An anticipated proposed amendment to the Devil’s Glen Provincial Park Management Plan has been posted to the Environmental Registry of Ontario and is open for comment until Sept. 19.

The changes proposed by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks include changing the park’s boundary by adding an adjacent 18-hectare parcel of land acquired for the specific purpose; reclassifying the park from recreation to natural environment; adding rock climbing as a permitted recreational use; and allowing for an expansion of the parking lot.

The ministry says the current recreational classification of the park is no longer appropriate after a 1994 amendment to the management plan authorized the permanent closure and retirement of a 45-site campground and related facilities.

“We are also proposing to change the classification of the park from ‘recreational’ to ‘natural environment’ in recognition of the park’s unique life science and earth science features and the recreational values of the park. The current recreational classification of the park is no longer appropriate given the removal of the campgrounds and facilities and its environmental functions,” states the notice. “This management plan will guide the planning, development and management of the park and activities to ensure protection of its natural and cultural values and provide opportunities for compatible outdoor recreation.”

Natural environment class parks protect outstanding recreational landscapes and representative ecosystems; protect provincially significant elements of Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage; and provide high quality recreational and educational experiences.

Devil’s Glen Provincial Park is a 60.19-hectare park situated on the Niagara Escarpment, near Singhampton, and is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers drawn by the steep limestone cliffs.

The Devil’s Glen gorge is an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI).

Life science inventories have identified nine provincially significant vegetation community types associated with cliff and talus habitats, a number of old growth cedar trees, significant breeding bird habitat, as well as roosting sites for a significant number of bats.

Rock climbing has taken place in the park as a non conforming use and has been the subject of extensive reporting by The Echo.

The proposed changes to the plan would permit rock climbing in areas designated by the park superintendent. An addition to the recreation management section of the plan states, “Rock climbing use will be secondary to protection of the park’s significant geological and biological features. Ontario Parks may enter into a formal agreement with a climbing club to manage this use. Ontario Parks may restrict, or close, a rock climbing area, or areas, if impacts to the park’s ecological integrity become evident (e.g., impacts to wildlife, vegetation or the geological features of the escarpment). Appendix III provides additional direction respecting this use. Rock climbing in these areas would be done solely at the risk of the user, and Ontario Parks will not establish, maintain or inspect any rock climbing routes or locations in this park.”

It goes on to say, “It is recognized that the Devil’s Glen cliff area is highly saturated with existing climbing routes and the need or capacity to create new route opportunities is generally low. However if opportunities are identified in suitable areas, Ontario Parks has the sole discretion to determine whether a new climbing area is appropriate. Installation of bolts or other fixed anchors and establishment of new climbing areas of any kind will not be allowed without authorization of the park superintendent. Any decision to authorize new rock climbing areas will be based on values assessments including ecological information, presence of cultural values, the need or contribution of the climbing experience, and the density of the routes in the area. The park superintendent may close climbing areas for any reason.”

It is proposed that bouldering and any form of un-roped climbing be prohibited, along with any alteration of vegetation.

Commenting is open at ero.ontario. ca. This is the only opportunity for the public to comment on this proposed amendment to the Devil’s Glen Provincial Park Management Plan. All comments received will be considered before finalizing the amendment to the management plan.