The Livable Blog

Threatening legal action identifies critical habitat

07/14/09

10:30:56 pm, by NicS, 241 words

Categories: Environment, South Fraser Perimeter Road, Our Changing World

Threatening legal action identifies critical habitat

As Devon Page, the head of Ecojustice Canada said, this is a precedent setting ruling. It may even help slow down the South Fraser Perimeter Road (SFPR) if the local endangered "shrew's" critical habitat is threatened. Which it is.

Legal victory for Canada's endangered species
By Colleen Kimmett July 14, 2009 - THE TYEE -
A recent court ruling on protection for Alberta's sage-grouse could have major implications for endangered species here in British Columbia. The bird known for its elaborate mating dance is at the heart of a precedent-setting decision in federal court.

Last week a federal judge ruled that the federal government broke the law by neglecting to identify critical habitat in a recovery plan for the endangered greater sage-grouse.

"It's definitely going to be a precedent," said Devon Page, executive director of Ecojustice Canada. "It's a legal ruling that interprets the law in the way that we've been seeking for some time. This is only one in a series of endangered species cases we've had to bring to force the government to do its duty."

In 2005, Ecojustice launched a lawsuit against Environment Canada, claiming that it had stripped away habitat protection in a plan to recover B.C.'s endangered spotted owl. The group launched similar cases with the release of the federal government's orca recovery plan and nooksack dace recovery plan.

"It's a pattern where you can only get critical habitat identified if you threaten legal action," said Page.

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Our goal as the Livable Region Coalition (LRC) is to provide a voice for those who believe that efficient and sustainable transportation is a cornerstone for the future of the Lower Mainland. We believe that through creating attractive transportation choices, encouraging urban density, and preserving green space and agricultural land, we can make our communities better places to live and grow.

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