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Wasaga Beach Piping Plover Program recognized by ECO - Environmental Communication Options/Huff Strategy

Wasaga Beach Piping Plover Program recognized by ECO

Mar 5th, 2014 7:55 AM

Every year, the ECO recognizes a government program or project that best meets the goals of the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993. Ministries are invited to submit nominations, and an arms-length panel reviews them and selects the winner. This year’s ECO Recognition Award is being presented to staff of the Ministry of Natural Resources for their Wasaga Beach Provincial Park Piping Plover Program.
March 5, 2014 -- The ECO commends MNR staff for taking a proactive approach to the conservation of the endangered Piping Plover at Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, which included extensive and highly successful public outreach and involvement, as well as habitat protection and ongoing monitoring. The Piping Plover, an endangered bird species both in Ontario and the United States, returned to the shores of Georgian Bay on Wasaga Beach (east of Collingwood) in 2005. This is significant because the species had not successfully nested on the Canadian Great Lakes for over 30 years, and had not had breeding success in that location for over 70 years. The 2012 season marked the most successful season to date with a record of six fledged Piping Plovers. “This MNR staff initiative was remarkable not only for bringing these birds back, but also for getting the public engaged in endangered species protection in what is a very public place,” said the Commissioner.
Photo credit: Stephen Muskie, c/o Ontario Nature - 30 -
For more information, contact: Hayley Easto, Communications and Outreach Coordinator Environmental Commissioner of Ontario 416-325-3371 / 416-819-1673 / 1-800-701-6454 hayley.easto@eco.on.ca Digital image of the award presentation is available upon request. Aussi disponible en français The Environmental Commissioner of Ontario is the province's independent environmental watchdog. Appointed by the Legislative Assembly, the ECO monitors and reports on compliance with the Environmental Bill of Rights, and the government’s success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and in achieving greater energy conservation in Ontario.