The old growth red pine forest, located at Wolf Lake within the city limits of Greater Sudbury, is the largest remaining old growth red pine forest in North America.
A benefit concert at Sudbury Indie Cinema featuring Jennifer Holub & The Erratics takes place Oct. 17 (doors open 6 p.m.) to raise public awareness and funds to permanently protect the Wolf Lake forest.
For decades the area has had the attention of naturalists, environmentalists and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the province who have wanted to protect this rare ecological gem.
It is the only remaining area that captures what Sudbury used to look like for thousands of years before logging and mineral extraction began. Towering red pine trees represent various ages, the oldest being up to 300 years of age.
In 1999, the Ministry of Natural Resources recognized its significance and designated it a forest reserve. Since then, competing mining exploration interests have prevented the area’s permanent protection.
The event will begin with a screening of the short documentary “Save Wolf Lake.”
There will be a silent auction as well.
Tickets cost $30 and will be on sale starting Sept. 23 at Ramakko’s, The Outside Store, and online through the Sudbury Indie Cinema's website.
All proceeds go to the “Save Wolf Lake Coalition” (Friends of Temagami) and the “Protected Spaces Campaign” (Ontario Nature).
