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Notice of permit

Regional or Local Number: 10179-10198, 20108-20127, and 31493-31592

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the provisions of section 74 of the Species at Risk Act permit no. 10179-10198, 20108- 20127, and 31493-31592 is issued.

Purpose: Activity affecting the species is incidental to the carrying out of the activity

Description: Up to one hundred and forty individuals will be permitted to harvest snowshoe hare in Gros Morne National Park under the Canada National Parks Act and the Species at Risk Act. Traditional harvesting activities have been permitted since Gros Morne National Park was established in 1973 and is restricted to individuals who were resident in the area when the park was established and their children (i.e. two generations). Harvesting of snowshoe hare is managed to ensure protection of ecological integrity and harvesting effort will continue to decline over time as the eligible pool of local residents ages. This activity occurs within defined areas of the park and does not occur in areas identified as critical habitat for marten (Martes americana atrata). Snowshoe hare harvesters are only permitted to use snare types known to allow marten to escape. Since marten range over most of the park and individuals of the species may encounter snares set for snowshoe hare, individual marten may be harassed by this activity.

Start Date: 2018-01-07 End Date: 2018-03-11

Issuing Authority: Parks Canada Agency

Authority Used:

• Species at Risk Act • Canada National Parks Act

Location of Activity (province, territory or ocean):

• Newfoundland and Labrador

Affected Species:

• American Marten

Pre-Conditions: a) Reasonable alternatives to the activity have been considered. Stainless steel snare wire, which is known to harm marten that get caught by it, was used by snowshoe hare harvesters in the past. Now harvesters must use snare wires that have been tested to ensure that marten can escape. b) The activity is managed and conducted in defined areas with limits on both the number of hare that can be harvested and on the time frame over which harvesting can occur. Specific conditions of the permit ensure minimal impact to marten such that the activity will not impede the recovery or survival of the species. Harvesters can only use snare types designed to allow marten to escape. c) Traditional harvesting activities have been ongoing since Gros Morne National Park

http://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/sar/permit/viewPermit_e.cfm?id=2235&type=1 03/10/2018 Notice of permit 10179-10198, 20108-20127, and 31493-31592 - Species at Risk Public ... Page 2 of 2

was established in 1973. Marten were thought to have been extirpated from the park until a small population was found to occur along the eastern boundary in 2001-2002. Since 2002, both the distribution and abundance of marten have continued to increase in the park. It is therefore unlikely that continuation of traditional harvesting activities, which are declining in effort over time as the limited pool of eligible local residents grow older, will threaten the survival or recovery of the species.

Contact Person(s) Parks Canada Species Conservation and Management Natural Resource Conservation Parks Canada 30 Victoria Street 3rd floor Gatineau, QC J8X 0B3 Tel: 888-773-8888 Fax: 819-420-9273 [email protected]

Date modified: 2018-09-19

http://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/sar/permit/viewPermit_e.cfm?id=2235&type=1 03/10/2018 Species Profile (American Marten) - Species at Risk Public Registry Page 1 of 7

Species at Risk Public Registry Home > Species List > Species Profile (American Marten) Species Profile

American Marten Newfoundland population

Scientific Name: Martes americana atrata Other/Previous Names: American Marten (Newfoundland population),Newfoundland Marten ,American Marten (Newfoundland population) Taxonomy Group: Mammals Range: Newfoundland and Labrador Last COSEWIC Assessment: April 2007 Last COSEWIC Designation: Threatened SARA Status: Schedule 1, Threatened

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Taxonomy

The Newfoundland population of the American Marten (also known as the Newfoundland marten) is one of 14 subspecies of American Marten. It is one of the larger subspecies, with darker fur.

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Description

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The American Marten is a small tree-dwelling carnivore of the skunk and weasel family. It has a slender body and short legs with curved claws for climbing. The head is broad, tapering to a sharp nose, the ears are large and rounded, and the eyes are black. Its bushy tail is about half of the body length. The long, silky, dense fur varies from pale buff to dark brown on the back. A bib on the throat and chest may be creamy to bright orange. The American Marten’s summer coat is lighter in colour and much thinner. Males are slightly larger than females. The atrata subspecies of the American Marten (the subspecies found on Newfoundland) is larger and darker than the other subspecies to the south or west.

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Distribution and Population

The range of the American Marten extends throughout the coniferous forests and taiga zone of North America. The atrata subspecies of the American Marten is found in Canada, on the island of Newfoundland and in northern Quebec and Labrador. The Newfoundland population occurs only on the island of Newfoundland. The Newfoundland population of the American Marten is currently found in three main forest patches in western Newfoundland (Little Grand Lake, Red Indian Lake and Main River) and on the east coast of Newfoundland (Terra Nova National Park of Canada). Smaller populations occur in peripheral areas near St. George’s and Lobster House Hill. The Newfoundland population of the American Marten decreased significantly during the 20th century. Due to limited data, it is difficult to estimate the current size of the population. In 1985, the population was estimated to be between 630 and 875 individuals. In 1995, there were estimated to be fewer than 300 left on the island. According to recent estimates, dating from 2007, the Newfoundland population consists of between 438 and 852 marten; of these, between 320 and 622 are mature, i.e., older than 12 months. A small population was introduced in Terra Nova National Park (eastern Newfoundland). Habitat protection and efforts to reduce incidental capture are helping to stabilize populations, and population growth is possible under this management regime.

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Habitat

In North America, American Marten are typically associated with mature (old growth) coniferous and mixed-wood forests. However, the Newfoundland population of the American Marten appears to live in a wider array of habitats, including coniferous forests of varying ages. Mainland American Martens require dense overhead cover, coarse woody debris, shrubs, and trees with low-hanging branches. These features provide protection from predators, as well as sites used for hunting, denning and resting. The requirements are less stringent on Newfoundland, where the landscape is highly fragmented.

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Biology

Members of the Newfoundland population of the American Marten reach breeding age at around 15 months. Mating occurs once a year, and the young are born in the spring. A litter consists of one to five kits. Although this small carnivore is an opportunistic feeder, consuming whatever prey is most abundant, meadow voles remain the most important food item throughout the year. Snowshoe hares are important prey, especially in winter. Other prey items, such as masked shrews, red squirrels and birds, and carrion are consumed more frequently in winter. The most significant predator of the Newfoundland population of the American Marten is the red fox. Other potential predators and competitors include black bears, Canada lynxes and coyotes.

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Threats

Habitat loss and fragmentation from logging have resulted in populations being extirpated from many regions, and habitat loss and fragmentation are among the main threats to the Newfoundland population of the American Marten. Members of the Newfoundland population of the American Marten may be caught in snares set for snowshoe hare and traps set for red fox, and incidental capture is a significant source of mortality. Incidental capture poses a particularly serious threat to marten recolonizing habitats outside protected areas. The limited prey base on the island of Newfoundland represents another threat to this population. Introductions of prey species, in particular snowshoe hare and, recently, southern red-backed vole, may enhance the viability of the Newfoundland population of the American Marten. On the other hand, concurrent increases in predator populations may pose a threat. Finally, habitat loss due to fire and insect damage, as well as human disturbance, could also be contributing, although to a lesser extent, to the decline of this small population.

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Protection

Federal Protection

The American Marten, Newfoundland population, is protected under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). More information about SARA, including how it protects individual species, is available in the Species at Risk Act: A Guide.

Members of this population in Terra Nova National Park of Canada and Gros Morne National Park of Canada are protected under the Canada National Parks Act. They are also protected in three reserves in the Little Grand Lake area: the Little Grand Lake Provisional Ecological Reserve, the Little Grand Lake Wild Life Reserve and the Glover Island Public Reserve. At the provincial level, the Newfoundland population of the American Marten is protected by the Newfoundland and Labrador Endangered Species Act, which prohibits their harassment, capture, trade or killing. Commercial trapping has been illegal since 1934. Of the total area occupied by the Newfoundland population of the American Martens, 14% is protected from logging and is closed to trapping and snaring, 10% is protected from logging, and 21% is closed to trapping and snaring. Finally, 76% of this area is protected against incidental mortality through closed seasons for trapping and snaring or the mandatory use of modified snares and traps. In the Northwest Grand Lake, Red Indian Lake, Terra Nova, and Charlottetown Enclave areas, where modified snares are required, live- release of all accidentally captured marten is encouraged.

Provincial and Territorial Protection

To know if this species is protected by provincial or territorial laws, consult the provinces' and territories' websites.

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Recovery Initiatives

Status of Recovery Planning

Recovery Strategies :

Name Recovery Strategy for the American Marten (Martes americana atrata), Newfoundland population, in Canada Status Final posting on SAR registry

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Recovery Team

Newfoundland Marten Recovery Team

• Joe Brazil - Chair/Contact - Government of NL Send Email • Brian Hearn - Chair/Contact - OGD (other federal dept) Send Email

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Recovery Progress and Activities

Summary of Progress to Date The two primary threats the Newfoundland Pine Marten recovery team has worked to mitigate are habitat loss/degradation and accidental capture in snares and traps set for hares and foxes. Ongoing research is helping identify forest characteristics that must be maintained on the landscape to conserve marten habitat and aid recovery of the population. Snares have been developed to capture hares but release marten and are in use in designated snaring and trapping zones throughout the Island. Additional work is being conducted to develop an improved snaring method that is easier to set. The Newfoundland Marten population remains low, but appears stable. Summary of Research/Monitoring Activities Since 2000, field studies have significantly improved our understanding of the marten?s habitat requirements. Newfoundland Marten have been found to utilize younger forests than previously thought, although they require attributes usually associated with older forests - high canopy closure and tall forest stands. Newfoundland Marten?s territory size is 15-30 km2, several times larger than the 2-5 km2 required by marten on the mainland. Newfoundland Marten have also been shown to use a wider range of forest types than marten on the mainland. Results of habitat studies are being used to improve the ability to predict marten occurrence based on landscape characteristics, allowing prediction of the response of marten to alternative forest harvesting scenarios. Results are also being used to develop a baseline marten habitat map for the entire island of Newfoundland. Summary of Recovery Activities In 1973, the

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Newfoundland and Labrador Wildlife Division established the 2,100 km2 Pine Marten Study Area, which was closed to snaring and trapping in order to protect marten from accidental capture, and where field studies of marten were conducted. Since this time, two wildlife reserves, one crown land reserve and an interim ecological reserve (total 1,500 km2) have been established adjacent to the Pine Marten Study Area. Marten are protected from snaring in these reserves, and their habitat is protected. Although legal trapping of marten stopped in 1934, accidental capture of marten in snares for hares and foxes continues to cause a significant amount of accidental mortality. In order to mitigate this threat, a modified snare coil was introduced in 1998. The coil device was designed to allow accidentally captured marten to escape from the snare unharmed. However, the modified snare is much more expensive than conventional snares, and is also more difficult to set properly. A more recent approach to the problem involves the use of two types of wires that break under the significantly greater weight and strength of a marten, while still retaining a significant proportion of snowshoe hares. These wires retain at least 75% of captured hares and release at least 90% of captured marten (a threshold considered acceptable by the recovery team). Beginning in the fall of 2005, snarers will have the choice of three options: the modified snare coil or conventional snares using either of the two types of wire shown to release marten. During the 2005-2006 snaring season the efficiency, compliance and public acceptance of the three snaring techniques will be assessed. The program will also attempt to directly contact resource users to assess the potential for wider use of the new wires across known marten areas. Attempts at design of a fox snare that release marten have been made, as of yet unsuccessfully, and are ongoing. The recovery team has adopted harvesting guidelines developed for marten in Maine, United States. These guidelines are being applied in the Main River watershed (a Canadian Heritage River adjacent to Gros Morne National Park), and their effectiveness is being evaluated by monitoring marten populations using biannual mark-recapture and winter snow-tracking surveys. The guidelines will be updated in 2006 based on data from a study of Newfoundland Marten conducted between 1995 and 2000. In 1996, a captive breeding program was initiated at Salmonier Nature Park. In 1999 four captive-born Newfoundland Marten were introduced into an area outside Terra Nova National Park thought to be suitable for the species. Since then, the focus of the program has shifted to public education and research. Public outreach also takes place through a website (www.newfoundlandmarten.com). URLshttp://www.newfoundlandmarten.com/

Hinterland Who's Who: Marten: http://www.hww.ca/hww2.asp?pid=1&cid=8&id=92

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Documents

PLEASE NOTE: Not all COSEWIC reports are currently available on the SARA Public Registry. Most of the reports not yet available are status reports for species assessed by COSEWIC prior to May 2002. Other COSEWIC reports not yet available may include those species assessed as Extinct, Data Deficient or Not at Risk. In the meantime, they are available on request from the COSEWIC Secretariat.

20 record(s) found.

• COSEWIC Status Reports (1 record(s) found.) • COSEWIC Assessments (1 record(s) found.) • Response Statements (1 record(s) found.) • Recovery Strategies (1 record(s) found.) • Action Plans (2 record(s) found.) • Orders (2 record(s) found.) • COSEWIC Annual Reports (1 record(s) found.) • Permits and Related Agreements (8 record(s) found.) • Consultation Documents (1 record(s) found.) • Residence Description (1 record(s) found.) • Critical Habitat Descriptions in the Canada Gazette (1 record(s) found.)

COSEWIC Status Reports

• COSEWIC Assessment and Update Status Report on the American Marten (Newfoundland population) (Martes americana atrata) in Canada (2007-08-30)

The subspecies of American marten, Martes americana atrata, is native to the island of Newfoundland and the Labrador peninsula. The subspecies of American marten have not been reviewed vis-à-vis recent studies showing genetic uniqueness from mainland populations. The Newfoundland population of American marten is designatable on the basis of genetic and ecological distinctiveness.

COSEWIC Assessments

• COSEWIC Assessment - American marten - Newfoundland population (2007-08-30)

http://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/species/speciesDetails_e.cfm?sid=134 03/10/2018 Species Profile (American Marten) - Species at Risk Public Registry Page 5 of 7

Status re-examined and designated Threatened in April 2007. Last assessment based on an update status report.

Response Statements

• Response Statement - American Marten, Newfoundland population (2007-12-04)

Marten in Newfoundland have declined substantially over the last century. The current population consists of 300-600 mature marten in 5 subpopulations. It is still at risk because of snaring and trapping outside of protected areas and because of forest harvesting. A small decrease in population size would likely result in consideration for Endangered status. The marten is one of few land mammals native to Newfoundland and the sub-species is endemic to Canada.

Recovery Strategies

• Recovery Strategy for the American Marten (Martes americana atrata), Newfoundland population, in Canada (2013-07- 09)

The marten (Martes americana atrata) on the island of Newfoundland are a genetically and geographically distinct population of the more widely distributed American marten found across the boreal region of North America. Marten were historically distributed throughout most areas of productive forest on the island; however, the cumulative impacts of habitat alteration, forest harvest, and incidental mortality associated with snaring and trapping limited their abundance and distribution resulting in their designation as threatened under both Federal and Provincial endangered species legislation.

Action Plans

• Multi-species Action Plan for Gros Morne National Park (2016-03-29)

The Multi-species Action Plan for Gros Morne National Park of Canada is a SARA action plan (SARA s.47) for Piping Plover (melodus subspecies), American Marten (Newfoundland population), and Red Crossbill (percna subspecies). The plan also outlines measures to monitor and manage 11 other species of conservation concern that regularly occur in the Park. This plan applies only to lands and waters occurring within the boundaries of Gros Morne National Park.

• Multi-species Action Plan for Terra Nova National Park of Canada and the National Historic Sites of Canada in Eastern Newfoundland (2017-08-25)

The Multi-species Action Plan for Terra Nova National Park of Canada and the National Historic Sites of Canada in Eastern Newfoundland applies to lands and waters occurring within the boundaries of Terra Nova National Park of Canada (TNNP) as well as the national historic sites (NHS) of Canada within eastern Newfoundland, including Ryan Premises, Hawthorne Cottage, Castle Hill, Signal Hill, and Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Sites of Canada. The plan meets the requirements for action plans set out in the Species At Risk Act (SARA s.47) for species requiring an action plan and that regularly occur in these sites. Measures described in this plan will also provide benefits for other species of conservation concern that regularly occur within TNNP and in the national historic sites in the region.

Orders

• Order Acknowledging Receipt of the Assessments Done Pursuant to Subsection 23(1) of the Act (2008-06-25)

This Order acknowledges receipt by the Governor in Council of the assessments of the status of 30 species made pursuant to paragraph 15(1)(a) and in accordance with subsection 23(1) of the Species at Risk Act by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).

• Order Amending Schedule 1 to the Species at Risk Act (2009-03-18)

Her Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of the Environment, pursuant to section 27 of the Species at Risk Act, hereby makes the annexed Order Amending Schedules 1 to 3 to the Species at Risk Act.

COSEWIC Annual Reports

• COSEWIC Annual Report - 2007 (2007-08-30)

2007 Annual Report to the The Minister of the Environment and the Canadian Endangered Species Conservation Council (CESCC) from the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.

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Permits and Related Agreements

• Explanation for issuing permit(#10141-10160, 20074-20100, and 31307-31400), persuant to the provisions of section 74 of SARA (2015-01-04)

Up to one hundred and forty one individuals will be permitted to harvest snowshoe hare in Gros Morne National Park under the Canada National Parks Act and the Species at Risk Act. Harvesting of snowshoe hare is managed to ensure protection of ecological integrity. This activity occurs within defined areas of the park and does not occur in areas identified as critical habitat for marten (Martes americana atrata). Snowshoe hare harvesters are only permitted to use snare types known to allow marten to escape. Since marten range over most of the park and individuals of the species may encounter snares set for snowshoe hare, individual marten may be harassed by this activity.

• Explanation for issuing permit(#10161-10180, 20101-20120, and 31401-31500), persuant to the provisions of section 74 of SARA (2016-01-10)

Up to one hundred and forty individuals will be permitted to harvest snowshoe hare in Gros Morne National Park under the Canada National Parks Act and the Species at Risk Act. Harvesting of snowshoe hare is managed to ensure protection of ecological integrity. This activity occurs within defined areas of the park and does not occur in areas identified as critical habitat for marten (Martes americana atrata). Snowshoe hare harvesters are only permitted to use snare types known to allow marten to escape. Since marten range over most of the park and individuals of the species may encounter snares set for snowshoe hare, individual marten may be harassed by this activity.

• Explanation for issuing permit(#10165-10184, 20106-20125, and 31447-31546), persuant to the provisions of section 73 of SARA (2017-01-08)

Up to one hundred and forty individuals will be permitted to harvest snowshoe hare in Gros Morne National Park under the Canada National Parks Act and the Species at Risk Act. Traditional harvesting activities have been permitted since Gros Morne National Park was established in 1973 and is restricted to individuals who were resident in the area when the park was established and their children (i.e. two generations). Harvesting of snowshoe hare is managed to ensure protection of ecological integrity and harvesting effort will continue to decline over time as the eligible pool of local residents ages. This activity occurs within defined areas of the park and does not occur in areas identified as critical habitat for marten (Martes americana atrata). Snowshoe hare harvesters are only permitted to use snare types known to allow marten to escape. Since marten range over most of the park and individuals of the species may encounter snares set for snowshoe hare, individual marten may be harassed by this activity.

• Explanation for issuing permit(#10179-10198, 20108-20127, and 31493-31592), persuant to the provisions of section 74 of SARA (2018-01-07)

• Explanation for issuing permit(#16222), persuant to the provisions of section 73 of SARA (2012-11-19)

Project Title:Marten GPS Collaring Pilot Project in Terra Nova National Park - determining distribution and abundance in a key management area of the park. This project involves trapping and immobilization of marten in Terra Nova National Park for the purposes of testing 3 new GPS collars, and to determine marten abundance and distribution in the area of Trout Pond north to Sandy Pond. Determining the occurrence of species at risk in The Trout Pond - Sandy Pond area is important from a conservation standpoint since this area has been recently compromised by an illegally cut trail. Previous investigations have confirmed the presence of marten in this area and further study will provide more detailed information on how the animals use this part of the park's forest ecosystem. We plan to live-capture marten using collapsible wire-traps (Tomahawk Live Trap Co., Tomahawk, Wisconsin) baited with sardines and commercial skunk lure. Captured animals will be transferred to a handling cone and immobilized with an intra-muscular injection of 0.12-0.22 cc of ketamine hydrochloride (100 mg/ml). Marten will be identified to sex, weighed, measured, injected with a passive integrated transponder (PIT tag), and outfitted with a GPS - VHF radio collar. The animals will be live-trapped in Mid-February to remove the collars.

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• Explanation for issuing permit(#31199, etc.), persuant to the provisions of section 74 of SARA (2012-12-26)

Fifty to one hundred individuals will be permitted to harvest snowshoe hare in Gros Morne National Park under the Canada National Parks Act and the Species at Risk Act. Harvesting of snowshoe hare is managed to ensure protection of ecological integrity. This activity occurs within defined areas of the park and does not occur in areas identified as critical habitat for marten (Martes americana atrata). Snowshoe hare harvesters are only permitted to use snare types known to allow marten to escape. Since marten range over most of the park and individuals of the species may encounter snares set for snowshoe hare, individual marten may be harassed by this activity.

• Explanation for issuing permit(#31199, etc.), persuant to the provisions of section 74 of SARA (2013-12-26)

• Explanation for issuing permit(#GMP-2014-16217), persuant to the provisions of section 74 of SARA (2014-06-21)

This authorization is for a Parks Canada Research and Collection Permit allowing Resource Conservation staff from Gros Morne National Park of Canada to collect and retain carcasses of American Marten (Newfoundland population) that have died due to incidental mortality (e.g., roadkill). Carcasses will be preserved by freezing, though a subset may be mounted by professional taxidermists for educational display. Because these individuals are already dead there is no impact of the activity (collection of carcass) on the species and consequently no way to mitigate it. However there will likely be conservation benefits to the species, as the carcasses can be used for research and education.

Consultation Documents

• Consultation on Amending the List of Species under the Species at Risk Act - Terrestrial Species (2008-03-10)

As part of its strategy for protecting wildlife species at risk, the Government of Canada proclaimed the Species at Risk Act (SARA) on June 5, 2003. Attached to the Act is Schedule 1, the list of the species that receive protection under SARA, also called the List of Wildlife Species at Risk. Please submit your comments by March 25, 2008 for species undergoing normal consultations and by March 27, 2009 for species undergoing extended consultations.

Residence Description

• Description of residence for American marten, Newfoundland population (Martes americana atrata) in Canada (2007-08- 07)

The following is a description of residence for the Newfoundland Marten (Martes americana atrata), created for the purposes of increasing public awareness and aiding enforcement of the above prohibitions. Newfoundland marten are known to have one type of residence – a den.

Critical Habitat Descriptions in the Canada Gazette

• Description of Critical Habitat of American Marten in Gros Morne National Park of Canada and Terra Nova National Park of Canada (2014-08-02)

The American Marten (Martes americana atrata), Newfoundland population, is a species listed on Schedule 1 to the Species at Risk Act as threatened. The American Marten is a member of the weasel family that is slightly smaller than a house cat and lives in forested habitats. The Recovery Strategy for the American Marten (Martes americana atrata), Newfoundland population, in Canada identifies critical habitat for the species in a number of areas, including two federally protected areas.

Date modified: 2018-09-19

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Species at Risk Public Registry Home > Permits, Agreements and Exceptions > Notice of permit SSFU-2017-034-GNP

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Notice of permit

Regional or Local Number: SSFU-2017-034-GNP

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the provisions of section 74 of the Species at Risk Act permit no. SSFU-2017-034-GNP is issued.

Purpose: Activity affecting the species is incidental to the carrying out of the activity

Description: Repair of cattle water sources at four locations on lands owned by Grasslands National Park is proposed. Two of these locations that require off-trail access (Dam W and Dugout N, Figure 1) are in legal subdivisions identified as necessary habitat for recovery and survival in the Emergency Order for the Protection of the Greater Sage-grouse (EPO). Although maintenance to the already established dugout and dam does not contravene the EPO according to section 5(d), incidental destruction of sage brush may take place when accessing the sites with a pick-up truck and track hoe used to repair the water sources since these sites are not located on an existing road or trail. Section 3(1)(a-b) of the EPO states that it is prohibited to kill or move sage-brush, native grasses, and forbs. Destruction of sage-brush is possible but destruction of native grasses and forbs is unlikely because work will take place during the winter when the ground is frozen and there is snow cover.

Start Date: 2018-01-25 End Date: 2018-03-31

Issuing Authority: Parks Canada Agency

Authority Used:

• Species at Risk Act • Canada National Parks Act

Location of Activity (province, territory or ocean):

• Saskatchewan

Affected Species:

• Greater Sage-Grouse urophasianus subspecies

Pre-Conditions: Alternatives: Cattle grazing is an important component of grassland ecosystem management and as specified in the Sage-grouse recovery strategy, necessary to maintain and improve habitat conditions for Sage-grouse over relatively large areas. Precipitation was very low in 2017 (roughly 35% of the 20 year average), most available water sources other than the Frenchman River have dried up or have become non-potable to livestock due to evaporation and resulting concentration of salts. Therefore, not repairing the water sources mentioned above would not allow the park to meet objectives for the management native prairie and Sage- grouse habitat and is therefore not a viable alternative. The proposed work is to excavate and repair existing dugouts and dams on

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lands owned by Grasslands National Park (GNP) to increase depth and/or to repair dams in order to increase water holding potential. Mitigations: There will be less than 1 km of off road access in total that is required within the EPO. The amount of off- road access within the EPO to dugout N can be minimized to 0.5 km by accessing the dugout from the North via the Dixon Community Pasture. Repair to the dugout and dam will take place during the winter after January 1st until early March. In the winter, the ground is frozen up to two feet below the surface, and there is some snow cover which minimizes any potential damage to grasses, forbs, and any lasting impacts. Damage to sage brush or other shrubs will be minimized by flagging and following a route to each site that avoids most shrubs. Work at each site will take a maximum of two days. Therefore, the site will be accessed only once by a track hoe and up to two times by a pick-up truck. Jeopardy to Survival or Recovery of the Species: Site-based population and distribution objectives for greater sage-grouse in the Multi-species Action Plan for Grasslands National Park are to prevent the extirpation of sage grouse from GNP, restore 25 ha/year of sage grouse habitat, demonstrate an increasing trend in male lek attendance and over the long-term, to increase the numbers of mating areas to 6-8 leks with a total population of 300-400 individual birds. The population and distribution objective for this species is not expected to be impacted by this project. Access to the proposed dugouts and dams will not impact any active lek or lek attendants, nor will it impact the capacity of the Park to support 6-8 active leks. The park is actively engaged in habitat restoration activities including grazing and vegetation restoration. Repair of the dugout and dam will positively contribute to facilitation of grazing management of the grassland ecosystem inclusive of Sage-grouse habitat.

Date modified: 2018-09-19

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Species at Risk Public Registry Home > Permits, Agreements and Exceptions > Notice of permit PacRimNPR-0222 Notice of permit

Regional or Local Number: PacRimNPR-0222

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the provisions of section 74 of the Species at Risk Act permit no. PacRimNPR-0222 is issued.

Purpose: Activity affecting the species is incidental to the carrying out of the activity

Description: The Parks Canada Agency (PCA) has proposed to construct and maintain a new multiuse trail within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The proposed trail, referred to as Pacific Traverse Trail, will provide a high-quality, environmentally friendly experience to a wide cross section of visitors; provide cyclists and hikers with a safer way of accessing park sites; and become a major, new tourist attraction in the region. The final, permanent footprint size includes the 3.2 m wide trail with 1m shoulder on each side. It requires approximately 85,000 m2 of asphalt paving and 150,000 m2 of clearing. Two parking lots will require about 6,000 m2 of paving and 10,000 m2 of clearing. Approximately 10,000 m2 additional clearing will be required for temporary access roads/passing areas during construction. Trail construction may inadvertently kill or harm individuals of a species at risk. A Detailed Impact Assessment was completed and determined that with the current trail routing, design, and mitigations proposed that there would be no residual adverse impacts as a result of this project.

Start Date: 2017-02-09 End Date: 2022-03-31

Issuing Authority: Parks Canada Agency

Authority Used:

• Species at Risk Act • Canada National Parks Act

Location of Activity (province, territory or ocean):

• British Columbia

Affected Species:

• Dromedary Jumping-slug

Pre-Conditions: An authorization under the Species at Risk Act is considered warranted for Dromedary Jumping Slug, which may suffer incidental harm, even with mitigations in place. Tree felling and grubbing/construction phases of this project may kill or harm individuals. Experienced personnel will conduct a salvage operation for Dromedary jumping slug in advance of construction work. The salvage operation is intended to safeguard Dromedary Jumping Slug individuals encountered within the project footprint from harm. Any individuals found within the trail footprint will be moved to suitable adjacent habitat. The relatively small portion of this species' known range (less than 0.006%) potentially impacted by the Pacific Traverse Trail project and the mitigations in place are considered sufficient to ensure the survival and recovery of the species is not jeopardized. All pertinent mitigations for species at risk outlined in the Detailed Impact Assessment for the Pacific Traverse Trail will be followed during the Dromedary Jumping Slug salvage operation.

Contact Person(s) Mr. Brian Reader Species at Risk Ecologist Parks Canada 711 Broughton Street, 2nd Floor Victoria, BC

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Date modified: 2018-09-19

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Species at Risk Public Registry Home > Permits, Agreements and Exceptions > Notice of permit PANP-001219 Notice of permit

Regional or Local Number: PANP-001219

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the provisions of section 74 of the Species at Risk Act permit no. PANP-001219 is issued.

Purpose: Activity affecting the species is incidental to the carrying out of the activity

Description: Kapasiwin LP is proposing to construct a new, year-round bungalow camp at the existing resort site in Prince Albert National Park, including the demolition and/or removal of existing buildings at the site and replacement of these structures with new buildings. The project will include activities associated with site preparation and construction, restoration and rehabilitation of the surrounding environment post-construction, and operation of the bungalow resort. The various components of the project will be undertaken in four phases over a period of up to ten years. During redevelopment of the resort, Kapasiwin will continue to operate during the summer season between the months of May and October. It is anticipated that project activities would commence during the fall of 2017. The removal of the current buildings will involve the destruction of known maternity roosting sites, considered residences for the little brown myotis. The destruction of residences is prohibited under s.33 of the Species at Risk Act.

Start Date: 2017-02-01 End Date: 2020-12-31

Issuing Authority: Parks Canada Agency

Authority Used:

• Species at Risk Act • Canada National Parks Act

Location of Activity (province, territory or ocean):

• Saskatchewan

Affected Species:

• Tri-colored Bat • Little Brown Myotis • Northern Myotis

Pre-Conditions: Alternatives: The existing infrastructure at Kapasiwin is outdated (the cottages are nearly 70 years old) and is at or near the end of its useful lifespan. For example, roof structures on many of the cottages show signs of rot, requiring the replacement of trusses, roof sheeting and shingles (which would also cause a disturbance to roosting bats). As such, there is a requirement to replace and renew all aspects of the resort. Due to external factors such as the cost of renovation and a lack of demand for the size and style of cottages currently available at Kapasiwin, as well as limited insurability of the resort and increasing risks and liability related to the safety of resort visitors, there is no feasible alternative to the resort’s replacement. Mitigations: Appropriate timing of tree removal and building demolition (i.e., during the winter months when bats are in torpor in hibernacula assumed to be off site) will ensure no bats are harmed during construction. Additionally, all buildings will be surveyed for the presence of bats prior to being salvaged or demolished. If bats are found, work will be stopped and park staff will be contacted for further direction. Bat boxes built to current specifications will be installed before bats return in the spring, providing roosting opportunities within the project footprint during the spring and summer months. Jeopardy to Survival or Recovery of the Species: The population and distribution objectives for the areas not yet affected by white-nose syndrome (which includes the park) is to maintain (and where feasible increase) the current level of the population. The project redevelopment includes the destruction of residences that are not limited in the area as the mature forest surrounding the site provides habitat and there are many other anthropogenic structures in the vicinity of the Waskesiu townsite. As well, the impact of loss of the residences will be reduced by the provision of bat houses on

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site. Therefore, this project will not impact the ability to achieve the population and distribution objectives outlined in the Recovery Strategy for little brown myotis and will not jeopardize survival or recovery of the species.

Date modified: 2018-09-19

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Species at Risk Public Registry Home > Permits, Agreements and Exceptions > Notice of permit MRG2016-04 Notice of permit

Regional or Local Number: MRG2016-04

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the provisions of section 74 of the Species at Risk Act permit no. MRG2016-04 is issued.

Purpose: Activity necessary or beneficial to the species Activity affecting the species is incidental to the carrying out of the activity

Description: Parks Canada will be conducting a prescribed fire on the south aspect of lower Mountain Creek approximately six kilometers east of the Trans-Canada Highway (Glacier National Park); conducting guard burning towards a future prescribed fire at 20-mile on the east side of the Beaver Valley (Glacier National Park); and conducting site preparations (for example, tree removal) towards a future prescribed fire east of the Meadows in the Sky Parkway (Mount Revelstoke National Park). These activities can only be conducted when environmental conditions are optimal and will not be occurring throughout the duration of the authorization. Prescribed fires are required to restore ecological integrity by mimicking natural disturbances in areas where wildfires were historically suppressed and provide young seral forests with fire-generated habitat, which will contribute to forest health and increased habitat biodiversity. They result in reduced wildfire risk by creating landscape level barriers that limit the potential for uncontrollable wildfire fire spread, and protect park staff and visitors, valuable infrastructure, facilities, and natural and cultural resources. These activities will contravene section 32 and/or 58 of the Species at Risk Act for Whitebark Pine and/or Woodland Caribou, Southern Mountain Population. Whitebark Pine occur in the lower Mountain Creek and 20-mile burn units. Whitebark Pine in the 20-mile burn unit show a high incidence of blister rust, and do not appear to be sufficiently dense to qualify as seed dispersal critical habitat as described in the draft recovery strategy for the species. There is a health monitoring transect in the south portion of the 20-mile burn unit that would qualify as recovery critical habitat. There is no information on infection rates or stand density in the lower Mountain Creek but the Whitebark Pine stand in that burn unit will be protected (see mitigations). Woodland Caribou, Southern Mountain Population, and high or low elevation critical habitat identified for the species, occur within the vicinity of all burn units. Critical habitat for the Revelstoke-Shuswap Local Population Unit (containing the Columbia South subpopulation) overlaps with the lower Mountain Creek, Parkway and northern portion of the 20-mile burn units. Critical habitat for the Central Kootenay Local Population Unit (containing the Duncan subpopulation) overlaps with the southern portion of the 20-mile burn unit.

Start Date: 2016-08-23 End Date: 2019-12-31

Issuing Authority: Parks Canada Agency

Authority Used:

• Species at Risk Act • Canada National Parks Act

Location of Activity (province, territory or ocean):

• British Columbia

Affected Species:

• Woodland Caribou • Whitebark Pine

Pre-Conditions: a)All reasonable alternatives to the activity that would reduce the impact on the species have been considered and the best solution has been adopted: Three alternatives were considered: no prescribed fire, logging to mimic the effects of fire, and consideration of alternate locations. For both species, the option of no prescribed fire would result in an elevated risk of habitat loss through large uncontrollable wildfires. For Whitebark Pine, the option of no prescribed fire would also result continued

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encroachment of competing species, resulting in reduced habitat for the species. Logging cannot duplicate the effects of fire, for example, it removes nutrients instead of recycling them. Even slash burning after logging results in different ecological effects. Logging also often requires the creation of roads and landings, which would fragment habitat for both species. For Woodland Caribou, alternate locations outside of high and low elevation critical habitat were not available or appropriate for these activities. All of Mount Revelstoke National Park and over 50% of Glacier National Park is high or low elevation critical habitat, and most areas outside of this are rock, ice and alpine tundra, within narrow valleys along the Trans-Canada Highway and/or within vegetation types not targeted for restoration via fire. b)All feasible measures will be taken to minimize the impact of the activity on the species or its critical habitat or the residences of its individuals: Where Whitebark Pine are present, a low-moderate burn intensity will be used to reduce harm to individual trees and soil conditions. The portion of the lower Mountain Creek burn unit containing Whitebark Pine, the health monitoring transect at 20-mile, and any other mature trees identified as potentially rust- resistant will be further protected using fire guard techniques such as wet lines and burning or removal of forest fuels around the trees. Cone caging and collection of cones and seed will also occur, towards conserving genetic diversity, producing seedlings for blister rust resistance testing and for restoration planting. To avoid the recent home range area for the Duncan subpopulation of caribou, burn units were moved north from 30-mile to 20-mile. At Mountain Creek, only 30-60% of the area will be burned, resulting in a patchwork mosaic of vegetation seral stages that will reduce potential increases in predator density and access. At Mountain Creek and 20-mile, the area burned will target lower quality caribou habitat identified through habitat suitability indexes. Continuous burns from ridgetop to valley bottom will be avoided to preserve caribou travel corridors. Green islands will be preserved to allow lichen seed source survival and availability. All sites will be assessed prior to project work to determine whether caribou are occupying the area and, if detected, the work will be delayed until the caribou have moved out of the area. c) The activity will not jeopardize the survival or recovery of the species: The draft population and distribution objective for Whitebark Pine is: To establish a self-sustaining, rust-resistant population of Whitebark Pine throughout the species' range that demonstrates natural seed dispersal, connectivity, genetic diversity and adaptability to changing climate. These activities are expected to assist in achieving these objectives through a reduction in competition with shade-tolerant species, creation of Whitebark Pine regeneration habitat, and providing rust-resistant seedlings for restoration planting. The population and distribution objectives in the 2014 Recovery Strategy for Woodland Caribou, Southern Mountain Population are to: stop the decline in both size and distribution of all local population units; maintain the current distribution within each local population unit; and increase the size of all local population units to self-sustaining levels. The activities will result in a maximum of 0.58% of high or low elevation critical habitat being affected across both local population units. Due to project mitigations, impacts to the functionality of critical habitat (predator density, travel, availability of lichens) are expected to be very low and are not expected to impact the ability to meet population and distribution objectives for either local population unit. Burned areas will also create barriers to help protect high and low elevation critical habitat from catastrophic wildfire. Parks Canada also actively manages the parks to address threats to the species, for example, winter access is restricted on Mount Klotz to protect caribou from human disturbance.

Date modified: 2018-09-19

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Species at Risk Public Registry Home > Permits, Agreements and Exceptions > Notice of permit J15-094 Notice of permit

Regional or Local Number: J15-094

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the provisions of section 74 of the Species at Risk Act permit no. J15-094 is issued.

Purpose: Activity affecting the species is incidental to the carrying out of the activity

Description: At the Mount Edith Cavell day use area in Jasper National Park, the Parks Canada Agency will be rehabilitating infrastructure and rerouting a road damaged in a flood event in 2012, expanding the parking lot to reduce congestion along the road, and repairing and adding to the trail network to contribute to visitor experience and reduce off-trail wandering and associated negative impacts. The project falls within high elevation critical habitat for the Tonquin subpopulation of Woodland Caribou (Southern Mountain Population), which occurs within the Jasper-Banff Local Population Unit as described in the 2014 recovery strategy for the species. Whitebark Pine also occurs within the project area, and areas where trail work will occur likely meet the criteria of regeneration critical habitat as described in the draft recovery strategy for the species.

Start Date: 2016-09-19 End Date: 2019-09-19

Issuing Authority: Parks Canada Agency

Authority Used:

• Species at Risk Act • Canada National Parks Act

Location of Activity (province, territory or ocean):

• Alberta

Affected Species:

• Woodland Caribou • Whitebark Pine

Pre-Conditions: a)All reasonable alternatives to the activity that would reduce the impact on the species have been considered and the best solution has been adopted: The current access road is in a flood zone, which poses a risk to visitor safety; therefore, a no action alternative is not considered feasible. A study was completed on the potential of offering a shuttle from the base of the Cavell road and only repairing the existing infrastructure and re-routing the road outside of the flood zone, instead of increasing parking capacity; however, it was deemed to be unsustainable. Not completing repairs is expected to result in risks to visitor safety. b)All feasible measures will be taken to minimize the impact of the activity on the species or its critical habitat or the residences of its individuals: The one Whitebark Pine seedling that occurs within the parking lot expansion area will be relocated by Parks Canada staff and monitored once annually for three years post-project. A five metre buffer will be maintained around any Whitebark Pine that are found during pre-construction surveys, to ensure that they are not impacted by project activities. Work will not occur during the delayed access period specified by Parks Canada to protect Woodland Caribou (November 1 to February 15). Handrails will be restricted to viewpoints and areas where visitor safety is a concern to avoid physical barriers and “fencing’ effects on caribou. Speed limits will be posted and special care will be taken during any access to the site in the spring when caribou may be present along the Cavell road. Any observations (sightings, signs) of caribou in the project area or on the Cavell road will be reported to Parks Canada biologists. Two changes are being implemented to the Meadows trail to offset impacts from this project: a re-route of the final endpoint of the trail to the top of a scree slope to provide an endpoint that is visually satisfying, thereby reducing random wandering and disturbance of caribou; and installation of interpretive signage related to species at risk issues. Both will be complete by the date of project completion. Increased access to snowpatches and windy ridges for caribou, mediated by concentrating human use, will constitute gains in the Cavell Meadows area and a gain for caribou in the

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Tonquin Valley subpopulation. c)The activity will not jeopardize the survival or recovery of the species: The draft population and distribution objective for Whitebark Pine is to establish a self-sustaining, rust-resistant population of Whitebark Pine throughout the species' range that demonstrates natural seed dispersal, connectivity, genetic diversity and adaptability to changing climate, and this project will not jeopardize these objectives. The relocation of one seedling and small loss of regeneration habitat will be offset by the planting of 20 two-year-old rust resistant seedlings in other areas of Whitebark Pine range within Jasper National park in 2017. The population and distribution objectives in the 2014 Recovery Strategy Woodland Caribou, Southern Mountain Population are to stop the decline in both size and distribution of all local population units; maintain the current distribution within each local population unit; and increase the size of all local population units to self-sustaining levels. The project is expected to increase disturbance footprint in high elevation critical habitat for the Tonquin subpopulation (one of four subpopulations in the local population unit) from 4.1% to 4.2%, which is not expected to delay or prevent attainment of the recovery objectives. The primary threat to the Tonquin subpopulation of caribou is not availability of habitat. Threats to the subpopulation are associated with predation and long-term changes in predator/prey dynamics in the park’s main valleys. This project is not expected to increase either of those threats.

Date modified: 2018-09-19

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Species at Risk Public Registry Home > Permits, Agreements and Exceptions > Notice of permit BNP-840

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Notice of permit

Regional or Local Number: BNP-840

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the provisions of section 74 of the Species at Risk Act permit no. BNP-840 is issued.

Purpose: Activity affecting the species is incidental to the carrying out of the activity

Description: FortisAlberta proposes to replace 1500 metres of their 60 year old electrical supply line (30 wood poles and conductor line), servicing the top station of Brewster Inc. Sulphur Mountain Gondola in Banff National Park. The installation will require vegetation removal for equipment access and to provide safe clearance distance for the new conductor line. Vegetation will also be disturbed during excavation for new poles and installation of rock anchors. These activities will directly affect individuals of Whitebark Pine. An estimated 30 of the 188 immature trees along the right-of-way may be significantly damaged or removed for new pole replacement. It is estimated that three of the 57 mature trees in the work area will need to be removed in the upper section of the line for new pole placement and meet the safe clearance distance for the new line.

Start Date: 2015-08-17 End Date: 2015-12-31

Issuing Authority: Parks Canada Agency

Authority Used:

• Species at Risk Act • Canada National Parks Act

Location of Activity (province, territory or ocean):

• Alberta

Affected Species:

• Whitebark Pine

Pre-Conditions: a)All reasonable alternatives to the activity that would reduce the impact on the species have been considered and the best solution has been adopted: A “no action” alternative was not considered reasonable as the poles and related infrastructure are reaching the end of their planned service life and replacement is required to maintain a reliable supply of electrical power to the upper gondola station. Alternative routes and methodologies for power line replacement were considered including: use of the gondola towers for the power line, re-locating the power line to the gondola right-of-way, re-locating the power line to the west slope of Sulphur Mountain and burying the power line in the existing right-of-way. The options were not considered reasonable given unacceptable risk to human health and safety, engineering limitations, likelihood of similar or greater levels of impact to Whitebark Pine, substantial aesthetic concerns and Declared Wilderness zoning conflicts. Considering the environmental effects

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and practical limitations of these alternatives, the proposed method of line replacement using the existing right-of-way is the best option. b)All feasible measures will be taken to minimize the impact of the activity on the species or its critical habitat or the residences of its individuals: To reduce risk of damage to Whitebark Pine, all individuals in the right-of-way will be clearly marked and easily identifiable by workers, the number of poles and their locations will be adjusted, the size of the excavations and rock anchor installations for the poles will be kept to a minimum and overburden will be bagged and placed in areas without Whitebark Pine wherever possible. A specialized back hoe (spider hoe) that minimizes ground disturbance will be used to access the lower third of the line, while the upper third of the line will be accessed by helicopter and on foot with the upper 10 poles installed by excavating and placing rock anchors by hand using portable pneumatic equipment. Blister rust infected trees will be visually marked so workers can avoid them. Any damage or mortality to Whitebark Pine during construction will be mitigated by undertaking SARA compliant species recovery work that includes cutting of openings based on basal area assessments to retain stand densities required to promote propagation by the Clarks Nutcracker, harvesting seed in appropriate locations, completing genetic testing for resistance to White Pine Blister Rust disease, propagating resistant seedlings and planting them in appropriate sites. c)The activity will not jeopardize the survival or recovery of the species: Whitebark Pine is endangered due to the combined effects of mountain pine beetle, blister rust, fire suppression, and climate change. The species currently remains relatively widespread throughout Canada’s Rocky Mountain national parks, including the upper slopes on Sulphur Mountain. Given the fairly dense existing local population of Whitebark Pine and the presence of many mature cone bearing trees in the immediate project area it is anticipated that Whitebark Pine will continue to regenerate in the forest opening created and maintained for the power line. The loss of individuals represents a small proportion of the local and regional populations of the species, and is not expected to be ecologically significant. Given that the majority of the Whitebark Pine to be removed are immature, small diameter trees and that many more small and large diameter trees will remain in the project area, it is unlikely that the project will substantially change the overall basal area density of the local stand and will continue to support dispersal of seeds by Clark’s nutcracker and related regeneration of the species. The project’s contribution to Parks Canada’s Whitebark Pine recovery efforts is expected to result in propagation and planting of considerably more seedlings than will be lost as a result of the project. Creation of additional forest openings in the project area is also expected to enhance natural regeneration of the species.

Date modified: 2018-09-19

http://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/sar/permit/viewPermit_e.cfm?id=1757&type=1 03/10/2018 Parks Canada

Home  National Parks  Jasper National Park  About  Park management  ATCO Electric Jasper Interconnection Project

Jasper National Park

ATCO Electric Jasper Interconnection Project

On June 22 2018, Parks Canada approved the ATCO Electric Jasper Interconnection Project in Jasper National Park, after completing a detailed environmental impact analysis process and considering feedback from the public and Indigenous communities.

Electric transmission in Alberta is regulated by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). The AUC reviewed and approved the Project under their legislation in May 2018, after completing a public hearing. The AUC determined that the project is in the public interest, having regard to the social, economic, and environmental effects.

The Jasper Interconnection Project will connect Jasper National Park to Alberta’s electrical system by constructing a 45 km electrical transmission line along existing utility and transportation corridors.

The proposed transmission line will replace the existing Palisades natural gas and diesel electrical generation facility which is nearing the end of its life expectancy. The transmission line will ensure the continued supply of reliable power to the 5,000 permanent residents and 20,000 daily summer visitors to the park.

Background

ATCO Electric has worked with Jasper National Park since 2013 to meet Parks Canada’s regulatory requirements, including completion of a detailed impact analysis and public and Indigenous consultation programs.

ATCO Electric consulted with the public and Indigenous partners in 2016 and 2017 to garner views on the proposed project. Parks Canada has taken into consideration all the feedback received from members of the public and Indigenous partners in reaching a decision.

Parks Canada has taken into consideration the environmental and social effects of the project in the context of Parks Canada’s mandate and legislated responsibilities, of which ecological integrity is the first priority. Parks Canada has determined that the Project will not cause significant adverse environmental effects, with the implementation of mitigation measures.

The Project incorporates measures to reduce its environmental effects, such as:

The alignment of the new transmission line will follow the existing Kinder Morgan pipeline right-of-way and road corridors for 75% of its route. The remaining 25% will follow an existing ATCO electrical distribution line corridor. The use of covered conductor along 95% of the route will lessen the risk of wildfire, outages from trees falling on the line, and electrocution of birds and other wildlife. Construction will take place in the winter to reduce disturbance to soil, vegetation and wildlife, such as nesting birds and bats.

Consistent with other major projects, Parks Canada’s approval is subject to conditions requiring ATCO Electric to implement measures to protect natural and cultural resources, and an environmental restoration program with annual reporting.

Parks Canada will continue to work with ATCO Electric to ensure that ecological integrity is maintained, while ensuring that a safe and reliable supply of electricity is available for Jasper National Park.

Details of the AUC decision can be found at: http://www.auc.ab.ca/Pages/Jasper-Interconnection-project.aspx

Date modified : 2018-06-26 Species at Risk Public Registry Home > Permits, Agreements and Exceptions > Notice of permit JNP 9700 Notice of permit

Regional or Local Number: JNP 9700

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the provisions of section 74 of the Species at Risk Act permit no. JNP 9700 is issued.

Purpose: Activity affecting the species is incidental to the carrying out of the activity

Description: ATCO Electric will construct and operate the ATCO Electric Jasper Interconnection Project, which will connect Jasper National Park with the Alberta Interconnected Electric System via a 44.7 km aboveground transmission line and a new substation. The vegetation clearing associated with the project is primarily located along the Right?of?Way and in the Montane ecoregion of Jasper National Park, and occurs within Type 2 Matrix critical habitat for the Jasper/Banff local population unit of caribou. ATCO Electric anticipates that 27,000 trees will be removed (a total clearing of 62.5?74.2 ha) and that up to 46 ha of the total area of Type 2 Matrix critical habitat for the species will not be reforested. Effects of the project will result in a net increase in forage for non? caribou ungulates and may result in increased abundance of deer and elk in the area, providing more food for wolves. The magnitude of impact on wolves in unknown, but it is well established that conversion of vegetation from forest to grass and forb cover can increase density and/or abundance of ungulates and that cascades to increases to density of wolves. This type of landscape change, albeit on a much larger scale, is identified as the main threat to caribou populations across Canada.

Start Date: 2018-09-12 End Date: 2019-05-31

Issuing Authority: Parks Canada Agency

Authority Used:

Species at Risk Act Canada National Parks Act

Location of Activity (province, territory or ocean):

Alberta

Affected Species:

Caribou

Pre-Conditions: Alternatives: ATCO Electric considered alternatives to the project as required under Park Canada’s Terms of Reference for the Detailed Impact Analysis for the project, which include the options of constructing a power line into Jasper and decommission the Palisades Plant, connecting Jasper to the Alberta electrical network; rebuilding the Palisades Plant to maintain isolated generation; constructing a power line into Jasper, connecting Jasper to the Alberta electrical network, and maintain a minimum level of back? up generation at the Palisades Plant. Another alternative to the proposed project design was to install the transmission line underground as opposed to using overhead structures. As part of the routing evaluation, ATCO Electric determined that burying the transmission line would have a greater environmental impact when compared to that of the overhead option. This is in large part due to the ground conditions found in the project area. Installing the transmission line underground would require blasting in rocky areas and disturbing a greater area of sensitive soils that present potential reclamation issues. In addition, installing the proposed transmission line underground would have a greater impact on important habitat features such as riparian areas, wetlands and watercourses that otherwise could be largely avoided or spanned by the overhead transmission line option. The immediate impact of this activity and the subsequent reclamation requirements related to the ground disturbance carries greater environmental impact and risk than overhead lines and pole installation. ATCO Electric determined that burying sections of transmission line in Jasper National Park was not a suitable option. Mitigations: All new work areas to be cleared will be restricted to essential expansion areas and essential temporary workspace required for maintenance activities. All sites disturbed for maintenance activities and not supporting permanent structures, roads, or gravel caps will be rehabilitated to an approved cover of vegetation (for example, encouraging growth of non-palatable shrubs). Given the impact of the project on Type 2 Matrix critical habitat, and in addition to other mitigation measures, ATCO Electric will provide a reasonable and commensurate compensation for vegetation disturbances, in the form of a financial contribution to support applied research projects, conservation actions and/or restoration actions for caribou within the park. Jeopardy to Survival or Recovery of the Species: In order to achieve the population and distribution objectives in the recovery strategy for the species, Jasper’s site?based objectives for caribou are that the Jasper/Banff Local Population Unit achieve stable to increasing numbers to a minimum of 100 animals as a step towards achieving self?sustaining local herds in which natural processes (dispersal, migration) can occur. The function of Type 2 Matrix range is to provide security through low predation risk, defined in the recovery strategy as wolf population densities less than 3 wolves / 1000 km². Over the last 5 years, the median wolf density across all critical habitat types in Jasper is approximately 1.9 wolves / 1000 km2, well below the threshold identified in the recovery strategy. However, this project is likely to cause changes to ungulate abundance within Type 2 Matrix range, which have potential to cascade to increases in wolf density. With commitment to mitigations and actions identified in the Detailed Impact Analysis and authorization for the project, Parks Canada expects that potential increases to wolf density can be minimized. As the project is defined and planned, significant changes to wolf density are not expected. However, due to uncertainty, wolf abundances will continue to be monitored to ensure Type 2 matrix range continues functioning in a way that provides conditions conducive to caribou survival and recovery.

Date modified: 2018-09-19