What is the current research and monitoring on Middle Island?
• Nest counts Nest counts of all colonial nesting water birds are conducted annually through a cooperative effort between Parks Canada, the Canadian Wildlife Service, and Ontario Parks. The results of the 2009 Double-crested cormorant nest count on Middle Island showed a14% decrease from the count in 2008. Nest counts conducted at specific monitoring plots on the island show that Double-crested cormorant nest densities are increasing in the interior areas of the island. The nesting habits continue to threaten the last remaining areas of dense forest canopy therefore, it is essential that the reduction continue to protect the island’s fragile ecosystem. • Forest Health Monitoring Both aerial and ground monitoring of canopy cover, tree health, and ground cover continue to be conducted annually to track changes in forest health on the island. Species at risk inventories and monitoring is ongoing. • Academic study Ongoing studies on the soil characteristics of Middle Island in collaboratio
