Hello ... I am in favour of…

Hello ...

I am in favour of moving forward with the Bigwind Provincial Park management plan. This will protect this environment for future generations to enjoy.

My family connection with this area goes back to the late 1920's. We have cottaged in the eastern part of Muskoka since this time, and we also have family who currently cottage in the same area. Many people are familiar with Muskoka, and more specifically the larger lakes such as Lake Muskoka, Lake Joseph, Lake Rosseau, and Lake of Bays. The eastern part of Muskoka connected along Highway 118 towards Haliburton has often been overlooked over the years.

When I was younger, members of my family would travel by road from our lake to go fishing on Gullfeather Lake. I became familiar with some of the other lakes nearby as well, including Bigwind Lake and Crosson Lake. I have some great fish stories, even one you may not believe!

Many people may be unaware that this area was identified as part of the Muskoka-Haliburton Watershed Study area. It has played a very important role in ecological studies over the years. I incorporated this information in my fourth-year geography thesis at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario.

This area is also a "boundary" region in a variety of ways. This area serves as the headwaters for the Muskoka River and the Black River. These rivers have some of their watersheds in this region. Of course the Muskoka River empties into Lake Muskoka, then Georgian Bay in Lake Huron. The Black River also has some of its watershed in this area. The Black River (which goes through Vankoughnet) is also part of the Severn River watershed that connects Lake Couchiching to Lake Huron. Also, this boundary region connects the eastern part of Muskoka with western Haliburton. Some small settlements nearby include Vankoughnet, Carnarvon, Haliburton, and Dorset. Recently, these areas have experienced more human development.

I would like to suggest a new name that incorporates some of these ideas. It is located in the eastern part of Muskoka, it is a highland area providing headwaters to the Muskoka River and Black Rivers. I would suggest Muskoka Highlands Provincial Park.