Dear Editor:
This has certainly been a unique 18 months not only for the human population but the flora and fauna in our much valued wild spaces and parkland. None more noticeable than in the areas closer to southern Ontario’s more populous centres. The unprecedented high volume of those folks seeking space and distance outdoors has created untold burdens on the parks and conservations areas we all love.
The park in my own backyard of Rockwood has been particularly used and abused these past two summers by hoards of day trippers bringing what appears to be the entire contents of their homes to the picnic areas. Upon their departure, garbage in bags, garbage not in bags, clothing, shoes, beach toys and in most cases, entire take-out meals, left strewn about, not only in the designated picnic areas, but throughout the trail system.
A skeleton staff of employees must then travel throughout the park, continuously picking up this garbage, replacing damaged signs by those objecting to COVID measures, maintaining washrooms and responding to queries and concerns by park attendees.
The use of these parks is not funded – or very minimally funded – by government agencies. They rely solely on park memberships or entrance fees. Those people using the areas without payment may feel their tax dollars pay for these parks. This is far from accurate and takes away from the park’s revenue.
With minimal staff and maximum use by inconsiderate users, these parks, which are so important to not only humans but the animal life which inhabit the area, are being quickly eroded.
Please, get your park membership, pay at the gate. Pick up and dispose of garbage. Stay on the designated trails and hopefully our conservation areas will continue to grow and thrive and protect all who live and visit them.
Lorie Fowler,
Rockwood