The old growth forests of northern Ontario's Temagami region may fall victim to widespread clear-cutting if an Ontario government plan passes unchecked, say environmental and tourism groups.

Yesterday the Ministry of Natural Resources released a draft forestry management plan for the next 10 years. In it, they could reduce the buffer zone around canoe routes and historical portage trails that make Temagami such a great place to paddle.

Ministry documents show a massive increase in clear-cutting of old forests -- up to 3,000 hectares in some places -- is being considered while current guidelines limit the majority of clearcuts to a maximum of 260 hectares.

"It would devastate the area in terms of recreation potential for at least the next 50 years,'' said Robert Olajos, spokesman for Friends of Temagami and a local resident.

For more information on the issue and how you can get involved, visit Friends of Temagami.

Photo Credit: Nate Archer

Environment