Barton Feilders, Manager…

Barton Feilders, Manager

Parks and Protected Areas Policy Section

In light of the fact that a new Provincial Parks policy and Rondeau Management Plan was rewritten as recently as 2006, it appears that “ a single policy fits all “ has been implemented.

The uniqueness of Rondeau Provincial Park with its history, community involvement, economic benefit and human/environmental symbiosis distinguishes this park from all others in Ontario. Indeed, every Provincial Park and Conservation Area has its own identity and each should be dealt with independently.

The recent proposal for a brief lease extension with its smothering authoritative conditions appears to be a plan to divide and rout cottagers from the park.

It is impractical to believe that the park could be returned to its virgin state or even a moderation thereof. Because of increasing public habitation just outside the park, cottages within the park will have no further detrimental impact ecologically. Hunting, fishing, recreational, agricultural and industrial practices adjacent to the park will continue to have an influence on the fauna and flora within the park.

In summary, I believe this proposal to be heavy handed, lacking a clear vision and courting disharmony between cottagers and ministry personnel.

I look forward to a more reasonable, cooperative long term plan.

[Original Comment ID: 129062]