in peril - SAS Nature

Transcription

BOREAL
IN PERIL
The State of the
Chapleau Crown Game Preserve
By Gisèle Benoit, Monique Benoit
and Raynald Benoit
September 15, 2014
BOREAL IN PERIL
The State of the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve
Author
Gisèle Benoit
Translation
Colin Lachance
Proofreading and corrections
Monique Hébert
Odette Langevin
Document layout
Geneviève Palardy
Cover page
Stop Destroying my Forest!
Oil on canvas by Gisèle Benoit
102 cm x 152 cm (40" x 60")
In this document, the term "we" refers to Monique Benoit, Wildlife Artist and Naturalist,
Raynald Benoit, Film-Maker, Producer and Naturalist, Gisèle Benoit, Wildlife Artist,
Naturalist and Spokesperson for the Society Art and Science for Nature (SAS Nature),
the Gisèle Benoit Wildlife Study Centre and the SAS Nature, its founders and members.
This document is presented on behalf of the Society Art and Science for Nature and
the Gisèle Benoit Wildlife Study Centre.
Reproduction is authorized for non-commercial use, provided the source is acknowledged
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 5
1
GASPÉSIE PARK .................................................................................................................... 7
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9
2
THE CHAPLEAU CROWN GAME PRESERVE ................................................................................. 19
2.1
2.2
3
BLACK BEAR PREDATION ....................................................................................................... 26
NATURAL CONTROL OF BEAR POPULATIONS .............................................................................. 27
SPECIALIZED WOLF PREDATION .............................................................................................. 28
THE ROLE OF WEATHER VARIATION IN THE CONTROL OF NORTHERN BLACK BEAR POPULATIONS ........ 29
CONCLUSION....................................................................................................................... 31
THE WOLF: A KEY SPECIES .................................................................................................... 33
4.1
4.2
5
FRAGILE EQUILIBRIUM........................................................................................................... 20
STUDY METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................................... 22
THE BLACK BEAR ................................................................................................................ 25
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
4
INSUFFICIENT CARIBOU PROTECTION MEASURES .......................................................................... 7
A NEW PARKS LAW ................................................................................................................ 9
GASPÉSIE CARIBOU ON LIFE SUPPORT ...................................................................................... 10
MOOSE STUDIES (1980-1995) ............................................................................................. 11
MOOSE BEHAVIOUR ............................................................................................................. 13
MOOSE ARE MORE SOCIABLE THAN EXPECTED.......................................................................... 13
THE ROLE OF MOOSE IN FOREST REGENERATION ....................................................................... 15
THE CURRENT SITUATION ...................................................................................................... 16
TOURISM BOOM IN GASPÉSIE PARK ......................................................................................... 16
A POPULATION IN HARMONY WITH ITS SURROUNDINGS .............................................................. 33
CONCLUSION....................................................................................................................... 34
MOOSE AND HABITAT DEGRADATION ...................................................................................... 35
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
MOOSE ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................................... 36
ALARMING DECLINE OF MOOSE NUMBERS IN NORTH AMERICA .................................................... 38
FOREST HARVESTING VERSUS FOREST FIRES .............................................................................. 39
OTHER SPECIES IN DECLINE .................................................................................................... 41
OTHER HABITAT DEGRADATION FACTORS ................................................................................. 42
CONCLUSION....................................................................................................................... 42
Society Art and Science for Nature and Gisèle Benoit Wildlife Study Centre
3
6
HERBICIDES ....................................................................................................................... 45
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
6.10
7
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM IN THE CHAPLEAU CROWN GAME PRESERVE ...................... 57
7.1
7.2
8
THE FUNCTION OF GLYPHOSATE HERBICIDES ............................................................................. 45
MUTAGENIC, CANCEROUS AND ENDOCRINE DISRUPTOR AGENTS .................................................. 46
ONTARIO’S CAUTIONARY APPROACH CITED AS AN EXAMPLE ........................................................ 47
PHYTOSANITARY PRODUCTS ................................................................................................... 48
HERBICIDE SENSITIVE WETLANDS ............................................................................................ 49
CANADIANS KEPT IN THE DARK ............................................................................................... 49
ACCIDENTAL HERBICIDE EXPOSURE DURING OUR RESEARCH ........................................................ 50
EVENT 1: AUGUST, 2004 – BONAR TOWNSHIP ......................................................................... 51
EVENT 2: EARLY SEPTEMBER, 2007 – FLORANNA TOWNSHIP, AREA OF LARGE WHITE PINES ............. 53
EVENT 3: EARLY SEPTEMBER, 2010 – MARSHALL TOWNSHIP ...................................................... 55
THE LARGEST CROWN GAME PRESERVE IN THE WORLD: TRUE OR FALSE?....................................... 58
NON HARVESTING ACTIVITIES ARE MOST POPULAR .................................................................... 60
CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGES .............................................................................................. 63
8.1
RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION ................................................................................... 64
PHOTO CREDITS ....................................................................................................................... 67
REFERENCES AND SOURCES ......................................................................................................... 71
4
INTRODUCTION
Canada's 574 million hectare Boreal Forest constitutes one quarter of the remaining natural
forests on the planet. Its spectacular fauna is comprised of numerous types of migratory birds,
moose, wolves, bears and woodland caribou. The Boreal Forest encompasses almost the entire
Northern Hemisphere and holds in its grasp more fresh water in its lakes and wetlands and
more carbon in its trees, soil and peat bogs than any other ecosystem on the planet. The boreal
region should therefore be protected in order to safeguard the well-being of citizens and
societies that continue to rely on its ecological benefits1.
My parents and I have created a team of naturalists that are passionate about Boreal Forest
and the study of its wildlife (ethology). Our contributions are based on observations that we
have made in the wild over a thirty year period, mainly in eastern Québec and northern
Ontario. The results of our studies, most of which having been published in the form of
documentaries, have gained us recognition and respect by both the scientific community and
the general public.
5
Are we ecological militants? While we have engaged in certain public debates regarding the
protection of nature, this paper represents the first time that we have taken a strong position.
The Society Art and Science for Nature (SAS Nature), a not-for-profit organization that we
co-founded, aims at improving public awareness for the protection of nature. Its main purpose
is to assist in overcoming public ignorance of and indifference to wildlife. Supported by its
founding members, collaborators and 500 odd active members, SAS Nature is devoted to
sensitizing the public to wildlife through art and science.
This paper, entitled Boreal in Peril, chronicles the impacts of forest harvesting operations within
the Boreal Forest since 1980, providing a summary of our observations as well as our concerns.
Our intent is not to attack an industry that forms the economic backbone for many northern
regions but to rather draw attention to related challenges in support of preserving ecological
areas that are indispensable in the struggle against climate change. This document will be
submitted to the Northeast Superior Regional Chiefs' Forum (NSRCF), an ad-hoc political
advocacy group comprised of First Nation Chiefs who have taken a keen interest in the
ecological protection and restoration of the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve. The document
will also available on the SAS Nature Website at www.sasnature.org.
Gisèle Benoit
Wildlife Artist, Naturalist
and SAS Nature Spokesperson
6
BOREAL IN PERIL – The State of the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve
Chapter 1 – Gaspésie Park
1
GASPÉSIE PARK
We have worked for fifteen (15) years in the Gaspésie Park located in eastern Québec. A
summary of the history of the Park and as well as our related moose studies is provided in this
chapter. This information has allowed us to draw comparisons between the Park and our
observations within the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve in north-eastern Ontario.
1.1
INSUFFICIENT CARIBOU PROTECTION MEASURES
The promotion of tourism and the protection of the last woodland caribou herd located south
of the Saint Lawrence River have been identified as two of the four main original objectives that
led to the creation of Gaspésie Park in 1937. At that time, the government banned hunting and
trapping but, in response to forestry and mining pressures, subsequently made five
modifications to its governing constitution in the search of ecological balance. Consequently,
fragile caribou habitat was adversely affected to the point where their populations declined. In
the 1950s the first aerial surveys identified a herd of around 1,000 animals. By the 1980s,
7
biologists estimated the numbers to be in the order of 250. Today, the numbers are down to
around 1002.
Biologists agree that the reason for the aforementioned decline is the harvesting of mature
conifers and the tree lichen that they support. Within the Gaspésie Park and surrounding area,
the gradual disappearance of this critical winter habitat and source of feed caused by the
opening of the land led to an increase in bears and coyotes that preyed particularly on caribou
calves*. Habitat changes caused by logging practices also greatly favoured moose and deer, the
latter of which providing an avenue for the introduction of a parasite that is mortal to the
caribou: the menengial or brain worm (parelaphostrongylus tenuis).
What paradox! The woodland caribou of the Gaspésie area is on the verge of extinction in spite
of the creation of a park some seventy-seven (77) years earlier that is dedicated to their
protection. This failure reinforces the need to look at ecosystems from a holistic perspective
and the commensurate need to protect critical habitat and not just space. Environment,
climate, vegetation, animals and other factors collectively contribute to the fragility of the land
in an interrelated manner, establishing a delicate balance that can be easily thrown
into disarray.
*
In the Gaspésie region of Québec and in the Maritime Provinces, the wolf was hunted and trapped to extinction.
In the 1980s, the eastern coyote moved in, replacing the wolf that had been removed from the scene some
one hundred years earlier.
8
1.2
A NEW PARKS LAW
In 1977, scientific evidence pertaining to the genetic distinctness of caribou in the Gaspésie
region was generally recognized by the Government of Québec, thus triggering implications
under provincial parks legislation (L.R.Q., chapter p-9). Consistent with International Union
of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) requirements, the provincial legislation banned forestry,
mining and energy development practices within provincial parks. While this had the effect of
creating new protected areas, it also led to a reduction in protected spaces as some parks were
scaled back or decommissioned completely, with a net detriment to the conservation of
vulnerable species, unique landscapes and fragile ecosystems.
In our opinion, the Gaspésie Park represents one of the most extreme examples of the
aforementioned destructive trend. In 1981, at a time when the numbers of caribou in the park
were in free-fall, the original 1,285 km2 of park was reduced to only 800 km2 2. For political and
economic reasons, the Government of Québec removed the protection status to important
portions of critical caribou territory in order to allow for forest harvesting and the eventual
development of mining and energy projects – in direct contravention of the requirements of
the new parks law. As expressed in a popular French saying, they wanted the butter and the
money from the butter**. In other words, "if we can no longer cut the trees in the park, then
let's cut out the park". Consequently, and as expected, the Gaspésie Park became an island
under siege from all sides by forest and moose harvesting activities.
**
Loosely translated, they wanted the cake and to eat it too.
9
1.3
GASPÉSIE CARIBOU ON LIFE SUPPORT
Woodland caribou populations in the Gaspésie area are now on life support in spite of a stricter
tourism regime designed to minimize related human impacts, especially during caribou
breeding and calving seasons. In an effort to improve fecundity rates, the Ministry of Forests,
Fauna and Parks also initiated an ethically questionable predator control program. Starting in
the spring, traps are set inside the park to eliminate as many black bears and coyotes as
possible, but accidental captures have also adversely affected the population of lynx and
other animals.
When predation begins to adversely affect an animal population it is a sign that one or more
non-natural impacts are in play and that the predators are merely accelerating a process
towards extinction that is already well advanced. We therefore believe that predator control
within conservation parks is a highly questionable practice particularly given that the results are
inconsequential in the long run. Coyotes and black bears are mere scapegoats under these
circumstances, following the example of the caribou wherein they are victims of the lack of
habitat protection within the territory that has existed for a century.
10
1.4
MOOSE STUDIES (1980-1995)
In the spring of 1979, we were attracted to Gaspésie Park due to a fondness of caribou and its
habitat. Unexpectedly, all three of us fell in love with the majestic beast known as the moose.
Since then, our research unexpectedly changed direction as we passionately began what was to
become a baseline study on the behaviour of moose in eastern Canada.
Astonishingly, ninety percent of our studies are located in the western portion of the park
between Lac Cascapédia and Lac Noir (Black) that encompasses an area of less than 200 km2.
The limited size of the study area may seem surprising in light of the documented results. The
following factors explain why we were able to successfully observe such a large animal within
such a small area:
1) Former Forest Harvesting Areas in the Cascapédia Sector: The study area is comprised of
regrowth from forest harvesting activities that pre-date the introduction of the provincial
parks law. The most recent areas cut were estimated to be between two and three years
old. It is our understanding that none of the areas cut were replanted by man or treated
with herbicides. Regrowth of spruce and balsam occurred naturally given that significant
portions of the mature forest stands were still intact, unlike clear-cut practices in Ontario
and elsewhere in Québec. Given that new legislation banned forest harvesting activities
within provincial parks, the Cascapédia area was subject to no further degradation. Old
11
logging roads provided access to the entire study area and the mountainous topography and
harvested slopes offered exceptional visibility in support of observing moose behaviour.
2) Elevated Moose Density: Exceeding 5 individuals per km2 in some areas, the density of
moose was related directly to old forestry harvesting activities that offered animal cover
and feed throughout the year.
3) Hunting Ban: A hunting ban in Gaspésie Park allowed moose numbers to prosper. Having
worked in areas where hunting and trapping were allowed, we note that areas protected
from such harvesting activities such as within provincial parks support a much more healthy
population of wildlife. Parks generally support more balanced ecosystems, and related
wildlife densities are subject to more natural fluctuations when human interference
is limited.
4) The Sedentary Nature of Moose: The absence of forestry operations and hunting in parks
contributes to more sedentary and stable adult moose populations. Only rarely did we
observe a distance of over 10 km between moose wintering grounds and their summer
areas located in the valleys of the Lac Paul, Lac Noir and Lac Cascapédia areas. In the spring,
fall and winter, and sometimes during the summer, moose frequented forest regrowth
areas where browse and shelter was abundantly available. This allowed us to study the
same moose year after year.
12
1.5
MOOSE BEHAVIOUR
To the surprise of specialists, we discovered that during the rut, the giant Alaska sub-species
(Alces alces gigas) was not the only sub-species of moose where the dominant male
surrounding himself with several cows. This behaviour was prevalent in Gaspésie Park during
our study period. The gathering of females around a dominant male is therefore not
attributable to the genetically distinct Alces alces gigas sub-species. An elevated moose density
explains the spontaneous presence of this behaviour in the Park and elsewhere.
1.6
MOOSE ARE MORE SOCIABLE THAN EXPECTED
The nuclear family comprised of cows and their offspring generally excludes the presence of
other cows and calves. However, we noted that every spring pregnant cows stayed together to
give birth in a number of specific calving areas in Gaspésie Park. These nurseries were located
on mountain plateaus characterised by active forest regeneration, thus offering shelter, food
and clearings. Cows gained a number of benefits from this atypical behaviour. At the end of
May and beginning of June, heavy snow that persists in the forest in such areas as high valleys
and wooded slopes often renders access for calving hazardous. Pregnant cows greatly prefer
high altitude, cleared and dry plateaus where snow melt occurs early. Furthermore, the
topography allows the mothers and future mothers to smell approaching predators. It is not
easy to frustrate six or eight nostrils always on alert within the four corners of the plateau! As
soon as one cow detects danger, she sounds the warning bell to alert her colleagues. We did
not witness any pregnant cows grouping together to chase off a bear threat, however we
believe that they would be capable of doing so to protect the calves in the nursery. In 1991, in
an area adjacent to a known calving ground, we witnessed a failed attack by a black bear on a
calf that resulted in a hasty retreat by the predator with an aggressive mother moose in pursuit.
Keep in mind that the birth period is critical for ungulates given that new-borns are highly
vulnerable. Towards the end of June most pregnant cows separate from one another and leave
the calving grounds, accompanied by their newborns, and move into the valleys.
13
Another interesting fact is that, like many other ungulates, male and female moose usually
band together in the fall and winter. The term ''band'' does not mean that they live in a herd
like wapiti and caribou. As much as they enjoy each other's company, moose are individualistic
and some of them, notably cows with calves, generally prefer their space. Bulls adopt a more
social behaviour – we often see them in groups of three to six loyal companions of different
ages. In the spring in our study area west of Lac Cascapédia, there was less than a kilometre
between the hill occupied by bulls and the nursery that sheltered the cows and their young. At
Lac Paul, a summer area frequented by around twenty moose, the males and females had their
respective grazing areas.
14
1.7
THE ROLE OF MOOSE IN FOREST REGENERATION
Parallel to our moose behavioural studies, we witnessed how moose contribute to a return of
conifers after forestry operations. In fact, the moose population was significant enough in our
study area that browsing of small trees reduced to a minimum the colonization of deciduous
trees. Interestingly, rather than growing at the same rate as the conifers in search of space and
light, small white birch, a targeted moose browsing species, remained short, with few branches
and ended up looking like a bonsai! In fact, moose played a critical role in the restoration of the
natural forest. Their ability to browse was far more effective in restoring forest balance than
any human approach, particularly when ecological factors are taken into consideration. For
example, branches, clusters and leaves consumed by moose were converted to natural fertilizer
(dung, manure) that benefited the conifers. Moose in this area therefore helped to re-establish
the ecosystem that existed prior to forest harvesting.
15
1.8
THE CURRENT SITUATION
In 2014, there was little visible evidence of the vast logging cuts that existed in the Park in the
1980s and 1990s in the area around Lac Cascapédia. In fact, we had difficulty recognizing our
study and filming areas. The spruce and balsam created the basis of a young forest with
deciduous trees growing sparsely throughout and only in significant numbers along roadways
that crisscross the territory. Given that the natural cycle of regrowth is ongoing given that it will
take several years, perhaps even decades, before the coniferous forest is colonized with tree
lichens targeted by caribou, the number of moose in our study area had dropped significantly.
1.9
TOURISM BOOM IN GASPÉSIE PARK
At the beginning of our studies, Gaspésie Park had not yet developed to its full tourism
potential. The area was merely frequented by a few observers of nature, a handful of
recreationists and other tourists and fishers. There was little infrastructure and promotional
efforts to encourage the observation of wildlife other than caribou.
The Quebec Parks Act passed in 1977 reinforced two crucial missions of Gaspésie Park: public
education and the economic enhancements of the natural traits of the territory, either through
16
the discovery of spectacular landscapes or through nature interpretation. In the 1990s,
international visibility provided by our documentaries on moose and grouse species increased
public exposure of the Park, elevating it to one of the most visited sites by Canadians and
international tourists alike. A comprehensive walking trail system, observation posts and nature
interpretation activities permitted future visitors to appreciate the splendor of the Park while in
a relaxed state. The cleanliness of the Park and an adequate regulatory framework allowed
tourists to be, for the most part, enchanted by their experiences.
17
Chapter 2 – The Chapleau Crown Game Preserve
2
THE CHAPLEAU CROWN GAME PRESERVE
We discovered the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve in the spring of 1995 during an exhibition
and a series of conferences, coupled with a showing of our documentary films, in northern
Ontario. Mr. Paul Allaire of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), spoke to us with
enthusiasm about the abundant and diversified fauna of this boreal area, thus acting as a main
catalyst. According to him, the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve offered numerous study
opportunities and that we would be able to secure the necessary authorizations to establish a
base camp. Mr. Allaire's suggestions were ideal given that we were in search of a protected
area that would allow us the possibility to expand our studies on such predators as the wolf
and lynx.
In the beginning, we assumed that forestry harvest activities underway in the Chapleau Crown
Game Preserve would not pose an obstacle to our work. With the exception of woodland
caribou, threatened throughout Canada due to clear cuts, we had not previously witnessed the
negative impacts associated with herbicide spraying and certain types of forest harvesting
19
practices and therefore had no preconceived views about the negative effects of such practices
to temper our enthusiasm regarding the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve. We thought that this
large area, a little over 7,000 km2 in size, would allow us to pursue our studies in quiet areas
without being disturbed by logging activities. The success of our work did, after all, focus on the
observation of nature and we were relying heavily on the fact that hunting and trapping was
forbidden in the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve since 1925.
Between 1995 and 2000, during exploratory visits, we identified more advantages than
disadvantages, starting with the observation of wildlife species that we had not yet studied in
their habitat such as the Sandhill Crane, Sharp tailed Grouse, Least Chipmunk and Black Bear. In
this sense, the potential of the reserve surpassed our expectations. The number of lakes, peat
bogs and marshes and the associated diversity of species each served to enrich our
understanding before we were even officially established in our base camp.
2.1
FRAGILE EQUILIBRIUM
Once permanently installed at Racine Lake, we were able to assess the extent of the damage to
the flora and fauna caused by forestry operations. To achieve our study objectives and to
accurately interpret the behaviour of animals, we were required to be constantly aware of
current and historical disturbances caused by forestry operations, human negligence and
habitat alterations.
20
In the beginning, we were struck by the resilience of the ecosystem and the adaptability of its
living organisms. In nature, the word "adaptation" is synonymous with "change" – change in
animal and vegetation population density, change in behaviour and habits, and change brought
about by species returning to the land, for example. Non-natural disturbances can bring about
drastic and repetitive change to the ecosystem that is accompanied by an exponential increase
in the risk of ecological instability and the erosion of biodiversity. In this context, observations
made between 2001 and 2014 allowed us to understand how certain species modified their
behaviour in order to optimize the benefits from forestry operations or to simply survive the
drastic impact. What was demonstrated in particular is that there is a species and habitat limit
to adaptability and that this limit has been surpassed in the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve.
This document focusses mainly on our findings in this regard.
21
2.2
STUDY METHODOLOGY
Biologists usually rely on technology to follow wildlife movement (telemetry, GPS location, etc.)
and evaluate wildlife health by taking blood, hair and feces samples and determined the density
of certain species of ungulates through period aerial surveys. (fly-over of winter yarding areas,
for example). As naturalists, we take a different approach. Because we spend on average six
months per year in the field to observe and interpret wildlife behaviour, we are exposed to
even small changes or anomalies within our study area. While the results of our work lack the
precision of a rigorous scientific approach that is supported by facts that are generated through
the use of technical instruments, they are nevertheless accurate. For example, in Gaspésie Park,
we compared the results of our observations with reports produced by biologists and
discovered that both approaches led to basically the same conclusions regarding moose
density, the number of animals in a herd, survival rates of calves, ratio of males to females, etc.
We work in an environment that has limited exposure to scientific scrutiny: the study of animal
behaviour in the wild is a captivating endeavour with plenty of challenges! It is with good
22
reason that many behavioural studies are done with animals in captivity. In nature, the
challenges are so numerous and the exercise so demanding that most of the researchers,
limited by time, choose to observe animals in semi-captivity or through GPS tracking.
Our main strength is the unlimited time we have to undertake our work. In this way, we
manage to realise incredible projects such as documenting the life of a pack of wolves
established in a territory with an area that is just over 600 km 2 without the use of tracking
collars. Equipped with a keen sense of observation and well-tested perseverance, naturalists
make a significant contribution to science.
23
Chapter 3 – The Black Bear
3
THE BLACK BEAR
The black bear is the most visible of the large mammals in the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve.
We were therefore in the right place to observe the behaviour of an animal renown for
adaptation. A member of the carnivore family, this unpretentious opportunist seems capable of
taking greater advantage of natural disturbances and clear-cuts than moose, at least in Ontario.
Algonquin Park and the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve boast the highest rates of bear
densities in Canada (between 40 and 60 individuals per 100 km 2)3. Due to an abundant wild
berry production that is attributed to forest harvesting, such a high density of bears has
triggered debates and concerns in a number of northern Ontario communities. Are there too
many bears? Are they responsible for the reduction of moose numbers because they kill too
many calves? In our opinion, there are a number of factors that contribute to declining moose
numbers and our observations outlined in Chapters 5 and 6 of this document provide new
insight regarding this trend.
25
3.1
BLACK BEAR PREDATION
Predator numbers adjust naturally to the availability of prey. Such is the case with wolf, fox,
lynx and most true predators, small or large. However, the Black Bear is an occasional predator
given that as much as 80% of its diet is comprised of vegetation, meaning that its population
density is not limited by the availability of potential prey.
Notwithstanding the fact that bears will on occasion capture moose calves, we did not observe
this tendency on a large scale. Bears usually content themselves in stealing prey that has been
taken by other predators and to cleaning up animal remains. Bears are more necrophagous
than they are predator. We witnessed Black Bears feeding on the carcasses of animals killed
along the various roads in the preserve. Furthermore, fish remains disposed by fishermen
attract them as much as moose remains disposed in the fall by hunters. In Gaspésie Park, we
observed that Black Bears and Coyotes ate ungulate carcasses especially in the spring once
melting snow revealed the result of hard winters. Witnessing a bear devouring a dead animal
does not mean that it is responsible for the kill.
The real impact of Black Bear predation on small moose remains an extremely delicate subject
given that we would not want, by our comments, to make an animal the scapegoat for a
problem for which it is not the cause. We stress that in the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve and
surrounding area that bear densities are known to be much higher than moose densities and
that this natural imbalance is caused directly by forest harvesting activities.
26
3.2
NATURAL CONTROL OF BEAR POPULATIONS
Bear populations, like all other animals, generally adapt to the availability of food within its
habitat. In Gaspésie Park, harsh climate and high elevations (between 500 and 800 metres) of
forest regeneration areas where our studies were undertaken were found to limit the
proliferation of small fruit which is the main source of calories for bears preoccupied with
building fat reserves in advance of hibernation. Black Bears in the Chic-Chocs area could
admittedly feed easier than in dense forest but not enough to support a population density of
40 to 60 animals per 100 km2.
Regardless of the species and factors influencing its reproduction, elevated densities often
result in the appearance of behavioural traits often not seen in less dense numbers. In the
previous chapter of this document, a description of some of these behaviours was provided
(harems, nurseries, etc.). Regarding Black Bear in the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve, we
noted cases of cannibalism perpetuated by certain large males, with no preference for the sex
or the age of the victim. In our opinion, this atypical form of predation could very well be an
instinctive control measure for dealing with an overpopulation of Black Bears.
27
3.3
SPECIALIZED WOLF PREDATION
We documented a second natural bear population control measure. It is nothing short of
astonishing – the specialized predation of a pack of wolves! The term "specialized predation" is
used to describe the behaviour of a predator in targeting a species of prey that it does not
usually hunt. Bears are generally attracted to clear-cut and open areas created by fire given the
usual presence of an abundance of wild berries, and find themselves at times of attack with no
trees to climb. We have noted that more careless bears are often targeted by wolves that have
learned how to surround and kill them. To our knowledge, at least one wolf pack became
experts in hunting bears during the summer of 2002. Recognizing the associated risks in doing
so, the wolves attacked mainly weakened bears. With the exception of the pups, wolf packs
undertaking this activity numbered around a dozen adults, which is exceptional for the region.
Also, the territory provided ideal conditions for the development of this technique, namely a
high number of prey available in open terrain. As well as observing the interactions between
predator and prey, we noted a high percentage of bear hair in the feces of the members of the
wolf pack throughout the entire summer.
28
3.4
THE ROLE OF WEATHER VARIATION IN THE CONTROL OF NORTHERN BLACK BEAR POPULATIONS
Sickness provides a less spectacular yet nevertheless active form of population control with
respect to wildlife species and there is a tendency to forget that weather variations affect
certain species more than others. Our observations indicate that an early spring, drought and
other conditions induced by extreme weather have a major effect on Black Bears, notably given
its adverse effect on the availability of food that is critical to bear survival. For example, when
blueberry plants flower too early, a subsequent cold front accompanied by frost can impact
pollination and destroy the flowers. Also, in the summertime during a long period of drought,
wild berries will dehydrate and fall to the ground, depriving the bear of an important
food source.
We have observed, not surprisingly, that the occasional scarcity of small fruit tests the stamina
of the bear and leads to the mortality of the young, weak and old. In order to survive, bears
need to call on their strong adaptive capacity by exploiting all other sources of nourishment
within the territory. Dominant individuals jealously defend scarce sites that support their
subsistence, whereas others focus more on predation.
29
During lean years and pushed by hunger, Black Bears living in proximity to man leave their
forest habitat to explore rural areas, cultivated fields, campgrounds and villages. Ironically,
people observe more bears than usual under these circumstances and conclude that the
problem is overpopulation. Inevitably, conflicts and incidents between bears and humans are
elevated when natural berry crops are poor. Media attention paid to more severe cases often
fail to raise the underlying reason why certain bears are behaving unusually. The Black Bear
that killed a woman and seriously injured her spouse at Missinaibi Lake on September 6, 2005
was apparently very thin and starving as a direct consequence of a drought that summer.
During times of food shortage, bears in poor health burn too much energy in search of their
daily bread compared to acquired gains. According to some biologists, those that do not
accumulate enough fat reserves may survive the winter but this does not mean that they are
out of danger. The irreversibility of their condition manifests itself in the spring following the
food shortage once they come out of their den, too thin and weak to pursue food and restore
their health4. These bears can gorge themselves on grasses and still run the risk of starving to
death in June and July before the sweet wild berries ripen ***.
Impacts associated with drought or an early spring therefore carry forward throughout the
year, causing death of a certain number of individuals and limiting the propagation of the
species. On the other hand, the higher the bear density, the greater the consequences
associated with a shortage of berries. Mortality and fecundity impacts caused by food shortages
***
30
Black bears are not ruminants: their digestive system extracts very little nutritive value from eating grass.
are therefore more dramatic when bear numbers are elevated, thus demonstrating the impact
that weather changes have on northern populations.
Extreme weather conditions also adversely affect bears during hibernation. For example, rains
and thaws in December, January, February or March can force bears from their dens and
limited snow cover and floods could also disturb their winter rest.
3.5
CONCLUSION
Between 2005 and 2012, a number of extreme weather events drastically affected Black Bears
in the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve. Along with winter thaws, early springs and successive
drought, we observed for the first time dying bears looking for food along roadsides,
particularly in the spring. Some were so thin and weak that they were tottering. During those
years, we noted that adult bear numbers were lower and cubs virtually non-existent. We are
categorical about one point: we counted less bears in the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve in
2014 compared to 2001. Our observations clearly indicate that the bear population dropped
significantly after the terrible drought during the summer of 2005, although the numbers are
still elevated compared to other regions such as Gaspésie.
31
We are concerned about the chain reactions associated with numerous weather jolts,
something that should concern everyone interested in protecting the Black Bear and the
Boreal Forest ecosystem. In effect, scientists around the world have affirmed that climate
change will soon begin to compound the effects of extreme weather conditions. Accordingly,
weather variations that were once mere tools to control bear numbers may, in the near future,
be a major threat to their existence. By extension, it places in peril the collective wellbeing of
fauna, flora… and man.
32
Chapter 4 – The Wolf: A Key Species
4
THE WOLF: A KEY SPECIES
The wolf and its prey live in a symbiotic relationship. Wolf predation serves the ungulate
population given that individuals with reproduction challenges – the weak, the injured or aged
– are the first to be culled. This recognized benefit led to the reintroduction of wolves in
Yellowstone National Park in the United States which in turn promoted the restoration of a
degraded ecosystem with an overpopulation of elk. For the services rendered to the ecological
collective, the wolf is to be recognized as a key species that merits the title of the "soul of the
territory". We were able to study this emblematic animal given the size of the Chapleau Crown
Game Preserve and given that the reserve's trapping ban protected the size of the packs.
4.1
A POPULATION IN HARMONY WITH ITS SURROUNDINGS
Based on our observations in the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve, we evaluated the average
size of wolf pack territory to be around 700 km2. In theory, there could be nearly a dozen wolf
packs within the reserve. Except for the super pack that was found to specialize in hunting
bears, the wolves that we studied up to 2013 operated in packs of between 5 and
33
13 individuals, including pups less than a year old. Litters were generally comprised of seven
pups that easily survived the first six months of their existence.
In spring, summer and fall, the favourite prey of the wolf in the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve
was the beaver. We have videotaped wolf hunting techniques in this regard including
wolves jumping into the water to capture their prey. Beaver and wolves are inextricably
linked – without the wolf, beaver populations would quickly get out of control and would be
infected by disease such as tularemia.
4.2
CONCLUSION
According to our observations, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve wolf populations are stable.
Out of an average litter of seven pups, it is rare that more than three reach their first birthday.
Once winter sets in, beavers huddle in their houses, thus reducing the availability of this
preferred wolf prey. Wolves must therefore focus on moose whose meat is not as rich and
harvesting is more dangerous. Every year, wolves are killed by moose during tracking.
Whether it is because of the natural dispersion of young adults, sickness, famine or accidents,
wolf numbers never surpass the availability of prey. For many seasons, we studied moose
behaviour in the Rocky Mountains (Alces alces Anderson), particularly in the Maligne River
valley where they shared their territory with the wolf, the grizzly bear and the cougar. In spite
of the presence of these three super predators, the same moose frequented the same areas,
year after year, between 1989 and 1995. One November, we observed a calf/cow ratio that was
close to that in Gaspésie Park, namely 1 calf for 3 cows. It is therefore false to think that the
presence of wolves signifies the absence of moose. In fact often times the opposite scenario
exists.
34
Chapter 5 – Moose and Habitat Degradation
5
MOOSE AND HABITAT DEGRADATION
In studying moose in the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve, we compared their behaviour to
those in the Gaspésie area of Québec. This analysis was particularly captivating for us given that
the two populations of ungulates differ in population density and geography.
The mountain dwelling moose of Gaspésie Park are subject to few human disturbances with the
exception of run-ins with tourists. Their elevated numbers permitted us to observe their
sociability and their level of tolerance. Adults occupy the same territory year after year,
contributing to a stable population. Birth rates and calf survival rates are stable. To date, the
rigorous climate of the Chic-Chocs area has buffered them from the effects of climate change,
unlike other moose populations that are exposed to winter tick infestations or metabolic
problems caused by overwhelming heat.
Contrary to their counterparts in Gaspésie Park, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve moose live in
a territory that is continuously disturbed by forest harvesting, coupled with newly introduced
35
weather conditions that are having a direct impact: shorter winters with a commensurate
shortage of snow (from 2005 to 2012), early springs, very hot summers and falls, etc.
Since 1997, winter grazing areas in the preserve were inferior to the resources available. Given
the presence of numerous lakes, wetlands and other factors that usually support strong
numbers, there could have been – and should have been – more moose in the area. In reality,
there were just enough moose to offer us great opportunities to observe and document our
findings up to 2008. Over the last few years, the survival rate of calves seems to have been
particularly low, and some people hold the bear accountable. Moose populations are
categorically in decline in that Chapleau Crown Game Preserve for a number of reasons.
5.1
MOOSE ACTIVITIES
At the beginning of our study period in Ontario, we thought that we could determine the
seasonal activities of moose in order to follow certain animals throughout several seasons, as
we did in Gaspésie Park. We soon learned that this would be difficult in the game preserve, and
possibly elsewhere in Ontario, mainly because of the lack of specific patterns of activity
associated with the unpredictable use of forest regeneration areas for feeding and rutting.
For example, in Marshall Township in August 2001 bulls aggregated in a harvested area that
began to regenerate around three years earlier, noting that their behaviour was similar to their
counterparts in Gaspésie. At the end of August and at the beginning of September, these four
bulls began to behave in a pre-rut manner in response to cows circulating in the area. During
36
the second week of September, the dominant bull ousted his rivals from the area he had
claimed, specifically within the entire harvested area and surrounding forest! The cows
aggregated along the perimeter of the area being defended by the dominant bull, with as many
as five cows being sited in a single morning. After the rut, the subordinate bulls returned to the
area to feed, accompanied by other bulls that we did not see in August and September. Along
with a few cows and at least one spring calf, the group numbered around 20 individuals. It is
likely that the group spent the winter together. The open areas of the plantation provided a
robust source of new, diversified and easily accessible growth while the adjacent forested area
provided shelter and resting areas.
The following year, expecting a return of the
moose dedicated to a certain area, we
witnessed no moose whatsoever in the
plantation
and
surrounding
area.
Consequently, we could not continue our
work into 2001 given that we could not find
any subjects to study. The same territorial
abandonment pattern repeated itself every
time we found a regeneration zone
frequented by moose.
Through perseverance, we discovered that
moose territoriality did indeed exist in the
Chapleau Crown Game Preserve, but only in
areas free of forestry activities and herbicide
free for at least ten years. We could therefore
conclude that clear-cutting and herbicide
spray activities adversely affected moose behaviour. The regrowth of deciduous trees in
harvested areas initially attract moose – and they frequent the area until the foliage they feed
on is killed off by chemicals. Moose are then forced to abandon areas for long periods,
particularly when harvesting activities destroy forest cover used for winter yarding and calving.
Sudden and random environmental changes also create a considerable stress on numerous
species other than the moose that is not properly taken into consideration when it is time to
consider the causes of species decline. In the case of ungulate reductions, for example,
government officials prefer to blame predators rather than changing industrial practices that
adversely affect the ecosystem. Sooner or later, it will be necessary to look at the underlying
37
problem from a global perspective given that by limiting our study to the interactions between
two species (Black Bear predation on moose calves, for example) we dwell on the
consequences of the problem and not its root cause. It is only by going to the source of the
problem that the situation can be corrected.
5.2
ALARMING DECLINE OF MOOSE NUMBERS IN NORTH AMERICA
Declining moose numbers in the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve and elsewhere in northern
Ontario compelled the province to reduce by 18% the number of moose hunting permits issued
in 2014. More disturbingly, moose numbers are dropping throughout North America. The
Department of Natural Resources in Minnesota published alarming numbers wherein moose
populations in the State dropped by 52% since 2010, resulting in a full hunting ban. Moose are
now highly protected in Minnesota and American biologists are investigating the reason for
their rapid decline. Notwithstanding the likelihood of other reasons, habitat loss and climate
change accompanied by their pernicious effects have been identified as significant factors5. In
this regard, American researchers have suggested that hot summers could be fatal to moose
given that they have difficulty with temperatures above 23 oC. During heat waves, ungulates
prefer to rest in the shade rather than feed as they normally do, thus encouraging weight loss,
weakness and the onset of disease. Warmer winters could also have dramatic consequences
due to parasite infestations. As a result of climate change, winter ticks (Dermacentor albipictus)
known to ravage moose in Minnesota, Maine and New Hampshire are now affecting moose in
Ontario, Québec the maritime provinces and western Canada.
38
5.3
FOREST HARVESTING VERSUS FOREST FIRES
The process of natural regeneration in Gaspésie Park led us to believe that the effects of forest
harvesting on moose were similar to those caused by forest fires. The dominant view of forestry
engineers and industry representatives supported this assumption: notwithstanding the
temporary chaos created at the time of cutting, they held to the position that a younger forest
was beneficial. We discovered that such was not the case in Ontario. Unlike forest fires that
impact large areas in a uniform way over lengthy time intervals, forest harvesting impacts the
environment in successive waves. Even though a few years may elapse between cutting
activities, this time frame is too short for the ecosystem to adjust, particularly when
accompanied by herbicide spraying in regenerated areas.
A large forest fire concentrates its destructive force within a prescribed area. In general, the
devastated area remains surrounded by an immense mature forest which provides a calving
and rearing refuge for animals. Forestry cuts, on the other hand, have the opposite effect;
increasingly small areas of mature forest are surrounded by areas under regeneration that are
frequented by Black Bears. For moose cows on the verge of giving birth, this is a catastrophe! It
is impossible for her to get far enough away from the regenerating area to avoid bears.
Instinctively, pregnant cows search for a secure nursery that would allow her to avoid
predators, such as a dense and deep forest preferably on the edge of a lake such as those
39
offered in northern Ontario. In reality, dense and deep natural forests are progressively
replaced by sparsely pine trees. Cutting around lakes is leaving an increasingly narrow band of
trees, and areas under forest renewal around islands of mature forest where moose frequent
for calving purposes are also frequented by bears, with associated risks.
Another distinction is that forest fires occur during spring and summer whereas forest
harvesting activities occur year-round. Also, burnt trees remain on site where related debris
and ashes fertilize the soil. Natural laws known for thousands of years dictate that forestry
growth occurs in a predetermined order from brush to deciduous to coniferous trees. In
Ontario, forest harvesting does not support this natural cycle, preferring to focus on short term
profits and economic efficiencies by following the following order: conifers, conifers and
conifers. After a clear cut, the land is scarified. Only fast growing trees such as Jack Pine are
planted, resulting in a gradual replacement of the natural forest with a cultivated forest
including trees planted in straight lines that defy the very essence of the wild; thus promoting a
monoculture approach to forestry that undermines biodiversity. As a final comment, of all of
the forestry practices being exercised in Ontario, the use of chemical herbicides to control
competing vegetation is assuredly the most dangerous, and Chapter 6 of this document
explains why.
40
5.4
OTHER SPECIES IN DECLINE
Moose are not the only animals in decline within the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve; we
noted an alarming decline in all duck species as well as song birds. Our observations regarding
bird species within the game preserve are consistent with conclusions reached in a report
entitled The State of Bird Populations in Canada. This report relies on 40 years of facts collected
by professional and voluntary scientists and was prepared for the North American Bird
Conservation Initiative, Canada (NABCI-Canada) under the direction of Environment Canada,
Bird Study Canada, Nature Canada, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada
and Wildlife Habitat Canada. It presents a portrait of the current state of Canadian bird
populations and chronicles the effect that human activities have on bird populations as well as
the need for urgent conservation efforts6.
According to the NABCI Canada report, bird species in the eastern boreal region have declined
by 12%. Birds that frequent the forest edge have been particularly affected. Over the last four
decades, all but one of the bird species studied were subject to a population drop. The most
serious threats to Boreal Forest birds come from the cumulative degradation of habitat caused
by industrial development (energy projects, forestry and mining).
41
5.5
OTHER HABITAT DEGRADATION FACTORS
Within the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve, we witnessed consequences that virtually nobody
talks about – waste products such as used tires, abandoned vehicles, machinery pieces, pipe
remnants, containers and used oil left in the forest, in cutting areas, along roadways as well as
in lakes. Impacts caused by logging roads were particularly disturbing. During the summer of
2009 for example, work to repair a particular culvert led to a sudden three meter drop in an
adjacent lake. The remaining water in the middle of the lake was far removed from the original
grassy shoreline. More disturbingly, adjacent wetlands that served as Snapping Turtle habitat
were completely drained, bringing with it the sudden death of thousands of small organisms as
well as the destruction of critical habitat for turtles, amphibians, fish, insects, mollusks and
aquatic birds in the middle of their nesting season. This destruction was unnecessary given that
the culvert did not need to be installed so deeply – well below the normal water level of the
lake – in order to serve its desired purpose.
To tell the truth, there are very few clean and natural areas that remain in the Chapleau Crown
Game Preserve given that if we look closely to even the smallest of areas, even the more
sublime, there is evidence of the rough hand associated with the presence of man. Such lax
circumstances in an area that is protected as a wilderness preserve would suggest that matters
are even worse outside of its borders.
5.6
CONCLUSION
For us, there is no doubt that there is a direct correlation between modern forestry practices,
the disappearance of natural forests and the drop in moose numbers within the
Chapleau Crown Game Preserve. This decline was already in play when we started our
42
territorial studies. In effect, testimony from people who frequented the area before we began
our work chronicled the fact that there were an impressive number of moose in the preserve
and that this anecdotal evidence did not correspond with our findings in 2001 and even more
so with our findings of 2014. Amongst these witnesses were notably Vince Crichton, biologist
and Wayne Lynch, animal photographer.
With respect to low moose calf survival rates, certain American biologists believe that the early
arrival of spring raises mortality levels5. Our understanding of moose behaviour allows us to
conclude that the destruction of calving areas exposes newborns to increased predation,
notably from bears. Constant territorial modifications from forest harvesting have also slowly
weakened moose populations and increased bear populations to the point where, to this day,
we continue to observe an ecosystem that is out of balance.
In closing, I cannot remain silent regarding the fact that since 2006, the re-affirmation of
ancestral Aboriginal hunting rights has added an additional pressure on the herds of moose in
the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve.
43
Chapter 6 – Herbicides
6
HERBICIDES
We believe that regular exposure to herbicides and contaminants such as heavy metals
undermine moose health and could affect their reproductive capacity. Moreover, officials
advocate to hunters not to eat the liver of ungulates given that this organ acts as a filter for
pesticides and other dangerous chemicals. The food chain is contaminated and moose are
certainly not the only species affected. This chapter reviews known scientific facts regarding
pesticides and summarizes the existence of related legislation adopted in certain countries and
provinces. It also summarizes our related observations in the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve, a
territory in receipt of tonnes of herbicide.
6.1
THE FUNCTION OF GLYPHOSATE HERBICIDES
In Ontario, glyphosate herbicides are used extensively by the forestry industry. They contain
non-active ingredients such as surfactants, solvents, emulsifiers and additives designed to
improve the effectiveness of glyphosate7. According to scientists, although these non-active
45
products do not kill pests directly, they can threaten ecosystem integrity when combined
with glyphosate8.
Spread over logged areas by plane or helicopter, herbicides are absorbed by plant leaves and
transported by sap to roots and rhizomes where they affect an essential enzyme that
synthesizes aromatic amino acids. This in turn reduces the level of activity of chlorophyll and
certain hormones. Plant growth then stops, provoking the necrosis of tissues that lead to the
death of the plant. Areas sprayed with herbicide offer a sad and complete consequence – soon
after being applied, the tops of small trees turn black and wilt and by the following year the
area looks like a scene in November with the absence of green leaves, flowers and buds. Only
conifers resist the poison, which is the reason why the product is used.
6.2
MUTAGENIC, CANCEROUS AND ENDOCRINE DISRUPTOR AGENTS
Scientific studies show that glyphosate herbicides are mutagenic, cancerous and endocrine
disrupting agents. We are also beginning to suspect that they have a role to play in the
outbreak of behavioural troubles in children, including learning. Even though the negative
impacts of pesticide use on people and animals are increasingly well understood and
documented, reducing its use is proving difficult due to powerful lobbying pressures from
agro-chemical producers. Incidentally, out of all of the herbicide producers, Monsanto is sadly
the most renown9, as demonstrated by the following excerpt from and article that appeared in
the Le Monde de France newspaper:
PCBs, agent orange, dioxin, genetically modified organisms, aspartame, growth
hormones, herbicides (Lasso and Roundup)…. are products that have made Monsanto's fortunes
and have been marred in health scandals that have led at times to their use being banned [...]
In 1975, the company launched Roundup, a powerful herbicide that was labelled as
“biodegradable” and “good for the environment”. In 1996, the Crown Attorney for New York
fined Monsanto $50,000.00 for false advertising. In January, 2007, the company was fined
15,000 Euros in France for the same reason. Roundup is currently the most popular herbicide in
the world […] Many studies corroborate the fact that Monsanto's pesticide production – and its
principle agent, glyphosate – is potentially terragenic given that it is responsible for fetal
malformations. One such study, published at the end of 2010 in Chemical Research
in Toxicology, chronicles that direct exposure to low doses of glyphosate herbicides in
amphibian embryos leads to malformations.
46
6.3
ONTARIO’S CAUTIONARY APPROACH CITED AS AN EXAMPLE
In Ontario, the provincial government implicitly recognized the dangers of chemical herbicide
use and banned the use of Roundup and 250 pesticides due to ''public perceptions''. These new
rules garnered praise even though the ban was limited to flower beds, lawns, parks, school
yards and gardens.
This raises a perplexing situation: why would a product be toxic and dangerous in the city and
harmless in the forest? Why are industrial quantities of herbicides allowed to be sprayed in
Ontario, notably within the forestry sector? How do we interpret these double standards and
contradictions of a law that professes to satisfy everyone, including ecologists? If products are
labelled ''potentially dangerous'' to man, requiring them to be banned in cities and gardens,
then why not ban them across the board and for all uses! In reality, governments are reluctant
to reinforce their legal commitments, as weak as these might be, out of concern for being sued
by companies that produce herbicides.
Certain chemical producers offer the forestry industry with alternatives to Roundup. According
to correspondence between forestry companies and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
(MNR), many glyphosate based chemical defoliants are spread over forest plantations
throughout the province every summer “in support of efforts to renew and protect the forests
of Ontario”. We note that in 2001 Québec had the good sense to ban the use of herbicides for
forestry use in order to “satisfy public opinion”. We would like to also underline that Salvador, a
country in Central America, has completely banned Roundup and other chemical pesticides due
to links to increased kidney disease10.
47
6.4
PHYTOSANITARY PRODUCTS
Citing numerous studies that speak to the devastating effects of herbicide use would
strengthen this report. We would however recommend as an alternative an excellent
book written by Marie-Monique Robin, investigative journalist, entitled The World
According to Monsanto11. In this ground breaking work, the author dedicates an entire chapter
on herbicides that industry currently calls "phytosanitary".
The numerous scientists contacted by Marie-Monique Robin predicted a major health and
ecological crisis if glyphosate herbicides continues to be used. Their research has uncovered a
number of disturbing points about herbicides such as:
a)
b)
c)
d)
They induce the first stages of cancer.
They reduce the production of sexual hormones.
They cause still births and fetal malformations – they are embryo killers.
They are dangerous, particularly in aquatic ecosystems.
Reduction in moose numbers and certain birds in northern Ontario would suggest the need to
seriously reflect on the aforementioned matters.
48
6.5
HERBICIDE SENSITIVE WETLANDS
If we rely on numerous scientific studies12, aerial spraying rules do not adequately protect
sensitive wetlands such as ponds, bogs and creeks. Only large lakes and rivers are adequately
buffered from the effects of herbicide use, which is completely unacceptable. Furthermore, we
note that these buffer areas are far too small to be effective if only to provide for the
movement of wild mammals.
We have witnessed aerial spraying activities in sensitive wetland areas comprised of bogs and
small, poorly drained channels. Herbicides inevitably found their way to the water and
contaminated some of the most diverse habitats. In effect, some of the peat bogs and
other wetlands in the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve contain rare plants such as the
Dragon's Mouth Orchid (Arethusa bulbosa) and the Dwarf Water Lily (Nymphaea leibergi). Our
testimony focuses on one statement: forestry practices in the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve
and in northern Ontario are destroying the biodiversity of the Boreal Forest.
6.6
CANADIANS KEPT IN THE DARK
Canadian society is ill informed of the herbicide threats to ecosystems as well as human health.
In Ontario, these risks continue to be trivialized by herbicide producers, forestry companies and
the government. Is it necessary to recall that certain herbicide producing companies were
found guilty and fined for false advertising and other related unethical behaviour? We
therefore cannot trust the results of any studies sponsored by pesticide producers suggesting
49
that related damages are negligible. Ongoing battles associated with refuting the findings of
agro-chemical companies strangely remind us of similar battles involving the tobacco industry.
In the same way, it is only a matter of time before the truth is known and cautionary warnings
about the use of herbicides are heeded. It is our hope that this document will incite people to
take a stand against herbicide use and to pressure government agencies and forestry
companies to properly accept their social responsibilities.
6.7
ACCIDENTAL HERBICIDE EXPOSURE DURING OUR RESEARCH
We witnessed on three occasions notable physical effects of herbicides being applied within our
study area. Paradoxically and contrary to our expectations, these uncomfortable experiences
allowed us to observe that wildlife did not flee sprayed areas until after the poison killed the
vegetation, they chose to continue to frequent the area as long as there was food and cover.
50
6.8
EVENT 1: AUGUST, 2004 – BONAR TOWNSHIP
Since the beginning of June, we studied a family of Sandhill Cranes nesting in an open wetland
in the heart of a vast plantation that had existed for two or three years. Towards mid-July, an
astronomical number of blueberries and raspberries within this sector attracted many
Black Bears. Numerous other mammals and berry-eating birds feasted in the area, including red
foxes, wolves, skunks, chipmunks, red squirrels, ruffed grouse, spruce grouse, Canada Jays,
titmice, cedar waxwings, robins, various species of sparrows, a pair of Sandhill Cranes and their
two offspring, etc. Moose tracks and evidence of brows on the willow trees were abundant,
confirming the regular presence of large ungulates.
51
During an August afternoon, we returned to the area for a daily follow-up and did not notice
that the wind or a bear had knocked down the herbicide spray warning sign. We drove through
the affected area with the windows down without knowing that the area had been sprayed.
As usual, we scanned the area for wildlife and observed a family of Sandhill Cranes,
three Black Bears, as well as birds and rodents feeding on blueberries. Two hours after our
unsuspected exposure to herbicides, each of us began to experience the effects in the
respiratory tract and around the mouth, including sore throats. It is only upon leaving the site
did we see an aerial spray warning sign on the ground. Spraying had occurred 36 hours earlier.
Although our respiratory and other symptoms had disappeared later that evening, we were
horrified by the fact that Black Bears, rodents and birds were using the area so soon after
herbicide application and were feeding on highly contaminated berries. Our exposure to a
second such event allowed us to conclude that moose were behaving in a similar manner.
52
6.9
EVENT 2: EARLY SEPTEMBER, 2007 – FLORANNA TOWNSHIP, AREA OF LARGE WHITE PINES
Monique and I travelled by vehicle on a secondary road before sunrise in search of a place to
observe moose in a favourable area. Solid conifer re-growth in this area suggested to us that
there was no need for chemical spraying, thus providing us with a secure area to observe
ungulates that had developed a habit of feeding in the area during the summer. Perhaps due to
darkness, we did not see the herbicide spray warning sign and proceeded to go about our usual
business accordingly. As soon as there was sufficient daylight, we walked to an observation spot
with our tripods and cameras. A strange odour caught our attention but because there were
three bull moose feeding nearby and displaying pre-rut behaviour, we were far from suspecting
that the area had recently been treated with herbicides. Shortly thereafter, Monique and I
became concerned about abnormal sensations that we were experiencing such as a burning in
the throat, dry mouth, swelling of the lips and, in my case, swelling and skin irritations on the
hands where I had touched several bushes that had been sprayed. We noted that the willow,
53
Mountain Maple, birch and poplar leaves in the area had taken on a waxy look. My mother and
I had soon understood our situation and immediately packed up our equipment and vacated
the area. While leaving, we then noticed an herbicide spray warning sign.
Our symptoms dissipated towards the end of the afternoon. This misadventure confirmed our
suspicions that moose continue to frequent the area a few hours after the application of
herbicides and continue to feed on leaves and twigs contaminated with glyphosate toxins.
Ungulates abandon the area only after the plants had died.
54
6.10
EVENT 3: EARLY SEPTEMBER, 2010 – MARSHALL TOWNSHIP
A pack of wolves had established its summer rendezvous site near our observation post. The
area was comprised of a trail network, a forestry road passable by vehicles, small dunes and
numerous peat bogs. There were corridors of mature forest, planted areas that were
approximately 15 years old and more recent planted areas that provided open areas conducive
to observation and filming. Herbicide spraying in this area was not warranted given the
presence of limited tree competition: the berry bushes, willows and herbaceous plants were
clearly dominated by Jack Pine. We were therefore flabbergasted to discover a poster that
warned of a pending herbicide spray application even though the area had been previously
treated in 2008.
55
Herbicide spraying took place during the morning of September 11 th and in the afternoon we
deliberately penetrated into the area that was most adversely affected because we wanted to
see if this disturbance had forced the wolves to move. We left the windows in the vehicle up
(only my father and I left the vehicle by necessity). Each of us developed predictable symptoms
that persisted for a month including sore throat, sporadic fever and headaches.
Much to our surprise, the wolf pack remained in place. The wolves were probably absent during
herbicide application given that they often continued their nightly travels into the middle of the
next morning. They would have returned to their contaminated rest area without being able to
assess the related danger to their health. That year, the last filming undertaken by Raynald was
eloquent: a four and a half month old wolf pup chewing on a branch…. a harmless activity had
the branch not been contaminated with wet herbicide.
56
Chapter 7 – Sustainable Development and Tourism in the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve
7
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM IN THE CHAPLEAU CROWN GAME PRESERVE
With forestry operations underway, accompanied by altered landscapes, accumulated
industrial waste and garbage left in the middle of nature, it is easy to understand why the
simple tourist has difficulty appreciating the largest Crown game preserve in the world. These
obstacles, coupled with a lack of vision from decision-makers, limit tourism potential and the
associated benefits to be deprived by bordering communities. Fishermen as well as ATV and
snowmobile enthusiasts are attracted to the preserve in its current state, but not people who
are usually attracted to quality experiences offered by wilderness parks and natural preserves
that meet IUCN criteria. For us, expectations were different given that were conducting
research that allowed us to work around the disturbances.
Mind you, up until recently, the potential was there for us to create an international passion for
the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve, with its lakes, rivers and relatively abundant, diversified
and easily observable wildlife. Having regular contact with European tourists fascinated with
Canada's large spaces, we know that they would come from around the world to observe a
bear, to hear wolves howl, to see a moose or to admire a beaver or a loon inside the
57
Chapleau Crown Game Preserve. Yes! It would only take a little imagination and the collective
will of the main stakeholders to diversify the local economy by developing this unique treasure,
albeit at the expense of current forest harvesting practices. Like so many others, we believe
that economic development in isolated areas, natural resource exploitation and biodiversity
protection are not necessarily incompatible objectives. We are convinced that ecotourism
would lead to economic expansion that would benefit the communities established around the
game preserve. Unfortunately, the investments that we have seen in tourism development
have been nothing more than stabs in the dark and a waste of public funds.
7.1
THE LARGEST CROWN GAME PRESERVE IN THE WORLD: TRUE OR FALSE?
Regardless of the absence of positive signs, and in order to not undermine the potential for
future tourism development we did not communicate any negative points about the game
preserve in our Les Carnets Sauvages documentary series. We preferred to focus on the beauty
of the territory in the hopes that the appropriate authorities would become aware of the value
of this natural heritage, encouraging them to seize the opportunity by taking advantage of our
work in support of properly valuing and benefiting from the game preserve, similar to what
happened to Gaspésie Park subsequent to the broadcasting of our previous productions
entitled In the Company of Moose and The Grouse: An Exceptional Bird. Because this did not
happen, our game preserve documentary work projected a myth to its viewers – the existence
of natural spaces in this world that have not been altered by man. Numerous Europeans having
watched the series expressed an interest in visiting the Ontario game preserve, but we
recommended that they not do so.
The Chapleau Crown Game Preserve is slowly being drained of its wildlife, birds and fish. Many
of its landscapes have been destroyed. Moose sightings have become rare occurrences. For
58
those few people who entered the preserve without an expectation of harvesting have, like us,
left this precious area. We have closed our wildlife study centre (Ontario section) in May 2014,
conscious of the fact that it would take a small miracle to reverse current tendencies and to
restore the land to its original glory.
59
7.2
NON HARVESTING ACTIVITIES ARE MOST POPULAR
Here are a number of interesting facts: In New Hampshire, moose watching generates around
$115,000,000 per year13 and in Québec the number of visitors that moved from one region to
another to engage in nature related activities were equally impressive:
Hunting: 682,241 visitors
Fishing: 269,121 visitors
Non-consumptive activities: 1,034,633 visitors
The aforementioned numbers clearly indicate that non-harvesting related nature activities
attract the greatest number of regional visitors and by extension create the greatest number of
employment and economic opportunity, evaluated in the millions of dollars 14. Obviously, the
economic impact is greatest where there is a conservation park or biodiversity reserve since
people practising non-consumptive activities related to ecotourism frequent principally
protected areas. Like ourselves, they are not interested in seeing clear-cut areas, abandoned
tires and garbage along roadways, herbicide spray warning signs, groups of ATV and
snowmobile enthusiasts, traps hanging in the trees and spent rifle cartridges scattered
throughout the territory.
60
Regardless of the less than flattering picture painted in this document, we would be very happy
to collaborate in any and all serious effort made to restore and to develop a designated area
that is known as the largest game preserve in the world. Our knowledge of the area would
certainly be helpful.
61
Chapter 8 – Climate Change Challenges
8
CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGES
I conclude this report with a few recommendations that are based on the advice of experts who
have studied the present and potential future aspects biodiversity during the dawn of climate
change impacts that will force us, as societies and as individuals, to modify our behaviour and
values. To properly understand the urgency of maintaining and creating new protected areas, it
is important to read The CC-Bio Project: Studying the Effects of Climate Change on Quebec
Biodiversity (Changements climatiques et biodiversité du Québec : vers un nouveau patrimoine
naturel)15. This scientific reference work, the fruit of many years of study and research, was
published last winter by the Presses de l'Université du Québec and authored by
Dominique Berteaux, doctor of biology, professor of ecology at the Université du Québec à
Rimouski, in collaboration with Nicolas Casajus and Sylvie de Blois. As much as this study
focusses on climate change in Québec, its content is nationally relevant given that all regions of
the country are being affected and will continue to be affected in the coming years.
63
For us, there is no doubt that climate change is amplifying the negative effects of forest
harvesting activities outlined in this document. If nothing is done to reduce these impacts, if we
allow the deterioration of the Boreal Forest in Ontario to advance, and continue to ignore
wildlife adaptation challenges that are affecting fauna, flora and mankind that are all facing a
rapid heating of the planet, we will witness the disappearance of numerous traditions and
leisurely activities that are tied to nature. Consequently, economic development and its
sacrosanct status defended by governments and businesses as a means to justify inaction, will
crumble, victim of a major ecological crisis.
According to the scientists, there is an urgent need to reduce ecological pressures other than
those caused by climate change. Below is an excerpt from chapter 6.3.1 on protected areas
from the book Changements climatiques et biodiversité du Québec : vers un nouveau
patrimoine naturel :
The establishment of a protected area is a long process that involves retracting certain uses of
the land that may have important social, legal and at times economic ramifications. The legal
status bestowed on protected areas provide them with an important biodiversity conservation
value, given that habitats can no longer be modified at the whim of specific interest groups. The
life cycle of plant and animal populations as well as ecosystem function are also protected from
the most direct and severe of human impacts.
Protected areas play a critical role in climate change adaptation. Fundamentally, a reduction of
stress on certain ecosystems afforded by their protected status helps limit the compounding
nature of cumulative environmental effects. For example, populations have a better chance to
respond gradually to climate change impacts such as a shift in seasons, consistent with the
concept of natural selection, if not encumbered by a multitude of additional man-made
stresses. These animals, once successfully adapted to climate change, can, through
dispersion, become the gene pool stock for animals adjacent to the protected area and beyond.
8.1
RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION
Based on the above, we present the following recommendations regarding the Chapleau Crown
Game Preserve and northern Ontario:
1) There is a need to redefine the legal status of the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve through a
dialogue process that involves area First Nations, community stakeholders, provincial
agencies, municipalities and forestry companies, supported by the scientific community and
environmental groups that are concerned with the future of the Boreal Forest. Although the
64
game preserve was created to protect fur-bearing animals whose populations were being
threatened by the fur industry, the threat of climate change is now creating a far great risk
that requires a greater commitment to securing and protecting habitat that is free of
forestry activities, mining and energy development, hunting and trapping. Given its size and
strategic location, the game preserve can play a major role in facilitating the adaptation and
future distribution of numerous plants and animals.
2) There is a need to create corridors of protected areas north of the Chapleau Crown
Game Preserve – vast areas that are free of forest harvesting, mine development and
wildlife harvesting – that serve to facilitate a northern migration of wildlife species
attempting to escape the effects of climate change.
3) Forestry companies need to immediately stop using herbicides and to revisit their
harvesting and forest regeneration practices in support of reducing northern ecosystem
pressures throughout Canada.
4) Forestry companies need to respect their commitments they made as members of the
Boreal Leadership Council, namely the promise to develop a network of vast interconnected
areas that would protect a minimum of 50% of the Canadian Boreal Forest 1 – and to ensure
that the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve is included in this network.
5) There is a need to better appreciate the ecological services provided by a living forest
(greenhouse gas trap, etc.) and to orient regional tourism development towards nonharvesting activities.
6) Northern citizens need to be informed of the consequences of clear cuts, herbicide spraying
and climate change as well as related adaptive strategies that serve to reduce
ecological pressure.
65
There is an urgent need for action! There is little time left to limit losses and to reconnect with
nature. This document sheds light on certain facts that we have witnessed and captures our
related concerns. It is up to the citizens of Ontario to decide what they would like to do
about it.
Gisèle Benoit
Wildlife Artist, Naturalist and SAS Nature Spokesperson
Notwithstanding the scientific, economic and political sensitivities associated with biodiversity
protection, we need to understand that we are connected to all that lives on the planet and that
the level of associated morality is not limited to our own species.
Dominique Berteaux,
Changements climatiques et biodiversité du Québec
Vers un nouveau patrimoine naturel
66
PHOTO CREDITS
Introduction
Boreal Forest in winter © Joël Lanchès
Gisèle Benoit © Raynald Benoit
Gaspésie Park landscape © Andrée Francœur
Caribou herd, Mont Jacques-Cartier, Gaspésie Park © Joël Lanchès
Caribou during breeding season, Gaspésie Park © Joël Lanchès
Caribou, Gaspésie Park © Christian Bellemare
Bull moose, Mont Ernest-Laforce sector, Gaspésie Park © Florent Langevin
Moose couple at rest, Mont Ernest-Laforce sector, Gaspésie Park © Andrée Francœur
Moose in summer, Mont Ernest-Laforce, Gaspésie Park © Florent Langevin
Cow moose eating birch, Gaspésie Park © Gisèle Benoit Wildlife Study Centre
Moose sightseeing spot, Lac Paul, Gaspésie Park © Les Productions Raynald Benoit Inc.
Tourists in Gaspésie Park © Christian Bellemare
Chapleau Crown Game Preserve landscape © Gisèle Benoit Wildlife Study Centre
American Lady © Gisèle Benoit Wildlife Study Centre
Chapleau Crown Game Preserve landscape © Gisèle Benoit Wildlife Study Centre
Raynald Benoit © Gisèle Benoit Wildlife Study Centre
Gisèle Benoit and a wolf, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve © Gisèle Benoit Wildlife Study Centre
Black bear and cut-over, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve © Gisèle Benoit Wildlife Study Centre
Black bear and moose remains © www.bear.org
Black bear near Racine Lake, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve © Gisèle Benoit Wildlife
Study Centre
Wolf licking its muzzle, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve © Gisèle Benoit Wildlife Study Centre
Black bear and cub at their den © www.bear.org
Black bear sitting at a picnic table © houseupstate.com
Bear cub portrait © Luc Farrell
Black bear, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve © Gisèle Benoit Wildlife Study Centre
67
Black wolf near a plantation, Marshall Township © Gisèle Benoit Wildlife Study Centre
Moose and cut-over near Racine Lake, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve © Gisèle Benoit Wildlife
Study Centre
Bull moose in autumn, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve © Sylvain Jean
Bull moose in August © Joël Lanchès
Young moose infested with winter ticks © lymediseaseguide.org
Landscape following a forest fire © Anonyme
Small jack pine in cut-over, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve © Gisèle Benoit Wildlife
Study Centre
Ring-necked ducks, in a marsh near Racine Lake, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve
© Gisèle Benoit Wildlife Study Centre
Auto part and car scrap, near Floranna Lake, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve © Gisèle Benoit
Wildlife Study Centre
Cow moose and calf © Florent Langevin
Warning sign at the entrance of a plantation, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve © Gisèle Benoit
Warning sign on the ground, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve © Gisèle Benoit Wildlife
Study Centre
American toad © Florent Langevin
Dwarf Water Lily, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve © Gisèle Benoit Wildlife Study Centre
Monique, Raynald and Gisèle Benoit in a grey pine plantation, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve
© Florent Langevin
Wild Blueberries, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve © Florent Langevin
White-throated sparrow © Florent Langevin
Majestic bull moose among grey pines © Sylvain Jean
White pines oasis, Floranna Township, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve © Gisèle Benoit Wildlife
Study Centre
Cow moose and calf, Floranna Township, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve © Gisèle Benoit
68
Young wolves in a plantation, Marshall Township, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve
© Gisèle Benoit Wildlife Study Centre
Red squirrel © Joël Lanchès
Young wolves, Marshall Township, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve © Gisèle Benoit Wildlife
Study Centre
Cut-over and forest road, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve © Gisèle Benoit Wildlife Study Centre
October landscape, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve © Florent Langevin
Wood Lake Road in winter © Sylvain Jean
Group observing a moose, Gaspésie Park © Florent Langevin
Moose on top of a hill © Florent Langevin
Boreal Forest and lichen © Anonyme
Canada Lynx, Chapleau Crown Game Preserve © Gisèle Benoit Wildlife Study Centre
69
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76

in peril - SAS Nature

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