If this transfer goes ahead,…

If this transfer goes ahead, I believe it is of upmost importance that the proposal includes conditions that will ensure continued Piping Plover conservation and habitat protection. Birds Canada has been committed to recovering the population of this important bird species, and has been successful in doing so, although further work needs to be done. Wasaga beach is a critical habitat for these shorebirds and one that is increasingly rare. This beach has been a place for the public to be educated about Piping Plovers, create a connection to them, and in turn want to help in protecting them. Provincial support is needed to continue this essential conservation program. The Piping Plovers NEED to be considered and integrated into the beach management plan at Wasaga.

The Ontario Government must ensure that Piping Plovers are conserved and protected by a science-based management plan and resources that:

- Reduces threats to Piping Plover and their habitat year-round by restricting mechanical raking so that the habitat is not destroyed, prohibiting dune alteration, and protecting nests with fenced buffer zones and natural predator mitigations.
- Commits funding to protect, conserve, and steward Piping Plovers, their nests, and their habitats.
- Engages experts like Birds Canada at development and implementation phases.