SAVE DUFFINS CREEK WATERSHED IN ONTARIO, CANADA.


To: Premier Dalton McGuinty
cc: Victor Doyle, Manager Prov. Planning & Environmental Services


We the undersigned, request that the all lands north of Highway 7 and in between the East and West branches of Duffins Creek be included in the Greenbelt Plan.

This environmentally sensitive watershed seems to be left out in the Greenbelt planning process. The watershed is one of the most studied and healthiest Cold Water river systems in Canada, remarkable given the proximity of the GTA. However, without protection and the green light given to future development it will not survive without the protection of the surrounding aquifers that feed the river. It is a source of inspiration, aesthetically pleasing trails, world renowned trout habitat, archeological and historical significance and most importantly fresh moraine water for GTA residents and it will be condemned to a slow death without adequate protection of the watershed.

As a cold water creek it is fed by aquifers that are so deep the temperature remains below 20 degrees, required by the indicator species Brook Trout. The presence of this species means a healthy ecosystem. Though threatened, they still live in the river. We tend to think of endangered species as living in tropical rainforests but the truth is they live in are own backyard. We have a chance to protect habitat now, before it is too late. Increased sediments are evident in the creek bed. A result of increased traffic from the 407 and development that is already occurring right up to Reesor Road, not five miles away.

The water temperature is warming. This happens as former fields and forests are covered in concrete. Rainwater will no longer percolate down to replenish the aquifers and no cold water will recharge the watershed. This process will only accelerate without adequate protection. This process is already being affected by the construction of the massive sewage pipe that is being built.

The GTA has a history of destroying its rivers. The Don has lost most of its native river species. During a Rouge Naturalists meting last February a visiting biologist was asked about rehabilitating Highland Creek. He reported that there was no point, that 85\% of its aquifers were contaminated with chlorides from road salts. Lets not let Duffins Creek meet this same fate.

Duffins Creek watershed seems to be left off the Greenbelt map. PLEASE RECONSIDER including it in the plan before it is too late.