Parks Canada in P.E.I. preparing for a busy season

P.E.I. National Park has hired more staff toensure sensitive natural areas and species are protected during what is predicted to be a very busy summer.

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A big birthday celebration for Canada includingfree passes into national parks isexpected to bring in bigger-than-average crowds, officials say.

"We are preparing to add additional protection to our sensitive ecosystems," said Kerry-Lynn Atkinson, aresource management officer with P.E.I. National Park. "We're definitely going to have an influx of visitors this year."

Atkinson couldn't provide the exact number of staffbut said more have been hired, andthey'll be starting earlier in the season than usual.

"There will be more staff on the beach, more staff out there patrolling the roads," she said.

'We want to take advantage'

Margoand Peter Thomas were visiting from Victoria, B.C. andgot afree parkpass in advance.

Even though it's chilly in P.E.I. in April, they planned to walk the North Shore beach and check out a local trail.

"It's beautiful beautiful surf," said Peter Thomas.

"We want to take advantage of the parks," said Margo Thomas.

"It's preserved, cared for and looked after, for generations to come, I think that's important," she added.

Dog ban part of enforcement

Dogs are banned on the national park beaches April 1 to Oct.15to protect wildlife including the endangered pipingplover.

Parkstaff gave out more fines last year than previous years, Atkinson said, but dogs on the beach are still an ongoing problem.

"Right now we're seeing evidence of it daily."

'Really good year'

Atkinson said Park staff will use the busy seasonto educate more people about all aspects of the Park.

"I'm really excited about it, I think we have a great opportunity to educate people about this beautiful park," said Atkinson.

"We are providing the protection that we need, and I think it's going to be a really good year."

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