Central Ontario’s wetlands are currently under threat, but the species that protect and maintain them are largely ignored

Wetlands are important biodiversity hotspots which host an array of species disproportionate to their area, and provide important ecosystem functions like wildlife habitat, water filtration, flood protection, and promotion of human health and wellbeing. They have both intrinsic and utilitarian value, benefiting humans and other ecosystems in many different ways. Wetlands play a critical role in supporting Ontario’s species at risk, with over 20% relying directly on wetland ecosystems. These species include the Olive Sided Flycatcher, the Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid, the Spotted Turtle, and countless other species which also rely on wetlands indirectly. 

The importance of wetlands has become widely recognized,  resulting in the formation of various conservation initiatives, however these initiatives fall short in their effectiveness when they fail to consider important biotic influences on the maintenance and conservation of existing wetlands. Beavers are important ecosystem engineers which have a disproportionately large impact on ecosystem function relative to their abundance and biomass. They actively modify habitats by building dams, lodges, canals, and dens which work to slow water flow and raise water levels, creating wetlands. 

According to Evolutionary-Ecological Land Ethics in conservation biology, nature is an integrated system of interdependent processes and components. The disruption of Beavers and their infrastructure therefore stands to negatively impact wetland conservation efforts and increase ecosystem instability, contributing to biodiversity loss. Throughout central Ontario, many people view Beavers as a nuisance animal, trapping or killing them and destroying their habitat. Despite the evidently important role of Beavers in wetland construction and maintenance, few conservation initiatives protect them. 

Conservation Authorities Act: no discussion about the impact of Beavers in wetlands or how they facilitate ecosystem function
Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act: no mention of the role of Beavers in maintaining and supporting lake and river ecosystems, therefore no protection offered
Endangered Species Act: prohibits harassment of Ontario species at risk, but does not discuss or protect the animals which create and maintain the habitat these species rely on
Ontario Wetland Conservation Strategy: largely only protects provincially significant wetlands, and offers no recognition or protection for Beavers which create and protect these unique ecosystems

This petition aims to demand that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, in accordance with the Cataraqui Conservation Authority, to change these policies to include Beavers, and classify their disturbance as a punishable act in conformity with each policy. I will be writing a letter to the relevant authorities at the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, as well as the Cataraqui Conservation Authority, employing them to make these changes. Every name signed here helps to strengthen the impact of that letter, and is one step closer to achieving the change needed for this species. I encourage you to sign and protect these essential ecosystem engineers from human disturbance and strengthen wetland conservation efforts. These policy changes would serve to protect currently existing wetlands on both public and private land, as well encourage the formation of new wetlands. 

Wetland conservation is a complex issue which requires a united front to enact action. It is our duty to demand the change needed and spread our knowledge with others. 

You can find additional information regarding the importance of Beavers in wetlands, and why they should be protected, below:

• Hood, G., and S. Bayley. (2008). Beaver (Castor canadensis) mitigate the effects of climate on the area of open water in boreal wetlands in western Canada. Biological Conservation 141(2): 556-567. 
• Law, A., O. Levanoni, G. Foster, F. Ecke, and N. Willby. (2019). Are beavers a solution to the freshwater biodiversity crisis? Biodiversity Research 25(11): 1763-1772. 
• Hood, G., and D. Larson. (2014). Ecological engineering and aquatic connectivity: a new perspective from beaver-modified wetlands. Freshwater Biology 60(1): 198-208.

Please also offer your support to the Ontario Nature petition to stop the rezoning of provincially significant wetlands into commercial areas:

https://ontarionature.good.do/psws/email/