Admission fees

I must say that it was a bit of a surprise when visiting Big Sandy Bay (by boat) this summer when someone asking us for $8.00 each in order to walk the beach approached us.

It was unclear under whose authority they were collecting the money and where the money would go? It is my understanding that this is public property, so who's authority do you have to require admission?

What do you do with the money you do receive?

It was also very expense for a 1 hour walk to pay $32 for 4 adults. Outrageous in fact! However if we stayed in the water there was no charge?

Hoping to return to Big Sandy...

Thank you for the opportunity to explain why and by whom you were asked to contribute. The Friends of Big Sandy Bay is not responsible for collecting user fees.
 
Friends obtain revenues through fund raising activities, grants from environmental organizations, membership fees and donations. They use the funds generated to rehabilitate the management area and to educate the public about the fragile nature of the area. If you appreciate the natural beauty of the area and want to help protect it, please consider becoming a member.
 
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources owns most of the 1000 acre property and MNR, the Canadian Wildlife Services, the Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ducks Unlimited own a key section jointly. These owners have an agreement with the Township of Frontenac Islands, that allows the Township to charge admission fees in return for managing the area.
 
The person who approached you would have been an employee of the Township and they do have the right to ask boaters to contribute the same way as those who enter the area by land. I agree $8.00 seems a lot to pay for an hour but then - how much do you pay to go to the movies?
 
The fee was set with the expectation that folks arriving would spend an afternoon enjoying a very special place. If you plan on visiting BSB next year, you might consider a season pass. This makes visiting much less expensive.