In The News

Temagami Forests Under New Management

Friday, 03 July 2009 18:56

"Forestry has been carved off to renew itself.” said Minister Michael Gravelle, MPP Thunder Bay, referring to the recent transfer of Forest Management from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to the new Ministry of Northern Development Mines and Forestry (MNDMF).

This resource-based super Ministry has been facilitated to maximize forestry opportunities in Ontario. This is resting on the reputation of the former MNDM, a ministry that has been very successful and with ministry staff known to battle other departments for the best interest of the mining industry. Details have not been announced, including which files and responsibilities will move over to MNDMF and what roll MNR will play if any.

The political belief is that MNDMF, as with mining, must have the authority over forestry’s guiding legislation, in this case the Crown Forest Sustainability Act (CFSA), forest management planning, industry relations, forest operations and related approvals processes.

Of concern for Friends of Temagami are the implications and potential to lessen the voice of concern for natural heritage and cultural values found within the forests of Temagami. Will public input still be considered valuable and relevant is the big question for Temagami recreationists and environmentalists. Will the newly appointed steward of the forests administer the forests of Temagami in a responsible and environmentally sustainable fashion that is fair for all the area stakeholders’ interests?

Though everyone is still awaiting more details, those across Northwestern Ontario with a direct stake in forestry are reacting favorably to having forestry under the direction of a local government minister who knows the industry. This is of course understandable as northern communities have been hit hard by the economic downslide.

The Ontario forest industry has spent decades ensuring the highest sustainable forestry standards in the world. The new economic development focus in the government is expected to promote and market that side of the forest industry now with a clear mandate to promote economic development and improve our competitiveness. All this is consistent with Premier McGuinty’s promise to make the economy a priority and to make Ontario ‘Open for Business’.

Pinetorch Creek

Thursday, 28 May 2009 14:05

pinetorch_creek

Pinetorch Creek above Twinkle Lake

This picture was taken May 15, 2009. While much of the district is experiencing high waterlevels from the freshet of a higher than average snow pack, Pinetorch Creek flow is quite low. This is typical of a head water watershed with a small drainage area. Pinetorch Creek flows into Ames Creek.

Solace Wildlands - Public Comment Deadline

Monday, 25 May 2009 16:51

A review of the Long Term Management Direction (LTMD) for the Sudbury Forest is going on right now--deadline is June 3rd.) There will be an open house in Sudbury in late June. Now is our best chance to ensure logging plans take our concerns seriously.

The sooner you comment, the better chance there is to have an impact - write a letter now, then plan to attend the open house to see how your comments were incorporated. See notes below for ideas on letter writing.

Solace Wildlands Under Threat

Monday, 11 May 2009 15:32

Solace Wildlands Campaign

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and Vermilion Forest Management Company Ltd. are seeking review and comment on the proposed long-term management direction for the 2010 – 2020 forest management plan (FMP) for the Sudbury Forest.

This plan outlines the proposed levels of access, harvest, renewal and tending activities for regions in what we consider to be Western Temagami. This plan also includes preferred and optional harvest areas and areas which could be reasonably harvested during the ten-year term of the plan.

Some of these areas are situated in the Solace Wildlands - a remote area situated between Solace Park and the Sturgeon River Park. Of particular concern is a proposal to amend the recently adopted Sturgeon River Provincial Park Management Plan and allow another bridge to gain access to clear-cut this pristine area.

The Solace Wildlands is a large roadless area that is a major asset to any expansion of a true wilderness area in the Temagami District. FOT is very concerned that this plan threatens the integrity of the Pilgrim - Yorston Corridor, specifically the Yorston River and Pilgrim Creek canoe routes.