York Region will be shutting down a section of Stouffville Rose intermittently in October to help an endangered salamander species.
The Jefferson Salamander crosses the road this time of year, leaving their breeding grounds to travel to their winter habitat. York Region helps protect the salamanders in partnership with the Toronto Region Conservation Authority, with Richmond Hill being home to one of the few known populations.
York Region will close Stouffville Road between Bayview Avenue and Leslie Street from Oct. 4 to Oct. 27 intermittently between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
“This section of Stouffville Road is in the Oak Ridges Moraine Natural Core Area. The Jefferson Salamanders natural habitat requires many of the features found in some areas of the Oak Ridges Moraine and the Niagara Escarpment, including undisturbed natural forests, rocky outcrops, wetlands, and ponds,” the region said in a news release. “Salamanders are a good indicator of healthy forests and ecosystems in this community.”
The region will post signs to guide motorists and local road access will be maintained.
York Region said it plans to construct a wildlife passage in the future, recognizing the environmental significance of the area and the species.
For more information, you can contact 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75000 or email [email protected]
