National Marine Conservation Areas of Canada

National Marine Conservation Areas System

A Superior Vision: A National Marine Conservation Area For A Great Lake

June 2002

Vision

Through 5 years of public dialogue a clear picture emerged of what was valued and hoped for this area.

People envisaged:

• that the wondrous natural features of the archipelago, the strength and beauty of its seascape, the diversity and uniqueness of its plant and animal life, and its wildness would be protected and maintained;
• that the cultural and spiritual places of First Nations would be respected and that traditional knowledge and aboriginal history would be incorporated in the management of the area;
• that the history of this area would be told and that its lighthouses, shipwrecks and related cultural resources would be preserved;
• that the current industrial uses of the north shore would not be impaired, that the area would sustain commercial and sport fishing and that private property rights would be respected;
• that the traditional recreational uses of the area would continue and that an NMCA would provide a mechanism to manage the nature, location and impacts of future use;
• that an extensive partnership would emerge to achieve conservation objectives and realize economic and tourism benefits for the area;
• that a meaningful and responsible role would be given to local citizens to provide direction and recommend priorities for the area.

These elements have been succinctly captured by the Regional Committee in its recommended vision for the area "To respect our natural and cultural heritage by balancing preservation and responsible use by all, for present and future generations".

Parks Canada proudly supports this vision for a Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area