Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report
Margaree-Lake Ainslie Canadian Heritage River
10-year Monitoring Report
1998 - 2008
Prepared for the Canadian Heritage Rivers Board
May 2008
Painting by Alice Reed
Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report2
Contents
1.0 Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32.0 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33.0 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44.0 Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45.0 Chronology of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56.0 Natural Heritage Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
6.1 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86.2 Condition of Natural Values Since Designation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7.0 Cultural Heritage Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157.1 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157.2 Condition of Cultural Values Since Designation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
8.0 Recreation Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188.1 Background & Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188.2 Condition of recreation values Since Designation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
9.0 Integrity Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2210.0 Review of Management Plan Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2511.0 Summary and Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3812.0 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Tables
Table 1 Margaree-Lake Ainslie River Natural Heritage Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Table 2 Margaree-Lake Ainslie River Cultural Heritage Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Table 3 Margaree-Lake Ainslie River Recreational Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Table 4 Margaree-Lake Ainslie River System Integrity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Table 5 Margaree-Lake Ainslie River Management Plan Recommendations and Current Status . . 26
3Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report
1.0 Executive Summary
The Margaree-Lake Ainslie River in Nova Scotia, was designated as a Canadian Heritage River in 1998. This report reviews what has happened over the last decade, and addresses the state of the river, while looking at progress and research. It examines what has happened to the river since designation, determines whether heritage and recreational values are still intact, and reports on the Canadian Heritage River System (CHRS) integ-rity guidelines. This study also reports on the de-gree to which river management and goals have been achieved.
Since its designation, collaborative research work has been done by government and community groups. Projects have addressed improving aquat-ic habitats and salmon and trout stocks. Research took place on animal and fish populations such as moose, American marten (Martes americana), gaspereau and bass to develop management ini-tiatives. Water quality monitoring on the river was improved through the installation of a hydromet-ric sampling station.
Youth Services Canada projects worked to: promote awareness of the river’s heritage; encourage locals to assume a stewardship role;monitor water quality on the entire watershed to establish benchmark settings; clean-up shorelines; stabilize stream banks; participate in the local River Watch program;partner with the local hatchery to enhance trout and salmon stocks and restore fish habi-tat; and offer information and training on community-
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based water quality monitoring.
Forestry practices in the river’s watershed were improved when Stora Enso/NewPage received Forestry Stewardship Council certification, which means it must adhere to strict environmental and social standards.
The heritage values of the Margaree-Lake Ainslie River System remain intact. The river is worthy of continued designation as a nationally significant river within the CHRS.
2.0 Introduction
The Margaree-Lake Ainslie river system is the larg-est river system on Cape Breton; it measures about 120 kilometers in length. The river runs through a variety of scenic landscapes with a dynamic mix of land uses. The river system is characterized by a unique combination of natural and cultural heritage values that reflect a rich history of hu-man settlement on a mosaic of natural landscapes. In 1998, after years of study, the Margaree-Lake Ainslie River system was designated as a Canadian Heritage River.
Its Northeast branch is known for populations of salmon, which attract large numbers of anglers. The Southwest branch has a provincially signifi-cant gaspereau run, which is fished commercially.
The Canadian Heritage River System (CHRS) is Canada’s program by which to promote freshwa-ter heritage conservation and recognize Canada’s
Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report4
outstanding rivers based on heritage and recre-ation values. The program is a cooperative effort of federal and provincial/territorial governments, which works to ensure long-term management and conservation of Canada’s river heritage. CHRS requires annual reports, monitoring, and ten-year reviews to ensure that CHRS rivers maintain the values for which they were nominated.
The objectives of this report are to:determine the degree to which the actions outlined in the management plan have been implemented.;establish the current conditions of the out-standing heritage values based on a review of values for which the river was nominateddetermine whether the CHRS integrity guide-lines are still being met;describe changes that have occurred in relation to the river over the past decade; andreview the state of the river and to report on progress or setbacks the river has experienced
3.0 Background
From the headwaters of the Northeast Margaree, located to the south of Cape Breton Highlands Na-tional Park, the Margaree River flows in a westerly, then southerly direction through a steep-sided valley complex to Big Intervale. From here, the river flows to the south before taking a westerly shift and meanders to Margaree Forks. The South-west Margaree begins at Lake Ainslie, the largest freshwater lake in Nova Scotia, and flows northerly to Margaree Forks to form the Margaree River. The Margaree River continues north to Margaree Harbour and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
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In 1986, the Province of Nova Scotia reviewed 45 rivers and conducted detailed studies on the seven highest rated rivers. In 1988, a study of the Margaree River system was completed and a year later the Minister announced that the Department of Natural Resources would work toward nomina-tion of the river. In July 1991, the Margaree River system was accepted for nomination as a CHRS river. The Margaree-Lake Ainslie Canadian Heritage River - A Partnership Strategy was submitted to CHRS in 1996 and in 1998 the river was designated a Canadian Heritage River.
In 1998, lead responsibility for the CHRS program in Nova Scotia was transferred to the Protected Ar-eas Branch of Nova Scotia Environment (NSE) from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
4.0 Methodology
The main approaches used to gain information about the state of the river and progress that has been made are: (i) reviews of CHRS annual reports and field reports (ii) secondary source research (iii) interviews with key individuals
Interviews with key individuals provided information on changes, research, and activi-ties that have taken place on and around the river since its designation. Discussions took place among NSE and DNR staff and key stakeholders.
New CHRS frameworks were developed since the Margaree Lake Ainslie River System was nominat-ed. This report converts identified values to coin-cide with current national frameworks; the recre-ational framework used was adapted from the Red River CHRS study.
The condition of heritage values since designa-tion was discussed along with relevant projects or partnership strategy actions. The condition of in-tegrity guidelines was also examined to determine whether the river was still worthy of designation as a river of national significance within the Canadian Heritage River System.
5Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report
5.0 Chronology of Events
1998 - 2000 Margaree-Lake Ainslie officially designated to CHRS.
Responsibility for CHRS transferred to Nova Scotia Environment from the Department of Natural Resources.
Thirty-one new Wilderness Areas designat ed, 4 of which are included in the watershed of the Margaree-Lake Ainslie River System.
2000-2001
Appointment of a regional protected areas program co-ordinator for Cape Breton with responsibility for the Canadian Heritage Rivers in the region.
The Margaree Area Development Associa-tion starts planning for a regional hiking trails program
Aquatic Development Association of Marga-ree working with the Margaree Salmon Asso-ciation (MSA) and the Margaree-Lake Ainslie Canadian Heritage River Society
Margaree-Lake Ainslie Canadian Heritage River Society and NSEL initiate work with Tourism NS on sponsorship of a regional self-guided heritage tour
Water quality - central database for historic and future parameter values; purchase of new hydrometric sampling station; plans for the initiation of a community-based water quality monitoring program;.
Concerns over Kenloch landfill addressed by NSE.
Margaree-Lake Ainslie Canadian Heritage River Society working with NSE to implement the Partnership Strategy. The group meets once a month.
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Opening of a CHRS Resource Center in the Margaree Forks Public Library.
2001-2002
Identification of potential snowmobile/ATV routes to redirect traffic away from bogs and barrens in Jim Campbells Barren Wilder-ness Area, which is within the Watershed of the Margaree-Lake Ainslie River System.
Margaree River featured on the Great Cana-dian Rivers television series, which chronicled rivers that represent both the natural and cultural heritage of Canada.
Installation of a hydrometric sampling sta-tion on the Northeast Branch of the river that compiles daily recordings into a central database.
Proposed barite mine at Trout Brook, which flows into Lake Ainslie, met with public con-cern. The project proposal was eventually withdrawn.
Youth Service Canada project working to: promote awareness of the river’s heritage; en-courage locals to assume a stewardship role; monitor water quality on the entire water-shed to establish benchmark settings; clean-up shorelines; stabilize stream banks; partici-pate in the local River Watch program; partner with the local hatchery to enhance trout and
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Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report6
salmon stocks and restore fish habitat; and of-fer information and training on community-based water quality monitoring.
2002-2003
Snowmobile trail relocation to help protect bogs and barrens in Jim Campbells Barren Wilderness Area, which is located within the river’s watershed.
Margaree Salmon Association Stream Habi-tat Improvement Project worked to improve Lake O’Law Brook, which flows from the NE Margaree River, by stabilizing banks and en-hancing pools
American marten (Martes americana) re-search project sponsored by NS Department of Natural Resources worked to determine population size, distribution and habitat requirements of the provincially endangered American marten (Martes americana). The project results will be used to develop a plan to restore populations to a healthy level
Margaree Tourism Association “Interpretive Signage Project” worked to develop signage to promote heritage values
Margaree Harbour bridge replacement
Youth Services Canada Project #2 working to: promote awareness of the river’s heritage; en-courage locals to assume a stewardship role; monitor water quality on the entire water-
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shed to establish benchmark settings; clean-up shorelines; stabilize stream banks; partici-pate in the local River Watch program; partner with the local hatchery to enhance trout and salmon stocks and restore fish habitat; and offer information and training on community-based water quality monitoring
2003-2004
Voluntary Planning Task Force on Off-highway vehicles makes recommendations on how OHVs might be better regulated
Aquatic Development Association of Marga-ree (ADAM) secures a new funding agreement to assist in the production of young trout and salmon for stocking rivers in Nova Scotia. Money also to assist in public education initia-tives and collaborative research efforts
Moose research project studies the moose population in the Cape Breton Highlands to determine behaviour and movement patterns and develop appropriate management strate-gies
Cancellation of the barite mine proposal near Trout Brook
Youth Service Canada 2003 - Youth at Risk project works to monitor water quality, re-habilitate streams, improve habitat, increase public education, clean shorelines, stabilize stream banks and enhance trout and salmon stocks
2004-2005
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7Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report
Aquatic habitat improvements: stream bank remediation; habitat restoration; erosion con-trol; bank stabilization; fish habitat improve-ment; and inventory of streambed, stream-side vegetation and flow characteristics of the Northeast branch
Computerized inventory of local heritage sites
Recreation infrastructure improvements: benches and picnic tables placed at key sites along the river; identification signs produced to be erected at key fishing sites; and mainte-nance carried out on local walking trails
Litter/garbage pick-up to remove debris from the NE and SW branches of the river
Infestation of black-headed budworm in the Cape Breton Highlands, which is part of the Margaree-Lake Ainslie Rivers System water-shed, with trace defoliation along portions of First and Second Fork Brooks on the North-east Margaree River
2005-2006
The Canadian Forestry Service trial aerial spray of Bacillus thuringienis kurstaki (BTK) to test its effectiveness on the black-headed budworm takes place. Subsequent studies showed a collapse of the insect population and recommended cessation of spray opera-tions.
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Relocation of Snowmobile Association of Nova Scotia Trail reduces potential damage to sensitive bogs and barrens in the Jim Camp-bells Barren Wilderness Area, and associated impacts within the Margaree watershed.
Scientific research and monitoring indicate that striped bass numbers are on the rise and that smallmouth bass have not been able to breed successfully
2006-2007
The Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (NSFA) takes over the ownership and management of the Margaree hatchery from the Aquatic Development Association of Margaree. This secures long term funding for the operation of the hatchery.
The Margaree-Lake Ainslie Canadian Heritage River Society completes the section of wilder-ness hiking trail from Portree to the first look-off on top of Sugarloaf Mountain
Margaree Area Development Association makes improvements to the walking/hiking trail (Lifestyles Trail) in Lake O’Law
2007-2008
Stora Enso, which harvests forestry products within the watershed, divests its North Ameri-can paper operations to NewPage
Stora Enso/NewPage receives Forest Steward-ship Council (FSC) certification.
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Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report8
Remnant maple, elm floodplain forests con-tain at least five provincially rare plantsFour provincially rare mammals occur in the steep-sided valley complex of Northeast Mar-garee
A new national framework for natural heritage val-ues has been developed since the Margaree River system was designated in 1998: A Framework for the Natural Values of Canadian Heritage Rivers, 2nd Edition. 2001.
The values for which the Margaree River system was nominated are summarized below, according to this new natural heritage values framework.
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6.0 Natural Heritage Values
6.1 Background
The designation of the Margaree-Lake Ainslie Riv-er System was based on the following key natural heritage features:
a unique alkaline bog on Black River, which is recognized under the International Biological Program and is under consideration for offi-cial designation under the Special Places Act. It contains at least five provincially rare plants
Outstanding earth history - the variety, his-tory and visibility of geological strata and fea-tures associated with the river system provide excellent opportunities for interpretation of the complex geology of this region. The entire river is an outstanding representa-tion of continuous fluvial and geomorpho-logical processes.Outstanding examples of faulting and es-carpments depict significant events in Nova Scotia’s geological historyOne of the most noted salmon producing rivers in Nova Scotia, which is renowned for spring and fall runs of salmonA provincially significant gaspereau runProvincially significant wetlands on the Southwest Margaree and Lake Ainslie have outstanding wildlife valuesSecond Fork Brook IBP site is a remnant of an old growth sugar maple stand
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9Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report
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Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report10
Tab
le 1
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er N
atu
ral H
erit
age
Val
ues
CH
RS N
atu
ral F
ram
ewo
rk
(200
1) T
hem
es &
Su
b-
them
es
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er N
atu
ral
Her
itag
e El
emen
ts D
escr
ipti
on
Sig
nifi
can
t Act
ion
s, Re
sear
ch o
r Stu
die
sC
han
ges
or T
hre
ats
to N
om
inat
ion
Va
lue(
s)
1 H
ydro
log
y
1.1
Dra
inag
e Ba
sin
sA
tlan
tic
Oce
an B
asin
; str
eam
nu
m-
ber
1N
on
e
1.2
Seas
on
al V
aria
tio
nPe
rio
d o
f hig
hes
t flo
w is
May
; per
iod
o
f lo
wes
t flo
w is
May
-Sep
tem
ber
No
ne
1.3
Wat
er C
on
ten
tIn
sig
nifi
can
t sed
imen
t lo
ad 0
-50
mg
/l (>
5.0
JU);
rate
d h
igh
in T
ota
l D
isso
lved
So
lids
(>10
0 m
g/l
)
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gar
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arb
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pla
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f Har
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ent o
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ly (o
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tim
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Wat
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ual
ity
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nit
ori
ng
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take
n p
lace
si
nce
200
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hen
a n
ew h
ydro
met
ric
sam
plin
g s
tati
on
was
inst
alle
d
NSE
en
cou
rag
ing
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mp
leti
on
of a
cen
tral
d
atab
ase
for h
isto
ric
and
futu
re p
aram
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es
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er q
ual
ity
mo
nit
ori
ng
on
the
rive
r h
as im
pro
ved,
bu
t th
e co
ord
inat
ion
of
info
rmat
ion
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uir
es fu
rth
er w
ork
1.4
Riv
er S
ize
Smal
l riv
er o
r <85
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sec.
Len
gth
is
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on
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ds
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log
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cess
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on
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us
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ater
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mp
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No
ne
11Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report
Tab
le 1
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er N
atu
ral H
erit
age
Val
ues
CH
RS N
atu
ral F
ram
ewo
rk
(200
1) T
hem
es &
Su
b-
them
es
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er N
atu
ral
Her
itag
e El
emen
ts D
escr
ipti
on
Sig
nifi
can
t Act
ion
s, Re
sear
ch o
r Stu
die
sC
han
ges
or T
hre
ats
to N
om
inat
ion
Va
lue(
s)
3 R
iver
Mo
rph
olo
gy
3.1
Valle
y Ty
pes
Co
nca
ve-w
alle
d v
alle
ys: r
ou
nd
ed in
-te
rflu
ves
wit
h s
ign
ifica
nt fl
oo
dp
lain
; st
raig
ht-
wal
led
val
leys
: flat
/ro
un
ded
in
terfl
uve
s w
ith
sig
nifi
can
t flo
od
-p
lain
No
ne
3.2
Ch
ann
el T
ypes
Stre
am c
on
figu
rati
on
: mea
nd
erin
g;
lake
sys
tem
s: Fe
eder
lake
Mar
gar
ee S
alm
on
Ass
oci
atio
n c
on
du
cts
inve
nto
ry o
f flo
w c
har
acte
rist
ics
Imp
rove
/mai
nta
in e
colo
gic
al in
teg
rity
3.3
Ch
ann
el P
rofil
ePo
ol a
nd
riffl
eN
on
e
3.4
Flu
vial
Lan
dfo
rms
Dep
osi
tio
nal
lan
dfo
rms:
oxb
ow
s;
ero
sio
nal
lan
dfo
rms:
un
der
cuts
an
d
go
rges
Stre
am b
ank
stab
iliza
tio
n a
nd
ero
sio
n
con
tro
l th
rou
gh
Yo
uth
Ser
vice
Can
ada,
M
arg
aree
Sal
mo
n A
sso
ciat
ion
an
d
Dep
artm
ent o
f Fis
her
ies
and
Oce
ans
pro
ject
s
Pro
tect
ion
fro
m e
rosi
on
al p
roce
sses
4 B
ioti
c En
viro
nm
ents
4.1
Aq
uat
ic E
cosy
stem
sR
iver
ine
syst
ems:
low
lan
d z
on
eA
men
dm
ents
to th
e Sp
ecia
l Pla
ces
Pro
-te
ctio
n A
ct s
trea
mlin
e th
e p
roce
ss u
sed
in
the
iden
tific
atio
n a
nd
des
ign
atio
n o
f si
gn
ifica
nt e
colo
gic
al s
ites
on
pri
vate
an
d
cro
wn
lan
ds
Prov
ides
an
eff
ecti
ve to
ol f
or c
on
sid
-er
ing
ad
dit
ion
al d
esig
nat
ion
s in
the
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
are
a, w
hic
h
cou
ld c
on
trib
ute
to p
rote
ctin
g im
po
r-ta
nt e
colo
gic
al v
alu
es
Plan
nin
g fo
r a c
om
pre
hen
sive
sys
tem
of
pro
tect
ed a
reas
Pro
tect
ion
of i
mp
ort
ant n
atu
ral l
and
s as
wild
ern
ess
area
s o
r nat
ure
rese
rves
4.1
Aq
uat
ic E
cosy
stem
sR
iver
ine
syst
ems:
low
lan
d z
on
eSc
ien
tific
rese
arch
on
str
iped
an
d s
mal
l-m
ou
th b
ass
Incr
ease
in s
trip
ed b
ass
is e
nco
ura
gin
g
to th
e cl
ose
d re
crea
tio
nal
fish
ery
Ap
par
ent i
nab
ility
of s
mal
lmo
uth
b
ass
to b
reed
mea
ns
neg
ativ
e ef
fect
s o
n b
roo
k tr
ou
t, g
asp
erea
u a
nd
lan
d-
lock
ed s
alm
on
are
min
imiz
ed
Am
end
men
ts to
the
Off
-hig
hw
ay V
e-h
icle
s A
ctH
elp
s p
rote
ct b
iod
iver
sity
Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report12
Tab
le 1
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er N
atu
ral H
erit
age
Val
ues
CH
RS N
atu
ral F
ram
ewo
rk
(200
1) T
hem
es &
Su
b-
them
es
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er N
atu
ral
Her
itag
e El
emen
ts D
escr
ipti
on
Sig
nifi
can
t Act
ion
s, Re
sear
ch o
r Stu
die
sC
han
ges
or T
hre
ats
to N
om
inat
ion
Va
lue(
s)
Aq
uat
ic h
abit
at im
pro
vem
ents
by
You
th
Serv
ice
Can
ada
Hel
ps
mai
nta
in/i
mp
rove
eco
log
ical
in
teg
rity
Litt
er a
nd
gar
bag
e p
ick-
up
Imp
rove
d e
colo
gic
al in
teg
rity
Aq
uat
ic D
evel
op
men
t Ass
oci
atio
n o
f M
arg
aree
(AD
AM
) sec
ure
s fu
nd
ing
for
tro
ut a
nd
sal
mo
n s
tock
ing
pro
gra
ms
NS
Ag
ricu
ltu
re &
Fis
her
ies
inve
sts
in
AD
AM
an
d fu
nd
s A
do
pt-
a-St
ream
p
rog
ram
s, w
hile
cre
atin
g o
pp
ort
un
itie
s in
the
Atl
anti
c Sa
lmo
n fi
sher
y. P
rovi
nce
as
sum
es o
wn
ersh
ip a
nd
man
agem
ent o
f h
atch
ery.
Hel
ps
mai
nta
in fi
sh p
op
ula
tio
ns
wh
ile
off
erin
g o
pp
ort
un
itie
s fo
r pu
blic
ed
u-
cati
on
an
d s
cien
tific
rese
arch
Mar
gar
ee S
alm
on
Ass
oci
atio
n S
trea
m
hab
itat
Imp
rove
men
t Pro
ject
- b
ank
sta-
bili
zati
on
an
d p
oo
l en
han
cem
ent
Imp
rove
d q
ual
ity
of a
qu
atic
hab
itat
s ar
e b
enefi
cial
to th
e en
tire
eco
syst
em
4.2
Terr
estr
ial E
cosy
stem
sEc
ozo
ne:
Atl
anti
c M
arit
ime
Am
end
men
ts to
the
Off
-hig
hw
ay
Veh
icle
s A
ctH
elp
s p
rote
ct b
iod
iver
sity
Plan
nin
g fo
r a c
om
pre
hen
sive
sys
tem
of
pro
tect
ed a
reas
Pro
tect
ion
of i
mp
ort
ant n
atu
ral l
and
s as
wild
ern
ess
area
s o
r nat
ure
rese
rves
Relo
cati
on
of S
no
wm
ob
ile A
sso
ciat
ion
of
Nov
a Sc
oti
a tr
ail
Hel
ps
pre
serv
e ec
olo
gic
al in
teg
rity
Infe
stat
ion
of t
he
def
olia
tin
g b
lack
-h
ead
ed b
ud
wo
rm in
the
Cap
e Br
eto
n
Hig
hla
nd
s
Ther
e w
as tr
ace
def
olia
tio
n a
t Fir
st a
nd
Se
con
d F
ork
Bro
oks
, wh
ich
are
wit
hin
th
e ri
ver’s
wat
ersh
ed
Mo
ose
rese
arch
in C
ape
Bret
on
Hig
h-
lan
ds
Mai
nta
in h
ealt
hy w
ildlif
e p
op
ula
tio
ns
to e
nsu
re e
colo
gic
al in
teg
rity
Can
cella
tio
n o
f bar
ite
min
e n
ear T
rou
t Br
oo
k
13Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report
Tab
le 1
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er N
atu
ral H
erit
age
Val
ues
CH
RS N
atu
ral F
ram
ewo
rk
(200
1) T
hem
es &
Su
b-
them
es
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er N
atu
ral
Her
itag
e El
emen
ts D
escr
ipti
on
Sig
nifi
can
t Act
ion
s, Re
sear
ch o
r Stu
die
sC
han
ges
or T
hre
ats
to N
om
inat
ion
Va
lue(
s)
Am
eric
an m
arte
n (M
arte
s am
eric
ana)
re
sear
ch h
as le
d to
eff
ort
s b
y D
NR
to
aug
men
t po
pu
lati
on
s b
y re
leas
ing
an
i-m
als
into
are
as w
her
e A
mer
ican
mar
ten
(M
arte
s am
eric
ana)
hav
e b
een
sig
hte
d
Enh
ance
men
t of w
ildlif
e p
op
ula
tio
ns
sup
po
rt th
e m
ain
ten
ance
of “
nat
ura
l” ec
osy
stem
s su
ch a
s o
ld g
row
th fo
rest
s an
d th
e p
rote
ctio
n o
f nat
ura
l her
itag
e va
lues
5 V
eget
atio
n
5.1
Sig
nifi
can
t Pla
nt C
om
-m
un
itie
sA
qu
atic
/Rip
aria
n p
lan
ts: B
lack
Riv
er
IBP
site
sp
ecie
s; c
arex
an
d s
alix
sp
e-ci
es a
t Bla
ck R
iver
Tre
es: d
ynam
ic o
ld
gro
wth
su
gar
map
les
Mar
gar
ee S
alm
on
ass
oci
atio
n in
ven
tory
o
f str
eam
-sid
e ve
get
atio
nH
elp
s m
ain
tain
/im
pro
ve e
colo
gic
al
inte
gri
ty
5.2
Rar
e Pl
ant S
pec
ies
Prov
inci
ally
rare
: Scl
erop
hora
per
o-ne
lla, R
hync
hosp
ora
capi
llace
a, C
arex
gy
nocr
ates
, Sal
ix c
andi
da,
and
Cal
tha
palu
stri
s
Scle
roph
ora
pero
nella
list
ed a
s Sp
ecia
l C
on
cern
by
CO
SEW
ICD
esig
nat
ion
of W
ilder
nes
s A
reas
wit
h-
in th
e ri
ver’s
wat
ersh
ed h
elp
s p
rote
ct
2 o
f th
e 3
Scle
roph
ora
pero
nella
sit
es in
C
anad
a
5.2
Rar
e Pl
ant S
pec
ies
6 F
aun
a
6.1
Sig
nifi
can
t An
imal
Po
pu
lati
on
sFi
sh: A
tlan
tic
salm
on
an
d g
asp
erea
u
Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report14
Tab
le 1
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er N
atu
ral H
erit
age
Val
ues
CH
RS N
atu
ral F
ram
ewo
rk
(200
1) T
hem
es &
Su
b-
them
es
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er N
atu
ral
Her
itag
e El
emen
ts D
escr
ipti
on
Sig
nifi
can
t Act
ion
s, Re
sear
ch o
r Stu
die
sC
han
ges
or T
hre
ats
to N
om
inat
ion
Va
lue(
s)
6.2
Rar
e A
nim
al S
pec
ies
Mam
mal
s : S
pec
ial c
on
cern
: Gas
pe
shre
w; r
egio
nal
ly ra
re: A
mer
ican
m
arte
n (M
arte
s am
eric
ana)
lyn
x an
d
rock
vo
le. B
ird
s: re
gio
nal
ly ra
re s
pe-
cies
: bal
d e
agle
Mo
ose
rese
arch
Mai
nta
in h
ealt
hy w
ildlif
e p
op
ula
tio
ns
to e
nsu
re e
colo
gic
al in
teg
rity
Un
der
CO
SEW
IC, t
he
Gas
pe
shre
w is
lis
ted
as
no
lon
ger
at r
isk
Mai
nta
in h
ealt
hy w
ildlif
e p
op
ula
tio
ns
to e
nsu
re e
colo
gic
al in
teg
rity
.
Am
eric
an m
arte
n (M
arte
s am
eric
ana)
re
sear
ch. D
NR
rele
ased
ap
pro
xim
atel
y 30
Am
eric
an m
arte
n in
200
7, in
clu
din
g
som
e ar
ou
nd
Tro
ut B
roo
k an
d w
ith
in th
e ri
ver’s
wat
ersh
ed.
Mar
ten
wer
e lis
ted
as
pro
vin
cial
ly e
nd
an-
ger
ed in
200
1.
The
Am
eric
an m
arte
n is
on
e o
f Nov
a Sc
oti
a’s
rare
st m
amm
als;
DN
R is
tryi
ng
to
imp
rove
mar
ten
nu
mb
ers
by
rele
as-
ing
an
imal
s in
to th
e w
ild.
Lyn
x w
ere
liste
d a
s en
dan
ger
ed in
200
2.
On
go
ing
rese
arch
is b
ein
g c
on
du
cted
by
DN
R
Lyn
x ar
e o
nly
fou
nd
in th
e C
ape
Bret
-o
n H
igh
lan
ds
and
a fe
w o
ther
hig
h
elev
atio
n a
reas
of t
he
pro
vin
ce.
15Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report
6.2 Condition of Natural Values Since Designation
Water quality monitoring began on the Margaree River system in 2000 when a new hydrometric sampling station was installed. The river is now part of Nova Scotia’s Automated Water Quality Monitoring Program.
There have been changes to the Off-highway Vehicle Act and the Special Places Protection Act, which have meant stabilized or improved biodi-versity and ecological integrity. Protected Areas planning offers protection to important natural lands - there are currently four wilderness areas along the Margaree River system: Trout Brook; Margaree River; Jim Campbells Barrens; and Sug-arloaf Mountain.
Research initiatives in the area have increased knowledge of moose, American marten (Martes americana) and Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) species and are useful in the development of appropriate management strategies. There have been a number of improvements to aquatic habitat through the work of the Margaree Salm-on Association and the Margaree-Lake Ainslie Heritage River Society. Increased funding to the Aquatic Development Association of Margaree has led to improvements in stocks of trout and Atlantic salmon.
StoraEnso became NewPage and received Forest Stewardship Council certification, which certifies and labels paper and wood products from re-sponsibly managed forests and verified recycled sources, while adhering to strict environmental and social guidelines.
Starting in 2007, Nova Scotia Environment became involved in watershed management planning, for this area.. This includes investigating how to imple-ment current policy in collaboration with commu-nities.
7.0 Cultural Heritage Values
7.1 Background
A new national framework for cultural heritage values has been developed since the Margaree River system was designated in 1998: A Cultural Framework for Canadian Heritage Rivers, 2nd Edi-tion. 2000.
While the Margaree - Lake Ainslie was not nomi-nated based on its cultural (human) heritage values, both the nomination document and the designation document (Partnership Strategy) rec-ognize the rich cultural heritage of the region, and the strong cultural ties to the river. These include:
Pre-contact Native history;
Mi’kmaq use;
Eurpean settlement;
Natural resource use; and
Cultural attachments to sporting and recre-ation.
A variety of cultural values are summarized in the following table according to the new cultural val-ues framework. The table also outlines significant actions over the past ten years, and any changes to cultural heritage values.
•
•
•
•
•
Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report16
Tab
le 2
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er C
ult
ura
l Her
itag
e V
alu
es
CH
RS C
ult
ura
l Fra
mew
ork
(200
0)M
arg
aree
-Lak
e A
insl
ie R
iver
Sys
tem
Cu
ltu
ral H
eri-
tag
e Va
lues
Sig
nifi
can
t Act
ion
s, Re
-se
arch
or S
tud
ies
Ch
ang
es o
r Th
reat
s to
Val
ue(
s
1 R
eso
urc
e H
arve
stin
g
1.1
Fish
ing
Art
ifact
s ap
pro
xim
atel
y 30
00-5
000
year
s o
ld h
ave
bee
n fo
un
d a
t Mar
gar
ee H
arb
ou
r, M
arg
aree
, Mar
-g
aree
Fo
rks
and
Sco
tsvi
lle
Co
mp
ute
rize
d in
ven
tory
of
loca
l her
itag
e si
tes
Imp
rove
d s
tora
ge
of a
nd
acc
ess
to in
form
atio
n o
n lo
cal h
erit
age
1.2
Sho
relin
e Re
sou
rce
Har
vest
-in
gPr
ob
ably
use
d p
rio
r to
Eu
rop
ean
co
nta
ct fo
r hu
nt-
ing
an
d fi
shin
gN
on
e
1.3
Extr
acti
on
of W
ater
Map
s fr
om
186
4 an
d 1
898
ind
icat
e th
e p
rese
nce
of
saw
mill
s al
on
g th
e ri
ver s
yste
mN
on
e
2 W
ater
Tra
nsp
ort
2.1
Co
mm
erci
al T
ran
spo
rtat
ion
No
t rep
ort
ed a
t tim
e o
f des
ign
atio
nN
on
e
2.2
Tran
spo
rtat
ion
Ser
vice
sN
ot r
epo
rted
at t
ime
of d
esig
nat
ion
No
ne
2.3
Exp
lora
tio
n &
Su
rvey
ing
The
area
was
su
rvey
ed in
182
5 b
y Jo
sep
h
Bou
chet
te, t
he
Surv
eyo
r Gen
eral
of B
riti
sh N
ort
h
Am
eric
a
No
ne
3 R
ipar
ian
Set
tlem
ent
3.1
Siti
ng
of D
wel
ling
sA
rtifa
cts
app
roxi
mat
ely
3000
-500
0 ye
ars
old
hav
e b
een
fou
nd
at M
arg
aree
Har
bo
ur,
Mar
gar
ee, M
ar-
gar
ee F
ork
s an
d S
cots
ville
Co
mp
ute
rize
d in
ven
tory
of
loca
l her
itag
e si
tes
Imp
rove
d s
tora
ge
of a
nd
acc
ess
to in
form
atio
n o
n lo
cal h
erit
age
3.2
Riv
er-b
ased
Co
mm
un
itie
sC
om
pu
teri
zed
inve
nto
ry o
f lo
cal h
erit
age
site
sIm
pro
ved
sto
rag
e o
f an
d a
cces
s to
info
rmat
ion
on
loca
l her
itag
e
3.3
Riv
er in
fluen
ced
Tra
nsp
ort
a-ti
on
No
t des
crib
ed a
t tim
e o
f des
ign
atio
nN
on
e
4 C
ult
ure
& R
ecre
atio
n
4.1
Spir
itu
al A
sso
ciat
ion
sN
ot d
escr
ibed
at t
ime
of d
esig
nat
ion
Co
mp
ute
rize
d in
ven
tory
of
loca
l her
itag
e si
tes
Imp
rove
d s
tora
ge
of a
nd
acc
ess
to in
form
atio
n o
n lo
cal h
erit
age
17Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report
Tab
le 2
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er C
ult
ura
l Her
itag
e V
alu
es
CH
RS C
ult
ura
l Fra
mew
ork
(200
0)M
arg
aree
-Lak
e A
insl
ie R
iver
Sys
tem
Cu
ltu
ral H
eri-
tag
e Va
lues
Sig
nifi
can
t Act
ion
s, Re
-se
arch
or S
tud
ies
Ch
ang
es o
r Th
reat
s to
Val
ue(
s
4.2
Cu
ltu
ral E
xpre
ssio
nC
om
pu
teri
zed
inve
nto
ry o
f lo
cal h
erit
age
site
sIm
pro
ved
sto
rag
e o
f an
d a
cces
s to
info
rmat
ion
on
loca
l her
itag
e
Inte
rpre
tive
sig
ns
pro
du
ced
Incr
ease
d p
ub
lic a
war
enes
s o
f h
erit
age
valu
es
4.3
Earl
y Re
crea
tio
nA
ng
ling
for s
alm
on
Aq
uat
ic d
evel
op
men
t A
sso
ciat
ion
of M
arg
aree
re
ceiv
ed fu
nd
ing
for a
new
fis
h s
tock
ing
pro
gra
m. T
he
pro
vin
ce h
as a
ssu
med
ow
n-
ersh
ip a
nd
man
agem
ent o
f th
e h
atch
ery.
Imp
rove
d a
qu
atic
life
an
d p
os-
sib
ility
for i
mp
rove
d a
ng
ling
ca
pab
iliti
es
5 J
uri
sdic
tio
nal
Use
s
5.1
Co
nfli
ct &
Mili
tary
Ass
oci
a-ti
on
sN
ot d
escr
ibed
at t
ime
of d
esig
nat
ion
No
ne
5.2
Bou
nd
arie
sN
ot d
escr
ibed
at t
ime
of d
esig
nat
ion
Des
ign
atio
n o
f fo
ur W
ilder
-n
ess
Are
asPr
ote
ctio
n o
f eco
log
ical
inte
g-
rity
an
d b
iod
iver
sity
5.3
Envi
ron
men
tal R
egu
lati
on
No
t des
crib
ed a
t tim
e o
f des
ign
atio
nIn
stal
lati
on
of h
ydro
met
ric
sam
plin
g s
tati
on
Imp
rove
d w
ater
qu
alit
y m
on
i-to
rin
g
Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report18
7.2 Condition of Cultural Values Since Designation
Only improvements have been made to the cul-tural heritage values of the Margaree River system since its designation in 1998.
A computerized inventory of local heritage sites such as churches, cemeteries and historic build-ings has improved the long-term storage of, and access to, critical information on local heritage sites. New interpretive signs act as a valuable tool in public education and promotion of heritage values.
8.0 Recreation Values
8.1 Background & Status
The original nomination document and subse-quent Partnership Strategy for the Margaree Lake Ainslie highlighted a range of recreational values that contributed to the river’s nomination. These included:
Wilderness - solitudeAnglingRiver travelScenic appreciationHikingCamping
Because there is no national framework for recre-ational values, the activities listed in the Red River Background Study were used: Canadian Heritage River System: Red River Background Study, 1998
The recreation values for which the Margaree Lake
••••••
Ainslie was nominated are summarized below, ac-cording to the Red River recreational values frame-work.
19Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report
Tab
le 3
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er R
ecre
atio
nal
Val
ues
Recr
eati
on
al C
apab
ility
Th
emes
& S
ub
-th
emes
(a
dap
ted
fro
m R
ed R
iver
C
HRS
Bac
kgro
und
Stud
y)
Ori
gin
al M
arg
aree
-Lak
e A
insl
ie
Riv
er R
ecre
atio
nal
Cap
abili
ty
Rat
ing
Sig
nifi
can
t Act
ion
s, Re
sear
ch
or S
tud
ies
Ch
ang
es o
r Th
reat
s to
No
min
atio
n V
alu
e(s)
1 B
oat
ing
1.1
Wh
itew
ater
can
oe,
ka
yak
& ra
ftC
ano
ein
g o
ccu
rs a
lon
g 8
0km
o
f th
e ri
ver c
orr
ido
r an
d ra
ng
es
fro
m n
ovic
e to
cla
ss 3
inte
rme-
dia
te
No
ne
No
ne
1.2
Exte
nd
ed c
ano
e tr
ip-
pin
g (m
oto
r & n
on
-mo
tor)
No
t dis
cuss
ed a
t tim
e o
f des
ig-
nat
ion
No
ne
No
ne
1.3
Day
pad
dlin
g &
row
ing
(f
rom
urb
an c
ente
r)D
ay p
add
ling
occ
urs
on
Lak
e A
insl
ie, S
W M
arg
aree
, Mar
gar
ee,
and
NE
Mar
gar
ee
No
ne
No
ne
1.4
Hig
h s
pee
d b
oat
ing
No
t dis
cuss
ed a
t tim
e o
f des
ig-
nat
ion
No
ne
No
ne
1.5
Mo
tori
zed
ple
asu
re
cru
isin
g/h
ou
seb
oat
sN
ot d
iscu
ssed
at t
ime
of d
esig
-n
atio
nN
on
eN
on
e
1.6
Co
mm
erci
al to
ur b
oat
sN
ot d
iscu
ssed
at t
ime
of d
esig
-n
atio
nN
on
eN
on
e
2 A
ng
ling
2.1
Day
an
glin
g (f
rom
u
rban
cen
ter)
Ther
e ar
e 54
nam
ed s
alm
on
an
glin
g p
oo
ls o
n th
e ri
ver -
a
frac
tio
n o
f th
e ac
tual
nu
mb
er
Mar
gar
ee S
alm
on
Ass
oci
a-ti
on
co
nd
uct
s in
ven
tory
of
flow
ch
arac
teri
stic
s
Imp
rove
/mai
nta
in e
colo
gic
al in
teg
rity
2.2
Wee
ken
d a
ng
ling
(fro
m
urb
an c
ente
r)Th
e ar
ea is
kn
ow
n fo
r its
nat
ive
wild
sto
ck s
alm
on
Rese
arch
on
str
iped
an
d
smal
lmo
uth
bas
sIn
crea
se in
str
iped
bas
s in
en
cou
rag
ing
to th
e cl
ose
d
recr
eati
on
al fi
sher
y. T
he
inab
ility
for s
mal
lmo
uth
bas
s to
bre
ed m
inim
izes
the
neg
ativ
e ef
fect
s o
n b
roo
k tr
ou
t, g
asp
erea
u a
nd
lan
dlo
cked
sal
mo
n
2.3
Exte
nd
ed a
ng
ling
vac
a-ti
on
In 1
983,
no
n-r
esid
ents
rate
d it
th
e b
est r
iver
in N
ova
Sco
tia.
It is
in
tern
atio
nal
ly re
no
wn
ed fo
r its
sa
lmo
n a
ng
ling
op
po
rtu
nit
ies
Aq
uat
ic h
abit
at im
pro
ve-
men
tsH
elp
s p
rote
ct b
iod
iver
sity
an
d m
ain
tain
/im
pro
ve e
co-
log
ical
inte
gri
ty
Aq
uat
ic D
evel
op
men
t Ass
o-
ciat
ion
of M
arg
aree
sec
ure
s fu
nd
ing
for t
rou
t an
d s
alm
on
st
ock
ing
pro
gra
ms
Hel
ps
mai
nta
in fi
sh p
op
ula
tio
ns
wh
ile o
ffer
ing
op
po
rtu
-n
itie
s fo
r pu
blic
ed
uca
tio
n a
nd
sci
enti
fic re
sear
ch
Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report20
Tab
le 3
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er R
ecre
atio
nal
Val
ues
Recr
eati
on
al C
apab
ility
Th
emes
& S
ub
-th
emes
(a
dap
ted
fro
m R
ed R
iver
C
HRS
Bac
kgro
und
Stud
y)
Ori
gin
al M
arg
aree
-Lak
e A
insl
ie
Riv
er R
ecre
atio
nal
Cap
abili
ty
Rat
ing
Sig
nifi
can
t Act
ion
s, Re
sear
ch
or S
tud
ies
Ch
ang
es o
r Th
reat
s to
No
min
atio
n V
alu
e(s)
2.4
Fly
fish
ing
The
Mar
gar
ee a
nd
NE
Mar
ga-
ree
are
fly-fi
shin
g o
nly
du
rin
g
salm
on
sea
son
, wh
ich
run
s fr
om
Ju
ne
1 to
Oct
ob
er 1
5
See
abov
eSe
e ab
ove
2.5
Ice
fish
ing
No
t dis
cuss
ed a
t tim
e o
f des
ig-
nat
ion
See
abov
eSe
e ab
ove
2.6
Spec
ific
fish
sp
ecie
sPe
op
le fi
sh fo
r sp
eckl
ed tr
ou
t (s
ea tr
ou
t), b
row
n tr
ou
t, w
hit
e p
erch
an
d ra
inb
ow
sm
elt
See
abov
eSe
e ab
ove
3 W
ater
Co
nte
nt
3.1
Swim
min
gN
ot d
iscu
ssed
at t
ime
of d
esig
-n
atio
nN
on
eN
on
e
3.2
Wat
er s
kiin
gN
ot d
iscu
ssed
at t
ime
of d
esig
-n
atio
nN
on
eN
on
e
3.3
Sno
rkel
/scu
ba
No
t dis
cuss
ed a
t tim
e o
f des
ig-
nat
ion
No
ne
No
ne
4 W
ater
Ass
oci
ated
Act
ivit
ies
4.1
Trai
l use
(hik
ing,
wal
k-in
g, c
yclin
g)
Ther
e ar
e p
rovi
nci
ally
sig
nifi
-ca
nt o
pp
ort
un
itie
s fo
r hik
ing,
sc
enic
ap
pre
ciat
ion
an
d w
ilder
-n
ess
trav
el, e
spec
ially
alo
ng
the
stee
p-s
ided
val
ley
com
ple
x o
f N
E M
arg
aree
Mar
gar
ee A
rea
Dev
elo
pm
ent
Ass
oci
atio
n e
ng
aged
in p
lan
-n
ing
a re
gio
nal
trai
l sys
tem
- t
rails
dev
elo
ped
at L
ake
O’L
aw a
nd
Su
gar
loaf
Mo
un
-ta
in (t
her
e ar
e 6
trai
ls li
sted
o
n th
e M
arg
aree
To
uri
sm
Ass
oci
atio
n w
ebsi
te)
Acc
essi
ble
, wel
l-mai
nta
ined
trai
ls w
ou
ld im
pro
ve u
nd
er-
stan
din
g o
f CH
RS v
alu
es a
nd
incr
ease
recr
eati
on
al v
alu
e
4.2
Cam
pin
gO
pp
ort
un
ity
for c
amp
ing
wit
hin
th
e w
ater
shed
.D
esig
nat
ion
of w
ilder
nes
s ar
eas.
Imp
rove
d re
gio
nal
op
po
rtu
nit
ies
for l
ow
imp
act c
amp
-in
g in
pro
tect
ed w
ilder
nes
s ar
eas.
4.3
Hu
nti
ng
No
t dis
cuss
ed a
t tim
e o
f des
ig-
nat
ion
No
ne
No
ne
21Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report
Tab
le 3
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er R
ecre
atio
nal
Val
ues
Recr
eati
on
al C
apab
ility
Th
emes
& S
ub
-th
emes
(a
dap
ted
fro
m R
ed R
iver
C
HRS
Bac
kgro
und
Stud
y)
Ori
gin
al M
arg
aree
-Lak
e A
insl
ie
Riv
er R
ecre
atio
nal
Cap
abili
ty
Rat
ing
Sig
nifi
can
t Act
ion
s, Re
sear
ch
or S
tud
ies
Ch
ang
es o
r Th
reat
s to
No
min
atio
n V
alu
e(s)
5 W
inte
r A
ctiv
itie
s
5.1
Sno
wm
ob
ilin
g/d
og
sl
edd
ing
No
t dis
cuss
ed a
t tim
e o
f des
ig-
nat
ion
. A s
no
wm
ob
ile tr
ail w
as
re-r
ou
ted
to p
rote
ct J
im C
amp
-b
ells
Bar
ren
s W
ilder
nes
s A
rea
Relo
cati
on
of S
no
wm
ob
ile
Ass
oci
atio
n o
f Nov
a Sc
oti
a tr
ail
Hel
ps
pre
serv
e ec
olo
gic
al in
teg
rity
5.2
Cro
ss-c
ou
ntr
y sk
iing
(d
ay u
se u
rban
cen
ter)
No
t dis
cuss
ed a
t tim
e o
f des
ig-
nat
ion
Relo
cati
on
of S
no
wm
ob
ile
Ass
oci
atio
n o
f Nov
a Sc
oti
a tr
ail
Peo
ple
may
be
able
to u
se th
is tr
ail f
or s
kiin
g a
nd
sn
ow
-m
ob
ilin
g
5.3
Skat
ing
(urb
an c
ente
r)N
ot d
iscu
ssed
at t
ime
of d
esig
-n
atio
nN
on
eN
on
e
6 N
atu
ral H
erit
age
Ap
pre
ciat
ion
6.1
Wild
life
Mam
mal
s : S
pec
ial c
on
cern
: G
asp
e sh
rew
; reg
ion
ally
rare
: A
mer
ican
mar
ten
(Mar
tes
amer
i-ca
na) l
ynx
and
rock
vo
le. B
ird
s: re
gio
nal
ly ra
re s
pec
ies:
bal
d
eag
le
Mo
ose
rese
arch
in C
ape
Bret
on
Hig
hla
nd
sM
ain
tain
hea
lthy
wild
life
po
pu
lati
on
s to
en
sure
eco
log
i-ca
l in
teg
rity
Am
eric
an m
arte
n (M
arte
s am
eric
ana)
rese
arch
. Th
e m
arte
n h
as b
een
list
ed a
s p
rovi
nci
ally
en
dan
ger
ed
alo
ng
wit
h ly
nx
Enh
ance
men
t of w
ildlif
e p
op
ula
tio
ns
sup
po
rt th
e m
ain
-te
nan
ce o
f “n
atu
ral”
eco
syst
ems
such
as
old
gro
wth
fo
rest
s an
d th
e p
rote
ctio
n o
f nat
ura
l her
itag
e va
lues
Gas
pe
shre
w is
no
lon
ger
at
risk
.
Fish
: sal
mo
n a
nd
gas
per
eau
6.2
Veg
etat
ion
Aq
uat
ic/R
ipar
ian
pla
nts
: Bla
ck
Riv
er IB
P si
te s
pec
ies;
car
ex a
nd
sa
lix s
pec
ies
at B
lack
Riv
er T
rees
: d
ynam
ic o
ld g
row
th s
ug
ar
map
les
Mar
gar
ee S
alm
on
Ass
oci
a-ti
on
inve
nto
ry o
f str
eam
-sid
e ve
get
atio
n
Hel
ps
mai
nta
in/i
mp
rove
eco
log
ical
inte
gri
ty
Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report22
8.2 Condition of recreation values Since Designation
Improvements have been made to the recreation-al values of the Margaree River system since its designation in 1998.
The Margaree Salmon Association conducted an inventory of flow characteristics and stream-side vegetation; both will help maintain or improve ecological integrity. The group also had a Stream Habitat Improvement Project that worked to sta-bilize banks and enhance pools.
Research was conducted on smallmouth and striped bass, American marten (Martes americana), lynx and moose, which will help in planning and shows encouraging news for the recreational fishery. There were aquatic habitat improvements and trout and salmon stocking programs, which all help protect biodiversity.
The Margaree Area Development Association initiated regional trail system planning, which could lead to additional recreational value and increased awareness of CHRS values. A Snowmo-bile Association of Nova Scotia trail was relocated to help preserve ecological integrity in the area and had the potential benefit of being used as a cross-country ski trail.
A computerized inventory of local heritage sites such as churches, cemeteries and historic build-ings has improved the long-term storage of, and access to, critical information on local heritage sites. New interpretive signs act as a valuable tool in public education and promotion of heritage values. There were discussions concerning the possibility of a self-guided tour of the Margaree-Lake Ainslie area, which would enhance people’s understanding of the area.
9.0 Integrity Guidelines
Natural, Cultural and Recreational integrity guide-lines were all considered when the Margaree River System was nominated. However, only natural and recreational guidelines apply as the river was not nominated for its human heritage value.
Table 4 summarizes the condition of the Marga-ree River System’s integrity since designation. The integrity guidelines in this table are based on the Canadian Heritage Rivers System Principles, Proce-dures and Operational Guidelines from 2001. The table also discusses improvements, threats and changes to integrity guidelines.
23Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report
Tab
le 4
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er S
yste
m In
teg
rity
CH
RS P
rin
cip
les,
Pro
ced
ure
s &
Op
erat
ion
al G
uid
lines
(2
001)
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er S
yste
m In
teg
rity
G
uid
elin
e(s)
Ch
ang
es o
r Th
reat
s to
Riv
er In
teg
rity
3.3
.1 N
atu
ral I
nte
gri
ty V
alu
es
The
no
min
ated
sec
tio
n is
of s
uffi
cien
t siz
e to
incl
ud
e si
gn
ifica
nt r
epre
sen
tati
on
s o
f all
of t
he
nat
ura
l pro
-ce
sses
, fea
ture
s, o
r oth
er p
hen
om
ena
wh
ich
giv
e th
e ri
ver i
ts o
uts
tan
din
g n
atu
ral v
alu
e
The
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er S
yste
m is
12
0km
in le
ng
th a
nd
free
-flo
win
g w
ith
a
dra
inag
e b
asin
of 1
16,5
37.5
hec
tare
s. It
is th
e la
rges
t riv
er s
yste
m o
n C
ape
Bret
on
an
d o
ne
of N
ova
Sco
tia’
s la
rges
t.
No
ne
The
no
min
ated
sec
tio
n in
clu
des
tho
se e
cosy
stem
co
mp
on
ents
wh
ich
co
ntr
ibu
te s
ign
ifica
ntl
y to
the
pro
visi
on
of h
abit
at fo
r sp
ecie
s in
nee
d o
f pro
tect
ion
The
rive
r’s e
cosy
stem
is u
nim
pai
red
an
d
pro
du
ces
abu
nd
ant fi
sh, w
ildlif
e an
d fl
ora
. Th
e ri
ver s
yste
m m
eets
wat
er q
ual
ity
gu
ide-
lines
en
do
rsed
by
CC
REM
for a
qu
atic
life
an
d
recr
eati
on
.
Wat
er q
ual
ity
mo
nit
ori
ng
is c
riti
cal t
o o
ng
oin
g
asse
ssm
ents
of t
he
rive
r’s h
ealt
h, a
nd
has
bee
n
imp
rove
d th
rou
gh
loca
l eff
ort
s an
d in
stal
lati
on
o
f th
e p
erm
anen
t sam
plin
g s
tati
on
.
In 1
998
fou
r Wild
ern
ess
Are
as w
ere
des
ig-
nat
ed in
the
area
: Su
gar
loaf
Mo
un
tain
, Tro
ut
Bro
ok,
Jim
Cam
pb
ells
Bar
ren
s an
d M
arg
aree
R
iver
Imp
rove
d m
on
ito
rin
g o
f are
as
Ther
e ar
e n
o h
um
an-m
ade
imp
ou
nd
men
ts w
ith
in
the
no
min
ated
sec
tio
nTh
e en
tire
rive
r is
free
-flo
win
g w
ith
no
im-
po
un
dm
ents
No
ne
All
key
elem
ents
an
d e
cosy
stem
co
mp
on
ents
are
u
naf
fect
ed b
y im
po
un
dm
ents
loca
ted
ou
tsid
e th
e n
om
inat
ed s
ecti
on
No
imp
ou
nd
men
ts e
xist
ou
tsid
e o
f th
e n
om
i-n
ated
sec
tio
nN
on
e
The
wat
er in
the
no
min
ated
sec
tio
n is
un
con
tam
inat
-ed
to th
e ex
ten
t th
at it
s n
atu
ral a
qu
atic
eco
syst
em is
in
tact
Wat
er q
ual
ity
dat
a sh
ow
s th
e M
arg
aree
-Lak
e A
insl
ie R
iver
Sys
tem
mee
ts C
anad
ian
wat
er
qu
alit
y g
uid
elin
es fo
r fre
shw
ater
aq
uat
ic li
fe.
Co
nti
nu
ed w
ater
qu
alit
y m
on
ito
rin
g in
dic
ates
th
at th
e w
ater
rem
ain
s u
nco
nta
min
ated
The
nat
ura
l aes
thet
ic c
har
acte
r of t
he
no
min
ated
se
ctio
n is
free
of,
or n
ot a
dve
rsel
y af
fect
ed b
y, h
um
an
dev
elo
pm
ents
Past
an
d p
rese
nt l
and
use
s h
ave
nev
er o
ver-
wh
elm
ed th
e M
arg
aree
. Ap
pro
xim
atel
y 30
%
of t
he
rive
r sys
tem
is in
wild
ern
ess
con
dit
ion
.
No
ne
3.3
.2 C
ult
ura
l In
teg
rity
Val
ues
The
no
min
ated
sec
tio
n is
of s
uffi
cien
t siz
e to
incl
ud
e si
gn
ifica
nt r
epre
sen
tati
on
s o
f all
of t
he
feat
ure
s, ac
-ti
viti
es o
r oth
er p
hen
om
ena
wh
ich
giv
e th
e ri
ver i
ts
ou
tsta
nd
ing
cu
ltu
ral v
alu
e
No
t dis
cuss
ed a
t tim
e o
f no
min
atio
n
Margaree-Lake Ainslie River - CHRS 10-year Monitoring Report24
Tab
le 4
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er S
yste
m In
teg
rity
CH
RS P
rin
cip
les,
Pro
ced
ure
s &
Op
erat
ion
al G
uid
lines
(2
001)
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er S
yste
m In
teg
rity
G
uid
elin
e(s)
Ch
ang
es o
r Th
reat
s to
Riv
er In
teg
rity
The
visu
al c
har
acte
r of t
he
no
min
ated
sec
tio
n e
n-
able
s u
nin
terr
up
ted
ap
pre
ciat
ion
of a
t lea
st o
ne
of
the
per
iod
s o
f th
e ri
ver’s
his
tori
cal i
mp
ort
ance
No
t dis
cuss
ed a
t tim
e o
f no
min
atio
n
The
key
arti
fact
s an
d s
ites
co
mp
risi
ng
the
cult
ura
l va
lues
for w
hic
h th
e ri
ver i
s n
om
inat
ed a
re u
nim
-p
aire
d b
y im
po
un
dm
ents
an
d h
um
an la
nd
use
s
No
t dis
cuss
ed a
t tim
e o
f no
min
atio
n
The
wat
er q
ual
ity
of t
he
no
min
ated
sec
tio
n d
oes
n
ot d
etra
ct fr
om
the
visu
al c
har
acte
r or t
he
cult
ura
l ex
per
ien
ce p
rovi
ded
by
its
cult
ura
l val
ues
No
t dis
cuss
ed a
t tim
e o
f no
min
atio
nW
ater
qu
alit
y m
on
ito
rin
g is
no
w ta
kin
g p
lace
3.3
.3 R
ecre
atio
nal
Inte
gri
ty V
alu
es
The
rive
r po
sses
ses
wat
er o
f a q
ual
ity
suit
able
for
con
tact
recr
eati
on
al a
ctiv
itie
s, in
clu
din
g th
ose
recr
e-at
ion
al o
pp
ort
un
itie
s fo
r wh
ich
it is
no
min
ated
The
Mar
gar
ee-L
ake
Ain
slie
Riv
er S
yste
m c
ur-
ren
tly
mee
ts a
ll fiv
e w
ater
qu
alit
y ch
arac
ter-
isti
cs o
f im
po
rtan
ce to
the
recr
eati
on
al u
se o
f w
ater
for n
on
-co
nta
ct re
crea
tio
n a
s en
do
rsed
b
y C
CRE
M. I
t is
also
su
itab
le fo
r co
nta
ct re
cre-
atio
n.
No
ne
The
rive
r’s v
isu
al a
pp
eara
nce
is c
apab
le o
f pro
vid
-in
g ri
ver t
rave
llers
wit
h a
co
nti
nu
ou
s n
atu
ral e
xper
i-en
ce, o
r a c
om
bin
ed n
atu
ral a
nd
cu
ltu
ral e
xper
ien
ce,
wit
ho
ut s
ign
ifica
nt i
nte
rru
pti
on
by
mo