The
Wildlands concept that the Alliance proposes will protect important
lands within the Northern
Forest
for
environmental,
recreational and economic values. Our
goal is to conserve or restore
the
wild character
and ecological well- being of this vast forestland in
a way that meets human and economic needs. Identifying a system of Wildlands
is key to maintaining the ecological integrity of the Northern Forest while
ensuring that it continues to provide high quality recreation and timber
products.
Protecting wilderness
Within each Wildland, the most ecologically and recreationally important
areas should be permanently protected. We believe these areas should be
treated as wilderness, leaving nature untrammeled.
Visitors here
walk lightly on the land, enjoying hunting, fishing, camping,
and other traditional, non-motorized recreation. These places
are key to helping the Northern Forest maintain its ecological integrity.
These also will be the places that satisfy the human urge to explore untamed,
beautiful places. The wildness here will give refuge to wildlife, and leave
nature with the space it needs to thrive.
Protecting productive forests
Within each Wildland, exclusive of the areas permanently protected for their
wilderness values, sustainable timber harvesting that meets clear ecological
guidelines should contribute to the forest- products
economy. Larger,
higher grade trees will provide increased opportunities for value-added
manufacturing, strengthening the overall
forest-products economy. The Wildlands' managed forests will provide opportunities
for the region's forest-based recreation industry to expand. Unparalleled
hunting, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling and camping will draw residents,
tourists and sportsmen, contributing to this growing part of the economy.
To preserve these qualities, timber harvesting should support the forest's
overall ecological integrity, and new road building should be minimized.
Managed wisely, the Wildlands will enrich and perpetuate the wild character
of the Northern Forest. |
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