After 10 years, Sauble Beach has lost its Blue Flag designation.
The group, Environmental Defence revoked the designation today (Wednesday) after the Town of South Bruce Peninsula council voted to extend beach raking at Sauble Beach.
Environmental Defence says that move is a step backwards, and shows disregard for the ecological protection of Sauble Beach and its endangered bird life.
The change in policy means that raking may take place all the way to the water’s edge, removing important habitat for the Piping Plover, an endangered shorebird which has been nesting at Sauble Beach since 2007.
Environmental Defence also says the amendment to the policy will result in the destruction of dunes that have been restored to a natural state.
The Friends of Sauble Beach have fought for years to restore and protect the dunes, which are a natural feature of the Lake Huron shoreline and should be protected.
The Blue Flag is only awarded to communities that demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Environmental Defence says the town has shown disregard for sustainable practices and the ecological health of the beach and has acted in discord with the objectives and spirit of the Blue Flag program.