A collaborative effort between volunteers from the M-T-M Conservation Association (M-T-M CA), the York Bassmasters fishing club, a Vaughan-based paving company, and a local quarry has made the Big Rock Landing boat launch, which provides parking space and access into the North River and Matchedash Bay, more user friendly.
The work was done in early May. Bob Codd of M-T-M CA, the group responsible for managing Matchedash Bay Provincial Wildlife Area as well as Tiny Marsh and Marl Lake, said the launch in Severn Township on Lawson Line near Coldwater is heavily used by anglers, hunters and other outdoors enthusiasts, but had “potholes that could swallow cars,” prior to the project.
“That launch is the gateway to Matchedash Marsh, and I wanted to do something about its state for a long time,” he said. “So, when I found out the York Bassmasters were looking for a project, I approached them,” Codd said, pointing out the club was happy to spearheaded efforts.
Andrew Zrnec, Conservation Director for York Bassmasters, said the 48-member club based out of York Region has a strong conservation mandate and had installed used fishing line receptacles on M-T-M CA property previously.
Generous donations of labour and material from Vaughan-based Empire Paving and the Larfarge-Canada, Coldwater Quarry which provided 200 tonnes of crushed limestone, were instrumental in the project’s completion. Empire Paving levelled and resurfaced the parking lot and widened and improved the ramp in less than a day, Zrnec said. Later, members of the club, returned to clean up litter in the area surrounding the landing.
Where else can you go in southern Georgian Bay and find such a top notch boat launch and parking facilities – for free?! If you use the boat ramp or any of the MTM trails in the area please donate. There is a donation box right at Big Rock Landing or you can donate online. Your donation will help maintain the site and bring improvements to the Thiffault, Cowan and Brereton Trails, all important natural areas in Matchedash Bay.