Nova Scotia’s Corbett-Dalhousie Lakes Crown land scheduled to be harvested in nesting season, endangered turtle found in the lakes 5Jun2019

Updates June 9, 2019
– Extinction Rebellion at Corbett/Dalhousie
Posted on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology by Sue ES “Approximately 50 people there with Xtinction Rebellion”
– CHIMNEY SWIFTS AT CORBETT-DALHOUSIE LAKE FOREST
As of this morning, we have now CONFIRMED at least ***FOUR*** CHIMNEY SWIFTS on territory at the Hardwood forest at Corbett-Dalhousie lake — confirmed by 4 experienced birders (one beingn a noted avian researcher) – visual and sound – on THREE CONSECUTIVE DAYS in the very same small area over the Hardwood part of the forest. Confirmed again this very morning by 2 experienced birders. I provide a link to the COSEWIC website where it Chimney Swifts are listed as Schedule 1: Threatened on the SARA list.
www. wildlife-species.canada.ca – Home> Species at risk public registry> Species List> Chimney Swift

Scott Leslie drone photo June 7, 2019
Click on photo for larger version

Updates June 7&8, 2019:
– Drone photos by Scott Leslie
Post by Bev Wigney on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology, drone photos by Scott Leslie
– Naturalists comb Nova Scotia woods for birds in bid to halt loggers
THE CANADIAN PRESS ON CTV NEWS “Naturalists are listening for and spotting migratory song birds — including an endangered species — in an effort to halt logging of a Nova Scotia forest containing old hardwoods…Scott Leslie, the author of seven books on natural history, said Friday evening he spotted or heard over a dozen species in the area that faces harvesting, including Chimney Swifts, which are listed as an endangered species in Nova Scotia.”
– Call to end logging during migratory bird nesting season (audio)
CBC Info AM. “Christine Curry says no logging should be allowed during migratory bird nesting season; the birds should be protected by the Migratory Bird Convention Act.” Environmental Lawyer Jamie Simpson is also interviewed about why the Migratory Birds Act is not being adhered to by forestry operations in NS.
– List of birds
Posted on NatureNS by Bev Wigney June 8, 2019

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Original Post, June 5, 2019

A post by Annapolis area naturalist Bev Wigney On Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology this a.m.(bolding mine)

LETTER — JUST SENT: WestFor begins new logging on Corbett-Dalhousie Lake Forest on June 9, 2019 Serious situation at Corbett-Dalhousie Lake – several inappropriate actions Honourable Premier Stephen McNeil, We have a serious situation here at Corbett-Dalhousie Lake Forest. As you know, Annapolis County recently passed a motion respectfully requesting the province to “dedicate the Corbett-Dalhousie Lakes property to the Municipality of the County of Annapolis to develop and manage a climate forest and demonstrate a new economy based on ecological forestry management that will increase local jobs, community recreation and tourism.” (May 21, 2019). At that time, the County also asked that no further harvest operations be carried out while their request was under consideration. As of yesterday, a notification sign has been posted at the property — by Westfor — saying that work is expected to commence on June 9th. This is *not* an appropriate response to our County’s request. Further, there are *other* serious problems. Parula warbler 1.) I was in the forest last week with two very experienced bird surveyors who also do forestry work. It was clear that there were many neotropical migratory birds already on territory — meaning that they are nesting. To begin “industrial activity” is in direct contravention of the Migratory Birds Convention Act — an act which makes it illegal to destroy bird nests and their eggs — an illegal act that will undoubtedly occur if industrial work commences on June 9th. 2.) In recent weeks, we have received several reports from nearby landowners that that there are Blandings Turtles in Corbett-Dalhousie Lakes. There has been no opportunity to survey for populations due to the time of year, but this needs to be carried out this spring and summer. We are just entering the time of year when such surveys can be carried out. I understand from communication with persons associated with Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute, that such surveys have been required in the past in similar situations — and that suspension of logging operations is not unusual in order to complete proper surveys — so this is not a frivolous request. It must be taken seriously as Blandings Turtles are a Species At Risk. 3.) We have been told that the kind of forestry taking place on the Corbett-Dalhousie Lake peninsula would be done with care. Last week, I spent time examining the type of trees that had been left in place in an alreadycut section — in an area where we have been told the intention is to create a “multi-aged forest”. Many of the trees that I saw were not as we have been told — the long-lived hardwoods – but were badly damaged trees without particular distinction as to species. We also found trees that had been cut down that had the kind of cavities that should be preserved for wildlife habitat. Those logs had been dragged out of the woods and were in piles that are, without any doubt, being left as “cull logs” as they were lying in mud. This was utterly careless and need not have happened. To say that this work is being done with care is a travesty. I took many photos that can verify all that I have stated above. To sum up, about a month ago, I sent you a petition with over 1400 signatures of people opposed to the type of harvest operations taking place on the Corbett-Dalhousie Lake peninsula. Many who signed are from Annapolis County, but also from throughout other parts of Nova Scotia. The number of signatures has grown even more since that time. I also sent you 13 pages of comments made by people who signed the petition. I and others have now recorded almost 700 natural history observations for the Corbett-Dalhousie Lake hardwood stand on iNaturalist. More will be added. It is a species-rich area of forest. To destroy more of it is ransacking the future for biodiversity at that site. Is this what you want to see happen? I know you don’t have time to visit the forest, but you can go to this page and see many photos of what we have photographed thus far — and there will be more — much more — especially as we enter the time of year when life really takes off in a biodiverse forest such as that on the Corbett-Dalhousie Lakes peninsula. https://inaturalist.ca/projects/corbett-dalhousie-lake-forest In conclusion, I ask that you declare a halt to forestry operations at Corbett-Dalhousie Lakes peninsula while its status is evaluated for the following: 1.) Annapolis County’s request regarding the peninsula lands. 2.) Breeding bird protection through nesting season (under the Migratory Birds Convention Act). 3.) Blandings Turtles – to conduct a comprehensive survey for this species. 4.) Proper tree selection – a review of how selection of trees will be carried out before any further logging occurs. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

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For some further background, see

– Nova Scotia Annapolis County Council seeks protection for Corbett-Dalhousie Lake Forest as a “Climate Forest” 27May2019

– Recovery Strategy for the Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), Nova Scotia Population, in Canada
COSEWIC 2005

– Nova Scotia’s Blanding’s Turtles
On http://www.speciesatrisk.ca

– Nesting periods
Environment Canada

– Intensive tree cull in Halifax’s Point Pleasant Park delayed until after nesting season; Nova Scotia L&F continues to ignore federal regs 12May2019
Post on NSFN May 12, 2019

– And these recent posts on Social Media:

Scheduled for June 15, 2019:
Walk in the Corbett-Dalhousie Lake Forest
Extinction Rebellion public event

June 2, 2019:
“THIS IS WHY WE CAN’T HAVE NICE THINGS”
Bev Wigney on Annapolis Royal & Area – Environment & Ecology. “Wherein I turn a critical eye on “how things were done” on the harvested part of the hardwood parcel at Corbett-Dalhousie Lake Forest.” Also, another post June 2: This is how the soil looks all through the ripped up extraction roads. June 3: WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR CORBETT-DALHOUSIE LAKE FOREST ?. June 4: Sign outlining Westfor’s intentions…. June 5: TO DO LIST FOR TODAY… Two expert birders were on that site last week and it is FULL of migratory birds (comment from one: “There were many neotropical migrants singing in this forest, already on territory last week.” Disturbing the forest right now is in direct conflict with the Migratory Birds Convention Act.

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Bev Wigney to NatureNS, June 8, 2019:

All,

By now, I’m sure that just about everyone will have seen the story in
yesterday’s press about Corbett-Dalhousie Lake Forest which is located
just south of Bridgetown in Annapolis County. It’s a stand of very
large, old as well as multi-aged Yellow Birch, Sugar Maple, Beech, Red
Spruce, and Red Maple. However, just in case you didn’t, see the link
below.

Yesterday, I was out for the afternoon with Scott Leslie. We heard
and occasionally saw quite a few birds including Chimney Swifts and
Northern Waterthrush – and many warblers. Well, here’s the list of
birds heard, and/or seen, that Scott sent to me last night:
Blackburnian warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Yellow-rumped warbler
Black and White Warbler
Red-eyed vireo
Blue-headed vireo
Ovenbird
Yellow-bellied sapsucker
Winter wren
Northern waterthrush
Northern parula
Spotted sandpiper (at the shore)
Eastern wood pewee
Northern goshawk
CHIMNEY SWIFTS — seen and heard flying just above the forest canopy)
Earlier last week, several of us watched Common Nighthawk flying over
the canopy at dusk.
As expected, in a forest with such a complex canopy and natural
understory, it’s quite bird rich right now. Unfortunately, if the
Minister of Lands and Forestry can be taken at his word (see article
in link) harvesting will resume in that forest on Monday. Apparently
the presence of nesting migratory birds is not a problem. Someone
should tell the birds not to worry about all the heavy machinery
moving in around their nests.
https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/naturalists-comb-nova-scotia-woods-for-birds-in-bid-to-halt-loggers-1.4456945

Bev Wigney

& June 9, 2019:
CHIMNEY SWIFTS AT CORBETT-DALHOUSIE LAKE FOREST:::

As of this morning, we have now CONFIRMED at least ***FOUR*** CHIMNEY SWIFTS on territory at the Hardwood forest at Corbett-Dalhousie lake — confirmed by 4 experienced birders (one beingn a noted avian researcher) – visual and sound – on THREE CONSECUTIVE DAYS in the very same small area over the Hardwood part of the forest. Confirmed again this very morning by 2 experienced birders. I provide a link to the COSEWIC website where it Chimney Swifts are listed as Schedule 1: Threatened on the SARA list.
www. wildlife-species.canada.ca – Home> Species at risk public registry> Species List> Chimney Swift
HOW MUCH MORE WILL IT TAKE TO CONVINCE THE MINISTER OF LANDS & FORESTRY that serious damage will be done to SEVERAL migratory species and AT LEAST ONE species on the SARA listing when heavy forest machinery is brought in and they start sawing up the forest — probably on Monday? WHAT MORE CAN WE DO TO MAKE HIM LISTEN?