Logging in Algonquin Provincial Park

While logging is now banned from all of Ontario's 631 protected areas, only 22% of Algonquin Provincial Park remains protected from logging activities. Algonquin was Ontario's first provincial park and was established in 1893. Classified as a Natural Environment Park, the park is managed for protection, heritage interpretation, recreation, tourism and use of resources. To learn more about the background of Algonquin Provincial Park you can visit the Ministry of Natural Resource information page http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Newsroom/LatestNews/MNR_E004257.html

Currently, the Parks Board and the Algonquin Forest Authority are working jointly and consultations have taken place to determine future protection for Algonquin Provincial Park. Both agencies have come to an agreement that 22 % is not a sufficient level of protection and that this should be raised to 50%. The change in the amount of protected area will not affect the amount of wood supplied from the park.

Currently both organizations are not in agreement on the specific details of which areas should be protected. Final recommendations wil be made to the Minister of Natural Resources.

A campaign is currently in place by CPAWS Wildlands League to urge the minister to immediately increase protection in the park to areas where both organizations are in agreement protection is needed. They are also pushing for a consensus to be reached no later than spring 2009 on the remaining areas to be protected.

To learn more about getting involved in protecting Algonquin Park please visit http://www.wildlandsleague.org/