We support expanding…

We support expanding protected areas in Ontario, and the sites listed.

In the northeast zone, we also strongly support adding Wolf Lake old growth red pine forest as a protected area. Wolf Lake is the largest remaining old growth red pine forest in the world, and the only red growth red pine forest known to be naturally regenerating. Old growth red pine is an endangered ecosystem, with less than 1.2% remaining. It supports biodiversity, provides unique habitat for many species, including species at risk, and represents the original natural ecosystem of this area. The missing link in the Chiniguchi Waterway Provincial Park, it is highly valued for canoeing, camping, and enjoying the spectacular natural beauty of the area. Protecting our old growth forests is an essential part of climate action as the climate crisis grows.

As a forest reserve, Wolf Lake is a park in waiting, to be brought into the parks system as existing mining leases and claims lapse (as committed to in the Ontario’s Living Legacy Land Use Strategy). Wahnapitae First Nation is currently collaborating with local groups, including the Save Wolf Lake Coalition, to create an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area at Wolf Lake: the Mi’iangan Zaagagan Preserve.

We urge Ontario to expedite the full protection of Wolf Lake old growth forest as an IPCA.