HBMO objects to proposed disc golf course at Holiday Beach

The Holiday Beach Migration Observatory (HBMO) is objecting to a proposed disc golf course at Holiday Beach Conservation Area.

A disc golf course at Holiday Beach Conservation Area is not wanted by one of the major birding organizations that use the site.

The Holiday Beach Migration Observatory (HBMO) issued a statement Wednesday morning announcing its objection to a proposed disc golf course at the site. The statement was issued after the April 9 issue of the River Town Times went to press.

The HBMO, stating it is “a 51-year partner of the Essex Region Conservation Authority and local avian research and conservation organization,” noted it is objecting to the proposed development of the disc golf course, noting the proposed course “is in the vicinity of habitat of a critically endangered species in Canada and immediately adjacent to known breeding bird habitat within an internationally designated Important Bird Area (IBA)which includes the Conservation Area and Big Creek Wetland.”

According to Hugh Kent, president of the HBMO, “Holiday Beach as a whole and the proposed location of the disc golf course is important as both breeding bird habitat and staging and stopover habitat for tens of thousands of migrant songbirds”.

The HBMO said in its statement it “contends that the proposed golf site would be best naturalized instead of being more intensely developed, furthering strategies to improve the function of the IBA and ultimately the number and diversity of species using it.”

“Holiday Beach Conservation Area is recognized as one of the top ten fall migration sites in North American” local birding expert and HBMO board member Paul Pratt said in the statement. “This is a real best kept secret in our region.”

The HBMO stated the organization understands the economic constraints that ERCA is undergoing with pressure being applied from the Provincial government but feels disc golf is unproven as a way to increase revenue through attendance where the real strategy may be advancing eco-tourism to increase park visitation.

“There has never been a concerted effort to partner between TWEPI, Town of Amherstburg, Town of Essex, ERCA and the HBMO to develop an eco-tourism strategy based on this unique migration,” states Phil Roberts, former director of parks in Amherstburg and an HBMO member. “Eco-tourism is a known economic pillar in the Essex Region and certainly has merit as a potential economic driver, especially now with new accommodations, dining and visitor experiences available in Amherstburg, Harrow and Colchester, particularly if we continue to protect and enhance our local nature heritage.”

According to the HBMO, “it is the reasonable expectation of local municipalities, stakeholders, the environmental community and the public that our local environmental agency, ERCA, would have the best interest of the environment, conservation practices, species diversity and protection as their first priority. They must be held to the highest standard of stewardship which does not include disc golf development.”

The ERCA board of directors moved forward with the disc golf course proposal at its April 9 meeting, though were told a productive meeting was held with the HBMO earlier in the day.

ERCA announced a public open house on the matter for May 6 at the Libro Centre starting at 6 p.m.

ORIGINAL STORY — https://www.rivertowntimes.com/post/plans-for-disc-golf-course-moving-ahead-for-holiday-beach

By Ron Giofu