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Pacific Rim National Park Reserve To Renew Seasonal Dog Ban To Protect Migrating Seabirds

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By NPT Staff - March 21st, 2023
Migrating seabirds are getting protection from dogs in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Migrating seabirds are getting protection from dogs in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve/Parks Canada

After a successful pilot in 2022, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is implementing the Combers Beach seasonal dog ban for a second pilot year from Apr. 1 to Oct. 1.

Dogs won’t be allowed on Combers Beach between Sandhill Creek and Green Point Rocks, including Combers Beach Trail and the boardwalk access to Combers Beach from Green Point Campground. Leashed dogs are permitted in all other areas of the Vancouver Island park’s Long Beach Unit.

“As we learn more about how important the Long Beach area is to migratory shorebirds, this management tool is being used to decrease the disturbance of shorebirds during a critical time of their annual cycle — migration,” Parks Canada said in a news release.

“Migratory shorebirds depend on the national park reserve as a place to rest and forage for food during long trips between the Arctic and areas as far south as South America. When migratory birds are disturbed, the extra time and energy spent fleeing can affect their survival. The presence of dogs can also contribute to the habituation of wildlife such as wolves who frequent beaches to access coastal food sources.”

This graphic shows the change in Combers beach use by shorebirds, visitors and dogs during a seasonal ban in 2022.

This graphic shows the change in Combers beach use by shorebirds, visitors and dogs during a seasonal ban in 2022/Parks Canada

Parks Canada is using the seasonal ban on a trial basis to study whether it helps migratory shorebirds and other wildlife.

In first year of the pilot in 2022, the ecological monitoring team observed a 97 per cent decrease in dogs, a 9 per cent increase in shorebirds, and a 1 per cent increase in human visitors within the study area during patrols.

Parks Canada continues to raise awareness about the importance of keeping dogs on leash in the national park reserve. Unfortunately, this regulation is often ignored. Ongoing research demonstrates how off-leash dogs negatively impact wildlife.

The area will continue to be patrolled by Parks Canada staff and law enforcement officers. Under the Canada National Parks Act, tickets for a dog off leash begin at $58 ($42 USD) for a first offence and repeat offences can lead to court appearances and fines up to $25,000 ($18,200 USD).

If you see a dog in this area, share information with fellow visitors or call Parks Canada Dispatch at 250-726-3604 or toll free at 1-877-852-3100.

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