I am urging the Ontario…

I am urging the Ontario Government to require that support from the province be a part of the proposed land transfer to the Town of Wasaga Beach.

It is critical to preserve Piping Plover habitat at Wasaga Beach since this precious area has produced HALF of Ontario's Piping Plover fledglings since 2007.

I am a Great Lakes plover monitor and see firsthand all the challenges these birds face from disease, predators, storm surges, human interference, lack of nutrition, environmental toxins, discarded fishing line and even human hair that can wrap around their legs and disable them, etc. Humans are the main reason this species is now endangered, and bringing back their numbers is an uphill battle.

Often the focus of beach management is human-centered. My fear is that the Town of Wasaga will eventually lean in this direction. Beaches are frequently raked smooth and run over by ATV's and other recreational vehicles that can destroy plover habitat and kill newborn chicks that are unable to fly. Off-leash dogs, photographers getting too close, children, can disrupt foraging activities and frighten the plovers. Every disruption brings an interruption to foraging and nesting duties, and less chance to survive.

What we can do best for Piping Plovers is give them SPACE and a litter-free safe environment on a pebbly beach with natural vegetation that gives them protection from storms and places to hide from predators. Fencing, signs, dunes and plant management, and nest exclosures have proven successful tools in Piping Plover nesting success.

Proper oversight of this conservation mission must be done by those with experience in protecting endangered species, using a science-based management plan and resources. Please do not rely on the Town of Wasaga Beach to take on this responsibility. Please have the province commit funding to protect, conserve, and steward Piping Plovers, their nests, and their habitats, and use experts like Birds Canada for the development and implementation phases.