The Town of Bonavista signed a stewardship agreement on July 16, 2013, pledging their commitment to conservation and protection of wetlands within designated areas known as “Management Units” as well as promoting ‘wise use’ of surrounding coastal areas. In accordance with this agreement, Bonavista manages these wetland areas with technical advice provided by the provincial Wildlife Division, in part via this Habitat Conservation Plan.
The Town of Bonavista with its wetlands and unique shoreline and coastal region is home to a number of species at risk. Peregrine falcon, Ivory gull and Short-eared owl have all been observed around the coastal areas of Bonavista. Gray-cheeked thrush and Rusty blackbird, both of which prefer coniferous-dominated areas and wetlands, have also been spotted in Bonavista. Wetlands are very important habitat for species at risk and 35% of all rare, threatened and endangered species are found there.