Special Places: Eco-lessons from the National Parks in Atlantic Canada

Opinion Sheet: Kouchibouguac National Park of Canada

The park is in Kent County, southeastern New Brunswick, and is approximately 100 km north of Moncton. It protects 238 km2 of land and water along the shore of the Northumberland Strait. The park was established in 1969 and was officially created through an amendment to the National Parks Act in 1979.

Kouchibouguac includes shallow lagoons and estuaries, salt marshes, tidal zones, peat bogs, and Acadian forest communities.

The park currently encourages such activities as hiking, beach walking, bird watching, picnicking, cycling, swimming, canoeing, camping and cross-country skiing.

There are over 230,000 visitors to the park each year.

Park Manager

© Parks Canada / Don Pentz

“ As the Park Manager, I must try to protect the unique coastal area of the park. I must also try to increase awareness of the cultural and natural heritage resources of the park and its region through day and evening interpretation programs.The park plays an important role as a “good neighbour”, an ecological model and a major environmental and cultural tourist destination.

I don’t ban clam harvesting; I encourage it, but I do subscribe to “sustainability” to ensure that the clams are around for the long haul.

I recognize that there must be a balance between conservation and socio-economic benefits of the park in order to pay for upkeep, new facilities, etc.”

Clam Harvester

© Parks Canada / Don Pentz

“ Clam harvesting is my way of life and I want to continue to do this to support my family. I am only permitted to dig for clams with hand tools.There is a chance that clam harvesting may be stopped temporarily, depending on what the scientific studies and monitoring programs uncover.They will determine if the clam beds are deteriorating and if their survival is threatened.”

Park Visitor

© Parks Canada / Don Pentz

“ I want to visit a beautiful park with lots of lovely scenery, and I want to be able to participate in various outdoor activities. Kouch is a great place to visit and do activities such as camping, bicycling, hiking and bird watching. It’s really nice to see animals such as mink, moose, coyotes, porcupine, river otter or snowshoe hare in their natural environment.

I also enjoy taking my buckets and digging clams so I can have them for dinner! That is one of the main reasons I visit this park! I find that sometimes there are not as many clams as other times.”

Local Resident

© Parks Canada / Don Pentz

“ As a local resident, I benefit from the park because of the employment and business opportunities it brings. Some members of my family have jobs because of the park.There have been several motels and other kinds of housing and services for visitors.This means there are more jobs for the local people, and money comes into our community!

I have to be honest though. I don’t always like the tourists but understand that having them helps our community.

If there are going to be new plans for the park, I want to make sure I am consulted.”