The Catchacoma Forest

 The 662 ha mature and old-growth Catchacoma Forest is situated on provincially-managed crown land that is part of the traditional and treaty territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Alderville, Beausoleil, Curve Lake, Georgina Island, Hiawatha, Rama and Scugog Island First Nations. The forest is located on the north end of Catchacoma Lake in the Municipality of Trent Lakes, Peterborough County, Ontario. While it borders the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park, it does not have protected status, but is instead zoned as “general use” and leased for logging to the Bancroft Minden Forest Company. 

The Catchacoma Forest contains the largest documented old-growth eastern hemlock stand in Canada based on scientific literature and field data collected by Ancient Forest Exploration and Research (AFER) from 2019-2024,  It shelters trees over 250 years old with the oldest confirmed tree age clocking in at over 350 years old. Surveys in the central Catchacoma Forest show the mean density of large and older trees is 149/ha, which is among the highest old growth tree densities in Canada's eastern temperate forests.

The old growth hemlock forest is threatened by commercial logging. Approximately 30 ha was logged in the winter of 2020-21 and was scheduled for more logging by the Bancroft Minden Forest Company in the new 10-yr. forest management plan (2021-2030) until the Catchacoma Forest Stewardship Committee intervened to get a temporary moratorium.  The Forest also contains a significant wetland complex connecting Pencil Lake to the north to Pencil Creek, which feeds Catchacoma Lake. It is is home to at least 14 species-at-risk including the Algonquin wolf, Blanding's turtle and historically documented cerulean warbler.  It is easily accessible to millions of Ontarians being only a two-hour drive from the GTA and a one-hour drive from Peterborough.

We respectfully and gratefully acknowledge that these Williams Treaty Michi Saagig and Chippewa nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity, and that they continue to maintain the rights and responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.