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A Kawartha Highlands Signature Site bill was introduced by Ernie Eves through the Legislature in late June 2003. Bill 100 turns the 87,271-acre semi-wilderness near Apsley into a park that's exempt from Provincial Park Act rules that restrict activities such as hunting, trapping, baitfish harvesting and vehicle use. Greg Farrant, manager of government relations and communications for the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, said the new legislation expands on Minister of Natural Resources Jerry Ouellette's Recreation Reserve Act and still provides for a management structure outside the normal park process. The park designation does not apply to privately owned lands in the site. Hunting, fishing, trapping, snowmobiling and other vehicle use on pre-existing roads and trails will continue. Motorboat use on some lakes might be restricted when a management plan for the park is completed. Eves said an 11-person Management Advisory Board of stakeholders will be appointed to help with the plan. He also announced funding of more than six million dollars "to help build park infrastructure such as roads, signs, boat launches and recreational facilities such as trails and campsites." There are eight other signature sites in the province being considered for parks or other special protection. |
