De “Thunder Bay District Ontario Government Building Suite 8001, 435 James Street South ‘Thunder Bay. Ontario P7E6SB Tek: (GOT7S-1471 Fax: (807)475-1527 L* Ontario LANDOWNER NEEBING ON P7L.0C1 pase, Roll Number: Dear Landowner, May 15, 2009 ‘The Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA) came into force on June 30, 2008. In accordance with this Act and its Program, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MIR) is working with people across the province to protect and recover Ontario's at-risk plants and animals. Our records indicate that the Peregrine Falcon, a threatened species, may occur on or in the immediate area of your property. The majority of Ontario's breeding population of Peregrine Falcon is found around Lake Superior in northwestern Ontario however they do nest in and around Toronto and several other southem Ontario cities. Peregrine Falcon are protected under the ESA, In order to protect the habitat of Peregrine Falcon, the MNR is proposing a regulation that would, if passed, describe the area protected as “habitat” under the ESA. We are writing to advise you of the regulation process and to seek your comments on the proposed content of a habitat regulation MNR is proposing that the following type of areas be protected in a habitat regulation for the Peregrine Falcon’ Natural Sites: a 1-Kilometre-radius area around a cliff that is at least 15m high and that is being used or has been used by peregrine falcon for nesting within the past 15 years Urban Sites: nesting sites on structures (such as buildings and bridges) that are being used or have been used by Peregrine Falcon for nesting within the last 2 years, and the area on the outside surface that is within 10 meters of the nesting site would be protected, along with areas within 200m of these nesting sites that ere habitually used by Peregrine Falcon (e.g for roosting, plucking, or perching), Artificial Sites: an artificially created cliff face (¢.g., steep rock cut, open pit mine) would be protected while the nesting site is being used. The proposed habitat description was developed based on the best available scientific information about the needs of the species, but we recognize that you as a landowner or land‘manager may have local knowledge or interests that could affect the content of the proposed regulation. ‘The proposal for a habitat regulation under the ESA is posted on the Environmental Registry (ER) for public comment at www.ebr.gov.on.ca [Registry # 010-6490]. In addition, comments on this proposal can be submitted in writing to Andrew Jobes, Species at Risk Biologist, MNR, 300 Water Street, Peterborough, ON, K9J 8M5 or faxed to (705) 755-1788 by Monday June 15", 2009, Specifically, we are interested in hearing from you on whether you support or have ‘concems with the proposed content of the regulation and how the regulation may affect you. In order to help us better understand the unique or shared concerns of different groups, please identify yourseff as a private landowner/land manager when commenting. This proposal may change as a result of comments received during consultation. In an area prescribed as habitat in a regulation made under the ESA, you would be able to undertake activities as long as they do not damage or destroy the habitat. Some activities can harm the species or its habitat, for example the construction of tall structures such as buildings Near a nesting cliff or activities or developments that physically alter nesting ledges or areas used for perching, roosting or plucking could damage or destroy the habitat of Peregrine Falcon, In some cases, activities that could damage or destroy the habitat may be allowed under permits or agreements issued by the MNR under the Act. Please contact us for advice on how to avoid harming the species or its habitat when you wish to undertake activities in or around the habitat. ‘The Species at Risk Stewardship Fund provides opportunities for landowners to obtain funds to help with stewardship protection. The enclosed brochure provides more information. Also enclosed are a fact sheet on the species and a brochure about the ESA, You are welcome to call Jennifer Chikoski, Species at Risk Biologist, OMNR Thunder Bay at 807-475-1133 if you have any questions about the proposed habitat regulation content, the ER Process or advice on how to avoid activities that may damage or destroy the habitat. We appreciate your comments on this proposal and hope you share our interest in Ontario's species at risk. We will contact you again when a habitat regulation has been approved for this species. Sincerely, jb Oo W.D. Baker District Manager Ministry of Natural Resources, Thunder Bay District Enclosures: Species at Risk Stewardship Opportunities fact sheet Peregrine Falcon Fact Sheet Endangered Species Act 2007 brochure