FINED FOR VANDALIZING ANCIENT TREE IN QUETICO PROVINCIAL PARK

[Some Old Guy 968]

ATIKOKAN - A Toronto man has been fined $2,450 for vandalizing a 250-year old red pine tree in Quetico Provincial Park.

Marco Gadacz, 20, was convicted under the Provincial Parks Act. In addition to the fine he is also banned from the park for one year. His father, Oleh Gadacz, 54, also of Toronto has been fined $125 for vandalizing a tree and $125 for not paying the adult park fee for his two sons, who were more than 18 years old. Neither man was in court for the trial. $1,500 of the $2,450 fine will be contributed to the Quetico Foundation.

Court was told that late in September of 2006 two different groups of campers gave information and digital photos to the park superintendent showing a vandalized pine tree. The names Tahto, Marco, Stephan and Leshia, were burned into the tree along with the date 8/2006. The park contacted a Ministry of Natural Resources Atitokan area conservation officer. Using the names on the tree and park registrations, the officer laid charges against the father and son.

Justice of the Peace Pat Clysdale-Cornell heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Atikokan on June 7, 2007.

The Pines is a unique pure stand of large red pines at the east end of Quetico Provincial Park. The trees have been dated to about 1750 and tree cores from them have been used for several long-term climate research projects. Over the last decade the park has had many projects to protect this stand. Local volunteers helped remove and burn brush piles to reduce the fire hazard and volunteers from England and Scotland worked on projects to establish long-term plan succession plots. The trees also serve as seed stock for the forest.

The public receives a brochure upon entering the park explaining that it is against park law to remove, cut or damage vegetation or trees. The ministry reminds the public that damaging tree bark can lead to insect damage and potentially tree death.

To report a natural resource violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).