The smudge map (top) uses a colour-coding system to indicate the value of each area — the darker the colour, the higher the natural value of the square. The Partnership's goal in Lands for Life was to align new protected areas as much as possible with the darkest areas on this map. The final map (bottom) shows where protected areas were eventually located after detailed negotiations with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the forestry industry.

Proposed land use designations and enhanced management areas apply only to Ontario Crown land. Where a proposed land use designation or area appears to overlap private land, Federal land, land with mining patents, leases, or claims, or Indian Reserves, that portion of the site is not being considered as a part of the designation.

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