5. Creating a Master Plan for Parrot's Bay Conservation Area

Abstract

Over the past 20 years the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) has been purchasing the area surrounding Parrot’s Bay in hopes to conserve wildlife habitat. By collaborating with CRCA, our aim is to gain insight through research of the surrounding area and examination of case studies from other conservation areas, to create the most effective conservation plan for Parrot’s Bay. The goal is to minimize the negative impacts of recreational trails and activities on wildlife within the conservation area. Such impacts include the disruption of migratory patterns, the relocation of animals into the area and fragmentation of habitat due to trail location. By identifying key species and their migration patterns within Parrot’s Bay we will design a plan that will cater to the species inhabiting the land while minimizing the anthropogenic effects on the natural habitats. Another key factor in the design of Parrot’s Bay is the issue of urban sprawl, which is very prevalent in this region. Our project will seek to minimize the effects of urban sprawl on the conservation area through the use of land planning and management policies. The outcome we hope to achieve is the formation of a master plan for Parrot’s Bay, to link all acquired land in order to prioritize and manage wildlife species most effectively.