Recommendations for Developing Ecotourism in the Northern Boreal: Nibinamik Bird Survey, 2005

Prepared by:

A co-operative venture of Nibinamik First Nation, Ontario Nature and the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Table of Contents

Project Description ...... 3 Highlights ...... 4 Recommendations for Developing Ecotourism in the Northern Boreal ...... 4 What is Ecotourism? ...... 6 Trends in Ecotourism ...... 6 Requirements for Ecotourism Planning and Development ...... 7 Challenges To Tourism Development ...... 8 Access ...... 8 Competing Industrial Land Uses ...... 8 Suggestions for Community Ecotourism Development ...... 10 Promotion and Marketing ...... 10 Access to Remote Wilderness ...... 10 Logistics and Infrastructure ...... 10 Bird Species of Interest to Ecotourists ...... 11 Photography ...... 12 General Canoeing Potential ...... 13 Major Routes ...... 13 Side Routes ...... 13 Trapping and Hunting ...... 13 Guides and Human Resources ...... 14 Nibinamik Maps: Survey Squares and Survey Notes ...... 10 1. Summer Beaver ...... 15 2. North of Summer Beaver ...... 16

Sponsored by:

Report prepared by: Riki Burkhardt, Julee Boan, and Pete Read

Maps produced by Ontario Nature with Data supplied under License by Members of the Ontario Geospatial Data Exchange (2006).

2 | Recommendations for Developing Ecotourism in the Northern Boreal: Nibinamik Bird Survey, 2005 Recommendations for Developing Ecotourism in the Northern Boreal: Nibinamik Bird Survey, 2005 | 3 Nibinamik Traditional Territory

Kingfisher Lake

Wunnumin

Nibinamik

Maps for illustrative purposes only. Based on MNR trapline system mapping and may not accurately represent historical and contemporary land use of the First Nation.

Figure 1: Location of Nibinamik First Nation in Ontario context.

Project Description

From late May to July 2005, Ontario Nature implementation activities, and breeding bird and a field crew of the Ontario Breeding data will be useful for developing land use Bird Atlas worked with the community of decisions and monitoring protocols. With Nibinamik (Summer Beaver) to undertake regard to economic development, birds are a special wildlife research and ecotourism also of major interest for many ecotourists. potential project. This unique and collab- Project coordinators Pete Read and Josh orative approach partnered traditional eco- Shook worked in cooperation with commu- logical knowledge with western research nity elders, guides and community members techniques of the Ontario Breeding Bird to compile information and gather data on Atlas to establish baseline bird population bird distributions and abundance. The infor- data in this northwestern boreal region of mation collected through the project has Ontario. As new industrial development been analyzed regionally and in the context opportunities reach Nibinamik First Nation, of the boreal forest as a whole. Detailed local it is particularly critical to gather base-line information, together with compiled data, wildlife data. We have focused on birds can feed directly back into land-use planning because they are excellent proxies for over- efforts and development monitoring by the all environmental health. Nibinamik is cur- communities, and also contribute to the rently undertaking land use planning and provincial Atlas baseline data.

• Bird checklist prepared for Nibinamik; participation completed successfully • Ecotourism potential reports prepared for during summer 2005, including presen- the community; tations, radio interviews, gathering of • Wildlife data for breeding bird distribution traditional knowledge on wildlife infor- and population abundances collected; mation with Elders, and hiring of local currently being analyzed through Ontario researchers and guides. Breeding Bird Atlas project for regional The following report summarizes some and provincial status; results will contrib- the ideas and specific information derived ute to Atlas project and from the work carried out in 2005 and community land-use planning; through discussions with the community. • Community outreach and project

Recommendations for Developing Ecotourism in the Northern Boreal

What is Ecotourism? resources in the area. In many cases, eco- What is Ecotourism? In the field season of 2005, tourism offers a combination of adventure, cultural and natural history features. • Economically viable Ontario Nature and the Ecotourism appeals to a growing market in • Culturally appropriate Breeding Bird Atlas project the US and Europe. Since international • Nature-based coordinators Josh Shook and Pete Read conducted ecotourists come primarily from heavily • Low impact field research in partner- industrialized countries to visit destinations • Responsible use ship with the Nibinamik that offer unique natural environments, • Education First Nation. The field remote locations and the absence of large- • Environmental protection research and community scale industrialization in the far north can • Community involvement dialogue focused on the be an asset for cultivating the ecotourism potential of the communi- market. ties’ lands for ecotourism, in this case spe- However, the development of a sustain- cifically tourism linked to wildlife viewing able ecotourism industry requires a planned and nature appreciation. approach that recognizes and addresses Like the term sustainable development, environmental and social impacts as part ecotourism has been defined in a variety of of its overall strategy for growth. In the ways. However, in good practice, it refers to absence of a management plan for tourism economically viable, culturally appropriate, development opportunities, and the econ- nature-based tourism activities that promote omy built upon them, are no more secure education, interpretation, environmental than any other single resource economy. protection, conservation and involvement of Only a well-built and thoughtful approach local communities1. to ecotourism will add sustainability, Ecotourism features low impact activities, dimension and depth to a region’s economy. environmental and cultural appreciation and sensitivity. It often focuses on the edu- Trends in Ecotourism cational aspect of an experience and relies The value of international tourism exceeds heavily on the responsible use of the natural US$444 billion2; nature-based tourism may

4 | Recommendations for Developing Ecotourism in the Northern Boreal: Nibinamik Bird Survey, 2005 Recommendations for Developing Ecotourism in the Northern Boreal: Nibinamik Bird Survey, 2005 | 5 Challenges for ecotourism in remote communities can include: • Underdeveloped attraction and services base – not enough established activities and attractions for visitors once they decide to visit the region; • Not enough services designed to meet specific visitor needs; • Lack of a local workforce trained in hospitality industry skills.

comprise 40-60 percent of these expendi- and assets, including culture and heri- tures and is increasing at 10-30% annually3. tage, wildlife viewing, provincial parks, According to a 1993 survey conducted by and adventure tourism locations; Statistics Canada, adventure travel and eco- • Evaluation of existing infrastructure and tourism were driving the Canadian tourism gap analysis, including access issues and industry in all regions across the country, fly-in only desirability; with a growth rate of 12.9% in 19924. Oppor- • Assess level of community interest in tunities for the development of First Nations ecotourism; tourism products are clearly evident. • Develop checklist of requirements for Aboriginal tourism is a major growth indus- viable ecotourism industry; and try in Canada – in 1999, aboriginal tourism • Agreement on community tourism generated about $250 million and employed standards (i.e. environmental, social, and about 12,000 people. Revenues are expected cultural considerations or concerns). to reach the $1 billion mark in 10 years5. The The bird checklist is one of many infor- profile of tourists interested in First Nations mation pieces needed to develop ecotourism tourism products is similar to that of the options for the community of Nibinamik. ecotourist6. While it may be that birdwatchers or any Challenges To Tourism other specialized nature-watchers may not be interested in a remote wilderness expe- Development rience, there is certainly a market segment Access for this kind of remote tourism. Canoeists Ecotourism in remote areas is contingent and hikers who enjoy combining relatively on the development and maintenance of an easy paddling or hiking or a combination ecotourism infrastructure to support and of travel methods in natural surroundings, accommodate such visitors. Some attributes who also would like to take time and enjoy of an area that can attract one type of visitor historical, cultural, or natural historical can also serve to keep others away: extreme points of interest would have an interest in climates and distant locations, for example. these remote areas. These are people who The distance from major tourism corridors expect some adventure with their outdoor can be a limitation because of the additional experience, and who take part actively dur- expense and time required to reach and ing their trips. travel within remote regions. On the other hand, remoteness creates opportunities Requirements for Ecotourism Planning in the niche adventure market. As a 2004 and Development report by Ontario Nature and CPAWS Wild- lands League, and studies completed by the Some planning is required in order to Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources have understand and develop the ecotourism shown, remoteness is a quality that sells in potential in the communities visited by the the higher-end ecotourism market. project team. At a minimum, communities should undertake the following7: • Inventory of primary tourism attributes

4 | Recommendations for Developing Ecotourism in the Northern Boreal: Nibinamik Bird Survey, 2005 Recommendations for Developing Ecotourism in the Northern Boreal: Nibinamik Bird Survey, 2005 | 5 Promotion and Marketing Access to Remote Wilderness Logistics & Infrastructure • Focus advertising and promotion • Emphasize remoteness and • Increase opportunities to view in publications that cater to pristine surroundings to promote birds and other wildlife near lodges naturalists lodges • Offer guides trained with local knowledge of forest plants and animals, including birds

Competing Industrial Land Uses they overlap. Furthermore, staking before Mining activities and their impacts are a planning is finished closes off options for main concern and interest for some of the tourism in the future. Areas with high First Nations communities the project team mineral potential versus areas with high visited. The team heard from some com- tourism potential should be mapped and munity members that there are significant evaluated by the community for preferred impacts around mining sites but this indus- economic opportunities. Furthermore, other try also provides some benefits, through values, such as cultural sensitive areas, or jobs and capital, for the community. Most sensitive seasonal areas for fish and wildlife, mining operations are fairly localized, with may be considered incompatible for both test drilling being less intrusive and less mining and tourism opportunities, depend- destructive than the actual mine site, but ing on the specific impacts. community members worry about the Since large-scale forestry operations are pollution that appears to follow from test some time off, as the distance to processing drilling and certainly the disruption from facilities make commercial timber harvest- the mine sites. ing not economically viable at this time Complete studies of these areas should in these areas of the northern boreal, the be undertaken prior to development of potential for conflict does not yet exist as mining operations. All aspects of study need it does south of the 51st parallel. However, to be included, from First Nation studies it will take good planning to ensure that on cultural and historical components to wilderness areas for the ecotourism indus- environmental studies. It is important to try stay part of the landscape in future. do inventories of local wildlife, as was done with the bird populations. Mapping of these Suggestions for Community types of values is an important part of developing tourism resources, and ensuring Ecotourism Development that economic development is sustainable Promotion and Marketing in other sectors. The target client is likely someone with Ecotourism plans should be created using a broad interest in natural history. Large, knowledge gained from the values inven- showy bird species such as owls, eagles, and tories as well as information regarding the sandhill cranes are natural candidates for location of potential mining operations. use in promotional materials, especially if Tourism facilities, such as trails and canoe reliable opportunities exist to view these routes, should be separated from sites that species. The enthusiastic birdwatcher intent would be preferred for mining, and should solely on adding new species to his or her be considered incompatible. “life list”8 is not likely to pay to see birds at Mining claims have been and will con- a fly-in facility or community, because most tinue to be staked in the area. This presents boreal forest birds can be found at more a challenge for developing an ecotourism accessible locations. industry in that mining activities and devel- To help attract visitors with strong, gen- opment can conflict with tourism where eral natural history interest, it is recom-

6 | Recommendations for Developing Ecotourism in the Northern Boreal: Nibinamik Bird Survey, 2005 Recommendations for Developing Ecotourism in the Northern Boreal: Nibinamik Bird Survey, 2005 | 7 Capitalize on opportunities in niche markets, including birders • Promote birdwatching as a component of a comprehensive ecotourism package

mended that advertising be focused on life viewing should offer trails to several dif- publications catering to the all-around natu- ferent habitats: coniferous, deciduous and ralist rather than birdwatchers specifically. mixed forests, bogs, swamps, beaver ponds, Examples of such publications are Canadian rock outcrops, cliffs, hilltops, meadows and Geographic magazine, ON Nature magazine, old fields, recently burned areas, small and published by Ontario Nature, or OFO News large lakes, streams and rivers, etc, while – the newsletter of the Ontario Field Orni- planning carefully for the impact trails thologists. might have on wildlife. Having guides on staff with some knowl- Access to Remote Wilderness edge of bird and other wildlife identification and behaviour can greatly enhance the There will always be areas of boreal forest experience of the visiting ecotourist. Items more easily accessible to ecotourists than to consider having on-hand for tourists fly-in lodges. What makes fly-in lodges and include: binoculars, spotting scopes (these communities unique is the opportunity are great for viewing wildlife at a distance to access areas away from highways and but are also useful for looking at the moon industrial activity access roads. and stars), canoes, insect nets, and a good In these remote areas, the stars and the selection of field guides to birds, mammals, aurora are not dimmed by city lights, and trees, flowers, butterflies, dragonflies, rocks, visitors can hear birds singing without a stars, etc. backdrop of traffic noise. This remoteness, and the pristine nature of the surroundings, Time of year is also an important con- should be heavily emphasized when pro- sideration. Many songbird species are most moting ecotourism in northern Ontario. conspicuous in late spring and early summer when newly arrived males are actively singing and setting up breeding territories. Logistics and Infrastructure Many resident species like owls and wood- Viewing wild birds in the boreal forest can peckers are nesting at this time of year be frustrating and difficult at times, even and can therefore be reliably found if nest though birds might be plentiful. It is recom- locations are known. Late spring to early mended that efforts be made to increase summer may be a good time of year to bring viewing opportunities near lodges. Such in ecotourists, before the major onslaught efforts might include: setting out feeders of biting insects. for hummingbirds and seed-eating birds, planting fruit-bearing shrubs, or installing nest boxes for waterfowl, small owls, Bird Species of Interest to swallows, and other cavity-nesting birds. Ecotourists Although ecotourism requires little There are many road-accessible areas where infrastructure, of key importance is a well- birdwatchers can see boreal birds. As such, planned network of trails to provide access it is unlikely that birds alone would attract to various habitats and points of interest. many people to a fly-in wilderness lodge. Communities interested in catering to wild- Birdwatching could, however, be promoted

6 | Recommendations for Developing Ecotourism in the Northern Boreal: Nibinamik Bird Survey, 2005 Recommendations for Developing Ecotourism in the Northern Boreal: Nibinamik Bird Survey, 2005 | 7 Photography • Promote nature photography as a component of a comprehensive ecotourism package

as an important part of an ecotourism pack- wary and more approachable than wildlife age. Some “flagship” boreal species that are in more populated areas, very desirable fea- very difficult or impossible to find in more tures for the photographer. Existing hunting southerly areas include: infrastructure (e.g., trails, blinds, bait sta- • Spruce grouse tions) could easily be used for photography. • Northern hawk owl A variety of bird species occur regularly • Great gray owl in the south in winter or during migration • Boreal owl but breed only in the boreal. These spe- • Three-toed woodpecker cies may be of particular interest to wildlife • Black-backed woodpecker photographers seeking to photograph birds • Gray jay (also known as Canada jay or nesting or displaying breeding behaviour. whiskey jack) These include: • Boreal chickadee • Common loon • Connecticut warbler • Bonaparte’s gull • Pine grosbeak • Olive-sided flycatcher • Red crossbill • Yellow-bellied flycatcher • White-winged crossbill • Warbler species including Tennessee, Other species are more wide-ranging but Cape May, palm, bay-breasted and of interest to birdwatchers because they are blackpoll generally hard to find or are unique or inter- • Rusty blackbird esting in some respect. Reliable locations • Fox sparrow (e.g., known nesting or feeding areas) for • Lincoln’s sparrow viewing and photographing the following • White-crowned sparrow species could be promoted to attract eco- Conducting photography workshops led tourists: by professional photographers and having • Red-necked grebe sets and apparatus in place to photograph • American bittern birds or mammals may also attract photog- • Birds of prey including osprey, bald eagle, raphers. Of course, it would be important northern goshawk, broad-winged hawk, to ensure that any activities didn’t interfere merlin and peregrine falcon with wildlife, both for the good of the ani- • Yellow rail mals and the sustainability of the program. • Sandhill crane • Owl species including great horned, barred, long-eared, short-eared, and General Canoeing Potential northern saw-whet Major Routes • Common nighthawk The community has extensive knowledge of the surrounding waterways. While most Photography water travel by locals occurs by motorboat, Photography could be promoted as an eco- there are canoes available, some owned tourism activity at fly-in lodges. Birds and jointly by the community and some that animals in remote situations are often less are personal property. One important com-

8 | Recommendations for Developing Ecotourism in the Northern Boreal: Nibinamik Bird Survey, 2005 Recommendations for Developing Ecotourism in the Northern Boreal: Nibinamik Bird Survey, 2005 | 9 Land Use Conflicts • Identify potential land use conflicts (e.g. hunting and ecotourism) and ensure that public safety is considered in tourism planning

munity asset is the extensive traditional Trapping and Hunting knowledge of canoe routes, and portages. As with all land uses, planning will need to Most portages were well kept but set up for occur to ensure that ecotourism does not motorboat travel. This means logs on paths conflict with traditional land use endeav- for rolling boats, which can pose a hazard ours, and vice versa. The area around the for walking if not navigated carefully with reserves tends to have fewer signs of wild- the help of a local guide. life, other than birdlife. Many of the larger Canoe tripping would likely be a major mammals have become less numerous and ecotourist attraction. Since the area sur- wary near the community. Despite that, rounding the reserve boundaries is made up the opportunity to see wildlife is there and of designated trap-lines, family-owned and moose and other larger animals can be seen run, permission would be needed to develop farther afield on canoe trips. The number of these routes. eagles in the area is impressive, and beaver The ecotourism potential for these major continue to be prevalent and easy to find. routes could be improved if some portage Another consideration is that hunting routes were clarified through the use of continues all year round. This presents a signs and brush clearing. Designated camp- potential hazard for ecotourists when trav- sites perhaps with wilderness privies could elling on trails. Trippers need to be regis- be created and mapped. Points of ecological, tered so that people know where they are to recreational, and cultural importance could avoid any problems, and it would be wise for be mapped out, as well. Access points to the trippers to wear bright clothing or hunt- short hiking or interpretive trails that allow ing vests while in the bush. canoeists to see different upland habitats could also be mapped and marked, and garbage would have to be removed in some Guides and Human Resources The project team enjoyed the services of spots to increase tourism potential. many guides while visiting the remote communities. There is much to learn from these Side Routes relationships, which add positively to the While travelling along the waterways and visitors’ experience. Local guides had great lakes, many tributaries and wetlands were knowledge of the surrounding wilderness encountered. These provide interest to areas and had the ability to repair outfitting canoe and wildlife enthusiasts. Exploring equipment and solve logistical problems these is interesting for the various flora and along the way. fauna, and while some are shortened by However, to develop more personnel for the inevitable beaver dams, short portages trips, it would be good to give some training over these can lead to even more exten- in communication skills for guiding ecotour- sive upstream venues. Inclusion of these ists. Experienced ecotourism guides could wetlands on maps and canoe routes would be brought in to train interested locals or enhance the out-tripper experience. the community could explore opportunities for interested guides to attend locations out- side the community for training workshops.

8 | Recommendations for Developing Ecotourism in the Northern Boreal: Nibinamik Bird Survey, 2005 Recommendations for Developing Ecotourism in the Northern Boreal: Nibinamik Bird Survey, 2005 | 9 Guides should also be trained in basic first to the community. Others who have knowl- aid skills. edge and wisdom of the interesting topics While most guides were knowledgeable such as historical or cultural information about wildlife, especially commonly hunted could also participate. species, some training regarding common Tourists are fascinated by the life of the but not hunted species, such as songbirds people in the north, so demonstrations of would be useful for ecotourism. Visitors will traditional crafts and ceremonies could be question guides about songs that they hear, offered as well. Annual Traditional Gather- and species they encounter on the trail. ings are a good example of potential events This is also true for plant species, especially that could coincide with ecotourism pack- more common ones that might be encoun- ages, where appropriate. tered. It is possible to purchase objects made Elders are valued members of the com- of moose hide while in some communities munity, particularly respected for their although generally these items are being knowledge of social, spiritual, historical and sold to distributors for retail further south. natural history information. Learning from It is not clear whether the community or the Elders about the value of each of the local business people are formally organized plants and animals, and some historical in these efforts or whether it is self-initiated, legends would be of interest to tourists. but it is possible that greater economic Further to this, Elders and translators in benefit would come from an organized communities could be encouraged to give approach, perhaps through the economic talks and tell stories to tourists who come development officer at the band office.

Nibinamik Maps: Survey Squares and Survey Notes

1. Summer Beaver This was the home square so it was extensively surveyed. The crew travelled the roads and trails near the community. One trail roughly followed the esker that runs to the airport. A road runs south to the sewage lagoons and was surveyed almost to where it left the square in the southeast. The airport was surveyed out to a bog lake. The crew also walked to end of square past the airport. This trail continued south, but there was not enough time to follow through to the end. The crew also started the trip from the village to the north part of the map where Nibinamik Lake meets the Winisk River (see North of Summer Beaver map). They also canoed to the east of the village and then past the community and up several waterways. Map produced by J. Boan (2006), using Landsat 7 (2000). 7 Landsat using (2006), Boan J. by produced Map Summer Beaver

10 | Recommendations for Developing Ecotourism in the Northern Boreal: Nibinamik Bird Survey, 2005 Recommendations for Developing Ecotourism in the Northern Boreal: Nibinamik Bird Survey, 2005 | 11 2. North of Summer Beaver This route consisted of an outtrip along the Winisk River, which is a wonderful canoe route with some available camping spots. About halfway up the map on the west side of a peninsula-type landform is a large First Nation “retreat”, which is used by various groups during the year. The crew travelled all the way to the top north part of the map, and explored the lake there. The river actu- ally leaves the map midway up the map to the west. The crew covered the square doing point counts, in some cases extensively (see northwest corner) and by boat to the northeast. The lower southwest spot was the crew’s campsite. They also covered past a burn to several small lakes and travelled slightly south into the map area below. Map produced by J. Boan (2006), using Landsat 7 (2000). 7 Landsat using (2006), Boan J. by produced Map North of Summer Beaver

Endnotes 1 Peachy, K. 2001. Opportunities for Field School Tourism 6 Clayoquot Green Economic Opportunities Project. Development, DRAFT, unpublished. Ecotrust Canada. Ecotourism Sector Analysis. 2 Ecotourism Society. 1998. Ecotourism Statistical Fact Sheet. URL: http://www.focs.ca/reports/cgeo2_4.html URL: http://www.ecotourism.org/textfiles/stats.text. 7 Rural Alaska Tourism Infrastructure Needs Assessment. 3 World Bank. 1999. World Development Indicators 1999. 1995. Washington, DC: The World Bank. URL: http://www.dced.state.ak.us/oed/toubus/pub/1_ 4 Clayoquot Green Economic Opportunities Project. north_slope_section.pdf Ecotourism Sector Analysis. 8 Avid bird-watching enthusiasts keep lists of species they URL: http://www.focs.ca/reports/cgeo2_4.html have observed . 5 Aboriginal Tourism Team Canada and the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council, 2000.

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