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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1975-04-03, Page 10• 'fit ;��• - L4 L v 0 PAGI 4A--GODERICH SIGNALSTAR, THi.JMAY, APRIL 3, 1975 Project covers 6,000 acres ildlife develo Six thousand acres is a considerable span of property, but is it large enough for both hunters 'and wildlife? Can it support a camping facility? Does it require road im- provements? How many tourists can it handle? These and similar questions were the topics for discussion,' debate and tentative resolution at a recent seminar -workshop on the Hullett Wildlife Management Area. Over 50 persons, attended last Thur- sday's' meeting to present their views and represent their in- terest groups to the Wingham office of the Ministry. of Natural Resources that has charge of the development and main- tenance of the reserve. Ministry , officials' Dan Mansell, district manager of the' Wingham office, district biologist Rene Jones and planner Wendy McNab presented the history of the area, the preliminary master `plan for development and the issues to be resolved. Mr. Mansell . stressed that the master plan was by no means the final version, since it would require much rewriting prior to final authorization from the head office. "We want your ideas," ' he told :the audience', "we are not going to decide what's going to happen today." Miss, McNab explained that the 'master plan was "to act as a focus ..: just a first attempt,.., . ' we. need more input from the public, constructive" criticism, comments and feedback." Area Im' • t The effect of HWMA. development on the neigh- boring farms, the township and on Huron County was a major concern for all present. These interests were ably represented at the meeting by Hullett Township Reeve John Jewitt, Seaforth Mayor Betty Cardno and representatives, Warren Zinn 'and Spence Cumniings of, the Huron County Development Board. The major aspects of this issue seemed to be the drainage problem involved, the effect of suggested relocation of power _ lines and possible damage to surrounding farms 'related to area development. Reeve Jewitt explained that o farmers were worried about the drainage situation; "They , don't know what the ministry's plans are .. it's a concern." Ministry officials agreed that "there would have to be some policy, some agreement with farmers bordering the area who have to include the area for drainage." The suggested relocation of hydro -electric power lines was also' brought under fire. The proposition was, included among the relevant issues of the master plan; since "hydro- electric power lines ate a hazard t• in flight," it stated. is for relocating the two power, • . lines presently crossing the wildlife area were quoted at approximately $300,000'. Reeve Jewitt opposed the question of reldcatio.n: "I feel the Ministry ,had better decide they're not going .to move them." He asked that the ministry' representatives , consider the effect of"such a move. "They're amundesirable element wherever they are," he said. • Mike Singleton of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists suggested that the cost of power line relocation could be "money better spent. Priorities have to be looked at pretty . closely." Jack Graul-, chairman of the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority, added his voice in opposition to relocation of the lines: "It's let a sleeping dog lie sort of thing." Nick Whyte, a farmer on property to theeast of the HWMA, expressed some concern over possible damages to- the' neighboring farms - directly related to area development. He included crop damage due to wild -fowl fee •'ngan• osso' an' roug HWMA expansion plans among his concerns, as well as damage by tourists trespassing• on neighboring farms. Mr. Mansell reassured him as to possible expansion: "We see no need to expand," he said. As ,.for damage to lands and crops, "we can reduce the' effect of the problem,,, he explained. He • stressed the • ministry's interest in "the right kind of development ... with a good' enforcement program — fait, strict where necessary." • Mr. Mansell also suggested the possibility of monetary recompensation for damages directly related to area development or operation. The necessity for road im- ' provement was also questioned by ministry representatives. Reeve Jewitt, however, said "it's good enough for us ,to use, but we're ready to co-operate." • Your home has more charm, is 'b quieter and easier to keep clean if you have carpeting,. We have a good selection for any room— even youelbathroom: The Most famous Brands Are Yours To Choose at DISCOUNT DAVE'S •BIGELOW *N/kRpING •pOMCOR *KRAUS CELANESE *AND OZITE PRICED FROM $ 69 $ 95 3 l S . d. 9 4 y ALSO VINYL FLOORING. BY DOMCO AND ARMSTRONG IS AVAILABLE AT ... sop l I:lip �.:r Nle i" PIf Ir rllllr Ili !. dlNp�llllllr 4 , �yV�u�I�IN�lI111 0i�i�l �I'�II� quo,rR idlr.ra, i 11441%tolatk.u'..A:u401da, , idu,, 4;4(1111 Goderieh 524-8321 CUSTOM INSTALLATION BY OUR TRAINED. INSTALLERS AVAILABLE AT EXTRA COST .11 • ! i r Impact on community .reviewed ment debated at Hullett seminar Those present said they felt the Hullett Township Roads were. in excellent condition and sufficient for the use of tourist' influx, since visitors to the area would not expect paved high- ways anyway. ' Hunting The• compatibility of hunting on the HWMA with con- servation 'goals was also• questioned by.all those present, Mrs. Janice Shouldice, RR. 1, Londesboro, said she was worried about the influx of "Yank hunters who can't tell the difference between Jersey cows and deer or registered German shepherds and wolve . Yand, who shoot at everything that moves.." Jim Melady of the Grey -Bruce Separate School Boards echoed her concern on the compatibility of the two aims. He, said he felt the , ministry was trying to "use the area for two different ends." Opposing viewpoints were represented by Reg ,Robinson and L1'oyd Ratz of the Federation of Ontario Anglers and Hunters: Mr. Mansell explained "We know it's a problem, but we feel we can solve, it We don't want to say 'that's a problem, so we don't want to do it'." Mr. Jones also suggested that the two interests were not incompatible: "Our goal is wildlife oriented recreation, but hunting is not in conflict with the, educational aspect. It is a legitimate form of recreation, ' and in -some instances can, be used as .a management tool ... There is a wide gap between the people a un an p hunt .::.We need education to show that both groups require - the same. things, . namely, respect for habitat reproduction ... We can get around the problem of conflict of areas." Education • The • format for educational programming was also discussed by those present. Jim Coulter of. the Huron County Board of Education asked only "an extensioncontinuance- of co-operation." Hesaid he felt "no need for 'specific facilities for educational purposes" ' aside ,from,those already in the planning. The major need, he . said, was to develop "an un- derstanding of whatis going on here, rather than create an artificial' situation ... This area may become rather unique in _southwestern Ontario ... then, yes, other groups" will , be coming in, but right. now let's Dist learn what we have in our own backyard." ^" " Mr. Singleton said he is disturbed by "the lack of concept of urban children as to. wildlife areas." He said thattoo many people saw such areas as environments , completely divorced from real-life ex- periences an3stressed the need for "real -events in an area suitable for interpretation purposes." Mr. Singleton said that use of the area by educational groups in the area was of prime concern.. Recreation The various aspects of recreation and tourist facilities were brought under fire by those present in debates on camping areas, concession Here'st good neighbor for life stands and, AiSe of, selected areas byZ.. snowmobilers, bicyclist and motor vehicles. The general opinion on camping and concession rights seemed to be that private sectors be given a chance to develop these rights. Mr. Singleton suggested that "private industry should be provided with' as much op- portunity as possible ... The ministry could provide guidelines to stimulate imagination on design and operation. Mr. Cummings agreed -that it should,be "up to commercial enterprises to develop a tourism industry." Mr. Robinson suggested that a decision on this subject be left till later.. `Isn't this something you could play by ear?" he asked, adding "Give the others a chance first ... if nobody does anything and you still feel a need for it, then you can still do it." Maurice Beane of the Huron County Federation of Agriculture jokingly proposed another alternative: "For the benefit of some parents, wouldn't it be a, help not to have eats here at all?" The use of the • area for seasonal , recreation was heatedly debated: °Reeve Jewitt tuggested that "on 6,000 'acres here's room for a lot of things." Miss McNab of the Ministry `of Natural Resources explained; however, that "darns and dikes will cut out some of the area .., and in the winter we would like to provide snowshoe and - cross-country skiing trails which are more compatible with wildlife viewing than is snowmobiling." Mr. Graul expressed similar views, stating that "I don't think it's our job to make glorified snowmobile trails ... I don't think this is the idea of it," Mr. Singleton also suggested that "wheel• vehicles ate rough on, terrain and on breeding sites." . He cited compaction as a major con= sideration, and said he hopes "they would be given a specific area . of specific trails" if snowmobiling is ultimately permitted. More Work The planning and develop- mental preparations for Ape HWMA are by no means complete. Mr. Mansell ex- plained that opinions and input are still being requested and asked for in the next few weeks. 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