EBR No. 011-1300…

EBR No. 011-1300

I am a professional scientist in conservation biology. I believe that new cottage leases in Rondeau Provincial Park would be contrary to the best interests of Ontario society at large.

First, the cottages have a negative impact on the biodiversity of the Park. This includes the introduction of invasive plant species in protected areas, alteration of habitat and displacement of native species, light and noise pollution, and physical impacts including contact with automobiles which I have personally witnessed have driven over snakes and other species at risk, and mortality to nesting birds and small mammals by introduced domestic cats.

Second, the cottages have a negative impact on visitors to the Park. This includes the visual and auditory impacts of the cottages, physical displacement, increased traffic, and carnival atmosphere. Ontario citizens do not appreciate having cottages within their parks.

Third, as climate changes the number of species moving northward into Canada is increasing and areas like Rondeau provide an important foothold for populations extending into the Ontario side of the border. Currently over half of all COSEWIC listed species at risk are those with small marginal populations at the border. We therefore need to increase the protected areas within our jurisdiction to meet both present and future needs for biodiversity at a time of rapid change to the environment.

I trust that a decision which is best for Ontario society at large will prevail. The Park leases were granted when the world was a different place; 2010 is the Global Year of Biodiversity for an important reason - to remind us that the 6th extinction wave has begun and our priorities and actions must be different now.

Thank you.

[Original Comment ID: 128984]