Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists
Support for the Recommendations of the Ontario Parks Board - Lightening the Ecological Footprint of Logging in Algonquin
May 8, 2008 ... ABR News Item
A letter was received from Donna Cansfield, Minister of Natural Resources in response to the Letter of Support for the Recommendations of the Ontario Parks Board - Lightening the Ecological Footprint of Logging in Algonquin which the ABR had mailed to her (see content of this letter at the very bottom).
Of interest is the minister's reiteration that ...
"I have asked the Ontario Parks Board of Directors and the Algonquin Forestry Authority Board of Directors to work together to develop joint recommendations for lightening the footprint of logging." ... and ... "Planning will avoid, to the extent possible, forest operations in areas identified by the Ontario Parks Board as high priority for protection and areas of high ecological value."
At the ABR Steering Committee meeting of March 29th, a motion was passed directing that the following letter of support, for the Recommendations of the Ontario Parks Board - Lightening the Ecological Footprint of Logging in Algonquin, be mailed out as a formal correspondence from the ABR to the Minister of Natural Resources.
Hon. Donna H. Cansfield, Minister of Natural Resources
Ministry of Natural Resources
6630 - 6th Floor, Whitney Block
99 Wellesley Street West
Toronto ON M7A 1W3
dcansfield.mpp@liberal.ola.org
Subject: Review of the Recommendations of the Ontario Parks Board - Lightening the Ecological Footprint of Logging in Algonquin Provincial Park.
Dear Ms Cansfield
The Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists is currently in its pre-registration phase, preparing to become a registered non-profit organization. Background details about the ABR can be found online at www.ABRweb.ca.
The Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists (ABR) supports those 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).
The ABR also supports the following recommendation (page 9, #3) ... "While consultation is underway, the AFA should use the new protected zoning 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." ... in so far as it applies to those parts of the four components already mentioned above.
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.
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