Trapping was stopped by the HCA earlier this week when a hiker reported finding a muskrat and an at-risk (special concern status) snapping turtle at Fifty Point Conservation Area. A media firestorm ensued, in which APFA was quoted offering viable alternatives.
Thursday night, the HCA board heard that trapping had occurred throughout the park for as long as 30 years – and it was ongoing without the knowledge of the board or senior staff.
“People look to the HCA for preserving and conserving," Tom Jackson, a councillor and board member was quoted as saying in the Hamilton Spectator. "We all love our animals and wildlife. I think it's important to see what best practices there are to go forward."
The board voted to accept a proposal, which will see the creation of a committee made up of board members and staff to hear from stakeholders, trappers, citizens and groups like APFA, and develop a wildlife management strategy.
This is an outstanding opportunity to show the evidence of co-existence methods, and in the case of beavers, elements of our Living With Wildlife campaign.
We would like to thank all of our supporters who contacted the HCA to express their concerns. We – and the wildlife of the Hamilton Conservation Areas – are looking forward to being a part of the conversation.
