After the success of the 2021-22 pilot project of the Multiple Species Inventory and Monitoring (MSIM), the Departments of Lands, Natural Resources, and Environment is pleased to announce the continuation of the project into the 2023-24 field season. This year’s focus will primarily be Beaucage Township, its tributaries (creeks, streams, and rivers), and linear corridors (railway lands).
During the 2021-2022 Field Season, a total of fifteen (15) cameras, organized into three (3) nodal systems, underwent rigorous testing under different environmental conditions, deployment setups (solar and battery pack), and power consumption scenarios.
Throughout the testing process, the cameras received regular care and maintenance, and a dedicated database was established to facilitate the storage and sharing of files.
Last year’s project focused on the Jocko Point Raised Beach Complex (JRBC). A total of 389 detections of wildlife during operational camera use were recorded, representing 41 species. This season, the focus will be on the tributaries that run through Beaucage Twp. (specifically Laronde Creek and Little Sturgeon River). In addition to setting near tributaries, cameras are also being deployed along roadways, ATV trails, wildlife pathways, and wetlands. Cameras will also be placed at various heights in order to capture small, medium, and large-bodied animals.
This study aims to better understand what species are utilizing the land surrounding Nipissing First Nation and which areas may need protection or further study. Highlights from the 2021-22 camera deployments include detections of: Eastern Wolf, North American River Otter, Yellow-Crowned Night Heron (not normally found in Ontario), Eastern Wild Turkey, possible Golden Eagle, Canada Lynx, Sandhill Crane, and Moose, among others.
