Port Rowan, July 08, 2010 – The Long Point Causeway Improvement Project (LPCIP) has launched a fundraising campaign to install and maintain heavy-duty barrier fencing to reduce wildlife road mortality along the Long Point Causeway. The work will complement the installation of three ecopassages under the roadway that the LPCIP has proposed for next year.

The LPCIP’s monitoring program over the past two years has shown that barrier fencing is an effective way to reduce road kill of turtles, snakes and frogs along the Causeway. However, it has also found that the low-cost black silt fencing that was initially installed to study this issue simply isn’t durable enough for the weather conditions at Long Point.

“This fundraising effort allows people in the community to make a tangible contribution to protecting the Species at Risk turtles and snakes and other wildlife that are killed on the Causeway,” said Paula Jongerden, chair of the LPCIP steering committee. “Through their donation, they can cast a vote in favor of making long overdue improvements to this natural gateway to the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve.”

The LPCIP is planning to replace about 3,500 metres of the black silt fencing with the much heavier green fencing that it has installed on the east side of the Causeway north of the first marina and at the viewing area parking lot. This fencing meets Ontario Ministry of Transportation specifications and was installed using MTO guidelines. The fencing is expected to last six to 10 years in most areas along the Causeway.

“While this fencing is much more durable and long lasting, it is also considerably more expensive to purchase, install and maintain,” said Jongerden. “So we’re asking people in the community to help us with donations and, in return, receive charitable donation receipt from the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation and an attractive decal for their vehicle.

A donation of $30 will install two metres of fencing; $60 will install four metres; $90 will install six metres and $120 will install eight metres of fencing. The donated funds will also help to maintain the fencing in years to come.

Individuals wishing to contribute to this effort should make out a cheque to the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation with the notation “Wildlife fencing”. Please mail it to the LPWBRF, P.O. Box 338, Port Rowan, ON N0E 1M0. Do not mail cash.