A message from Dr John Bacher: The City of Niagara Falls is planning to go to a Public Meeting under the Planning Act, (a key legal requirement) for what is now called the Riverfront Community before critical studies of three Endangered species' habitats have been undertaken. These species are the Little Brown Myotis, the Northern Myotis and the Tri-Coloured Bat. This is a disgrace. Studies of bat roosting maternity colonies should take place in May and June. The Special Council Meeting to discuss this in full Council has been postponed till some time in January, which is still before the studies can be undertaken. This means that public participation may be cut short before an understanding of the key ecological significance of the forest, a refuge for critically endangered species, can be understood. Bats need the safety of forest cover to roost. Studies have been demanded for two years by MNRF to conduct bat roosting studies but the developer has refused to conduct them. It is still planned to clear cut into oblivion some 14 hectares of mature forest for the Riverfront development. Come up to the OPEN HOUSE on Thundering Waters disguised as Riverfront. This Monday, November 20th from 5 – 6.30 Memorial Room Gale Centre 5152 Thorold Stone Road, Niagara Falls. Send a clear message. Stop further planning work on the Riverfront Community until needed bat roosting studies can be made.