Taking a holistic approach to develop a multi-species action plan

Parks Canada's report on conservation from 2018 to 2023

Report section: Looking to the future
Location: Prince Edward Island National Park, Prince Edward Island

Parks Canada and Mi’kmaq First Nations of PEI partnered to update the Multi-Species Action Plan for PEI National Park. Together, they developed a comprehensive plan that prioritizes species of conservation concern and serves as a model for the holistic integration of Parks Canada's conservation priorities.

The updated Multi-Species Action Plan for PEI National Park is set to be published in late 2024.

A wooden boardwalk winds through low-lying coastal vegetation towards the ocean, with waves breaking in the distance under a clear sky. — The Greenwich Dunes Trail, part of Prince Edward Island National Park, provides habitat for several species at risk addressed by the Prince Edward Island National Park Multi-Species Action Plan. Photo: J. Sylvester/Parks Canada

Multi-species action planning

Species at risk action planning is an important part of the recovery planning process for species listed as Endangered or Threatened under the Species at Risk Act. The purpose of this work is to identify the specific actions that will be taken to support a species’ recovery. Parks Canada takes a multi-species, site-based approach to action planning that coordinates recovery planning efforts across a suite of species of conservation concern at a given park or site.

A new approach to multi-species action planning

A coastal line of red sandstone rocks descends to the ocean. In the distance, down the coast, white sand beaches spill out of grassy dunes. — The coastal landscape of Prince Edward Island National Park featuring North Rustico Beach and the island’s iconic red sandstone cliffs. Photo: Stephanie McQuaid/Parks Canada

Since 2018, Parks Canada has been working to modernize the approach to multi-species action planning. Parks Canada has adapted to more deeply and deliberately consider and incorporate the conservation priorities of landscape-scale conservation, climate-smart conservation, and Indigenous leadership in conservation. The update to the PEI National Park Multi-species Action plan is an example of this new approach.

Working together

Tall grasses in the foreground, transition to rolling dunes of white sand, topped with grasses. The background is a partly cloudy sky. — The Greenwich parabolic dunes in Prince Edward Island National Park are a rare sight in North America. These U-shaped dunes, with their rounded noses and elongated arms, depend on healthy vegetation for their unique shape. Photo: Parks Canada

Amending the multi-species action plan for PEI National Park was a collaborative effort between the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq, as represented by Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations, and Parks Canada who brought together 41 unique collaborators from 15 different organizations including various levels of government, environmental groups, and academia. The collaborators worked together to provide insight and knowledge on species at risk, species of conservation concern, and species identified as culturally significant on Prince Edward Island. The result is a comprehensive plan that incorporates Indigenous knowledge, landscape-scale conservation, and climate-smart conservation, to address 40 species of conservation concern that regularly occur in PEI National Park and 5 National Historic Sites administered by Parks Canada.

The species

A close-up of a small, sandy grey-brown coloured shore bird, with white underparts and yellowish orange legs, standing on sand. — The Piping Plover, an Endangered shorebird, is one of 40 species prioritized in the Prince Edward Island National Park Multi-Species Action Plan. Photo: Parks Canada

A small black and white songbird with yellow on its nape, perches on a shrub surrounded by greenery. — A male Bobolink perches on some shrubbery in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island. These long-distance migrants are a conservation priority and are listed as Threatened due to habitat loss and pesticide exposure. Photo: Avery Wells/Parks Canada

Eleven species addressed in the multi-species action plan are listed as Endangered or Threatened under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act, including Piping Plover, Gulf of St. Lawrence Aster, and Bobolink. Eight species addressed, including Beach Pinweed, Monarch, and Yellow-banded Bumblebee, are of Special Concern. The plan also includes species of conservation concern which may not be listed under SARA but have been identified as locally rare such as Ironwood. Fourteen species of cultural significance including Bald Eagle, Black Ash, and Sweetgrass were identified by Indigenous partners to include in the plan.

Beyond borders

Six people wearing personal floatation devices sit on a boat, smiling and posing comfortably together for the camera. — Prince Edward Island National Park Resource Conservation team members and Lennox Island First Nation Guardians travelling by boat to complete a Bank Swallow survey at Lennox Island. (left to right): Blake Bernard (Lennox Island First Nation), Luke Arsenault (Lennox Island First Nation), Em McFadyen (Lennox Island First Nation), Louis Charron (Parks Canada), Kim Gamble (Parks Canada) and Darcie Augustine (Parks Canada). Photo: Parks Canada

The valuable knowledge and strengths of all parties were combined in the plan, with the goal of achieving a greater benefit for the ecosystems and species across Prince Edward Island. This landscape-scale approach extends efforts to conserve species at risk and species of cultural significance beyond the park's borders. Implementation of the plan will include continued collaboration with First Nations partners and local and regional conservation groups, including the Island Nature Trust, to work towards the collective goals of species conservation through shared knowledge, joint field work and monitoring, and cooperative recovery actions.

Setting an example

A gull soars above crashing waves as they meet a long sandy beach on a partly cloudy day. — The vast expanse of Prince Edward Island’s shoreline, like Ross Lane beach in Prince Edward Island National Park shown here, serves as a sanctuary for numerous birds and other wildlife. Photo: Parks Canada

The plan, and its development, set a precedent for future multi-species action plans. It serves as an exemplary model for conservation planning, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect, capacity building and collaboration with Indigenous peoples and regional partners. By using the conservation cycle for the adaptive management of species and incorporating a climate-smart approach, the plan lays a foundation for the restoration and recovery of species across the landscape.

“The enduring partnership between the Abegweit Conservation Society and Parks Canada stands as a beacon of meaningful collaboration, rooted in a deep appreciation for cultural inclusion and a commitment to continued professionalism. This dynamic alliance not only serves as an exemplary model but also champions cultural values, fostering enriched connections and driving positive change across diverse realms of interaction and endeavor.”

—Tyrone Paul, Director of Natural Resources, Abegweit First Nation

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