Long Point Biosphere Reserve
Periodic Review
2011
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Long Point Biosphere Reserve was designated by UNESCO in 1986. The Point itself is a 40
km sand spit created by erosion deposit on the north shore of Lake Erie, which is mainly
protected as core area. As the southernmost region of Canada, it contains the best remaining
Carolinian deciduous forests in the country, it is a significant migratory bird area, and a
recognized RAMSAR wetland complex. The Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation
(LPWBRF) – a volunteer organization – was incorporated in 1991 to develop new conservation
partnerships and programs, promote sustainable development, and support monitoring, research,
and education.
Since the first periodic review in 2000, the LPWBRF has expanded their activities to consider
broader sustainability concerns, to help respond to the social and economic impacts of changes in
agriculture, including the decline in tobacco farming, the lack of employment opportunities for
youth in rural areas, and tourism opportunities. At the same time, the LPWBRF facilitated major
forest restoration efforts, species-at- risk protection, and sustainable tourism development within
surrounding Norfolk County. Financial support from the federal government in 2008, through
Environment Canada, has helped create greater capacity for the LPWBRF as an organization,
and as part of a growing grass-roots network that is expanding its influence across ecological
boundaries, to engage other sectors at the regional scale of Norfolk County.
Following a recommendation in the first periodic review, LPWBRF is interested in the addition
of terrestrial core and buffer areas, a boundary expansion to be co-terminus with Norfolk County,
and a slight name change to the Long Point Carolinian Biosphere Reserve. This periodic review,
therefore, provides an update to UNESCO on this process, which is detailed in a separate 143-
page document called Request for Boundary Expansion, Recognition of Additional
Cores/Buffers, and Name Change. Wherever possible, this periodic review aims to simplify the
reporting by making specific reference to relevant sections in the accompanying “Expansion”
document.
The main finding of this review report is that the Long Point Biosphere Reserve continues to
fulfill the mandate of the MAB program. It is recommended that: (1) The Long Point World
Biosphere Reserve Foundation continue to seek recognition for additional core areas in the
landscape mosaic, of an expanded biosphere reserve. (2) On the occasion of expansion, it would
be timely to develop a Conservation Action Plan for Norfolk County to build on current efforts
to coordinate research, monitoring, restoration, education and environmental reporting. (3)
Consider organizing a biennial public conference, youth summits, or similar large-scale events in
partnership with regional government and others. of public education activities, conservation
actions can be reported on and sustainable development initiatives can be showcased. Thematic
workshops (such as climate change adaptation scenarios, ecological goods and services
inventories and cultural mapping, or development of local products for quality economies) might
be addressed. (4) Finally, it is recommended that the LPWBRF pilot a sustainable tourism
program as a means of developing sustainable development to the region, while sharing
knowledge across the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association and the World Network of
Biosphere Reserves.
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1. Introduction and Purpose
[Note that this section is for readers other than those affiliated with the UNESCO Man and
Biosphere Programme]. Biosphere reserves are considered to be learning sites established by
countries and recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme “to promote sustainable
development based on local community efforts and sound science”. These places seek to
reconcile conservation of biological and cultural diversity with economic and social development
through partnerships among people and sustainable relationships with nature. They focus on
multi-stakeholder approaches that involve local communities in management and act as sites of
excellence for education, training, research, and learning (cited and paraphrased from
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/biospherereserves/).
The specific objectives of biosphere reserves are to:
a. promote the conservation of biological and cultural diversity;
b. promote the sustainable use of resources; and
c. provide logistical support for scientific research, demonstration and learning.
These objectives are achieved through a zonation system that establishes: (1) core areas that
must be officially protected; (2) a buffer zone where research and recreation uses compatible
with ecological protection are allowed; and, (3) a transition zone where sustainable resource
use is practiced. In Canada, the outer zone is also referred to as an ‘area of cooperation.’
Periodic reviews are conducted every 10 years. The purpose of the periodic review is:
a. to obtain updated information on the changes to and within a biosphere reserve region,
the governance processes and activities that correspond with MAB objectives, and the
biosphere reserve organization;
b. to reflect on the successes and challenges of the biosphere reserve organization in
meeting MAB objectives;
c. to inform strategic priorities and action in the next 10 years of both the biosphere reserve
under review the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association (CBRA); and the Canada-
MAB Committee,
d. to help UNESCO-MAB in Paris to determine whether the biosphere reserve continues to
meets the criteria of a functional biosphere reserve (e.g., as outlined in the Seville
Strategy).
A periodic review report provides 1. an overview of the governance and program activities within
a biosphere reserve region that correspond with MAB objectives and 2. a description of a
biosphere reserve organization’s governance, activities and plans. This two-pronged approach
recognizes that a region’s context presents opportunities and constraints, with activities
occurring that may fit the MAB mandate independent of the biosphere reserve organization, and
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identifies the extent to which a biosphere reserve organization has played a role within its
region.
2. Review Process
The periodic review process in Canada is undertaken in collaboration between reviewers
selected by the Canada-MAB committee and local biosphere reserve practitioners. The roles
and responsibilities of different parties and organizations is described in the Canada-MAB
Biosphere Reserve Periodic Review Process – Canada (2011) document.
2.1 Brief reviewer biographies relevant to biosphere reserve expertise
Rebecca (Becky) Pollock has a doctoral degree in Canadian Studies from Trent and Carleton
Universities (2009) and her dissertation focus was on “The role of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves
in governance for sustainability” using Long Point Biosphere Reserve as one of her case studies.
She has been a volunteer with the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve since 2002, and is past
president of the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association. Her current position is
Communications Manager with the GBBR Inc. based in Parry Sound, Ontario.
The Canada-MAB Committee also appointed Richard Mitchell (Brock University) to the review
team but he resigned in July 2011 due to other commitments.
2.2 Prior to site visit
Summarize activities, specify communications with the biosphere reserve organization, and
public media notification of the periodic review purpose and process specific to the biosphere
reserve. This is a responsibility of the biosphere reserve organization under review.
Working with board chair, Brian Craig, and coordinator Bernt (Bernie) Solymár, a number of
communications, documents, information and plans (such as the draft Strategic Plan, project
reports, sample newsletters, maps, etc.) were exchanged between January 2011 and June 2011.
The LPWBRF was informed by formal memo, following the release of new Canada-MAB
periodic review forms that their participation was sought, and that group meetings and personal
interviews would be arranged. A local media release was issued by the organization.
The review team was also sent the latest proposal to UNESCO for expansion document
(described below) for background information. Given the release date of the new forms and
process requirements (May 2011), the limited time of the BR volunteers involved (particularly in
light of the LPWBRF hosting the CBRA annual meetings in June 2011 and celebrating the 25th
anniversary of the BR at the same time) less consultation was made possible than was desired.
A further challenge arose in the coordination of the eventual Request for Boundary Expansion,
Recognition of Additional Cores/Buffers, and Name Change and this periodic review. Only at the
ICC and EuroMAB meetings in July 2011, through the Chair of the Canada MAB Committee,
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was this process for coordination clarified to the reviewers. It was determined that the two
submissions could be made together, and that the periodic review would provide an update on
the process underway. The proposal for expansion would be considered separately, but in
conjunction with, the periodic review.
2.3 Site visit
Describe the site visit; include reference to timelines, meetings, events (e.g., open forum),
interviews (distinguish between those arranged by the biosphere reserve organization and those
set up independently by the reviewers), and community engagement.
Two site visits were conducted in April and June, 2011. The first was a planning and information
meeting with board chair and coordinator and meeting key stakeholders. The second was a week
of participant observation and personal interviews during the CBRA annual meetings.
2.4 Post-site visit
Identify the process by which the review was written and verified for accuracy before being
forwarded to the Canada MAB committee. This includes articulating the process by which
opportunities for input on the report were given and a timeline with a clear deadline for
completing the iterative process of revisions.
The review was written with reference to many documents provided by the BR. A series of
telephone interviews were held with those listed in Appendix C. The document was then
circulated among several of those involved in LPWBRF activities for comment. These comments
were incorporated in this final version submitted to Canada-MAB in August 2011.
3. Geographical and Social Context and Updates
Long Point is one of Canada’s iconic landscapes, with a sand spit formation extending 40 km into
Lake Erie. It is the largest erosion deposit formation in the Great Lakes, created by water-borne
sediments swept eastward and deposited in part along an underwater glacial moraine. The Point
is a dynamic physical feature subject to partial displacement during high water levels or storm
surges and subsequent reformation (Nelson and Wilcox, 1996). Surrounding the Point is a rich
variety of habitats and biological diversity, including southern species that are unique to Canada.
The Inner Bay area supports a waterfowl staging area and a migratory corridor for birds and
insects; the area was recognized as an international Ramsar wetland site in 1982, as a UNESCO
world biosphere reserve in 1986, and as an Important Bird Area in 1996.
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3.1 Name of the Biosphere Reserve Long Point Biosphere Reserve
3.2 Please provide a location map, and a map of the zonation for the biosphere reserve (for
ease of reference)
Figure 1: Four biosphere reserves in Ontario; Long Point is southernmost on Lake Erie (OMNR, 2009).
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Figure 2: Map of the Long Point Biosphere Reserve (Credit: Long Point Region Conservation Authority).
Figure 3: The Long Point sand spit and surrounding agricultural lands (Google Earth, 2011).
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3.3 Year designated: 1986 Year of first periodic review: 2000
3.4 Configuration and zoning
3.4.1 Size and spatial configuration
Size of the Core Area(s): 6,250 ha.
Size of the Buffer Zone(s): 34,000 ha.
Approximate size of Transition Area(s) (if applicable) 350 ha.
Total area…………………………………………………………….40,600 ha.
As noted in the Executive Summary, there has been significant interest from a number of
organizations in recognizing terrestrial core areas, buffer zones, and expanding the transition area
(referred to as a zone of cooperation) to include more of the terrestrial ecosystems and human
communities that have been involved in biosphere reserve activities. A formal Expansion
document is being prepared for submission to UNESCO.
3.4.2 Composition of core areas, buffer zones, and/or extent of transition area.
The core area of the biosphere reserve currently consists of the 3,250 ha Long Point National
Wildlife Area (administered by Environment Canada’s Canadian Wildlife Services) and,
informally, the adjacent properties of the Long Point Company (a private hunt club), for a total
of 6,250 ha. Transport Canada governs the lighthouse at the tip of the Point and public access is
prohibited in the core area. There are no permanent residents and special permits must be issued
for bird studies.
The 34,000 ha buffer zone extends along the north shore of Lake Erie, east to the tip of Turkey
Point and west to encompass the extensive Big Creek Wildlife Area marshes. It also extends out
over the marshes of the Inner Bay. The buffer zone includes Long Point Provincial Park and
intensive cottage development at the base of the Point, which acts to concentrate recreational
activities away from the core area.
The UNESCO biosphere reserve nomination application in 1985 focused entirely on the Long
Point complex and the Inner Bay. Outer boundaries in Lake Erie were defined by the 10 m water
depth contour, while on the mainland side, the boundary was set at the 100 year flood line,
because as Francis and Whitelaw (2001: 41) explain: it had been mapped and special restrictions
on development had been imposed by municipalities due to the hazard of floods. Francis et al.
(1985: 5) underscore that these boundaries were and are an arbitrary delineation around a
geographic area of interest.
The transition area has been intentionally fluid, since it depends on what activities are being
carried out. As the LPWBRF “…found its role among the various organizations and agencies,
its interests have extended into issues of forest restoration and management on the mainland in
the lower reaches of the Big Creek watershed. This has become a de facto part of the transition
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area / zone of cooperation” (Francis and Whitelaw, 2000: 43). From information received from
people associated with the biosphere reserve, this was outer boundary was kept imprecise but it
did include the cottage development at the base of the point, and parts of the mainland that are
shown on the map currently in use.
Like other areas in southern Ontario, the Long Point complex is subject to many environmental
stresses including commercial and residential development, forest fragmentation, exotic species
invasions, shoreline alterations, nutrient loading, and recreational activities (Craig and Francis,
1993). Each of these cross-scale influences was recognized as important to the biosphere
reserve’s mandate, but no formal attention was given to addressing sustainable development
dynamics on the mainland at the time of designation. Francis and Whitelaw (2001: 42) noted in
their periodic review, “that while conceptually it would have been reasonable to include the 730
km2 Big Creek Watershed (which drains into the Inner Bay) as part of the transition area… the
organizational complexity entailed by adding more municipal and agricultural organizations into
the mix was deemed (at the time) to make this unfeasible. The early difficulties experienced by
the biosphere reserve group in developing an organizational structure that “worked” seems to
have confirmed this judgment.”
However, over the past two decades, the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation has
recognized an implicit transition area: in a geographical sense the Big Creek and Dedrick Creek
watersheds are considered part of the Area of Cooperation (transition zone), since land use there
affects the welfare of the Inner Bay. Specific projects over the years have illustrated the
commitment of the LPWBRF to aquatic, terrestrial, and socio-ecological systems across a much
wider region than the current configuration of the biosphere reserve.
As noted in section 16.3.1 of the Expansion document, “the zone of cooperation that has been
adopted by the LPWBFR in recent years extends across the southern half of Norfolk County.
The request now is to extend it to coincide with the jurisdiction of Norfolk County, and a portion
of Lake Erie that serves to recognize the cultural heritage of the 19th century shipwrecks off Long
Point. The questions to be addressed in the County… include how best to deal with the
continuing economic pressures on local agriculture arising from trade agreements and private
sector changes, the impacts from urbanizing regions [such as the Greater Toronto Area] that may
be impacting on land prices, and changing demographics that put more demands on water supply
and sewage treatment facilities, health services, and needs for public transport.”
Recognition of new outer boundaries that are co-terminus with those of Norfolk County creates
the possibility of responding to sustainability issues that cross scales. This is fundamental to the
UNESCO model. Not only does it allow the biosphere reserve organization to link projects
across a gradient of human impact (core-buffer-transition), but it also connects globally
significant ecosystems with local residents’ sense of place. Moreover, no other organization than
the LPWBRF has the mandate to cross scales in this way and to actively facilitate governance for
sustainability.
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Update on the Proposal for Boundary Expansion
In light of the recent work that the LPWBRF has undertaken to establish itself as a multistakeholder,
community-based organization with concerns for sustainability. The Expansion
process, begun in 2008, with strategic consultations with municipal councilors, affected
organizations, and private landowners has generated positive support. This initiative also meets
the recommendation of periodic reviewers in 2001, who acknowledged the evolution of the
LPWBRF’s scope of involvements:
…as the LPBR found its role among the various organizations and agencies, its interests
have extended into issues of forest restoration and management on the mainland… this
has become a de facto part of the transition area / zone of cooperation. (Francis and
Whitelaw, 2001: 43).
The reviewers made the formal recommendation to “reconfigure the biosphere reserve in order to
include a terrestrial component on the adjacent mainland” (Francis and Whitelaw, 2001: 25) in a
new nomination application to UNESCO. The proposed new boundary would include 1,607 km2
of Norfolk County in order to include the diverse rural landscape, including significant terrestrial
ecosystems representative of Carolinian forests.
The proposed additions for core areas, totaling approximately 1,848 hectares (ha), include:
Spooky Hollow Nature Sanctuary (300 ha)
Owned by the Hamilton Nature Club since 1961, and administered by the Club’s Head-of-the-
Lake Land Trust. It is an important site for the biosphere reserve’s forest corridor project.
Turkey Point Natural Environment Zone (145 ha)
This is a zone within the larger (216 ha) Turkey Point Provincial (Recreation) Park, administered
by Ontario Parks. There is an adjacent 13 ha site owned by the Nature Conservancy of Canada
that is also viewed as part of this complex.
Backus Wood (~263 ha of a larger (491 ha) complex).
Until 2011, Backus Woods was owned by the Long Point Region Conservation Authority and
had a conservation easement held by the Ontario Heritage Trust. A Backus Woods Advisory
Committee advised on research, monitoring and protection issues. The Woods were purchased
from the LPRCA in 2011 by the NCC, as part of the Norfolk Carolinian Legacy Project funded
by “The W. Garfield Weston Foundation”.
South Walsingham Sand Ridge - Big Creek Floodplain Complex (1,140 ha).
Properties in this complex are owned by the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Ontario
Heritage Trust.
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Further descriptions about the “uses and activities” in these areas appear in sections 16.1, 16.2,
and 16.3 in the Expansion document.
Figure 4: Map of the proposed expansion and additional core and buffer areas (LPWBRF, 2008).
The proposed expansion and re-named “Long Point Carolinian Biosphere Reserve” represents an
excellent opportunity for public education. As Jamieson et al. (2008: 139) note: “The Long Point
Biosphere Reserve has experienced several rhythms of activity since it was designated in 1986.”
Deliberations on the expansion proposal may indeed be a powerful means of strengthening
awareness of the biosphere reserve concept and increasing the involvement of new stakeholders.
If successful, the LPWBRF will then be engaged in coordinating a whole new phase of
conservation within and across the additional core and buffer areas. Critically, they will be leading
more formal sustainable development activities in partnership with dozens of organizations
across the County.
3.5 Human population of the biosphere reserve (¶ 10). Most recent census data (e.g. 2011).
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Approximately 3,500 permanent and seasonal residents in the current biosphere reserve
transition area, with many visitors to the area and the provincial parks. There are 2 permanent
staff in the core areas. Long Point Provincial Park receives about 300,000 visitors per year. The
population of Norfolk County in 2006 was 62,563, up 2.8% from 60,845 in 2001. Data for 2011
was unavailable.
3.6 Updated background information about the biosphere reserve.
3.6.1 Changes or corrections to be made in the information for the UNESCO/MAB
Biosphere Reserve Directory:
Visit: http://www.unesco.org/mabdb/br/brdir/directory/biores.asp?mode=all&Code=CAN+03
The contact information should be listed as follows:
Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation
P.O. Box 338
Port Rowan, ON
N0E 1M0
Phone: (519) 410-8878
Email: brcoordinator@lpwbrf.ca
3.6.2 Brief summary of the follow-up actions taken in response to each of the UNESCO
recommendations from the first periodic review (where applicable).
Actions have been taken in response to each of the recommendations put forward in the previous
review. There were five related actions that might stem from the creation of a “strategic and/or
business plan.” Such a plan might do the following: (1) set some directions and priorities around
which fund-raising efforts could be concentrated; (2) involve consideration about reconfiguring
the biosphere reserve to include a terrestrial component on the adjacent mainland; (3)
implementing a modest coordinated monitoring program; (4) adopting public information and
communication around the theme of ecosystems and sustainable resource use in the Long Point
area as a continuing focus for the biosphere reserve; and, (5) following-up on some “ecotourism”
possibilities that have been explored. The responses are as follows:
In 2009, the board of directors created a Draft Strategic Plan for 2010-2015. It underscored their
broad goals, following the three functions of biosphere reserves, and commitment to
environmental, economic, social and cultural sustainability. It has clarified overall directions and
priorities in order to concentrate efforts and create a more stable and diversified funding plan.
With support from the federal government for biosphere reserve coordination (2008-2012), a
coordinator is now able to assess funding opportunities and develop mechanisms for longer term
financing of LPWBRF operations. This coordination capacity has made a significant difference
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to the influence of the biosphere reserve in a short period of time. It has also given the board a
chance to reflect on sustainable funding strategies. One of these is a membership structure
designed around a Charter, to which businesses and individuals pay modest amounts to
participate. It is initially proposed for the tourism industry, but could expand to include a wide
range of enterprises in the region.
(2) The first UNESCO periodic review report (in 2001) suggested that it would be desirable to
consider questions about reconfiguring the biosphere reserve to include a terrestrial component
on the adjacent mainland. Also, the municipal government of the former County has been
consolidated into one government, which at present has shown itself to be sympathetic to the
goals of a biosphere reserve and contributes to some of the projects. The Expansion document
will reflect this.
(3) In the history of the LPBR, ecosystem monitoring has been a key element of the logistics
function, both at the monitoring program level (e.g., the Smithsonian Institute/Ecological
Monitoring and Assessment Network biodiversity plots) and at a broader gap analysis of
monitoring programs occurring in the region. A detailed inventory of programs was conducted in
1995 and again in 2010, there has been a movement to coordinate a Long Point Research and
Networking Working Group among numerous conservation stakeholders. From this group
emerged an identified need for a regional-level Conservation Action Plan, which may be pursued
in coming years with recent funding support from the Carolinian Canada Coalition.
(4) In terms of public education, the LPWBRF has produced communication pieces in local
media, annual newsletters, an updated brochure and website, along with special workshops. They
have worked closely with the Backus Woods Conservation Centre,, held a “Sustainable Norfolk
County” conference in 2006 attended by over 200 people. Long Point recently hosted the 2011
Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association (CBRA) annual meeting, which is a time to showcase
accomplishments and key messages to a regional and national audience. The 25th Anniversary
celebrations were a special time to recognize the accomplishments of the past, and a special
dinner, open to the public, was held for the occasion.
(5) One of these alternatives has been the enduring theme of “eco-tourism” which has surfaced at
various points over the years, most recently at the conference (2006) and at a special workshop
(2011) on “sustainable tourism” and a possible biosphere reserve “Charter” certification program
(as developed in the Fundy Biosphere Reserve). The LPWBRF Board is seeking ways to connect
and validate the diverse eco-tourism efforts underway, including: nature tourism, trails
development, agro-tourism, agricultural “branding” initiatives (e.g., the South Coast wine
region), organic farming, educational tourism, and the like.
3.7 Other observations or comments on the above.
It is important to note the 25-year history of the Long Point Biosphere Reserve and its evolution
from a (pre-Seville Strategy) conservation-oriented organization to one that is more dynamic and
responsive to sustainable development concerns across the whole region (Pollock, 2009; Edge,
2007; McCarthy, 2006). The Long Point case illustrates the use of innovative approaches to
collaboration, network creation, and sustainability planning to address a wider range of social
and economic considerations at broader scales, such as: sustainable livelihoods (agriculture,
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forestry, ecotourism), community economic development, and how to build capacity for
managing the biosphere reserve, including the need for long-term, stable funding and resources.1
It is interesting to note that the original mission of the biosphere reserve organization in 1991
changed from: “The Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation promotes research,
monitoring, education and appropriate projects that support the goals of conservation and
sustainable use in the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve”
to:
“Our vision is to become the facilitators of cooperative partnerships – based upon common goals
and interests – that promote and foster a common approach for a more sustainable economic,
social and environmentally sound community” in 2006.
This statement was refined in the Draft Strategic Plan for 2010-2015, where the vision is to:
“Support a diverse network of partners and stakeholders who work to assist communities and
resource sectors within the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve to achieve a greater level of
economic, environmental and social sustainability, while preserving the areas of biodiversity and
natural heritage.”
As noted for the Expansion document, the LPWBRF has become involved in collaborative
projects related to land and water stewardship, forest protection and ecological restoration, and
some associated agricultural and other issues.
4. The Conservation Function
(This refers to programs that seek to protect biodiversity at landscape and site levels and/or
ecological functions that provide ecosystem goods and services in the biosphere reserve. While
actions to address this function might be focused on core areas and buffer zones, ecosystem
dynamics occur across a range of spatial and temporal scales throughout the biosphere reserve
and beyond. Note how these cross-scale phenomena are being addressed.)
4.1 Protection regime of the core area and possibly of the buffer zone
The core protected area of Long Point Biosphere Reserve meets UNESCO’s criteria of Article 4
of the Statutory Framework for the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (1995), including (1)
The biosphere reserve should encompass a mosaic of ecological systems representative of major
biogeographic regions, including a graduation of human interventions; and, (2) The biosphere
reserve should be significant for biological diversity conservation. The biological inventories
conducted in the Long Point area show that biodiversity in the region is high (e.g., 370 species of
birds; 143 species of fish). A list of these is provided in section 13.2 of the Expansion document.
1 In 2008, for the first time in Canadian history, the federal government pledged support for biosphere
reserves through Environment Canada. $5 million over 5 years (2008-2013) was dedicated to providing
each of 15 biosphere reserves with a coordinator and other organizational support.
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4.1.1 Type (e.g. under national legislation and date since when the legal protection
came into being). Provide justifying documents (summary of the main features).
In 1866, most of Long Point was bought, and subsequently managed privately by the Long Point
Company. The area east of Big Creek Marsh and west of the Old Cut was established on 3 May
1921 in the Long Point Park Act; several small lots were added up to 1944 to total 930ha. From
1959 to 1961 nearly all this area was sold to cottagers. In 1961 an area of 325ha to the east of the
old park boundary was expropriated and forms the present Long Point Provincial Park, managed
under the Ontario Provincial Parks Act.
From 1961, the Ministry of Natural Resources operated a Waterfowl Management Unit of 700ha.
In 1956, 36ha near the tip were transferred to the Province of Ontario. In 1978 and 1979, 3240ha
at the eastern end were donated to the Federal Department of Environment to be managed by the
Canadian Wildlife Service as a National Wildlife Area (representing approximately half of the
Long Point Company's holdings). 13,730ha were designated as a Ramsar wetland in May 1982
and the whole area was recognized as a Biosphere Reserve in April 1986.
4.2 Land tenure of each zone
4.2.1 Core Area(s): no change since the previous report (2001).
Long Point National Wildlife Area - administered by Environment Canada’s Canadian Wildlife
Services. Long Point Company properties remain under private management. Transport Canada
owns the lighthouse at the tip of the Point and public access is prohibited in the core area.
Canada Wildlife Act, R.S.C. 1985, c.W-9
Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.8.
Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, S.O. 2006, c.12
4.2.2 Buffer Zone(s): no change since the previous report (2001).
Same legislation as for core areas, above.
4.2.3 Transition Area(s):
As noted in section 3.4, the Long Point Biosphere Reserve is working towards an expansion of
its outer boundaries to align with those of Norfolk County. The land tenure is almost entirely
private ownership with some sites owned by either Norfolk County or the Long Point Region
Conservation Authority A detailed list of land use regulations or agreements applicable to the
proposed transition area are outlined in section 17.4 of the Expansion document.
4.3 Percentage of ownership in terms of national, state/provincial, local government, private,
etc. Currently:
4.3.1 Core Area(s): National ~50%; Private ~50%.
4.3.2 Buffer Zone(s): 72% open access water; 15% private; 5% national; 6% provincial
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4.3.3 Transition Area(s): Provincial 55%; provincial 45%
4.3.4 Foreseen changes in land tenure
Two land trusts, the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Long Point Basin Land Trust
are actively seeking acquisitions for conservation purposes.
4.4 Significant changes (if any) in the main habitat types identified for the biosphere reserve,
including natural processes or events, main human impacts, and/or relevant
management practices. (The comparison is with the situation described during the last
periodic review, approximately ten years ago. Refer to habitat types identified in the
section on “Significance for Conservation of Biological Diversity” in the first periodic
review form, Francis and Whitelaw, 2000, pg. 33). Note contributions towards the United
Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020.
There have been positive changes to the major habitat types within the biosphere reserve: (a)
the Long Point complex, including Big Creek Marsh, where water levels are artificially
controlled to support ecological services; (b) the Inner Long Point Bay, where the causeway
improvement project is seeking to protect biodiversity and reconnect hydrological functions;
and (c) the deciduous forest tracts, including Carolinian species, where restoration plantings
have been a significant community effort to restore biodiversity, and where a portion of the
Backus Woods are has been secured by the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
More detail is provided in section 12 of the Expansion document, including natural
processes, changes to the status of endangered species, and those newly in decline due to
invasive species and disease (e.g., the flowering dogwood).
4.5 Describe the main conservation programs that have been conducted in the biosphere
reserve during the past ten years as well as current on-going ones. Note their main goals and
the scope of activities (e.g., biotic inventories, species-at-risk, landscape analyses, conservation
stewardship actions, land acquisition, purchase plans). Cross reference with other Sections
below where appropriate.
A number of conservation programs have been conducted in the biosphere reserve and are
described in more detail in the proposed Expansion document (see section 13). In summary,
“conservation and related resource stewardship actions are being carried out through a large
range of governmental and other organizations in cooperation with numerous landowners. They
focus on protection for, and where possible, restoration of, the native forest and associated
ecosystems, habitat protection for species at risk… and for species that serve recreational hunting
and fishing opportunities. There are also programs for incorporating wildlife habitats into multifunctional
agricultural landscapes [for example ALUS, described below in section 5.2]. Control
measures for invasive species especially in the coastal aquatic and marshland sites are also
underway” (section 3.1, Expansion document).
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The most significant LPWBRF involvement has been with 2 projects: facilitation of the Ontario
Power Generation (OPG) Forest Regeneration program and the Causeway Improvement project.
Forest Corridor and Restoration Project
The Long Point area has about 25 percent forest cover, one of the highest in southern Ontario,
with four significant areas of over 600 hectares of contiguous forest each. Enlarging and
connecting these areas of contiguous forest is the focus of both the LPWBRF Forest Corridor
and Restoration Project, and the Carolinian Canada “Big Picture” project. The Forest Corridors
project has been an initiative facilitated by the LPWBRF since 1995, funded by Ontario Power
Generation (OPG) a public utility, and implemented mainly by the Long Point Region
Conservation Authority. The involvement of the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve
Foundation and the Long Point Region Conservation Authority, in the Ontario Power Generation
Carbon Sequestration/Biodiversity Management Project has proven to be a success from 2001 to
2010. Over 1,099.35 acres among 140 sites/landowners were planted along forest tracts and
between fragmented woodlots. A total of 694,4042 tree/shrub seedlings, 15,000 stem and root
cuttings, and 962,3183 large and small woody seeds have been planted between 2001 and 2010.
The most recent proposal will see an additional 240,000 tress planted between 2011 and 2013.
The project illustrates how the original focus of the Long Point Biosphere Reserve shifted from
the aquatic systems of Lake Erie surrounding the Point, including fisheries management, to
restoring the terrestrial systems of “Carolinian Canada” and enhancing biodiversity protection.
Even without a formally defined transition zone, the LPWBRF moved quite naturally into issues
on the mainland. Although the geographic focus for their work shifted to a broader spatial scale,
and multiple benefits for sustainability have been noted, this project retains the LPWBRF’s
original emphasis on biodiversity conservation and all of the above is achieved through
community engagement, despite the small rural population.
Presumably, other conservation organizations in the Long Point area could have taken leadership
on this project; however, the biosphere reserve has credibility as an effective facilitator
organization, as it reached out to other organizations and landowners. The forest restoration
efforts are highly visible and positive to the broader public, and gave the LPWBRF a “success
story” that would help to catalyze larger collaborative initiatives, such as the Causeway project,
described below.
The Long Point Causeway Improvement Project
The LPWBRF is leading a community-based project to revitalize the 3.5 kilometre Causeway
that links Long Point Peninsula on Lake Erie with mainland southern Ontario. Today, the Long
Point Causeway is known as the fourth deadliest road for turtles in North America. Studies by
the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) over the past 30 years have shown that vehicles kill
hundreds of snakes, turtles and frogs each year, including species at risk such as the Blanding’s
and Northern Map Turtles, and the Eastern Fox Snake. The goals of this multi-million dollar
community project are to:
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o Dramatically reduce wildlife and species-at-risk road mortality (estimated at 56% less)
o Improve water quality and water and species movement between Big Creek Marsh and
Long Point Inner Bay
o Create safer roadway conditions for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians
o Improve recreational opportunities (e.g. cycling, birding, fishing)
Built in 1927, the Long Point Causeway is a section of provincial Highway #59 that enables
public access to cottages, beaches and a marina. It passes through the Big Creek Marsh Delta
area and is a barrier to wildlife crossings, especially by species of reptiles and amphibians. Road
mortalities of endangered species, changes in water quality and hydrology to Long Point Bay,
and human safety have topped the list of concerns (Ashley, 2006). The LPWBRF is now leading
a collaborative multi-stakeholder committee that advises consultants engaged to prepare a
preliminary feasibility study. A LPWBRF Board member chairs the ad hoc committee and the
biosphere reserve provides the administrative support for communicating with stakeholders. The
group has had to raise approximately $600,000 for the costs of the study alone.
The Long Point Causeway Improvement Project goes beyond engineering new infrastructure to
secure wide community support, bridge stakeholders who have never worked together
previously, and integrate divergent goals under a common purpose to produce multiple (social,
ecological, and economic) benefits. Partners for this advisory role include Environment Canada’s
Canadian Wildlife Service, the Norfolk Land Stewardship Council, Bird Studies Canada, the
Ministries of Natural Resources and of Transportation, Norfolk County, the Nature Conservancy
of Canada, the Long Point Regional Conservation Authority, the Norfolk Field Naturalists, the
Long Point Country Chamber of Commerce, the Long Point Ratepayers’ Association, the
Anglers’ Association, Fish and Game Club, and local landowners.
Interviews with project partners confirmed the unique role of the biosphere reserve in providing
a neutral forum for this issue, which was expensive and outside the jurisdiction of any other
organization. “There was no other group that could lead,” one person explained. “This was a
niche role that they filled. The biosphere reserve has been excellent at raising public awareness
and has become more confident as an organization through the Causeway project.”
The two projects described above illustrate the commitment of the LPWBRF in conservation of
biological diversity and their approach to working in partnership with others. Each of these
projects also involve biotic inventories, species-at-risk protection, landscape change analysis,
and community stewardship. In terms of land acquisition and purchase plans, there four land
trust organizations involved in such activities.
4.6 Other comments/observations from a biosphere reserve perspective.
The “Backus Woods” is a 491 ha protected “benchmark” forest in which a number of field
studies, tours and educational programs have been conducted (see Francis and Whitelaw, 2001:
36). It is also the site for one of the SI/MAB biodiversity monitoring plots that the LPBR set up.
The forest is on undulating sand ridges separated by low lying plains, and a creek running
through it has created a small ravine. Although owned by the Long Point Region Conservation
Authority over the past decade, the Ontario Heritage Foundation retained a conservation
Long Point Biosphere Reserve, Canada Periodic Review
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easement on the property. The $5.8 million acquisition of the Backus Woods complex by the
Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) from the Conservation Authority announced in 2011 will
permit an endowment fund that will allow the Conservation Authority to maintain their many
school and other programs at the Backus Centre.
5. The Sustainable Development Function
(This refers to programs that address sustainability issues at the individual livelihood and
community levels, including economic trends in different sectors that drive the need to innovate
and/or adapt, the main adaptive strategies being implemented within the biosphere reserve, and
initiatives to develop certain sectors such as tourism to compensate for losses in other markets,
employment, and community well-being over the past ten years or so).
5.1 Prevailing trends over the past decade in each main sector of the economic base of the
biosphere reserve. Briefly describe trends based on the land, water and resource
uses in the biosphere reserve (at the landscape level) (e.g., agriculture, renewable
resources, non-renewable resources, manufacturing and construction, tourism and other
service industries, etc.)
Agriculture: Norfolk County is one of the most diversified agricultural economies in Canada,
and with gross farm receipts of $420m (in 2006) it is the 5th largest agricultural region in
Ontario. A wide range of field, grain, oilseed, fruit, vegetable and specialty crops are grown.
Livestock production includes beef and dairy cattle, hogs, and poultry. The agricultural sector
generally is facing increased global competition from trade agreements distorted by different
national subsidy programs, increased reliance on costly new technologies for enhanced
efficiencies, price-cost squeezes on producers, the need for more sophisticated marketing skills,
limited new investments in farm operations, and corporate-driven changes for value-chain
development. The number of farms and farmers continues to decrease. However, the size of farm
operations has been increasing due to consolidations. The proportion of rural non-farm residents
in the countryside is increasing, with land values rising also.
There has been a significant decline in tobacco production since the 1980s (due to health
campaigns against nicotine addiction and from overseas competition). Tobacco was an
intensively farmed, lucrative crop that preserved buffer areas and marginal lands. It was also
rotated with wheat or rye and provided windbreaks for habitat connection. With a decline in
tobacco, there is a serious risk of larger farms and cash crops; smaller margins of profit are
conventionally assumed to demand larger acreages, equipment, and chemical inputs. At the same
time, there is the possibility of transformation. The biosphere reserve’s promotion of sustainable
agriculture (including organic production, regional food distribution, agro-tourism, and payment
for ecological land uses) is one area full of possible alternatives. As Nelson and Wilcox (1996)
noted: the Long Point area has experienced deepening economic decline as soil fertility degrades,
international market competition (especially for tobacco) rises, and subsidies for Canadian
agriculture change.
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However, there is currently a major opportunity in the agricultural sector, linked with a wide
local food movement. Both university and wine industry research is underway about grape
production for viticulture. Organic produce is in high demand, particularly from urban areas. The
agro-tourism sector is experiencing a major growth period, with farm tours, hobby farms, bed and
breakfasts, and the like. Norfolk County’s Tourism and Economic Development division is
involved in several initiatives to support “Ontario’s South Coast” region, from a livelihoods
perspective.
Land Development: Norfolk County is located between the Greater Toronto Area to the east
(and the larger “Greater Golden Horseshoe” area which encompasses 16 regional municipalities,
with a population of 8.5 million people) and the smaller urban area of London and St. Thomas to
the west. An estimated 40-50% of people living in Norfolk are commuting to work along
highway corridors. Norfolk’s new Official Land Use Policy Plan (2006) seeks to maintain a rural
countryside and small town character of the County and protect important environmental features
in part to promote tourism. The biosphere reserve is incorporated into this official perspective.
The plan also provides for economic growth in designated industrial area and brown field sites,
as well as to enlarge smaller villages and settlement areas that require improved infrastructure.
Other Resource Use: Within the biosphere reserve, the health of Lake Erie is an ongoing
concern. (See section 15.1.2 in the Expansion document). Long Point Bay is part of a larger
administrative assessment unit for eastern Lake Erie that in turn is part of a system of such units
maintained by Ontario and four US States for the entire Lake. These assessments have been used
for commercial fisheries, and now primarily for the sports fisheries. Studies of aquatic
ecosystems in the Long Point Bay as well as throughout Lake Erie are to understand better the
ecological changes that have been occurring in recent decades, especially the transition of Lake
Erie from pelagic to mainly benthic-dominated foodwebs, and the effects of some introduced
“alien” species that have become incorporated into aquatic foodwebs of the Lake.
The State of the Great Lakes Highlights report (Environment Canada, 2009) summarizes key
issues for Lake Erie:
Nutrient management remains the top priority for improving the lake. Yellow perch
stocks are recovering; however, the top predator species populations of walleye, lake
trout, and lake whitefish are struggling. Contaminant levels, specifically PCBs and
mercury continue to affect fish consumption. Aquatic invasive species, such as zebra
mussels, quagga mussels, round gobies and predatory zooplankton, are changing the
food web, potentially affecting nearshore algae and the frequency of botulism outbreaks.
Outside the biosphere reserve are several industrial operations, including the Toyota
manufacturing plant. the Nanticoke coal plant, and various others. In an effort to phase-out coal
plants, there is a wind farm to the west of Port Rowan with 66 turbines that together can generate
99 MW of power. Some local landowners are exploring alternative, renewable energy projects.
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5.2 Community economic development initiatives. Programs to promote comprehensive
strategies for economic innovation change, and adaptation, and the extent to which they
are being implemented within the biosphere reserve by local business or others. Are
there specific “green” alternatives being undertaken to address sustainability issues?
Relationships Req(if any) among these different activities.
There are numerous community development programs in Norfolk County, related to economic
diversification, small business support, agricultural and tourism marketing, social services and
promotion of cultural experiences. Many of these are outlined in the County’s Official Plan
(2006) which is currently undergoing review (2011). Two program areas for sustainable
development will be highlighted here, of which the LPWBRF are a part: the Alternative Land
Use Services program and the movement towards Sustainable Tourism.
Alternative Land Use Services: The LPWBRF supports the Alternative Land Use Services
(ALUS) program, under the Norfolk Federation of Agriculture and the Norfolk Land Stewardship
Council. The components of ALUS involve: providing rebates for ecological stewardship (e.g.,
grass buffers along drains), sending extension people to farms (a farmer-to-farmer education
program), sharing start-up costs for maintenance of natural capital (often 50-75%), and an annual
payment for environmental services based on acreage.
The first pilot project spanned three field seasons (2008, 2009, 2010) and LPWBRF reported the
following had been accomplished in the first two: 220 acres of tall grass prairie, a deep-rooted
native grass that sequesters carbon, provides wildlife habitat and restores a rare ecosystem; 124
acres of trees (110,000 trees) providing carbon sequestration service and watercourse buffers for
cleaner, cooler water and improved fish habitat; 26 acres of Oak Savannah, a blend of tall grass
and several native tree species, to restore this ecosystem, create habitat and develop a carbon
storage system; 10 acres of new wetland creation that also includes the planting of species
designed to restore food sources and habitat for native pollinators; 10 acres of on farm
hedgerows to curtail wind erosion, provide wildlife corridors and sequester carbon, and; 10 acres
of pollinator habitat. The ALUS pilot in Norfolk County provides grants towards a portion of
start up costs, annual payments, tax incentives and technical advice. It has provided $360,000 to
farmers in the last 6 years.
Sustainable Tourism: The LPWBRF is committed to fostering sustainable tourism. It
recognizes that this region provides both opportunities as well as challenges. Existing retail and
non-profit organizations like museums, art galleries, resorts, restaurants, wineries,
festivals/events are eager to move into the tourism industry but require assistance with training,
product development and knowledge of the region's assets in order to do so. Private and public
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sector funds are being utilized for improved product marketing and training, but not necessarily
in the most logical and measurable means and not in the context of sustainability.
An independent study indicates that tourism is a $51 million industry in Norfolk County,
employing 1,100 direct and indirect jobs. It represents excellent potential for the LPWBRF to
help define, promote, and coordinate sustainable tourism, in partnership with others such as the
Regional Tourism Organization. In 2011, the Lake Erie Waterfront Trail will be opened, linking
existing trails and enhancing facilities for cyclists, tourists, and hikers. The Norfolk County
Official Plan (2006) recognizes the development opportunities from conservation initiatives.
The LPWBRF supports the definition of sustainable tourism jointly developed by Parks Canada
and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, as “tourism which actively fosters appreciation
and stewardship of the natural, cultural and historic resources and special places by local
residents, the tourism industry, governments and visitors. It is tourism which can be sustained
over the long term because it results in a net benefit for the social, economic, natural and cultural
environments of the area in which it takes place.”
Since 2006, LPWBRF has actively sought models of sustainable tourism. In 2009, the LPWBRF
formed a Sustainable Tourism Stakeholder Group and workshops were held with tourism
operators, small business owners, and members of local government. In 2010 and 2011, followup
workshops were held to discuss the idea of a Biosphere Reserve Charter, as implemented in
the Fundy Biosphere Reserve. It would invite businesses to become Charter members, provide
best-practices tools and assessments, promote and market them with the biosphere logo in
conjunction with biosphere reserve activities and so on. Charter members would subscribe to a
set of values, widely promoted for sustainable economic development, and would pay modest
fees for membership that would help to pay for the management of the program. The success of
the Sustainable Tourism Charter program in individual biosphere reserves suggests that a formal
multi-year pilot of the program might be explored locally, and perhaps nationally through the
Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association.
5.3 Community support facilities and services. Programs in/for the biosphere reserve that
address issues such as job preparation and skills training, health and social services,
and social justice questions. Refer to relations among them and with community
economic development initiatives.
There are many different programs in the surrounding Norfolk County and in the largest town of
Simcoe, dedicated to the social and economic needs listed above. They range from child and
youth services, to women’s programs, health clinics, and job training and employment centres.
With an aging population, there are programs for seniors, as well as services to address mental
health and addictions, abuse, and social integration. Over 160 related organizations that deliver
these programs and services are listed in the Expansion document in section 17.6.1.
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5.4 Other comments/observations on development from a biosphere reserve perspective.
[Note: this section is important because it describes the main biosphere reserve activities to
facilitate sustainable development by engaging stakeholders across different sectors. It is
reported in some detail to give a sense of the purpose and outcomes of a series of activities which
have defined a greater role for the biosphere reserve in sustainable development, and has directly
led to the current proposal for expansion.]
In 2001, when the LPWBRF Board decided to expand their activities from conservation to
consider broader sustainability concerns, they were motivated to respond to the social and
economic impacts of changes in agriculture, including the collapse of tobacco farming, the lack
of employment opportunities for youth, and the decline in tourism. To do this, the LPWBRF was
involved with the public consultation process leading up to the new Norfolk County official plan.
There was some thought that the biosphere reserve could play a role in monitoring aspects of the
plan implementation; however, the County was reluctant to create a formal partnership at that
time, or to invest financially in such a program. This relationship evolved, and the County has
been more supportive of the vision of the biosphere reserve in the past few years.
In consultation with academics at the University of Waterloo, the LPWBRF board developed a
series of “Community Sustainability Workshops” leading to a “Sustainable Norfolk County”
conference in November 2006 to inform and expand local perceptions about the biosphere
reserve, engage community members in defining and planning for sustainable development,
generate new ideas and partnerships, and revitalize the LPWBRF, which still lacked sufficient
volunteers to sustain its organizational mandate and capacity.
Workshop and conference organizers wrestled with “how we could further build upon the
sustainable development [function of the biosphere reserve] and the building of partnerships. We
recognized the importance of getting everybody to work together (because all members of the
community are part of the biosphere reserve, whether they know it or not)…. [The challenge
was] to make it a general community thing (not just the town of Simcoe but the entire biosphere
reserve catchment area), to celebrate Norfolk County and the biosphere reserve concept and
allow [other organizations] to showcase what they’re doing. There are so many groups out there
that it is hard to know what’s going on.”
The LPWBRF decided: “not only would we celebrate the successes of the community… but that
we would push toward advancing a sustainability agenda.” Another interview participant
explained: “We [the LPWBRF] want to identify projects that need to be done and gaps that need
to be filled, and then facilitate partnerships to achieve common objectives. Put less of an
emphasis on doing things on our own and instead, facilitate others in cooperation with our Board
to get things done.” These comments suggest that the LPWBRF made a conscious decision to
adopt and promote a more integrated sustainability agenda. They were keen to expand far
beyond the biosphere reserve’s defined core and buffer areas and influence the whole region
within municipal jurisdiction.
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Aware of the inherent connections between issues and scales, the LPWBRF chose to promote the
biosphere reserve concept as a model for sustainable development. The theme of celebrating
accomplishments and highlighting how the economy and the environment are linked was thought
to enhance the likelihood of others becoming engaged in the biosphere reserve’s work. Several
interview participants (both LPWBRF members and outside observers) suggested that a
facilitation role was key to advancing the new agenda. Not only would the biosphere reserve
highlight the importance of integration of conservation and sustainable development, but it
would also play a facilitative role, seeking to build the capacity of their partner organizations
rather than seeking to meet their own objectives.
In late 2005 and early 2006, four different workshops were held with distinct stakeholder groups:
(1) Business and Industry
(2) Social Services
(3) Conservation
(4) Agriculture
A total of 56 people participated in these workshops and helped to identify the trends, barriers,
existing resources, and new approaches to advance sustainability across Norfolk County. Each
workshop introduced the concept, history and accomplishments of the LPWBRF and included a
presentation by the Planning Department about the County’s 2026 Sustainability Vision (Norfolk
County, 2006) developed as part of the Official Plan review. Participants identified a similar
range of trends and threats to sustainability within their sector and across the whole region. Many
people identified local economic recession in the agricultural sector as a result of global trade
and related these to problems to out-migration and other social impacts on the rural community.
Possible solutions included economic diversification within and beyond agriculture, to include
branding and marketing local “Long Point” products, working with local chefs and food services,
creating an agricultural gift box, supporting farmers markets and associations, and promoting
concepts such as the Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) program and the 100-mile diet.
The workshops provided a forum for discussion and helped to establish common goals across
diverse stakeholder groups (LPWBRF, 2006). Specifically, participants helped to build a new
agenda for the biosphere reserve, through the following themes:
1. Communication – of the biosphere reserve designation and concept
2. Education – about biodiversity and sustainability, including nature interpretation
3. Ecotourism – as a sustainable development strategy
4. Rural Decline and Poverty – directly related to the decline of tobacco
5. Regional Trends – of retirement communities increasing and youth leaving
6. Global Trends – affecting agriculture and alternatives (such as ALUS pilot projects)
The workshops served to engage citizens in thinking about integrated sustainability: using the
biosphere reserve to highlight the ecological significance of the area, participants were
encouraged to suggest new directions for the biosphere reserve that would reflect their concerns.
The workshops also raised awareness about the three integrated functions of UNESCO biosphere
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reserves and helped to change the perception of the LPBR as simply a conservation organization.
As Edge (2007: 152) concluded in a review of local governance capacity in Norfolk County, the
biosphere reserve “[s]ustainability workshops, in conjunction with previous community
engagement processes such as the Norfolk County Official Plan Review process, and the Norfolk
Tobacco Community Action Plan process, have assisted in enhancing the overall local
governance capacity by mobilizing citizens and enhancing opportunities for social and
institutional learning.”
Following the workshop series, the LPWBRF organized a large community conference in
November 2006 called “Building a Sustainable Norfolk County,” with sessions on sustainable
agriculture, ecotourism and agro-tourism, green business, reforestation programs, trails, and field
trips. The conference was held during local municipal elections so as to generate added interest
by political candidates and the media. It was attended by more than 200 people.
Not only have the LPWBRF’s focus and identity begun to shift from conservation to broader
community sustainability, but they have also renewed their base of volunteers. One member
noted: “We have a more well-rounded Board from different sectors, resulting in a broadened
social network.... The workshops resulted in recruiting more people/volunteers, and these people
are not necessarily your conventional environmental types. The mandate is now evolving
because of the people and different interests and skills that have been brought to the table.” The
list of current board members and their biographies are included as an Appendix in the
Expansion document.
The LPWBRF has recently embarked on projects relating to sustainable tourism and sustainable
agriculture that appear to align well with broader community interests and also have the potential
for strong political support. The role of the biosphere reserve in rural and regional sustainable
development was noted in both the Norfolk County Official Plan and in the Tobacco Action Plan
(Gowan, 2004). The Official Plan (Norfolk County, 2006: section 3-25) calls the Long Point
Biosphere Reserve “a model of sustainability, balancing economic and social considerations with
the truly unique features of ecological and natural heritage importance.” The only other reference
in the Plan (section 6-18) is to a total restriction on development in the core area of the Long
Point sand spit. Some members of the biosphere reserve feel “that we did have an important
influence in the Official Plan; they actually invited us for our participation and insight. And the
plan has restricted development; it is much more forward thinking than before.”
Moreover, as one participant explained: “I think sustainable tourism and agriculture is a healthy
direction for [the biosphere reserve] to go. It’s not one that can be easily criticized and I think it’s
a natural direction for this area given the landscape…” As several people have noted, the turn to
sustainable community development is enhancing both the presence and the credibility of the
biosphere reserve in Norfolk County. Although the LPWBRF seeks to play a facilitative role for
sustainability initiatives, only recently have opportunities arisen that position them as a broker
for meaningful collaboration (McCarthy, 2006; Edge and McAllister, 2006).
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6 The Logistics Function: Research, Monitoring, Education, Governance and
Community Engagement
(This refers to programs that enhance the collective capacity of people and organizations in the
biosphere reserve to address conservation and livelihood/development issues. Much of it may
be directed towards the research, monitoring, demonstration projects, education, and training
needed to deal with the specific circumstances of the biosphere reserve. To be effective, they
should be open to learning and the exchange of experiences with other biosphere reserves and
international programs of cooperation. Also local biosphere reserve groups have to work within
extensive overlays of government bodies, business enterprises, and a “civil society” mix of nongovernment
organizations and community groups. These collectively constitute the structures of
governance for the area of the biosphere reserve at any given time. Success in carrying out the
functions of a biosphere reserve can be crucially dependent upon the kinds of collaborative
arrangements that evolve among sets of these other organizations. A key role for the local
biosphere reserve group is to learn about the governance system they are in and explore ways
to enhance its collective capacities for fulfilling the functions of a biosphere reserve.)
6.1 Research and monitoring. Describe the main research and monitoring initiatives and
programs in the biosphere reserve. Include scientific work linked with national and
international programs (e.g., EMAN, EuroMAB, IUCN – World Conservation Union,
World Heritage Sites, Ramsar Sites, Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention on
Migratory Species, GLOCHAMORE UNESCO Project “Global Change in Mountain
Regions, International Hydrological Programme, Intergovernmental Oceanographic
Commission, MOST Management of Social Transformations Programme, etc.). Also
summarize the main themes of research and monitoring undertaken over the past ten
years in Conservation, Sustainable Development, Logistics, and Governance. A detailed
list is provided in Appendix A.
Long Point Biosphere Reserve is the site of extensive research and monitoring. These include the
Ramsar wetland and the Important Bird Area and Monarch Butterfly Reserve, and those of local
partner organizations such as: the Long Point Bird Observatory, Bird Studies Canada, the Long
Point Region Conservation Authority; government agencies (e.g., the Ministry of Natural
Resources, the Canadian Wildlife Service) and others. Note that the LPWBRF does not carry out
these programs directly, other than coordinating the 5 Smithsonian Institute/Ecological
Monitoring and Assessment Network monitoring stations, and the Salamander volunteer
monitoring program.
However, they are increasingly playing an important coordination function. The LPWBRF has
created a “Long Point Biosphere Research and Conservation Networking Group,” attended by
over 50 individuals representing organizations in 2010 and scheduled to continue into the future
to inventory and assess research and monitoring needs for ongoing conservation-related field and
laboratory studies in both the coastal areas of the original biosphere reserve and the terrestrial
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mainland adjacent to it. The intent is to sponsor or co-sponsor annual meetings of this network
that will also serve to encourage closer collaboration among people engaged in related research
topics. The biosphere reserve has also initiated closer cooperation with the Carolinian Canada
Coalition to develop a Conservation Action Plan for Norfolk County, and related education
initiatives.
Further information about research and monitoring is detailed in the Expansion document,
(section 15.1) where over 100 studies are noted under the themes of: cultural history, biological
inventories and landscape analyses, bird population and migration studies, forest and agroecosystem
management, geormorphological processes, socio-economic trends and issues, and
watershed studies. Additional references are provided in sections 4.2 (biological inventories) and
13.2 (ecosystem biodiversity).
As mentioned, LPWBRF has been involved in a long-term project supported by Environment
Canada’s Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) and the Smithsonian
Institute. Using a consistent method, biodiversity indicator (e.g. salamanders, trees, shrubs) data
is collected and contributed to EMAN and the Smithsonian’s global networks. Permanent plots
are located at Backus Woods, the Wilson Tract, Turkey Point Provincial Park and Spooky
Hollow. Salamander monitoring has been conducted by volunteers for 13 years, continuously.
This information allows scientists to monitor landscape response to global climate and other
changes.
Regular presentations are made about Long Point as a “living laboratory” at conferences such as
the Niagara Escarpment Commission’s Leading Edge conference (in 2001, 2003). The biosphere
reserve also hosts various national and international researchers at different times.
Strategically, the LPWBRF recognizes that:
One of the goals of the LPWBRF is to foster more co-operation, collaboration and informationsharing
on existing research and monitoring activity so that programs become more effective, and
knowledge gained becomes better applied to planning and decision-making.
While considerable research and monitoring have been and are being conducted within the
Biosphere Reserve, most of it is based on the program objectives of the organizations conducting
the work. A shared regional concept fostered by a Biosphere Reserve designation could help to
collate information from these different sources and use it to help communicate an overview of
issues of concern within the whole Long Point – Norfolk Sand Plains region (LPBR Draft
Strategic Plan, 2010).
6.2 Environmental/sustainability education. Note the main educational institutions (“formal” –
schools, colleges, universities, and “informal” – services for the general public) in the
biosphere reserve, or conducting work in the biosphere reserve. Describe their
programs, including special school or adult education programs, as these contribute
towards the functions of a biosphere reserve. Comment on organizational changes (if
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any) in institutions and programs that were identified in the biosphere reserve ten or so
years ago (e.g. closed down, redesigned, new initiatives). Note programs of UNESCO
Associated Schools where applicable, and contributions towards the UN Decade of
Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014).
Since 2001, LPWBRF has maintained their traditional focus on environmental education. In
partnership with the Backus Centre, various programs are offered to about 200 school groups
annually. The recent acquisition of Backus property by the Nature Conservancy has included the
establishment of an endowment fund to support environmental education at the site. The St.
Williams Forestry Station and Interpretive Centre celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2008.
In May 2011, a public education event “Nature Fest” was organized to offer a variety of natural
heritage themes and skills (interpretive hikes, wildlife species identification, kayaking, bird
watching) to the public at large. Sustainable tourism was showcased (canoeing, cycling, farm
tours, native plant nurseries, restoration projects) along with local cuisine.
There have been positive partnerships with various organizations on similar events. Section 3.3
and 10.6 of the Expansion document detail the various visitors’ centres in Norfolk County that
are promoting public awareness of education for sustainable development.
When Nature Calls Environmental Education: Formed in March 2009, the When Nature
Calls committee is a group of local parents and educators. Their goal is to engage youth in nature
and conservation based activities, and promote youth-led volunteer activities that help protect
air, water, soil, and biodiversity. Various events are held each year for youth and families,
including participation in Earth Day activities and the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, various
nature hikes, and an annual Eco-Kids Nature Camp in the fall. Several Ontario curriculum-based
programs have been developed, which are provided to local schools, and the organization
regularly provides presentations/hikes during the summer in the two local provincial parks and in
partnership with Norfolk County’s summer camp program. Over $40,000 has been generated to
support program coordination and activities since 2009.
6.3 Describe the biosphere reserve’s communications strategy. Include different
approaches and tools geared towards the region’s communities and/or towards soliciting
outside support.
Only since 2008 has LPWBRF had the organizational capacity to invest much time in a formal
communications strategy. Prior to that time, it was the work of volunteers to develop press
releases, maintain the website, and be spokespersons for the biosphere reserve.
Print media: monthly articles appear in the regional newspaper, the “Port Rowan Good News”
and the LPWBRF brochure has been updated in 2010.
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Electronic media: includes an updated website www.longpointbiosphere.com and separate
websites for particular projects (e.g., www.longpointcauseway.com and www.whennaturecalls.ca
and www.naturefest.ca) and various public events.
Presentations: a number of presentations are given to interested groups and organizations,
conferences and workshops each year. These include a formal presentation regarding the
proposed Expansion. The 25th anniversary celebrations of the LPBR were widely publicized in
local media and well attended, in conjunction with the CBRA annual meetings in June, 2011.
Representation on other organizational committees: the LPWBRF sends representatives to sit
on various project committees, as noted below in section 7.2.
6.4 Other comments/observations from a biosphere reserve perspective.
For a volunteer organization, LPWBRF has an impressive record of local, and now regional,
involvements. It has helped to raise awareness of conservation issues, and engage communities
in stewardship actions. According to those interviewed, the organization has played an important
role in the region, leveraging funds for particular projects and bringing together diverse interest
groups to collaborate together. “The old conflicts between user groups, like hunters, fishermen,
cottagers, have somewhat been resolved,” one person observed. The biosphere reserve brings
them all under one stewardship umbrella.”
6.5. What is the overall framework for governance in the area of the biosphere reserve?
Identify the main components and their contributions to the biosphere reserve. List in a separate
Appendix if necessary. Components include:
6.5.1. local jurisdictions (e.g., townships/districts, Aboriginal communities, Rural
Municipalities, towns and cities, etc.).
Norfolk County is the regional municipality within which the biosphere reserve lies.
6.5.2 main government agencies and programs (federal, provincial, regional subprovincial,
local) that relate to the functions of a biosphere reserve.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Environment Canada & the Canadian Wildlife Service
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Great Lakes Fishery Commission
Health Canada
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Ontario Stewardship
Norfolk Land Stewardship Council
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs
Ontario Ministry of the Environment
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Lake Erie Management Unit
Ontario Ministry of Tourism
Norfolk County
Long Point Conservation Authority
Southwest Ontario Tourism Organization
6.5.3 key businesses and industries (main employers).
Within the biosphere reserve, Canadian Wildlife Service staff (2).
Outside the biosphere reserve, across Norfolk County the major private sector employers are:
Company # of Employees Products
Good Humor - Breyers 400 Ice cream, frozen desserts
Scotlynn Commodities 325 Transportation
Toyotetsu Canada, Inc. 250 Auto Parts Manufacturing
Lower Lakes Towing 230 Bulk freight shipping services
Delhi Industries Inc. 160 Air moving products, gas manifolds, antennas
Essex Group Canada Inc. 150 Magnetic wire
Titan Trailers Inc. 130 Transportation: highway trailers, dumps, flatbed
Townsend Lumber Inc. 115 Lumber: sawmill and dry kilns facility
Fernlea Flowers Limited 115 Plants, bedding and other, flowering plants
Annex Publishing 96 Printing – magazines, commercial; publishing – trade
Rassaun Steel 95 Custom fabrication
Fruit Growers Association 76 Storage and packing of apples
Trackless Vehicles Ltd. 70 Utility tractors
Ranpro Inc. 70 Extreme condition protective apparel
VandenBussche 65 Irrigation system
Erie Beach Hotel 65 Restaurant and accommodation
DEB Canada 63 Skin hygiene products and dispensing systems
Lake Erie Farms Inc. 54 Farms, greenhouses
BorgWarner Canada Inc. 50 Automotive parts: timing and transmission chains
Forest Care Corp. 50 Tree seedlings
Delhi-Solac Inc. 50 Steel tubing; consumer, commercial, military antennas
Dura-Loc Roofing 50 Ceramic coloured stone metal roofing
Table 1: Main employers (Norfolk County “Economic Community Development Profile” 2009).
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6.5.4 main active non-governmental organizations associated with LPWBRF.
Backus Heritage Conservation Centre, Friends of Backus Woods
Bird Studies Canada
Long Point Basin Land Trust
Long Point Bird Observatory
Long Point Foundation for Conservation
Long Point Region Conservation Authority
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Norfolk Land Stewardship Council
Ontario Nature, Norfolk Field Naturalists
St. Williams Forestry Station and Interpretive Centre
St. Williams Conservation Reserve Council
6.5.5 major collaborative groupings involved with biosphere reserve-related activities
(networks, alliances, coalitions, partnerships).
Agreement Forests (managed by Norfolk County and LPRCA)
Alternative Land Use Services
Agricultural Adaptation Council
Canadian (Bird) Migration Monitoring Network
Long Point Biosphere Research and Monitoring Network
Long Point Causeway Improvement Project
Norfolk Carolinian Legacy Project
Norfolk District Business Development Corporation
Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition
Ontario Land Trusts Association
6.5.6 Overall support of these groups to help address biosphere reserve objectives?
There are a number of government agencies and community non-governmental organizations
working on them. The challenge for the biosphere reserve is to identify possibilities for
strengthening the effectiveness of these endeavours, especially where some neutral body is able
to foster network formation combined with a forum function to facilitate collaboration.
Recognition of an expanded biosphere reserve as a zone of cooperation will include the main
areas where these issues are being experienced. This has helped the biosphere reserve play a
stronger “sustainable development” role to the extent its capacity permits.
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6.6. Management plan/policy. Does a management plan or policy exist for the overall
biosphere reserve? If yes, briefly describe the main characteristics of this plan and
precise the modes of application.
Yes, the LPWBRF is managed by a Draft Strategic Plan (2010-2015). It outlines specific goals
and objectives within the three main functions of biosphere reserves: conservation, sustainable
development, and logistic support (or “community capacity”).
6.7. The Biosphere Reserve organization: administration
6.7.1.1 Total number of staff of Biosphere Reserve: 3 part-time coordinators, occasional
interns, contract staff, etc. [Note: over 60 summer students hired since 1985.]
6.7.1.2 Yearly budget in the national currency:
Organizational operating budget is approximately $200-300,000 CDN per year. This can vary
with individual projects in given years. (Note that the annual budget reported in 2000 was $50K).
6.7.1.3 Indicate the source and the relative percentage of the funding (e.g. from national,
regional, local administrations, private funding, international sources etc.)
53% government (federal and provincial)
42% private (OPG)
5% memberships and donations
6.7.1.4 Authority in charge of administration of the whole, i.e. of implementation of this
plan/policy: Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation board of directors.
6.8 Authority in charge of administration, currently:
6.8.1 for the biosphere reserve as a whole: the LPWBRF (a registered charity)
6.8.2 for the core area(s): Environment Canada
6.8.3 for the buffer zone(s): Environment Canada and Ontario Parks
6.8.4 for the transition area(s): Norfolk County
6.9 What have been the main changes in overall governance for the biosphere reserve
during the past 10 years?
Since Norfolk County was restructured (amalgamation of smaller municipalities) in 2001, the
biosphere reserve has had a wider presence across the region, i.e., outside its official boundaries.
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The Official Plan (Norfolk County, 2006: section 3-25) calls the Long Point Biosphere Reserve
“a model of sustainability, balancing economic and social considerations with the truly unique
features of ecological and natural heritage importance.” As Edge (2007: 152) concluded in a
review of local governance capacity in Norfolk County, the biosphere reserve “sustainability
workshops, in conjunction with previous community engagement processes such as the Norfolk
County Official Plan Review process, and the Norfolk Tobacco Community Action Plan
process, have assisted in enhancing the overall local governance capacity by mobilizing citizens
and enhancing opportunities for social and institutional learning.”
6.10 What general experience has the biosphere reserve organization had in fostering
collaborative endeavours to enhance the governance capacity in the biosphere reserve?
As brokers of collaborative governance, Donahue (2004) underscores the importance of
organizational leadership – where the initiator (i.e., the biosphere reserve) represents the public
interest and where partner organizations work strategically to align their goals and contributions.
As managers of network governance, biosphere reserves “lead from behind” by enhancing the
capacity of network partners to achieve collective goals, rather than imposing their own agenda.
These are examples of the kind of innovative, non-traditional leadership roles that biosphere
reserves might play. The LPWBRF has observed this shift, and has engaged their communities in
planning and implementing economic alternatives, such as organic production, niche markets,
ecotourism and agro-tourism. Clearly, a much larger-scale plan endorsed by the municipality
along with the agricultural and economic development sectors (e.g., chambers of commerce,
tourism marketing, etc.) is needed, but the biosphere reserve organization might well provide the
early warning for social-ecological system changes and catalyze collective responses.
6.11 Particular vision and approaches adopted for addressing the socio-cultural context and
role of a biosphere reserve (e.g., promotion of local heritage resources, history, cultural
and cross-cultural learning opportunities; cooperation with Aboriginal people; reaching
out to recent immigrant groups, etc.).
A strong sense of place pervades Long Point, with cultural histories, social values, and iconic
landscapes reflected in biosphere reserve nominations and subsequent activities. The importance
of place is consistent with the literature about volunteer motivations and about bioregional
stewardship. It also supports the value of local and traditional knowledge in governance for
sustainability.
As noted above, its vision is to: “Support a diverse network of partners and stakeholders who
work to assist communities and resource sectors within the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve
to achieve a greater level of economic, environmental and social sustainability, while preserving
the areas of biodiversity and natural heritage.” The LPBR Draft Strategic Plan (2010) also notes
that:
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A community becomes stronger and more vibrant when there is mutual respect among citizens
living in that community for individual values. At another level, societal values are the values that
are generally accepted by a society, and that form the basis of its cultural traditions, structures,
practices, and laws. They result in healthy communities that value the quality of life, a love for
the region’s heritage and cultural identity, and sound governance.
Not only is the LPWBRF attempting to reconfigure the biosphere reserve physically by adding
core areas and introducing a transition zone over the “working landscape” of farms and forests,
but they are also changing the way people think about their place by introducing an integrated
sustainability agenda. In other words, Long Point is being reconfigured conceptually as a
complex social-ecological system, which underscores the extent to which human livelihoods are
dependent upon natural processes and resources.
A vision of the Long Point Biosphere Reserve in 2021 was developed as part of the LPBR Draft
Strategic Plan (2010-2015). Features of this vision are listed in Appendix B.
6.12 Other comments/observations from a biosphere reserve perspective.
Although LPWBFR has fostered certain sustainability initiatives, and engaged an impressive level
of volunteerism, it is unclear that they have enough influence at present to alter unsustainable
activities or development trajectories within the biosphere reserve. The ALUS project, for
example, is highly desirable from a sustainability standpoint, yet long-term support for it by
governments has not been obtained, so it remains limited to a small number of pilot farms, rather
than potentially transforming the agricultural community in Long Point (and in other parts of
Canada). Although public support for compensating farmers for ecological goods and services is
present in Long Point, the whole issue is highly controversial, apparently requiring national
policy directions to be set before programs can be implemented at the grassroots level [i.e.,
probably would have to come under the five-year Canada-Ontario Framework Agreement and
Implementation Plan for Agriculture and Agri-Food. – the current one is “Growing Forward”].
Biosphere reserves might effectively promote these types of programs, but until government is
fully engaged, sustainability initiatives cannot be implemented at the scale that is perhaps
required for broad social and economic change. In response to the complexity of governance
systems, the biosphere reserve model and approach helps to overcome fragmentation of
institutional arrangements, builds governance capacity through multi-stakeholder engagement, and
supports community responses to the vulnerabilities of open systems by addressing
sustainability concerns beyond biosphere reserve boundaries. Whether biosphere reserves, given
enough time, could evolve to play an institutional role in terms of setting social norms and
influencing behaviours (of individuals and of other institutions), is not clear, but certainly
warrants further study.
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7. Summary
7.1 Provide a brief summary of important changes in the local economy, landscapes or
habitat use, and other related issues in the past 10 years. Note important changes in the
institutional arrangements for governance of the biosphere reserve area, and changes (if
any) in the coordinating arrangements (including the local biosphere reserve
organization) that provide direction for the biosphere reserve.
For the past 10 years, the Long Point area has retained and increased its biodiversity values, due
to conservation and restoration programs, across both terrestrial and aquatic systems. It has
experienced changes in the structure of its economy, namely with declines and shifts in
agricultural production, increase in rural development, construction and manufacturing, and a
stronger emphasis on tourism and destination marketing (e.g., “Ontario’s South Coast”). Few
institutional arrangements have changed for the biosphere reserve’s core/buffer areas; however,
the proposal for additional core/buffers has been actively pursued with partner organizations and
are gradually receiving support for expanded boundaries as well.
The proposed name change to: Long Point Carolinian Biosphere Reserve is reflective of the
unique ecology of the region, and the strong sense of place and culture apparent among local
residents. With modest 5-year federal funding to support coordination of biosphere reserve
activities (2008-2013), the LPWBRF has increased its capacity to fulfill the three functions of
UNESCO biosphere reserves. It has followed up on each of the recommendations in the previous
periodic review (2000) and has hosted public events and nurtured relationships with regional
government to achieve significant community-based support.
7.2 Summarize the roles of the biosphere reserve organization in the (changing) activities of
the region.
A more detailed list of particular goals and roles for the biosphere reserve have been identified
by the LPBR Draft Strategic Plan (2010-2015) and are listed in Appendix A.
Sample Activities Roles of the LPWBRF
Forest Corridor Regeneration Program Facilitator; partner organization
Causeway Improvement Program Broker; facilitator; financial leverage
When Nature Calls education program Lead, outreach, coordination
Long Point Research & Monitoring group Convenor, facilitator, coordinator
“Building a Sustainable Norfolk County” Conference organizer, coordination
Alternative Land Use Services program Partner, supporter and promoter
Forest Biodiversity Monitoring Volunteer coordination
Sustainable Tourism Stakeholder Group Convenor, facilitator, research body
Table 2: Sample activities and roles played by the LPWBRF organization.
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7.3 Briefly describe particular accomplishments and challenges over the last 10 years.
Identify steps being taken to address the challenges.
As described above, the LPWBRF has experienced an active 10-year period, with the follow-up
to the previous periodic review to guide their strategic planning. They have had both renewal of
volunteers on their Board and committees, as well as a loss of some of their membership, due to
lack of staff and organizational capacity. In 2005-6, LPWBRF went forward with a public
consultation effort, through workshops and a conference, to identify community priorities and
define a new role for themselves. In 2008, when federal funding was provided for coordination
of Canadian biosphere reserves, LPWBRF increased its capacity in terms of: communications,
networking, committee support, public engagement, education and promotion.
The major successes have been with respect to the 15-year Forest Corridor Restoration project,
in conjunction with the Conservation Authority and private landowners, thanks to private OPG
funding. This is a highly visible community project that has shown results year after year. The 5-
year Causeway Improvement Project – which initially faced high public and stakeholder
resistance due to concerns about costs – but provided a neutral brokering role for the biosphere
reserve where they could promote the multiple benefits to people and biodiversity. These two
projects, along with the ongoing commitment to environmental education and support for
Alternative Land Use Services, and the desire to create a Sustainable Tourism platform, make
LPBR a model for other regions.
The main challenges have been with respect to funding and volunteer capacity. Like other
biosphere reserves in Canada have found, fundraising for particular projects is a constant need,
and securing long-term funds is rare. The charitable status helps, and may prove useful if a
public donation or sponsorship campaign were held. As many non-governmental organizations
find, there are inherent challenges to attracting volunteers and keeping them engaged. Even with
a strong and diverse membership on the board of directors, there is still a need for good internal
governance, clear policies and procedures, and internal communication mechanisms.
Overall, the LPWBRF has been able to engage hundreds of volunteers over its 25-year history;
and maintain good visibility and a positive and growing reputation in the community. Most
recently, it has partnered with regional government in new ways which have provided added
support for their activities. Volunteer recruitment has also been successful, as new people with
important skill sets, connections, and vision for the organization have joined.
8 Conclusions and Recommendations
8.1 Main conclusions of the reviewer
The main finding of this review report is that the Long Point Biosphere Reserve fulfills the
mandate of the MAB program, and merits continued membership in the World Network of
Biosphere Reserves. The Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation combines critical
conservation work with active support for monitoring, research and education, while actively
pursuing sustainable development opportunities.
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In the past 10 years, the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation has evolved to
broaden its mandate and organizational presence in the region, inject a sustainability agenda into
the political landscape, and broker more collaborative initiatives, especially through the proposed
expansion to encompass Norfolk County. The biosphere reserve concept has attracted hundreds
of volunteers and hundreds of thousands of dollars to Norfolk County to perform important
environmental work while contributing to the economic viability of the area.
1.2 List recommendations for future activities based on the findings from this review.
The main finding of this review report is that the Long Point Biosphere Reserve continues to
fulfill the mandate of the MAB program. It is recommended that: (1) The Long Point World
Biosphere Reserve Foundation continue to seek recognition for additional core areas in the
landscape mosaic, of an expanded biosphere reserve. (2) On the occasion of expansion, it would
be timely to develop a Conservation Action Plan for Norfolk County to build on current efforts
to coordinate research, monitoring, restoration, education and environmental reporting. (3)
Consider organizing a biennial public conference, youth summits, or similar large-scale events in
partnership with regional government and others. of public education activities, conservation
actions can be reported on and sustainable development initiatives can be showcased. Thematic
workshops (such as climate change adaptation scenarios, ecological goods and services
inventories and cultural mapping, or development of local products for quality economies) might
be addressed. (4) Finally, it is recommended that the LPWBRF pilot a sustainable tourism
program as a means of developing sustainable development to the region, while sharing
knowledge across the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association and the World Network of
Biosphere Reserves.
1.3 Reviewed by:
Rebecca Pollock, Ph.D.
Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve Inc.
on behalf of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. (August 22, 2011).
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References
Ashley, P. 2006. Can the Long Point Causeway be Redesigned? Bird Studies Canada Newsletter.
Summer: 36-37.
Craig, B. and Francis, G. 1993. Long Point Ecosystem Stresses. Department of Environment and
Resource Studies, University of Waterloo, unpublished.
Donahue, J. D. 2004. On Collaborative Governance. A working paper of the Corporate
Responsibility Initiative. Weil Program on Collaborative Governance, Harvard University, JFK
School of Government.
Edge, S. and McAllister, M-L. 2009. Place-Based Local Governance and Sustainable
Communities: Lessons from Canadian Biosphere Reserves, Journal of Environmental Planning
and Management 52(3): 279-295.
Environment Canada. 2009. The State of the Great Lakes Highlights report. 2009. Online:
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59D68A4A9EC6
Francis, G. and Whitelaw, G. 2001. Long Point Biosphere Reserve Periodic Review Report.
Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association. Reviewers on Behalf of the Canadian Commission
for UNESCO and Canada/MAB.
Francis, G., Lino Grima, A., Regier, H. and Whilans, T. 1985. A Prospectus for the
Management of the Long Point Ecosystem. Ann Arbor: Great Lakes Fishery Commission,
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Gowan, R. 2004. Norfolk at the Crossroads: Directions for a Prosperous Future in Norfolk
County. Tobacco Community Action Plan. Prepared for the Team Advising on the Crisis in
Tobacco, Phase I Final Report.
McCarthy, D. 2006. A Critical Systems Approach to Socio-Ecological Systems: Implications
for Social Learning and Governance. Unpublished PhD dissertation. Department of Planning,
University of Waterloo. Waterloo, ON, Canada.
Nelson, J. G. and Wilcox, K. 1996. Long Point Environmental Folio. Heritage Resources Centre,
Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Waterloo, ON.
Norfolk County. “Official Plan.” 2006. Council adopted May 9, 2006. Online:
www.norfolkofficialplan.on.ca
Norfolk County. “Economic Community Development Profile” 2009. Online:
http://www.norfolkcounty.ca/images/PDF/2009%20COM%20PROFILE%20sans2pgs(1).pdf
Pollock, R. M. 2009. The Role of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Governance for
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Trent University. Peterborough, ON, Canada.
Long Point Biosphere Reserve, Canada Periodic Review
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Appendix A
Some Roles for the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation…
• Facilitate meetings, communications and funding that support conservation
• Provide a framework to strategically view conservation efforts
• Facilitate and promote the long-term conservation of a more or less
continuous, ecologically functioning landscape of Long Point and the Norfolk
Sand Plains region, as well as intact natural linkages.
• Facilitate and provide a living-laboratory for long-term environmental
research and monitoring as well as a venue for education and training.
• Model and foster practical approaches and activities that integrate ecosystem
conservation with sustainable development
• Help network and coordinate related efforts among different organizations
• Facilitate the Long Point Conservation and Research group
• Help network and coordinate related efforts among different agricultural
organizations and groups
• Support innovative and value-added sustainable agriculture
• Promote the use of native grasses for bio-fuel production
• Help develop and implement ecological and organic production methods
• Complete tourism and heritage asset inventory of the Biosphere Reserve
area; and a thorough overview of the social, cultural and ecological
characteristic of the region.
• Engage the municipality, chambers of commerce, economic development
offices, destination marketing organizations, provincial parks, private
entrepreneurs and others in sustainable tourism projects
• Develop eco-tourism and heritage tourism in the region
• Develop a Charter of Biosphere Values
• Create an integrated Sustainable Communities Development Strategy
• Create institutional linkages that bring together and disseminate information
and tools for sustainable community development, and assist our partners
and the community in sustainable community development
• Support environmental and heritage education programming
• Form an Education Advisory Committee to facilitate education initiatives that
will fulfill the education function at the core of the biosphere reserve concept.
(Adapted from LPBR Draft Strategic Plan, 2010‐2015)
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Appendix B
A View 10 Years into the Future…
‐ Enhanced recognition of the LPBR by local citizens and the world.
‐ Sustained funding of BR activities.
‐ Healthy woodlots, wetlands and wildlife.
‐ Woodlots connected by wildlife corridors.
‐ Protected parks & green space.
‐ High biodiversity of flora and fauna
‐ Recovery strategies implemented for species at risk.
‐ Plentiful, connected walking, biking and horseback riding trails
‐ Strategically located canoe and kayak access points along shorelines and
waterways.
‐ Focus on healthy lifestyles and healthy living.
‐ Affordable housing.
‐ Accessible community services.
‐ Thriving communities and neighbourhoods.
‐ Clean air and water.
‐ A strong, vibrant diversified economy.
‐ A thriving sustainable tourism industry
‐ A leader in sustainable agriculture
‐ Thriving on-farm, value-added farm industries
‐ A bio-fuel industry based on native tallgrass species
‐ Farmers working in harmony with the environment
‐ A strong rural commitment to land stewardship practices
‐ Ethnic and cultural diversity.
‐ Appreciation for arts and culture.
‐ Sustainable conservation and heritage programming
‐ Young people who choose to live and work in the region.
‐ Healthy public policy.
‐ Revitalized downtown cores
‐ Honest and sound governance
‐ A county with a strong recycling program.
‐ Engaged citizens and a strong social support system.
(Adapted from LPBR Draft Strategic Plan, 2010‐2015)
Long Point Biosphere Reserve, Canada Periodic Review
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Appendix C
List of people who assisted in the periodic review consultations. Their assistance in the review
has been most appreciated.
Chris Baird, Norfolk County
Dave Baird, Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation
Peter Carson, Long Point Basin Land Trust
Brian Craig, Long Point World Biosphere Reserve
Bill Cridland, Norfolk County
Colleen Dale, When Nature Calls
George Francis, University of Waterloo
Paul Gagnon, Long Point Conservation Authority
Paula Jongerden, Long Point World Biosphere Reserve
Michelle Kanter, Carolinian Canada Coalition
Arden Koptik, Long Point World Biosphere Reserve
Richard Mitchell, Brock University
Scott Peck, Norfolk County
Dave Reid, Norfolk County Stewardship Council
Dave Richards, Ministry of Natural Resources
Bernt Solymár, Long Point World Biosphere Reserve; Norfolk Field Naturalists
