We believe that the proposed…

We believe that the proposed changes to the Ontario Wetlands Evaluation System will have a very adverse impact on wetlands' protection. In particular,

- wetland complexes need to be evaluated as a whole, not in pieces.

- drainage and development of wetlands as a result of losing their provincially significant status as a result of the evaluation system revision will cause great harm to local eco-systems, populations and economies. Nature provides services to humans and we destroy nature at our peril.

- the Province should retain its role in the management of Provincially Significant Wetlands and if not the province, this role and authority must be given to municipalities.

- the Province should be the custodian of significant wetland evaluation files and mapping, and maintain a level of expertise and scientific understanding in order to be a qualified and responsible custodian of our natural heritage for future generations of Ontarians.