Community

ECOTOURISM-WHY NOT?
By Melanie C Grade 7

        Before I found out the real facts about forestry, 
I was, as some would say, an activist.  I thought that 
cutting down trees was wrong.  I failed to comprehend 
why someone would sacrifice the lives of forest life to 
make furniture or luxuries which didn't necessarily 
have to be made with wood.
     After researching forestry I have found that
logging operations are very cautious as to what
habitats they may be damaging and what food chains
they may be endangering. I've read somewhere that
tree harvestors do not cut down trees too close to
streams because stream side vegetation helps keep
the water temperature down in the summer, which
makes it better for fish reproduction.  They've
thought of everything!  I always knew that
forestry and eco tourism were (and still are)
very important but I never thought they could
work together as they are now.  To all those who
have made The Canadian Ecology Centre possible--
WAY TO GO!
     After taking an interest in forestry (and
always wanting to have a good time) I've thought
forest eco-tours to be a great vacation idea and
a good way to learn more about my heritage.
Although I've never been on an eco-tour, I look
forward to going with my family.  Just by reading
a booklet, I learned tons of neat things that
make me want to get out there and learn more.
     Did you know that spruce budworm does more
damage to balsam fir than to spruce?  How about
this?  Did you know that Ontario's forests are
home to over 3,600 species of plants and
animals?  That's incredible!!!
     I think that combining knowledge with
amusement is a well thought up idea in the way
that parents can tell their children the Centre
is not only a place to expand the mind but a
place for fun.  It also works in vice-versa.
The children can tell their parents it's a
place to learn, not just have fun.
     I think The Ecology Centre will have a
better outcome in the future than it does now.
In the long run, Canada will have more people
involved in or interested in ecology.  With more
people thinking up ideas and ways to preserve
our forests, the most logical decisions will be
chosen from among many good choices.  It just
makes sense.
     I hope this essay will give some sort of
perspective to those who are unsure about this
organization.  I have just one thing to say to
you--  WAIT AND SEE!