I am opposed to the 2 year…

I am opposed to the 2 year proposed exemption from the Ontario Endangered Species Act, 2007 for forestry and mining operations on Ontario Crown Land because the current Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry guidelines allow the following negative impacts of resource extraction to occur in Northwestern Ontario:

-Mining companies cause extensive damage during their exploration activities.

-Shoreline harvesting has the potential of removing Species at Risk habitat and a 30 meter forested buffer around lakes, rivers and streams is not enough to protect Species at Risk. -Herbicide use lowers biodiversity and medicinal plant harvest such as killing blueberry shrubs and old growth birch that provides medicinal chaga. -Large areas of forest are currently harvested when too young. To maintain healthy boreal wildlife populations and diversity of species, the minimum age for forest harvest should be 100 years not 60 years. -Currently, large areas of deforestation comprise too much of the southern boreal landscape. -There are not enough large diameter trees on the southern boreal landscape. Large diameter trees are essential for large stick nests, cavities, shelter and aesthetics. -Too many forestry access roads interfere with wetlands and decrease wildlife populations through hunting and collisions with vehicles. -Not enough southern boreal forest area is allowed to undergo natural succession and selection. -The southern boreal forest looks more like a tree farm than a healthy forest ecosystem.

[Original Comment ID: 213257]