Protection of heronry back before council

Jun 4, 2020 | 5:10 AM

Vernon’s heron nesting site is back in the news.

On Monday (June 8), city council will revisit an earlier decision to restrict construction near the site on 20th Street.

“At the end of the last regular meeting, a member of council asked that council discuss the matter at the June 8 meeting,” said Christy Poirier, communications manager with the city who could not provide any other information.

Council voted earlier this month against allowing Scotland Constructors to remove environmental protections for the property beside the herony.

On June 8th, council will give second consideration to a request to waive the rezoning request application condition for 5000 20th Street, which city staff are recommending against.

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According to information from the provincial government, Great Blue Herons are a Blue-listed species; considered vulnerable to disturbance by bald eagles and humans. Urban and rural development results in the loss of suitable nesting areas and disturbance to birds during their breeding season. Especially during the early stages of nesting, unusual events and loud noises such as
mechanical chippers, chainsaws, and large trucks may cause the herons to abandon their nests.

“The nests and nest trees of herons are protected year-round, whether or not the nest is currently active (B.C. Wildlife Act). Herons and their active nests are also protected under the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act. ‘Molestation of wildlife’ is an offence under the Wildlife Act, and even walking near the nest or loud noises from equipment may be considered ‘molestation’ if this causes the birds to abandon active nests,” stated the information from the province.

The development guidelines from the province state: “The nests and nest trees of herons are protected year-round, whether or not the nest is currently active (B.C. Wildlife Act, Section 34). Herons
and their active nests are also protected under the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act. ‘Molestation of wildlife’ is an offence under the Wildlife Act, and even walking near the nest or loud noises from equipment may be considered ‘molestation’ if this causes the birds to abandon active nests. Time construction carefully. Avoid any new disturbance between January 15 and September 15 when herons are nesting. Early in the season, herons are particularly susceptible to disturbance.”

An online petition started last year to protect the heron site had collected almost 12,000 supporters as of 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Click here for more history on the application.

by Pete McIntyre

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