Some Parksville beaches within the Parksville-Qualicum Beach Wildlife Management Area will be temporarily closed to dogs for the annual Brant geese migration.

The City of Parksville advised the public in a press release issued on Feb. 3, that Rathtrevor Beach will be closed to dogs from Feb. 15 to April 30 and Parksville Bay Beach from March 1 to April 30.

The Black Brant geese flying in along the shores of Parksville are on a remarkable and arduous journey of migration from California and Mexico to northern nesting grounds. The Parksville beaches provide an abundant food source for the geese, which need to gain weight and strength before making another non-stop flight. A disturbance caused by something as simple as a child running on the beach can have drastic effects on the geese while feeding.

READ MORE: Qualicum Beach councillor raises concerns about dogs on beaches during Brant season

For this reason, Parksville beaches are being closed to dogs both on-leash and off-leash for a period each year.

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 has regulations that pets are not permitted in the day use beach areas of the park and are allowed on the beach adjacent to the campground between May 1 and Feb. 14 as long as they are on a leash. Information about Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park may be found at https://bcparks.ca/rathtrevor-beach-park/

Questions should be directed to the RAPP line (Report All Poachers and Polluters) at 1 877 952-7277, #7277 on the Telus mobility network or online.

— NEWS Staff, submitted

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