Denise Moran - Letter to the editor Leduc Representative - October 24, 2016

From: http://www.leducrep.com/2016/10/24/preserve-pelican-habitat

Dear editor,

At the first hint of frost in September the White Pelican of Leduc area disappear.
So where do they go?
They migrate to the Gulf of Mexico and spend the winter along the coasts of Mexico and Florida.
They will reappear in April.
The City of Leduc and Leduc County plan for an industrial park for the land between Telford Lake and the west shore of Saunders Lake potentially puts the local nesting colony at risk.
The species, a top predator on wetland habitats, is classified as 'sensitive'.
The Provincial Wildlife Act States that, "...it is illegal to kill or harass individuals or disturb their nest at any time of year."
The biggest threat to the pelican is loss of habitat and disturbance of nesting areas. The following quote from the North American Bird Conservation Initiative Canada (www.stateofcanadasbirds.org/conservation.jsp) says it all: "Effective land-use planning can help retain key natural habitats during development and create multi-use green spaces within urban environments providing breeding and migration habitat for birds, while increasing the quality of life for people living there."
With proper planning and execution this community could have a win-win situation for development, recreation and nature.
We need our local elected officials to get that message. Attend the public hearing meeting Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. at the Nisku Inn. The question is: " what welcome will the pelican get next spring?"

Denise Moran
Leduc County