"Grand bathing area may be sold - Crowe Bridge Conservation Area awash in red ink"

........The Brighton Independent, January 10, 2007

The CBCA was owned for decades by the Petherick’s, a local prominent family.It was used to pasture cattle and at the same time was a very popular local swimming area.

In 1962 the Ontario government started the process to buy the land because they needed the water access through the Pethericks property to build a new weir dam. The original weir dam across the Crowe River that the CVCA was using to measure water levels and flow had deteriorated beyond repair. To this day, old remnants of the original dam still exist.

The family did not want to sell the land and fought for 3 years to keep it. Eventually, under threat of expropriation from The Crowe Valley Conservation Authority, the family reluctantly sold the 26 acres.

The CVCA purchased the land from Ernest, Annie and Thomas Petherick in 1965 for $3000.00 “with the understanding it would be maintained by the CVCA so the public would benefit from the privileges of camping and swimming for many years to come.”

Lyle Heath, the surviving grandson of Ernest & Annie Petherick has stated publicly “my grandfather was led to believe that it was going to be there in perpetuity. All of a sudden now it isn’t the case.”

The Jewel of Trent Hills for 42 years!

In 1965 the new weir dam across the Crowe River was constructed. Since then the CVCA has operated the Crowe Bridge Conservation Area (CBCA) as a public recreation Park. The weir dam which creates a wonderful swimming area and dozens of wilderness campsites have been used every year by people from all over the world. Over the years the land has been extensively developed for public recreation by the CVCA and now has several wide gravel roads, gravel walking trails, several parking lots, a wilderness mini putt, full service washrooms, a convenience store and comfort stations.

This Park is a popular tourist destination and important recreation area for Trent Hills.

What happened to the Crowe Bridge Park ?

In December of 2006 after years of financial difficulties operating the Park, the CVCA Board of Directors voted to deem the Crowe Bridge Conservation Area as surplus land and sell it. The Park was removed from the 2007 budget. On Feb 15, 2007 due to immense public pressure the CVCA executive board reversed their decision to sell the Park. With no budget for the Park it was retained but closed for 2007.

Why is the Crowe Bridge still Closed?

The Park remained closed for the 2007 season while the CVCA worked with the community to consider other options rather than sell the land. The CVCA board agreed to deem the land as no longer surplus land on February 14, 2008 exactly a year after they agreed not to sell the land. The CVCA continues to work with the community on a solution.The Crowe Bridge will remain closed until a solution is found to open it with no cost for the CVCA. It is unknown if the Park will open for the 2008 season.

Why Conservation Easements?

Although very special and unique, the Crowe Bridge Conservation Area does not have any provincially recognized significant features and therefore is not protected by the province. Without any provincial protection the CBCA can be legally sold by the CVCA without the Ministers approval.When CA lands are deemed as provincially significant such as wetlands, ANSI’s, Niagara Escarpment natural areas, habitat of endangered species or managed/agreement forest lands the Minister of Natural Resources will not generally approve property dispositions for these CA owned properties. Until the goverment recognizes the natural and scientific value of the CBCA, conservation easements is our only hope for the preservation of a public trust no matter who owns it.

What are the scientific and natural features of the Crowe Bridge Park???

The CBCA is twice listed in the Natural Heritage Information Center as having alvar and crawl caves. The CBCA has many fossils and geological uncomformaties, bat hibernaculums and many species of flora and fauna. Research is ongoing and will be documented.

How can a Conservation Area be sold if a Conservation Authority owns it?

Even though it is called a conservation area, the CBCA is a privately owned piece of property and can be legally sold by the owners to anyone without any restrictions.

What happens to the market value of the property if a conservation easement is placed on title?

With a conservation easement on the land the property value is diminished considerably in the real estate market.This decline in the market value of the property is a consideration by the CA's to not put easements on their properties.

Are there any financial benefits for placing a conservation easement on CA owned lands?

In addition to the obvious benefits of conserving the land a conservation easement will allow the conservation authority and its community supporters to apply for funding and grants to enhance the property for education purposes. With conservation easements and protecting the land the financial support will come from many funding sources because there is no chance the financial investment in the property will be lost if the property is sold.

Is there any legal protection on the land to keep it from being sold to a developer?

NO! Without conservation easements the land can be sold, developed and/or severed into lots at anytime in the future because there is no legal protection on the land.

What will legally protect the significant and heritage features of the land?

We need a legally binding document to protect and preserve the CBCA forever. Conservation easements registered on the deed of the CBCA is the solution to ensure our beautiful and amazing natural water park and wilderness campground will be there for future generations to enjoy.

Does a conservation easement mean public access will be restricted?

No. If public access does not comprimise conservation values the easement can be negotiated with the landowner to allow public access