| Temagami's ancient forests are at risk! |
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| Tuesday, 15 April 2008 | ||
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The Proposed Operations for the first 5 years of the new Temagami forest management plan (2009 - 2019) is open for review. The public comment period extends from April 15, 2008 until June 17, 2008. Many key old growth areas are slated for logging and we need your voice to speak out for increased protection of Temagami's wilderness! Please click here to access our template letter which you can cut, paste and then add your own comments to before printing and mailing to the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Background Information The Temagami region of northeastern Ontario is located about 400 km north of Toronto and encompasses close to 1 million hectares of land. It is one of the most ecologically unique places in the province. Temagami contains close to half of the world’s remaining old-growth red and white pine forests, which has made it a flashpoint for environmental activism for more than three decades. This type of forest is an endangered ecosystem, now existing on less than 1% of its pre-colonial range. Temagami is also rich in history. For the last 6,000 years this area has been home for the Teme-Augama Anishnabai whose history and culture is interwoven with the land. They traveled the region on an extensive system of trails and canoe routes called Nastawgan. These routes, Temagami’s unique forests and vast sections of roadless wilderness make Temagami a popular canoeing destination for thousands of outdoor enthusiasts every year. Logging activities have been present in the region since the late 1930s and continue to be a source of conflict today. In 1989, Temagami became the focus of environmental activism. In response to plans to log Temagami’s old-growth red and white pine forests, environmentalists, First Nations, and other concerned citizens staged one of the largest peaceful blockades in Canadian history. The government of the day eventually put a moratorium on logging in Temagami until a comprehensive land-use planning system could be implemented. In 1996, the Temagami Land Use Plan was finalized; this plan protects roughly 50% of the region’s old-growth pine.
Right now, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is planning the next 10 year phase of logging in the region and many of the unprotected old-growth stands in remote wilderness areas will be up for cutting. The MNR is considering harvesting at Owain Lake, the third largest old-growth white pine forest in North America, and the location of a 1996 Earthroots blockade. Earthroots believes that the last remaining great pine forest must be preserved in its entirety. To continue to log this rare and endangered ecosystem is irresponsible. The MNR must exclude all old growth from harvesting.
Apart from threatening Temagami’s old growth, logging also threatens ancient aboriginal sacred sites. Logging near Shish Kong Lake may cause permanent damage to Spirit Rock, a towering pillar of stone where Ojibway people have left offerings for centuries. Alex Mathias, an Anishnabai elder who lives on his traditional family land, is concerned that vibrations from nearby forest operations may cause structural damage to the site. Logging will also degrade the surrounding old-growth forest. Logging is also scheduled to take place near the Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks – two stone structures on the shores of Obabika Lake. The current forest management plan for Temagami is also mandating the reduction of protection for recreational values. For example no-cut reserves around lakes, and viewscape protection will be reduced. This means that Temagami’s hikers, campers and paddlers will be more likely to see clearcuts while they are in the so-called wilderness. Considering people travel from all over the world to experience nature in Temagami, this is a serious problem.
Across the province lumber mill demand is at a historic low. In fact, mills are closing down because there isn’t enough demand for forest products. There are a variety of reasons for this, such as international competition, a high Canadian dollar, and the crash of the US housing market. Earthroots is baffled that the government is considering cutting down more of Temagami’s ancient pine, when it can’t even be sure that anyone will want to buy it. Considering the current economic climate, the government should be applying the cautionary principle and reducing harvest level is ecologically distinct forests. Instead the Ministry of Natural Resources is planning in cutting down 52% more red and white pine in Temagami over the next 10 years!
Public pressure has stopped logging in Temagami before, and it can do so again. Concerned citizens need to make their voices heard. Let the government know that you oppose the logging of Temagami’s old-growth forests. Please tell the Ministry of Natural Resources that:
Robert Baker, Planning Forester Phone: 705-475-5524 Please refer to the Environmental Bill of Rights posting #010-0008 To view the posting on the Environmental Bill of Rights please visit http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/ and type in EBR# 010-0008.
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