Environmental groups are not the only ones voicing opposition to the province's proposed clearcut guidelines.
Northwestern Ontario First Nations leaders joined Earthroots, Wildlands League and Federation of Ontario Naturalists in criticizing a Ministry of Natural Resources draft report that proposes larger clearcuts in the province's forests.
First Nations leaders argue clear cutting directly affects the livelihood of their communities and their ability to sustain hunting and trapping on their lands.
The guidelines propose larger clearcuts on 20 per cent of forest management areas in Northern Ontario. Officials with the province say the guide will aid forest-management planners in deciding the best way to size and arrange clearcuts.
The MNR is accepting public input on the guide until Oct. 31.
