More than 450 native bird species make use of Canada’s natural and human-modified landscapes for part of their annual lifecycle. Most of these bird species, their nests and eggs are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act (MCBA, 1994). Federal legislation requires road infrastructure maintenance, creation and renewal to adhere to the MBCA to protect birds, nests and eggs.
This webinar provided an overview of three new TAC publications that address the legislation, migratory bird biology, and operational guidance to reduce the risk of contravening the MBCA during vegetation removal, and during culvert and bridge work:
- Beneficial Practices for Compliance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act and Regulations (2019)
- Operational Guidance for Migratory Birds and Vegetation Management for Existing Transportation Facilities and Infrastructure (2019)
- Operational Guidance for Migratory Bird Nests under Bridges and in Culverts (2019)
Presenter
Matthew Wheeler, McIntosh Perry Consulting Engineers Ltd.
Matthew Wheeler is an Ecologist and Project Manager with McIntosh Perry Consulting Engineers. He has over 10 years of experience providing environmental services to complete biological inventories, environmental monitoring, mine reclamation, Species at Risk (SAR) surveys, ecological restoration and road ecology projects. He is well versed in the content and application of environmental legislation. He enjoys providing cost-effective solutions that restore ecological capital and achieve legislative compliance.
Chris Heffernan, McIntosh Perry Consulting Engineers Ltd.
Chris Heffernan is a Senior Biologist with McIntosh Perry Consulting Engineers. He has over 16 years of experience providing environmental services to provincial and federal agencies including transportation organizations and as part of private development. He has worked on a wide range of projects which have involved terrestrial and aquatic biological inventories, wetland evaluation, environmental monitoring during and post construction, habitat modeling and mapping, mine and aggregate extraction, habitat restoration and enhancement, Species at Risk (SAR) surveys and management and preparation of guidance and policy documents related to these fields. He is well versed in the content and application of environmental legislation and as well as impact assessment. His primary areas of expertise relates to the biology and ecology of birds, fish and fish habitat, reptiles as well as wetland and terrestrial vegetation community form and function.
The Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy or suitability of any information presented in the webinars and related materials (such as handouts, presentation documents and recordings); all such content is provided to TAC’s members and webinar registrants on an ‘as is’ basis. TAC is not liable for any information provided by instructors and presenters of these webinars. TAC hereby disclaims all liability for any claims, losses, or damages in connection with use or application of these materials. TAC does not guarantee, warrant, or endorse the products or services of any firm, organization, or person. The information contained in these webinars and related materials is not intended to constitute legal advice or the rendering of legal, consulting, or other professional services of any kind. Users of these materials should not in any manner rely upon or construe the information or resource materials in these materials as legal, or other professional advice and should not act or fail to act based upon the information in these materials without seeking the services of a competent legal or other professional.
