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Maple syrup producers and forest owners in Eastern Ontario are concerned about the potential impact of the Alto high-speed rail project on maple groves, woodlots and the environment. Some fear the loss of productive areas, a deterioration in the quality of maple syrup and impacts on wildlife, ecological corridors and regional forest cover. Although Alto says it wants to minimize the impacts and develop a compensation program for affected landowners, many producers remain concerned about the long-term consequences of the proposed route and are asking for more guarantees before the project moves forward.