60-day comment period runs to November 3

The Ministry of Natural Resources released Temagami’s Draft 10-year Forest Management Plan for 2009-2019 yesterday amidst controversy.

Earthroots has called for a delay to the planning so that public concerns can be addressed.

In July, Temagami’s Local Citizens Committee, a MNR-appointed advisory board representing a broad cross-section of special interest groups, voted to condemn the draft plan. Such action is unprecedented in Ontario.

With 62 members and growing, we’re hoping that some of the Facebook members, who are perhaps new to FOT, will take the leap and become active contributors to the FOT’s mission.

A recent study by the Friends of Temagami has identified over 4700 kilometres of canoe routes in Temagami. This is almost double the officially-recognized government figure of 2400 km. Also identified were 1300 km of winter-only travel routes.

Using the Historical Map of Temagami by Craig MacDonald, the Temagami Canoe Routes map published by the MNR, Canoeing Kayaking and Hiking Temagami by Hap Wilson, and records from camps, outfitters, and guides, the FOT has painted a picture far different from what the MNR would have us believe.