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Access Issues at Popular Ontario Crag Devil’s Glen

Ontario's access group issues a heads-up to climbers including parking, drones, dogs and waste

Photo by: Leslie Gale at Devil's Glen

The Ontario Alliance of Climbers (OAC) is putting climbers on notice that their behaviour is causing issues with landowners around Devil’s Glen. While the locals don’t mind climbing, they do mind litter, human waste, trespassing, dogs and drones.

In our story about good crag etiquette, we outline how all climbers should act at crags to ensure future access. Read it here.

Message the from the OAC: We have been in recent discussions with local homeowners concerning climber behaviour at Devil’s Glen. While the local homeowners are supportive of climbers, there has been an increase in issues related to parking, trespassing & garbage.

Parking – Do not park near homeowner driveways. This can create a frustrating and dangerous situation for homeowners getting in and out of their driveways. Park on Concession Road 10 whenever possible.

Trespassing – Do not trespass through homeowner land to access the park. The police will be called if anyone is found trespassing.

Dogs – If you MUST bring your dog, it must remain leashed, and you must carry out dog waste. Even left behind in a biodegradable bag, your dog waste remains an eye sore for over a year and is disruptive for other park users who frequent the trails near the water, along the cliff base and above. The OAC recommends against bringing your dog to parks where climbing access is only listed as “Tolerated”. Devil’s Glen is a crag at which climbing is only “Tolerated”.

Human Waste & Toilet Paper – If you are caught in an emergency and need to poop and/or use toilet paper at the crag, the OAC recommends packing out all your waste. If you are unable to pack it out, you must bury your waste at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from the nearby river and trails. Toilet paper can take up to 3 years to decompose, and poop can take up to a year.

Drones – Recreational drones are not permitted in Provincial parks. Under no circumstance should you bring a drone to Devil’s Glen or any other Ontario Park. Not only are they illegal but they are extremely disruptive to fellow climbers.

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Lead photo: Leslie Gale at Devil's Glen