Trumpeter Swans

1. Why protection for the LaSalle Park over-wintering habitat is critical for Trumpeter Swans The Trumpeter Swan Coalition (BurlingtonGreen, Miltongreen, Oakvillegreen, the Trumpeter Swan Restoration Group & concerned citizens)

2. Introduction To Trumpeter Swans Trumpeter Swans are the world’s largest swan with a wingspan of up to 2.1 to 2.4 m (7 to 8 ft). They are native only to North America.

3. History ofTrumpeters Trumpeters were hunted out of existence in Ontario with the last one shot by a hunter in Long Point in 1886 Flocks were decimated across North America until only 69 were thought to exist The discovery of a previously unknown small flock in Alaska began conservation efforts in the U.S. in the 1930’s Conservation efforts in Ontario begun by Harry Lumsden in 1980s

4. History of Trumpeter At LaSalle First Trumpeter Swan to come to LaSalle Park was Pig Pen in 1993. She recognized its ideal habitat. A prolific breeder, she kept returning with her cygnets to LaSalle Park for 8 seasons until she was run over by a boat and killed in 2001. 80 of the 800+ Trumpeters in Ontario can trace their lineage back to Pig Pen.

5. This project is massive in scale. It involves: • The dumping of almost 10,000 tons of rock into the lake — about 400 truckloads; • It will displace aquatic habitat; • It could concentrate nutrients causing overgrowth of aquatic plants; • addition of 120 P slips may add contaminates to the water; • reduces area available to waterfowl; • reduces Trumpeter flight paths. Danger of Breakwall & Marina Expansion The purpose of the break wall is to reduce wave action in the harbour. It is the wave action that keeps the harbour from freezing over for long periods. If the harbour freezes, the swans have nowhere to go.

6. Proposed Solutions Are Untenable Aeration System: can find no evidence that an aeration system as extensive as what would be required at LaSalle is in use anywhere. Plus they are expensive and according to Wye Marsh staff, break down regularly. How would it be paid for and maintained? Manual Breaking of Ice: Really? How? Who? Bottom Line: The harbour must not freeze for extended periods in winter.

7. Winter Habitat Is Critical “The most serious threat to Trumpeter Swans is the loss of undisturbed breeding and (especially) wintering habitat to expanding human populations. Urban expansion, rural residential development, and recreation often preferentially occur in and adjacent to environment preferred by swans; namely, large, clean, calm, and productive water bodies. The long-term viability of all three populations likely depends primarily on enhancement of existing, restoration of former, and creation of new wintering grounds.” Quoted on Page 105 of Appendix E in the ESR from the Species Assessment For The Trumpeter Swans In Wyoming (Pacific Flyway Council 1992, 2002).

8. Recent U.S. Habitat Loss “The new report, shows a loss of 59,000 acres each year in the coastal watersheds of the Great Lakes, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico from 1998 to 2004.” From the Status and Trends of Wetlands in the Coastal Watersheds of the Eastern United States, by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration February 17, 2009

9. Southern Ontario Habitat Loss An average of 3.5km2 of southern Ontario wetlands continue to be lost each year (1982 to 2002). These estimates are conservative since Great Lakes Coastal wetlands and wetlands smaller than 10 ha were not included in the analyses. From Biodiversity Canada http://www.biodivcanada.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=F07D520A-1&offset=1&toc=show

10. Winter Habitat is Critical “Populations do not appear to establish themselves easily in new wintering habitat. Therefore, as long as wintering habitat is limited . . . . the breeding population continues to be dependent on current management practices and habitat protection” http://srd.alberta.ca/FishWildlife/WildlifeLandUseGuidelines/documents/Recommended LandUseGuidelines-TrumpeterSwanHabitat-Sep27-2012.pdf

11. Winter Habitat is Critical From the same report: “A variety of factors contribute to a species being intrinsically vulnerable to decline and extinction, including low or variable population density, large area requirements, low fecundity, habitat specificity and site fidelity, and sensitivity to disturbance and habitat alteration. Trumpeter swans exhibit all of these characters. High specificity for rather rare environments, and sensitivity to disturbances within those environments, are probably the most important characters in this context. As mentioned previously, suitable wintering habitat is rather rare and restricted in distribution, especially during very cold winters, and further loss and degradation of winter habitat is likely the main threat to trumpeter swans across their range.”

12. Danger of Unintended Consequences Despite being protected under the Migratory Bird Act, the bank swallow population in Canada is in decline, with an estimated drop of over 95 per cent since 1970 in Ontario alone. The population has declined at a rate of 4.7% annually in Ontario over the last 40 years. They are being considered as “Species at risk”. The bank swallows at LaSalle Park once darkened the skies when they returned to their nests, however, park “improvements” stopped the erosion that protected their nests and killed them off.

13. Danger of Unintended Consequences The building of a break wall in Orillia resulted in a significant problem with nuisance birds which resulted in both the city and local business owners spending a large amount of money to come up with a solution though none has worked well. It also caused an explosion in plant growth with the city having to hire cutters every year.

14. Other Issues Baiting and Banding: corn is used as a lure so that swans accept banding, tagging, having blood drawn. Trumpeter Swans naturally seek out corn/grain to supplement their winter diet. (Species Assessment For The Trumpeter Swan In Wyoming) Construction Timing: “Disturbance on the wintering grounds can result in less foraging by the birds and therefore reduced reproductive potential for the following breeding season.” (USFS Species Data 1999).

15. Other Issues Takeoff and Landing Area: “open flight lanes of at least 100m are needed for take off and landing” (Trasky and Beauvais, 2004) Open water distances of at least 300 feet (91 m) in length without obstructions of trees, shrub and aquatic emergent vegetation cover are also important for take-off and landing. (Wyoming Game & Fish Department)

16. Other Issues Deteriorating Water Quality: More boats means mean potential for pollution

17. Other Issues The Environmental Report on the Project was completely inadequate: Both Conservation Halton and the Trumpeter Swan Coalition have asked the Ministry of the Environment for a Part II order.

18. Less wave action will likely cause the harbour to freeze for extended periods Severe shortage of other suitable winter habitat Change to aquatic conditions – nutrient loading, sediment, pollution Reduction in available flight paths Timing of construction; Funding; Lack of Business Case Lack of thorough public/TSRG consultation In Summary: Concerns Questions? For more information go to: www.trumpeterswancoalition.com