Scientists agree on necessity to expand Eramosa Karst Conservation Area

Contact:
directors@friendsoferamosakarst.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2008

Another local scientist has joined in the call for the preservation of the creek feeder areas slated for potential development just east of the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area.  Joe Minor PhD, Biology has gone on record as stating that the best option for the preservation of animal habitat is for the conservation area to be expanded to include the lands to the east bounded by Second Rd. West and Rymal Road.

In a report written to local MPP & Hamilton Council,  Biologist Joe Minor states, “"The ecological functions of the Eramosa Karst ANSI are best maintained if the native plant species in the feeder area are not destroyed by roads, buildings, and other hard structures. The best way to promote the long term ecological stability of the Eramosa Karst ANSI would be to add the 80 acres of the feeder area to the currently designated Eramosa Karst Conservation Area."

This supports the position taken by one of the original writers of the report commissioned by the Ministry of Natural Resources, which lead to the area being declared an “Area of Natural and Scientific Interest”.  In his letter to Councillor Brad Clark, Marcus Buck states, “The best way to ensure protection of the karst within the ANSI is to create as much natural parkland within the Feeder Area as is feasible.”  He further states, “Creating natural parkland in the entire Nexus Creek catchment and the surrounding provincial lands would guarantee the best protection possible for this provincially significant earth science ANSI.”

In a recent tour of the area, local NDP MPP Paul Miller offered his support for an expanded conservation area.   He adds his voice to that of local riding PC MPP Tim Hudak and a number of city councillors who wish to go on record as supporters of this conservation effort.

With mounting scientific and community support for the expansion of the park, the onus is clearly on the Provincial Government to comply with its own provincial policy statements and other planning and environmental documents by handing the remaining lands over to the Hamilton Conservation Authority.

Friends of the Eramosa Karst is a strong, non-profit, community voice advocating the transfer of the remaining karst feeder lands to the Hamilton Conservation Authority.  The group has been amassing both public and political support for the transfer of these lands.  Two of the latest groups to come onside is the McMaster Outdoor Club and the Hamilton Naturalist Club.  For more information, or to view the above-noted report. visit
http://www.friendsoferamosakarst.org

Rita Giulietti
Communications Coordinator
FOTEK