Case Studies in EI Measurement: Fathom Five & Banff National Parks Gilles Seutin Parks Canada World Park Congress 2003

Summary Monitoring at Parks Canada Fathom Five National Park Banff National Park Challenges Lessons Learned

Monitoring at Parks Canada Currently more than 700 projects Increase over the last 10 years In general: Ad-hoc, project-based Poor indicators of overall park management objectives/effectiveness Weak links to greater ecosystem monitoring

Recommendations for adjustments From Project Outputs… Project Management Plan Recommendations for adjustments measurable targets Project Report Output monitoring

… to Management Outcomes Park Management Plan assessment and recommendations measurable management targets State of Park Report EI monitoring

Bruce/Fathom Five Ecosystem Great Lakes Ecosystem Bruce/Fathom Five Ecosystem

FFNP – Monitoring Framework Physical Chemical Biological Social Ecological Sustainability Shoreline Dev. 2 indicators Water Level 1 indicator Water Quality 5 indicators Fish Population 3 indicators Lower Trophic Invasive Species Species at Risk Cultural Resources Partnerships Education Visitor Use Reason Affect nearshore aquatic habitat Target 0 new crib docks no loss of fish habitat Residential Dev. Dock Facilities

FFNP – Indicators

FFNP – Report Card

Banff National Park

BNP – Ecosystem Model

BNP – Conceptual Model

BNP – Indicators Objective: Maintain and restore native vegetation communities Target Target: 50% of long- term fire cycle Indicator: Area burned

BNP – Report Card Objective Indicator Target Condition Maintain and restore native vegetation communities Area of land burned   Maintain 50% of long-term fire cycle () Burned area achieved for park overall Forest composition () Whitebark pine in decline

Comparison Fathom Five NP: Linked to ecoregional monitoring Comprehensive Good communication of results Banff NP: Linked to management objectives Targeted Uses conceptual models by ecosystem Both: Few monitoring targets

Challenge: Comprehensiveness direct management-related issues short term results (2003-2008) PMP provides direction, active management Monitoring of Mgnt. Issues PARK MONITORING PROGRAM Monitoring of Core EI Indicators comprehensive assessment of park EI medium to long term results (> 10 years) monitoring framework/EIS provides direction

Challenge: Coordination National (System-wide) Local (Park-specific) Bio-Regional (Ecozone) PMP-driven indicators, local human use issues focal species, ecosystem monitoring, fragmentation Typical Indicators water/air quality, AVHRR, phenology, land use changes

Challenge: Agree on Framework and Approach Biodiversity Functions Stressors Species richness Succession Land-use patterns Population dynamics Productivity Habitat fragmentation Trophic levels Decomposition Pollutants Nutrient retention Climate Goal Objective Indicator Target Ecological Integrity Manage damage to vegetation Vegetation trampling index (VTI) VTI not to exceed 4.0

Challenge: Communicate Results

Lessons Learned Need linkages to management objectives Need comprehensive coverage of EI Need system-wide consistency Need integration with greater ecosystem reporting Need clear indicators and targets Need effective communication of results Need integrated data management