Gros Morne MP SEA Public Statement

The Management Plan for Gros Morne National Park is a strategic document that guides future decisions and operations for the park through the identification of key actions. A strategic environmental assessment that included consideration of cumulative environmental effects that might possibly result from those key actions was completed. Such an environmental evaluation is required under the 1999 Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals. The objectives of this environmental assessment were as follows:

1. To ensure that the general directions and proposals contained in the plan respect and support the ecological integrity goals and objectives for the national park.
2. To ensure that the plan adequately addresses the multiple stressors and major concerns relating to the cumulative effects which are acting or may in the future act upon the national park
3. To assess the implications of proposals included in the plan, to enhance positive environmental effects and to avoid or mitigate negative effects.
4. To identify any potential trade-offs of valued ecosystem components against proposed human use enhancements and their implications of the overall plan for presentation to decision-makers.

Determination

The strategic environmental assessment of the Gros Morne National Park of Canada Management Plan concludes that:

• The management plan is consistent with Parks Canada legislation and operational policies;
• The proposed objectives and actions strongly support improvements in the ecological integrity of the national park;
• The actions outlined within the plan will not cause significant environmental impacts;
• The cumulative effects of the actions proposed in the management plan will be to move towards improvement in the protection of both natural and cultural resources;
• The management plan actions will ensure the maintenance or restoration of ecological integrity while permitting important traditional activities; and
• By virtue of being developed in full consultation with local communities and stakeholders, the plan is in a better position to achieve the maintenance and restoration of ecological integrity through the protection of natural resources.

No mitigation to the Gros Morne National Park of Canada Management Plan itself is required. However, implementation of the plan will result in some projects and plans that will require environmental assessment to mitigate any potential for negative environmental effects. The following actions proposed in the draft management plan will be exposed to project environmental assessment or strategic environmental assessment, as appropriate.

Project Environmental Assessment

• Parks Canada will participate in environmental assessments for regional/provincial projects that are likely to affect the park environment.
• All Parks Canada research projects, as well as those proposed by external researchers, will be reviewed through Parks Canada’s Research and Collection Permit System and environmental assessment undertaken when necessary.
• Any projects coming out of the management actions that require physical works will be exposed to project environmental assessment.
• The establishment, expansion, or relocation of trails will be exposed to project environmental assessments.
• Highway construction projects will be exposed to project environmental assessment as required.
• Right-of-way agreements with utility companies and/or other agencies will be exposed to project environmental assessment.

Strategic Environmental Assessment

• Any marketing plan developed in cooperation with Gros Morne Cooperating Association will require a strategic environmental assessment.
• Before implementation, the Salt Management Plan will require a strategic environmental assessment.

In summary, the strategic direction and key actions in the Gros Morne National Park of Canada Management Plan are not likely to have any significant adverse environmental impact. Moreover, if the strategic direction given by the plan is followed and the specific actions outlined in the plan are carried out, the management of Gros Morne National Park of Canada should contribute to the maintenance and restoration of ecological integrity into the future.