Logging continues at Barrier Lake

Page R3

Despite the efforts to protect an area of traditional land and wildlife in the Barrier Lake area, logging continues at La Verendrye Park.

A ban on logging in the park was suspended in February and tree cutting restarted at the beginning of June over the protests of the Algonquin of Barrier Lake. While the band has threatened to set up blockades in the area, no action has yet been taken.

The band entered into a trilateral agreement with the Quebec government in August 1991, almost two years after setting up blockades to protest being shuttled aside during logging negotiations. They entered consultations with the government in hopes of developing an integrated resource management plan for the region that would protect wildlife and the Algonquin's traditional lifestyle. "We're not against logging as long as it's done in accordance with the agreement that was signed as long as it doesn't threaten the Algonquins' traditional way of life," said band lawyer Russell Diabo. "We think these two interests can be balanced."

The point of argument centers around how wide a buffer zone should be maintained between logging and the area's water ways. The Algonquins have been petitioning to maintain a 60-metre buffer until environment impact and integrated management studies have been completed.

Under the trilateral agreement, the logging ban that was in effect until this past February was intended to protect the area while talks continued. Diabo says the community indicated they won't accept logging in the park unless it is in accordance with the agreement.

"What will be left to negotiate later if the land is destroyed through their regime," questioned council spokesman Michelle Thusky. Logging too close to water ways will increase silt deposit; through erosion, decreasing the water levels and ultimately affecting the fish and plant life of the lake. Wildlife will also be affected, increasing hardship for band members dependent on hunting and fishing for sustenance.

Thusky wants to see sensitive zones and protective measures developed by the Gateau Logging company, as well as environmental studies undertaken, as agreed on in the 1991 negotiations. Otherwise he would be willing to take action to protect the band's land.

"We're prepared to protect the land we are dependant on. We're not going to sit and watch them destroy it," said Thusky.

However, as of press time, no action had been taken.

During the fall of 1992 the Algonquins and the Quebec government agreed to appoint Justice Rejean Paul as a mediator following a number of disagreements on interpretation of the trilateral agreement. Paul's report found that under the agreement, the provincial government had failed to fulfill its part, and failed to complete a number of environmental, economic, and cultural studies of the area.

The Quebec cabinet subsequently decided to suspend the agreement and ignore

the report stating "all cutting is done on the basis of sustainable growth". Currently loggers are permitted to cut as close as 20 m from lakes and rivers in La Verendrye Park.

The suspended agreement is now under review by the Quebec government. Native Affairs Minister Christos Sirros said that if the plan and proposals are accepted by the provincial government this will permit, if required, the modification of forestry and recreational activities in the area, by legislation or otherwise.

The Opposition Parti Quebecois has called for Natives to act "responsibly" in arriving at a solution that takes into account the interest of the other communities in the region. At a May press conference, Denis Perron, the PQ's Native critic, warned the situation could become explosive if a solution is not found.

Today Diabo agrees. Until talks resume, logging will continue to disrupt the Algonquin traditional hunting and fishing grounds. And "the potential for roadblocks and confrontation will increase."