September 21/07 12:19 pm - New Ontario Provincial Park Will Ban Mountain Biking

Posted by Editoress on 09/21/07
 

New Provincial Park Will Ban Mountain Biking
Couretesy Scott Murison, Wild Rock Source For Adventure

A dangerous precedent will be set if the new Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park prohibits mountain biking. The proposed park management plan currently calls for a ban on our activity, though it would allow ATV use on designated routes.

The new Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park is classified as a Natural Environment Park ˆ which is defined as a park that "incorporates outstanding recreational landscapes with representative natural features and historical resources. These parks provide high quality recreational and educational experiences."

Unfortunately, Ontario Parks has not clearly stated their reasons for this sharp departure in management policy. IMBA Canada believes Kawartha Highlands should be managed similarly to all other Natural Environment Parks, such as Algonquin Provincial Park and Pretty River Valley Provincial Park, and allow mountain biking.

More information on the planning process for Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park. www.ontarioparks.com

Take Action

Your voice is needed to help overturn this anti-bike proposal and prevent a damaging precedent. Mountain bikers must speak up now, or future parks are likely to follow a similar path, severely limiting our singletrack access.

Comments are due by October 30.

Talking Points

Please manage Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park like other Natural Environment Parks (such as Algonquin Provincial Park and Pretty River Valley Provincial Park) and allow mountain biking.

Mountain biking is a quiet, low-impact, human-powered, and sustainable activity compatible with wild places.

Mountain bikers cherish the opportunity to explore natural settings under their own power. Backcountry areas are extremely important to our community and feature prominently in the origins of our sport.

A growing scientific consensus shows the environmental impacts of mountain biking are similar to hiking and far less than horse or ATV use.

With its health and fitness benefits, mountain biking fits with Ontario's Active2010 goals, and should be considered a positive activity in our Provincial Parks.
Contact

David Coulas, Park Superintendent
Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park
106 Monck Street, P.O. Box 500
Bancroft, ON K0L 1C0
(613) 332-3940 x255
kawartha.highlands@mnr.gov.on.ca

Provided by:
Scott Murison
Co-Pilot and Number Cruncher
Wild Rock Source For Adventure
705-745-9133 voice
705-745-9676 fax
www.wildrock.net