I would like all to consider the dire consequences of introducing trout into a ‘painted turtle habitat’ in McGuire Lake. Trout require special management as they are the top predator of their aquatic ecosystem. Large trout prey on other fish and during the spring and fall, when in shallow water, they will also eat crustaceans, aquatic insects and shore-dwelling species. They also eat leeches, flies and salmon eggs. As the trout grow they eat larger items such as insects,
shrimp and small fish, and trout have been known to eat small mammals.
Painted Turtle hatchlings have a very precarious beginning – many nests are dug up by predators, and even in undisturbed nests it is not uncommon for the young to perish due to freezing. Hatchlings are killed by predators during their journey to the pond or after arriving there. Habitat protection is the most urgent priority for Painted Turtle conservation in B.C. Hatchlings must survive to maintain populations. This situation
is even more devastating than the hooking of them.
How is it possible that this is happening to the turtles – how can Salmon Arm City Council and the province be doing this to them all for the sake of fishing and income from fishing licences – what about a safe habitat for a ‘species at risk?’ In a recent article, B.C. Environment Minister Terry Lake said, “We will continue to have a bar that’s set very high for environmental protection in the province of B.C.” Time to set that
bar in Salmon Arm for the McGuire Lake turtles or is it too late?
Leanne McIvor
