Algonquin logging part of park use

Re Logging roads criss- cross Algonquin Oct. 17.

I use our wilderness areas extensively as the owner of Outdoor Adventure Canada and I would be the first to speak up and make sure an area is protected. That being said I was reading the article by Colin Perkel ( of Canadian Press) about the logging roads that crisscross Algonquin Provincial Park. He does not portray an accurate account of the situation surrounding logging in Ontario’s oldest provincial park.

Algonquin Provincial Park is a very well- managed logging area and has been for decades. Algonquin Provincial Park has been commercially logged since 1893 and today only 1.5 per cent of the park is logged each year. The park uses selective logging principles and there is a management plan in place. All of this is overseen by the Algonquin Forestry Authority to ensure the best interests of the natural environment are taken into consideration.

Perkel also should refrain from comparing a lightly-travelled logging road to a city highway. Many of these logging roads are from days gone by and many are no longer in use. In fact many of them are utilized by canoeists and other recreation seekers. There has been more impact on wildlife from park users than there has been from logging.

Perhaps Perkel would do well to learn more about the logging that goes on in the park and what good this multi- use park status has done for Algonquin, its environment and the local economy. Laurie March, Owner, Outdoor Adventure Canada, Guelph