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Project Overview

Type of application: New

Proponent name:	Jennie
Company:	Canadian Wildlife Service

Schedule:

Start Date:	2021-06-01
End Date:	2035-07-31
Operation Type:	Seasonal

Project Description:

The Arctic Shorebird Monitoring Program was initiated in response to widespread shorebird population declines noted on migration routes through southern Canada and the United States. Accurately estimating shorebird numbers during migration is difficult. More accurate estimates can be obtained from surveying the birds on their northern breeding grounds. The objective of the program is to produce population estimates for arctic-breeding shorebirds and then to monitor trends in their populations over time. The Arctic Shorebird Monitoring Program, which is also called the Arctic Program for Regional and International Shorebird Monitoring (Arctic PRISM), is made up of two types of surveys: Tier 1 or “rapid” surveys (short term over a large area) and Tier 2 or “intensive” surveys (long term at a few specific sites). The coverage area for the program is all of arctic Canada, and our U.S. partners cover the parts of the arctic located in Alaska. This area has been divided into survey regions, and a survey cycle is complete once all regions have been surveyed. One or more regions may be surveyed in a given year. Surveys take place during the core shorebird breeding season each year (June and July). Tier 1 Surveys Tier 1 surveys involve conducting ground surveys at a random sample of plots that are accessed by helicopter. Results from these surveyed plots will be used to calculate density estimates of shorebirds in each survey region. Surveys involve two observers walking systematically over a 12 hectare plot and recording all birds and nests that they see. This allows us to determine bird density (how many there are), species diversity (how many different types of birds there are), which habitats they are using, and how a given nesting season compares to previous years. Each survey takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and are visited only once in a season. Disturbance is minimal as a result. Tier 2 Surveys This work involves intensively surveying a smaller number of plots across multiple visits throughout the field season. Results from this thorough sub-sample are used to calibrate results from rapidly surveyed plots in order to increase the accuracy of the density estimates. Surveys will also be conducted within general camp vicinity in order to collect demographic and ecological information such as: nest success, timing of breeding, habitat use, food habits, predator and herbivore abundance, and effects of weather on breeding shorebirds. These surveys are conducted on foot and do not require helicopter support. Field crews for each survey type consist of 4 -5 observers (plus a helicopter pilot for Tier 1 surveys) who stay at either temporary tent camps or nearby communities, depending on the area being surveyed. Tent camps typically consist of 2 10’ x 12’ wall tents (kitchen and storage tent) plus individual sleeping tents for crew members. Tent camps will not occur on any Inuit-owned land parcels, and all trace of the camps will be removed when surveys are complete. This project had previously received positive conformity determinations from the North Baffin and Keewatin Regional Land use plans and screening by NIRB that expired in 2020 (NIRB File #’s 05AN070 and 08YN017). This application is to cover the next round of surveys which is expected to take place from 2021 – 2035. We hope to survey each survey region at some point during this period.

Personnel:

Persons:	6
Days:	40

Project Map

List of all project geometries:

ID	Geometry	Location Name
7033	polygon	New project geometry

Planning Regions:

Qikiqtani

Kivalliq

Kitikmeot

Affected Areas and Land Types

Inuit Owned Surface Lands

Municipal

Extablished National or Territorial Park

Settlement Area

North Baffin Planning Region

Keewatin Planning Region

Thelon Game Sanctuary

Keewatin Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Southampton and Coats Island

Project Land Use and Authorizations

Project Land Use

Scientific Research

Licensing Agencies

CWS: Migratory Bird Sanctuary permit under the Migratory Bird Sanctuary Regulations

PC: 0

GN-DOE: Wildlife Research Permit

CWS: National Wildlife Area permit under the Wildlife Area Regulations

CWS: Scientific permit under the Migratory Bird Regulations

KivIA: Exemption Certificate

QIA: Exemption Certificate

KitIA: Exemption Certificate

EC: Canadian Bird Banding Permit

Other Licensing Requirements
No data found.

Material Use

Equipment

Type	Quantity	Size	Use
Helicopter	1-2	Bell 206 or similar	- Sling in / out camp equipment- Transportation between ground survey plots- Aerial surveys during travel between survey plots
All Terrain Vehicle	0 - 2	4' x 8' (ATV, Honda TRX 420 or similar)	- Tier 2 study sites may or may not have 1 - 2 ATV's available- Utilized for camp chores at camp location (moving equipment, retrieving water)- Facilitate travel for personnel within the study area.
Fixed-wing Aircraft	1-2	Twin Otter	- Transport personnel and equipment to / from camp location- Transport drummed fuel to / from cache sites

Fuel Use

Type	Container(s)	Capacity	UOM	Use
Propane	12	20	Lbs	- 0 - 12 20lb propane cylinders per camp- Used to facilitate camp life (cooking, heating water, propane appliances (ie. freezer))
Other	2	1	Liters	- White gas stored in emergency kits- 1L bottle for camp stove
Aviation fuel	40	205	Liters	- One or more caches of drummed aviation fuel may be established in order to support operations.- Individual caches may contain up to 20 drums.- preexisting cache sites will be utilized whereever possible, mostly those operated by the Polar Continental Shelf Program.- Drums will be placed in portable containment berm.- Caches will not be established on any Inuit-owned land parcels.- Drums will be removed when complete

Hazardous Material and Chemical Use

Type	Container(s)	Capacity	UOM	Use
Batteries	1	10	Lbs	- Batteries for use in electronic devices- Approximately 200 AA batteries per camp, and will be removed at the end of each field season.

Water Consumption

Daily Amount (m³)	Retrieval Method	Retrieval Location
0.5	By hand (buckets, water containers)	Pond, lake, or stream near camp location.

Waste and Impacts

Environmental Impacts

Environmental impacts for this project are expected to be minimal. Survey plots during Tier 1 surveys are visited only once for a period of approximately 2-3 hours. Tier 2 survey plots are visited more frequently, and are also conducted on foot. If ATV use occurs, we will endeavour to drive only on established trails or on firm, solid ground in order to minimize disturbance. Field crews will stay at temporary tent camps, and all equipment and garbage will be removed at the end of each field season. Camps will not occur on any Inuit-owned land parcels. Grey water will be disposed of in sump pit, and latrines will be buried. Water use is limited to normal household use (drinking, dishes, etc.). Temporary fuel caches will be removed when no longer needed.

Waste Management

Waste Type	Quantity Generated	Treatement Method	Disposal Method
Greywater	up to 100L / day / camp	- Pit regularly treated with environmentally friendly lime substitute to facilitate decomposition	- Sump pit
Sewage (human waste)	Waste from ~10 people for 20 - 40 days	n/a	- Latrine pits will be utilized when outside protected areas.- if within a protected area, waste will be treated with a gelling agent (waste treatment powder) and removed from the site at the end of each field season
Combustible wastes	5 bags / camp	n/a	- Household garbage will be stored in bear-proof containers and removed at the end of each field season. It we be deposited in the waste facilities at the nearest community.
Non-Combustible wastes	5 bags / camp	n/a	- Household garbage will be stored in bear-proof containers and removed at the end of each field season. It we be deposited in the waste facilities at the nearest community.

See All (9)

Category:	Imported geometry - proect geometry
Recieved:	2021-02-01
Originator:	Paul Woodard
Public Registry ID:	18281
Document Size:	4.45 Kb

Category:	Imported geometry - proect geometry
Recieved:	2021-02-01
Originator:	Paul Woodard
Public Registry ID:	18282
Document Size:	4.45 Kb

Category:	Imported geometry - proect geometry
Recieved:	2021-02-01
Originator:	Paul Woodard
Public Registry ID:	18291
Document Size:	4.45 Kb

Category:	Application form attachment - License/ Authorization
Recieved:	2021-02-01
Originator:	Paul Woodard
Public Registry ID:	18287
Document Size:	4361.17 Kb

Category:	Application form attachment - License/ Authorization
Recieved:	2021-02-01
Originator:	Paul Woodard
Public Registry ID:	18289
Document Size:	275.91 Kb

Category:	Application form attachment - Project description
Recieved:	2021-02-01
Originator:	Paul Woodard
Public Registry ID:	18284
Document Size:	239.11 Kb

Category:	Application form attachment - Project description
Recieved:	2021-02-01
Originator:	Paul Woodard
Public Registry ID:	18285
Document Size:	1471.69 Kb

Category:	Application form attachment - Project description
Recieved:	2021-02-01
Originator:	Paul Woodard
Public Registry ID:	18286
Document Size:	1508.78 Kb

Category:	Application related document - Conformity Determination Letter
Recieved:	2021-02-17
Originator:	Adrian Gerhartz
Public Registry ID:	18341
Document Size:	308.7 Kb

KEEWATIN QUESTIONAIRE

GENERAL

Environmental Protection:

s2.4.9: The applicant undertakes to prevent any new occurances of pollution, garbage and contamination at the site of the development.

YES

Removal of Fuel Drums:

s2.4.9: The applicant undertakes to remove all drums safely from the site and dispose of the drums in a safe manner.

YES

New Site Restoration and Clean Up:

s2.4.15 and Appendix 2,s1: The applicant undertakes to clean up the site and restore the site to its natural condition to the greatest extent possible.

YES

Old Site Restoration and Clean Up:

s3.13.2: The applicant undertakes to clean up the site and restore the site to its original condition to the greatest extent possible, including any work required due to the applicant's action prior to this application.

YES

Low Level Air Flights:

s5.4.4 and Apendix 2, s3: Will the applicant avoid low-level flights?

i. If not, explain why such flights are or may be absolutely necessary.

Low-level flights will occur to conduct aerial bird surveys during travel between survey plots in order to maximize the utility of being in the area. Aerial surveys are flown at a height of ~30m and a speed of 80km/h. We will halt surveys or modify the flight path if large mammals are encountered.

ii. If such flights are or may be absolutely necessary, will they avoid disturbance to people and wildlife?

YES

iii. If not, explain why it is not possible to avoid such disturbance.

Caribou Protection Measures:

s2.4.6 and Appendix 3: Will the applicant comply with the Caribou Protection Measures outlined in section 2.4.6 and in Appendix 3?

YES

Caribou Water Crossings:

Will the applicant avoid, between May 15 and September 1, to construct any camp, cache any fuel or conduct s2.4.6 and map: any blasting within 10 km of any Designated Caribou Water Crossing identified

YES

ARCHEOLOGY

Reporting of Archaeological Sites:

s4.4.3 and Appendix 3, s2 and s8: Will the applicant immediately report the discovery of all suspected archaeological sites to the Government of Nunavut?

YES

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Scientific Research:

s6.4.2: Does the project proposal involve scientific research?

YES

If yes, will the applicant integrate all available and relevant local and traditional knowledge when conducting its research?

YES

Local Services and Local Employment:

s6.4.3: Will the applicant rely on local services and employment where possible?

YES

Describe the services retained and people to be employed.

We are committed to hiring Inuit through the Canadian Wildlife Service’s Inuit Field Research Assistant and Inuit Mentorship Programs and we have had many excellent Inuit work with us on Arctic PRISM over the years. Beneficiaries are encouraged to apply to these programs.

Communication on Scientific Research:

s6.4.4: Will the applicant communicate with communities in language that is clear, non-technical, in Inuktitut and English and communicate to the affected communities the results of all scientific res

YES

Consultation with Nunavut Research Institute:

s6.4.5: Has the applicant made all reasonable efforts to consult with the Nunavut Research Institute about research that would benefit or interest local residents?

If no, explain why.

The Nunavut Research Institute (NRI) administers Nunavut's Scientists Act. The act requires that anyone conducting social, health, land or water based (abiotic) research in the Nunavut settlement area must first obtain a licence from the Nunavut Research Institute. We have not contacted the Nunavut Research Institute as this project involves wildlife and will instead be covered by a Government of Nunavut Wildlife Research Permit.

PARTICULAR AREAS

Game Sanctuary:

s2.4.1: Is the project proposal located, in whole or in part, within the Thelon Game sanctuary?

YES

Bird Sanctuary:

s2.4.1: Is the project proposal located, in whole or in part, within the Mc Connell River Migratory Bird Sanctuary, the Harry Gibbons Migratory Bird Sanctuary or, the East Bay Migratory Bird Sanctuary

YES

Southern Southampton Island and Coats Island:

s3.4.5: Is the project proposal located, in whole or in part, in southern Southampton Island and Coats Island?

YES

If yes, does the project proposal involve hydrocarbon exploration?

Municipal Lands:

s1.4.3: Is the project located, in whole or in part, within municipal boundaries?

YES

PARTICULAR ACTIVITIES

New Land Use:

Does the project proposal involve a new type of land use never engaged in before in the region?

Code of Good Conduct for Land Users:

Appendix 2: The applicant undertakes to adhere to the Code of Good Conduct at all times.

YES

NORTH BAFFIN QUESTIONAIRE

GENERAL

Environmental Protection:

s3.13.8: The applicant undertakes to prevent any new occurrences of pollution, garbage and contamination at the site of the development.

YES

Removal of Fuel Drums:

s3.13.8: The applicant undertakes to remove all drums safely from the site and dispose of the drums in a safe manner.

YES

New Site Restoration and Clean Up:

s3.13.1 and Appendix H, s1: The applicant undertakes to clean up the site and restore the site to its natural condition to the greatest extent possible.

YES

Old Site Restoration and Clean Up:

YES

Low-Level Air Flights:

Appendix H, s3: Will the applicant avoid all low-level flights?

i. If not, explain why such flights are or may be absolutely necessary.

ii. If such flights are or may be absolutely necessary, will they avoid disturbance to people and wildlife?

YES

iii. If not, explain why it is not possible to avoid such disturbance.

Caribou Protection Measures:

s3.3.7 and Appendix D: Will the applicant comply with the Caribou Protection Measures outlined in section 2.4.6 and in Appendix D?

YES

Caribou Water Crossings:

s3.3.7 and map: Will the applicant avoid, between may 15 and September 1, to construct any camp, cache any fuel or conduct any blasting within 10 km of any Designated Caribou Water Crossing identified

YES

Polar Bear Denning Areas and Walrus Haul-outs:

s3.3.8: Will the applicant keep its activities away from any polar bear denning area or walrus haul-out?

YES

HERITAGE RESOURCES

Reporting of Archaeological Sites:

s3.11.3 and Appendix H, s2 and s8: Will the applicant immediately report the discovery of all suspected archaeological sites to the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth (GN)?

YES

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Scientific Research:

s3.9.3: Does the project proposal involve scientific research?

YES

If yes, will the applicant integrate all available and relevant local and traditional knowledge when conducting its research?

YES

Consultation with Nunavut Research Institute:

s3.9.5: Has the applicant consulted with the Nunavut Research Institute about research topics that would benefit or interest local residents?

ii. If no, explain why.

Local Services and Local Employment:

s3.9.4: Will the applicant rely on local services and employment where possible?

YES

i. Describe the services retained and the people to be employed.

Communication on Scientific Research:

s3.2.8: The applicant will, at minimum, translate a summary of its work into Inuktitut and communicate with communities using language that is clear and non-technical. The results of all scientific re

YES

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