ERO 013-3761 - Developing…

ERO 013-3761 - Developing government response statements for six species at risk under the Endangered Species Act, 2007

If the “Jefferson Salamander and Jefferson-dependent Unisexual Ambystoma Recovery Strategy” is indicative of the effort being put into the government response statements for the six species at risk under the Endangered Species Act, 2007, I as a Resident and Taxpayer of Ontario, am not impressed.

“The short-term recovery approaches should focus on the protection of existing populations of the Jefferson Salamander and Unisexual Ambystoma (Jefferson Salamander dependent population) by minimizing further loss or degradation of known habitat or potential recovery habitat. Recovery approaches should also focus on verifying, documenting, and monitoring the distribution and habitats used by extant, historic, and potential subpopulations. Developing and evaluating mitigation and restoration techniques, actively conducting research, and developing long-term management activities should also be prioritized to ensure the recommended recovery goal will be achieved.” (Source: https://www.ontario.ca/page/jefferson-salamander-and-jefferson-dependen…)

I don’t see any action items that are tangible in the effort to save the species. “Minimizing loss or degradation”, "mitigation" and "developing restoration techniques" are not good enough.

If we cannot get a handle on saving species in the short-term, there is no long-term. Extinction is forever.

This government is relying on Ontarians to be too busy and distracted by the holiday season to object to legislative amendments. So much for Premier Ford's promise to "bring accountability, integrity and transparency back to the people of Ontario." Consultation with taxpayers, residents, experts, First Nations and other stakeholders must take place.