Protect Catchacoma old‑growth forest

Help get protected status for Catchacoma Forest–the largest known old-growth eastern hemlock forest in the province.

What you can do

Tell the Ministry of Natural Resources and your local MPP that you support the regulation of Catchacoma Forest as a protected area.

Why this matters

Old-growth forests like Catchacoma are rare and endangered in the province. They have multiple conservation values, including supporting unique biodiversity, storing carbon to mitigate climate change and opportunities for recreation, health benefits, research and education and land-based reconciliation with First Nations. Old-growth forests should be protected, not logged.

Points to consider

Use these to add to or edit your letter.

  • I am writing to express my strong support for designating the Catchacoma Forest, located on Williams Treaty Crown Land in the Municipality of Trent Lakes, as a protected area.
  • The 662-ha Catchacoma Forest has been studied by ecologists with Ancient Forest Exploration & Research who found significant conservation values, including rare mature and old-growth hemlock forest, habitat for several endangered species, such as eastern wolf, blanding’s turtles and wood thrush as well as potentially provincially significant wetlands.
  • Catchacoma Forest is adjacent to the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park and its protection would add to the connectivity of habitat for wildlife, as well as accessible trails for low-impact recreation and education.
  • Ontario is behind in meeting international and national commitments to growing networks of protected parks and conservation reserves. Catchacoma Forest has important ecological, scientific, educational, carbon-storing, cultural and recreational values and should be considered a prime candidate for permanent protection.  
  • Please work with the Wilderness Committee, Catchacoma Forest Stewardship Committee, Curve Lake First Nation, the Municipality of Trent Lakes and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to protect Catchacoma Forest.
     
Points to consider

Use these to add to or edit your letter.

  • I am writing to express my strong support for designating the Catchacoma Forest, located on Williams Treaty Crown Land in the Municipality of Trent Lakes, as a protected area.
  • The 662-ha Catchacoma Forest has been studied by ecologists with Ancient Forest Exploration & Research who found significant conservation values, including rare mature and old-growth hemlock forest, habitat for several endangered species, such as eastern wolf, blanding’s turtles and wood thrush as well as potentially provincially significant wetlands.
  • Catchacoma Forest is adjacent to the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park and its protection would add to the connectivity of habitat for wildlife, as well as accessible trails for low-impact recreation and education.
  • Ontario is behind in meeting international and national commitments to growing networks of protected parks and conservation reserves. Catchacoma Forest has important ecological, scientific, educational, carbon-storing, cultural and recreational values and should be considered a prime candidate for permanent protection.  
  • Please work with the Wilderness Committee, Catchacoma Forest Stewardship Committee, Curve Lake First Nation, the Municipality of Trent Lakes and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to protect Catchacoma Forest.