Wildlife advocates are uniting in adamant opposition to a proposal to destroy critical nesting habitat of the Peregrine Falcon and other important species at the Quadling Quarries in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The site has a high ecological value that should be preserved for future generations.

Opened in 2007 and suspended due to business troubles in 2015, the currently dormant rock quarry has recently been permitted to reopen subject to obtaining approval to destroy an existing Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) nesting site. Given the regional status of the Peregrine Falcon as a red-listed species, and the fact that destruction of their nesting sites is prohibited under the B.C. Wildlife Act, learning that an application to destroy the nesting site has been submitted and is being considered by Provincial decision-makers comes as a surprise to say the least. 

In addition to the Peregrine Falcon, the similarly red-listed Phantom Orchid (Cephalanthera austiniae) is associated with the site, as well as a colony of Cliff Swallows, another North American bird species of concern due to a recent sharp decline in numbers. Critical habitat for both of these species, as well as the Peregrine Falcon, would be destroyed if the company’s permit is approved.

Given that the Province provides for buffer zones around Peregrine nesting sites and Phantom Orchids, as well as for nesting birds in season, it would seem that these high-value ecological attributes could be maintained by limiting on-site operations to those periods when nesting is not ongoing, and to those areas not protected by regulatory buffers around the Peregrine nesting site and the Orchid. This approach would still allow some level of quarry operation, while providing key critical habitat for the red-listed species.

As an international organization focused on implementing environmentally sound practices particularly within the mining sector, we support our Canadian partners in their efforts to preserve this important habitat. We urge the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources, Operations and Rural Development to reject the proposal and instead consider the creation of a nature reserve that would maintain the attributes of the site while also compensating the current owners of the property. Such a resolution would be consistent with stakeholders' objectives, and with British Columbia’s world-renowned reputation for sustainability and strong environmental stewardship.