Something terrible is happening in Grays Creek Conservation Area, a place meant for everyone to enjoy & for wildlife of all varieties to find refuge. It breaks my heart to see this beautiful forest being destroyed.

For years, I've walked these trails and witnessed the wonders of nature. The trees, the birds, the animals—they make this place special. But now, a company is cutting down the trees to build houses. They are taking away the homes of migratory birds like herons, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and ducks. These birds travel long distances to find refuge here, and it's our duty to protect them. They are protected by law because they migrate from far away. There are also other animals like foxes, deer, and raccoons living there.

I've seen the destruction with my own eyes. They have already cut a large part of the forest, and more could be destroyed soon. The once lush forest has been reduced to piles of wood. The sounds of nature have been replaced by the roar of machinery. It's a heartbreaking sight. I called the police, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and other organizations, but they haven't acted quickly.

We need your help to stop this illegal activity. We want to protect the forest and all the animals that live there. Please call the RRCA, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and Environment Canada. Tell them how important this forest is and how much you care about it.

Let's show them that we won't stand idly by while this precious ecosystem is destroyed.

Together, we can make a difference. Let's stand up for Grays Creek and preserve it for future generations. Nature deserves our love and care.

3 Known Violations: 

1. Clear cutting in wetland

2. Clear cutting before EIS approved.

3. Clear cutting during Migratory Birds High Season.

More Violations are coming to light as we talk with the authorities & community.  What about the Butternut trees (Endangered & protected species)

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL CONSERVATION AREA. SHARE THIS PETITION FAR & WIDE, and contact the authorities outlined below with your concerns.

There are thousands of people that regularly use Grays Creek, had they been aware, as a community we would have acted sooner to ensure this tragedy would have been prevented. Now though, to prevent any further destruction of these healthy forests, we would like to request to designate all of the Grays Creek Land for environmentally protected conservation purposes only.

**EDIT** Quote Taken from Seaway News so you can understandthe scope of the situation: "The trail system is also undergoing adjustments. For many years, Gray’s Creek Conservation Area’s 6.5 kilometre trail system was possible due to a joint partnership between several landowners, including the RRCA and private landowners. The RRCA and community are grateful to the private landowners for this arrangement. As one private property has recently changed ownership, the trail system requires adjustment since the new landowner has alternate plans for the property. The public is advised to respect signage and not enter the private property." 

--- What this essentially means is, the new investor purchased the land for $1,000,000, did not do proper environmental surveyes before clear cutting (during nesting season, but its theres even more than that!) decided he'd like to build homes there, on the wetlands, and remove the current animals/wildlife that have been using this land for DECADES for safety & refuge. Let's preserve our conservation areas, as the world becomes more concrete. 

Contact Here to Express Your Concerns for Grays Creek:

MNR (Ministry of Natural Resources)

877-847-7667

Richard Pilon, Head of the RRCA 613 363 887

Stephanie Jaworski (sjaworski@southglengarry.com, 613-361-2232) of the South Glengarry Council as well as Joanne Haley (jhaley@southglengarry.com)

Environment Canada to report the Migrating Birds Act Violation 1-800-668-6767;

 

 

 

 

 

Our once lush forest full of life, clear cut. We can stop them from taking down the rest

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

 

This is the new Zoning of the Farmers Property. RRCA can control what happens in the FP zones. In the CG zone the Farmer can build Businesses or Houses as he wishes. The CG Zones are not within the Former Grays Creek Conservation Area. In the R1-19-H Zone the farmer has almost finished clear cutting. This is unlikely to be stopped now. All we can do is preserve what is left, and make sure the rest of the land remains conservation area. 

 

 

 

 

 

Above is the new layout of Gray's Creek. Private Property 2 (Grays Creek Lease is still active) will still be accessible thru the FP Zone on Private Property 1 (where the clear cutting is happening). This access will likely be negotiated after the farmer is done removing the trees.

FYI. The farmer has clear cut 18 acres out of the available 25 in under 11 days. He is a professional and extremely efficient and timely. It is impossible for government organizations to react fast enough to stop him from what he has done, and he knows it!