The Land Between today announced the
outcomes of a Species at Risk Stewardship Program project supported by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), advancing a practical approach that
strengthens roadway safety while helping protect Ontario’s turtles at risk.
Turtle populations have experienced significant declines in recent decades. Even within the
Ontario Highlands, a landscape widely valued for its lakes, forests, and natural heritage, road mortality and habitat fragmentation remain persistent pressures.
In response, Turtle Guardians, a program of The Land Between charity, designed, installed, and tested pioneering ecopassage fencing systems at four priority locations. Made for durability, reduced maintenance, and cost efficiency, the new designs offer municipalities a financially responsible option for mitigating wildlife-vehicle collisions. The design has received attention by the Ministry of Transportation as solution for Ontario Highways, and will need to undergo engineering reviews to enable wider adoption.
Importantly, the project signals renewed hope. The tested systems demonstrate that effective conservation measures can align with operational realities, providing solutions that are resilient, affordable, and practical to implement.
“Our objective has always been to develop approaches that work for communities,” said Leora Berman, Chief Operating Officer of The Land Between and Founder of the Turtle Guardians program. “When infrastructure is reliable, long-lasting, cost-effective, including easy to maintain, it becomes easier for municipalities to adopt measures that benefit both public safety and wildlife.”
The initiative has also enabled the identification of at least 45 additional priority sites across the region where similar mitigation measures could reduce risks to drivers while
improving survival outcomes for our ancient allies, the turtles.
Central to the project’s success has been strong cooperation between the Turtle Guardians
program, and municipal road authorities. The organization continues to work directly with road departments across Haliburton County, Peterborough County, Leeds and Grenville, and the City of Kawartha Lakes, supporting mitigation strategies that integrate seamlessly with road safety objectives, infrastructure planning, and responsible asset management.
“This work reflects what can be achieved through true partnerships, and when we bring together differing expertise and skills,” Berman added. “By working hand in hand with municipal staff and decision-makers, we are demonstrating that conservation and community priorities can move forward together.”
Documenting a Shared Heritage: The American Eel
In addition to turtle mitigation, the MECP-supported project contributed to documenting the
ecological and cultural significance of the American Eel, a species once widespread across The Land Between. “In early times, records of catches reaching 700 in one night were noted. Plus these fish did not compete with salmonids,” Berman noted.
For generations, the eel served as an important food source for Anishinaabe communities and featured prominently in the region’s early settlement history. Its decline offers a powerful reminder of long-term changes affecting Ontario’s waterways and reinforces the importance of informed, collaborative stewardship.
“The American Eel represents a remarkable part of our shared natural heritage,” Berman said. “Understanding its story deepens our appreciation of the connections between cultural history, enduring traditions, healthy ecosystems, and resilient communities.”
Acknowledgement
This project was undertaken with the support of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) Species Conservation Fund. The views expressed are those of The Land Between and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province of Ontario.
