By Chris Hart
During the Member’s Orientation Meeting in January; there was expressed interest in learning more about the the Club’s involvement in various environmental issues. The Board of Directors often reviews and discusses relevant initiatives and campaigns, and following a successful vote, provides comments and/or letters of support.
Recent support from the Club includes:
September 2023 – Signed Ontario Nature’s joint letter to the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) urging the implementation of key recommendations of the government-appointed Protected Areas Working Group. Such recommendations included partnering with Indigenous Nations and engaging the public to immediately implement a strategy to protect 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030.
November 2023 – Signed Ontario Nature’s joint letter to the MECP in opposition of the proposed changes to ERO 019-7378 Black Ash Regulation, which would make a large proportion of endangered Black Ash trees exempt from current legal protection.
January 2024 – Signed Ontario Nature’s joint letter requesting that the Government of Ontario invest $100 million per year over four years in the establishment of new protected and conserved areas, as recommended by the government-appointed Protected Areas Working Group.
February 2024 – Provided comments to the Town of LaSalle regarding the potential impacts of the proposed Howard Bouffard Development on the existing natural environment.
February 2024 – Signed Ontario Nature’s joint letter to the the MECP in opposition of Regulatory changes under the Endangered Species Act (ERO# 019-8016), that would see decreased protection and increased exemptions for various species and habitats.
Please let the Board know if there are any issues you think the Club should support.