The CBLCA encourages residents to participate in a City of Ottawa wildlife survey. Information from the Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre:
We had asked you to wait until we heard back with respect to our concern about one of the questions in the Second Survey.
We have heard back that they are aware of possible bias in the question but want to assure us that the survey is just one piece of the information being gathered and that the City is committed to a progressive Wildlife Strategy. Also, they are sticking to the September 15th deadline as they want to move forward with this process, which we feel is good.
Thus, we ask that you complete the Survey as soon as possible at this link: https://s-ca.chkmkt.com/?e=343797&h=C4B13A68C7C6AA0&l=en
As for the question we were concerned about, it is near the end of the Survey and is titled “Where do you think the balance should lie when the City manages beavers on its property?” We decided to put in “no opinion” but as there is no comment option for this question, we added our comment to the last question which does have a space for comments “What actions, if any, would you like the City to take to reduce human-wildlife conflicts” This is what the Centre said:
We want to comment on the question “Where do you think the balance should lie when the City manages beavers on its property?” We selected ‘No Opinion’ as we want to underscore our concern about this question as it suggests that protecting beavers and protecting public safety are mutually exclusive when, in fact, the opposite is true. Being proactive by installing flow devices will reduce the risk of sudden flooding in major rain events, thereby protecting public safety.
However, you will want to decide on how you respond and/or comment with respect to this question. Regardless, it is important that you submit this Survey as it will counter the first one, which had a very negative view of wildlife.
Thanks
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