Drafting…
ECOLOGY WORKSHOP PAGES 1. Introduction (DP)Whats there? – 2. Homework (DP) – 3. Overview of Environmental Factors (DP) – 4. JP-Crowberry Barrens & Fire Mgmt (DP) – 5. Forest Birds (JBD) – 6. Specialist Birds (FL) – 7. Some Conservation Perspectives (KM) – 8. Discussion Synthesis – 8. Highlights – 9. —->Threats & Challenges (This Page) |
E=existing, P=potential, future. Numbers do not indicate priority of concern
1. E: Calcium Depleted Soils (result of Acid Rain/Thin soils/Hard Rock Type), possibly cause of low or no fish in some lakes, few amphibians eggs in most vernal ponds.
2. E, P: Loss of Ecological Integrity associated with increasing recreational usage; key indicator: exotic plant species.
3. E, P: Decline in WQ associated with development in parts of watershed that lie outside of Backlands; e.g., F.L. concerned about “a fair amount of water flowing into the Backlands coming from the other side of Herring CoveRoad, from the much denser peat bog-conifer regions, some of it is being quite badly polluted – we need to keep an eye on water quality there. Key indicator: Electrical Conductivity of streams, waterbodies.
4. E, P: Water movement 80% below ground, conduits not protected when an area is developed (within or outside of Backlands but within watershed).
5. E, P: Ecological Connectivity within the Backlands, and between backlands and Chebucto Peninsula and grater mainland.
6. E?, P: Climate warming and lakes, BGA; some plant species, e.g. Jack Pine.
7. P: Maintenance of rare fire-dependent Pine Barrens (Jack Pine/Broom Crowberry) community, re: fire management and people management.
8. E: We need a combined Conservation/Fire Management strategy for the Backlands
8. P: Loss of Habitat/Connectivity from further Development. The area is only 1350 ha!
9. E, P: To put some kind of $ value on the combined Ecological Services of the Backlands, particularly biodiversity/carbon storage.
10. E; We need to document the nature and services of the diverse wetlands
11. E,P: Wildlife management and ecosystem management is really people management. Recreational use of the Backlands is increasing – how do we facilitate recreational use & at the same time protect the many ecological services of the Backlands?