A local group has launched a petition to protect Haro Woods.
B次元官网网址淲e want to work with [The District of] Saanich,B次元官网网址� said Katrina Madsen of Friends of Haro Woods. B次元官网网址淲e are just really concerned about the damage.B次元官网网址�
The group is currently collecting names on a petition designed to protect the popular recreation area. As of this writing, the petition had collected some 50 names, but it is early yet, said Madsen.
Located off Arbutus Road in SaanichB次元官网网址檚 Cadboro Bay neighbourhood, Haro Woods is a 5.6-hectare park which has become a popular destination for walkers, joggers and cyclists, drawing users from inside and outside of Saanich.
Its future remains uncertain after Saanich has announced that it will continue to gather public input on its proposed draft management for the park. Its writing started in September 2016 and will continue for months because of ongoing disagreements over whether Saanich should allow cycling in the park.
B次元官网网址凄别蝉辫颈迟别 , weB次元官网网址檝e identified a lack of consensus in the community on the issue of biking in the park,B次元官网网址� said Gary Darrah, SaanichB次元官网网址檚 manager of park planning and development, earlier this month. B次元官网网址淭he draft management plan was set to be presented to [council] on May 28, but due to the lack of shared understanding among stakeholders around recreation uses in the park, we decided to continue to gather public input and extend our survey.B次元官网网址�
Saanich has floated the idea of a pilot project that would see the municipality reserve one region of the park for cyclists. Staff, however, insist that they not yet made a decision, in rejecting claim that Saanich has somehow rigged the process in favour of cyclists.
Madsen said allowing cycling in one part of the park could open the door for cycling throughout it. Such a move could turn the park into a mono-use area not longer consistent with its history of multiple uses. B次元官网网址淭here are so many other people [other than cyclists], who use it,B次元官网网址� she said.
Worse, allowing cycling in the park could further damage the natural environment of the area. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a very small forest, and we have seen so much destruction [already],B次元官网网址� said Madsen. This is not just about little kids riding the park with their BMX bikes.
Madsen said the park with its coastal Douglas firs serves as a breeding habitat for various bird species and as a wildlife corridor for large animals including deer and cougar.
Madsen acknowledged that Saanich has yet to present its options for the park, but worries that cyclists will eventually have the run of the place.
B次元官网网址淲e are sending the wrong message to our youth,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚f you damage the forest, we will hand it over to you.B次元官网网址�
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