helicopter flying-time shall be minimized.

24. Helicopter operations must not occur within areas of exposed soils where rotor wash will

disturb soils or vegetation.

25. Helicopter operations are not to occur within 100 meters of sighted wildlife, raptor nests

or any identified sensitive features.

26. Helicopter fueling is permitted only at the fueling station or approved by designated

Parks Canada staff

27. Fueling of equipment shall occur in a designated flat area over an impermeable surface

with a berm, >60 m from wetland, > 30 m from other water sources.

28. A Spill Response Plan should be developed prior to work starting. A spill kit shall be

readily available for 110% of fuel on site and all staff trained in its use. Authorities (Park

Duty Officer and Ontario Spill Action Centre 1-800-268-6060) shall be notified

immediately of any fuel spills or leaks

29. Vegetation mats shall be used in sensitive, soft wet areas next to the wetland.

30. A shale stone operating pad may be installed by the contractor in the area authorized by

the on-site representative and ESO to prevent machinery sinking into the soft moist soils

adjacent to the wetland. This pad must be maintained and surrounded by a silt fence to

prevent sediment from entering the watercourse. The pad must be removed at the end of

the project and the site restored to pre-project conditions, to the satisfaction of ESO.

31. Mechanized machinery will not be permitted to enter the wetland.

32. Minimize use of machinery and equipment in riparian zone to minimize disturbance to

the banks of the wetland – restore banks to original condition if any disturbance occurs.

Materials

33. As much as possible, assemble materials off-site.

34. Materials shall be hand-carried on existing trails or slung-in by helicopter – all sling

loads must be identified by the contractor and staged in designated areas. Transport

timing will be coordinated between the contractor, project manager and on-site

representative.

35. No storage of materials will occur on the coastal wetland; storage of all materials will be

at the pre-approved staging areas.

36. All materials shall be treated and handled in a manner to prevent release of deleterious

substances into water.

37. Storage of fuel or other petroleum products must occur > 60 m away from the wetland, >

30 m from other water sources and on an impermeable surface.

38. Concrete mixing activities must take place over tarps and a minimum of 30 m from

waterbodies. Fresh, wet, uncured concrete and concrete dust must not come into contact

with waterbodies. Secondary containment measures such as collection/drip trays and

berms lined with air and water-tight material such as plastic and a layer of sand, and

double-lined fuel tanks are required. Excess concrete must be disposed of at an

appropriate facility outside of the Parks Canada protected heritage place.

39. No treated wood will be used in contact with water (permanently or seasonally). Eastern

white cedar may be used in areas where wood will be in contact with water. Refer to

Parks Canada Treated Wood Management Standard (2017 Draft) and Parks Canada

Treated Wood Management Guide (2017 Draft) for guidance on appropriate use of

treated wood products in areas not in contact with water - provide certification document

from the supplier of any treated wood. No CCA (chromated copper arsenic) treated

lumber will be used on this project.

40. Sawdust, drilling debris and other construction debris is not permitted to enter into the

watercourse – any work which will result in sawdust or debris should occur over land as

much as possible. If drilling or cutting must occur over water, impermeable barriers shall

be used to ensure sawdust or debris does not enter the watercourse. If debris does enter

the watercourse, retrieve to the highest extent possible.

41. Materials for new infrastructure shall be tested to ensure that they do not leach

contaminants when in contact with water.

42. Ensure moorings and floating docks (including anchors and floats) are made of clean,

inert material.

43. Do not use rubber tires as floatation system components for floating dock sections as they

are known to release extracts toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates.

44. Ensure plastic barrel floats are free of any chemicals inside and outside before they are

placed in water.

45. Materials for new infrastructure shall be tested to ensure that they do not break down

with UV exposure.

46. Materials for new infrastructure shall include traction. New infrastructure shall maintain

traction when wet.

47. Remove existing floating prefabricated structures in a manner that prevents disturbance

and/or sediment generation. Remove debris by hand, where possible.

48. Materials should allow light penetration to the water column and waterbody bed. An

open grid material is preferred, but light penetration can also be accomplished through

spacing of deck materials, or by using porous deck materials which allow 40% of light to

pass through the deck surface to the water column.

Waste management and disposal

49. Waste materials from the old structure shall be removed from wetland and stored in

staging area 2 – Project area, then transported to staging area 1 - Borrow Pit via

helicopter sling load. Transport timing will be coordinated between the contractor,

project manager and on-site representative. Waste materials shall be transported from

staging area 1 – Borrow Pit to an appropriate landfill disposal site via vehicle using

appropriate personal protection equipment. Treated wood shall not be burned,

composted or mulched.

50. All litter, particularly food wastes, must be removed from the site daily and discarded in

appropriate receptacles. Storage of garbage on site is not permitted.

51. Waste materials from construction of new infrastructure shall be stored in staging area

2- Project area, then transported to staging area 1 – Borrow pit via helicopter sling load.

Transport timing will be coordinated between the contractor, project manager and on-

site representative. Waste materials shall be transported from staging area 1 – Borrow Pit

to an appropriate disposal site via vehicle using appropriate personal protection

equipment.

Sediment and erosion

52. Work shall be suspended in the event of weather (and weather forecasts) that increases

flow volumes and the potential for erosion and sedimentation (heavy rain and wind

events; e.g. rain causing pooling water).

53. Site isolation measures for containing suspended sediment (e.g. turbidity curtain) shall

be used where in-water work required; erosion control (e.g. mats) and sedimentation

barriers (e.g. silt fences) are required where sedimentation of water from terrestrial

sources is likely.

54. Control measures shall be maintained until all disturbed ground is permanently

stabilized (re-vegetated) and all suspended sediment re-settled; control measures shall be

regularly inspected and maintained during construction. In the event that erosion and

sediment control measures are not functioning properly, work shall cease until the

measures are adjusted to control the problem.

55. Turbidity curtain shall be installed in a manner that pushes fish, and other aquatic

animal species out of the project area, so no salvage is necessary. If this is not possible,

fish salvage will be completed by Resource Conservation of Pukaskwa National Park

using seine nets and/or minnow traps.

56. Limit disturbance of the approach to water bodies related to the Project and associated

activities, and immediately stabilise and reclaim the site to pre-construction conditions

where possible.

57. Debris shall not enter waterbodies and must be retrieved to the extent possible if it does.

Flora and fauna

58. Review of impacts to fish and fish habitat by Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

(DFO) is attached in Appendix 4: DFO Letter of Advice. The following mitigations are

required to protect fish and fish habitat.

a. Plan in-water works, undertakings and activities to respect timing windows to

protect fish, including their eggs, juveniles, spawning adults and/or the organisms

upon which they feed and migrate; meaning no in-water work shall occur

September 1st to July 15th.

b. Develop and implement an erosion and sediment control plan to avoid the

introduction of sediment into any waterbody during all phases of the work,

undertaking or activity; monitor to observe signs of sedimentation during all

phases of the work, and take corrective action when necessary.

59. Avoid additional disturbance to riparian vegetation (use existing trails where possible).

60. Avoid or minimize removal of terrestrial vegetation (i.e. avoid or minimize area required

for staging area; minimize area required for access trails to canoe caches)

a. Vegetation clearing shall occur between August 30 and May 1.

b. If clearing is required between May 1 and August 30, surveys for breeding birds

will be performed by a knowledgeable person prior to vegetation removal. Survey

duration and frequency will be determined by the ESO, in relation to the area

required for clearing, habitat complexity and risk to breeding migratory birds. If

breeding birds are present, vegetation clearing will be delayed or relocated (if

possible).

61. Avoid or minimize removal of aquatic vegetation.

62. Prior to starting work each day, survey project site for any reptiles, amphibians and

mammals – allow any observed animals to vacate the project site before starting work.

63. If a species at risk (SAR) is observed on the work site, cease all work immediately and

report to Park Duty Officer.

a. Guidance for recognizing SAR with potential to occur at the project site will be

provided to the contractor.

b. Survey for SAR will be completed by ESO at the site prior to the start of

construction. Ongoing surveillance for SAR at the site will be completed by the

ESO during site visits.

64. If a nesting bird is observed on the project site, cease work in the area (100m radius) and

report to Park Duty Officer.

a. Guidance for recognizing nesting birds will be provided to the contractor.

b. Survey for nesting birds will be completed by ESO at the site prior to the start of

construction. Ongoing surveillance for nesting birds at the site will be completed

by the ESO during site visits.

65. Any scarring to natural habitat as a result of equipment or foot traffic must be restored as

directed by ESO.

Cultural resources

66. Parks Canada Terrestrial Archeology will review construction techniques for new

abutments. Appropriate mitigations or construction strategies as directed by the

archeologist must be implemented.

67. A test pit survey will be completed in the location of the proposed pit privy to ensure that

no archeological resources will be disturbed by this excavation.

68. All work is subject to the following clause: If unrecorded archaeological resources (e.g.

structural features or artifact concentrations) are encountered during construction

activities, work will cease in the immediate area and the Park Duty Officer informed. The

Manager of Resource Conservation will contact Parks Canada's Terrestrial Archaeology

section and a representative from Biigtigong Nishnaabeg for advice and assessment of

significance, which will in turn determine what will be required to mitigate the find. Any

terrestrial vegetation clearing will be completed only to ground level – roots will be left

intact.

69. Any required restoration plantings will be accomplished using hand tools to minimize

ground disturbance.

Access to lands and resources by Indigenous peoples

70. Requests to access the project area by Indigenous peoples for traditional use during

closures will be accommodated, provided it is safe to do so.

71. Indigenous peoples may continue to access all areas on the south side of Hattie Cove by

personal vessel on Lake Superior or by navigating around Hattie Cove on foot.

72. Additional options for alternative access to the Coastal Hiking Trail on the south side of

Hattie Cove are being explored (i.e. presence of canoe caches on north and south side of

Hattie Cove).

Visitor experience and safety

73. Timing of trail closure shall be minimized. Visitor experience and external relations of

Pukaskwa National Park shall be notified of required trail closures as soon as possible, at

least 2 weeks prior.

74. Additional options for alternative access to the Coastal Hiking Trail on the south side of

Hattie Cove are being explored (i.e. presence of canoe caches on north and south side of

Hattie Cove).

75. Trail closure will be posted in at least 3 physical locations and 1 digital location of

Pukaskwa National Park. A physical barrier will be added to the Coastal Hiking Trail on

either side of the project area.

76. Timing of required trail closure will be made available to visitors, as soon as it is known.

77. Backcountry campsites will be closed for online reservations during the foreseen time of

trail closure.

78. New infrastructure materials shall be tested for traction prior to installation.

Remediation plan

79. Shrubs and tree saplings shall be used to re-vegetate Staging area 2 – Project area post-

construction. Seedlings and cuttings will be obtained from a 300m radius around

Staging area 2 – Project area in fall using hand tools. Cuttings may be rooted in pails of

water for up to 3 weeks. Small holes will be dug using a hand auger and vegetation placed

over the cleared area at a density of 2 plants/m2. As much as possible, the proportion of

vegetation species used in restoration will reflect surrounding site conditions.

80. Pit privy adjacent to Staging area 2 – Project area shall be back-filled with excavated

material post-construction.

81. Aquatic and riparian habitat will be evaluated for damages by the ESO. If deemed

necessary, restoration of those areas will occur. Riparian habitat will be restored using

shrubs and tree saplings in a manner similar to staging area 2 – Project area. Aquatic

habitat restoration will occur as directed by Rehabilitation and Enhancement of Aquatic

Habitat Guide version 1.0 (Kavanagh and Hoggarth, u.d.).

9. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

☒ Comments received from the public /stakeholder engagement

There were no comments received from the general public. This project was posted on

the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry on October 28, 2019.

☒ Indigenous peoples engagement or consultation

The Director of Sustainable Development of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg reviewed this BIA on

December 18, 2019. Comments were incorporated as requested, and response reviewed

February 4, 2020 with no further concerns.

Biigtigong Nishnaabeg will be kept informed of any changes to the project description,

timing, and mitigations. A representative from Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (e.g. the

Environmental Coordinator) may participate in surveillance of this project at any time. If

archeological resources are discovered as a result of this project, a representative from

Biigtigong Nishnaabeg will be informed.

☒ Surveillance

Surveillance shall be performed at least once weekly by ESO or delegate while

construction is ongoing, to verify that required mitigation measures are implemented.

ESO will be present at the beginning of key steps of construction process (e.g. staging

area clearing, installation of sedimentation control devices, old walkway removal, aquatic

vegetation clearing, installation of new walkway, installation of anchors) to ensure

mitigation measures are respected. The Environmental Coordinator of Biigtigong

Nishnaabeg or representative may participate in surveillance activities at any time.

Water quality measurements (pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity) will be collected and analyzed to determine pre-construction, construction and post-

construction states.

A survey for SAR and breeding birds will be performed prior to construction and during

construction surveillance to ensure no individuals are harmed.

Aerial photos of 180 m boardwalk will be collected via UAV device – pre-construction,

during construction and post-construction.

☒ Follow-up monitoring

Follow-up monitoring of aquatic vegetation and riparian zone may be required, if

remediation of these areas is necessary.

Follow-up monitoring of the staging area adjacent to the project and access trails to

canoe caches shall occur once annually (2021-2025) to ensure that remediation of the

forested area impacted has begun.

☐ SARA Follow-up monitoring

10. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESIDUAL ADVERSE EFFECTS

Impacts to the environment as a result of this project are anticipated to be insignificant

with the implementation of mitigation measures. A large proportion of the anticipated

effects can be reduced by conducting work outside of fish spawning timing windows.

Residual adverse effects to Visitor Experience due to the closure of the Coastal Hiking

Trail will be short-term in duration, expected only during the construction (2-6 weeks).

Upon completion, the new boardwalk is expected to improve visitor experience and

safety.

Access to the project area by local Indigenous people for traditional use will be

accommodated upon request; areas south of the project site remain accessible via an

alternate routes (e.g. personal vessel on Lake Superior or navigating around Hattie Cove).

Pukaskwa National Park is exploring the provision of alternative access to the Coastal

Hiking Trail on the south side of Hattie Cove during trail closure via canoe caches on the

north and south side of the cove.

11. EXPERTS CONSULTED

Department/Agency/Institution: Parks Canada Agency - Indigenous Affairs and Cultural Heritage Directorate

Date of Request: October 3, 2019

Expert's Name & Contact Information: Matthieu Paradis

Title: Cultural Resources Management Advisor

Expertise Requested: Review of impacts to cultural resources Response: Existing infrastructure not a cultural resource. Advised consultation with archeology.

Department/Agency/Institution: Parks Canada Agency - Indigenous Affairs and Cultural Heritage Directorate

Date of Request: October 3, 2019

Expert's Name & Contact Information: Stacey Taylor

Title: Terrestrial Archeologist

Expertise Requested: Review of impacts to archeological resources Response: Added avoidance and mitigation strategies as directed.

Department/Agency/Institution: Parks Canada Agency – Pukaskwa National Park

Date of Request: November 12, 2019

Expert's Name & Contact Information: Daniel Pouliot – Manager of Resource Conservation Lucy Patterson – Park Ecologist Chris Robinson – Park Ecologist

Title: Resource Conservation staff

Expertise Requested: Internal review of BIA Response: Made requested changes throughout

Department/Agency/Institution: Parks Canada Agency – Species Conservation Branch

Date of Request: November 15, 2019

Expert's Name & Contact Information: Joanne Tuckwell

Title: Species Conservation Specialist

Expertise Requested: Review of impacts to SAR and SARA permit decision tool. Response:

Modified text within as suggested.

SARA permit for destruction of critical habitat of woodland caribou not required because critical habitat destruction happens only when the amount of habitat in the polygon for that range (ON6 – Coastal Lake Superior) drops below 65% - current estimate is 84% intact.

SARA permit for Canada warbler not required because of mitigations for vegetation clearing.

Department/Agency/Institution: Parks Canada Agency – Impact Assessment Branch

Date of Request: November 15, 2019

Expert's Name & Contact Information: Marie-Claude Martel

Title: Impact Assessment Specialist

Expertise Requested: General review of BIA Response: General review; modified text within as suggested.

Department/Agency/Institution: Lands and Resources – Biigtigong Nishnaabeg

Date of Request: December 9, 2019

Expert's Name & Contact Information: Juanita Starr juanita@picriver.com

Title: Director of Sustainable Development Biigtigong Nishnaabeg

Expertise Requested: Review of impacts to Indigenous people and general review of BIA Response: Modified text within as suggested. See section 10.

Department/Agency/Institution: Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Fisheries Protection Program

Date of Request: October 24, 2019 Date of Review: January 15, 2020

Expert's Name & Contact Information: Amanda Conway 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1 | T: (905) 336-4588 Email/Courriel: Amanda.Conway@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Title: Biologist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program

Expertise Requested: Project review for impacts to fish and fish habitat. Response: See Appendix 4: DFO Letter of Advice. Added and revised mitigation measures as directed.

12. DECISION

Taking into account implementation of mitigation measures outlined in the analysis, the project

is:

☒ not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

☐ likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

FOR SARA REQUIREMENTS:

☐ Residual adverse effects to species at risk are not likely, and therefore, the SARA- Permit Decision Tool was not required

OR, the SARA-Permit Decision Tool (Appendix 2) was used and determined:

☒ This activity does not require a SARA permit

☐ This activity requires a SARA permit and one can be issued

☐ This activity requires a SARA permit but one cannot be issued

13. RECOMMENDATION AND APPROVAL

14. REFERENCES

COSEWIC. 2012. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Eastern Wood-pewee

Contopus virens in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in

Canada. Ottawa. x + 39 pp. (www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/default_e.cfm).

COSEWIC. 2017. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Rusty Blackbird Euphagus

carolinus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.

Ottawa. xi + 64 pp. (http://www.registrelep-

sararegistry.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=en&n=24F7211B-1).

eBird. 2019. Explore Species Maps. https://ebird.org/canada/map/. Accessed 15-Nov-2019.

Environment Canada. 2012. Recovery Strategy for the Woodland Caribou (Rangifer

tarandus caribou), Boreal population, in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery

Strategy Series. Environment Canada, Ottawa. xi + 138pp.

Environment Canada. 2016a. Recovery Strategy for the Canada Warbler (Cardellina

canadensis) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Environment

Canada, Ottawa. vii + 56 pp.

Environment Canada. 2016b. Recovery Strategy for the Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus

cooperi) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Environment

Canada, Ottawa. vii + 52 pp.

Kavanagh, R. J. and C. T. Hoggarth. u.d. Rehabilitation and Enhancement of Aquatic

Habitat Guide. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Burlington, Ontario. Vi + 96 pp.

Sheldon, D., T. Hruby, P. Johnson, K. Harper, A. McMillan, T. Granger, S. Stanley and E.

Stockdale. 2005. Wetlands in Washington State, Volume 1: A Synthesis of the Science.

Washington State Department of Ecology. Publication #05-06-006. Olympia WA.

15. ATTACHMENTS See following pages for Appendices.

Appendix 1: Effects Identification Matrix

Table A: Direct effects (Should be used to identify potential direct effects that may result from impacts

of the project to value components)

Revise the associated activities and the valued components for the specific project being reviewed

Valued components potentially directly affected by the proposed project phases (Preparation (P) / Construction (C) / Operation (O) /

Decommissioning (D) Natural Resources Human Cultural Resources

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Associated Activities Supply and storage of materials

P C P, C P, C D P

Burning Vegetation clearing P, C C C P, C P, C P, C, O Demolition C C C C C C C Waste disposal C C C C Blasting/ Drilling Dredging Drainage Excavation C C P,C Grading C C C Backfilling Use of machinery/ generators

C C C C C C C C

Transport of materials/ equipment

P P C P, C P, C C C

Building of fire breaks Use of Chemicals/ hazardous material/ Pesticides

C C, O C O

Set up/Use/ Removal of temporary facilities

C C C C P

Demolition/Use of concrete

C C C C

Water Pumping/ Dewatering

Wastewater disposal Paving Maintenance O O O O Use of treated wood Painting/Paint stripping/Sand-blasting

Planting/Seeding D D D D D Culling Vehicle Traffic Other…

Appendix 2: SARA Permit Decision Tool

Parks Canada place where the activity will occur

Species at risk affected by the activity:

Title of activity (e.g., Trail development in Blue Meadow):

Pukaskwa National Park

Woodland caribou – boreal population

Wetland Walkway Replacement – Hattie Cove

Part A – Does a SARA permit need to be considered for this activity? 1. Will residual adverse effects of the activity (effects that will still occur even after mitigation measures

are implemented) contravene a SARA prohibition for a listed endangered (En), threatened (Th) or extirpated (Ex) species, its residence or its critical habitat? (If more than one species will be affected, then clearly delineate the effects on each species).

SARA prohibitions: Section 32 - Cannot: kill, harm, harass1, capture, or take an individual; possess, collect,

buy, sell or trade an individual or any part or derivative of an individual; Section 33 – Cannot damage or

destroy a residence; Section 58 – Cannot destroy any part of critical habitat2; Section 80 - Cannot carry out an

activity that is prohibited under an emergency order.

Check one of the boxes and document the supporting rationale here.

☐ Yes. There are residual adverse effects of the activity that will contravene a SARA prohibition.

Continue to Question 2.

☒ No. There are NO residual adverse effects of the activity that will contravene a SARA prohibition.

Refer to Section 6: Project description.

This project requires clearing a staging area within the bounding polygon of critical habitat for woodland

caribou – boreal population. The staging area will result in temporary degradation of habitat which meets the

biophysical requirements of critical habitat (mature forest). However, as per the woodland caribou recovery

strategy (COSEWIC 2012), critical habitat will not be destroyed because >65% of habitat is still available within

the range (ON6 – Coastal Lake Superior). The total area of the ON6 range is 3765.98 km2, 84% of which is

undisturbed habitat (COSEWIC, 2012). This project will only affect 0.000001% of the habitat in the range

because the area to be cleared is no more than 50 m2.

STOP - you have completed the tool. Check the first box in Part C and submit for approval.

2. Does the activity qualify for an exception under s 83 of SARA?

1 A 2008 legal opinion concluded that it could be validly argued that any activity which causes even one individual

of a wildlife species, on just one occasion, to be disturbed, alarmed, distressed, or molested, constitutes

“harassment” under SARA.

2 Critical habitat destruction results if a portion of the critical habitat is degraded, either permanently or temporarily, by activities occurring either internal or external to the critical habitat, such that the habitat function provided by the degraded portion is no longer available to the species when needed.

☐ Yes. A SARA permit is NOT required, as the activity is permitted in a published recovery strategy or

action plan and authorized under an Act of Parliament.

OR

☐ Yes. A SARA permit is NOT required, as the activity is required for public safety, health or national

security AND is authorized by or under another Act of Parliament.

STOP - If ALL activities that would contravene a SARA prohibition qualify for an exception under SARA s 83,

check the first box in Part C and submit for approval (Part F).

☐ No. A SARA permit is required. Continue to Part B.

Part B – Can a SARA permit be issued for this activity? ****Complete ONLY if you have answered NO to Question 2, above****

3. What is the purpose of the activity?

Select the appropriate box:

☐ The activity is scientific research related to the conservation of the species and conducted by qualified persons (continue to Question 4); OR

☐ The activity benefits the species or is required to enhance its chance of survival in the wild (i.e., an

activity that supports the implementation of recovery actions as described in recovery documents (recovery strategies/action plans) for the species, where these are available. Where recovery documents are not available, the activity must support the recovery of the species based on an assessment of best information available (including

status reports, species experts, peer-reviewed information) (continue to Question 4); OR

☐ Affecting the species is incidental to the activity (i.e., the purpose of the activity is not to engage in an activity

that is prohibited under SARA (e.g., kill, harm, harass an individual; destroy a residence or critical habitat). For example, fishing for a listed species would not be incidental, but accidental by-catch would be. A construction activity that causes destruction of critical habitat, such as building a parking lot, would be considered to incidentally

affect the species.) (continue to Question 4; If the activity will incidentally affect a species listed under the Migratory Bird Convention Act, consult with the Species Conservation team); OR

☐ The proposed activity DOES NOT fit in any of the above three categories, and the activity CANNOT be permitted; check the second box in Part C and submit for approval (Part F).

4. Have alternatives that would reduce the impact(s) on the species been considered and the best solution adopted?

Excerpts from SARA Permits and Agreements Policy: The purpose of this section is impact avoidance. The

alternatives provided must clearly articulate how the impacts of the activity on the listed wildlife species have

been avoided by considering reasonable alternatives. Moreover, it must be demonstrated that there are no

other reasonable alternatives to the one selected that would further avoid the impact. Biological, ecological,

conservation and recovery objectives, and technical and economic factors may be considered when deciding

whether a given alternative is reasonable. The amount of analysis undertaken for the alternatives must be

proportional to the magnitude and severity of the impact on the listed wildlife species. An explanation of why

not undertaking the activity is not considered reasonable must be provided.

Continue to Question 5.

5. Have all feasible measures been taken to minimize the impact of the activity?

Excerpts from SARA Permits and Agreements Policy: After having determined that impacts on the listed

wildlife species have been avoided to the extent reasonably possible, the applicant must apply all feasible

mitigation measures to minimize the impacts that could not otherwise be avoided despite having selected the

best alternative. Demonstrate that the needs of the species were fully considered during the design of the

activity and for identifying all feasible measures to minimize the impact of the activity. Consideration must be

given to identifying and adopting best practices for the species. Biological, ecological, technical and economic

factors may be considered when considering what measures are feasible.

Continue to Question 6.

6. Will the activity jeopardize the survival or recovery of the species?

Excerpts from SARA Permits and Agreements Policy: An activity will jeopardize the survival or recovery of the

species if it increases threats to the extent that the species is not able to, or may not be able to, survive or

recover. As the degree of uncertainty increases about whether an activity would affect a species to such an

extent that it may not be able to survive or recover, the likelihood decreases that a permit can be issued.

Where data is sufficient to support the completion of quantitative analyses, such as population viability, this

should be done. However, in some cases, such analyses will not be possible and a precautionary approach will

guide the assessment of jeopardy based on the best available information and the weight of available

evidence.

☐ Yes. The activity will jeopardize the survival or recovery of the species and cannot be permitted.

Check the second box in Part C and submit for approval (Part F).

☐ No. The activity will not jeopardize survival or recovery of the species and can be permitted.

☐ Yes. The activity will jeopardize survival or recovery of the species, but an offset will be implemented to ensure survival or recovery of the species is not jeopardized. Append the completed offsetting plan from the Guideline for the Use of Biodiversity Offsets as Part of Species at Risk Act Permits in Parks Canada Places to this decision tool for final approval (Part F).

Check the third box in Part C and submit for approval (Part F).

Part C – SARA Permit Decision

Select the appropriate answer from the options below. Note: if this section addresses multiple species and

the answer varies among species, specify to which species each answer pertains.

☒ This activity does not require a SARA permit, as was documented in the answers to Questions 1 and 2.

Continue to approval of the decision tool (Part F).

☐ This activity requires a SARA permit but one cannot be issued because it does not fit into one of the three

required categories (see response to Question 3), OR it does not meet one of the SARA pre-conditions

(see responses to Questions 4-6). Continue to approval of the decision tool (Part F).

☐ This activity requires a SARA permit and one can be issued (see response to Questions 3-6). Continue to

issuing the permit (Part D).

Part D – Issuing the Permit Select the appropriate section of SARA being used, issue the permit, and continue to Part E.

☐ SARA s 74: This activity is already being permitted under another Act of Parliament (e.g., a research,

collection or restricted activity permit is already being issued for this activity) and therefore that permit

can be made SARA-compliant. Issue the permit for the activity and, below, specify the relevant section(s)

of the other Act of Parliament being used to issue the permit (examples provided).

Either include language in the permit already being issued under another Act of Parliament to indicate

that the permit is also being issued pursuant to s 74 of the Species at Risk Act, or use the SARA Permit

Template to attach a SARA s 74 permit to the other permit being issued.

The terms and conditions of the permit being issued under the other Act or Parliament should refer to or

include any measures required to ensure compliancy with meeting SARA s 73 pre-conditions (e.g.,

mitigations outlined in question 5 of this tool). The permit issued under the other Act of Parliament is the

enforceable permit.

Examples of other Acts of Parliament used by the Parks Canada Agency to permit activities include:

National Parks General Regulations: o Section 7(5): The superintendent may issue a permit authorizing a person to engage in an activity or

use, or enter and travel in an area that is restricted or prohibited…. o Section 11: The superintendent is authorized to issue a permit authorizing the taking of flora or natural

objects for scientific purposes from a park, or for the removal and use of natural objectives for construction purposes within a park….

o Section 12: The superintendent may issue a permit authorizing a person to remove, deface, damage or destroy any flora or natural objects in a park for the purposes of park management….

National Historic Parks General Regulations: o Section 4: A superintendent may issue a permit authorizing a person to remove, damage or destroy

flora, fauna or natural objects in a park for management of the park or scientific purposes

National Historic Parks Wildlife and Domestic Animals General Regulations: o Section 5: The superintendent may issue a permit authorizing the taking or killing of wildlife within a

park for scientific purposes…; and the relocation or destruction of wildlife when considered necessary for park management purposes.

Historic Canal Regulations o Section 14(2): The superintendent may, on receipt of an application, issue a permit authorizing the

applicant to dredge, fill, or dredge and fill in a historic canal.

☐ SARA s 73: This activity is NOT being permitted under another Act of Parliament. Issue the permit using

the SARA Permit Template.

The terms and conditions of the permit should refer to or include any measures required to ensure

compliancy with meeting SARA s 73 pre-conditions (e.g., mitigations outlined in question 5 of this tool).

Part E - Preparing the Explanation of the Permit 7. Provide an explanation of the permit for posting on the SAR Public Registry and continue to Part F.

SARA requires an explanation of any SARA permit issued to be posted on the SARA Public Registry in both

official languages (the Species Conservation team recommends that this be completed within 30 days of the

permit being issued). Prepare the explanation, using the information you entered in the previous sections of

this tool. The Species Conservation team will review the explanation, have it translated and publish it on the

SAR Public Registry.

Regional or Local Number:

Start Date of Permit: End Date of Permit:

Issuing Authority:

Authority Used: SARA s 73

Location of Activity (province, territory or ocean):

Affected Species:

Purpose:

Description of the Activity:

Pre-Conditions:

PART F - TRANSMITTAL FORM

Delete, modify or add rows as required

Tool Completed By Name & Title Date Completed

Specific Comments

Resource Conservation

Courtney Irvine, Resource Management Officer II/ Impact Assessment Officer

19 November 2019

Functional Teams Consulted:

Name & Title Date of Review

Specific Comments

National Office Teams

PAEC (Species Conservation)

Joanne Tuckwell 15 January 2020

Choose an item. (Specify Branch/Team)

Click here to enter a date.

Field Unit Teams

Choose an item. Click here to enter a date.

Choose an item. Click here to enter a date.

Other

☐ Legal Services Click here to enter a date.

☐ Other (specify): Click here to enter a date.

Approved By (FUS, Director of Waterway)

Name & Title Date Approved

Signature

Pamela Jalak, A/ Field Unit Superintendent, Northern Ontario Field Unit

February 7, 2020

Original signed by Pamela Jalak

Appendix 3: Rules and Regulations of Pukaskwa National Park

Rules and regulations

Rules and regulations are in place to protect the ecological and commemorative integrity of

Pukaskwa National Park, as well as ensure the enjoyment of all visitors. It is the responsibility of

visitors to be aware and comply with rules and regulations. Failure to do so may result in fines,

permit cancellations and/or evictions from the park.

While visiting the park, it is prohibited to:

• Collect or disturb plants, animals, rocks, shells or artifacts

• Feed, harass or harm wildlife

• Fish without a valid Ontario fishing license, use or possess lead fishing sinkers or jigs, or

use live fish for bait

• Bring firewood into the park

• Consume alcohol outside of your campsite and at any other location in the park

• Consume cannabis at the Anishinaabe camp and fire circle areas or outside of your

campsite while in the campground

• Drive or park in non-designated areas

• Use recreational vehicles (for example, ATVs, jet skis, over-snow vehicles)

• Use motorized vessels in Hattie Cove beyond the Visitor Centre or in Halfway Lake

• Store boats along Hattie Cove shoreline or other shorelines along the Lake Superior

coast within the park

• Moor overnight in Hattie Cove unless for safe harbour purposes

• Use a drone for filming/recreational purposes without proper permits

• Film and/or take photographs for commercial purposes

• Use, sell, or purchase fireworks, or any other type of explosive

• Allow a pet off-leash, leave a pet unattended on a campsite, or not clean up pet waste

While visiting the frontcountry areas, it is prohibited to:

• Have more than two shelters (tents) and six people per campsite

• Register for a campsite under the age of 18 and to leave any persons under the age of 18

unsupervised at said campsite

• Stay at the same campsite longer than 13 nights, 14 days

• Leave food, garbage or wildlife attractants out when you are away from your campsite

(for any length of time)

• Dump grey water anywhere in the campground except for the comfort station dish sinks

• Create excessive noise at any time of the day and during quiet hours – 11:00 p.m. to 7:00

a.m.

• Start a fire outside of metal fire boxes provided

• Leave a campfire unattended

• Create a fire during restricted fire periods/bans

• Use material from live or dead trees and plants (bark, twigs, or any type of green wood)

for fires

• Go off-trail or fail to use established hiking/walking trails and roadways

• Bicycle on hiking trails or anywhere except roadways

• Use park facilities, like potable water or dumping stations, when not registered to a

campsite

• Remove driftwood from or create/leave

• driftwood structures

• on beaches

While visiting the backcountry, it is prohibited to:

• Not register for overnight excursions

• Have more than 8 people per campsite

• Leave any garbage or gear at campsites or along the trail/water route

• Cache food or gear long-term in food lockers

• Start a fire outside of the provided metal fire box or in locations not previously used for

fires

• Use material from live trees and plants (bark, twigs, or any type of green wood) for fires

• Create a fire during restricted fire periods and/or bans

• Camp outside of designated campsite (except in the case of an emergency)

• Access Otter Island beyond the lighthouse and light keeper dwellings

• Disturb or remove archaeological artifacts or cultural features (i.e. Pukaskwa pits)

Appendix 4: DFO Letter of Advice