In July 2008, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty announced a world-leading commitment to conservation-focused land-use planning for Ontario's Great Boreal Forest, including protection for more than 50% of the area. To make this bold commitment a reality, we need a strong Boreal legislation that:
1. Creates a well-resourced joint Planning Board
to allow First Nations and the Province to work
together and share implementation of planning.
2. Details how Ontario will work in partnership with First Nations to determine the location, use and management of the 50% or more of the region that the Premier has committed to protect as conservation lands.
3. Sets out how community plans will be developed and integrated with regional objectives.
4. Describes how communities will realize long-term benefits from development and their role in management.
5. Provides a clear role for a Science Advisory Committee, including objectives for how it will inform land-use planning.
6. Sets clear rules for the development of roads,
corridors and industrial activity outside of
protected areas.
Tell us what makes Ontario's wild places important to you. Share your stories and photos of your time in Ontario's forests. We will compile these postings into a Boreal Scrapbook for presentation to Premier Dalton McGuinty so he can see firsthand the importance to Ontarians of protecting ecologically intact areas like the Great Boreal Forest.
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This is why we need to make an effort to stop or at least slow down the oil sands
this is one of my favourite moments in the Boreal even though it was on a spooky river called the Windigo. Thanks to my paddling partner for helping me catch so much air! We need it this place forever.
On the Missinaibi, our group was astounded to find these pictographs, left by our predecessors. What will our legacy be?
Either scouting a rapid or contemplating my existence on the Missinaibi River as a young guide. Thankfully, this river is protected, but there are many that need our help!
This photo was taken on the CPAWS Boreal Rendezvous Trip in 2003 on the Berens River in northewestern Ontario. This spot was paradise. I am very supportive of Ontario’s commitment to protect such incredible places.
No she is not walking on water but rather admiring a great waterfall on the Cat River system in northwestern Ontario.
This is a truly magical place that everyone should get a chance to see.
This is our chance to show our kids that we will keep wild places in Ontario. Congratulations on this new approach and recognizing the importance of wilderness to all of us.