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Wednesday, February 2, 2000
Freeze development of Oak Ridges Moraine: Scientists
By COLIN PERKE -- Canadian Press
TORONTO -- More than 400 scientists are calling for a temporary halt to development of the ecologically sensitive Oak Ridges moraine north of Toronto.
The gently rolling region of glacial deposits that stretches about 160 kilometres is under severe pressure from urban sprawl, putting at risk a major source of clean drinking water for hundreds of thousands of people, moraine activists say.
In addition, the forests of the moraine are home to dozens of nesting birds and wild flowers, some that are rare and vulnerable, they say.
"We are desperate to preserve this cultural and natural resource," Ian Brookes, a professor at York University, told a news conference today.
The moraine, created about 12,000 years ago by the rapid movement of ice, is a complex environment that has been taken for granted for years, said Brookes, one of 465 local and international scientists to call for a temporary development halt.
"This is not a bunch of starry-eyed ecologists," said Tom Hutchinson, a professor at Trent University.
The main problem, Hutchinson said, is that there is no overview of development in the very rich habitat.
"We need common sense ecology," Hutchinson said.
The Federation of Ontario Naturalists says sensible development would entail small infill projects and expansion around existing developments.
A development freeze would need to last only about a year while an overall plan is formulated, the activists say.
The federation, which met Environment Minister Tony Clement last month, is still waiting for action from the provincial government, said Gregor Beck, a wild-life biologist with the group.
In November, Clement said there would be no freeze. He wasn't immediately available for comment today.
A protection statement was to be delivered to Premier Mike Harris today. The scientists say an action plan should include:
* A ban on development in moraine forests and wetlands;
* Protection for major east-west green corridors across the moraine;
* A new 1,200 hectare park in the heart of the moraine in Richmond Hill;
* Long-term reforestation.
The Oak Ridges moraine -- the largest in Canada -- spans about 200,000 hectares. It sustains huge underground water streams that are critical headwaters for countless rivers.
It is also one of the largest green corridors in southern Ontario.
Supporters point out that the moraine is home to vulnerable birds such as the red-shouldered hawk and to endangered plants such as American ginseng.
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This 3-d representation of the Oak Ridges Moraine was generated from a chromo-stereo
enhanced digital elevation model