As you know, for the past few years there have been significant concerns surrounding the use of Crown land for camping on our lake. While this is a perfectly legal activity, there are rules and regulations that campers are expected to follow. Clearing of trees and littering are both not permitted. Additionally, campers are limited to using the site for no more than 21 days. Lately, there have been some breaches to these rules. You may have noticed some of the impacts yourself, or heard about them from neighbours. We have heard from many of you through our various platforms. For the past several years, we have been in ongoing contact with the MNRF to address these concerns. We know how upsetting it is to see our beautiful lake and area mistreated like this, and are doing all that we can to bring these concerns to the attention of the right people. We have sent a letter to our local MPP, the MNRF Bancroft District Office, Suzanne Shalla, Henry Hogg, FOCA, and Quinte Conservation to request action. Unfortunately, we as a cottage association do not have the authority or ability to manage the situation directly, nor should anyone be acting in the capacity of a conservation officer, or attempting to enforce these rules themselves.

We will continue to bring forward these issues, but in the meantime, you can help us out. The MNRF have advised that if campers are observed damaging Crown land, leaving behind garbage, or overstaying the 21 days, an immediate call should be made directly to the MNRF Tips Line (1-877-847-7667). Anyone can make the call to report the incident, and the MNRF will investigate the incident.

Thanks for caring so much about our beautiful lake!

SDRA Board