Other Effective area-based Conservation Measure (OECM)
Boishébert and Beaubears Island Shipbuilding National Historic Sites
In 2022, Beaubears Island, site of Boishébert and Beaubears Island Shipbuilding National Historic Sites, was recognized as an Other Effective area-based Conservation Measure (OECM).
OECMs are lands managed in ways that achieve the conservation of biodiversity. OECMs have similar biodiversity outcomes to parks and protected areas, but they are established for different purposes. Recognizing OECMs is a key pillar of Canada’s plan to conserve 25% of marine and coastal areas, land and inland waters by 2025, and 30% by 2030.
Beaubears Island covers an area of 72 hectares and largely consists of old growth forest ecosystems. The site supports rare occurrences of remnant, relatively undisturbed stands, providing habitat for various species of wildlife and species of conservation concern which require mature old-growth forest. These forest stands offer a glimpse into the composition and structure of natural late-seral and climax Acadian Forest ecosystems, while providing a useful yardstick by which to gauge the evolution of more disturbed forest communities elsewhere in northeastern New Brunswick.
Species at risk
The site supports three species at risk:
| Species | Scientific name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Olive-sided Flycatcher | Contopus cooperi | Threatened under the Canada Species at Risk Act (SARA) |
| Eastern Wood-pewee | Contopus virens | Species of Special Concern |
| Monarch butterfly | Danaus plexippus | Species of Special Concern |
- Date modified :