Logging continues in Algonquin Park! In the non-protected areas of the park the harvesting is done by the Algonquin Forest Authority and regulated by ten year forest management plans.
Right now, until January 22, 2021 they are taking comments on the plan specifying areas to be cut in from 2021 to 2031.
You can look at the full map, called Sum 00.pdf, by clicking on "Additional Maps" on this page. It is complicated, so here is an attempt to simplify and clarify the real implications of this cutting plan:
A favourite way for canoeists to get into the wilderness ...
Logging continues in Algonquin Park! In the non-protected areas of the park the harvesting is done by the Algonquin Forest Authority and regulated by ten year forest management plans.
Right now, until January 22, 2021 they are taking comments on the plan specifying areas to be cut in from 2021 to 2031.
You can look at the full map, called Sum 00.pdf, by clicking on "Additional Maps" on this page. It is complicated, so here is an attempt to simplify and clarify the real implications of this cutting plan:
A favourite way for canoeists to get into the wilderness of the park is to drive to Lake Opeongo from Hwy. 60. From there it is a long haul north over open water (some people hire a water taxi) but once you get to the beach campsites at the north end of the lake you are at the gateway to the backcountry experience. The is a historic portage into Proulx Lake and from there you can paddle northwest through he river marshes to Little Crow and then Big Crow Lake. From a campsite on Big Crow it is a short hike to some of the biggest old growth white pines you can find in Ontario. They are giant relics of a former age, awe inspiring and worth the effort to get in there.
So how will the new plan impact this adventure?
Scroll down to see an excerpt of the bigger map which focuses on the area north of Opeongo. Dark green are the “preferred harvesting areas.” Pale green is the “optional harvest area.” You can see that the whole area is scheduled to be cut. In addition there will be a logging road constructed over the Proulx Lake portage.
Disrupting this historic portage route will profoundly change the cultural and recreational heritage of this area of the park yet it receives no recognition in the forest management plan.
This just one example but similar impacts repeat across the landscape. It is not good enough to divide the park into protected areas and utilization zones where logging can occur.
Parks shouldn’t be used for forestry but since the Ontario goverment is already moving ahead with this forest management plan, we need to make sure they prioritize the ecological integrity, recreation and cultural heritage of the whole landscape over timber profits.
Submit your comment by January 22nd
Use our form to submit a formal comment to Joe Yaraskavitch, the forester in charge of this forest management plan. We'll also send it to your MPP.
Let them know your concerns about their plan. How do tree cutting and road building activities affect your experiences in the Park?