Guest guest Posted October 13, 2005 Report Share Posted October 13, 2005 *New Straits Times* <http://www.nst.com.my/> » *Local*<http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Section/indexb_html?mysec=Nationa\ l> Safe haven plan for herons scrapped <news *JOHOR BARU, 13th Oct 2005 * ------------------------------ *The fate of the herons of Yong Peng hangs in the balance with the State Government's decision to scrap a plan to turn the area into a heronry.* The decision means that the five owners of the three-hectare plot can proceed with plans to develop the land for commercial purposes. This could drive away the herons, which have been nesting in the area between Jalan Besar and Taman Sembrong Baru since 2000. State Environment and Tourism Committee chairman Freddie Long said the decision was based on a Johor Wildlife Protection and National Parks Department report stating that the cons outweighed the pros in the proposed RM2.5 million buy-over of the private property. " A proposal to gazette the land as a heron sanctuary was raised when the migratory birds settled at the site and nested there since 2000, " Long said. " However, the outcome of a report by the department showed too many negative elements if we turn it into a heron sanctuary. " He said one of the fears was that the property did not have proper drainage, which could lead to pollution affecting nearby residents. Moreover, the birds foraged for food at the Bekok dam and only used the site as a nesting ground. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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