Total Pageviews

Friday 16 October 2020

Callaghan's Rapids preservation group achieving needed commitments

Callaghan's Rapids Conservation Area newsletter

received Oct. 15/20

 Hello All!
We hope everyone had a good thanksgiving weekend. We have some uplifting news about Callaghan’s - things seem to heading in the right direction on a few fronts!
 Tim Pidduck got a verbal agreement from Cindy Cassidy, GM of EOTA that they agree to install barriers on the sides of the trail that allow motorized vehicles to access Callaghan’s. They will also be installing more signage along their trail. This won’t happen this year but will be budgeted for the spring 2021.
 

This means we only need to be concerned with the trails off the parking lot and perhaps the far south and east access. Good things are unfolding here as well. Tim has had discussions with a large mining company that may be able to provide LARGE rocks. Trail Stewards are still a necessity and perhaps we can update our leaflet to let people that there will be barriers put in place soon.
 

New signage will be installed by CVCA staff and volunteers. The signs will include a statement regarding ‘Community Watch’ or ‘Trail Stewardship Program’ in place and a warning that OPP will be alerted of illegal activity. There has also been discussion about the need or efficacy of a camera monitoring system but hopefully this will not be necessary.
 

The OPP have been to Callaghan’s on at least a couple of occasions recently. Continued enforcement will obviously be necessary now and in the future but hopefully once barriers and signage is in place, we can minimize OPP resources.  
 

Cathie and I spoke to Bob Mullin, Mayor of Stirling and he offered (pending approval of council) use of their equipment to place material. Perhaps we can get more ‘in kind’ donations from other municipalities such as Marmora and Lake. We could approach local excavating companies to drop material off as well. They can promote their ‘donation’ on their website and we can respond/promote/thank them with a social media campaign that can be shared near and far. There is still the fund from a donor that can be used to cover necessary expenses.
 

Mayor Mullin also suggested we make a delegation to the next meeting of the CVCA board on November 19, 10:00 a.m. to state our concerns over sustainability in person, and receive confirmation on completion of at least the barriers around the parking lot. It would be great to see work done this fall right after hunting season. I will be part of delegation and will let you know location of the meeting and how many people can join me.
 

There are some areas in Callaghan’s that are in dire need of some TLC and rehab. We are asking for people with knowledge of rehabilitation and a team of caring volunteers to put their assessment and planning expertise and passion into spearheading a restoration project. If you are interested, let Cathie or Beverly know.
 

It’s always good to let our local politicians know of our concerns.  Here is Daryl Kramp’s contact info: (daryl.kramp@pc.ola.org 343-600-3310 ). Let him know what is going on at Callaghan’s and state your concerns. I am sure he would appreciate hearing from you.

Feedback welcome, in the spirit of community,
Matt
 

Callaghan's Rapids On the Crowe River 

pic from tripadviser UK

No comments: