The discussion paper has a…

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013-2587

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3945

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The discussion paper has a few pages with options for management strategies to tick off. I am not sure how to provide input to each of the pages but feel the first page requesting input on what to move forward with management is worth the effort to address in this space.

The option I select is:
Achieve long-term occupancy of caribou in the LSCR and establish connectivity through the DD to the northern continuous distribution. This goal would aim to keep caribou in the LSCR, with some connectivity through the DD to the northern continuous distribution. The intended outcome would be continued presence of caribou in the LSCR mainland and islands.

The comment I am providing for that selection is:
The goal of the provincial Woodland Caribou Recovery Strategy is to “Maintain self-sustaining, genetically-connected local populations of forest-dwelling woodland caribou where they currently exist; ensure security for and (reproductive) connections among currently isolated mainland local populations; and re-establish caribou in strategically selected landscape units to achieve self-sustaining local populations and ensure connectivity.” The Lake Superior Coastal Recovery Range (LSCR) and Discontinuous Distribution (DD) areas' importance were established through a multi-year planning process with extensive public and industrial consultation which experts provided presentations and input for consideration.
In summery without caribou considerations within the DD there is an increased risk to the LCSR populations and isolated populations in the southern region of the North Continuous Range. Meeting management objectives within the DD is not unrealistic since temporary refuge habitat was not meant to provide population status but a safer link between northern and southern populations to reduce risks associated with isolated metapopulations. Management of the DD is the easiest to implement and essential to meet the long term recovery goal. The ability of caribou to endure in these areas indicates the goal is deliverable. My selection is therefore the option most consistent with meeting the Caribou Recovery Strategy goal.
Thanks.