Gigitowin's

Letter to Ontario on proposed logging

Gig appeal to you: The Gig made its views known to government in the following letter. It asks all alumni to help by writing to the same address, expressing opposition to new logging and roads. This is about the future of the Keewaydin and Temagami we know and love.

In particular, bolded points 1, 2 and 7 should be mentioned. It is important to give your reasons in order for the letter to have impact, particularly mentioning:

   A) support for wilderness integrity

   B) opposition to more access.

DO NOT COPY THIS LETTER. Anything appearing to be a form letter is virtually ignored. As such don't mention affiliation to any organization but write as a concerned individual. Use your own words.

Encourage others. Volume of letters carry weight.

Provide your name and address.

 

August 15, 2003

 

Kevin Rankin

Ministry of Natural Resources

3301 Trout Lake Rd.

North Bay, ON

P1A 4L7

 

Dear Sir

 

We are writing to you as representatives of the Gigitowin of Keewaydin, a landmark organization on Lake Temagami. Keewaydin is a canoe-tripping youth camp, which has been operating out of Lake Temagami for 100 years. The Gigitowin is an internal service organization dedicated to the preservation of the Keewaydin tradition of wilderness canoe tripping and the preservation of our local environment.

 

Our concern is the proposed logging of blocks 60-63 and the subsequent opening or re-opening of logging in those areas, as access cannot be controlled without provincial-park status. We perennially run trips through all areas of the proposed logging, with established portage trails and campsites located in each block. We have additional concerns regarding logging:

1.

We are opposed to the re-opening of the Red Squirrel Road because it intersects the Bob Lake Conservation Reserve and Obabika Park. In addition, it is in conflict with canoe routes traveled not only by Keewaydin, but dozens of recreational canoeists that frequently travel through the area.

2.

 We are opposed to the sustained logging in the land west of Anima Nipissing and Temagami lakes, and west of Wakimika and Obabika lakes.

3.

 We are opposed to logging within two kilometers of any conservation reserves as well as established canoe routes, as a buffer is needed to maintain the ecological integrity of the area and of portage trails and campsites.

4,

 We are opposed to logging in the Muskego Wildlands because access cannot be controlled, either by road closures or access restrictions.

5.

 We are opposed to logging west of Sharp Rock Inlet off the Red Squirrel Road as access to the area cannot be controlled either.

6.

 We are opposed to logging blocks 60, 61, 62, 63. These are in Special Management Areas and access to them must be controlled. Recent independent studies have shown that to be impossible.*

7.

 All logging in the Special Management Areas in the Land Use Plan should be banned. These areas operate on a unique balance between resource removal and remote eco-tourism. This requires access control to maintain the balance, which has failed.

 

Enclosed is a copy of established portage trails, campsites, and canoe routes that intersect with the proposed logging plan. We realize that prevention of all the logging is impossible. However, we hope our knowledge of the area can affect the final placement of logging roads and cuts. We hope that all established canoe routes will be spared and their integrity preserved. In addition, we are concerned about the increased access that roads will bring to the area.

 

Sincerely

 

The Gigitowin of Keewaydin

 

* Temagami Management Unit Independent Forest Audit, April 30, 2002.
    BACKGROUND:  Audit reveals uncontrolled access

                        Clear-cuts visible from space

                        Proposed new logging to increase 400%

                       

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