Piping plovers and Wasaga…

Piping plovers and Wasaga beach in general deserve the legal protection and conservation efforts Ontario Parks have given them. Under their management, the piping plovers (an endangered species) has begun to make a recovery in Ontario with hosting 57 nests and raising 87 fledglings. Therefore, the proposed land transfer is concerning, considering they need a science-based management plan to continue thriving and the only condition proposed so far is that the beach remains public. While the town officials wish to see the plovers thrive, further provincial support and resources are needed.

If the transfer is accepted, there should be more conditions that guarantee the Ontario government must assure piping plovers are protected with a conservation plan rooted in science, reduce threats to them and their habitat (such as limiting mechanical raking, using fencing buffer zones, protecting them from natural predators, and preventing dune alteration), fund to protect and steward the piping plovers, nest, and habitat, and engage experts for development and implementation (such as Birds Canada).

Thank you.