Nature Trust – Englishman River Estuary
We recently had a conversation with Jason Emery of Nature Trust regarding their plans with the property and the concerns expressed by some of the residents about potential impacts on the neighbourhood.
The SSPORA Board had earlier communicated some of our concerns to Nature Trust, including:
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Any plans to modify the existing dike behind the properties that back onto the estuary
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Foreshore impacts of removing the rip rap and seawall currently bordering the property
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Plans to open the property to visitors and the impact on the neighbourhood, particularly relating to traffic
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Monitoring of impacts of the modifications to the property as they might affect the neighbourhood
Jason explained that their overall intent is to return the property toward its natural state. However, he did say there is a donor request that a small pavilion be erected on the site, likely to be located at the east end of the property. There will also be a parking lot, the size yet undetermined.
There are no plans to modify the existing dike on which the trail presently runs from Shorewood to San Malo. But as their noticeboards at the site say, they do intend to remove the rip rap and sea wall which has protected the property from erosion for many years. Our concern is what impact that change will have on the foreshore from the estuary east to Rathtrevor Park. In fact, Nature Trust has just received a hydrological study on this issue which Jason explains they have not yet had a chance to review. He did agree that they will not remove any rip rap until they have reviewed the study and communicated the contents to SSPORA.
We expect to hear from Nature Trust later this year or early in the new year.
