Dear valued members and concerned citizens,
I’m delighted to report that after days of intense negotiations, we have reached a resolution with Miisun and the MNR. A very new and very different Forest Management Plan will be going forward to the final planning stage and ultimate implementation.
Below is a summary of what we have accomplished…and by we, I mean the Foundation board, its numerous committees, our generous initial donors including those that contributed services in kind, our members and all the supporters that have come to help our cause. To think that 5 months ago we only learned of potential clear cutting in our area, and today with a great deal of hard work and despite the adversity, we have, for the next 10 years, a reprieve.
What we have achieved so far!
- We initially identified 16 blocks of proposed clear cutting that would have environmental, use and enjoyment consequences for CWB
- Modifications have been made to ALL of them
- The blocks closest to our cottages which would be visible and directly affect water quality and our use and enjoyment have been REMOVED
- 8 of the 16 blocks have been TOTALLY removed
- 1 block has been removed and identified as only a contingency
- 2 blocks have had significant reductions to accommodate our concerns on the environmental impact
- The remaining blocks are distant from the lake
- Timing restrictions exist for all harvesting
- Replanting of red pine will occur in most areas to some degree
- Buffers along roads will be created
A huge thanks goes out to our executive committee of David MacAngus, Ceci Kaufman, David De Leeuw and Nancy MacAngus for all the negotiation meetings and constant strategic counsel they provided. A special thanks to Frank Roberts and his wonderful and dedicated technical committee which developed all the ammunition for our challenge. Our board members Maddie Ferguson, Roger Burns, Sean Campbell, Dale Hendry, George Vis, John Waterer and Rick Workman each did a yeoman’s effort in their committees, regional presentations, membership, website development and administrative work. So many have given up their precious time this summer to work on this project, and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude.
The forestry challenge involved a host of consultants including website, donor administration, aquatic environmental, terrestrial environmental, communications, lobbyists, indigenous cultural and two law firms. The cost was significant, and could only be accomplished due to the donations and sponsorship we received. The fundraising committee under David MacAngus’ leadership and the generous support of all of you, gave us the ability to bring the necessary resources to the table to advance our cause.
I would also like to thank Miisun Integrated Resource Management, its management, board of directors and Indigenous owners for the modifications and concessions they made in the 2022-2032 Forest Management Plan. They listened to our concerns and we are committed as a foundation to work with our indigenous neighbors to promote our common goals of sustainable environmental stewardship, cultural respect and awareness and the development of mutually beneficial economic initiatives.
Our work is far from done.
While the result gives us a chance to catch our breath, we still have lots to do ahead of us including finishing off our fundraising, completing our website, securing memberships, determining what environmental work is required or of benefit, establishing communications, relations and initiatives with our indigenous neighbors, securing representation on the Local Citizens Committee for future forest planning input, identifying resources that can help champion our cause and charting the future priorities to ensure that by 2032 there is no basis or support for future clear cutting in CWB.
As we celebrate this accomplishment, I would like to make 2 requests of each of you:
- If you haven’t become a Foundation member yet, please do so on the website and feel free to add your family members – our strength going forward is being able to show that the Foundation represents hundreds of concerned cottagers in CWB, who have a united and strong voice, that needs to be heard (for a change).
- The fundraising committee will be reaching out to finish off the targeted fundraising ask – those being folks known to the fundraising committee members. If you haven’t already, please give generously. For those lucky folks not known to the fundraising committee, we will be using the website for donations and sponsorship. Please stay tuned for more on that.
With much gratitude,
James Ferguson Q.C. President, CWBSF