This proposal threatens to…

This proposal threatens to end provincial legal habitat protection for endangered and threatened birds and only protect “dwelling places” or nests. Endangered birds depend on the protection of their entire habitat to survive, not just where they nest. We have seen a 67% decline in Canada’s Grassland Birds since 1970 due to overwhelming habitat loss. As climate change worsens, more habitats are at risk of collapse and Canadian birds are becoming more at risk. Now is not the time to weaken legislation for habitat protection. Please consider the devastating chain reaction these proposed changes could cause if accepted. This proposal is not just attempting to reduce costs and delays; it is attempting to diminish necessary protections that are working to prevent the extinction of keystone species. It takes time and money to help habitats recover from the damage caused by human activities. It is worth the cost to prevent further environmental destruction, which will only create greater costs in the future as we struggle to live without key ecosystem services. Any changes to the Endangered Species Act should be to strengthen it, and these proposed changes will do the opposite.