# Multi-species Action Plan for Thousand Islands National Park of Canada

Species at Risk Act

Action Plan Series

2025

© Parks Canada
Long description for cover image

The cover page is a series of 4 photos arranged in clockwise order: Gray Ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides) resting on a tree branch; a landscape view of a section of Thousand Islands National Park; a juvenile Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii); a Deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum) plant.

## On this page

- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- Executive Summary
- 1. Context
  - 1.1 Parks Canada Multi-species Action Planning
  - 1.2 Thousand Islands National Park
  - 1.3 Scope of the action plan
    - 1.3.1. Geographic scope
    - 1.3.2. Species scope
- 2. Site-based population and distribution objectives
- 3. Conservation and recovery measures
  - 3.1 Conservation and recovery measure approaches
  - 3.2 Classification of measures
- 4. Critical habitat
  - 4.1. Identification of critical habitat for the Least Bittern
    - 4.1.1. Geographic location
    - 4.1.2. Biophysical attributes
    - 4.1.3 Examples of activities likely to result in destruction of critical habitat
  - 4.2 Proposed measures to protect critical habitat
- 5. Evaluation of socio-economic costs and of benefits
  - 5.1 Costs
  - 5.2 Benefits
- 6. Measuring progress
- 7. References
- Appendix A: Species information, objectives and monitoring plans for species at risk in Thousand Islands National Park.
- Appendix B: Conservation and recovery measures that will be implemented.
- Appendix C: Other conservation and recovery measures that will be implemented if partnerships or additional resources become available.

Document information

Recommended citation:

Parks Canada. 2025. Multi-species Action Plan for Thousand Islands National Park of Canada. Species at Risk Act Action Plan Series. Parks Canada, Ottawa. vi + 30 pp.

Official version

The official version of the recovery documents is the one published in PDF. All hyperlinks were valid as of date of publication.

Non-official version

The non-official version of the recovery documents is published in HTML format and all hyperlinks were valid as of date of publication.

For copies of the action plan, or for additional information on species at risk, including Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) Status Reports, residence descriptions, recovery strategies, and other related recovery documents, please visit the Species At Risk Public Registry Footnote 1.

Cover illustration: © Parks Canada. Thousand Islands National Park of Canada

Photo credit: Mathieu Lecompte, Mary Beth Lynch

French title:

Plan d’action visant des espèces multiples dans le Parc national des Mille-Îles du Canada

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, 2025. All rights reserved.

ISBN to come
Catalogue no. to come

Content (excluding the illustrations) may be used without permission, with appropriate credit to the source.

## Preface

The federal, provincial, and territorial government signatories under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk (1996)Footnote 2 agreed to establish complementary legislation and programs that provide for effective protection of species at risk throughout Canada. The Species at Risk Act (S.C. 2002, c.29) (SARA) was enacted to protect wildlife species at risk in Canada and to complement other legislation in conserving Canada’s biodiversity. Today, SARA is a key contributor Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy – Halting and Reversing Biodiversity Loss in Canada, which charts a path for how Canada will implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Under SARA, the federal competent ministers are responsible for the preparation of action plans for species listed as Extirpated, Endangered, and Threatened for which recovery has been deemed feasible. They are also required to report on progress five years after the publication of action plans on the Species at Risk Public Registry.

Under SARA, action plans provide the detailed recovery planning that supports the strategic direction set out in recovery strategies. They outline what needs to be done to achieve the population and distribution objectives identified in recovery strategies, including the measures to be taken to address the threats, the monitoring of the recovery of the species, as well as the proposed measures to protect critical habitat identified for the species. Action plans also include an evaluation of the socio-economic costs of the plan and the benefits to be derived from its implementation. Action plans are considered one in a series of documents that are linked and should be taken into consideration together, including COSEWIC status reports, recovery strategies, and other action plans produced for the species.

The Minister responsible for Parks Canada is the competent minister under SARA for species found in Thousands Islands National Park and has prepared this action plan to implement recovery strategies that apply to the park as per section 47 of SARA. It has been prepared in cooperation with the Mohawks of Akwesasne, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the province of Ontario as per section 48(1) of SARA.

Success in the recovery of these species depends on the commitment and cooperation of many different constituencies and will not be achieved by Parks Canada or any other jurisdiction alone. All Canadians are invited to join in supporting and implementing this action plan for the benefit of multiple species and Canadian society as a whole.

Implementation of this action plan is subject to appropriations, priorities, and budgetary constraints of Parks Canada and participating jurisdictions and organizations.

## Acknowledgments

Parks Canada would like to acknowledge those who have contributed to the development of this action plan.

First, Parks Canada respectfully acknowledges that Indigenous Peoples have been the caretakers of Turtle Island (North America) for millennia. Thousand Islands National Park is situated on the traditional homelands of the Haudenosaunee and the Anishinaabe Peoples (Algonquins of Ontario). Parks Canada recognizes with gratitude, the culture, presence, and stewardship of Indigenous Peoples who nurtured the lands and water of the Thousand Islands region for many generations and will continue to do so for generations to come.

There were a number of key partners who contributed to the implementation of the Thousand Islands National Park’s first multi-species action plan (2016-2021) and our improved understanding of these Species at Risk. These partners have continually supported the park and added value to our objectives. Special thanks are owed to the Mohawks of Akwesasne Department of Infrastructure, Housing and Environment, especially Abraham Francis and Kayla Sunday for their input and perspectives. Thanks are also extended to partners who participated in the Action Plan Site Workshop: Algonquin to Adirondacks Collaborative; Brockville Aquatarium; Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Eastern Ontario Model Forest; Fleming College; Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network; Leeds and Grenville Stewardship Council; Nature Conservancy of Canada; Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks; Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources; Ontario Parks; Ontario's Natural Heritage Information Centre; Queen’s University; St. Lawrence Parks Commission; Thousand Islands Watershed Land Trust; and the University of Ottawa.

Finally, we would like to acknowledge the people who share our ecosystem, from landowners who protect critical habitat, to those who pull over their car to help a turtle cross the road. The reality is that this park is too small to influence the status of these species on its own. Additionally, we thank our partners that help us protect the Thousand Islands as part of the broader Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve and as a critical pinch point in the internationally significant Algonquin to Adirondacks wildlife corridor. Maintaining biodiversity and vital connections in Thousand Islands National Park and other natural areas will require the support of residents and partners. The success of which will ultimately determine if TINP can remain an area of refuge and passage for species responding to our changing world.

Niá:wen, Miigwetch, Merci, Thank you

## Executive Summary

This Multi-species Action Plan for Thousand Islands National Park updates and replaces content in the 2016 action plan for the site Footnote 3. It applies to lands and waters occurring within the boundaries of Thousands Islands National Park (TINP). The plan identifies measures to conserve or recover SARA-listed species, species of conservation concern, and culturally important species that regularly occurFootnote 4 in TINP and fulfills SARA s.47 requirements for those species that require an action plan. Considerations related to landscape-scale conservation, ecological connectivity, climate-smart conservation, Indigenous conservation, and/or culturally important species were a central theme in the development of this action plan.

49 species that regularly occur at TINP are addressed in this action plan: 38 SARA-listed species and 11 additional species of conservation concern and/or cultural significance to Indigenous partners (e.g., COSEWIC assessed but not SARA-listed, provincially listed). 24 of the SARA-listed species are Endangered or Threatened (and require an action plan) and 14 are Special Concern. Including non-SARA-listed species of conservation concern and species of cultural importance provides a comprehensive plan for species conservation and recovery at the site.

Long description of diagram

A donut diagram showing this action plan covers 49 total species, including 9 Endangered species, 15 Threatened species, 14 Special Concern species, 11 non-SARA listed species of conservation concern and/or species of cultural significance to Indigenous peoples.

8 site-based population and distribution objectives are identified in this plan (Appendix A) and represent the sites’ contribution to range-wide objectives for the species as identified in SARA recovery strategies and management plans. Measuring progress towards achieving site-based objectives over time will determine the ecological impacts of implementing the action plan.

Conservation and recovery measures were developed to mitigate the three main threats to the species within the park:

Long description of diagram

Three graphic bubbles depicting the three main threats to species at risk in Thousand Islands National Park which are: invasive non-native / alien species; problematic native species; hunting, collecting and controlling terrestrial animals.

7 conservation and recovery measures are identified as commitments in this action plan (Appendix B). An additional 36 measures will be implemented if resources and/or partnerships become available to support the work (Appendix C). The number of committed measures fall within these categories:

Long description of diagram

Three graphic bubbles depicting three recovery action categories in Thousand Islands National Park which are: 5 site / area stewardship actions; 1 species stewardship action; 1 outreach and communications action.

No additional critical habitat is identified in this action plan beyond what was previously included in the 2016 version of this action plan for Least Bittern, which is carried forward and included in this document to ensure continuity of legal protection. Measures to protect critical habitat already identified for species addressed in this plan are described.

The financial cost to implement this MSAP will be borne by Parks Canada, and through partnerships if resources become available. No negative socio-economic impacts are anticipated from implementing the measures in this plan. Benefits of this action plan include the targeted recovery of species at risk and an overall positive impact on biodiversity, contributing to federal and global sustainability goals. Benefits also include protecting key species of cultural significance to local Indigenous partners, opportunities for regional residents to protect turtles, and the empowerment of residents and partners to become local turtle conservation leaders.

Progress toward implementation of this action plan and meeting the objectives set within will be assessed annually and a report summarizing the results will be published on the Species at Risk Public Registry five years after posting, as per section 55 of SARA.

## 1. Context

This Multi-species Action Plan for Thousand Islands National Park of Canada updates and replaces content in the 2016 action plan (Parks Canada Agency 2016). Under Section 52 of the Species at Risk Act, the competent minister may amend an action plan at any time. An amendment is being undertaken now to update species information and integrate knowledge and new information gained during implementation of the 2016 action plan. The five-year implementation report (Parks Canada Agency, 2021) is available on the Species at Risk Public Registry.

### 1.1 Parks Canada Multi-species Action Planning

Parks Canada (PC) takes a multi-species, site-based approach to action planning that identifies and prioritizes conservation and recovery measures for a suite of species at one or more Parks Canada sites. This approach enables Parks Canada to consider the needs of multiple species and identify and prioritize measures that can be implemented at the site(s) to provide the greatest contributions to species conservation and recovery.

Parks Canada multi-species action plans focus on lands and waters under Parks Canada’s administration; however, Indigenous communities, neighbouring jurisdictions, partners, stakeholders, and species and subject-matter experts are engaged throughout development and implementation of the plans. This collaborative approach facilitates species conservation and recovery at a landscape scale.

The action planning process considers a suite of species that occur regularly at the site(s), including species at risk listed in Schedule 1 of SARA, species assessed by COSEWIC and under consideration for addition to Schedule 1 of SARA, provincially listed species, and other species of interest, including those of Indigenous importance. Inclusion of species that don’t require a SARA action plan enables Parks Canada to take a holistic approach and develop a comprehensive plan for species conservation and recovery at the site(s).

In many cases, several federal and provincial recovery strategies and plans, management plans, and action plans have been prepared for the species included in this action plan (e.g., Kraus and Thompson 2010; Environment Canada 2010-2016; Environment and Climate Change Canada 2018a-2022; Fisheries and Oceans Canada 2024). Along with COSEWIC status assessments, those documents provide guidance for the recovery of individual species, including the identification of threats, recovery objectives, strategic direction to achieve objectives, and critical habitat. This action plan was developed and will be implemented in a manner that is consistent with those recovery documents and should be viewed as part of this body of linked strategies and plans.

Parks Canada’s approach to multi-species action planning aligns with the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada (Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2018b). It considers priorities of landscape-scale conservation, ecological connectivity, climate-smart conservation, Indigenous conservation, and cultural species. In addition, Parks Canada is increasingly using the adaptive management framework Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation (i.e., Conservation Standards) to support and inform the action planning process.

Implementation of the conservation and recovery measures identified in these action plans is often integrated into the existing framework of Parks Canada conservation programs. Ecological integrity is a cornerstone of Parks Canada’s mandate to protect and promote significant examples of Canada’s natural heritage. It is the first priority in the maintenance of Canada’s National Parks. In addition to the protections provided under SARA, species at risk, their residences, and their habitat in Parks Canada places are often protected under additional federal acts and regulations, including but not limited to the Migratory Birds Convention Act and regulations, Fisheries Act, Canada National Parks Act, and the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act.

### 1.2 Thousand Islands National Park

Thousand Islands National Park (TINP) is 26.1 km2 in size and is in the Thousand Islands Region of the St. Lawrence River in Eastern Ontario. This region, also known as the Frontenac Axis, connects the Canadian Shield from Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario to the Adirondack State Park in New York. The park consists of mainland properties, 26 islands and 89 islets and shoals. The properties extend along a 120-kilometre stretch of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario from Brockville to Prince Edward County (Figure 1).

The Thousand Islands area has long been important to Indigenous peoples. It was an important trade and travel route for many Nations, and the area also contained an abundance of foods and medicines to sustain them. As European settlement expanded into the area during the 1800s, the area became known for its natural beauty and tourism potential. While some legal protection was afforded to the current park area as early as 1875, it was not until 1904 that TINP was established as the first Canadian national park east of the Rockies (Canadian Thousand Islands Heritage Conservancy, 2004). The park was originally known as St. Lawrence Islands National Park but was renamed as Thousand Islands National Park in 2013. The area has been officially designated by the United Nations in 2002 as a Biosphere Reserve. This designation recognizes the region as a place where people live, work, and enjoy a variety of economic and recreational activities based on respect for the environment. The park is also part of two national Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA, 2025) and the area was designated as an Important Amphibian and Reptile Area (IMPARA) (Canadian Herpetological Society, 2019). The park consists of several ecologically important mainland properties and 26 islands between Main Duck Island in Lake Ontario and Brockville, Ontario. Due to the fragmented nature of the park properties, many of the stresses on the park’s ecosystem originate from outside its boundaries. For this reason, Indigenous peoples, local residents, conservation organizations, and other groups and land users play an important role in managing, restoring, and protecting the Thousand Islands Ecosystem.

Figure 1: Geographic scope for the Multi-species Action Plan for Thousand Islands National Park.
Text description

Figure 1 is a map showing the location of Thousand Islands National Park within the greater landscape of the St Lawrence River. Sections of the park are identified (from west to east): Main Duck Islands; Bateau Channel; Skoryna Property; Admiralty Islands; Navy Islands; Landon’s Bay Property; Hill Group; Grenadier Group; Jones Creek; Brock Islands.

The park is located at the meeting point of the St. Lawrence River and the Frontenac Arch. The rugged nature of the Frontenac Arch resulted in less anthropogenic landscape modification than most of southern Ontario and, as a result, the area remains important for migration and dispersal of local species of flora and fauna (Snetsinger, 1997). The islands of the park are important “stepping stones” in the connectivity corridor linking Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario to Adirondack State Park in New York (Snetsinger, 2001). Being in a transition zone, the park, for its size, is rich in biodiversity and provides habitat for many species that are at the northern or southern limits of their range. Notably, TINP has the highest known diversity for invertebrates and reptiles/amphibians of any Canadian national park (Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, 2015).

Maintenance and restoration of ecological integrity is the first priority of national parks (Canada National Parks Act s.8(2)). Species at risk, their residences, and their habitat are therefore protected by existing national park regulations and management regimes as well as by SARA. National parks maintain comprehensive, scientifically rigorous ecological integrity monitoring and restoration programs that are organized according to the major ecosystems present in the park. The recovery measures described in this action plan are therefore organized in the same manner. Parks Canada’s ecological integrity programs make contributions to the recovery of species at risk by providing inventory and monitoring data, and through the implementation of habitat restoration projects and other conservation measures. The species-directed measures outlined in this plan will in turn contribute to maintaining and improving the ecological integrity of TINP by improving the conservation status of native species and their habitat and maintaining biodiversity.

### 1.3 Scope of the action plan

#### 1.3.1. Geographic scope

The geographic scope of this action plan includes all federally owned lands and waters managed by TINP (Figure 1). This MSAP has been written specifically for TINP because Parks Canada is legally responsible for species at risk on the lands and waters it administers, has the ability to take direct conservation action, and deals with different threats, legislation, and management priorities than areas outside the park. However, this plan has been developed and will be implemented collaboratively with partners in the broader landscape to maximize conservation benefits to species conservation and recovery.

#### 1.3.2. Species scope

This action plan addresses a total of 38 SARA-listed species plus 11 species of conservation concern and / or cultural significance that regularly occur in TINP (Table 1). This includes 24 SARA-listed Extirpated, Endangered, or Threatened species (for which an action plan is required under s.47 of SARA) and 14 SARA-listed Special Concern species. This plan specifically addresses the portion of the species’ population that occurs within TINP. Note that over the course of implementation of this action plan, some species’ COSEWIC or SARA status may change.

Table 1. Species included in the action plan.
Species | Scientific Name | COSEWIC Status | SARA Schedule 1 Status
--- | --- | --- | ---
American Eel | Anguilla rostrata | Threatened | Not listed
American Water-willow | Justicia americana | Threatened | Threatened
Bank Swallow | Riparia riparia | Threatened | Threatened
Barn Swallow | Hirundo rustica | Special Concern | Threatened
Black Ash | Fraxinus nigra | Threatened | Not listed
Blanding’s Turtle (Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population) | Emydoidea blandingii | Endangered | Endangered
Bobolink | Dolichonyx oryzivorus | Special Concern | Threatened
Bridle Shiner | Notropis bifrenatus | Special Concern | Special Concern
Butternut | Juglans cinerea | Endangered | Endangered
Canada Warbler | Cardellina canadensis | Special Concern | Threatened
Cerulean Warbler | Setophaga cerulea | Endangered | Endangered
Chimney Swift | Chaetura pelagica | Threatened | Threatened
Common Nighthawk | Chordeiles minor | Special Concern | Special Concern
Deerberry | Vaccinium stamineum | Threatened | Threatened
Eastern Meadowlark | Sturnella magna | Threatened | Threatened
Eastern Milksnake | Lampropeltis triangulum | Special Concern | Special Concern
Eastern Musk Turtle | Sternotherus odoratus | Special Concern | Special Concern
Eastern Pondmussel | Ligumia nasuta | Special Concern | Special Concern
Eastern Red Bat | Lasiurus borealis | Endangered | Not listed
Eastern Ribbon Snake (Great Lakes population) | Thamnophis sauritus | Special Concern | Special Concern
Eastern Whip-poor-will | Antrostomus vociferus | Special Concern | Threatened
Eastern Wood-pewee | Contopus virens | Special Concern | Special Concern
Finlayson’s Oakworm Moth | Anisota finlaysoni | Special Concern | Not listed
Five-Lined Skink (Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population) | Plestiodon fasciatus | Special Concern | Special Concern
Golden-Winged Warbler | Vermivora chrysoptera | Threatened | Threatened
Goosefoot Cornsalad | Valerianella chenopodifolia | Not Listed | Not listed
Grass Pickerel | Esox americanus vermiculatus | Special Concern | Special Concern
Gray Ratsnake | Pantherophis spiloides | Threatened | Threatened
Hoary Bat | Lasiurus cinereus | Endangered | Not listed
Lake Sturgeon (Great Lakes – Upper St. Lawrence Population) | Acipenser fulvescens | Threatened | Not listed
Least Bittern | Ixobrychus exilis | Special Concern | Threatened
Little Brown Myotis | Myotis lucifugus | Endangered | Endangered
Midland Painted Turtle | Chrysemys picta marginata | Special Concern | Special Concern
Monarch | Danaus plexippus | Endangered | Endangered
Mudpuppy (Great Lakes / St. Lawrence River) | Necturus maculosus maculosus | Special Concern | Not Listed
Northern Map Turtle | Graptemys geographica | Special Concern | Special Concern
Northern Myotis | Myotis septentrionalis | Endangered | Endangered
Pale-bellied Frost Lichen | Physconia subpallida | Endangered | Endangered
Pitch Pine | Pinus rigida | Not Listed | Not Listed
Pugnose Shiner | Notropis anogenus | Threatened | Threatened
Red-headed Woodpecker | Melanerpes erythrocephalus | Endangered | Endangered
Rusty Blackbird | Euphagus carolinus | Special Concern | Special Concern
Silver-haired Bat | Lasionycteris noctivagans | Endangered | Not listed
Snapping Turtle | Chelydra serpentina | Special Concern | Special Concern
Swamp Rose-mallow | Hibiscus moscheutos | Special Concern | Special Concern
Tri-colored Bat | Perimyotis subflavus | Endangered | Endangered
Western Chorus Frog (Great Lakes / St. Lawrence – Canadian Shield population) | Pseudacris triseriata | Threatened | Threatened
Wild Rice | Zizania spp. | Not Listed | Not Listed
Wood Thrush | Hylocichla mustelina | Threatened | Threatened

## 2. Site-based population and distribution objectives

The potential for Parks Canada to undertake direct management action at the site that will contribute measurably to the recovery of each species was assessed. Site-specific population and distribution objectives were developed for 8 species (Appendix A). These objectives identify the contribution that conservation and recovery measures implemented by the site or in collaboration with partners can make towards achieving the national objectives identified in SARA recovery strategies and management plans.

Monitoring progress towards achieving the site-based objectives over time will help determine whether implementation of the conservation and recovery measures (identified in Appendix B) is having the desired influence on species recovery.

For many species addressed in this action plan, recovery cannot be measurably influenced by management actions implemented by the site for various reasons, including: 1) there are no direct management actions required within the site (apart from regular site operations) to protect or recover the species, because there are no or few known threats acting in the site (e.g., primary threat is a loss of overwintering habitat outside of the site); 2) there are no known management actions to address threats acting in the site (e.g., the threat of widespread disease); and/or 3) the site makes up such a small portion of the species’ range in Canada that the impact of management actions at the site cannot be measured. When there is little opportunity for direct management action at the site to measurably contribute to the recovery of a species, site-specific objectives are not appropriate and conservation measures may be limited to protection measures in place under the Canada National Parks Act, the Impact Assessment Act, and SARA, as well as through indirect threat mitigations such as education/outreach, habitat maintenance, and addressing knowledge gaps through inventory, research and monitoring.

## 3. Conservation and recovery measures

Conservation and recovery measures aimed at addressing threats to the species at the site and making progress towards achieving site-based population and distribution objectives were identified and prioritized. The prioritization process primarily considered ecological effectiveness, but also considered opportunities for landscape-scale conservation, ecological connectivity, climate-smart conservation, Indigenous conservation and cultural species, strengthened partnerships, and opportunities for visitor experience and increased awareness through education and outreach. Prioritization also considered current budgetary opportunities and constraints. Wherever possible, Parks Canada is taking an ecosystem approach, prioritizing measures that benefit multiple species to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of species protection and recovery.

In total, 7 conservation and recovery measures are identified for implementation by TINP based on existing resources. (Appendix B). An additional 36 measures will be encouraged through partnerships or if additional resources become available (Appendix C). Each measure is associated with one or more identified threats. The three main threats addressed in this action plan are: Invasive Non-native Plants & Animals; Problematic Native Plants and Animals; and Hunting and Collecting Terrestrial Animals. Each measure is also associated with a desired outcome and the anticipated timeline for achieving the desired outcome. Desired outcomes are designed to be quantifiable and achievable over the implementation period of this plan (10 years).

### 3.1 Conservation and recovery measure approaches

The identification and prioritization of conservation and recovery measures considered opportunities to integrate the following recovery measure approaches: landscape-scale conservation, climate-smart conservation, ecological connectivity, Indigenous conservation and cultural species, and Conservation Standards.

Landscape-scale Conservation:

TINP works collaboratively with partners and conducts outreach with private landowners for many of the species in this action plan. Given most species move in and out of park boundaries, many of the recovery actions in this plan tie into a landscape scale approach. An example is the park’s Draft Landscape Connectivity and Stewardship Strategy, which was developed to help prioritize parcels of land adjacent to TINP for stewardship or land securement.

Climate-smart Conservation:

Climate change is considered throughout this Action Plan. Many of the rare species found in TINP are at the northern tip of their range, often in disjunct populations. The recovery actions and site objectives selected for this MSAP were developed considering the impact climate change will have on range shifts for species at risk populations in and adjacent to TINP, and the ability of species to move to new areas in the park as possible climate refugia.

Ecological Connectivity:

TINP is a small and fragmented park. Connecting habitats and reducing threats to animals as they move between habitat patches is a key management objective. TINP works with partners at local, regional and international scales to maintain key connections for wildlife and ecological processes. Examples range from working with partners to promote ecological corridors and highway ecopassages in the Algonquin to Adirondack Wildlife Corridor to working with local partners to promote connections between Gray Ratsnake hibernacula in and adjacent to park boundaries.

Indigenous Conservation and Cultural Species:

TINP works closely with Indigenous partners on the planning and implementation of conservation projects, ranging from ecosystem level to individual species management. Examples include protecting stands of culturally significant Black Ash and providing resources to protect turtles in Indigenous communities. Additionally, culturally important species that are not species at risk were incorporated into the plan through consultation with Indigenous partners (e.g., Wild Rice mapping).

Conservation Standards:

Conservation standards (or similar approaches) have been used to develop a number of recovery actions in the park. Notably, many of the recovery actions related to species in the Jones Creek Wetland Complex were developed through a multi-day workshop with partners that utilized the Conservation Standards developed by the Conservation Measures Partnership.

### 3.2 Classification of measures

Measures identified in this plan are categorized based on Conservation Measures Partnership (CMP) Conservation Actions ClassificationsFootnote 5. The following action classifications are addressed in this plan:

Land / Water Management:

Most of the recovery actions that will be undertaken in this action plan fall under this heading. Invasive Alien Species are widespread and increasing throughout TINP and are a significant threat to many species at risk. Rapid response is always the priority; however, the park will also continue to remove established invasions away (e.g. 50m buffer) from species at risk populations such as Deerberry.

Awareness Raising:

Given the small, fragmented nature of TINP, species conservation is often dependent on partnerships and outreach to adjacent residents and visitors. In conjunction with park External Relations, Visitor Experience and Law Enforcement staff, TINP conservation staff will communicate the issues around poaching, foraging, and subsequent overharvesting and that these activities are not permitted in national parks. Special focus will be given to species that are known to be poached or persecuted, such as Blanding’s Turtle and Gray Ratsnake.

Partnerships / collaborationsFootnote 6:

Many conservation and recovery measures outlined in this plan will be conducted in collaboration with Indigenous communities and regional partners. Academic interest in TINP sites provides a consistent source of research that informs management and restoration efforts. Parks Canada will work to maintain existing partnerships and cultivate new ones related to conservation issues and research questions of mutual interest. Additionally, Parks Canada will continue to engage local communities, visitors, and volunteers to improve the ecological health of TINP sites and support the recovery of species at risk. The over 100,000 annual visitors, provides opportunities to connect with the public through direct involvement in species recovery and to draw upon citizen science and volunteers in resource conservation.

## 4. Critical habitat

Critical habitat is “the habitat that is necessary for the survival or recovery of a listed wildlife species and that is identified as the species’ critical habitat in the recovery strategy or in an action plan for the species” (SARA s.2(1)). Where the recovery strategy for a species states that the identification of critical habitat is not complete, a schedule of studies is included towards gathering additional information to complete the identification. Additional critical habitat can be identified in an amended recovery strategy or in an upcoming or amended action plan for the species.

Critical habitat was identified in TINP within recovery strategies for Blanding’s Turtle, Deerberry, Eastern Whip-poor-will, Gray Ratsnake, Golden-winged Warbler, Pale-bellied Frost Lichen, Pugnose Shiner and Western Chorus Frog. Where critical habitat identification is not complete, it will be identified in upcoming revised recovery strategies; refer to the schedule of studies in relevant recovery strategies for further details.

Critical habitat for Least Bittern was identified in TINP in the first (2016) MSAP and is outlined in section 4.1 below and will be included in future MSAP amendments to ensure continuity of legal protection. This amendment does not contain an identification of any additional critical habitat beyond what was identified in the 2016 MSAP.

### 4.1 Identification of critical habitat for the Least Bittern

#### 4.1.1 Geographic location

Parts of two wetland complexes at Jones Creek and Grenadier Island are identified as critical habitat for the Least Bittern. These parts were identified using the methodology outlined in the 2014 recovery strategy and include all suitable habitat within 500m of suitable breeding records.

#### 4.1.2 Biophysical attributes

The biophysical attributes of critical habitat for the Least Bittern are described in section 7.1.1 of the recovery strategy (Environment Canada, 2014). Critical habitat for Least Bittern occurs where the critical habitat criteria and methodology described in section 7.1 of the recovery strategy are met (Environment Canada, 2014).

#### 4.1.3 Examples of activities likely to result in destruction of critical habitat

Examples of activities likely to result in the destruction of critical habitat are described in section 7.3 of the Least Bittern recovery strategy (Environment Canada, 2014a).

### 4.2 Proposed measures to protect critical habitat

Critical habitat identified in TINP within this action plan and in the recovery strategy for Least Bittern is legally protected from destruction as per section 58 of SARA. SARA requires that critical habitat identified in a federally protected areaFootnote 7 be described in the Canada Gazette within 90 days after the final recovery strategy or action plan that identified the critical habitat is included in the public registry. A prohibition against destruction of critical habitat under ss. 58(1) applies 90 days after the description of the critical habitat is published in the Canada Gazette. For critical habitat located on other federal lands (e.g., National Historic Sites), the competent minister must either make a statement on existing legal protection or make an order so that the prohibition against destruction of critical habitat applies.

If it is determined that any portions of critical habitat are not protected, and steps are being taken to protect those portions, those steps will be communicated via the Registry through the reports referred to in section 63 of SARA.

## 5. Evaluation of socio-economic costs and of benefits

The Species at Risk Act requires the competent minister to undertake an evaluation of the socio-economic costs of the action plan and the benefits to be derived from its implementation (s.49(1)(e)). This socio-economic assessment is narrow in scope, as it applies only to protected lands and waters in TINP which are often subject to fewer threats (e.g., industrial activities) compared to other areas because the lands are managed to maintain and restore ecological and commemorative integrity. Furthermore, this evaluation addresses only the incremental socio-economic costs and benefits of implementing the measures outlined in this action plan and does not include socio-economic impacts of existing activities or management regimes in those Parks Canada sites. It does not address total cumulative costs or benefits of species recovery in general nor does it attempt to conduct a full cost-benefit analysis as is done to support a regulatory initiative.

The protection and recovery of species at risk can result in both costs and benefits, which affect various groups of Canadian society in different ways. The proposed measures in this action plan seek a balanced approach to reduce or eliminate threats to species at risk populations and habitats. Potential socio-economic costs as well as the social and environmental benefits that may occur through implementation of this action plan are outlined below. Information for this summary was collected through cooperation and consultation, and focuses on the potential impact on Indigenous communities, adjacent residents and landowners, and other partners

### 5.1 Costs

The total incremental cost to implement the measures outlined in Appendix B will be borne by Parks Canada out of existing salaries and goods and services dollars that are integrated into the operational management of the site and thereby will not result in additional costs to society. Implementation of the measures in this plan are subject to appropriations, priorities, and budgetary constraints. Measures outlined in Appendix C will only be implemented through partnerships or if additional resources become available to TINP and are not considered in this evaluation.

There are no anticipated costs to Indigenous communities, adjacent residents and landowners, or other partners associated with the recovery actions listed in Appendix B.

### 5.2 Benefits

Potential economic benefits of the conservation and recovery of species at risk at this site cannot be easily quantified, as many of the values derived from wildlife are non-market commodities that are difficult to appraise in financial terms. Wildlife, in all its forms, has value in and of itself, and is valued by Canadians for aesthetic, cultural, spiritual, recreational, educational, historical, economic, medical, ecological, and scientific reasons.

The conservation of species at risk is an important component of the Government of Canada’s commitment to conserving biological diversity and is important to Canada’s current and future economic and natural wealth. Measures in this plan help to meet the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goal of protecting and recovering species and conserving Canadian biodiversity. It also contributes to the global goal of ensuring “biodiversity is sustainably used and managed and nature’s contributions to people, including ecosystem functions and services, are valued, maintained and enhanced, with those currently in decline being restored” (Convention on Biological Diversity, 2022).

The protected natural capital assets (forests, grasslands, wetlands, freshwater, coastal and marine areas) of national parks and national marine conservation areas provide a flow of ecosystem services (e.g.: climate regulation, provision of habitat, water supply and regulation) that benefit individuals and communities across Canada. Parks Canada works to sustain and improve the ecological condition of the national network of protected places. Efforts that improve species’ condition and their role in the ecosystem, such as recovery measures in this action plan, have an impact on the overall health of the ecosystem. For TINP, the potential annual value of ecosystem services has been estimated to range between $10 million and $72 million (medium value $41 million) (Mulrooney & Jones, 2023). Implementing the measures within this MSAP will contribute to sustaining the valuable flow of ecosystem services to Canadians.

Measures presented in this action plan will contribute to meeting recovery strategy objectives for threatened and endangered species and will also contribute to meeting management objectives for species of special concern. Recovery Strategies, Action Plans and Management Plans for SARA listed species are an integral part of species management aimed at species’ survival and recovery, maintaining biodiversity in Canada and conserving Canada’s natural heritage.

The measures outlined in this document are expected to have a positive impact on ecological integrity and enhance opportunities for appreciation of the park and the species by visitors and the public. The measures are also expected to have overall positive benefits to the environment and Canadians, such as positive impacts on biodiversity and the value individuals place on preserving biodiversity. Protecting rare species and removing invasive species provides additional benefits such as empowering local residents to conserve nature and preserve TINP’s exceptional biodiversity. For example, providing nest protectors to residents enables them to protect turtle nests on their properties or elsewhere within the region. This small but impactful measure enables caring, conservation-minded residents with the ability to help rare turtles. Additionally, providing partners with nest protectors and the expertise to host workshops and build their own in the future, empowers local groups to create landscape scale benefits for rare turtles.

TINP works closely with its Indigenous partners to identify culturally significant species and prioritize conservation actions for species at risk. Recovery actions in TINP, such as removing invasive species, will help preserve biodiversity and medicinal plants, including plants with few remaining populations in Canada. Partnering with the Mohawks of Akwesasne to create turtle nest protectors will help maintain turtles in the Akwesasne community, and hosting nest protector building workshops will engage additional community members to protect more turtles. Additionally, Black Ash is a culturally significant species for Indigenous partners and is disappearing from the landscape due to the invasive Emerald Ash Borer. Protecting groups of Black Ash trees in TINP has symbolic importance, but also affords TINP and Indigenous partners the opportunity to collect seeds and utilize those trees in the future.

## 6. Measuring progress

Reporting on implementation of the action plan (under section 55 of SARA) will be done by assessing progress towards implementing the measures listed in Appendix B and C. Reporting on the ecological and socio-economic impacts of the action plan will be done by assessing progress towards meeting site-based population and distribution objectives (Appendix A). Progress will be reviewed annually and an implementation report summarizing the results of this plan will be posted to the SAR Public Registry five years following publication as final.

## 7. References

Algonquin to Adirondacks Collaborative. 2023. The Right to Roam: A Strategy to Reconnect a Continental Wildlife Pathway in the Frontenac Arch. 116 pp.

Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, University of Guelph. 2015. DNA Barcode-based Assessment of Arthropod Diversity in Canada’s National Parks; Progress Report for Thousand Islands National Park. https://biobus.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/CNP-2014-Progress-Report-Thousand-Islands.pdf

Canadian Herpetological Society. 2019. Important Amphibian and Reptile Areas Nomination Form, Thousand Islands Ecosystem. https://canadianherpetology.ca/conservation/doc/IMPARA%20Nomination%20Form_Thousand%20Islands_Nov2020.pdf. 19 pp.

Canadian Thousand Islands Heritage Conservancy. 2004. Life on the Edge: The Cultural Landscape of the Thousand Islands Area. Thousand Islands Publishers Ltd.: Gananoque.

Convention on Biological Diversity. 2022. Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. https://www.cbd.int/doc/decisions/cop-15/cop-15-dec-04-en.pdf

Environment Canada. 2013. Management Plan for the Swamp Rose-mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Management Plan Series. Environment Canada, Ottawa. iv + 18 pp.

Environment Canada. 2014. Recovery Strategy for the Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Environment Canada, Ottawa. vi + 41 pp.

Environment Canada. 2016. Recovery Strategy for the Pale-bellied Frost Lichen (Physconia subpallida) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Environment Canada, Ottawa. 22 pp. + Annexes.

Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2018a. Recovery Strategy for the Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population, in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa. viii + 59 pp.

Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2018b. Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada. https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/eccc/documents/pdf/species-risk/pan-canadian-approach-transforming-species-risk-conservation-canada.pdf. 12 pp.

Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2020. Recovery Strategy for the Gray Ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides), Carolinian and Great Lakes/St. Lawrence populations, in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa. 3 parts, 47 pp. + vi + 23 pp. + 5 pp.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 2024. Recovery Strategy for the Pugnose Shiner (Notropis anogenus) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ottawa. v + 85 pp.

KBA Canada. 2025. Key Biodiversity Areas in Canada. https://kbacanada.org/explore/map-viewer/

Kraus, T., B. Hutchinson, S. Thompson and K. Prior. 2010. Recovery Strategy for the Gray Ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides) – Carolinian and Frontenac Axis populations in Ontario. Ontario Recovery Strategy Series. Prepared for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Peterborough, Ontario. vi + 23 pp.

Mulrooney, D., and B. Jones. 2023. The Value of Natural Capital in Canada’s National Parks and National Marine Conservation Areas. 51 pp.

Parks Canada Agency. 2010. Recovery Strategy for Deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Parks Canada Agency, Ottawa. iv+ 15 pp.

Parks Canada Agency. 2016. Multi-species Action Plan for Thousand Islands National Park of Canada. Species at Risk Act Action Plan Series. Parks Canada Agency, Ottawa. V+ 30 pp.

Parks Canada Agency. 2021. Implementation Report: Multi-species Action Plan for Thousand Islands National Park of Canada (2016 - 2021). Species at Risk Act Action Plan Report Series. Parks Canada Agency, Ottawa. v + 19 pp.

Parks Canada Agency. 2022. Thousand Islands National Park Management Plan. Parks Canada Agency. Ottawa. xii + 27 pp.

Parks Canada Agency. 2024. Thousand Islands National Park Vernal Pool Mapping Project. Unpublished Report. 16 pp.

Snetsinger, M.A. 1997. Historic Land Use Study Synthesis Report. St. Lawrence Islands National Park. Unpublished Report.

Snetsinger, M.A. 2001. Assessment and Classification of St. Lawrence River Habitat in the FASTLINE Area: Analysis Pertaining to Fisheries and Benthic Macroinvertebrates. Unpublished Report.

St. Lawrence Islands National Park. 2009. A Framework for the Restoration of Pitch Pine. Unpublished Document. 60 pp.

## Appendix A: Species information, objectives and monitoring plans for species at risk in Thousand Islands National Park

Species | National ObjectivesFootnote 8 | Site-based Population & Distribution Objectives | Site-based Population and Distribution Context | Population MonitoringFootnote 9 | Site-based Recovery Approach(es)
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Blanding's Turtle - Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population | 1. To increase abundance and maintain, and if possible, increase, the area of occupancy of the Blanding’s Turtle, Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population in Canada. 2. To ensure the viability of Blanding’s Turtle local populations where they occur in Canada. 3. To maintain the presence of known Blanding’s Turtle local populations. | By 2035, 1. Maintain or increase the amount of suitable habitat in the park at or above 2.6km2. 2. Maintain or increase current relative abundance of Blanding's turtles for the park's largest population. 3. Confirm continued presence at three sites in the park. | Stable Blanding's turtles occur at three locations in the park including one wetland complex which is almost entirely within the park boundary. This wetland complex holds a regionally significant population of Blanding's turtle. | 1. Measure the amount of suitable habitat in the park once every 10 years using satellite imagery and compare to current baseline values of 2.6km 2. Estimate the relative abundance of Blanding’s Turtles for the largest park population once over ten years. 3. Confirm continued occupancy at three locations by observing at least one individual at least once every five years. | Maintain overall habitat in the park, maintain abundance for the park’s largest population and confirm occupancy for other park populations.
Deerberry | 1. Halt the decline of mature individuals and number of populations. 2. Increase the number of populations to 10 or more, if introduction or re-introduction of 'new' populations is deemed feasible. | By 2035, 1. Ensure West Grenadier, Georgina, and Endymion populations do not decline below 20% of 2019 baseline stem counts. 2. Maintain and augment (when necessary) subpopulations around West Grenadier, Endymion, and Georgina Island. 3. Introduce additional populations if deemed feasible, to move towards the national goal of 10 populations. | Stable Majority of Canadian population occurs in TINP. West Grenadier and Endymion Island populations are naturally occurring and represented 63% of the Canadian population in 2018. Georgina Island is a newly established subpopulation that is reproductive. | Monitoring will be conducted to gain the best understanding of the species in the park. A stem count will be completed for all populations once every 5 years. | Continue to mitigate threats and introduce additional populations if feasible.
Gray Ratsnake - Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population | 1. To maintain the current abundance, area of occupancy and habitat connectivity within the Gray Ratsnake - Great Lakes/St. Lawrence population . | By 2035, confirm presence in each of the six TINP Gray Ratsnake hibernacula, once every six years. | Stable Six hibernacula are known in the park. Snakes leave park hibernacula and often travel outside park boundaries, snakes hibernating adjacent to park often travel into the park and provide juvenile recruitment. | Monitoring will be done by camera traps at hibernacula and photos reviewed for positive identification to demonstrate occupation. Protocol is already developed and in use at TINP with the required equipment. | Focus is on protecting existing hibernacula, finding new hibernacula, and working with partners to promote connections between hibernacula in and adjacent to park boundaries.
Eastern Musk Turtle | Maintain, and where necessary and feasible, increase the area of occupancy and abundance. | By 2035, 1. Maintain or increase the amount of suitable habitat in the park at or above 1.87 km2. 2. Maintain occupancy at four known park populations. | Stable | Measure the amount of suitable habitat in the park using satellite imagery and compare to baseline values of 1.87km2. The objective will be met if there is not a statistically significant negative trend in the amount of habitat in the park. | Focus on preserving appropriate habitat and mitigating threats at locations within the park that contribute to larger ecosystem-wide ranges.
Swamp Rose-mallow | Maintain current distribution and area of occupancy of extant populations. | By 2035, maintain one self-propagating population on Main Duck Island of at least 162 stems in at least one colony. | Stable Swamp rose-mallow is confined to Main Duck Island in TINP. | Twice over a ten-year period, stem count monitoring will be conducted to gain the best understanding of the species in the park. | Swamp rose-mallow is confined to Main Duck Island with minimal threats. Focus is on protecting and maintaining existing habitat.
Goosefoot Cornsalad | N/a | Maintain or increase area of occupancy on Yorkshire Island at +/- 20% of 2025 baseline survey. | Unknown The Yorkshire population is the only extant Canadian population and management activities will therefore be nationally significant. | Monitor area of coverage twice over a ten-year period. | Recovery approaches are focused on establishing better baseline information and stopping invasives from extirpating the species from Canada.
Pitch Pine | N/a | By 2035, 1. Maintain or increase seedling, sapling, or adult tree (>10cm diameter at breast height) levels across seven park populations based on their 2008 baseline survey results. 2. Maintain at least one of the park’s seven primary pitch pine populations with a high regeneration potential (sapling or seedling > 1.62/m2 ). | Declining Pitch Pine stands are spread across the park and occur on many islands as distinct stands. | Monitor each population twice over a ten-year period. | As a slow growing and fire-dependant tree, focus is on maintaining stand health and providing disturbance needed for regeneration. Prescribed fire and mechanical site restoration are both approaches used at the park.
Pale-bellied Frost Lichen | 1. Maintain the size and distribution of all extant and newly discovered populations. 2. Population increases through habitat protection . 3. Fill in some of the identified knowledge gaps. | By 2035, maintain or increase the species abundance in the park. | Unknown The park has a sizable portion of the Canadian population. | Monitor to determine baseline population sizes and protect habitat. | Monitoring population numbers and removing invasive shrub threats will have an impact on preserving the species in Canada.
All species in Table 1 without a Population and Distribution Objective are included in this group. | No objective established because there are no or few known threats acting in the site, no known management actions to address threats and/or the site is of limited importance to the species' national recovery. | Unknown | Record incidental observations. | The site will continue to protect individuals, protect suitable habitat, and support partners in recovery and protection of these species where feasible. Additionally, the site will work with partners to conduct opportunistic surveys for under-surveyed species in the site and adjust management approaches appropriately when new populations are found.

## Appendix B: Conservation and recovery measures that will be implemented

Species and Measure Number | Recovery Measure | Recovery Measure Objective | Activity Priority (High, Medium, Low) | Threat ClassificationFootnote 10 | Action ClassificationFootnote 11
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1. Blanding's Turtle, Five-lined skink, Gray Ratsnake | Work with External Relations and Visitor Experience sections, Park Wardens and Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network to communicate to the public that poaching and collecting animals for pets and removal or movement of rocky or woody debris is illegal in National Parks. | Within 10 years, 10,000 members of the public are reached through social media posts, presentations, booths at events, and signage on how to report poaching in the park. | Low | 5.1 Hunting, Collecting & Controlling Terrestrial Animals | 3.1 Outreach & Communications
2. Pitch Pine, Gray Ratsnake | Monitor and maintain existing deer exclusion fencing built during the “2 Billion Trees” program to protect seedlings and enhance important Gray Ratsnake habitat in the restored quarry against over browsing by deer. | On an annual basis, fencing is monitored and maintained on Hill Island to protect seedlings from deer until they are tall enough to avoid over grazing by deer. | High | 8.2 Problematic Native Species | 1.1 Site / Area Stewardship
3. Deerberry | Remove invasive plants surrounding Deerberry on West Grenadier and Endymion islands. Additionally, survey for presence of invasive plants around Georgina population. | By 2035, percent cover of invasive plant species is maintained at 0% within 50m of Deerberry populations in TINP. | Medium | 8.1 Invasive Non-Native / Alien Species | 1.1 Site/Area Stewardship
4. Goosefoot Cornsalad | Remove invasive plants surrounding populations of Goosefoot-Cornsalad on Yorkshire Island. | Within 10 years, percent cover of invasive plant species (European Swallow-wort, Garlic Mustard, European / Glossy Buckthorn) is maintained at < 20% within 5 meters of Goosefoot Cornsalad populations. | Medium | 8.1 Invasive Non-Native / Alien Species | 1.1 Site/Area Stewardship
5. Pale-bellied Frost Lichen | Remove invasive buckthorn species as per the park’s invasive species management plan within critical or proposed critical habitat for Pale-bellied Frost Lichen. | By 2035, percent cover of invasive Glossy and European Buckthorn has been removed and is maintained at 0% within critical or proposed critical habitat areas. | Medium | 8.1 Invasive Non-Native / Alien Species | 1.1 Site/Area Stewardship
6. Black Ash | Continue treating Black Ash and seed stock by using Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM) procedures and chemicals to treat for invasive Emerald Ash Borer. | Every two years, one Black Ash stand on Hill Island and one on Grenadier Island are treated with pesticide injections. | Medium | 8.1 Invasive Non-Native / Alien Species | 1.1 Site/Area Stewardship
7. Blanding's Turtle - Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population, Eastern Musk Turtle, Midland Painted Turtle, Northern Map Turtle, Snapping Turtle | Facilitate a turtle nest protection program by constructing turtle nest protectors for park staff, residents, and partners in the region to protect at risk turtle nests. Utilise Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network’s “Living in the Biosphere” communications campaign to reach more residents as appropriate. | By 2035, deliver five nest box building workshops and build 200 or more turtle nest boxes for use by local residents, partners and park staff. | Medium | 8.2 Problematic Native Species | 2.1 Species Stewardship

## Appendix C: Other conservation and recovery measures that will be implemented if partnerships or additional resources become available

Species and Measure Number | Recovery Measure | Recovery Measure Objective | Threat ClassificationFootnote 12 | Action ClassificationFootnote 13
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
8. All Species | Implement the Draft TINP Land Connectivity and Stewardship Strategy by continuing to look for opportunities to acquire land in prioritized areas that increase connectivity and ecological corridors for species in this plan or that are high quality habitat such as wetlands, barrens, or wintering sites. Acquisitions can also be guided by Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network / Algonquin to Adirondack Collaboration / Plenty’s EcoCorridor project. | At least one hectare of provincially or regionally significant wetland or 20 hectares of interior or old growth forest that protects federal critical habitat or important residences for other species at risk is added to the park. | 1.1 Residential Areas | 6.1 Protected Area Designation & / or Acquisition
9. All Species | Identify and / or list unknowns about species at risk found in TINP that prevent species protection and recovery. Include on the park’s research priority list and work with researchers for opportunities to determine unknowns. | An information document that enables TINP and partners to better protect and recover rare species is developed and added to the Park’s Research Priority List. | Knowledge Gap | 8.1 Basic Research & Status Monitoring
10.1. Wild Rice, Black Ash, Butternut, Deerberry, Goosefoot Cornsalad, Pitch Pine, Swamp Rose-mallow | Collaborate with research partners to collect seeds or plant material from each of the target species for project propagation, gene banking, and overcoming diseases and pest threats. This includes determining seed banking capabilities and germination requirements for some species. | Seeds from target plant species are collected over the 10-year Action Plan timeframe. The target number of seeds and frequency of seed collection to be determined by species. | 97 Multiple Threats | 2.3 Ex-Situ Conservation
10.2. Deerberry | Plant individual Deerberry plants in or adjacent to existing sites using partner germinated plants to enhance population viability. | Twenty-five individual Deerberry plants are planted in or adjacent to existing Deerberry sites. | 8.2 Problematic Native Species | 2.2 Species Re-Introduction & Translocation
10.3. Deerberry | Collaborate with the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve, private landowners, Thousand Islands Watershed Land Trust, St. Lawrence Parks Commission, Queens University, or Niagara Parks Commission to identify and protect potential habitat for species dispersal. | Potential Deerberry habitat within partners’ sites is identified and, if suitable, one new population is established. | 8.2 Problematic Native Species | 2.2 Species Re-Introduction & Translocation
10.4. Swamp Rose-mallow | Augment existing Swamp Rose-mallow populations on Main Duck Island, when necessary to ensure self sustaining and genetically viable populations. Use the seed / material collected with partners (see 10.1 above). | Collected seed / material is used to augment the Swamp Rose-mallow populations on Main Duck Island, when necessary | 6.1 Recreational Activities | 2.2 Species Re-Introduction & Translocation
11. Blanding's Turtle - Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population, Eastern Milksnake, Eastern Ribbonsnake - Great Lakes population, Midland Painted Turtle, Snapping Turtle, Western Chorus Frog | Install a multi-purpose wildlife ecopassage and associated fencing under County Road 5 near Polly Creek to reduce roadkill and maintain east-west connectivity at that location. | A wildlife ecopassage and associated fencing is installed at County Road 5 near Polly Creek. | 4.1 Roads, Trails & Railroads | 2.1 Species Stewardship
12.1. Blanding's Turtle - Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population, Eastern Musk Turtle, Midland Painted Turtle, Northern Map Turtle, Snapping Turtle | Work with partners to collect turtle eggs from vulnerable nests, incubate eggs, and release hatchlings back into home wetlands to increase nesting success. Done through direct turtle incubation of eggs within the park and using knowledge and / or equipment to support partner programs at a regional level. | Eggs from vulnerable turtle nests are collected and incubated, and hatchlings are released back into home wetlands. | 4.1 Roads, Trails & Railroads | 2.3 Ex-Situ Conservation
12.2. Blanding's Turtle - Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population, Eastern Musk Turtle, Midland Painted Turtle, Northern Map Turtle, Snapping Turtle | Work with partners on construction of two artificial turtle nesting sites to increase turtle nesting success. | Two new artificial turtle nesting mounds are created in TINP. | 4.1 Roads, Trails & Railroads | 2.1 Species Stewardship
13. Blanding's Turtle - Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population, Eastern Musk Turtle, Midland Painted Turtle, Northern Map Turtle, Snapping Turtle | Use signage to change recreational boater behaviour to reduce speeds, reduce turtle injuries and create less wake around sites of important coastal habitats in key park wetland areas such as Brooker's Creek, Mulcaster Island, and Jones Creek or along park shorelines to protect turtles. | “No wake” signage is developed and installed at important coastal habitats in key wetland or shoreline areas. | 6.1 Recreational Activities | 3.1 Outreach & Communications
14. Blanding's Turtle - Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population, Eastern Milksnake, Eastern Musk Turtle, Eastern Ribbonsnake - Great Lakes population, Gray Ratsnake, Midland Painted Turtle, Northern Map Turtle, Snapping Turtle | Work with regional partners to install fencing that will reduce road mortality of reptiles and amphibians on local roads adjacent to park property based on recommendations in the “Right to Roam” report (Algonquin to Adirondacks Collaborative, 2023). Include any priority areas that are identified in the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network / A2A / Plenty's EcoCorridor Project “Restoring Ecological Connectivity within the Frontenac Arch Region through Ethical Space and Co-governance”. | Fencing projects recommended in the A2A “Right to Roam” report (e.g. install wildlife fencing adjacent to park property) are implemented. | 4.1 Roads, Trails & Railroads | 2.1 Species Stewardship
15. American Water-willow, Blanding's Turtle - Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population, Eastern Musk Turtle, Midland Painted Turtle, Northern Map Turtle, Snapping Turtle, Swamp Rose-mallow | Work with local partners (landowner associations, municipalities, ENGOs) to create an outreach campaign to promote shoreline naturalization adjacent to park properties. Support utilization of FABN’s “Living in the Biosphere” communications campaign to reach more residents. | A shoreline naturalization outreach campaign is developed and delivered to neighbours. | 7.3 Earth & Sediment Management | 3.1 Outreach & Communications
16. Blanding's Turtle - Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population, Eastern Musk Turtle, Midland Painted Turtle, Northern Map Turtle, Snapping Turtle | Restore wetland riparian areas at Landons Bay or Mallorytown Landing through tree planting to restore 30-meter buffers around wetlands. | Trees are planted across a 1-hectare planting area within the riparian zone of Landons Bay or Mallorytown Landing. Trees are monitored over three years to ensure their continued health and growth. | 5.3 Logging, Harvesting & Controlling Trees | 1.1 Site / Area Stewardship
17. Wild Rice, Blanding's Turtle - Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population, Eastern Musk Turtle, Least Bittern, Midland Painted Turtle, Northern Map Turtle, Snapping Turtle, American Eel, Grass Pickerel, Bridle Shiner, Eastern Ribbonsnake | Implement a restoration plan to restore monoculture cattail (Typha ssp.) areas of Jones Creek into a hemi-marsh system, through mechanical methods to revitalize habitat for many species (e.g., cutting channels in the cattails, removing phragmites, and propagating wild rice). | Six-meter-wide channels with a minimum depth of 1-2 meters are created in the cattail mats within the Jones Creek area. Channel edges are planted with wild rice. | 7.3 Earth & Sediment Management | 1.1 Site / Area Stewardship
18. Blanding's Turtle - Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population, Eastern Musk Turtle, Midland Painted Turtle, Northern Map Turtle, Snapping Turtle | Use radio telemetry in partnership with a university partner to opportunistically track turtle movement in critical corridors near the 401 highway. | Knowledge of turtle movement along the 401 corridor and park property is improved. | 4.1 Roads, Trails & Railroads | 8.1 Basic Research & Status Monitoring
19. Blanding's Turtle - Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population, Eastern Musk Turtle, Midland Painted Turtle, Northern Map Turtle, Snapping Turtle | Work with partners on identified road mortality mitigation projects (e.g., overpasses, ecopassages, culvert improvements, roadside fencing) on the Thousand Islands Parkway, Highway 401 and county roads that border the park as highlighted in the A2A Right to Roam report, and / or any that get identified by Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network / A2A / Plenty’s “Restoring Ecological Connectivity within the Frontenac Arch Region through Ethical Space and Co-governance” project. | Ecopasage and culvert improvement projects have been implemented along the Thousand Islands Parkway, Highway 401, and / or county roads that border the park. | 4.1 Roads, Trails & Railroads | 2.1 Species Stewardship
20. Blanding's Turtle - Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population, Eastern Musk Turtle, Midland Painted Turtle, Northern Map Turtle, Snapping Turtle | Use eDNA techniques for detection of cryptic turtle species at park sites with limited or remote access or for newly acquired properties. | Species presence is surveyed at select park locations. | Knowledge gap | 8.1 Basic Research & Status Monitoring
21. Gray Ratsnake - Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population, Eastern Milksnake, Eastern Ribbonsnake - Great Lakes population | Create and implement a snake cohabitation outreach program focused on co-existence between snakes and the public. Outreach program would see outreach materials, snake models, and signage brought to spaces in community events and centres with members of the public not normally reached. Two-eyed seeing approaches would be used by designing the media with Mohawk perspectives and language. Goals are to lessen persecution and target those with phobia towards snakes. Utilise the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network’s “Living in the Biosphere” communications campaign to reach more residents. | 10,000 individuals are reached through social media and lending of communication resources such as models, interpretation programing, and signage. | 5.1 Hunting, Collecting & Controlling Terrestrial Animals | 3.1 Outreach & Communications
22. Gray Ratsnake - Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population, Eastern Milksnake, Eastern Ribbonsnake - Great Lakes population | Relocate Gray Ratsnake nesting box to more suitable location within TINP. Develop a protocol for incubating vulnerable Gray Ratsnake eggs to support reproduction success. As needed, incubate vulnerable Gray Ratsnake eggs and release hatchlings back into TINP. | Gray Ratsnake nesting box is relocated to a more suitable location in TINP. Gray Ratsnake eggs are incubated, and hatchlings released back into the park, as needed. | 4.1 Roads, Trails & Railroads | 2.1 Species Stewardship (nest box) 2.3 Ex-Situ Conservation (egg incubation)
23. Goosefoot Cornsalad | Work with partners to complete or contract COSEWIC assessment of Goosefoot Cornsalad. | A report is completed and submitted to COSEWIC for assessment. | Knowledge gap | 8.1 Basic Research & Status Monitoring
24. Black Ash, Goosefoot Cornsalad, Pitch Pine | With Partner support, conduct a Detailed Impact Assessment or Option Analysis for European Swallow-wort (Vincetoxicum rossicum) and / or Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) biocontrol options. | An assessment is completed to determine the viability of conducting biocontrol releases in TINP, which considers the unique spatial elements of park properties such as Main Duck and Yorkshire Islands. | Knowledge gap | 8.1 Basic Research & Status Monitoring
25. Pitch Pine | Conduct a small-scale, targeted prescribed fire or similar management intervention (e.g., canopy thinning combined with soil scarification and planting) on Hill Island, as identified in the Pitch Pine Framework (St. Lawrence Islands National Park, 2009), followed up by management of herbivory. | At least one acre is burned or has mechanical management action on Hill Island’s Pitch Pine ridge. | 7.1 Fire & Fire Management | 1.1 Site / Area Stewardship
26. Pitch Pine | Implement prescribed fires or conduct mechanical actions identified in the Pitch Pine Framework (St. Lawrence Islands National Park, 2009) to maintain a healthy regional pitch pine population. | Expertise and support are provided to enable local partners to conduct prescribed fire and mechanical restoration in regional Pitch Pine stands. | 7.1 Fire & Fire Management | 1.1 Site / Area Stewardship
27. Pitch Pine, Black Ash, Butternut | Provide local tree species options to local landowners through partnerships with forestry centers, research centres, nurseries, and other partners. Subject to provincial laws for purposes of species enhancement. | Seeds collected through seed or material collection is provided to partners to propagate at their facilities. | 1.1 Residential Areas | 10.2 External Organizational Development & Support
28. Pale-bellied Frost Lichen | Opportunistically transplant lichen from occupied trees that have fallen, are dying, or have died. Review lichen transplant studies to determine best methods. | Pale-bellied frost lichen populations are visited every 3 years and lichen from fallen / dying trees are transplanted as required. | 7.3 Earth & Sediment Management | 2.2 Species Re-Introduction & Translocation
29. Lake Sturgeon - Great Lakes - Upper St. Lawrence populations | Provide support for Akwesasne projects that are focused on restoration, species ecology, and distribution of Lake Sturgeon. | Mohawks of Akwesasne Lake Sturgeon projects are supported by providing technical services or equipment when possible. Support surveys happening near park area. | Knowledge gap | 10.2 External Organizational Development & Support
30. Western Chorus Frog | Use automated recording units to survey for presence of Western Chorus Frog at vernal pool habitats identified in the TINP and ECCC vernal pool mapping project (Parks Canada Agency, 2024). | Ten new vernal pools identified in the vernal pool mapping project are surveyed to determine presence of Western Chorus Frog. | 11.3 Changes in Precipitation & Hydrological Regimes | 8.1 Basic Research & Status Monitoring
31.1. Wild Rice | Work with the Mohawks of Akwesasne and/or other Indigenous partners and the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network to measure Wild Rice abundance within TINP wetlands or lands managed by the Mohawks of Akwesasne. | A protocol is developed in collaboration with Akwesasne and Wild Rice abundance is surveyed within TINP wetlands. | Knowledge gap | 8.1 Basic Research & Status Monitoring (Indigenous Knowledge)
31.2. Wild Rice | Work with the Mohawks of Akwesasne and / or other Indigenous partners and the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network to develop a protocol to transplant Wild Rice into appropriate habitat within TINP wetlands or on lands managed by the Mohawks of Akwesasne The goal being a wild crop that is harvestable, but that also supplies cover to fish and food to waterfowl that are also gathered by sustenance hunting, traditional to the Akwesasne way of life. | A protocol to transplant wild rice is completed. Two transplants of Wild Rice are conducted. | Knowledge gap | 8.1 Basic Research & Status Monitoring (Indigenous Knowledge)
32. Common Five-lined Skink - Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population | Monitor and maintain restored Five-lined Skink cover objects in Landons Bay. As per the MSAP Implementation report, an additional 2-5 sites are suitable for micro-habitat restoration actions. Prioritize restoration of new areas using similar protocols as 1st successful site in Landons Bay rock barrens. | Cover objects at two new sites are restored and an additional 3 sites that are suitable for restoration are identified. | 6.3 Other Human Disturbances | 1.1 Site / Area Stewardship
33. Common Five-lined Skink - Great Lakes / St. Lawrence population | Calculate existing skink habitat in TINP by using the Habitat Suitability Index developed in 2019 to determine if there are any changes in the amount of skink habitat in TINP compared to 2019 levels. | Existing skink habitat is re-mapped to determine changes in habitat since 2019. | Knowledge Gap | 8.1 Basic Research & Status Monitoring
34. Black Ash | Work with the Mohawks of Akwesasne to create a workshop that involves teachings on Ehsa (Black Ash) from seed collection to germination, protecting growing trees from Emerald Ash Borer, harvesting, and traditional use. | A Black Ash workshop is held in collaboration with the Mohawks of Akwesasne to promote knowledge sharing on Black Ash conservation. | Knowledge gap | 8.1 Basic Research & Status Monitoring (Indigenous Knowledge)
35. Eastern Red Bat, Hoary Bat, Little Brown Myotis, Northern Myotis, Silver-haired Bat, Tri-coloured Bat | Deploy passive bat detectors to survey for bat presence. Use software to analyze data and where possible assist partners with analysis. | Ten TINP properties are surveyed to determine presence of bat species. | Knowledge gap | 8.1 Basic Research & Status Monitoring
36. Finlayson's Oakworm Moth | Reconfirm presence of Finlayson's Oakworm Moth on Gordon Island and complete surveys in other suitable localities within TINP. | Diurnal and/or nocturnal surveys for adult and larva are conducted with research partners. | Knowledge Gap | 8.1 Basic Research & Status Monitoring

## Footnotes

Footnote 1

  https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/species-risk-public-registry.html

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Footnote 2

  www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/species-risk-act-accord-funding/protection-federal-provincial-territorial-accord.html

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Footnote 3

  Parks Canada Agency. 2016. Multi-species Action Plan for Thousand Islands National Park of Canada. Species at Risk Act Action Plan Series. Parks Canada Agency, Ottawa. vi+ 30 pp.

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Footnote 4

  Occurrence of the species is, or is thought to be, consistent in the park, e.g., it may migrate in and out of the park, but it returns on a regular basis.

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Footnote 5

  Conservation Measures Partnership Conservation Actions Classification version 2.0 is an international standard designed to provide a simple, hierarchical, comprehensive, consistent, expandable, exclusive and scalable classification of all conservation actions.

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Footnote 6

  The CMP actions classification title is Institutional Development. Here we have changed the title to better reflect Parks Canada’s approaches and relationships with partners.

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Footnote 7

  SARA ss. 58(2) describes a federal protected area as a national park of Canada named and described in Schedule 1 to the Canada National Parks Act, the Rouge National Urban Park established by the Rouge National Urban Park Act, a marine protected area under the Oceans Act, a migratory bird sanctuary under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 or a national wildlife area under the Canada Wildlife Act.

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Footnote 8

  National objectives as per the most recent version of relevant recovery documents found in References section.

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Footnote 9

  Where population and distribution objectives have been established for TINP, monitoring is designed to directly measure success in achieving those goals.

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Footnote 10

  Threats were classified using the CMP (Level 1 and 2) threats classification system, version 4.0.

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Footnote 11

  Recovery Measures were classified using the CMP (level 1 and 2) action classification system, version 2.0.

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Footnote 12

  Threats were classified using the CMP classification system, version 4.0.

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Footnote 13

  Recovery Measures were classified using the CMP classification system, version 2.0.

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Date modified :
  2025-10-06