Thank you for the…

Thank you for the opportunity to provide input into management planning for Bigwind Lake Provincial Park. Ontario Nature recognizes the importance of providing access to experiences in nature for all and we commend the use of an online survey for gathering input from the public.

However, we are disappointed to see that an existing undeveloped protected area is being developed to provide increased recreational opportunities for Ontarians, rather than selecting and regulating a new protected area for this purpose. As an organization dedicated to protecting wild species and wild spaces we want to ensure that development of this park is done carefully, respecting ecological integrity and minimizing impacts to sensitive features.

We are very concerned that this major new development may be taking place without the important guidance provided by the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves, or the legislative oversight provided by the Environmental Assessment Act. We recently submitted a comment on ERO #019-7356 (attached) that expresses our concerns and those of other environmental non-government organizations. We urge Ontario Parks to apply the principles of ecologically-sensitive park management and development that have been refined for the past twenty years at parks like Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands and Kawartha Highlands.

Our specific concerns for development in this landscape can be addressed by applying the following approaches:

Using an evidence-based approach for determining the ecological carrying capacity for sustainable recreation within the park and basing the number of campsites and facilities on that carrying capacity.

Ensuring that at least 75 per cent of the park’s area remains in natural environment or nature reserve zoning, which is in alignment with the IUCN protected area categories and the pan-Canadian approach to accounting for protected and conserved areas. A development footprint that exceeds this amount would call into question the inclusion of this park in the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database.

Ensuring that facilities, infrastructure, and their access are sited to minimize fragmentation and disturbance of wetlands and watercourses.

Avoiding development within landform-vegetation types or ecological communities that are sensitive, representative for 5E-8 or otherwise significant, or within those that are in the best condition. In other words, focus development in those areas that already have some disturbance or are in the more common ecosystem types.

The development of a currently undeveloped park will lead to an overall decrease in the area that is protected for biodiversity within Ontario’s protected areas system. Developing an existing intact park, rather than creating a new one, is a missed opportunity to truly advance protected areas in the province and contribute to the goals of Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy, including the target to conserve 30 per cent of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems by 2030. Therefore, it is essential that development within Bigwind Provincial Park be done in a way that minimizes impacts to ecological integrity.

Yours sincerely,

Corina Brdar

Conservation Planning and Policy Manager

Ontario Nature