Environmental Impact Assessment

Management Planning

Linear Mounds National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan

As guided by The Cabinet Directive onThe Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals (2004), a strategic environmental assessment was completed for Linear Mounds National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan. Both positive and negative effects were evaluated.

Positive effects included: improved visitor experience, improved heritage presentation and the creation and fostering of relationships with First Nations and local stakeholders. Improved communication and strong involvement by First Nations and local stakeholders is especially positive, as there is currently little to no dialogue. The management plan seeks to encourage participation and then be adaptive, as well as ensure that all parties are involved early in shaping the future vision for interpretation and protection of the site. To this end, a meeting was held on October 26 and 27, 2006 to initiate dialogue between the Canupawakpa-Dakota First Nation, local stakeholders, including representatives from the Rural Municipality of Arthur and Parks Canada.

Some minor negative effects were identified. With the improved heritage presentation and communiqué, visitor use has the potential to increase. As a result, the current relatively undisturbed natural state of the site may be subject to minor effects including vegetation destruction and wildlife disturbance. Although it is unlikely that visitor use will elevate to a stage that will result in irreversible negative effects, mitigations have been recommended in the strategic environmental assessment as to how to minimize these effects.

Some project level environmental assessment as directed by theCanadian Environmental Assessment Act may be required once the current locally installed facilities are reviewed to ensure they meet Parks Canada operational and environmental standards. At this time there is not sufficient detail to indicate where those project level assessments may be.

Overall the strategic environmental assessment found that the Linear Mounds National Historic Site of Canada Management Plan will have many positive effects that will ultimately result in the enhancement of commemorative integrity. Some minor negative environmental effects may occur. However taking into account the recommended mitigation stated in the strategic environmental assessment, no important negative environmental effects will remain.