The areas within the…

The areas within the Wabikimi and Kopka River Provincial parks hold fragile birthing islands for the woodland caribou and moose and aboriginal historic sites. To expand access beyond existing fly-in and canoe methods would be severely detrimental to the well being of both natural and cultural resources. Sustainable eco- friendly low impact recreational tourism when conducted with environmental concern and sensitivity are the only methods that will assure the preservation of these areas. Forest management both for marketable harvest and Fire Prevention are necessary but must be approached with revised guidelines and methods. The old methods of timber harvest with chainsaw and slasher must be reviewed to eliminate the stock piles of tinder dry slash that fuel unwelcome forest fires. Chippers to reduce wood waste to accelerate natural decomposition would assist microbial organisms in the re-vitalization of top soil and ground cover and lessen the severity of forest fire occurances. Soil layers in these areas are thin and erosion control is difficult to maintain with the rock surfaces and high run off during rain events. Again additional road access should not be considered when formulating your plan realizing the negative impact soil runoff creates on affected fisheries within the park(s) area. Enjoying and sharing the outdoor experience of the Provincial Parks of Ontario is much like music- it is universal to those that have had and will have exposure to it . To protect and assure it is passed on to future generations to appreciate is a wise request to ask of our generation. Thank you.

[Original Comment ID: 155627]