So what are they doing:
– On September 1st, they presented a report to the Recreational Users Committee (RUC) for their information only. It was supposed to be an Operational Recovery Plan (ORP) for after the storm, but there is very little in it about documenting and clearing storm damage and reopening. Its about logging (some clear cut), and permanently closing sections of the Forest, reducing motorized use areas, prohibiting anyone under 16 from riding in others, fencing and limiting access to a single area (P2) where they can control entry. They don’t present a map to show what they’re closing, just list it area by area in tables.
– On September 30th they reopened the forest with about 1/3 of the land available with less than 7% of the trails open, and no single-track. They extended existing memberships by 1 year, and have started the clock on their expiry. No new memberships or day passes are being sold.
– On November 3rd, they presented a staff report about closing all “unofficial trails”, a term that has never appeared in the ORP or FMP, and also looking at closing some GRCA sanctioned trails. People are also reporting that the OFTR and Honda single track markers are disappearing, even in the areas they are theoretically keeping open. Hmmm, coincidence?

If you want to find out more, watch the video of the October 20th Board meeting. You can find it at the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority website, under “Who are we”, then Board of Directors/Governance. Or email me.