Going forward with this…

Going forward with this proposal would be a terrible shame. We visit local conservation areas almost every weekend year round to hike with our dogs. They are well maintained with excellent staff and programs and information based on the local area, the LOCAL area. Even just here in southwestern Ontario, the difference between the areas is vast, Carolinian forest, wetlands, swamps, mixed forest, etc. Not to mention the vast differences in wildlife, plantlife and insects. It's absolutely ridiculous to think these huge areas that differ so vastly can be properly run by lumping them all together. I'm all for not 'duplicating' administration, but in this instance I find that insulting to these natural areas and the staff that work so hard to protect, care for and maintain them, as well as people like me who use them regularly. Our natural areas are a treasure and a massive draw for people who already live here as well as visitors and they should be protected and valued for the incredible resource that they are. Some things are worth the money that is spent on them and our conversation areas are absolutely one of those things. People come from all over the world to see nature in this country, what will we say in the future as we continue to chip away at them? How long will it take until there's nothing left and what will our pathetic excuse be? It will be hollow, I tell you that. I strongly suggest you all making this decision spend some time at your local conversation areas, attend a program run by the staff, take a hike and see if it's worth it. I know you do not spend time in these areas already because if you did, you would never have suggested this ridiculous proposal. I sincerely hope this proposal does not go forward and I sincerely hope the people making these decisions get out from behind their desks and actually experience our wonderful conversation areas for themselves, then they can see where the real value lies.