Temagami’s soaring forests are home to more than half the world’s old-growth red and white pine trees. It’s an impressive distinction, except that only a tiny fraction of the original growth still exists, leaving the trees — and the biodiversity they support — on the edge of extinction.

That precarious existence, exacerbated by the harsh winds or fires of extreme weather patterns, is further harmed when the Ontario government allows logging companies to remove the old growth, pines that have populated these forests for some 140 to 400 years.

Even though it’s true that the Ministry of Natural Resources is merely following an approved forest management plan and not breaking any rules, it’s time for the government to reconsider the need to chop down irreplaceable trees. As Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller says, “We have to take extraordinary steps to save these trees for future generations.” He’s right.

Given the insecure state of the old growth, it was beyond frustrating for environmentalists at Earthroots to discover that the ministry recently approved the logging of some 100 hectares of old-growth forest. Located in the heart of Temagami’s most popular canoe routes, the site is one of the largest unprotected swaths of old red and white pine stands in the province.

Opposition to cutting doesn’t come from a bias against the forest industry. As Earthroots’ David Sone notes, the approved cutting zone is one of many areas within Temagami that will be logged this year and environmentalists do not object to those. What they don’t want to see is the destruction of old-growth trees and the devastating loss of sustenance they provide to woodland caribou, bears, woodpeckers and pine marten. Even when they die naturally and decay on the forest floor, old-growth trees give life to dozens of plants and creatures that keep the forest teeming with life.

No one is suggesting that logging stop in Temagami. But the government should step back and take another look at the value of these old-growth forests. They already face threats from wild weather patterns and disease from invasive species. Give them a fighting chance to survive.

The ministry should write a definitive policy statement saying that when it comes time to renew Temagami’s plans for land use or forest management, it will not allow the destruction of old-growth red and white pines. Full stop.

Ontario’s natural resources are an important part of the economy, but additional protected areas within Temagami should not harm the logging companies. The region has more than enough trees among other species and their lumber, for framing walls or doors, is just as good.

It’s time to appreciate these near-ancient red and white pines as living museums. Save them for future generations of plants, animals — and Ontarians.