MNR’s Role February 6 th , 2014 Presented by Kerry Reed, Species at Risk Biologist

1. MNR’s Role February 6th, 2014 Presented by Kerry Reed, Species at Risk Biologist

2. Overview • Endangered Species Act, 2007 • Changes to the ESA under MNR’s Modernizing of Approvals Initiative • Barn Swallow • Butternut • Understanding the Role of the Ministry of Natural Resources

3. Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA) • The purpose of the ESA, 2007 is to: • 1. To identify species at risk based on the best available scientific information, including information obtained from community knowledge and aboriginal traditional knowledge • 2. To protect species that are at risk and their habitats, and to promote the recovery of species that are at risk • 3. To promote stewardship activities to assist in the protection and recovery of species that are at risk

4. Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA) • Section 9 prohibits the killing, harming, harassing, capturing or taking a living member of a species that is listed on the Species at Risk in Ontario List as an Endangered or Threatened species. • Section 10 prohibits damage or destruction to the habitat of Endangered and Threatened species. • Flexibility tools i.e. permits, agreements, exemptions to help reduce the impact of human activity on species at risk and their habitats.

5. Tools • Permits • Agreements • Exemptions and Registrations

6. Changes to the ESA under MNR’s Modernizing of Approvals Initiative • July 1, 2013 MNR has streamlined and automated its approvals processes for natural resource- related activities to help individuals and businesses access these services faster and more efficiently while continuing to protect and sustainably manage Ontario’s natural resources and Species at Risk. • Improvements to the implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), through regulatory changes, bring efficiencies and cost savings to private sector, other public sectors and MNR. • The regulatory provisions allows some activities that would otherwise contravene the ESA to proceed without a permit provided that regulatory conditions for the ongoing protection of species at risk and their habitats are met. • New regulatory provisions address low risk and common situations, while maintaining permits for high risk or complex situations.

7. Streamlined Approvals • • Regulation = exemption • • Rules established in regulation = exemption with conditions • • Registration with MNR = letting MNR know

8. How do these Changes Affect You? • Streamlined approvals- these changes enable individuals and businesses to access these services faster and more efficiently • MNR staff are available to work with you to determine if your project is eligible for the regulatory provisions under the ESA • Ability to set up a One-key ID (secure account) and a Natural Resources client profile (individual or business) to register online. • Registry Approvals Service Centre (RASC) can be reached at • 1-855-613-4256 or email Mnr.rasc@ontario.ca

9. When to Complete a Notice of Activity Form • Species at risk are present • Avoidance is not option • If the project will adversely affect a species at risk • If your project falls under one of the regulation exemptions • If the eligibility criteria is met

10. Barn Swallow - Threatened • Barn Swallows often live in close association with humans, building their cup-shaped mud nests almost exclusively on human-made structures such as open barns, under bridges and in culverts. • The species is attracted to open structures that include ledges where they can build their nests, which are often re-used from year to year. • They prefer unpainted, rough-cut wood, since the mud does not adhere as well to smooth surfaces.

11. Barn Swallow • An active nest or colony can be identified during the breeding season (June 1 – August 15) by the presence of Barn Swallow circling the area and defending the nest locations.    • Surveys should be conducted during the breeding period for this species from June 1 to August 15. • Care should be taken not to harm or harass breeding birds.  www.harpercollege.edu

12. Alter a Structure- Barn Swallow Habitat • Prevent the birds from nesting i.e. installing a tarp or netting before breeding season. • Replace nests at a 1:1 ratio. • New nests must be placed within 1 km of original site in suitable structure. • Habitat maintained for 3 years. www.americanartifacts.com

13. Butternut - Endangered • Butternut usually grows alone or in small groups in deciduous forests. • Prefers moist, well-drained soil and is often found along streams, found on well-drained gravel sites and rarely on dry rocky soil. • Doesn’t do well in the shade, often grows in sunny openings and near forest edges.

14. Butternut Trees on Your Property • Before you can remove or harm a butternut tree, you must have a qualified butternut assessor determine what category the tree falls into. • Butternut trees are divided into 3 categories: • Category 1: in the advanced stages of disease as a result of butternut canker (“non-retainable”) • Category 2: the tree does not have butternut canker or disease is not as advanced (“retainable”) • Category 3: could be useful in determining how to prevent or resist butternut canker (“archivable”)

15. Understanding the Role of the Ministry • Engage MNR early! • Information request system • Species survey protocols • Avoidance • Authorizations or regulatory exemptions • We are happy to help!

16. Questions?