I have read some comments…

I have read some comments about this review from Ontario Nature and my local naturalist club, the Owen Sound Field Naturalists. I am concerned about the proposed changes to the Act, and how this may effect the well-being of some of our local endangered species, such as the Piplng Plover at Sauble Beach. Endangered species habitat should not be compromised or destroyed for economic gain.
My comments directly reflect those of ON and OSFN; namely:
1. Repeal the 2013 exemptions for forestry, hydro, mining and commercial development industries
2. Amend section 57(1) 1 of the ESA so that any future exemptions cannot jeopardize the recovery of endangered and threatened species.
3. Maintain mandatory habitat protection for endangered and threatened species.
4. Maintain COSSARO's current species listing process, "based on the best available scientific information, including information obtained from community knowledge and aboriginal traditional knowledge" (ESA, section 5 (3)
5. Require compensation that results in a direct overall benefit to affected species where harmful activities are permitted (i.e. do not allow proponents of harmful activities to bypass protections by simply paying into a fund.