The NDP opposition is concerned the government will allow clear cutting in one of the oldest forests in the province.

The Torch River forest near Nipawin stands to lose a considerable amount of its oldest growth over the next 20 years.

Opposition house leader Cathy Sproule says the government is calling for open tenders to clear-cut the forest.

She says such a move would erase what Mother Nature took 140 years to create.

The forest is one of the oldest in the province.

It is also home to mushrooms and other plant life that are highly marketable and help support the local economy.

Environment minister Ken Cheveldayoff says Sproule’s claims are simply not true.

He says the intent is to remove some of the old growth trees in order to keep the forest healthy and viable.

Cheveldayoff accused the NDP of spreading misinformation.

A group called “Friends of the Torch River Forest” is lobbying against any plans to clear-cut the forest.