The proposed regulation…

The proposed regulation change, which effectively reduces the extent and duration of protected habitat, is contrary to the goal of the Ontario Government Response Statement to the Redside Dace Recovery Strategy. Given the rapid declining trend in the range and distribution of the species, reducing species-specific habitat protections under the Endangered Species Act is not a prudent direction for the Government of Ontario at this time. The proposed changes as written will result in detrimental impacts to the species and ultimately jeopardize the recovery of Redside Dace in Ontario. I urge you to reconsider the proposed changes and focus on scientific evidence and advice from species experts.