Dogs will not be permitted on Parksville Bay and Rathtrevor Beaches during Brant geese season. (Photo submitted by NIWRA)

Parksville and Rathtrevor Beaches will close to dogs (both on- and off-leash) again this spring so they don’t disturb the resting and feeding of Brant geese.

Dogs are not allowed on Rathtrevor Beach from Feb. 15 to April 15, and on Parksville Bay Beach from March 1 to April 30.

This is consistent with restrictions that have taken place in previous years.

Beaches within #Parksville #QualicumBeach Wildlife Management Area have seasonal dog closures to limit disturbances to migrating Brant geese. No dogs on #RathtrevorBeach Feb 15-April 15 and #ParksvilleBeach March 1- April 30. https://t.co/x8R2ixiNVY pic.twitter.com/3uT8zT8qUL — City of Parksville (@City_Parksville) January 30, 2020

Brant geese use the beaches in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area as resting grounds for their migratory flights from California and Mexico towards their northern nesting areas.

“Our beaches provide an abundant food source for the geese which need to gain weight and strength before making another non-stop flight,” said city of Parksville communications manager Deb Tardiff in a release.

“A disturbance caused by something as simple as a child running on the beach can have drastic effects on the geese while feeding. For this reason, Parksville beaches are subject to seasonal no dog restrictions.”

The city of Parksville recommends that all questions be forwarded to the RAPP (Report All Poachers and Polluters) line at 1-877-952-7277, or #7277 for phones on the Telus network.

READ MORE: Brant Festival 2019 featured more than 25 events

For all beaches in the Parksville Qualicum Beach Wildlife Management Area, dogs must be on-leash at all times.

The annual Brant Wildlife Festival will take place in March and April of 2020, and celebrates the arrival of thousands of migratory birds, fish and marine mammals to the area, particularly the Brant geese. The festival offers spring break nature camps for kids, wildlife tours and field trips, films and guest speakers. For more information about this festival, head to www.brantfestival.bc.ca.

emily.vance@pqbnews.com

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