Bigwind Management 1 I am…

Bigwind Management 1

I am very disappointed with this proposal, but I thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Underlining the fact that ecological integrity and protecting nature is no longer the priority or necessary by the newly passed bills of the government; this proposal presents itself as a lovey dovey big birthday party.

Loss of habitat is one of the single most reasons for additions to species at risk, both flora and fauna. The planned infrastructure is right in the heart of this already protected area, and now including an addition, of an eighty foot wide paved road cutting through the middle. This road and infrastructure fragments all natural areas, including areas that Ontario Parks has identified as high value wildlife corridors. This infrastructure increases habitat loss, invites invasive species and critically affects the movement of all wildlife; for food, nesting and shelter, especially animals trying to cross a major road with a swarming of vehicles. Things are not always what they seem: The deer, bear, turtles, caterpillars are not crossing the road..the road is crossing the forest.

It is welcoming to see the proposed additions to the park, offsetting the loss of area from the infrastructure and therefore still being allowed to be included in the 30% protected lands by 2030 initiative. Unfortunately, the largest addition allows hunting of bears, waterfowl and other wildlife. In my opinion, there is no place for any hunting in any provincial park! So, obviously, for the reasons of safety from bullets while hiking or skiing or enjoying nature and additionally, the killing of wildlife that the visitors/campers come to see and enjoy, this must be addressed.

Continued to be allowed through this Provincial Park will be the access for motorized vehicles, including atv’s, snowmobiles and versions of them. This will endanger all people hiking, skiing, and creates conflict to enjoy nature, due to safety, noise pollution, destruction of habitat, etc. Even with the newly planned additional infrastructure trails for these vehicles, it will affect wildlife, flora and the overall enjoyment of nature by campers and visitors.

To begin to accept this new proposal, all hunting, including in the proposed additional areas and BMA, must be terminated; to provide more opportunities for people to get outside and enjoy more time in nature, including improved access to greenspaces and a safe environment, free from hunting areas. There will also be growing human/wildlife conflicts, resulting in many more animal deaths, thus possibly leading to animal control by ways of a cull.(proven, in other parks, Presquille, Point Pelee, and more). This is not acceptable.

Thank you for the efforts put into this proposal, but taking a Natural Environment Provincial Park, a pristine area with a working eco system, already protected, with these plans, I cannot accept this proposal. Again, very disappointing from Ontario Parks and MECP.

Loving Nature, Tripper Dave