As an avid birder, nature…

As an avid birder, nature enthusiast, and rock climber, access to nature and opportunities to climb outdoors within my home province of Ontario is extremely important to me. I have been rock climbing outdoors for over 5 years, and I fully support the proposed change to the Park Management Plan for Devil's Glen which legitimizes climbing. Climbing in Ontario Parks provides me with valued recreational opportunities in nature.

Rock climbing is a low-impact recreational activity becoming increasingly popular in Ontario and around the world, and climbers are excellent stewards of the environment. Climbers care deeply for the areas they climb in, including the habitats these areas sustain, often participating in volunteer clean-up events and in community science (aka citizen science) opportunities (Climbers for Bat Conservation through Colorado State University is an excellent example).

Other jurisdictions, notably in Western Canada, as well as Conservation Halton here in Ontario, productively work together with local climbing communities to facilitate safe access to rock and ice climbing. Rock climbing has been an activity people have taken part in for decades and the risks are well-known among participants. It has a history here within Ontario and across the globe. I believe the proposal in the management plan will not only help continue giving sustainable access to nature for Ontarians, but also bring communities together and help us all find a balance of protecting important natural features while also maintaining recreational access.

Thank you for considering the proposed (8.2) changes to the management plan and I sincerely hope you approve them.