On July 28^th at noon, a large rally at the Human Rights Monument will welcome back Kurtis Benedetti, 23 years old, from his 2,100 km cycling expedition to raise awareness for the South March Highlands. He is cycling from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia all the way back to Ottawa. Kurtis grew up in proximity to the South March Highlands and highly values the forest that is slated to be cut by developers.

“During my childhood, the South March Highlands were like a second home for me,” says Kurtis.　 “I have spent countless hours mountain biking in the trails there and I still do, so taking a cycling trip seemed a natural way for me to help raise awareness.”

Kurtis adds, “ This old-growth forest is one of Canada’s most biodiverse areas, it’s sacred to the Algonquin people, and it gravely concerns me that Canada will see one of our greatest national treasures disappear under rows of townhouses, when there is other land more suitable for development.”

“The South March Highlands is also home to at least 20 documented species at risk and I am very saddened by the loss of animal habitat. Destroying the ecosystem we all depend on shouldn’t be only up to developers to decide. My ride was to raise awareness not only for the South March Highlands but to also raise awareness that this loss of natural habitat is a worldwide issue. I’m also concerned that, as a youth, there is not enough being done to protect the sensitive environments that our future generations depend on.”

Please join us and our guest speakers to welcome Kurtis back Thurs 28 July 12:00 (noon) at the Human Rights Monument (City Hall, corner of Elgin & Lisgar).

Join us for:

* Guest speaker: Sierra Club of Canada President John Bennett

* Message from Order of Canada recipient Grandfather William Commanda

* Messages from new supporters, such as Greenpeace

* Updates on the current status of Ottawa's Great Forest

* Kurtis will tell us about his journey

* Songs about the South March Highlands

* Information on Next Steps

After the rally, approx 1 p.m. there will be the option to bike with Kurtis for the last leg of his journey, to the SMH! (Approx. 20 km ride).

About the South March Highlands

The South March Highlands is an area that is extensively recognized and documented for its important ecological and archeological values. Ottawa is believed to be the only major urban city in the world to have such a biodiverse, old-growth forest harbouring large mammals and endangered species within its urban boundaries.　 The forest contains provincially significant wetlands and has two provincial nominations as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI), putting it on a par with Algonquin Park. Archaeological artifacts have been found nearby showing evidence of pre-contact occupation, and the area is believed to have high potential as a World Heritage Site. Algonquin Nations have been vocal in calling for a new comprehensive archaeological assessment of the area.

Despite being officially declared as Environmental Area in 1970 and officially “protected” for more than two decades, only a third of the original South March Highlands remains. In November 2010, 6,000 citizens and organizations pledged their volunteer help and funding to bring the South March Highlands Stewardship Plan to life, a document that outlines how Ottawa’s Great Forest could be preserved and bring economic, social, educational and research benefits to Canada. This document has been called, “a model for other communities to follow.”

In 2011, the International Year of the Forest, with the blessing of the Ontario Municipal Board and Ottawa’s newly elected City Council, developers clear-cut a large portion of the area known at the Beaver Pond Forest. Despite the loss, some 15,000 Canadian citizens, First Nations and organizations vow to continue the fight to save the remaining South March Highlands.

For more information please contact: Daniel "Amikwabe" Bernard (bilingual), dan_bernard@rogers.com