Algonquin Park's Loggers Day Celebrates Historic and Modern Forestry on Saturday (July 25, 2015)

ALGONQUIN PARK, ON, July 22, 2015 /CNW/ - The Friends of Algonquin Park, a Canadian registered charity for those passionate about Algonquin Park, and the Algonquin Forestry Authority, the Crown Agency responsible for sustainable forest management in Algonquin Park, are teaming up, in cooperation with Ontario Parks, to share historic and modern forestry practices with Algonquin Provincial Park visitors on July 25, 2015.

Celebrate Algonquin Park's logging history from 10:00am to 3:00pm at the Algonquin Logging Museum with special events, including hands-on activities, demonstrations, contests, prizes, music and more. This indoor and outdoor event is suitable for all ages.

This year marks the 40^th Anniversary of the Algonquin Forestry Authority (AFA) and will be celebrated at 11:00am with greetings from the AFA's Board of Directors and local dignitaries. Following the presentations, participants can join the excitement at Loggers Day including the old-time loggers lunch served in the sawlog cookery from 12:00 to 2:00pm, or while quantities last ($10 per person).

Saturday's visitors will also have the opportunity to watch the new "Loggers of Algonquin" video featuring historic footage of White Pine logging and explaining the complexities of current sustainable forestry practices. This video was made possible through the generosity of The Friends of Algonquin Park, Algonquin Forestry Authority, Ontario Parks, W.F. Dombroskie & Sons Logging, McRae Lumber Company, Wakami Wailers, and In Memory of Donald M. McRae.

Through the efforts of The Friends of Algonquin Park and the Algonquin Forestry Authority, in cooperation with Ontario Parks, the replica 1800s horse stable at the Algonquin Logging Museum is being completely rebuilt. A special thanks to Rita Whaley for her generosity in helping to rebuild the horse stable, in memory of Dr. Horace Whaley, Johanne Claire, and Rhiannon Rose.

"Loggers Day is a fun-filled day for the entire family. The original Loggers Day 20 years ago was initiated and hosted by the Algonquin Forestry Authority, and continues to be a great success due to the ongoing support we receive from them", said Lee Pauzé, General Manager of The Friends of Algonquin Park.

"For 40 years the Algonquin Forestry Authority has been maintaining the balance of sustainable forest management in Algonquin Park using sustainable forest management practices. For over 180 years, the Algonquin Park area has continued to provide forest products for Ontario and around the world. Loggers Day in partnership with The Friends of Algonquin Park and Ontario Parks allows us to share this 180 year history with the public", said Jeff Leavey, General Manager of the Algonquin Forestry Authority.

For more information, directions, and images of Loggers Day, see http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/loggers_day.php

About The Friends of Algonquin Park

The Friends of Algonquin Park is a Canadian registered charity and non-profit, non-governmental organization established in 1983 for people passionate about Algonquin Park. It operates retail locations, recruits members, and fundraises to support the natural and cultural educational goals of Algonquin Park.

For more about The Friends of Algonquin Park, visit www.algonquinpark.on.ca

SOURCE The Friends of Algonquin Park

For further information: Lee Pauzé, General Manager, The Friends of Algonquin Park, Tel: [phone], [email protected]