Muskoka Conservancy has issued the following statement regarding the Nelson Head Nature Reserve:
Muskoka Conservancy has informed the Town of Huntsville that it is withdrawing planning applications related to the Nelson Head Nature Reserve expansion.
This concludes a two-year process that would have seen the reserve increase in size from 9-acres to 17-acres. It would have protected the headwaters of a creek that runs across the original nature reserve.
“For the past two years until last Thursday we believed we were working toward common objectives with all our partners,” said Scott Young, executive director at Muskoka Conservancy. “That includes the original land donor Aldine Head and our good neighbours Jeremiah Tilstra and Margaret Stead.”
“We were informed that Mrs. Head opposed the project on Thursday June 10, and after careful contemplation with our volunteers and directors, we came to the obvious conclusion that there really is no other course of action than to respect the wishes of the land donor.”
The Nelson Head Nature Reserve will remain in its current 9-acre form. The Conservancy will apply for conservation zoning and will erect a plaque honouring the Head family for their generous land donation.
To learn more, read our past coverage below.
Controversial Proposal For Land Swap Heads To Council Wednesday