Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists
Input to the Algonquin Forestry Authority (AFA) Long-term Strategic Direction
May 7, 2008 ... ABR News Item
A letter was received from John Winters, Park Superintendent, Algonquin Provincial Park in response to the Letter of Input to the Algonquin Forestry Authority (AFA) Long-term Strategic Direction (see content at very bottom) which the ABR had mailed out to all participating officials.
Key areas to take encouragement from are ...
"Forest management planning will avoid, to the extent possible, the planning of forest operations in areas identified by the Parks Board as high priority for protection, and areas of high ecological value." ... and ... "The Forest Management Planning team will consider this subject and propose further measures as necessary to ensure that Park visitor experiences are not negatively impacted by forest management activities."
At the ABR Steering Committee meeting of March 29th, a motion was passed directing that the following letter toward the Algonquin Forestry Authority (AFA) long-term strategic direction being incorporated into its 2010-2020 Forest Management Plan for the Algonquin Park Forest, be mailed out to all participating officials as the ABR's official input to the Algonquin Park Forest FMP, relating to the Recommendations of the Ontario Parks Board - Lightening the Ecological Footprint of Logging in Algonquin.
Submission from the Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists (ABR) toward the Algonquin Forestry Authority (AFA) long-term strategic direction being incorporated into its 2010-2020 Forest Management Plan for the Algonquin Park Forest
The Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists is currently in its pre-registration phase, preparing to become a registered non-profit organization. Background details about the ABR are online at www.ABRweb.ca .
The Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists (ABR) request that, while consultation is underway between the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Algonquin Forestry Authority concerning the recommendations of the Ontario Parks Board (in its "Lightening The Ecological Footprint of Logging In Algonquin Park"), the AFA should use specific new protected zoning and action recommended by the Board as a basis for forest management planning for periods beyond 2010, subject to modifications that may arise from the consultation and planning process.
The Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists (ABR) supports those specific recommendations of the Ontario Parks Board (in its "Lightening The Ecological Footprint of Logging In Algonquin Park") which will achieve setbacks, ranging from 120 meters to 500 meters, of logging from those areas used by recreationalists. These increased setbacks will enhance recreationalists' wilderness-like experiences in the backcountry of Algonquin Park.
Specifically, the ABR supports the following recommendations (page 7 of the recommendations) ...
- Those parts of Component 1 which effectively produce a setback of 500 m from primary canoe routes (including lakes).
- Component 2 - 200 m setbacks for key self-sustaining brook trout lakes and primary canoe routes (including lakes).
- Component 3 - 120 m setbacks for remaining canoe routes (including lakes) and remaining self-sustaining brook trout lakes.
- Those parts of Component 4 which effectively produce a setback of 500 m from primary canoe routes (including lakes).
In addition, the ABR supports the following Proposed Action (page 12, #6) ... "Where forest management activities occur during the June to October period, enhance planning of operations, communications between AFA and MNR regarding use patterns, and consider options for quieter equipment and modified practices."
The fact that the ABR isn't supporting other recommended components or actions does not mean that the ABR holds a position against them, but rather that the ABR simply believes those items fall under the mandate of other interest groups.
Thank you,
Barry Bridgeford
Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists.
news002a.htm