Some Parksville-area beaches will be closed to canine companions for the annual Brant geese migration.
A release issued Feb. 2 from the City of Parksville stated the city’s beaches provide an abundant food source for the geese as they make their journey of migration from California and Mexico to northern nesting grounds.
“A disturbance caused by something as simple as a child running on the beach can have drastic effects on the geese while feeding,” read the release.
READ MORE: Brant geese are a sight to behold at Parksville beach
For this reason, Parksville-area beaches will be closed to dogs, both on- and off-leash, for a period of time annually.
Rathtrevor Beach will be closed to dogs from Feb. 15 until April 30; and Parksville Bay Beach will be closed from March 1 until April 30.
The Parksville-Qualicum Beach Wildlife Management Area (PQBWMA) has regulations in place that dogs must always be leashed within the wildlife management area. Information about PQBWMA can be found on the provincial government’s website (www2.gov.bc.ca).
In addition, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park has regulations that pets are not permitted in the day-use beach areas of the park, but are allowed on the beach adjacent to the campground between May 1 and Feb. 14, as long as they are leashed.
Information about Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park can be found at www.bcparks.ca.
– NEWS Staff, submitted