Tell Ontario Parks to protect ancient cedars and species‑at‑risk in Devil’s Glen
Mighty escarpment cliffs in Devil’s Glen Provincial Park near Collingwood are home to some of the oldest cedars in Ontario, rare plants and several species of endangered bats. This unique biodiversity should be protected within this public space.
Sadly, right now the 1,000 year-old trees and bat habitats are threatened every day by the un-regulated and reckless expansion of climbing infrastructure.
What you can do
Join us in demanding that Ontario Parks show us a plan to protect the ecological values in Devil’s Glen Provincial Park and achieve a sustainable balance between conservation and recreation.
Why does this matter?
Recreation and nature conservation can co-exist in our parks, but this requires compromise, clear rules, active management and enforcement. This is the work that Ontario Parks are currently failing to do.
Points to consider
Use these to add to or edit your letter.
- I’m writing as a concerned citizen to ask how Ontario Parks will increase and enforce protections for ancient cedars and endangered bat habitat in Devil’s Glen Provincial Park.
- I’m concerned that the recent authorization and expansion of climbing routes into sensitive areas will permanently destroy the rare ecology of the escarpment cliffs in this unique area. Parks are meant to be conserved for biodiversity and the enjoyment of all park users. The disturbance and destruction of ancient cedars, rock faces, rare plants and bat habitat must be stopped before they are gone forever.
- Recreational rock climbing can be done sustainably in protected areas if balanced with clear guidelines and a management plan based on sound scientific knowledge and recommendations. Protection must include: restricting climbing infrastructure from the most ecologically sensitive sites, appropriate signage, restoration of the ecological monitoring and dedicated enforcement or rules.
- It is the responsibility of Ontario Parks to manage parks for the highest level of ecological integrity and enforce restrictions on activities. How will you ensure the public that the ancient cedars and species-at-risk, including bats, are protected in Devil’s Glen Provincial Park?
Points to consider
Use these to add to or edit your letter.
- I’m writing as a concerned citizen to ask how Ontario Parks will increase and enforce protections for ancient cedars and endangered bat habitat in Devil’s Glen Provincial Park.
- I’m concerned that the recent authorization and expansion of climbing routes into sensitive areas will permanently destroy the rare ecology of the escarpment cliffs in this unique area. Parks are meant to be conserved for biodiversity and the enjoyment of all park users. The disturbance and destruction of ancient cedars, rock faces, rare plants and bat habitat must be stopped before they are gone forever.
- Recreational rock climbing can be done sustainably in protected areas if balanced with clear guidelines and a management plan based on sound scientific knowledge and recommendations. Protection must include: restricting climbing infrastructure from the most ecologically sensitive sites, appropriate signage, restoration of the ecological monitoring and dedicated enforcement or rules.
- It is the responsibility of Ontario Parks to manage parks for the highest level of ecological integrity and enforce restrictions on activities. How will you ensure the public that the ancient cedars and species-at-risk, including bats, are protected in Devil’s Glen Provincial Park?