Protecting the Peregrine (Canada)

[Donna]

New regulations protecting the habitat of several of Ontario’s endangered species, including the peregrine falcon, take effect later this month.

The Ministry of Natural Resources Thursday hosted an open house at the Victoria Inn to share the new regulations with the public and let them know what this could mean for individuals and what can be done to protect the peregrine falcon.

Manager of protection and species at risk Jason Travers said the rules were developed to ensure peregrines are sustained across Ontario’s landscape since the bird is found in both urban and natural environments.

"They nest all over the place in terms of cliff faces in Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury and even in Ottawa and Toronto, you can find them on hotel buildings in downtown," he said. "Those are actually protected as well under the regulations, not just the natural cliff faces you might find in Thunder Bay. Anywhere you find the peregrine falcon, they’re protected."

While the falcon’s habitat is protected, that doesn’t mean people can’t do regular activities in those areas, Travers said.

"It doesn’t mean you can’t re-shingle your roof or put an addition on your house; it just means big items within that area including any activity that’s sort of larger than your space you might occupy already," he said. "It’s about when you change the landscape significantly."

The regulations mean you can’t damage or destroy the habitat, but that can be different depending on the location.

"These sessions are happening across Ontario to work with all affected individuals or interested folks because one activity might not have the same impact in the same location on the same type of species," Travers said.

"It’s about the big pieces," he added. "The little things about what you’re doing around your house or in terms of farming, that’s not the issue."

For more information see the MNR website.