The long-term monitoring study extensively evaluates the impacts of the Henvey Inlet Wind Energy Centre (HIWEC) and the 2018 Parry Sound forest fire on reptile species within the Henvey Inlet First Nation Reserve. Over the course of several years, the study aimed to understand how these factors, along with landscape succession post-fire and climate change, affect reptile abundance, habitat use, and body condition. Through various objectives including mark-recapture studies, habitat selection assessments, and community ecology evaluations, several important findings emerged.

It was found that while Blanding’s and spotted turtles showed resilience to wildfire impacts, they were negatively affected by HIWEC. Conversely, massasaugas were less vulnerable to wind but more susceptible to a combination of wind and burn treatments. Additionally, habitat alterations resulting from windfarm development and wildfire negatively impacted squamate communities, with significant differences observed in community metrics between impacted and control sites.

The study also delved into the ecohydrological function, revealing potentially warmer air temperatures at burned sites and stable water table dynamics in open water wetlands versus peatlands. Despite efforts to create hibernation habitats, only one massasauga was found utilizing them, suggesting a need for further investigation into habitat preferences and the effectiveness of constructed habitats.

In terms of community involvement and capacity-building, despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, initiatives within the HIFN community saw members advancing in their careers and actively participating in community events. Furthermore, partnerships with various organizations, including Shawanaga First Nation, Magnetawan First Nation, McMaster University, University of Waterloo, and Laurentian University, along with ongoing research endeavors, aim to enhance understanding of reptile conservation efforts amidst environmental challenges. This collaborative effort contributes to broader conservation strategies across Ontario and Canada, ensuring the preservation of reptile species for current and future generations.