May 25, 2012

May Update: Wolf Lake, Fire!, Logging

Kukagami Environment Watch                         Spring Update
 
Wolf Lake, the Largest Area of Old Growth Red Pine in the World!
    Efforts to bring the Wolf Lake area into the Chiniguchi Waterway Park continue. On May 31st, one of the leases at Wolf Lake will expire...IF the Minster of Northern Development and Mines allows it to go. Rick Bartolucci, our Sudbury MPP is the Minister! Please call his office and tell him you want this beautiful area to be protected. 705-675-1914 Stop the lease renewal!
    See www.savewolflake.org, click on "Report..." for more information.
 
Fire on Kukagami Lake!
    Last weekend, 2 cars and a truck burned in a parking lot. It is suspected the hot pipes under one car ignited the tinder dry pine needles, which spread to the tires and got worse from there. Tires exploded, the next car caught, gas tanks exploded, the wind blew the fire across more dry needles, then a truck 60 feet away joined the inferno. Our local volunteers responded very quickly and were able to bring the fire under control.
    It is exceedingly dry in the forest! Look around your camp for possible fire hazards, rake your driveway, inspect your sauna, be vigilant!
    Saunas are the most likely buildings to burn. After decades of use, the wood inside the sauna will get very, very dry. Sometimes the wood will char. Check your sauna walls by scratching with your fingernail. If the fibres easily scratch off, it's time to replace that wood! It can spontaneously combust at temperatures that are normal in a sauna.
 
Summer Logging Plans
    Road and bridge construction has already begun approximately 3km East of Kukagami Rd and South of the rail-bed. Logging will continue through the summer in this location. If you have any questions, contact Pat Bazinet at Vermilion Forest Management Company Ltd. cell: 705-929-1677


If you have news or photos to share with neighbours at Kukagami Lake, send them to KEWatch@gmail.com.