I strongly support the…

I strongly support the proposed amendment to the Devil’s Glen Management Plan. In my view, it reflects the park’s values while respecting its diverse recreational user groups. Extending the park boundary to include the adjacent parcel of land is a logical decision. This addition not only aligns with the park’s ecological preservation goals but also ensures proper management of recreational areas that have historically been in use.

As a rock climber, I’m particularly encouraged by the amendment’s recognition of climbing as a valid recreational activity within the park. The inclusion of climbing areas, along with provisions to allow continued access, strikes a thoughtful balance between recreation and ecological preservation. Responsible climbing, in my experience, has no greater environmental impact than hiking, provided it is done conscientiously. The climbing community has consistently demonstrated stewardship of the land, collaborating with park managers on ecological initiatives, clean-ups, and efforts to combat invasive species.

I do have a few specific suggestions to enhance the plan:
- Figures 2 and 3 could be improved by including topological information to better highlight the cliffs and canyons within the park boundary.
- In Appendix III, Climbing Activities, Climbing Practices: The phrase “No free climbing, slack-roping or any form of un-roped climbing” could be simplified to “No forms of climbing without a rope.”

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback. I believe these amendments represent a significant step forward for the park, both in ecological preservation and recreational accessibility.