Limestone BarrensConservation and

Sustainable Ecotourism

Workshop Summary

© 2007 Limestone Barrens Habitat Stewardship ProgramRiver of Ponds, Newfoundland and Labrador

Printed in Canada on recycled paper.

Printed copies of this report can be obtained from:Limestone Barrens Habitat Stewardship ProgramP.O. Box 119River of Ponds, NL A0K 4M0Tel. 709-225-3126LBHSP@nf.sympatico.ca

Also available on the Internet: www.limestonebarrens.ca

1

The workshop, Limestone Barrens: Conservationand Sustainable Ecotourism, was held October 12-13,2006, in Plum Point, Newfoundland and Labrador. It wasorganized for key stakeholder groups and residents of theGreat Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland with an interestin the conservation of the limestone barrens and thesustainability of local communities. The workshop’s purposewas to inform participants about knowledge gained fromecological studies on the limestone barrens, to engage themin discussions and problem-solving about conservationchallenges, and to explore opportunities for collaborativeplanning and nature-based tourism development.

Fifty-seven people participated in the workshop, which tookplace at the Plum Point Motel. They represented provincialdepartments in conservation and economic development,regional and local development corporations, universitiesand colleges, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses.

The workshop was organized by the Limestone BarrensHabitat Stewardship Program, which since 2001 hasprovided residents with information about the limestonebarrens and how to engage in stewardship activities. Majorfunding for the workshop was provided by the Government ofCanada Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk;Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; Innovation, Trade,and Rural Development; the Harris Centre of MemorialUniversity of Newfoundland; and the Newfoundland andLabrador Department of Environment and Conservation,

WildlifeDivision.

The agendaincluded 14informationalpresentationsthat werefocusedaround threethemes:ecologicalsignificance,conservation,

and ecotourism development. The presentations wereinterspersed with four interactive exercises designed to

encourage group collaboration and problem-solving. Afestive evening program called “Stewardship Night” featuredschoolchildren from a local elementary school, whoperformed a play about stewardship. About 40 additionalpeople attended the evening program.

Workshop participants reported having learned a lot andfeeling energized by the people they met. Nearly everyonerequested follow-up activities designed to assist them insustainable ecotourism development for the region.

This report is intended for workshop participants and foranyone with an interest in the future of the limestone barrensof Newfoundland and Labrador—especially local businessowners, economic development officers, resource managers,teachers, artists and craftspeople, and residents. The reporthighlights important aspects of the workshop and the moreobvious affects on participants. We hope it will also be usedas a tool for encouraging collaboration and investment insustainable, nature-based economic development.

Background information and photographs for this reportwere generously provided by the workshop speakers, towhom we owe our sincere thanks: Pete Barrett, Joe Brazil,Michael Burzynski, Brendan Dunford, Wavy Greenham, LuiseHermanutz, Jean Hoddinott, John Jacobs, Charlotte Jones,John Maunder, Sue Meades, Wilf Nichols, Julie Robinson,Elizabeth Smith, Susan Squires, and Gerry Yetman.

Dulcie HouseProgram CoordinatorLimestone Barrens Habitat Stewardship Program

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

© Dulcie House

WWoorrkksshhoopp OObbjjeeccttiivveess

• to increase knowledge about the ecological significance of the limestone barrens;

• to encourage local pride in the resource and support for conservation;

• to seek solutions to conservation challenges; and

• to explore opportunities for nature-based tourism development.

““GGrreeaatt wwoorrkksshhoopp.. CCaann’’tt wwaaiitt ttoo sseeeessoommee ooff tthheessee iiddeeaass ppuutt ttoo wwoorrkk..””

-- WWoorrkksshhoopp PPaarrttiicciippaanntt

The first theme, Ecological Significance of theLimestone Barrens, consisted of five presentations about thehabitat characteristics, geology and fossils, plants, and recentclimate change effects recorded for the limestone barrens.The following is a summary of the presentations.

A variety of limestone substrates exist in the world. Thelimestone barrens of Newfoundland and Labrador, the alvarsof the Great Lakes basin, and the limestone pavement ofwestern Ireland (the “Burren”) are three examples. All areconsidered globally rare habitats.

The limestone barrens of the Great Northern Peninsula ofNewfoundland extend roughly 150 km along a narrow stripof western coast from Port au Choix National Historic Site inthe south to Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve at the northerntip of the Peninsula. The barrens encompass less than 0.02%of the land area of the island of Newfoundland.

The region is considered a hotspot of plant diversity. Of the298 rare species of plants that occur on the island ofNewfoundland, 104 occur in this region and 22 are foundonly on the limestone barrens. Three species are endemic,

i.e. found nowhere else in the world!They are Long's braya (Braya longii )and Barrens willow (Salix jejeuna), bothof which are endangered, andFernald’s braya (Braya fernaldii ),which is threatened. As one speakerasserted, these plants have nowhereelse to go. To save them fromextinction demands that the habitat beprotected.

The limestone, which is about 450million years old, originated in the warmshallow waters of an ancient tropicalsea. The most common types of fossilsthat appear in the limestone today aresnails, trilobites (relatives of insects andcrustaceans), nautiloids (relatives ofsquid and octopi), and the mounds leftby cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)that are known as thrombolites (picturedin the lower right ). Many rock features,such as glacial striations, were formedduring the last Ice Age.

The soil and weather conditions are verychallenging for plants to grow. The rockconsists mostly of calcium concentratedfrom seawater. Constant freezing andthawing of water on the rock surfacecauses cracks to form and chunks of bedrock to break off asgravel. In addition, plants must adapt to the many effects ofdryness, wind, and cold. Under these conditions, only a fewspecies can grow successfully.

Annual temperatures recorded along the Great NorthernPeninsula have increased during the first six years of the 21stcentury. This trend is expected to continue as part of globalclimate change and will likely affect the distributions of rareplants found on the limestone barrens over the next 100years.

Limestone barrensextend alongcoastal regions ofLabrador. At thepresent time thereis less knownabout existingplant species andthe conservationpriorities for theirprotection.

ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCEECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

“TThhee ffiirrsstt wwoorrkksshhoopp II aatttteennddeedd wwhheerree aallllpprreesseenntteerrss wweerree aabbssoolluutteellyy oouuttssttaannddiinngg..””

-- WWoorrkksshhoopp PPaarrttiicciippaanntt

Limestone Barrens2

© Michael Burzynski © Michael Burzynski

© John Maunder

© John Maunder

© Dulcie House

BBaarrrreennss wwiillllooww((SSaalliixx jjeejjeeuunnaa ))

FFeerrnnaalldd''ss bbrraayyaa((BBrraayyaa ffeerrnnaallddiiii ))

LLoonngg''ss bbrraayyaa((BBrraayyaa lloonnggiiii ))

Conservation and Sustainable Ecotourism3

The second theme of the workshop focused onconservation. It began with a motivational presentation onthe scientific, aesthetic, cultural, economic, and moralgrounds for why people should conserve. In an interactivesession, participants identified human impacts and conditionsthat negatively affect the species and habitats of thelimestone barrens. Later that afternoon, they broke into smallgroups to develop strategies for addressing the top fiveissues.

Many human activities cause damage to the limestonebarrens. Uncontrolled development, gravelextraction, vehicle use, dumping of gear andother waste, and the drying of fish nets candamage rare plants and their habitats.External conditions such as climatechange and threats that originate fromafar—such as the non-nativediamondback moth, an agricultural pest—may be more difficult to control.

Once damage occurs, recovery can be veryslow. In some places where gravel has been

extracted, the habitathas not recoveredafter 40 years. Four-wheel drive andall-terrain vehicles, dirtbikes, and snowmobilescan cause irreparable damage.Parks Canada ecologist MichaelBurzynski told of one small juniperthat was crushed by an ATV in

2001—the juniper turned out to have been 253 years old!

Fortunately, there are many ways in which people canbecome partners in protecting the barrens. For example,members of the Small BoatFishermen’s Association inPort au Choix NationalHistoric Site have agreed torestrict driving to theapproved routes and toavoid the endangeredplants.

Many tools and protection measures are available, amongthe strongest being the provincial Endangered Species Actand the federal Species at Risk Act, along with theestablishment of protected areas, resource managementplanning, and stewardship. The process is designed toprovide citizens with the information they need inorder to make sound, ethical decisions; to buildtrust through consultation; and to engagecitizens in active recovery throughpartnerships. For further information,contact the Wildlife Division, Departmentof Environment and Conservation, CornerBrook, NL A2H 2N2.

Since 2001, the Limestone Barrens HabitatStewardship Program has been working withcommunities, schools, and volunteers of allages to promote responsible use of the habitatand to raise awareness of rare and

endangered species. A Community WorkingGroup, composed of leaders from thesurrounding communities, serves in an advisoryrole. Stewardship agreements have been signed

with Strait’s Elementary School, the Town of Flower’s Cove,and local landowners. Seasonally hired youth assist withecological restoration and outreach. Newspaper storiesdocument the progress and showcase the region’s beauty.The program hasbeen effective atencouraging localpride and a sense ofownership, which arecritical ingredients tolong-term success.

CONSERVATIONCONSERVATIONWorking Toward a SolutionWorking Toward a Solution

Barrens willow(Salix jejeuna )

Fernald's braya(Braya fernaldii )

TToopp 55 oouutt ooff 3388 hhuummaann iimmppaaccttss tthhaatt wwoorrkksshhooppppaarrttiicciippaannttss ccoonnssiiddeerreedd mmoosstt hhaarrmmffuull::

• vehicle traffic (e.g., ATVs)• lack of education• heavy equipment use• negative attitudes• quarrying

Item considered easiest to tackle right away: education.““TThhee pprrootteeccttiioonn aanndd rreeccoovveerryy ooffeennddaannggeerreedd ssppeecciieess iiss eevveerryyoonnee’’ss bbuussiinneessss..””

--JJooee BBrraazziill

© Michael Burzynski

© Michael Burzynski © Dulcie House

Limestone Barrens4

The third themeexplored ways thatcommunities of the GreatNorthern Peninsula couldbenefit from thedevelopment of nature-based tourism, local crafts,and other products andservices that wouldcontribute to theconservation of thelimestone barrens. Craftdevelopment expert PeteBarrett outlined the manypossibilities for developingan economically andecologically sustainablecraft industry under thelimestone barrens themes.She displayed manycolourful samples ofproducts that had beencreated specifically for thelimestone barrens as well asother crafts that could beadapted easily to fit thelimestone barrens themes.These included quiltedproducts; apparel; craftsmade of metal, wood,bone, and stone; printwork, pottery, and glass.

Studies show that travelersseek to learn about thecommunities they visit andto carry home some of theproducts that serve asreminders of uniquecultures. Therefore, inorder for nature-basedproduct development tosucceed, the products needto reflect the beauty anddistinct character of theregion.

ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT

© Pete Barrett

© Pete Barrett

© Pete Barrett

© Pete Barrett

A matted photo of a Long’s braya.

Bookmarks with scrimshaw images,by Jim Troke, Twillingate.

Quilted items that feature the rareand endangered plants of thelimestone barrens

© Pete Barrett

Jewelry created with limestone, by Tom Barrett.

Conservation and Sustainable Ecotourism5

Participants were also encouraged to explore and utilize thevisual arts as a means to interpret and promote the limestonebarrens. Artist Charlotte Jones gave a presentation on theinternational interdisciplinary art project that linked the alvarregion of Ontario, the limestone barrens of Newfoundland,and the Burren of Ireland through the visual, written, and

musical arts. Visual artists, writers, and a musician fromthese locations were asked to visit one of the limestone areasand to produce work based on their impressions and onbriefings by scientists, conservationists, and otherresearchers. The project was many-faceted and includedprojects in schools, the development of a website, asymposium, a touring exhibition, and a book.

PPeettee BBaarrrreetttt ooffffeerreedd sseevveerraall rreeccoommmmeennddaattiioonnss::

• Form a committee to explore opportunities for building a craft industry, both wholesale and retail, centered on the limestone barrens.

• Produce products using methods and materials designed to “protect” and be sustainable. Adhere to strict conservation guidelines.

• Establish a brand for these products or product line that will identify and validate them as part of the Limestone Barrens Habitat Stewardship Program. The program will buy them and resell them retail or wholesale.

• Include participating craft shops within the Regional Economic Development Zones (6 & 7) in the planning and implementation stages.

• Build on the existing product lines and mediums of artisans living in the region; work with artisans to develop new products specifically for the Limestone Barrens Habitat Stewardship Program.

• Engage professional designers that will help artisans develop products that reflect the theme and goals of the stewardship program.

• Develop experiential learning tours that focus on crafts.

• Incorporate a cultural development theme into the long-term plan for the stewardship program.

• Train artisans for skills to introduce new products not currently being produced in Newfoundland and Labrador

Xxx (left), a studentat StraitsElementary Schoolin Flower’s Cove,Newfoundland, iscongratulated byXxx, a member ofthe local GreenTeam, for winning acolouring contest.

© Dulcie House

Artist Liam O’Callaghan from Ireland, visits with students atStraits Elementary School in Flowers Cove, Newfoundland.

© Charlotte Jones

© Dulcie House

Har-Prakash Khalsa’s exhibit, including images from Burnt Cape,Newfoundland, and the Bruce Peninsula of Ontario.

Limestone Barrens6

Artist Charlotte Jones (right)describes to Carolyn Lavers of theDept. of Innovation, Trade, & RuralDevelopment the project involvingartists from Newfoundland, Ontario,and Ireland.

Left to right: Dulcie House (workshopcoordinator), Brendan Dunford (fromIreland), Luise Hermanutz and Joe Brazil(Co-chairs, Limestone Barrens Species atRisk Recovery Team).

Participants rank the human impactsand external conditions that most affectthe limestone barrens.

Wilf Nichols, Director of theBotanical Gardens ofMemorial University, gaveinspirational presentationsabout conservation and herereports out from a break-outsession.

Gerry Yetman (left) presents membersof the Limestone Barrens CommunityWorking Group with Certificates ofAppreciation in recognition of theircontributions towards the protectionof habitat and species at risk. Withhim are (left to right) Elizabeth Smith,Carolyn Lavers, Geneva Woodward,and Sylvia Gould. Tamsey Laing andMadeline White (not present) werealso recognized.

Geneva Woodward, Principal ofStraits Elementary School, andstudents xxx and xxx present the quiltof rare plant images, which wasmade by local members of theWomen’s Institute.

Botanist Sue Meades (left), who wasinstrumental in restoring the habitat ofBurnt Cape, won the grand door prize ofa framed photograph of the endangeredLong’s braya, taken by Dulcie House(right).

Henry Mann, Professor at Sir WilfredGrenfell College and member ofthe Recovery Team.

John Jacobs, MemorialUniversity of Newfoundland,describes possible impacts ofclimate change on rare plantsof the limestone barrens.

© Jean H

oddinott

© Susan Squires

© Jean H

oddinott

©Gerry Yetm

an

© John M

aunder

©Gerry Yetm

an

© John M

aunder

© John M

aunder

Millie Spence of ParksCanada, Port au Choix, talksabout her vision for thelimestone barrens during the“ice-breaker” exercise.

© John M

aunder

Conservation and Sustainable Ecotourism7

Anne Marceau, Parks Canada, RockyHarbour, reports out from the workinggroup that developed solutions todisturbance caused by ATVs and othervehicles.

Children of Straits ElementarySchool perform the rare plant playto a crowd assembled forStewardship Night.

Dulcie House, workshopcoordinator, and ProgramCoordinator of theLimestone Barrens HabitatStewardship Program.

Gerry Yetman presents a certificate ofappreciation to Elizabeth Smith of theLimestone Barrens Community WorkingGroup.

Participants rank the human impactsand external conditions that most affectthe limestone barrens.

Wilf Nichols, Director of theBotanical Gardens ofMemorial University, gaveinspirational presentationsabout conservation and herereports out from a break-outsession.

Xxx (left) and xxx of Straits ElementarySchool perform in the rare plant play.

© John M

aunder

© Gerry Yetm

an

© Jean H

oddinott

© John M

aunder

© John M

aunder

© John Maunder

© John Maunder©

John Maunder

©Gerry Yetm

an

© Jean H

oddinott

John Maunder, teacher/natural-ist and former curator of NaturalHistory for the Provincial Mu-seum of NL, explains the specialadaptations of rare plants.

Susan Squires (left) and Julie Robinson(not pictured), graduate students at Me-morial University, were indispensablewith technical assistance for workshopcoordinator Dulcie House (right).

Jean Hoddinott (right) of the LimestoneBarrens Habitat Stewardship Programpresents ambassadors Brendan Gouldand Courtney Young of Roncalli CentralHigh in Port Saunders to the workshopparticipants.

The Honourable Wallace Young,M.H.A. for the Ste. Barbe district,Newfoundland and Labrador,welcomed the participants andguests to the Great NorthernPeninsula of Newfoundland.

© John M

aunder

Limestone Barrens8

CASE STUDIESCASE STUDIESLLooccaall CCaassee SSttuuddyy:: BBuurrnntt CCaappee EEccoollooggiiccaall RReesseerrvvee

The history and evolution of the Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve is a story about how a small groupof dedicated individuals can make a world of difference for their community and for the protectionand restoration of limestone barrens habitat.

After mining operations at Burnt Cape were halted and the habitat restored, in 1999 twointerpreters where hired from the local area with funding from Nature Conservancy Canada. Withno camera or computer equipment to document the plant life, they relied upon local knowledge, ahandful of field guides, and training by visiting professors from Sir Wilfred Grenfell College and stafffrom the Parks & Natural Areas division. They developed the first brochure, slide show, and walkingtour, while drawing on a network of people for free promotion.

In the early stages of the project, many local residents feared that the government would deny themaccess to the Cape and the ability to continue their traditional activities. Gradually local attitudeschanged, as people began to take pride in the reserve and to share their traditional and new-found knowledge with visitors.

Ecological Reserve status was granted in 2000. Two permanent seasonal interpreter positions were created through the Parks &Natural Areas division and students from the local community were hired during the summers.

In 2002 the Friends of Burnt Cape was formed as a not-for-profit organization for the purpose of protecting and promoting BurntCape Ecological Reserve and its interpretation program. The Friends provide support for equipment and resource materials, upgradesto access roads, signage, and information materials. They also run a nature store and office in the town of Raleigh. Currently theyare developing plans for an interpretive centre.

The creation of the Ecological Reserve and interpretive program has brought several new businesses and other economic developmentopportunities to the region. The annual number of tourists taking the guided tour has increased from 100 to 900 between the years2000 and 2006. Burnt Cape is now a destination sought by tourists and wildflower experts from around the world.

IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall CCaassee SSttuuddyy:: TThhee BBuurrrreenn ooff IIrreellaanndd

Derived from the gaelic, Boireann, meaning “place of stone”, the Burren is a unique glaciatedkarst landscape located on the western coast of Ireland. Spanning approximately 600 sq km, theregion contains over 75% of Ireland’s native flora and a diverse archaeological legacy that spansover 6,000 years. Considered Ireland’s flagship heritage landscape, the Burren is also a majorinternational tourist attraction.

The Burren’s long and proud tradition of agriculture has helped to maintain its limestone habitats. Inrecent years, however, a decline in farming and grazing combined with the loss of important landmanagement traditions have led to the degradation of priority habitats.

Each year a greater number of tourists visit the Burren. While this brings economic development opportunities to the localcommunities, if not managed properly tourism could potentially threaten the very resource on which it depends.

Conservation leaders like Dr. Brendan Dunford, who presented the case study, are developing a model for sustainable tourism thatwould protect the region’s unique heritage, while at the same time support local communities and provide an enhanced visitorexperience. Promotion and marketing; information and outreach; developing local networks; and a range of research, education,and training programs are initiatives under the model (see www.burrenbeo.com).

““IInn oorrddeerr ttoo bbee ggoooodd sstteewwaarrddss,, wwee mmuusstt mmaakkee aa ccoonnnneeccttiioonn ttoo nnaattuurree.. II ttrruullyy bbeelliieevvee tthhaatt tthheeppeeooppllee ooff RRaalleeiigghh hhaavvee mmaaddee tthhaatt ccoonnnneeccttiioonn aanndd iitt sshhoowwss iinn oouurr ccoonnttiinnuuiinngg eeffffoorrttss ttoo pprrootteeccttBBuurrnntt CCaappee..”” --WWaavveeyy GGrreeeennhhaamm

Elizabeth Smith (left) andWavey Greenham (Chair ofFriends of Burnt Cape) describethe first years working at theBurnt Cape Ecological Reserve.

© John Maunder

The Burren

© Brendan Dunford

Scientific information derived from research on thelimestone barrens has begun to unravel the mysteries of thisunique landscape and habitat. So much more needs to bediscovered about the needs of rare and endangered speciesand how to protect them. Science and tourism can be strongpartners in the path to sustainable nature-based economicdevelopment for the Great Northern Peninsula ofNewfoundland. A brainstorming session near the conclusionof the workshop revealed several possible steps towards sucha partnership.

The workshop introduced people to the many stakeholderswho share a common passion for the limestone barrens andthe hope of a sustainable future for their communities.Researchers, tourism associations, artists, craftspeople,economic development agencies, small businesses, newsmedia, outfitters, fish harvesters, teachers, youth, nonprofitorganizations, conservation departments, municipalities, andlocal citizens—each sector makes a vital contribution. All ittakes is the willingness of people to do their part forstewardship and to remember always that the limestonebarrens is Ours to Protect.

Conservation and Sustainable Ecotourism9

NEXT STEPSNEXT STEPSScience and Ecotourism in PartnershipScience and Ecotourism in Partnership

BBrraaiinnssttoorrmmiinngg EEccoottoouurriissmm DDeevveellooppmmeenntt

• Create a guidebook to the limestone barrens.• Produce a CD album of photos.• Craft jewelry inspired from fossils. • Offer training programs to increase local knowledge about plants, etc.

• Give workshops for service providers, especially those at information centres.

• Run familiarization tours for local businesses.• Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve; plan a conference.

• Produce iPod tours with stops, info., images.• Sell field kits with magnifying glass, knee pads, ID guide, survival blanket, thermals.

• Offer guiding service to organized groups.• Provide tourists with information that encourages longer stays.

• Create a networking partnership. Encourage local buy-in.

• Place posters in B&Bs, craft shops, restaurants.• Use economuseums as information centres.• Conduct regional planning; create gateway centres.

• Encourage interpretation before visitation.• Post signs to route traffic, inform visitors, prevent disturbance.

• Identify where more information may be obtained.

• Awareness of what’s there and why it’sinteresting.

• Significance of the limestone: origin, rarity.• Fragility of the ecosystem.• Respect for local culture, people, environment.• Plant diversity and adaptation.• Flowers, rocks, fossils.• Landscapes, history, climate.• Threats to the barrens.• Protection measures.• How to see small things up-close.• How to avoid trampling rare plants.• How to understand what is significant.

PPrroodduuccttss aanndd SSeerrvviicceess SSeelllliinngg tthhee EExxppeerriieennccee

LLeeaarrnniinngg CCoonncceeppttss aanndd SSkkiillllss• Arrange a conservation fee from tour providers when they visit a community.

• Levy tourists directly for conservation.• Charge annual fees for network services: website, education, other benefits.

• Develop a well-branded local network of licensed providers.

• Build a conservation fee into the price for certain goods.

• Create mechanisms for revenue: admittance fees, donations boxes.

CCaappttuurriinngg RReevveennuueess ffoorr CCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn

Limestone Barrens10

LLiimmeessttoonnee BBaarrrreennss:: CCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn && SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee EEccoottoouurriissmm 1122 –– 1133 OOccttoobbeerr 22000066,, PPlluumm PPooiinntt,, NNeewwffoouunnddllaanndd && LLaabbrraaddoorr

TTHHEEMMEE II SSIIGGNNIIFFIICCAANNCCEE OOFF TTHHEE LLIIMMEESSTTOONNEE BBAARRRREENNSS

Overview of the Limestone BarrensDr. Wilf Nicholls, Dir., Botanical Garden, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Limestone Barrens – Their Extent, Rarity and SignificanceDr. Luise Hermanutz, Co-Chair, Limestone Barrens Species at Risk Recovery TeamSusan Squires, Ph.D. Student, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Geology and FossilsMichael Burzynski, Ecosystem Scientist, Parks Canada Western NL Field Unit

Climate Change: Implications for the Limestone Barrens in the Next 100 Years Dr. John D. Jacobs, Honorary Research Professor, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Plants of the Limestone Barrens John Maunder, Curator Emeritus of Natural History, “The Rooms” Provincial Museum

TTHHEEMMEE IIII CCOONNSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN:: WWOORRKKIINNGG TTOOWWAARRDD AA SSOOLLUUTTIIOONN

Why Bother Conserving?Dr. Wilf Nicholls, Limestone Barrens Species at Risk Recovery Team

Threats to the Limestone Barrens Michael Burzynski, Ecosystem Scientist, Parks Canada Western NL Field UnitDr. Luise Hermanutz, Associate Professor, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Interactive Session: Challenges to ConservationAll participants

Laws, Policy, and Legislature: Using Tools to Ensure Plant Survival Joe Brazil, Senior Manager, Endangered Species and Biodiversity Program, Dept. of Envt. & Conservation; Co-Chair, Limestone Barrens Species at Risk Recovery Team

Toolbox of Protection: a Range of Strategies for Different GroupsDulcie House, Program Coordinator, Limestone Barrens Habitat Stewardship Program

Problem-solving Exercise: Solutions to Conservation Challenges

WORKSHOP PRESENTATIONSWORKSHOP PRESENTATIONS

Conservation and Sustainable Ecotourism11

SStteewwaarrddsshhiipp NNiigghhtt

Recognition of “Good Stewards”

Drama Performance about Species at Risk Students of Straits Elementary School

Video: “The Legacy of Stewardship” Introduction by Gerry Yetman, Senior Biologist, Dept. of Environment & Conservation;Limestone Barrens Species at Risk Recovery Team

Craft Product Development Pete Barrett, Craft Industry Development Consultant, Dept. of Innovation, Trade & RuralDevelopment

Limestone Barrens Art ProjectCharlotte Jones, Visual Artist and Independent Curator

TTHHEEMMEE IIIIII.. CCAASSEE SSTTUUDDIIEESS AANNDD EECCOOTTOOUURRIISSMM DDEEVVEELLOOPPMMEENNTT

Essential role of science in ecotourism and nature-based industries Susan Squires, Ph.D. Student, Memorial University of NewfoundlandJulie Robinson, M.Sc. Student, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Local Case Study: Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve Susan Meades, Botanist, Adjunct Professor, Algoma University CollegeElizabeth Smith, Interpreter Technician, Burnt Cape Ecological ReserveWavey Greenham, Ranger, Pistolet Bay Park; Chair, Friends of Burnt Cape

International Case Study: The Burren of IrelandDr. Brendan Dunford, Co-founer, Burrenbeo; Manager, LIFE project “Farming for Conservation in the Burren”; Member, Heritage Council of Ireland

Brainstorming: Strategies for Nature-based Tourism Development All participants

WWoorrkksshhoopp SSuummmmaarryy aanndd CCoonncclluussiioonn

Final wordsGeneva Woodward, Limestone Barrens Community Working GroupDr. Luise Hermanutz, Limestone Barrens Species at Risk Recovery Team

Outcomes of the Workshop Dr. Kathleen Blanchard, Workshop Facilitator

Acknowledgements and ThanksDulcie House, Coordinator, Limestone Barrens Habitat Stewardship Program

Limestone Barrens12

MMaajjoorr ffuunnddiinngg ffoorr tthhee wwoorrkksshhoopp wwaass pprroovviiddeedd bbyy::

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Government of Canada Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk

Harris Centre of Memorial University of Newfoundland

Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Environment & Conservation:Wildlife Division and Parks & Natural Areas Division

Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Innovation, Trade & Rural Development

AAddddiittiioonnaall ssuuppppoorrtt wwaass pprroovviiddeedd bbyy::Burnt Cape Ecological ReserveCarolyn LaversCBDC NortipCollege of the North AtlanticFrench Island B&BFriends of Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve Inc.Gros Morne Co-operating AssociationHistoric Sites Association of Newfoundland and LabradorJean HoddinottNature Conservancy of CanadaNewfoundland and Labrador Department of JusticeNewfoundland and Labrador Department of TourismNewfoundland and Labrador Legacy Nature TrustNina Hoddinott Nordic Economic Development BoardParks Canada AgencyPatey & Sons Big Game OutfittingProtected Areas Association of Newfoundland and LabradorRaleigh Historical SocietyRED Ochre Regional Economic Development BoardRoadside Recreation Ltd. Shoreline Flowers and GiftsSir Wilfred Grenfell CollegeSt. Anthony Basin Resources Inc.Straits ElementarySylvia GouldThe Honourable Gerry Byrne, MP, CanadaThe Honourable Wallace Young, M.H.A. Newfoundland and LabradorTown of Port au ChoixTown of Port SaundersTown of St. AnthonyWestern Newfoundland Model Forest

SPONSORSSPONSORS

““WWhheenn ppeeooppllee lleeaarrnn aabboouutt ssppeecciiaall tthhiinnggss,, iitt eemmppoowweerrss tthheemm””-- WWoorrkksshhoopp PPaarrttiicciippaanntt

For further information, contact:Dulcie House, Program Coordinator

Limestone Barrens Habitat Stewardship ProgramP.O. Box 119

River of Ponds, Newfoundland and Labrador A0K 4M0Canada

Tel. 709-225-3126LBHSP@nf.sympatico.cawww.limestonebarrens.ca

Front and back cover: limestone barrens, photo by Dulcie House; Gerry Yetman, Sylvia Gould, photo by John Maunder; workshop participants, photo by GerryYetman; Brendan Dunford, photo by Gerry Yetman; Wilf Nichols, photo by Dulcie House; Long's braya, photo by Dulcie House; Dulcie House, photo by JohnMaunder; students from Straits Elementary School, photo by John Maunder.

Page 11: George Barrett; limestone jewelry; John Gibbons; Michael Burzynski; John Jacobs, Elizabeth Smith, Andy Hennebury (standing), Charlotte Jones,Claudia Hanel (seated); Doug Ballam; Pete Barrett; Gerry Yetman, Kathleen Blanchard; glass medium craft; xxx. Photos by Dulcie House, John Maunder, GerryYetman and Pete Barrett.

Inside back cover: limestone barrens, photo by John Maunder.

Document prepared and designed by Intervale Conservation and Heritage Associates Inc. (www.intervale.ca).

Ours to Protect