 World's
First Virtual Fresh Water Eco Museum
The recent update of the Great Lakes cleanup indicated that the
two hot spots on Georgian Bay identified 25 years ago were successfully
decontaminated---Collingwood Harbour, and the Severn Sound. A remarkable
feat given that only one other location on the Great Lakes was considered
clean, and that was on the U.S side of Lake Ontario.
Needless to say Georgian Bay should take advantage of this status
along with their United Nations designations. With the Niagara Escarpment
(Bruce Peninsula) designation as a biosphere reserve in 1990 and
the 30,000 Islands' recent designation as a littoral biosphere reserve
in 2004, Georgian Bay has achieved a unique status in the world.
There should be a dedicated process by communities to maintain this
unique ecological setting.
The Globe and Mail (Dec.16, 2006) reported that in "Tiny
Township lies the world's most pristine groundwater.The water bubbling
to the surface is so clean the only match for its purity is ice
pulled from the bottom of Arctic ice cores from snows deposited
thousands of years ago, well before any high-polluting industries
existed." This is the water that makes its way to Georgian
Bay. Lets keep it that way.
Georgian Bay we believe, allows for the designation as the World's
Largest Fresh Water Eco Museum, recognizing the inter connectivity
of the waters flowing into Georgian Bay, and the recent clean up
of previously identified problem areas.
An eco museum respects the ecological integrity and will bring awareness
to this unique resource as an entity that needs to be enhanced and
continue to meet the many demands of residents, farmers, foresters,
cottagers, tourists, boaters and other users without losing biodiversity.
Jason Taylor, Director of Education for the Ecological Society
of America describes the Georgian Bay Eco Museum as having the potential
to
"be an icon for the future and a symbol of
the past. This combines both natural and living history, the
environment, as well as a tribute to the pioneers, settlers
and aboriginal communities who have contributed to the well
being of the Georgian Bay area. The Georgian Bay Eco Museum
® is a virtual symbol as a web site, and a spectacular travel
route by either boat, canoe, kayak or car, or any combination
of the above."
This web site as it develops will act as a virtual museum, guide
and directory to the many web sites representing the Georgian Bay
Region and provides current up to date information and news for
travelers looking to experience the Georgian Bay area. It should
add a sense of "ecological integrity" and the importance
of individual and collective responsibility in maintaining the designation
as the "worlds largest fresh water eco museum".
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