Susan Griggs Ontario Parks -…

Susan Griggs
Ontario Parks - Southeast Parks Zone
300 Water Street
4th Floor North
Peterborough, ON
K9J 3C7

Re: ERO 019-4597 - Proposal to create a Conservation Reserve along the south shore of Prince Edward County

Dear Ms. Griggs,

The Prince Edward County Field Naturalists (PECFN) welcome the creation of the South Shore Conservation Reserve, located within the South Shore Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. We have long advocated for the protection of this undeveloped coastland which is crucial habitat for the survival of millions of migrating birds, bats, butterflies and dragonflies. Over 41 known species at risk have been documented in the area including the Blandings Turtle and Eastern Whip-poor-will. 

Much of the South Shore land is globally rare alvar habitat home to several rare and interesting alvar species. The South Shore also contains the longest undeveloped shoreline on the north side of Lake Ontario, Provincially Significant wetlands and Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest. The South Shore IBA is also recognized as an International Monarch Butterfly reserve.

Birds in this hemisphere are in sharp decline largely due to loss of habitat. In recent years many species that regularly populate our area have lost their prominence, such as swallows. All species use the varied habitats of the South Shore for feeding and resting while traveling to and from the Boreal forest each spring and fall. It is imperative to preserve these lands and shores for wildlife use, since we humans have taken over so much of the rest.

PECFN looks forward to the creation and implementation of a sustainable management plan that will protect this area for future generations of wildlife and a variety of ecologically sustainable human uses, including the historic local commercial fishery. We believe it is imperative that local and indigenous stakeholders play a major part in the management planning and implementation process.

PECFN also believes the South Shore is the optimal choice for a National Marine Conservation Area. Its near shore waters support an abundance of birds and fish and are accessible for human viewing and appreciation. The waters themselves contain a diverse and varied cultural history that deserves to remembered and preserved.

Sincerely,

Amy Bodman
President, Prince Edward County Field Naturalists