The Niagara Parks Commission has recently released a draft of their Land Management Plan on their website which has a recommendation to eliminate bouldering in the future to reduce environmental impact.   http://www.niagaraparksnature.com/Welcome.html

Now is the time, as climbers, to speak up and let the Niagara Parks Commission know that banning bouldering is not the answer.  For all those that have had the opportunity to climb at the Glen or wish to in the future, please email your comments or a letter to the following:
\n Marika Kozachenko This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , copy to \n Debra Whitehouse This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , also please copy us, \n the OAC This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Your comments supporting bouldering must be received before the October 19th, 2008 deadline.  Follow the instructions below to use the sample letter.  Feel free to include some of your own personal comments.  It will only take a few minutes of your time to help preserve access to bouldering at the Glen.

Thanks,
Ontario Access Coalition
http://www.ontarioaccesscoalition.com

I write to state my opposition to the Niagara Park Commission's proposed
"Recommendation 11: Eliminate bouldering activities in the Niagara Glen"
outlined in the above draft plan. Like all boulderers, I cherish the
unique beauty of the Glen and urge the NPC to implement a creative
solution to decrease visitor impact while maintaining the access to the
Glen that boulderers have enjoyed for more than forty years.

The NPC should not unilaterally close the Niagara Glen before formally
adopting a bouldering management plan. Such action is unrealistic
because all visitors scramble to some degree on the hundreds of rocks in
the Glen and all visitors equally contribute to trail erosion.
Furthermore, boulderers are excellent stewards of the environment. At a
minimum, you should explore the less severe climbing management
prescriptions that have built positive relationships between climbers
and managers in other Ontario parks before you ban bouldering.

I am aware that the NPC is reviewing the management of nature trails at
the Niagara Glen to minimize the environmental impact of visitors.
Clearly marked trails and the removal of some unsanctioned trails would
greatly reduce erosion. Access to boulders that are not on existing
sanctioned trails should be clearly marked and restrictions to certain
areas could be explored before total closure of this area is considered.
Lastly, as a boulderer and outdoor enthusiast, I strive to be an
excellent steward of the environment. I maintain leave no trace when
visiting the Niagara Glen and pick up trash left by less conscientious
visitors. Understanding that improvements and maintenance to the park
are expensive, I would consider a user fee to boulder at the Niagara
Glen.

I am adamantly opposed to Recommendation 11's elimination of bouldering
in the Niagara Glen.