Eagles, Ancestors, and Allies Join Frontline and Indigenous Community Protection Efforts for the Farabout Peninsula

It started with a rumor. In 2008, talk of a plan for clearcut logging on the Farabout Peninsula began circulating through the rural lakeside communities around Eagle Lake, just west of the small city of Dryden, Ontario, in Canada.

A roadless wilderness of mature forests, bogs, beaver ponds, rocky shores, and sprawling wetlands, the nearly 2,700-acre Farabout Peninsula is connected to the mainland by a narrow, marshy isthmus—a natural bridge traveled by deer, wolves, and other wildlife. The peninsula is known as a presque isle, an “almost island” just meters from being entirely surrounded by water. It is also part of the traditional territory of the Migisi Sahgaigan (Eagle Lake First Nation) and holds deep historical, cultural, and spiritual value. For almost 20 years, locals have called for its permanent protection. Why won’t the government of Ontario protect it permanently?

In July 2008, the Dryden Forest Management Company (DFMC)—a local logging consortium holding harvesting rights on nearby public lands, including the Farabout Peninsula—confirmed its plans to clearcut a portion of the peninsula. The news deeply troubled many local residents, who view the peninsula as a central and cherished part of Eagle Lake. They immediately recognized the potential for serious negative impacts on water quality, wildlife habitat (including areas vital for fish spawning and moose breeding), and the local economy, particularly for tourist lodges that rely on the lake’s world-class fishing. To collectively respond against the proposed clearcut logging of the Farabout Peninsula, they created the Eagle Lake Farabout Peninsula Coalition, which united key local constituencies, including the Migisi Sahgaigan, naturalists, environmentalists, tourism outfits, permanent and seasonal residents, and the Eagle Lake commercial fishery.

The years following the coalition’s creation have been wrapped in both mystery and inspiration. It almost seemed like the tireless work of the local community champions, and the peninsula itself, were rallying eagles, ancestors, and allies to join in the fight to protect this land. 

The eagles

Coalition members discovered an eagle’s nest on the narrow isthmus leading to the Farabout Peninsula. Under Ontario’s logging rules, roads cannot be constructed within 200 meters of such nests. Without permitted road access, logging on the peninsula was legally—albeit temporarily—unfeasible. In the spring of 2009, Ontario announced that the clearcuts would not proceed. This respite would last for the next 10 years.

The ancestors

By the time the next planning cycle rolled around to develop a 2021 plan for logging, the eagles had left; some believe it was under mysterious circumstances. Without the land protection provided by their nest, the fate of the peninsula was again uncertain. Indigenous elders had shared that the narrowest point of the land bridge had long been known as an ancient portage route. In the summers of 2018 and 2019, the coalition collaborated with a professional archaeologist. Numerous Indigenous artifacts were uncovered that provided the coalition with evidence to further support the elders’ claims. Among the findings were copper artifacts—the Indigenous Peoples in this area were among the first in the world to craft copper tools. Other discoveries included arrowheads and pottery fragments belonging to the ancestors of the Ojibwe and Cree Nations who traveled the region for thousands of years. 

The chief of Migisi Sahgaigan sent a letter to the Ontario government expressing the community’s firm objection to any logging road construction on the peninsula, citing the risk of damaging other historically significant and sacred archaeological sites. As stated in the letter, such development would “violate Indigenous rights and be an action of remarkable cultural insensitivity.” Another 10-year pause on logging was confirmed.

The allies

For nearly two decades now, the coalition has worked tirelessly through broad partnerships to elevate its plight. NRDC has partnered with the coalition on local events and helped to raise awareness about the Farabout Peninsula. Ontario Nature, the David Suzuki Foundation, EcoJustice, and other organizations have also used their expertise and platforms to support Migisi Sahgaigan and the coalition. 

During a ceremony held on the isthmus, a Migisi elder formally declared the peninsula a healing forest, a living memorial meant to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and to protect forest biodiversity. Migisi has also declared the peninsula an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area, signaling its intent to safeguard it from industrial activities. However, current provincial laws have yet to fully recognize this designation.

The conservation value of the Farabout Peninsula is indisputable. It is home to endangered wildlife, rare vegetation, historical treasures, and cultural connections. Its near-shore breeding habitats support world-class fishing and a vibrant tourism industry. The protection of Farabout has the unwavering support of Migisi Sahgaigan, tourism operators, seasonal and permanent residents, and the commercial fishery. Most recently, DFMC—the local logging consortium—has also stated that it supports the community’s desire to prevent logging from taking place on the peninsula. Now it’s time for the province of Ontario to permanently protect it.

To learn more, read the Farabout Peninsula Coalition report: Community Action History: The Fight to Prevent Logging on Farabout Peninsula.