Very real threat

Dear Mike:
I am writing because I have a deep concern about land use issues in our province. There has been very little coverage in our district regarding the MNR parks and conservation reserve legislative review.
Comments must be provided before Nov. 8, so I strongly urge residents to investigate EBR registry AB04E601.
The provincial government has initiated a process to update legislation governing provincial parks (320) and conservation reserves (250)—and more to come.
Many of these were created during the “Lands for Life” process which led to “Living Legacy.”
The islands of Rainy Lake are now part of that legacy. They currently fall under the Public Lands Act. By definition, there can be no mining, lighting, or power development on the islands.
For the time being, we can still hunt, fish, and trap on these islands. I am writing this letter because I am concerned that his may soon change.
If the government decides to roll conservation reserves into legislation alongside provincial parks, you can bet that unnecessary restrictions and costs will rise.
As a member of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, I believe that conservation is the protection, use, and management of natural resources to supply benefits at optimal sustainable levels for present and future generations.
The conservation principle should guide the management of provincial parks and conservation reserves.
Let this government know that they will be expected to live up to the promise that traditional uses will continue in all new provincial parks, all new additions to the same, and our new conservation reserves because they are sustainable and provide many benefits.
Your heritage, cultural, and recreational activities of fishing and hunting are being unnecessarily restricted on public lands when they become provincial parks, and there are significant negative social economic costs to all Ontarians because of these unnecessary prohibitions.
We have written municipal councils urging them to speak on our behalf. Ask your elected representative if he or she has acted on the serious matter.
“Living Legacy” made a commitment to enhance angling, hunting, and wildlife viewing for the residents of Ontario. It has been a real battle to gain any ground.
Now there’s a very real threat that more may be taken from us.
The Heritage Hunting & Fishing Act obliges the Government of Ontario to promote hunting and fishing in this province, and resultant parks policies and legislation should reflect this reality.
Respectfully,
Jack Hedman
Fort Frances, Ont.