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)
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.
History of
Trumpeters
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
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.
Danger of Breakwall & Marina Expansion
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.
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.
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.
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).
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
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
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
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.”
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.
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.
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).
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)
Other Issues
Deteriorating Water Quality: More boats means mean potential for pollution
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.
In Summary: Concerns
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
Questions?
For more information go to:
www.trumpeterswancoalition.com