I am an Ontario resident and…

I am an Ontario resident and I strongly support this proposed amendment, particularly the inclusion of rock climbing as a permitted activity within Devil's Glen Provincial Park. Rock climbing is a low impact sport, practiced by a community that highly values our natural spaces. Rock climbers leave no trace, pick up garbage left by hikers, and are generally very protective of the areas we are fortunate enough to recreate in. Some of my most formative experiences have been located at local rock climbing cliffs like Devil's Glen, and they leave a lasting impact on those that have the great fortune to visit.

Ontario Parks has the difficult challenge of managing both the environment impact of sacred places like Devil's Glen, with the recreational value it provides Ontarians to experience nature. Without the opportunity to recreate in these places, Ontario residents lose their connection with nature, and therefore their desire to protect these places. The inclusion of rock climbing as a permitted activity within the Devil's Glen Provincial Park Management Plan will ensure that climbers can not only recreate, but are able to do so in a responsible manner, ensuring that our protection for these places extends into generations to come.

I believe that environmental stewardship of Devil's Glen Provincial Park and rock climbing can co-exist. And to that end, I strongly support the passage of this amendment.