The boundary of the Tobeatic should be finalized during management planning for this area. The TWC remains greatly concerned about protection of the so-called Tobeatic finger . At a recent meeting with the Minister, the TWC was told this area could be logged by Irving in the near future since the small percentage remaining has not been found. The moratorium still remains on cutting on the Finger, but if the Department determines it cannot find alternative wood, the moratorium will be lifted allowing for logging and management. The Finger should not be negotiable.
Alternative wood is findable.
The entire finger should be included in the protected area. We know there has been strong pressure from logging companies to open this area to logging. At our last meeting with DNR, we felt as though the area of the Finger was in jeopardy. This key area is important not only for it's own integrity, but has an impact on Kejimkujik National Park. Any further drop in the pH due to logging activities may render the water essentially sterile.