Additional development in Whiteshell threatens our natural heritage

The Wilderness Committee was disappointed to learn, today, that the province was allowing construction of a private camp in an undeveloped natural area in Whiteshell Park, despite there being no current park management plan.

“On the surface there is great, positive news.” said Reder. “Underprivileged kids get to go to camp and learn leadership skills, and there seems, finally, to be some discussions about First Nations youth involvement and opportunity. Who would argue with that? But there is the question 'does the end justifying the means?' We should reflect on whether we want to allow another piece of nature to be fragmented, whether we want biological diversity to be further threatened, and whether we want to see just a bit more of the essential components of a healthy environment disappear.”

The Wilderness Committee has called for a moratorium on any provincial park development until park management plans are completed, and is particularly concerned about Whiteshell development. As far back as 1983, government park documents say Whiteshell development was at capacity.

“Manitobans know and appreciate that our wild areas, our natural areas, are finite. Every time we decide to develop more, especially in our parks, literally a little piece of our province dies.” said Reder.

Currently, there is condo developments in Hecla, hydro developments in Nopiming, logging developments in Grass River, and development in Birds Hill, all of which are going forward without current park management plans. The Wilderness Committee continues to call on the Manitoba government to direct resources towards park management plans for all its parks, so we can preserve our valuable natural heritage for future generations.

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