Login Français ACCOUNTS & SERVICES OUTAGES SAFETY CAREERS YOUR HOME YOUR BUSINESS ABOUT US Home Articles Northern Boat Patrol’s efforts on island habitat will help gull populations flourish OUR ENVIRONMENT Northern Boat Patrol’s efforts on island habitat will help gull populations flourish November 10, 2021 “This was a bit of a win-win for our group, as the Northern Boat Patrol actively removes wooden debris from the waterways for safety; now we were able to put it to good use for the gull population and do something that creates a positive long-term environmental impact in the area,” said Ryan Ault, Manager, Field Operations. In late October, the team enhanced a nesting habitat built for colonial waterbirds (gulls and terns) to encourage further population growth in the area. During the construction phase of the Keeyask Project, a dedicated nesting island was built for gulls and terns to replace their traditional nesting habitat in the former Gull Rapids area. “Already this past summer, we have seen common terns nesting, and ring-billed gulls loafing, which is really promising,” said Rachel Boone, Environmental Licensing and Protection. “Before winter set in, we just needed to make some further accommodations to provide young chicks some shade and protection from predators, and also to create microhabitats for plant growth.” With initial work done by Iron North to create nesting areas on the island, Rachel contacted the Waterways Management group to have the Northern Boat Patrol further naturalize the habitat by arranging wooden debris across the island surface. According to Rachel, the nesting island will be monitored over the next 15 years to see how the birds are using the area, and to make any additional adjustments to further successful growth of their population. Field Safety Coordinator, Greg Szocs, Indigenous & Community Relations. Enlarge image . The team starting left: Nathan Beardy, Courtney Reeves, Ryan Ault, Greg Szocs, Ivan Keeper, Jeremy Wavey, Jacquie Dram, Colin Monias, and Orenda Paupanakis. Enlarge image . Jacquie Dram tossing debris. Enlarge image . The crew at work: Colin Monias, Courtney Reeves, and Orenda Paupanakis. Enlarge image . ARTICLES History How our system works In your community Keeping you safe News releases Our environment Working for you Monthly archive Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn Instagram ACCOUNTS & SERVICES Your online account Meter reading Permits & inspections Service & lighting applications Moving Rates New customers COVID-19 YOUR HOME Loans & financing Energy saving tips YOUR BUSINESS Set up your business in Manitoba Energy benchmarking & services OUTAGES Report an outage Outage map Be prepared for an outage CONTRACTORS ePermits Electrical codes & standards Developer Choice Program ABOUT US News & media Contact us Procurement & tenders Facilities & operations Water levels & flows Major projects Site map Terms of use Accessibility © Manitoba Hydro. All rights reserved. Available in accessible formats upon request.