Nature photographers are causing serious concern at the environmentally sensitive area of Brunswick Point in Delta.
Delta council last week discussed a letter from a concerned resident about photographers following hawks, owls and other birds into the marsh.
It’s a situation that could be seen recently when a dozen photographers were in the marsh, and as some began to leave, more arrived.
Also writing a letter to Delta South MLA Ian Paton regarding concerns about hunting activity at Brunswick Point, the letter writer urged the city to take action to protect the wildlife and habitat, and council agreed something needs to be done.
A memo from staff notes the Roberts Bank Wildlife Management Area is under the jurisdiction of the B.C. government.
Staff already forwarded the letter to a regional wildlife coordinator for feedback.
“The increasing public use of Brunswick Point and the potential impacts to the habitat in this area is being reviewed by provincial staff. B.C. conservation officers enforce hunting regulations and attend Brunswick Point periodically to respond to complaints about illegal hunting activity and monitor the managed harvests in the area,” the memo explains.
Mayor George Harvie said the problem of photographers not obeying the rules is one that seems to come up every few years, but there doesn’t seem to be as much enforcement as is needed.
Council agreed to ask Premier John Horgan and the environment ministry to take action.