This paper concerns an area of forest in Eastern Manitoba (Canada) known as Forest Management License 01 and the areas surrounding it, including Whiteshell and Nopiming Provincial Parks. Local forest politics are currently undergoing rapid transformation due to three main events. New provincial legislation, which took effect in April, 2009, effectively bans the long standing tradition of logging in the parks, the paper mill in Pine Falls, operated by Tembec, Inc, was permanently closed in September, 2010 and local First Nations have become increasingly active over the last few years with regards to their traditional territories in the area.

Using interviews, photographs, and filmed commented walks carried out between 2008 and 2010, this paper attempts to highlight the views of some of the stakeholders active in local forest politics. These people include environmentalists, First Nations people, forest company workers, cottagers and even some of the government’s own staff. Particular attention will be given to the manner in which participants use various forms of media to position themselves in the politcal arena of forest management and during the interviews. The methodological choices of the project and the role that they played in shaping the results will also be considered.