I am a resident on the 10th…

I am a resident on the 10th Line of the Town of The Blue Mountains, virtually in the centre of the proposed Conservation Reserve. I support the preservation of this area in perpetuity. Few recall it was one of the 80 Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest created many, many years ago.

The MNR did little to protect some of these natural values, over the years so I do have some concerns about it's ability to properly manage the area.

That said the area has become a "well-guarded" secret for: skiers, hikers, mountain bikers and rock climbers and each of them communities have become a source of advocacy on behalf of the natural values of the area; particularly, The Kolapore Wilderness Trails Association(KWTA).

As an avid skier, hiker and formerly rock climber I would like to advocate for the formation of a advisory group to ensure that the recreational use this area is allowed to continue and that motorized use of this area is eliminated. This is something which was proposed under Niagara Escarpment Act but never enforced.

In this regard, I would advocate for KWTA be given a primary role in the management of the area. The values of that organization put the protection of nature at its' core.

The restriction of the existing trails in winter to XC skiing is as. proposed in their submission a reasonable one. Their guardianship of the area for 50+ years should I believe be recognized.

People should be allowed to visit such areas winter and summer, by non-motorized means.

My one concern is that the increased urbanization of the Georgian Triangle will put increasing pressure on the area and that care needs to be taken to ensure that in light of that the natural values of the area are not compromised.