Wolf Lake forest still open to mineral exploration

The province will maintain the status quo for the Wolf Lake forest a move that Conservationistscalled a step in the right direction, but one that doesn't go far enough.

The stand of old-growthred pine will be keptas a forest reserve. That will protect Wolf Lake from logging but exploration and development of existing mining claims and leases in the area will still be allowed.

Franco Mariotti, a staff biologist at Science North who has been active in a campaign to save Wolf Lake, said it is unfortunate the area has not been given full protection.

"The area is still open to mining and mining exploration," Mariotti said. "So if anything is found there, the whole area will be threatened by the creation of a mine."

Mariotti said he would like to see Wolf Lake included in a nearby park. The province noted its decision to maintain Wolf Lakes Forest Reserve status was based on the feedback received through the provincial environmental registry.

Officials with the Ontario Prospectors Association are applauding the province's decision to protect the area.

But Garry Clark, the associations executive director, said prospectors should be allowed to evaluate the mineral potential in the area.

"I'm always concerned that some of the coalitions that want mining to cease altogether will be successful," Clark said. "But if the government's taking this stance now, at least we'll back the government and we'll continue to explore."