Devil’s Glen amendment: concerning lack of transparency

Editor:

I am writing to express serious concern about the proposed amendment to the Devil’s Glen Provincial Park Management Plan and the troubling removal of signage identifying ecologically sensitive protection areas.

Despite clear evidence from Ontario Parks staff and ecological surveys showing damage to rare cliff ecosystems – including old-growth cedars, native ferns, and bat roosts – rock climbing access continues today to expand. The Ministry of Environment,Conservation and Parks (MECP), Ontario Parks, and the Ontario Alliance of Climbers (OAC) claim to prioritize ecological protection, yet their actions suggest otherwise.

Most concerning is the lack of transparency. Requests for information have been met with silence or heavily redacted documents, raising questions about why key ecological data and decision-making records are being withheld from the public. If these agencies are confident in their approach, why not share the science and rationale openly?

The removal of protection zone signage – installed to safeguard rare species – without explanation or consultation undermines public trust. It appears that lobbying efforts have taken precedence over conservation science, and the public is being misled about the true environmental impact of climbing in these areas.

Ontarians deserve honest communication and a management plan rooted in ecological integrity – not political convenience.

Sherri Banks,

Nottawa.