The protection for species…

The protection for species at risk should be administered at arm's length from any government minister or ministry. Possibly by a group of university departments in conjunction with input from environmental groups. As a volunteer for a Turtle protection organisation in Southern Ontario ( I hope I am following the no names rule) I know how difficult it is trying to work with the MNR where very few ,if any of the contacts from the ministry seem to have any knowledge of turtles. The amount of knowledge available from wildlife rehabilitation groups is enormass, and yet are treated by the MNR as a meddling intrusion that need to be controlled. The MNR is very good hunting/fishing regulation and enforcement even if underfunded and understaffed . From my experience though they do not have the expertise to deal with people that are trying to increase and protect the populations of some species that are at risk. Nor can they be expected to know every aspect of sometimes very specialised fields. It is time though for government to look very closely at their relationship these organisations and people, and realise that we are all on the same side.