Residents share input with park staff

Mark Ribble

Leamington Post

Point Pelee National Park still wants your input on restoring the Carolinian Habitat mosaic within the park.

A public consultation open house was held last Thursday at the Roma Club for those wishing to provide input into the habitat restoration.

Park Superintendent Marian Stranak was on hand to give an overview of the park's plan on the eco-system recovery, which will focus on savannah habitats.

Those in attendance were then welcome to visit the four displays set up to give their opinions and get information from Parks Canada staff.

"These consultations are critical to help shape our plans moving forward," said Stranak.

The park has a newly approved management plan and Stranak and staff are eager to put those plans in place.

The habitat plan consists of three main focuses: managing vegetation, fire management and the Lake Erie Sandspit Savannah Restoration Strategy.

The vegetation management plan touches on updating objectives and guidelines and restoring vegetation in the savannah. While most of the park is marshland, the savannah is rapidly being overgrown by forest.

The fire management plan consists of fire use in controlling certain plant species that invade and impede the growth of natural species at risk within the park.

"Monitoring must occur to understand weather trends, making the use of fire safe for visitors as well as our neighbours," said Stranak.  To read more go to www.leamingtonpostandshopper.com.