I'm writing specifically…

I'm writing specifically about the proposed Kolapore Uplands Conservation Reserve. In general, I support the idea of protecting this area, as I know how special it is. I want a balance between conservation and responsible recreation.

You likely know the proposed Reserve contains a well-loved 50-km trail network managed by the Kolapore Wilderness Trails Association (KWTA), a volunteer organization. These trails, which recently celebrated their 50th anniversary, were initially developed for backcountry cross-country skiing. KWTA has agreements with landowners, including the province, to reserve the trails for backcountry skiing in winter. The Town of the Blue Mountains presented their 2023 Sports and Recreation Volunteer Award to key trail volunteers, citing their contribution to the community.

Several decades ago, hikers, orienteers and mountain bikers began to use the area in summer, and it has also become popular with rock climbers. Some stretches of trail were designated for winter-only use to protect wetland areas.

In winter, KWTA marks three seasonal snowshoe loops that leave from each parking lot. In addition, the Bruce Trail passes through the Kolapore Uplands, allowing year-round access to hikers and snowshoers. A snowmobile/ATV trail also passes through the area and hunting is permitted. Thus the area allows multiple types of recreational users, even though some trails are designated for specific uses.

It is not clear if winter use of the Kolapore Wilderness Trails within the Conservation Reserve could continue to be limited to skiing, other than the designated snowshoe, snowmobile and hiking trails mentioned above. If this restriction were lifted, skiing would no longer be enjoyable or safe in Kolapore.

In ungroomed backcountry skiing, skiers create their own parallel tracks in the snow. In Kolapore, the trails are relatively narrow, rocky and hilly. If there are footprints, bike tracks, snowshoe tracks or dog tracks, it creates a safety concern - even more so in hilly, rocky terrain like Kolapore. If other types of users or dogs might be on the ski trails, it could lead to injury. The things that make Kolapore a great backcountry ski destination are the large snowfall and the opportunity to have safe, fun, ski-only trails. This is a rare and special experience in southern Ontario.

Because the majority of volunteers and donors connected with KWTA are interested in the unique backcountry ski trails, a change in winter trail use could also have a serious impact on the ability of the trail association to continue maintaining the trail network. In addition to managing the trails, the association hosts special events like moonlight skis, a loppet and naturalist hikes, it makes and sells a trail map, it holds insurance for trail use and it funds snow plowing and a porta-potty at the main parking lot. There are no facilities beyond the parking areas other than limited trail signage. It is truly a wilderness experience.

As regular trail users and neighbours of the proposed Reserve, our family would like the existing Kolapore Trail blazing, signage and infrastructure to remain in place. As Association volunteers, we are willing and eager to participate in the stewardship of the Kolapore Uplands and its trails.

A continued policy ensuring that cross-country skiing is the only use on ski trails in winter is essential to providing safe, quality skiing. If the policy restricting winter use of the Kolapore Trails to skiing cannot be maintained, I would oppose the Conservation Reserve designation.