To Whom It May Concern at…

To Whom It May Concern at the Environmental Registry of Ontario: I firmly believe that the Massasauga is an integral part of Ontario’s biodiversity. I wholeheartedly support the measures outlined in the draft Government Response Statement (ERO number 013-3605). Given the current status of the Carolinian population (and subpopulations therein), affirmative action beyond simply habitat protection will very likely be necessary in order to achieve population persistence of the Massasauga in this region. Active population management, including captive breeding and re-introductions, will very likely be necessary in order to support the Carolinian population. I support all the actions proposed in the Massasauga Recovery Strategy Government Response Statement. The "DRAFT Government Response Statement to the Recovery Strategy for the Massasauga (Carolinian and Great Lakes – St. Lawrence populations) in Ontario" is very well-written and expertly highlights the biology, threats and recovery action necessary for the conservation of this snake. Thank you for your consideration of comments.