Protect the Valhalla Block

Dear Minister Ramsay:

I urge you to expand Woodland Caribou Provincial Park to protect the Valhalla Block of important caribou habitat, in its entirety. Woodland caribou are at risk in Ontario, and there is a clear link between caribous' northward retreat and timber harvesting, especially associated road development. All the evidence to date concludes that industrial timber harvesting and caribou survival are incompatible. The Valhalla Block has long been known to provide important winter habitat to Woodland caribou. Rather than allowing it to be logged under the proposed Whitefeather Forest and Adjacent Areas Land Use Plan, you should protect the Valhalla Block.

Allowing timber harvesting into the Valhalla Block is short-sighted, and is a breach of your commitment to protect Ontario's biodiversity. The forest industry is ailing due to factors far beyond the control of Ontario, such as global prices for wood products and energy. It does not make sense to trade off irreplaceable natural treasures such as intact forests and healthy caribou populations for short-term and unsustainable forestry operations.

The time is now to keep your commitment to protect biodiversity in Ontario. Say no to logging and protect the Valhalla Block by adding it to Woodland Caribou Provincial Park.