| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Public Input Requested for Wye Marsh Management
Strategy
 Midland,
Ontario……………….November 7, 2007.
Wye Marsh is currently in the initial stages of developing a Land Use
Management Plan and wants public input. The goal of the plan is to create
an integrated management strategy ensuring the long term protection of
the natural heritage of the Wye Marsh, while providing low impact educational,
recreational and research opportunities to maintain biodiversity and benefit
present and future generations.
The public can participate by attending an open house or
with a written submission. There will be an open house hosted by the Wye
Marsh Stakeholder Advisory Committee on November 12 during one
of two time slots: Times: 2:00pm - 4:00pm in the afternoon or in the evening
between 7:00pm - 9:00pm at the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre.
Individuals and or groups unable to attend the meeting
and wanting to make a written submission should send the submission by
e-mail to program@wyemarsh.com
by November 19, 2007, or mailed to Wye Marsh Management Plan, P.P. Box
100 Midland, Ontario L4R 4K6 post marked November, 19, 2007.
The Land Use Management Plan is being developed in conjunction
with representatives from various groups including the Town of Midland,
the Township of Tay, and the Township of Tiny, Ministry of Natural Resources,
Canadian Wildlife Services, Friends of the Wye Marsh, Ducks Unlimited
Canada, Ontario Provincial Police, Severn Sound Environmental Association,
skilled volunteers, and Valley Watch.
Laurie Schutt, Executive Director of the Wye Marsh says
“Public consultation is an important part of the future of the lands
currently managed by Wye Marsh and the development of the Management Plan.”
The process of public involvement will specifically
help identify options and plan alternatives as follows:
Identify relationships and role of Wye Marsh within regional,
provincial and national context.
Formulate a vision and goal of Wye Marsh and the Management Plan as well
as the priority of planning principals to guide preparation of the Management
Plan.
Assess regional, provincial and national interests.
Assess ecological, economic, social and cultural values
and associated constraints, conflicts, and opportunities.
Analyze existing and future users (recreation, resource
management, educational, cultural etc.).
Identify issues and prepare conceptual plan alternatives.
The preliminary management plan should be ready by February
19th, 2008 with a completed plan by August of 2008.
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Background On Wye Marsh
Wye Marsh consists of a 1214 ha (3000acre) wildlife area
situated in an environmentally endowed location in southern Georgian Bay.
The site encompasses three municipal designations of Tay, Tiny and Midland
within the County of Simcoe Planning jurisdiction. The Government of Canada-Environment
Canada-National Wildlife Area (NWA) owns by Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources Provincial Wildlife Area (PWA) and the site. From a natural
heritage perspective, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has identified
the Wye Marsh as a Provincially Significant Wetland and a regionally significant
Life Science Area of Scientific Interest. Bird Life International also
designates the Wye Marsh as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
Contact: Adrian Philpot the Education and Stewardship Manager
705-526-7809 or program@wyemarsh.com
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