My e-mail to Ganny:
"Mr. Van Osch, Mr. Saurer,
Can you please explain to me why the forest is now closed. I understand that the buildings, programs and treetop trekking need to be closed to discourage social gathering, but trail use, by its very nature, operates beyond the minimum social distancing requirements. Additionally, the governments are still encouraging people who are not in quarantine and not showing symptoms to still participate in fitness activities which can observe the minimum social distancing requirements. Ganaraska, with its large area, vast number of trails, and relatively small membership is ideal for this activity. If the forest and trails remain closed, people will end up going to other areas where larger gatherings are more likely to occur.
Given that the majority of trail activity will start on May 1st, I think it is premature to announce trail closures at this time. Should the current government directives still be in place by then, people will be looking for outlets to relieve 1 1/2 months of cabin fever. This closure announcement now only adds to the depression of those anticipating the start of the season.
As I understand, this closure now bans hiking at this time. Prior to this announcement, I was into the trails once this Spring hiking and clearing deadfall from the single tracks. Since hiking is now banned, I trust that during this closure, staff will be out clearing deadfall making the trails safer for when they open.
I note that Gyms that are closed due to COVID-19 are not charging their gym membership, or are crediting pre-payments for the time they are closed. This is appropriate since the service is no longer available to those who wish to use it. I recognize that it it may be difficult for Ganaraska to issue credits for the time closed to all annual membership holders. Given that annual memberships start at the date of purchase and continue for 1 calendar year, it would be much easier to simply extend the renewal deadline by the length of the closure. I think this would be most appropriate should you still decide to keep the forest and trails closed.
Regards,"
Their Response:
"Good afternoon,
On behalf of the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority, Ed Van Osch and Gus Saurer, thank you for your email.
The decision to close GRCA’s conservation areas and the Ganaraska Forest was not an easy one. The mandate & mission of conservation authorities is the protection of people & property within their watershed. Closing conservation areas and the Ganaraska Forest amid COVID-19 is consistent with that mandate; along with the federal and provincial levels of government asking for people to stay home.
In light of COVID-19, GRCA staff have been reduced and are working remotely. Therefore, there are less staff on-site to enforce regulations, proper trail usage, or complete trail maintenance.
The GRCA is being optimistic, like many others, that the current situation will be resolved sooner than later. The hope is to have conservation areas and the Ganaraska Forest re-opened in time for the scheduled opening dates. Once this has been determined, the GRCA will be looking into the effect it has had on our membership holders.
During this unprecedented and difficult time, we all need to work together to minimize the spread and transmission of COVID-19.
We thank you for your understanding.
Amy Griffiths
Marketing and Communications Officer
Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority"