Ontario Endorses Balanced Approach to Protecting Algonquin Park

For Immediate Release
November 02, 2009

Ontario Endorses Balanced Approach to Protecting Algonquin Park
McGuinty Government Seeks to Reduce Environmental Impact of Logging in the Park

NEWS

Ontario is moving forward on recommendations in a report developed with input from environmental and forestry advisors that outlines ways to reduce the ecological footprint of logging in Algonquin Park while still maintaining a healthy forestry sector.

The report – Joint Proposal for Lightening the Ecological Footprint of Logging in Algonquin Park – was presented to the Minister of Natural Resources by the Ontario Parks Board and Algonquin Forestry Authority Board. It outlines ways to reduce the environmental impacts of forestry activities in the park, enhance protection for park values, and still provide certainty of wood supply and economic security for local mills and communities. Recommendations include:

• an increase of approximately 98,000 hectares within the park’s protection zones
• best management practices that lessen the impact of roads and other forest operations
• clarity regarding forested areas available for logging

The report was built on consultations with the forest industry, the Algonquins of Ontario and key stakeholder groups.

The Ministry of Natural Resources will now pursue a park management plan amendment based on the report’s recommendations. The amendment process will include consultation with the public and Aboriginal communities. Information about dates and locations for the consultations will be available soon. The result of this process may also require an update to the Algonquin Park Forest Management Plan.

QUOTES

“Algonquin Park is truly one of Ontario’s natural wonders and we will continue to ensure it remains so for future generations. Our goal is to achieve the right balance between protecting the park’s natural values and maintaining the forestry operations that have traditionally been part of Algonquin’s history.”
– Donna Cansfield, Minister of Natural Resources

"I believe our recommendations strike a fair balance among private, public and First Nation's interests in Algonquin Park. The recommendation to increase the area of the park that is not logged, together with more effective forest operations strategies, will enhance the value of one of Ontario's great assets."
– Ron Vrancart, Ontario Parks Board Chair

“Our recommendations represent a balanced solution which helps maintain the ecological integrity of the Algonquin forest and still produce a sustainable supply of forest products for the forest industry in the region. The strategies outlined will help the AFA continue to achieve the highest standard of sustainable forest management practices in order to maintain park values for future generations.”
– Hugh Christie, Algonquin Forestry Authority Chair

QUICK FACTS

• Algonquin Park is home to species at risk and the world’s largest group of naturally reproducing brook trout lakes.
• Almost a million visits are made to Algonquin annually, giving a boost of $26 million a year to the area’s economy and providing jobs and support for local businesses and communities.
• Logging in Algonquin has been going on since before the park was created in 1893 and today provides more than 2,800 jobs and contributes approximately $134 million to Ontario’s economy annually.
• Forestry operations within the park are governed by the Algonquin Forestry Authority and take place on less than 1.5 per cent of park area each year.

LEARN MORE

• Review the Joint Proposal for Lightening the Ecological Footprint of Logging in Algonquin Park, Registry Number 010-8247
• Find out more about Algonquin Park
• Learn more about forestry in the park.
• Backgrounder: Algonquin Provincial Park

For More Information

Stefanie Millon, Minister’s Office, 416-314-2212

Media Desk, Communications Services Branch, 416-314-2106

General Enquiries

Natural Resources Information Centre
1-800-667-1940
TTY 1-866-686-6072 (Hearing Impaired)