The proposed land transfer…

The proposed land transfer could put Piping Plover, a nationally Endangered species, at great risk. Wasaga Beach is one of the most important sites for this species in Ontario. At present, Ontario Parks and their partners have ensured that critical nesting habitat for this species is protected and managed. Given the recent weakening of habitat protections for species at risk outlined in Bill 5, plover habitat in this section of Wasaga Beach could be left with no provincial protections. The existing protections are critically important to maintain, as this species is not federally protected unless it is on federal land - which this area is not. Habitats like Wasaga Beach, that have consistently supported plovers since returning to nest here in 2007, are increasingly rare as other beaches become developed or are mismanaged. I implore the Ontario Government to commit to funding the protection and conservation of this species and their habitat, and engaging with experts such as Birds Canada on the development and implementation of management strategies.