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County forestry

April 9, 2014   ·   0 Comments

Among the many services the Corporation of the County of Simcoe delivers to residents and property owners is the management, maintenance and protection of our beautiful and diverse County Forests. 

The Simcoe County Forests are now more than 32,000 acres and are certified through the Forest Stewardship Council, an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests. However, County Forests are not Crown lands, instead they are privately owned by the Corporation of the County of Simcoe.

Collectively we have placed these forested lands as an important part of our County. Council, staff, residents, and visitors all have expressed the importance of managing our forests. With this in mind, it is important to inform our residents about a number of forestry initiatives running throughout the spring.

As the snow melts and temperatures warm up, our vast forests open to outdoor enthusiasts. For those planning on entering a scenic County Forest, it is always a useful reminder to review the Simcoe County Forests Recreation Policy that was approved by County Council in January 2007.

The Policy outlines activities that are permitted and not permitted within County Forests. It is also important to note that we have many partners in providing recreational opportunities, most of whom are volunteers. Please consider providing your support by getting involved or joining a local club. I encourage you to visit our website to learn more simcoe.ca/dpt/cf/recreation/policy.

Another County Forests initiative underway is the upcoming prescribed (or controlled) burn on 22 acres of County Forests within the Brentwood Tract in Clearview Township. The County of Simcoe cleared mature red pine on this site in 2013 due to advancing decline and mortality of these trees. This process has resulted in a significant amount of remaining debris on the site as well as poor conditions for natural regeneration.

Through consultation, the County of Simcoe has determined that a prescribed burn is the best option to reduce the fire hazard and prepare the area for re-planting in a controlled, cost-efficient manner. A highly experienced company has been retained to plan and conduct the burn, which will occur as early as conditions permit this spring. Once the date of the prescribed burn has been confirmed, every effort will be made to keep media and the public informed through a variety of communications. This will be a controlled process and we do not expect any impact on residents or nearby property owners.

Another important role of the County Forests Department is managing the impacts to the County Forests from invasive species and insects. As of April 1, 2014, Simcoe County was declared a regulated area in regards to the Emerald Ash Borer, a non-native, highly destructive wood-boring beetle that feeds under the bark of ash trees. The County is responsible for maintaining County-owned ash trees (in County road allowances, and County Forests), and is working closely with municipalities to execute a cohesive strategy.

Private property owners are responsible for the care for trees on their property and should be aware that a treatment called TreeAzin is available to protect healthy ash trees from Emerald Ash Borer. For more information, please visit invasiveinsects.ca or contact the County at 1.800-263-3199.

Spring is here. We hope you and your families enjoy the great outdoors and our picturesque County Forests.

By Cal Patterson, Simcoe County Warden

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