Habitat Quality
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Habitat Quality In 2004, The Nature Trust set out to document the character and volume of landuse threats to shoreline plant species between Grand Falls and Perth Andover. Using aerial photographs, the Nature Trust compared landuse activities within 30m of the river edge between 1944 and 1996. Over that time, the shoreline area affected by development activities (roads, fields, dumping, residential and commercial development, gravel pits, bank stabilization and shoreline recreation) has more than tripled. Figure 1 compares three chronological views of the valley.
The Nature Trust took a closer look (from a canoe) at the extent of current development activities along the river. While the majority of the shoreline remains in exemplary quality, landuse activities such as roads, trails, gravel pits, fields and lawns have compromised the ecological integrity of 42% of the shoreline. Figure 2 shows a breakdown of threats to habitat quality within 30m of the river edge.
Without proper consideration, development activities can cause great damage to rare plants. Luckily, conserving shoreline habitat is quite straightforward. Common-sense measures, like keeping traffic to designated trails, maintaining tree buffers along the water and not dumping garbage or fill over the bank, go a long way in ensuring that these unique plants are enjoyed by future generations. The Nature Trust of New Brunswick also works with landowners wishing to protect their property through a range of Conservation Options . Within the Upper St. John River Valley area, 12 landowners are currently protecting their botanically rich shoreline properties through Voluntary Stewardship Agreements! For more information on how to help conserve the Upper St. John River Valley flora contact the Nature Trust of New Brunswick at (506) 457 2398 or ntnb@nbnet.nb.ca
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