From the Muskoka Lakes Assoation (MLA):
On July 31, at the Torrance Community Centre, the Clear Lake Association presented the inaugural Torrance Barrens Award to Wade Murrant, Torrance Barrens Zone Manager, Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). Mr. Murrant received this award in recognition of his work leading a volunteer working group that resulted in substantial changes in how the Barrens area is being managed. The event was well attended with over 30 participants, including mayors and councillors from The Township of Muskoka Lakes and the Town of Gravenhurst.
The Torrance Barrens was established as a conservation area in 1997 and was designated as Canada’s first dark sky preserve in 1999. The Barrens offers many trails for hikers as well as a place for astronomy enthusiasts to set up telescopes at night.
As on all Crown land in Ontario, camping was allowed in the Barrens. With easy access, it became known as a place for camping but there were no restrictions on drinking, open fires, or noise. When Covid restrictions came into force, unregulated conservation areas like the Torrance Barrens were among the few outdoor recreation options available. Police were called on several occasions to break up parties and fights and to deal with one group using the site as a rifle target range. Staffing was inadequate.
Finally, a working group was established that included councillors from the Township of Muskoka Lakes and the Town of Gravenhurst, representatives of various local community groups and most importantly Wade Murrant from the MECP.
The breakthrough came with consensus that banning camping was not reasonable or enforceable. Instead, establishing the Barrens as a backwoods camping destination with designated campsites, would encourage responsible use and unlock additional resources for monitoring and enforcement. Six interior campsites were recently selected and proper toilet facilities and fire pits constructed. Campers will be able to reserve a campsite online through the Ontario Parks reservation system and park officers will now be able to address the uncontrolled use.
The key takeaway from this experience is that individuals and local groups often find themselves in conflict with various levels of government despite having the same goal. Mr. Murrant brought together all interested parties in a working group that developed a solution that worked for everyone. The MLA hopes that this approach can be applied to other issues in Muskoka.
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