Time for boundaries that align with protecting Devil’s Glen

Editor:

Thank you for your coverage of the rock climbing and it’s wide ranging impacts in last week’s Echo.

Not only have I witnessed the impacts that climbers have had on the cliffs and sensitive vegetation first hand, I have also had the harrowing experience of driving along 10th Concession when there have been so many cars parked that it creates a hazard at an already sight-limited intersection.

It’s also sad to hear that local resident Adam Pearce has to deal with destructive behaviour and a tepid response from Ontario Parks.

As a regular Ontario Park user and supporter, avid outdoor athlete, and occasional climber, it saddens me that park managers are continuing to dance around this issue, using the excuse of “pre-existing non-conforming use” to further complicate and delay clear legislation. Many locals recall off-road vehicles traversing local lands now under Ontario Parks management, yet that “historical use” has rightfully been ruled unacceptable for all the right reasons.

Having seen the impact to the Devil’s Glen area, perhaps it’s time for some clear boundaries to be set which align with protecting this area of natural and scientific interest. Historical use does not excuse good policy.

The Ontario Alliance of Climbers (OAC) presents a weak argument with their statement “… we climb on vertical trails. It is not different than the use of trails on the Bruce.”

It absolutely is different. I don’t know anywhere along the Bruce Trail where the trail splits into 130 different routes and includes permanent hardware inserted into the landscape. Like any group that’s angling to get what they want, the OAC states its end goal is “to have legislation that is either amended or updated to reflect the reality in terms of how the public wishes to recreate.” Agreed that legislation is needed, but it also needs to align with the mandate given to the land managers by the taxpayers of Ontario along with all park users and neighbours, not just the most vocal, or those who lobby most.

People are like puppies – clear, well defined rules keep everyone happy since we know where we stand. It’s time for Ontario Parks to take a leadership role on this issue and produce some well defined guidelines that address the environment and all user groups, not just the OAC.

Pay attention to the science, observe the impact that is plain to see, listen to the eyes and ears of the neighbours and community, but most important, act.

Andrew Monahan,

Glen Huron.