Data Bases • Custom Term Papers • Free Term Papers • Free Research Papers • Free Essays • Free Book Reports • Plagiarism? Links • Top 100 Term Paper Sites • Top 25 Essay Sites • Top 50 Essay Sites • Search 97,000 Papers @ DirectEssays.com • Search 101,000 Papers @ ExampleEssays.com • Search 90,000 Papers @ MegaEssays.com Free Essays • Term Paper Sites • Chuck III's Free Essays • Free College Essays • TermPaperSites.com • My Term Papers • Get Free Essays • Essay World • Planet Papers	Search Lots of Essays Back to Subjects - Sports & Recreation great lakes heritage coast great lakes heritage coast This paper will attempt to do several things in regards to the Great Lakes Heritage Coast. First, the author will provide some background information pertinent to this issue. Secondly, a summary of the current status of the Great Lakes Heritage Coast as presented by the guest speaker. Furthermore, the author of this paper will provide a personal opinion in regards to the importance of a partnership with First Nations along the coast. The Great Lakes Heritage Coast (GLHC) extends over 2900km from near Port Severn on Georgian Bay north to Thunder Bay and then south again (MNR, 2001). The main features of the shoreline include caribou, rock paintings, a rugged landscape, and a 10,000-year history. With the GLHC established it is hoped to do several things. One is “to protect the Coast's scenic beauty and its natural ecosystems” (MNR, 2001). Another is “to promote the potential for recreation, tourism, and other economic benefits through a network of parks and protected areas and bring the world to this magnificent part of Ontario” (MNR, 2001) Furthermore, to “encourage development compatible with the overall intent for the area; and foster co-operation, education, public information and partnerships with other levels of government, Aboriginal communities and interest groups in the planning and management of the Heritage Coast” (MNR, 2001). The GLHC idea was originally launched in March 1999 when Mike Harris announced it to be part of the living legacy package. The leader of this, Ted Chudleigh, will be the intermediary between the government and communities, businesses, environmental groups, Aboriginal leaders, the federal government and others (MNR, 2001). The GLHC is a result of the ‘Lands for Life’ process, a large public consultation regarding crown land (MNR, 2001). The GLHC includes coastline of Lake Huron, including part of Georgian Bay all the way to the shores of Lake Superior. Designation of this area includes over 1.1 million hectares of coast land and inland areas (MNR, 2001). The inland areas range anywhere from two to five kilometres from the shoreline depending upon the area (MNR, 2001). Not only is the GLHC important for natural reasons, it also has historical significance being home to several native tribes and also was a popular trading route. Policy for the GLHC is found in Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use. This policy statement provides a management framework for protection and enjoyment of the coast (MNR, 2001). This policy includes watersheds, lakes, and Crown land that exist in the designated area (MNR, 2001). Although the policy does not include native land or privately owned land, they are encouraged to participate with the GLHC (MNR, 2001). Public involvement is encouraged in order to promote discussion regarding future possibilities along the coast. As a result of this discussion a report will be developed and be presented to Natural Resource Minister John Snobolen and the public. To assist in the GLHC initiative a support office in Thunder Bay has been established. This support branch is responsible for: facilitating government consultation, coordinating public participation and activities, receiving and responding to public input, assessing information and coordinating background research, providing overall support in preparation of the development and implementation of the GLHC strategy (MNR, 2001). In order to aid the development required for the GLHC the provincial government has provided $2.4 million in order to assist in the project (MNR, 2001). The funding will help develop park and Crown land and will reflect the project’s four main themes: interpretation/ education, recreation trails, water-based development, and gateway signage (MNR, 2001). Currently, several community discussions have been held and a new project leader, Toby Barrrett, has been designated. Since the implementation of a new leader there has been several recommendations. They are to prepare strategy for the project, to promote co-operation and partnerships and to improve infrastructure. Over the next twelve months they are hoping to develop a strategy, gain capital investment and finally begin implementing the project. There are several aspects of this strategy development. One is there is great potential for tourism products, but there is also a need for environmental protection. In order to achieve this it is necessary to take action and provide investment. Help from partners such as NGO’s, local communities, government agencies, and consultants. In order to implement this it would take anywhere from six to nine months. In theory these plans are a step towards the development of the GLHC but in order to achieve this there are several challenges. It is difficult to co-ordinate programs and initiatives and difficult to achieve consensus on key actions. With this development they need to get funding and resources in order to implement action. Since there are several First Nations along the GLHC it is important to include them. Not only is the support of First Nations important, but so is the support and interest of local communities. One possible way in order to gain this support is to promote economic benefits. There is also opposition to the GLHC from loggers and miners. In a large part the success of the GLHC is dependent upon the engagement of communities and NGO’s to establish links and set direction. An important part of making the GLHC a success is to include the First Nations People. Throughout the coastline there are several area were these people hold relatively large tracts of land. If the MNR wishes to connect all sections of the GLHC by land and water these people need to be included in the process. They are willing to participate in the development of the GLHC but if the MNR continues to not include them in the process, a key part of the coast will be missing. The MNR is contradictory in their policy saying how it is important to include First Nations people, but then go on to exclude them from talks. Not only will the GLHC lack some valuable sections of land; it will miss an important cultural aspect, in which it wishes to promote. These people have lived on the land for several thousand years and have much to offer in cultural significance. Furthermore, with the increased opportunity for native self-government could lead to even more strict land access by others. The Great Lakes Heritage Coast is a forward step in protecting and preserving the coastline. There needs to be further action taken in order for this project to be put in place. One of the key aspects in doing so is community involvement, such as First Nations people. Bibliography: References MNR. (2001). The Great Lakes Heritage Coast. [On-line]. Available: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/glhc/ Word Count: 1084
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