Georgian Bay Biosphere
Protecting Species at Risk Habitat through Regional Natural Asset Management Planning
Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus)
Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus)
Project Title: Protecting Species at Risk Habitat through Regional Natural Asset Management Planning
Funding Recipient: Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere
Funding Awarded: $618,500 over 4 years ($77,500 in 2024, $183,000 in 2025, $184,000 in 2026 and $174,000 in 2027)
Project Partner:
Targeted Species at Risk: Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus)
Project Status: Ongoing (2024-2027)
The project aims to develop an open-source habitat mapping database for the Eastern Georgian Bay landscape, enhancing understanding of habitats and natural assets to support planning, research, and SAR recovery. The geospatial database is designed to provide high-quality spatial data and tools, aligning with Ganawenim Meshkiki’s funding priorities. The objectives include identifying priority locations for SAR recovery actions, addressing physical threats to the landscape, implementing actions to reduce over-wintering mortality of Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes, and securing high-priority areas through stewardship. The project emphasizes collaboration with Indigenous communities, municipalities, and individuals, incorporating Indigenous Knowledge and world views to enhance habitat and species understanding. The initiative also seeks to address shortcomings in existing open-source data, such as outdated information and inaccuracies in representing certain habitat features. The project background underscores the need for tools to prioritize SAR survival and recovery actions, with a focus on improving habitat mapping accuracy and addressing data source limitations. Overall, the project aims to contribute significantly to advancing SAR recovery and biodiversity conservation efforts in the region, promoting effective management in the face of development and climate change threats.
Georgian Bay Biosphere was awarded $618,500 over 4 years ($77,500 in 2024, $183,000 in 2025, $184,000 in 2026 and $174,000 in 2027).
For more information about the ‘Protecting Species at Risk Habitat through Regional Natural Asset Management Planning’, please visit the links below.