Islanders invited to help shape future of national park

Parks Canada is asking for public input on how to maintain and improve Prince Edward Island National Park which it calls one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected natural and cultural heritage areas in the world.

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A management plan has been drafted for the park, outlining key strategies for maintaining and improving the visitor experience as well as the ecological integrity of the park.

Deadline for feedback Nov. 30

The public can participate in the consultation process in two ways: by reading the draft plan and submitting comments, or by attending a public open house. The deadline for feedback is Nov. 30

"We would really like to have as many people come as possible to hear about the draft plan," said Barb MacDonald, external relations manager for Parks Canada in P.E.I.

"There will be a presentation to give a background of where we are and to present the highlights of the draft plan and there will be parks staff present to answer questions and be there to collect feedback and just discuss things in general."

Public open houses

The draft Management Plan is available here.

Three public open houses are scheduled:

• Monday, Oct. 24, North Rustico Lions Club, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 25, Greenwich Interpretation Centre, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 26, North Shore Community Centre, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

P.E.I. National Park is one of the smallest in Canada, encompassing an area of approximately 22.2 square kilometres. The park includes Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site, a large network of trails, and the Greenwich area all of which will be included in the management plan.

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