Brant Eagle Project A Proposal for Mapping the Significant Habitat of an Endangered Species :Brant Eagle Project A Proposal for Mapping the Significant Habitat of an Endangered Species The Protection of Bald Eagle Significant Wintering Habitat under the Provincial Policy Statement


What is this Proposal? :What is this Proposal? It is lawful It is already being done by our Northerly Neighbors, Waterloo Region (RMOW) It follows the path set forth by the Province, the PPS It is under the Mandate of the OMNR (1999) (SAR) Identifies and evaluates species, lands, land uses It protects a known Endangered species under the Endangered Species Act, It protects Habitat and adjacent lands


The Provincial Policy Statement :The Provincial Policy Statement Section 3 of the Planning Act (2005) aims to protect the habitat of endangered and threatened species Specifically under the natural heritage component of the Provincial Policy Statement: Policy 2.1.3 a)" Development and site alteration shall not be permitted in … significant habitat of endangered species and threatened species.”


The Provincial Policy Statement :The Provincial Policy Statement Policy 2.1.6 “Development and site alteration shall not be permitted on adjacent lands to the natural heritage features and areas identified in 2.1.3 unless the ecological function of the adjacent lands has been evaluated and it has been demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts on the natural features or on their ecological function.”


Bald Eagle Wintering Activity Recorded in Brantford Area :Bald Eagle Wintering Activity Recorded in Brantford Area Brant Eagle Project has data from 2007-2008 winter MNR was given all data, maps, videos, photos MNR was given exact GPS Coordinates as supplied by Google Earth technology BEP Recorded from early Nov 07 until April 08 BEP has these records in .jpeg and .rmz (Google Earth) formats


Bald Eagle Wintering Activity Recorded in Brantford Area :Bald Eagle Wintering Activity Recorded in Brantford Area Eagles have been recorded by BEP from Wilkes Dam to Cockshutt Bridge. Kirby Islands most recorded site, most activity BEP notes the Eagles when traveling over homes, city areas they are very high in altitude, this suggests that they avoid some human activities, settlements BEP suggests this is an opportunity for ecotourism


Why are they here? :Why are they here? Simply to forage, mate, some courtship Possibilities are there for nesting activity Nesting activity is suspected but no evidence of such as yet Wintering is a crucial time for survival of the Bald Eagles High Energy needs= High Foraging needs Pressures are causing loss of foraging possibilities, land base


Why are they here? :Why are they here? Simply put they were here long before man was here on these shores They are seeking open water They are seeking old forest to perch, forage from They are seeking old forest growth to roost in, possibly nest in, Caledonia in 2007 had a successful hatch of 1 chick. Concerns regarding human interference are great in Caledonia, we are no different They are simply coming back to where they belong, to where they once were before DDT


What are they eating ? :What are they eating ? Suckers, Carp, other fish (Primary Source) Carrion (Dead Animals) Small rodents, animals They will often steal from Hawks, Osprey and each other


What can we do?As Citizens :What can we do?As Citizens Citizens can keep a safe distance while observing, a 500 meter buffer at least Citizens can report to the MNR Directly sightings, when? Where? What were they doing? Lobby our City Hall to protect these birds, their habitats, Waterfront Master Plan is a start Report any violations to the bird, its habitat to the MNR Support Groups, persons who are seeking protection of the Bald Eagle, BEP is just one example Speak to your Ward Councilor concerning this proposal, development concerns, loss of tree-scapes, shorelines issues of concern


What can City Hall do? :What can City Hall do? Immediately invite the OMNR to the City to start official mapping, terms of reference Lobby the Province for support to address this lawful approach, I;e finances, manpower Embrace this ecotourism possibility Be open to change, embrace change Delay Waterfront Master Plan no further Support the grassroot efforts by your very own citizens in the protection of the environment, our delicate resources, ecosystems


What can the OMNR do? :What can the OMNR do? Follow its mandate Work with the City to foster a strong partnership in protection of Endangered species Support the grassroots effort to protect the same Afford the most protection as per the ESA to these Endangered Species


Thank You :Thank You Brant Eagle Project thanks the Mayor, City Council for hearing our proposal In partnership for Protection Brant Eagle Project