IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2013
Canoe camp Facebook invites Wynne to paddle Wolf Lake using stunning time lapse video
Threatened ancient red pine forest is among Sudbury’s top eco-tourism destinations
Sudbury – Today Camp Keewaydin on Lake Temagami launched a breathtaking time-lapse video on Facebook, inviting Premier Wynne to join them on a canoe trip to Sudbury's famed Wolf Lake, threatened home to the world’s largest ancient red pine forest.
Advocates are hoping that the new Premier will breathe life into the deadlocked conversation over providing full protection for one of Sudbury’s top eco-tourism destinations. The Government of Ontario promised to protect Wolf Lake in 1999, but last year mining leases surrounding Wolf Lake owned by Calgary based Flag Resources were renewed for 21 years.
“Premier Wynne, please join us on a leisurely paddle to beautiful Wolf Lake this summer,” wrote Bruce Ingersoll, Director of Camp Keewaydin. “Our campers have loved Wolf Lake’s old growth forests for over 100 years, and we think you will too.”
The video features breath taking new time lapse photography shot at Wolf Lake last summer by Christoph Benfey, Joel Sjaarda, and Rob Nelson.
“We are hoping that Premier Wynne will join the dialogue about Wolf Lake to help us find a resolution that protects this world class destination,” said Bob Olajos speaking for the Wolf Lake Coalition. “When she comes, she will find that the ancient pines, clear waters, and rocky ridges speak for themselves.”
Every summer thousands of people from near and far come to camp at Wolf Lake. Outfitters, guides, lodges, camps, restaurants, and motels depend on the boost that tourism and recreational spending provides.
A group of eight Temagami area camps alone infuses over $3.5 million in direct spending into the renewable economy each year, while providing leadership development, healing, and educational experiences to approximately 700 youth annually.
“Our campers have enjoyed Wolf Lake for over a hundred years, bringing stable, renewable economic activity to Ontario,” said Ingersoll. “We’d like to continue doing that for another hundred years. This area should be permanently protected so that our grandchildren can enjoy it as we have.”
Ancient red pine forests were once widespread, but now they are extremely rare and are estimated to persist on only 1.2% of their former extent.
VIDEO: http://savewolflake.org/videos
MORE INFORMATION: SaveWolfLake.org
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