Some Parksville area beaches will be closed to dogs while Brant geese migration is underway.
The beaches provide an important food source for the geese, which need to gain weight and rest before making another long flight, according to a media release from the City of Parksville.
“The Black Brant geese you see along the shores of Parksville are on a remarkable and arduous journey of migration from California and Mexico to northern nesting grounds,” reads the release.
What can seem like a minor disturbance can have a drastic impact on the geese while feeding. For this reason, Parksville beaches close to dogs both on-leash and off-leash for a period each year, according to the city.
Parksville beaches within the Parksville-Qualicum Beach Wildlife Management Area (PQBWMA) and Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park are closed to dogs during these times:
- Rathtrevor Beach Feb. 15 to April 30
- Parksville Bay Beach March 1 to April 30
Please note, the Parksville-Qualicum Beach Wildlife Management Area has regulations in place that dogs must always be leashed within the wildlife management area.
In addition, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park does not permit pets in the day-use beach areas of the park. They are allowed on the beach adjacent to the campground between May 1 and February 14 as long as they are on a leash.
Questions can be directed to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277, #7277 on the Telus mobility network or online.
