Over the last decades we have witnessed a dramatic reduction of natural green spaces. Due to intense urbanization, the destruction of natural habitat has had a devastating effect on wildlife. While somes pecies are becoming extinct others are desperately trying to adapt to survive. We now have a large number of coyote, foxes and skunks in central areas of the GTA. Many people consider these animals as pests that are invading their property, but we need to realize that we are the ones who are encroaching on their territory.

We at ORA believe that everyone has a moral obligation to protect the wildlife habitat. In order to accomplish this objective it is imperative that:

1. We limit urban sprawling and its devastating effects on the environment. The destruction of forested and rural land for construction of large single family homes and the air pollution created by commuting traffic are harmful to humans and to animals alike. We must rethink the way we live and encourage a kind of urban and rural planning that promotes high density and concentrated residential areas utilizing the land more efficiently.

2. We must reserve and restore large forested areas to pristine conditions so to allow the indigenous fauna to live and prosper undisturbed.

We feel that the provincial parks are not sufficient to fulfill the needs of protecting the wildlife. Most people are unaware that 90% of logging in Ontario takes place on crown land and in provincial parks. Hunting is even allowed in York regional forests!

What we envisage are wildlife sanctuaries where no logging and no hunting takes place. This can be accomplished only if the public financially supports this initiative.

We are working to purchase private land in particular sensitive areas of Ontario or any large forested acreage to be set aside as protected wildlife sanctuaries. We also rely on donation of land from people who may want to ensure that their property will remain untouched by logging and hunting, after their demise. Revenue Canada provides tax incentives for such donors. For more information on this program or if you want to work with us in this project please contact us .