Dear Editor,
In discussions with some of our/my Municipal Representatives about this matter I have been reminded about the present human presence through the marsh via visitors, and the homes that reside around and in the middle of the marsh.
While it is true that there is a human presence in and around the Marsh, such as visitors using the boardwalk and the development already situated in the marsh, namely the Tree Haven neighbourhood, I believe there has to be a time when we say ENOUGH and that time is NOW.
We know there is wildlife (species at risk) nesting in the eastern part of the marsh. I cannot think of any reason why the wildlife in the Marsh should have to live with the stress of further human encroachment, activity, garbage, and noise. Humans have already inhabited the majority of shoreline along the St. Lawrence leaving little waterfront/wetland space for our finned, feathered, and furred brothers and sisters to live in peace. They deserve our respect and care. Furthermore, it is required for their survival.
Personally, I wish to see this wetland and our wildlife thrive and flourish and I innately know the health of human life is dependent on theirs. Whatever the next steps entail, I am asking my Municipality, my Council, Councilor Lang & Deputy Mayor Warden who sit on the RRCA board, to set the bar high for others to follow by incorporating the permaculture principles of People Care, Earth Care, Fair Share in all that they do.
Look I don’t have a degree, I am not a biology specialist, however I read a lot by such people and one thing I know for sure is that we can’t keep removing elements of the house that we call Cooper Marsh, the foundation being ‘free from human’ encroachment, and expect that this precious ecosystem is going to continue to stand and survive.
I am proposing, and asking ALL our decision makers to please keep their eyes on co-flourishing.
Best regards,
Jacqueline Milner,
South Glengarry, Ontario
Dear Editor,
I read your article in the Seaway News. I am very concerned about land being developed adjacent to Cooper Marsh. That is why I was present at the protest in Lancaster and sent a letter to the South Glengarry council to voice my concerns.
I am disgusted by the fact that making money is always more important than saving living beings such as birds ( Bittern Heron) and turtles (Blandings) who are an endangered species and who should be protected.
Isn’t our planet and its living beings more important than material things?
We need our wetlands and its immediate surroundings to be left intact. Our planet is suffering so much as it is!
As Dr John Liu stated (TREEHUGGER.COM) “Currently, humanity faces existential threats, it is up to everyone alive today to stand up and face them.”
Thank you for giving me this chance to express my concerns.
Diane B. Lalonde,
Cornwall, Ontario
Dear Editor,
I read your 25th July article. I am completely opposed to the development of the land adjacent to Cooper’s Marsh. It ought to be against the law to fill in a Marsh when you consider the at-risk of extinction species that inhabit this area.
We have to preserve and protect what few undeveloped areas are left and restore the lost habitat. It can be done. We have examples of restoration even in our region.
I now live in Quebec but I used to live in Cornwall. It really matters to me that the land adjacent be purchased by the organization and brought back to its original purpose. To be an extension of Cooper’s Marsh.
Sincerely,
Shirley Jones
Dunham, Quebec
