EIS for pileated woodpecker

[David Mennier]

Good morning block residents,
 
 
At the information exchange meeting, a resident noted that one or more trees in the lane may serve as habitat for a federally protected species, the pileated woodpecker. See attached photo, and perhaps you recogize this type of bird from our neighbourhood. I know I have seen one on a telegraph pole near my house!
 
However, note the various terms used to classify species.
 
Most species in Ontartio are 'protected', but that does not mean they are 'at risk', 'endangered', 'extirpated' or 'threatened'.
 
In the case of the pileated woodpecker, it is 'protected' (as are all songbirds in Ontario), but also 'common'. Therefore, the Ministry of Natural Resources person I spoke with said in the case of opening a laneway, with the loss of a couple of trees, there is very likely nothing that could be done from an environmental point of view, as the woodpeckers would simply move on to other local trees.
 
I know this is not encouraging news.
 
I am also waiting for a return call from the Ministry of Natural Resources local office in Kemptville to explore this further, but I just wanted to let everyone know of the situation with regards to protected - but common - species.
 

Regards,

 
_________________________
David P. Mennier
Ottawa