Groups opposed to logging in the Castle Wilderness have made a last-ditch effort to persuade the Redford government to stop the work and protect the area from future development. Sarah Elmeligi, a senior conservation planner with CPAWS - the Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society - says representatives from a number of environmental groups made the request of Environment minister Diana McQueen.

Environmentalists argue that logging will have a negative effect on the already threatened grizzly bear population, as well as other species, which includes elk, wolves and cutthroat trout. McQueen had earlier promised a 'timely' decision after the meetings. Elmeligi says she remains optimistic even though they say this debate dates back to 1993.

CPAWS says the government has already committed to designate the Castle Wilderness as a Special Place and permanently protect it as a Wildland and Provincial Park.  They just want the province to live up to that promise.