Take action to end logging in Algonquin Park

Details: Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00; Written by editor

Take action to end logging in Algonquin Park

Industry is incompatible with protection

Hi Paov,

Deep in the heart of the land known as Ontario, Algonquin Provincial Park is a renowned haven for wilderness, water and wildlife.

Named for the First Nations whose territory the park occupies, Algonquin has a remarkable place in the hearts of those even far beyond its borders. Across Canada the name “Algonquin Park” evokes images of misty lakes and rivers, mighty moose, elusive Algonquin wolves and towering trees. Over a million visitors seek solace in the park’s campgrounds and backcountry trails each year.

A misty lake and small trees with towering trees in the background.

Sadly, Algonquin Park also shelters a dirty secret: industrial logging. Hidden just beyond the visual buffers of some of the most scenic canoe roots, many are shocked to learn that 65% of this supposedly protected place is managed for commercial timber harvest including road-building and gravel extraction. It is shocking considering laws ban logging in all other parks in the province. Speak up to end logging in Algonquin Park Aerial view of a vast expanse of forests and wetlands.

Aerial view of a vast expanse of forests and wetlands.

Bird's eye view of a logged area in Algonquin Park.

Despite repeated recommendations from environmental commissioners to end logging in Algonquin Park, Ontario leaders have repeatedly succumbed to industry pressure and greenwashing. They’re failing to give it full protection. The industry’s sustainability claims ring hollow since it also lobbied to exempt logging from both endangered species and environmental assessment legislation. Activists like you have fought back with your letters to decision makers.

Industry greenwashing also distracts from the significant impact of over 5,000 km of logging roads — more than the driving distance between Banff and Halifax — on wildlife habitat and ecosystem health. What’s more, the most recent 10 year logging plan includes increased road building and harvest in 24,000 hectares of unprotected old-growth stands within the park. Aerial view of a logging road and a pile of logs with heavy machinery in otherwise intact forest in Algonquin Park.

Aerial view of a logging road and a pile of logs with heavy machinery in otherwise intact forest in Algonquin Park.

Meanwhile scientists increasingly tout old-growth preservation as a natural climate solution. In this age of climate and biodiversity crises, logging companies’ dubious "sustainability" claims are unacceptable — especially for a public park.

Canada has pledged to meet UN biodiversity targets of protecting 30% of land and waters by 2030. What better place to start than the oldest park on the books?

Check out our photos below from a recent trip to document the hidden face of logging in Algonquin Park. Then, tell Ontario leaders enough is enough. It’s high time to end park logging For the wild,

Katie Krelove
Ontario Campaigner
Wilderness Committee

Photos from a trip down the Algonquin logging roads

Autumn in Algonquin Park is one of the busiest times as people flock in droves to witness the natural spectacle of fall foliage colours. I visited recently, but with a different focus. I wanted to see the ugly face of logging behind the “buffers” that block it from most visitors. I wanted to show that ugly face to you, the concerned public. A gravel pit stretches between distant edges of forest.

A gravel pit stretches between distant edges of forest.

Aerial view of a gravel pit with sparse vegetation at its edges.

A single tall tree left in a logged area is barely hanging on.

Only two tall trees remain in a logged area on opposite sides of a logging road in Algonquin Park.

A sign next to a gravel logging road reads

A truck full of trees speeds down a logging road.

A pile of logs with a John Deere machine next to it in a cleared forest area.

A closeup of large, chained tires with a buncher and logs in the background.

Mud, sticks and a few logs, with what's left of the forest in the background.

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