Write now and help Point Petre and Ostrander Point become Conservation Reserves!

South Shore Joint Initiative has started a campaign to permanently protect more of the South Shore. We invite you to join us and send an email of support to the Honourable Jeff Yurek, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

Contacting Minister Yurek lets him know that many people wish to see Point Petre Provincial Wildlife Area and Ostrander Point Crown Land Block be designated as Ontario Conservation Reserves.

SSJI wants Minister Yurek to know that these South Shore public lands in Prince Edward County are important for many reasons, such as:

  • The South Shore is the largest and last undeveloped shoreline on the Canadian side of Lake Ontario.
  • An area of remarkable biodiversity, it is home to dozens of at-risk birds, plants, animals and fish, including the provincially threatened and federally endangered Blanding’s Turtle.
  • Habitat loss is the biggest threat to Southern Ontario’s biodiversity. The biodiversity and carbon capture potential of the undeveloped South Shore is helping to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect threatened habitats.
  • Twenty-five years ago, an International Monarch Butterfly Reserve was designated in the South Shore and annual bird migration monitoring began. For twenty years, the South Shore and surrounding waters have been recognized as an Important Bird Area.
  • Natural landscapes play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and in reducing species die-off. In southern Ontario, biodiversity loss is greatest and conservation opportunities are rare.
  • Hunters, fishers, birders, hikers, photographers, snowmobilers and ATV riders enjoy use of the trails, wetlands and shoreline. The South Shore is a magical place where anyone can go to appreciate nature and enjoy the outdoors.
  • Eco-tourism is a growing area of economic development in Prince Edward County. These South Shore public lands offer potential for outdoor education and enjoyment for County visitors.
  • Currently, no Conservation Reserves are designated on or near the shorelines of Lake Ontario. Designating Point Petre and Ostrander Point as Conservation Reserves will permanently protect more than 12 kilometers of Lake Ontario shoreline.
  • Protecting South Shore public lands contributes to Canada’s commitment to protect 17% of land and freshwater by the end of 2020.
  • The South Shore is one of the last remaining opportunities for new conservation along Lake Ontario.

 

Act Now! Contact Minister Yurek about Point Petre and Ostrander Point Conservation Reserve designations

We encourage you to email Minister Yurek and urge Conservation Reserve designation of 4,000 acres of public land in Prince Edward County. Protecting Point Petre and Ostrander Point will ensure that all of the South Shore’s Important Bird Area is conserved as well as more than 12 kms of Lake Ontario shoreline.

Please send your email of support to Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks Hon. Jeff Yurek, [email protected] 

And kindly cc:

An online email petition will be available shortly to support this campaign.

Please help us spread the word by liking and following South Shore Joint Initiative on Facebook and Instagram.

Share this post with your friends, family and colleagues and encourage them to send emails, follow us on social media and be a Conservation Champion for the County’s South Shore!