Muskoka is already over…

Muskoka is already over-developed. Please leave Bigwind Lake Provincial Park as it is, in as much a wilderness state as possible. I love connecting with nature, including camping. But I want to see more parks in Ontario, not over-development of existing protection.
Bigwind Lake Provincial Park is currently a non-operating park that quietly safeguards the habitat of 14 species at risk, protected under the Endangered Species Act, while providing low-impact
recreation opportunities to hike, canoe and fish. Ontario’s own studies admit that there is a shortage of information on species, so the number of species at risk could be even higher. The proposal to
turn Bigwind into an operating park would see 250 campsites, roofed accommodation, paved roads, maintenance facilities, camp store and food services in the core of the park amidst a rich natural environment and wildlife corridor. In total, the proposed development zone and access would
impact at least 362 ha or 18% of the park. This is more than the 314 ha proposed to be added. This level and location of disturbance can’t happen without striking a blow to the ecological integrity of Bigwind, including species at Risk.
Ontario is required by law to follow the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserve Act (PPCRA) that
mandates protected areas be managed with ecological integrity as the first priority and plans to
maintain and increase ecological integrity over time. Ontario’s Endangered Species Act requires the
protection of species at risk and their habitat. Ontario can’t obey these laws and go ahead and carve the heart out of Bigwind as currently proposed. Instead, Ontario should be expanding its Park system. It currently has less than 11% protection, lagging behind many other jurisdictions like Nova Scotia, Alberta, BC, Quebec, NWT, and the Yukon that range from almost 14% to over 21%. Canada and other world conservation leaders are pledging to reach 30% protection by 2030 (science actually says the world needs 50% protection). By creating more parks, Ontario could meet both its nature stewardship responsibilities and provide the access to nature that people crave, without damaging existing parks. Please do not go ahead with the current proposal to convert Bigwind Lake Provincial Park to an operating Park. Instead, commit to increasing protection to 30%.