Restricted access to Crown lands upsets local groups

Five area groups are combining forces hold a public information meeting to review the province's management plan for the Algoma Headwaters Signature Site.

The organizations are: Algoma ATV and Sled Tours, the Desbien Township Campers Association, the Ranger Lake Campers Association, the St. Joseph Island Hunters & Anglers Association and Wilderness Riders of Algoma.

The following news release has been issued by Wilderness Riders of Algoma on behalf of the lead participants:

************************* The managemant plan for the Algoma Headwaters Signature Site, now available from the Ministry of Natural Resources, has prompted a number of concerns for stakeholders in the area north of Searchmont.

Although the ministry conducted the required public consultations to produce this document, the public should be aware of the impacts and restrictions on recreational uses being implemented.

This is one more area that is being taken away from Northern Ontario residents that have been traditionally available under the provincial free use policy on Crown lands.

It does not appear to impact industrial and commercial use as much as it does family recreation access to lakes and forest lands.

Everyone should obtain a copy from the ministry office on Church Street in Sault Ste. Marie and read it carefully.

The stakeholders group will be hosting a meeting at the Moose Lodge on Trunk Road, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, May 9, 2007, 7 p.m. ***************************