Some Parksville-area beaches will be closed to dogs during the annual Brant geese migration period.
The City of Parksville issued a release on Monday (Feb. 1) reminding residents that beaches are subject to seasonal no-dog restrictions; beaches close to dogs both on-leash and off-leash for a period each year.
“The Black Brant geese you see along the shores of Parksville are on a remarkable and arduous journey of migration from California and Mexico to northern nesting grounds,” stated the release. “Our beaches provide an abundant food source for the geese, which need to gain weight and strength before making another non-stop flight. A disturbance caused by something as simple as a child running on the beach can have drastic effects on the geese while feeding.”
READ MORE: Brant geese season means dog restrictions return to beaches in Parksville Qualicum Beach
Parksville beaches within the Parksville-Qualicum Beach Wildlife Management Area are closed during these times:
• Rathtrevor Beach, Feb. 15 to April 15;
• Parksville Bay Beach March 1 to April 30;
The Parksville-Qualicum Beach Wildlife Management Area regulations dictate that dogs must be on leash at all times within the area.
Questions should be directed to the RAPP line (Report All Poachers and Polluters) at 1-877-952-7277, #7277 on the Telus mobility network or online at https://forms.gov.bc.ca/environment/rapp/ .
— NEWS Staff, submitted