Outfitters, activists weigh in on forestry strategy

Pulp and paper giant Tembec Industries unveiled its annual operating plan in Lac du Bonnet on Tuesday, as part of a series of public consultations on the logging company's harvesting strategy for 2007/08.

As part of the operating plan, which will go to the provincial government for approval next month, Tembec plans to clear-cut select areas of the North Eastman region, including blocks within the Nopiming Provincial Park and possibly an area along the Manigotagan River.

"There's certainly been a lot of questions, but that's what we're doing this for," Tembec district manager Andrew McCuaig said of the lengthy consultation process, which will see the company travel as far as Hollow Water First Nation to consult with members of the public.

Environmental concerns:

A Monday night open house held in Winnipeg drew the attention of activist group The Wilderness Committee, which set up its own open house in a room next door to Tembec's at the city's Place Louis Riel.

Around 50 activists showed up, including outfitters and cottagers concerned over logging practices in the region.

Wilderness Committee spokesperson Eric Reder singled out Tembec's Manigotagan River and Owl Lake cutting blocks as areas of concern.

"We're not Tembec-bashing, that's not our goal," Reder told the Leader.

The river was designated a provincial park in 2004, protected from logging by a 750-metre buffer.

However, the buffer narrows to 250 meters, Tembec's superintendent in planning James Fraser said.

Although Fraser noted the Manigotagan River is only a contingency for the company, Reder said the logging giant should stay out of the area altogether.

"They just need to start paying attention to these concerns. We worked hard to have (the Manigotagan River) protected," Reder said.

Reder was also critical of Tembec's plans to cut within the Owl Lake area, where a herd of woodland caribou is located.

However, Tembec has been asked by the Eastern Manitoba Woodland Caribou Management Committee to conduct an experimental clearcut in the area.

Road issues:

Outfitter Vance Hrechkosy showed up to Tembec's open house in LdB, and said his main concern was the creation of logging roads in the region.

Hrechkosy has been involved in several legal challenges over the years to prevent cottage developments from going up along the Winnipeg River near his hunting areas, and said logging roads must be decommissioned after use to prevent easy human access to the area's delicate wilderness that sustains his Pointe du Bois-based business, Trail End Camp.

"Cottage developments would put us right out of business," he said.

"That's not to say I'm against logging. On the contrary, it's great for the economy and can even increase our hunting areas."

Fraser said Tembec assesses its roads on a case-by-case basis, but usually decommissions them after use.

"It certainly is a legitimate concern," Fraser said.

For more information on the 2007/08 operating plan, visit tembec-frm-manitoba.ca

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