I have sent this comment in…

I have sent this comment in writing by mail as well.

I'm writing with respect to the EBR posting 013-3065, particularly the Massasauga (Carolinian population) GRS. I strongly support the actions described within the GRS, however there is one part that concerns me.

This statement, from lines 138-139, is completely accurate.

“The Ojibway subpopulation is non-viable and is likely to become extirpated in the short term without population management actions, including augmentation.”

The part that concerns me is the “if appropriate” from lines 149-151:

“The government supports the continued investigation, evaluation and if appropriate, implementation of population management actions at the Ojibway Prairie Complex”

It has already been determined that augmentation will be required for the Ojibway subpopulation to have any reasonable chance of persisting. I realize that there may be such a thing as “inappropriate population management actions”, but the way it is currently worded, it suggests that the government is not sure if population management actions are appropriate. This could lead to considerable debate and the delay of activities critical to this subpopulation.

Unless what is unclear is whether the persistence of this subpopulation is a worthwhile goal, which does not seem to be the case currently, the government should be very clear that it does support “population management actions, including augmentation” as stated on line 150.

I suggest the following wording for lines 149-151:

“The government supports the continued investigation, evaluation and implementation of appropriate population management actions at the Ojibway Prairie Complex and the Wainfleet Bog subpopulations, including augmentation.“

The time for uncertainty, debate, and delay for the Ojibway subpopulation is long past. As quickly as possible, decisive actions must take place if we want to save it. The most appropriate action at present is augmentation and this should begin by 2019. I welcome further discussion. Please let me know how I may be of assistance.