PEI National Park recovery

Parks Canada will be protecting the cross culvert with stone near the beach access point across from Stanhope Campground. New stairs will be installed this spring.

Post-tropical storm Fiona was a strong post tropical storm that made landfall on Prince Edward Island the night of September 23rd, 2022. It brought heavy rain, strong winds, large waves and a powerful storm surge to the region. The climate station at Red Head, owned by Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI, recorded a peak wind speed of 133km/h at 5 a.m. and a peak water level of 2.69m above datum (the tidal reference point) at 5:55am.

As dawn broke on the morning of September 24th, the sun rose over a dramatically changed landscape. All three park regions (Cavendish-North Rustico, Brackley-Dalvay, and Greenwich) experienced significant impacts from post-tropical storm Fiona. As a result, the majority of PEI National Park was closed by order of the Superintendent while assessments were made and rehabilitation work began.

• All areas of the park had significant amounts of downed trees (into the thousands).
• All areas of the park saw significant amounts of coastal erosion. Erosion levels varied by location, but assessments indicated between 3 and 10 metres of shoreline eroded.
• Most trails were impassable due to downed trees and damaged boardwalks, bridges and stairs.
• All beach accesses were affected as boardwalks and dune crossings were either swept away entirely or significantly damaged, rendering them unsafe.

Cavendish-North Rustico

• Cavendish Campground
• Significant amounts of downed trees and debris in campground.
• Several buildings damaged by water, with one kitchen shelter destroyed.
• Several oTENTik roofs damaged.
• 16 campsites lost (6 2-way, 10 unserviced)
• Significant levels of erosion impacted roads in the campground.
• Cavendish Main Beach
• Main beach access stairs and accessible ramps were significantly damaged.
• Minor damage to the change room and canteen buildings.
• Gulf Shore Parkway West
• Oceanview boardwalk, lookout and interpretive panels destroyed.
• Significant erosion at Flat Rock.
• Damage to coastal access stairs at MacKenzies Brook.
• Iconic MacKenzies Brook Arch was significantly weakened by Fiona and subsequently collapsed during the next heavy wind and rain storm.
• Significant dune erosion at North Rustico beach, Cavendish Main Beach and Cavendish Sandspit.
• Shoreline undercut at Orby Head and Oceanview.
• Flooding and erosion at various coastal pull-offs.

Brackley-Dalvay

• All dune crossings at beach locations - Brackley, Shaws, Stanhope Cape, Ross Lane, Stanhope Campground, Stanhope Main and Dalvay - were compromised as a result of post-tropical storm Fiona, rendering them unstable or missing entirely.

• Stanhope Beach
• The Stanhope Main Beach access stairs and ramp were completely washed away.
• Severe erosion along the bank has drastically changed the landscape.

• Stanhope Campground
• Stanhope Campground had significant amounts of downed trees and minor damage to campground buildings and infrastructure.
• Roads and Multi-Use Trail
• Several sections of the Gulf Shore Parkway East were damaged due to shoreline erosion.
• Several sections of the Gulf Shore Way Multi Use Trail were washed out.
• Robinsons Island Road suffered erosion.
• Robinsons Island had significant amounts of downed trees, trails were inaccessible and lookouts were destroyed.
• Lookout and northern parking lot at Dalvay Beach were significantly impacted during the storm.

Greenwich

• Trails at Greenwich were impassable due to downed trees.
• The Greenwich floating boardwalk was damaged.
• The Visitor Centre and buildings at Greenwich Main Beach had some minor damage and both stairs were damaged.

Green Gables Heritage Place

• There was significant blowdown at Green Gables Heritage, particularly along the Balsam Hollow and Haunted Wood Trails
• The house, grounds and visitor centre sustained some minor damage.

Ardgowan National Historic Site

• Significant downed trees at Ardgowan National Historic Site.

Skmaqn – Port-la—Joye – Fort Amherst National Historic Site

• Significant downed trees and light damage to some buildings and electrical lines.

More before and after photos.

Parks Canada fleet vehicles were fueled up, and portable generators were ready for use.

On September 29, 2022 Parks Canada dispatched a National Incident Management Team to assist local staff with managing the response. The team consists of incident management experts and additional fire crews from around the country who were skilled in geomatics, logistics, safety, incident command and communications. Additionally, local staff members were dedicated to responding to the incident.

Once the situation in PEI National Park was stabilized, recovery operations transitioned from initial incident response into long-term repair and remediation work. The National Incident Management Team handed responsibility for recovery operations back to the local personnel on October 6, 2022. Parks Canada is now in the long-term repair and clean-up phase of post-Fiona recovery operations.

In comparison, post-tropical storm Fiona had province-wide impacts. This storm was much longer, and brought heavy rain, strong winds, large waves and a powerful storm surge. An estimated 3 to 10 metres of erosion was seen along the north shore. Throughout the park, dunes were either entirely swept away or severed off from the intense, sustained wave action.

Trees in the national park were heavily impacted during both weather events. When Dorian hit, most of the forest consisted of monoculture white spruce and they were at the end of their life cycle. As a result, the west end of PEI National Park saw a significant number of fallen trees. Fiona had stronger winds over a wider span of territory, and the forest edges impacted from Dorian were already vulnerable. As a result, Fiona’s winds downed trees throughout all sites administered by Parks Canada. It is important to understand that wind events and trees blowing over are part of natural forest processes that facilitate regeneration. As part of an ongoing Wabanaki-Acadian forest restoration initiatives, Parks Canada team members are planting a more resilient variety of native tree species and shrubs so that large monoculture blowdown events are prevented in the future. Many of the fallen trees will remain in place, providing wildlife habitat (e.g., for snowshoe hare, chipmunks, amphibians and insects) and to facilitate the addition of nutrients to the soil as the trees decompose. The significant number of downed trees has opened up the tree canopy, shedding light on saplings and understory vegetation. Parks Canada is optimistic this will help speed up the process of forest growth and regeneration.

At this time, it is difficult to predict what the exact impact of post-tropical storm Fiona on the species at risk and other wildlife in the park will be. Based on the aftermath of Dorian, it is likely that there will be localized change in habitat in some areas and gain of habitat in others. For example, bank swallows depend on exposed raw cliff/areas where bank has eroded and slumped for habitat; they may return to new or different areas of PEI National Park in light of the material changes to the coastal ecosystem.

Parks Canada ecologists will be closely monitoring coastal ecosystems and species-at-risk over the coming year to gain information on how they have been affected.

Parks Canada is also continuing forest restoration work in an effort to create a more diverse ecosystem. The historical natural forest region of PEI, often referred to as the “Wabanaki -Acadian Forest”, is composed of a mix of southern temperate hardwood species and northern boreal species and many understory and plant species. It is important that forest restoration programs promote a diversity of species and age classes because diverse ecosystems are generally better able to cope with the impacts of climate change. A healthy forest with many native tree species can better withstand and recover from natural disturbances like high winds and insect outbreaks. It also provides local wildlife with an environment to live and thrive.

Over the course of the summer, hundreds of thousands of visitors frequent beaches in PEI National Park. Frequent foot traffic on non-designated dune crossings and on vegetated sand dunes has a negative and cumulative effect. Sand dunes, even when stable, can be easily damaged. Walking on dunes eliminates the protective plant cover. Once the protective plant cover is gone, the wind blows away the exposed sand and carves small depressions into giant holes called blowouts. Blowouts turn stable dunes into constantly shifting hills, unable to support vegetation or wildlife. Natural coastal processes are at work to build sand dunes back up. Such processes take years. During this vulnerable phase of regrowth, it is extra important that the dunes are given the space and time they need to build and revegetate. Sand dunes are a resource we could easily lose if we are not careful. Staying off the dunes is one way visitors can help ‘reduce their footprint’ on the natural environment. A full dune closure remains in effect for PEI National Park. Visitors must not walk over dunes for any reason. Please be aware of all dunes, both the obvious remaining dunes, as well as embryonic (baby dunes) in the early stages of development, where sand is starting to accumulate at the base of sheered dune faces and cliffs. These young dunes require extra care.

More details of the visitor offer for the 2023 operational season will be available in coming months. Camping reservations will be available as of March 18.

Parks Canada plows the Gulf Shore Parkway between Cavendish to North Rustico and Covehead to Dalvay, as well as several parking areas in the national park, including the Greenwich Interpretation Centre, Dalvay Administrative Office, Bubbling Springs/Farmlands Trailhead, North Rustico Beach (paved section), Macneills Brook, and Cavendish Beach.

Beach access is currently permitted at two locations: Covehead Lighthouse beach and North Rustico beach. As repairs are completed, additional beach accesses will be available.

Please see question below for sections of the park that are barricaded.

Barricades remain in place at the following locations:

• From Brackley to Covehead, PEI National Park (including Robinsons Island)
• All beach accesses - except Covehead Lighthouse Beach and North Rustico Beach
• Some look-offs and parking lots along the Gulf Shore Parkway West

All other beach accesses remain barricaded due to safety concerns. Visitors must not attempt to access the coast from other locations. Visitors should not seek to gain access to the beach by walking around broken infrastructure and crossing over the dunes.

Please abide by all closures, signage and barricades; they are there for your safety.

Parks Canada recently reopened a section of the Gulf Shore Parkway East from Dalvay to Covehead Lighthouse. Dalvay Corner was heavily impacted- 10 m of dune eroded, leaving critical infrastructure vulnerable. When looking at options for this area, we weighed a number of factors: scientific data, climate change realities, species at risk and habitat, prudence in managing taxpayer dollars, visitor experience impacts and alignment with the overall direction outlined in the PEI National Park Management Plan were considered. Management decisions are founded on Parks Canada’s legislated mandate and commitment – as a first priority – to protect ecological integrity and are informed by extensive studies, years of monitoring and scientific data.

As a short-term interim solution, a buried granite revetment covered by a vegetated sand dune will be in place to protect the Gulf Shore Parkway infrastructure while Parks Canada undertakes long-term planning. We recognise that there are other assets and infrastructure vulnerable to erosion in coastal areas like Dalvay Beach, Stanhope Main Beach, Robinsons Island and Cavendish Campground. These will be considered as we begin planning for a more long-term staged retreat from the coastline.

Other short-term plans include:
• Temporary access stairs to coast at Stanhope Main Beach/no accessible offer (i.e. no ramps or mobility mats) in 2023
• Installation of temporary stairs to access the coast at remaining boardwalk at Ross Lane
• Armouring of the roadway at Stanhope beach and Covehead Bridge
• Delayed opening of Shaw’s Beach in 2023 until such time as a new dune crossing can be constructed at this location
• Removal of asphalt on Robinsons Island Road and creation of natural multi-use trail

For more updates and short term plans, please see menu and chart at the top of the page .

Canadian Standards Association recognizes ‘buried revetments’ as a best practice nature-based solution (‘NbS’) for coastal and riverine flood and erosion risk management. “NbS for coastal and riverine flood and erosion risk management are strategies or measures that depend on, or mimic, natural system processes to provide flood and erosion risk management function, while delivering a suite of environmental and other societal co-benefits. NbS embrace the principles of “whole system” analysis, adaptive management, multi-disciplinary teams, innovation, and long-term planning for uncertainty. They can be deployed through sustainable planning and regulatory frameworks that recognize the value of natural assets and infrastructure in supporting risk management objectives (e.g., Integrated Water Resources Management and Integrated Coastal Zone Management), and/or the targeted deployment of nature-based features to provide specific flood and erosion risk management functions.”

https://www.csagroup.org/article/research/nature-based-solutions-for-coastal-and-riverine-flood-and-erosion-risk-management/

Parks Canada ecologists are closely assessing the storm damage to park ecosystems. The results of that assessment will be used to inform future conservation efforts for PEI National Park.

Parks Canada is in the process of long-term plans which including looking at climate change data and vulnerable areas of PEI National Park.

The most recent PEI National Park Management Plan was prepared in 2017. This plan was prepared following extensive consultation and input from various people and organizations, including: Indigenous Peoples; municipal governments and/or development corporations for communities neighbouring the park; academic institutions; provincial government departments; environmental groups; cultural organizations; provincial and regional tourism associations; recreational groups; lease and license holders; local and regional residents; visitors and Parks Canada staff. This plan emphasizes the importance of focussing on “long term natural and cultural conservation gains, address[ing] aging infrastructure” and the incorporation of climate change research and predictions into management decisions. The 2017 plan includes the stated objectives that “coastal erosion is managed by restoration and retreat as a first priority” and “facilities/infrastructure at risk due to coastal erosion are relocated inland to ensure visitor safety and natural/cultural resource protection.”

Long-term planning is ongoing for PEI National Park. There will be engagement opportunities in the future.

The species and ecosystems that naturally occur within PEI National Park are present because they have successfully adapted to the natural processes and climate that define this dynamic, ever-changing place. Climate change will affect all of the species and ecosystems within PEI National Park in different ways, including in many ways that we do not yet fully understand. For example, a decline in nearshore ice during the winter months may result in an increase in the amount of coastal erosion that occurs over the winter months, as the natural ice barrier is not present to help withstand the wave energy from winter storms. This may result in accelerated erosion in some areas of the park, while there is increased accretion of sand and dunes form in other areas of the park. Parks Canada closely continues to monitor climate change impacts in PEI National Park, and refines monitoring programs to better understand how species and ecosystems are responding to the impacts of climate change.

In PEI National Park, coastal erosion is a natural process that we monitor closely across the park’s entire shoreline. Our coastal dunes and beaches are dynamic and always in motion due to the wind, rain and tides. A natural balance of sediment removal and supply results in a relatively stable shoreline position. If the sediment budget is not balanced, shoreline areas are prone to erosion or accretion. Coastal erosion is the process that wears away the shoreline material, causing the coastline to retreat inland. The susceptibility of a shoreline to erosion depends on its composition and exposure to coastal processes. As the climate changes, we will closely monitor the impacts of rising sea level and increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events on PEI National Park’s shorelines. When you visit PEI National Park, you can help us track these changes by taking a Coastie.

Parks Canada is closely monitoring coastal erosion, and managing it on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes this involves retreating exposed coastal assets, or testing new types of buildings that can be easily relocated. Last year in PEI National Park Parks Canada launched the ‘Bunkie’ – a new, easily moveable visitor accommodation that can be picked up and relocated to successfully adapt as the coastline shifts.

• Sustainable, green sources of energy (e.g., solar photovoltaic panels on entrance kiosks at several locations in PEI National Park)
• Advanced preparedness for severe weather events (e.g., post-tropical storms)
• Electrical vehicle charging stations and electrical fleet vehicles
• Climate resilient infrastructure and placement (e.g., off-grid movable Bunkies at Cavendish and Stanhope Campgrounds)
• Dune restoration efforts (including through the use of Christmas trees) in locations within PEI National Park that have experienced degradation due to human use
• Partnership with the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation to advance climate change related research priorities using the Greenwich adjunct of PEI National Park as a living laboratory.