I am writing on my own…

I am writing on my own behalf as a taxpayer and resident of Toronto for over 50 years. I strongly OPPOSE the proposal to establish a hunting season on double-crested cormorants. Living in Toronto is important to me and I value the opportunities to experience nature in the midst of a large urban centre. I frequently make use of Toronto's ravines and lakeshore, including Leslie St. Spit. I have watched in the increases in cormorant populations over those 50 years and I see it as a positive sign that nature can survive under urban conditions. I understand that cormorant populations should not be allowed to grow unchecked, but favour the humane approach of treating eggs on the nest that I believe is currently carried out by the TRCA. I believe that opening a hunting season is absolutely the worst thing that could happen as it sends a public message that shooting our birds and other wildlife is acceptable in an urban area. Other wildlife would suffer collateral damage. We should be protecting our wildlife and treating them with respect. When absolutely necessary, populations should be managed in a humane manner.