This 2001 report explains why Manitoba is falling behind, compared to other western provinces, in protecting its natural heritage for future generations. Between 47% to 62% of the Duck Mountain, Nopiming and Whiteshell Provincial Parks are open to industrial activities such as clear-cut logging. The report recommends writing the government to urge for full protection of these parks and to create new parks such as the proposed Sturgeon Bay and Manigotagan Parks.

Parks at risk: Manitoba

Wilderness Committee Educational Report Vol.20 - No.03, Summer/Fall 2001

Whiteshell

by Ron Thiessen

Zubek Lake in Whiteshell Park in a 'resource management' zone. Photo credit: Shelby Sandhu

The 2,721 sq. kilometre Whiteshell Provincial Park provides most Manitobans with their first view of the spectacular Canadian Shield. It is also home to Manitoba's provincial bird, the Great Grey Owl (see front page for photo). With its many lakes, rivers, forested areas, rock outcrops and wildlife, it continues to be a celebrated part of our natural heritage. Whiteshell is the most popular and the most visited of the large provincial parks in Manitoba.

The history of human existence in the Whiteshell area goes back at least 8,000 years. The first inhabitants were hunter-gatherers who lived a primarily nomadic lifestyle. Rock arrangements, or petroforms, in the shapes of humans and animals are attributed to descendants of the Ojibwe who still use these sites to- day for spiritual instruction and healing.

In years past, the Cree, La Verendrye, and many fur traders also embedded their imprint on this region.

In more recent times, Whiteshell has been fulfilling the recreational needs of many Manitobans. It's also a popular destination for many tourists that visit the province. People treasure countless fond memories of fishing trips, canoeing excursions, camping retreats, hiking, and spotting wildlife in this majestic para- dise. For many, it is simply a place to escape from the stress of urban living and gain a sense of renewal.

Sadly, the majority of Whiteshell Provincial Park's guests are unaware that 47% of this so-called park is available for clearcut logging; a highly mecha- nized, low employment practice that de- stroys natural biodiversity. Currently, ex- tensive logging in the park is destroying the home of many species of wildlife that require habitat protection for their con- tinued survival. The clearcutting in the park is `managed' by our provincial gov- ernment and the logging is being done by Pine Falls Paper Co. and others.

It is time to take Whiteshell Provin- cial Park from the destructive shadow of clearcut logging into a state of full pro- tection for wildlife and future genera- tions. Make sure to express your opin- ion on the fate of this park to your elected representatives (contact information on the back of this paper).