Advancing Road Ecology in Ontario: Progress Through Partnerships

Mandy Karch, Coordinator, Ontario Road Ecology Group, mkarch@torontozoo.ca

Background• 2005 – 3rd International Symposium and Workshop on

Conservation of the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake • 2007 – Ontario Roads and Ecopassages Forum• 2008 – Ontario Road Ecology Stewardship Symposium• 2009 – Ontario Road Ecology Group AGM

Board of Directors

Chair: Dave Ireland, Toronto ZooVice Chair: John Middleton, Brock UniversitySecretary: Mandy Karch, Toronto ZooDirector: Lenore Fahrig, Carleton UniversityDirector: Noah Gaetz, Toronto and Region Conservation

AuthorityDirector: Heather Harding, Environmental DefenceDirector: Fred Schueler, Bishop Mills Natural Heritage CentreDirector: Jackie Scott, Central Lake Ontario Conservation

Authority

GoalTo raise awareness about the threats of roads to biodiversity in Ontario, and to research and apply solutions.

Southern Ontario Road Network

© Eco-Kare International

Partnerships1. Federal

407 East Transportation Corridor

© Eco-Kare International

2. Provincial• Ministry of Transportation of Ontario

3. Provincial

• Ministry of Transportation of Ontario– Small Animal Crossing Sign Working Group

Caution Conservation

4. MunicipalRestoration, Roads & Wildlife

5. Municipal

• City of Brampton: Traffic Services, Works and Transportation

6. Municipal

7. Academic

•BACI Study:Do ecopassagesmitigate the population-level effects of roads?

©Eco-Kare International

8. Academic

• Road Ecology Course– OREG Seminar – Coop Projects

9. Public

www.wildlifeonroads.org

10. Public

www.wildlifeonroads.org

11. Public

www.wildlifeonroads.org

Thank You

Mandy Karch, Coordinator, Ontario Road Ecology Group, Toronto Zoomkarch@torontozoo.ca

www.wildlifeonroads.org

OREG Objectives

1. Promote the science of road ecology2. Guide transportation policy 3. Facilitate working partnerships4. Recommend mitigation for conservation5. Collect and exchange data 6. Provide outreach and education