Friends of Glenorchy is a grassroots community group dedicated to protecting nature. We have special concern for the area that includes the Glenorchy Conservation Area, the provincially-designated Sixteen Mile Creek Valley Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) and surrounding areas of significant natural heritage. Our mission statement is "Keep it Wild", which we hope will reinforce the concept that nature should come first at Glenorchy. Founded in December 2009, members of FOG focus on ways to protect this sensitive green space that is home to native plants and animals.
Why do we perceive a need for a group dedicated to the protection of the area?
There are many threats to this area, including the following:
1) The proposed extension of Burnhamthorpe road. Currently the plans for this dissect through the heart of Glenorchy. This will disrupt the green space and cause permanent fragmentation and destruction of the area.
2) The Town of Oakville is proposing a new bridge at old Fourth Line. These new plans will be disruptive to the area for many reasons. They plan to leave the asphalt road and debris behind. The new bridge is very wide and will allow further ATV access to the area.
3) ATVs are destroying the natural area- tearing up the landscape, and ATV riders are taking down trees to clear the area for their own enjoyment. They are polluting the water and air, and interfering with ground nesting birds and animals. The recreational choices of a few should not take precedence over existing by-laws and interfere with the natural world's right to a peaceful existence.
4) The title to Glenorchy (GCA) land remains with the Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC). Conservation Halton has been granted management jurisdiction for 20 years. Is the ORC committed to the long-term conservation of nature?
5) Conservation Halton's plans for the area include considerable human intrusion, with plans to put in a parking lot and interpretive center. Our argument is that there are already many conservation areas with these faciilites. Some areas must be kept wild and act as a nature preserve. People do not need to be everywhere.
Want to get involved? Our email address is FriendsofGlenorchy(at) gmail.com
Key impending issues:
Speak up! Oppose new bridges over the creek valley by Region of Halton plans for the extenstion of both James Snow Parkway and Burnhamthorpe Road.
