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Feature Article - March 23, 2006Letters to theEditor
Diploma mill no fix for college labour dispute I welcome the intervention of Minister Chris Bentley in the current College labour dispute. It is to be hoped that both sides will continue to meet until a settlement is reached.
In the meantime, news of schemes to complete this semester with part-time faculty and managers is causing considerable concern in the student body; and their professors share their frustration. Management at Algonquin College plan to reward student’s time and tuition with a semester completed by a single project, cobbled together over a few days by part-time teachers, who may have only some knowledge of part of the program curriculum. As many are unwilling to partake in this blatant strike-breaking, the part-timer is understandably worried about future prospects. Any semester completion strategy that does not include all faculty, will be damaging to the College’s collegial environment far beyond the post-strike period. It could potentially damage the reputation of Ontario ’s Community Colleges for years!
An expedited finish to this semester may be welcomed by many students; this is only natural. However, students need to think carefully before endorsing this easy, quick fix; your credentials will be devalued. If Algonquin or any other college goes down the diploma-mill path, it will take years for your potential employers to restore their faith in the Ontario College system.
As Mary Lynn West-Moynes, the President of Mohawk College stated in a Hamilton Spectator’s March 15 article, “It’s disrespectful to students that we wouldn’t recognize the calibre of professor required.”
- Marilyn Schacht, Professor
Algonquin College Re:NF Crown land stewardship program
The Crown Land Stewardship Program is off and running and about to spend $38,000 on a poorly planned project with somewhat fuzzy returns and no guarantees. When the decision was taken, the best argument was that the Ministry of Natural Resources would not back out of the program because it was their idea and they approached us first.
Tax payers and council should not hang their $38K on that argument. About ten years ago Barb Sproule, reeve of Palmerston, North and South Canonto townships, established a planning committee to prepare and present to the MNR the initial crown land stewardship concept and proposal. The committee had as its chair Councillor Walter Wilson with members such as Councillor Art Beale, former Councillor LLyall Stewart and myself. We approached MNR first. I prepared the initial draft document and presentations which received almost immediate MNR acceptance and approval.
For some reason, our current deputy mayor, who was on council when this all happened, does not remember or has failed to disclose the real facts so our council can make a reasonable, informed decision based on truth. I hope that someone at the township will also remember that along with MNR's commitment came a very handsome grant to repair the forest roads going into the area. This was an enormous financial boost to what was to be a revenue mutual program.
I agree the Crown Land Stewardship Program is a great idea and needs better management to survive. Couldn't we simply ask our partner MNR if they want to continue the program before we sign the contract. If MNR doesn't want to dance anymore, we can't afford the $38,000 ticket.
- Leo Ladouceur
Sunday Hunting and SFCouncil
The absurdity of South Frontenac council (SFC) not endorsing Sunday firearm hunting is overwhelming. Of course this council has a history of being overwhelmingly absurd; ask the residents of Sydenham.
During my conversation with David Hahn, it became known that he hunts. However, he is not particularly enthusiastic about his neighbours hunting on their private adjacent properties when he is a-field! The fact they hunt waterfowl also disturbs his Saturdays. Further, local hunting of any sort and at anytime, according to Mr. Hahn, upsets the part-time residents (there are those that are more equal). Obviously, it is okay for Dave to hunt; others doing so, it appears, should be subject to his rules, whims and preferences! Being on council, he makes the petty rules preferring that the residents of Bedford and South Frontenac live by his prejudices.
Statistics, unimportant to SFC unless they agree with SFC’s myopic world, consistently prove hunting is one of the safest pursuits, far more so than driving an automobile, handyman chores, fishing, hiking and the sport so loved by SFC: ATV harassment. Councillor Vandewal believes hikers are at risk! Okay, I say his statement is rubbish, a fairy tale, let him prove me wrong with FACTS, not hearsay, bluster and myth. We already have the bombast. Where is the proof?
The MNR Sunday proposal applies only to “PRIVATE PROPERTY”. Ron and his fellow walkers can trudge their souls out on crown land where only bow hunters will be found on Sundays. Those wishing to hike on private land would have the landowner’s permission (wouldn’t they?) and the common sense to pre-determine if there were any hazards or areas to avoid. Should they forego these important formalities they are their own fools.
Councillor Robinson states with absolutely no proof or verification, “the majority of residents in his district of Portland were also against it”. This could well be, but instead of pure braggadocio, how about public disclosure of the returns from the survey forms which surely were sent to his constituents establishing this position. If there was no survey done…? Well, it must be Bill’s psychic powers and distorted view of reality focusing on the make believe.
In short, well thought out wildlife management plans, increased recreational opportunities, family bonding, expanded personal use of one’s private lands, the chance to harvest organic foods, instruction of the young in ancient skills--to name just a few of the positives--are being thwarted by bigoted Luddites moronically clutching irrelevant archaic retrogressive legislation and social myth, self-serving special interest minorities and the stunted autocracy of eight members of SFC. Outside of the bogus pomposity of the council chambers only Mr. Barr can substantiate a position of believability.
This issue is a primary freedom of choice issue allowing the FREEDOM to use firearms to hunt on a specific day, in specific locations, during legal hunting seasons; the First Nations already have similar rights. It falls into the same freedoms exercised on any Sunday that allow the population to have a beer, make love, gamble, go shopping, spend the day snoring, or to participate in any legal activity. Sunday is simply a day, sacred to some, inconsequential to others. Everyone has the right to spend it as it suits them. Some private lands will be open for hunting and some will not. There is no conservation, ethical, moral or legal reason for the demeaning discrimination dispensed by the beclouded Neronianism of SFC against the hunting community, especially when we are voters.
- Paul M. Wicher
- Leo Ladouceur
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Feature Article
March 2, 2006
Promoting theCrown Land Stewardship Programby Jeff Green
A marketing strategy for the roads and campsites that North Frontenac Township operates on Crown land under an arrangement with the Ministry of Natural Resources was presented to North Frontenac Council last week.
The report sees great potential for increasing use of the campsites through promotion and an online reservation system, but requires that Council act quickly to institute a marketing plan within weeks in order to increase the popularity of the program this year.
The program includes 184 campsites, scattered over nine lakes, and 58 kilometres of roads that are used either to access campsites, access lakes for fishing, hiking, and canoeing, or for ATV use.
Last year, only about 10% of the potential use of the campsites was achieved. However in July and August, some of the most popular lakes were busier, with about 27% of their capacity being achieved.
Larry Trenwith, from the Northbridge Group of Ottawa , completed the marketing strategy. Trenwith has a connection to North Frontenac himself, since he owns a cottage on Buckshot Lake .
He pointed out that the program has never been publicised, and that it offers a kind of camping and daytrip recreational opportunity that is not available elsewhere.
But it needs a bit of a hook.
He told council that the program should be re-named. Although he did not recommend a new name, he provided examples of possible names, such as: North Frontenac Highlands , Mississippi Watershed Highlands , Eastern Ontario Backcountry, and Land of Lakes Highlands.
As well, he argued that a blended price be developed for use of campsites and the crown land roads that lead to them; that a website be developed within the next month, both as a marketing tool and for online booking of sites; and that other promotional materials be developed this spring.
Although the township will be required to make some significant investments to undertake the recommendations of the report, Larry Trenwith expressed confidence that the increased use of the Crown Land Stewardship Program will keep North Frontenac taxpayers from footing the bill for the program, and said the local economy should receive the benefit of increased tourist traffic.
The presentation was warmly received, and a further meeting between the Crown Land Stewardship Committee and the Northbridge group is being scheduled.
The marketing strategy was completed without cost to the township. It was fully funded by the Eastern Ontario Development Fund, under the auspices of the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation.
Trees_for_peace
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Feature Article - May 18, 2006Trees for Peace OutreachProgram
Hinchinbrooke students plant Trees for PeaceOn Friday, May 12, the grade 7 and 8 students from
Hinchinbrooke
Public School
planted 500 seedlings at the Timpson property in Loughborough. Trees for Peace is a partnership of community groups working together to build a healthier environment. Every spring they organize tree planting events bringing together businesses, community groups, landowners and local schools. This year, from April 21 to May 16, 800 students are planting 20,000 seedling trees on 18 sites in Lennox & Addington and Frontenac counties. The Trees for Peace program provides our local youth with environmental awareness and a strong sense of community. Planting new trees gives our students the opportunity to make an active contribution to their community and to help preserve our forests for future generations.
Those benefiting from our program include community groups, landowners and local students (who will plant some of these trees). Reforestation of local lands will prevent erosion on creek banks and shore lines, attract wildlife to maturing forests, supply windbreaks to farmers’ fields and in general provide an affordable opportunity for our landowners to improve forest health. Everyone in the area enjoys the advantages of increased wildlife, cleaner air and improved water quality.
Our mandate is also to connect important landscape features (such as forests) and to enlarge and improve the natural areas for flora and fauna. This allows more species to be established. The new program is designed for this purpose as many neighbouring properties will be connected and the natural areas enlarged. This gives us the opportunity to make a wide-ranging impact on the ecology of both counties.
Shoreline naturalization has been identified by the Stewardship Councils and by the Conservation Authority as a major mandate in order to control erosion, protect water quality and increase wildlife habitat. The majority of trees in this project will be planted on shorelines.
We have contacted some of our target audience and landowners have responded with requests for trees.
For more information, interested landowners and groups may contact Bret Colman, Frontenac Stewardship Council at 613-531-5714 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Feature Article - August 17, 2006Walleye populations in the Kingston area:a message for conservation
by Kevin Esseltine
Walleye (yellow pickerel) are the most sought-after sport fish in Ontario , providing numerous recreational and socio-economic benefits. In southern Ontario , walleye inhabit roughly 417 lakes about 10% of the province’s walleye resources. Managing walleye in southern Ontario presents significant challenges due to many factors, including: the number of anglers in the area; intense fishing pressure; high harvest rates; habitat loss (due to lake shore development and land use practices); impacts from invasive species; climate change; and the complexities of the various fish communities in the area.
In recent years both angler observations and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) fisheries assessments indicate a decline in both the number and size of walleye in southern Ontario, which raises serious management concerns. In response, MNR initiated a province-wide walleye review.
To assess walleye populations, MNR uses a standardized provincial assessment protocol called Fall Walleye Index Netting (FWIN). A total of 129 FWIN assessments have been conducted on the 417 walleye lakes across southern Ontario since 2001. Using standardized FWIN assessments, the walleye populations across the region can be compared, and individual lakes can be monitored through time. FWIN surveys provide fisheries biologists with information that allows them to evaluate the status of walleye populations in a sub-set of lakes and apply those findings to a larger area (i.e. the Kingston Area). From the FWIN surveys, biologists can assess the status of a walleye population in an area, and compare the result to provincial and/or regional benchmarks.
The 129 FWIN assessments conducted in southern Ontario found that walleye populations displayed low abundance, increased growth rates, and an absence of larger female walleye relative to northern Ontario . The population characteristics listed above, with the exception of the growth rates, are associated with stressed or unhealthy walleye fisheries. The faster rate of growth is related to the milder climate in southern Ontario which leads to a longer growing season for walleye.
In the Kingston area, walleye population information was collected from 10 lakes (Beaver, Big Clear, Bobs, Buck, Bull, Consecon, Horseshoe, Kennebec , Sharbot, and Wolfe) using FWIN assessments. The overall results from these FWIN surveys and other key biological factors indicate the following:
Walleye populations are only slightly above the southern Ontario average with the exception of Wolfe Lake .
Other walleye population indices (mortality, maturity, and growth) are similar to the southern Ontario benchmarks indicating stressed or unhealthy populations relative to northern regions in Ontario .
Sustaining walleye populations in the Kingston area will require a number of stewardship and management activities to conserve this valuable fisheries resource. Although this is not a complete list, stewardship and management actions should at least include: increased stewardship to rehabilitate and conserve walleye spawning habitats, and encourage better land use practices; promoting catch-and-release; and the selective harvest of walleye. Also a portion of harvest effort should focus on alternate fish species (i.e. crappies).
It is important to understand that the majority of walleye populations in the Kinston area and throughout southern Ontario are stressed due to many factors. Educating anglers and resources users on the status of walleye fisheries, and actions they can take to help the fishery is an important next step. This will promote the sustainable use of the resource and lead to healthier walleye populations throughout southern Ontario .
Editor’s Note: Kevin Esseltine is a biologist with the Ministry of Natural Resources. (613) 531-5719; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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Feature Article - October 19, 2006South FrontenacCouncil
by WilmaKenny
South Frontenac Council’s penultimate meeting before the election was brief and uneventful. A few people attended a public meeting concerning the closure and sale of a township road allowance with steep access to Loughborough Lake . Two residents expressed concerns that the homes without shoreline would lose viewing access to the water. None disputed the extreme steepness of the drop to the lake, and several councillors pointed out that although it was not usual to close public access to water, in this case they were concerned about liability issues. The road closure was passed.
Council approved purchase of a 4X4 Roads Department pick-up truck (orange) for $25,197, lowered the speed limit on the southern edge of Inverary, approved a drainage loan application, and tidied up a few land use details.
Of note in the information items was a quarterly payment of $10,484. from Stewardship Ontario and Waste Diversion Ontario . This payment is provided under the auspices of the Blue Box Program Plan which provides funding directly from the companies who do business in Ontario and produce packaging and printed materials that are managed through municipal waste management systems. Under the Waste Diversion Act, 2002, these companies report the amount of packaging and printed paper they put into the Ontario residential marketplace and pay fees to Stewardship Ontario, which in turn distributes these funds to municipalities with recycling programs. Peter Roos, chair of the Sustainability Committee, pointed out after the meeting that there are additional grants under this same program, aimed at increasing effectiveness and lowering costs of municipal recycling programs, for which the Township may be eligible now it has gone to weekly pick-up in three districts.
Other Stories this Week View RSS feedAddington_Highlands_Jul 3_07
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Feature Article - July 5, 2007Addington Highlands Council - July 3, 2007byJeff Green
Two high-ranking politicians, Federal MP and Deputy House Leader Scott Reid, and Liberal MPP and Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky crossed paths this week at a council meeting in of one of the smallest municipalities in their overlapping constituencies, Addington Highlands.
Dombrowsky, who was making what might be her last trip to Flinton before the upcoming provincial election, when she will be running in the new riding of Prince Edward Hastings, presented the Senior of the Year award to Flinton Community Club stalwart Carolyn Hasler.
Carolyn
Hasler was recognised for years of service to the club and other
causes. She said she didn’t mind working full time as a volunteer,
“because it doesn’t feel like work.” She thanked the other volunteers
in the community, and singled out her husband for his unending support.
Leona Dombrowsky said she is going to miss the people that she has gotten to know in her eight years representing Lennox and Addington and Frontenac Counties. “People here have also brought issues to me that were important not only here, but in the rest of the province as well,” she said.
Scott Reid is not leaving Lanark Frontenac Lennox and Addington. He has been acclaimed as the Conservative candidate in the riding whenever a federal election is called, and has already won two elections in the past three years. He came to council to outline the services his office provides, which include helping people to navigate federal departments such as Immigration and Revenue Canada, and helping people who are having difficulty obtaining passports.
“People who are the least likely to pose a threat through international terrorism are sometimes having g the most difficult time obtaining passports because they may be older and were born in rural places and never had a birth certificate. We are always happy to arrange passports for them,” he said.
His office arranges certificates to mark special occasions and he also works on issue advocacy, including some provincial issues.
Scott Reid is also known for buying defibrillators with the pay raise money he, and all other MPs, received in 2001. “MPs were making $109,000 at the time. If a single guy living in a small town can’t get by on $109,000, he’s not trying too hard,” he said.
In the past six years, defibrillators have been donated for hockey rinks, town halls, small police forces and others throughout the riding, and Reid said that a protocol is now being set up to make sure that communities that need the units will be receiving them. In addition to a portion of Scott Reid’s salary, an annual golf tournament has been established to raise money for this project.
Mazinaw Boat launch – John MacDonald from the Mazinaw Lake Property Owners Association brought a proposal to council that is aimed at resolving a problem of access for Mazinaw Lake’s 150 water access cottages that are in Addington Highlands.
In the past, the boat launch at the former Bon Echo Villa Store was used by people, but the store is now closed. There is a boat launch on the North Frontenac portion of the lake, and Addington Highlands has paid for half of all improvements at Tappin’s Bay.
However, John MacDonald said that Tappin’s Bay is overcrowded, “and North Frontenac has shut the door on any proposal to expand that facility.” He came to council to see if the township will lead a push to free up some waterfront off of Mazinaw Heights Road by seeking a land use permit from the Ministry of Natural Resources, which owns the property.
The property would be suitable for a dock, which would not be used for storing boats; it would only be for loading people and belongings from vehicles, which could be parked at the back of the lot. “The ministry said that they would look more favourably on the township seeking a land use permit than a lake association,” MacDonald said.
Two neighbouring property owners, who have cottages to the south of the proposed dock location, also attended the council meeting, and they spoke against the proposal. “This land use runs contrary to the enjoyment of my property,” said one of them, who quoted from the Official Plan in regards to competing interests in property use.
Council will look at the proposal.
Burn barrels – Council received a letter from Lennox and Addington Stewardship Council asking them to consider banning burn barrels on the grounds that they pollute the atmosphere because of low temperature combustion and the burning of recyclable materials.
Deputy Mayor Helen Yanch wondered, “Who are the stewardship council? Are they elected officials? Do they think that everyone lives in some fairy world?”
Fire Chief Casey Cuddy was in attendance, and he said that while he has not seen the letter he “has come to the conclusion that it is time to ban bun barrels. I’ve had 50 complaints about them in the past two years. They would be all right if they were properly set up, and they weren’t burning recyclables, but as it stands they are a hazard.”
Council decided to seek more information about the L&A Stewardship Council.
New pumper- Council accepted a recommendation from Fire Chief Cuddy, and approved the purchase of a Carrier Eone pumper on an International Chassis for $190,000 from Carrier Emergency Inc. for the Denbigh fire hall.
Desert_Lake
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Feature Article - July 5, 2007Stewardship of Desert lake
The Desert Lake Property Owners Association (DLPOA) is a non-profit association of year round and seasonal lake property owners and includes in its membership the lake’s commercial businesses.
The DLPOA is undertaking the development of a Lake Stewardship Plan, the purpose of which is to produce a “Living Document” that will be a framework for protecting and enhancing Desert Lake and its environs for decades to come. In order to achieve this goal, we are inviting the participation of Desert Lake residents, other recreational users, and businesses to attend a PUBLIC MEETING to be held at The Desert Lake Family Resort, Desert Lake Road,on Friday, July 13 from 10am to 4pm. Topics to be considered at this meeting will include but not be limited to: water quality, lakeshore preservation, land development, fish stocks, and general recreational uses of the lake.
If you live on, near to or visit Desert Lake for recreational purposes at any time of the year, your contribution to the development of a Lake Stewardship Plan will be greatly appreciated and you will have an opportunity to help shape the future of Desert Lake.
Refreshments will be provided but meals will be the participant’s responsibility.
If you have questions or plan to attend, please let us know by sending us an e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Latecomers who have not notified us will still be welcome!
Desert_lake
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Feature Article - August 2, 2007Launch of a DesertLake stewardship plan
Cottagers, permanent residents, and business owners met on July 13 at the Desert Lake Family Resort to kick off the development of a Lake Stewardship Plan.
The plan is envisaged as a “Living Document” that will be a framework for protecting and enhancing Desert Lake and its environs for decades to come.
The meeting included a review of the recently completed stewardship plan for Bobs and Crows Lake by Susan O’Brien MacTaggart, followed by round-table discussions of the issues and concerns that should be included in the Desert Lake plan. These ranged from specific concerns, such as the protection of water quality and crown land, to the implementation of the plan in collaboration with the township of South Frontenac and Ontario provincial agencies.
Future meetings will be held on specific topics to provide all stakeholders with an opportunity to learn more about the plan and to join the working groups that will prepare the plan.
The next meeting will be held from 9 to 12am on Saturday, August 25 at the Desert Lake Family Resort. The focus of the meeting will be on water quality.
The meeting was sponsored and organized by the Desert Lake Property Owners Association (DLPOA), a non-profit organization whose membership includes year-round and seasonal lake property owners and the lake’s commercial businesses.
For more information, contact John Sherbino at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Bald_eagle
Bringing Back the Bald Eagleby Jeff Green
If
someone based their estimate of the population of towns like
Northbrook, Plevna, Sharbot Lake, or Verona on the number of cars in
the Foodland, Freshmart or IGA stores in each of the villages during
the August long weekend, they would say that each of them have
thousands of residents. But most of those cars are owned by
seasonal residents and tourists. The year-round populations of the
villages have been merely stable, at best, for the past 25 years.
It’s much the same with Bald Eagles, but the numbers are much lower.Although Bald Eagle sightings may not be that uncommon in Eastern Ontario, most of those birds are winter or summer tourists. The breeding population, in spite of a concerted effort over the past 20 years, is still only 1-3 nesting pairs on Lake Ontario, and 5 north of the lake, including a pair each on Bobs, Crow, and Wolfe Lakes.
As low as that figure is, it represents an improvement over the situation in 1980, when there was a single nesting pair in southern Ontario (in Essex County). At the turn of the twentieth century there had been an estimated 200 nesting pairs in the same region.
In a workshop about Bald Eagles that was held last week in Mountain Grove, sponsored by the Frontenac Stewardship Council, Brenda Van Sleeuwen of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources explained how European settlement and the establishment of farms and towns early in the century led to a loss of suitable habitat for bald eagles, and when combined with the impact of insecticides in the 1930s, particularly DDT, the birds stopped reproducing.
In 1983, the Southern Ontario Bald Eagle monitoring project was established, and efforts to re-establish nesting has had some success, but the numbers of nesting pairs are still very low, particularly on Lake Ontario.Bald Eagles can live for 30 years in the wild, and they mate for life under normal circumstances. They feed primarily on fish, aquatic birds and mammals, but they are opportunistic feeders and their diet can be quite varied. They build nests on tall trees that stand up above the forest canopy, and they will nest at the same location for years. Eagle nests are the largest of any North American bird: up to 4 m deep, 2.5 m wide and one tonne in weight.
In order to encourage Bald Eagles to nest in southern Ontario, nest platforms have been erected at locations that look suitable.
Funding is available through the “Canada Ontario Agreement respecting the Great Lakes basin” towards putting up nest platforms near Lake Ontario, and a site that looks suitable has been found on Wolfe Island.
Ian Brummel, from Mazinaw Lake, wondered why it is that efforts are being made to encourage eagles to nest on Lake Ontario, when inland locations on the Canadian Shield seem to be more desirable for the eagles.
Bret Colman, Frontenac Stewardship Coordinator, replied, “That’s true, but the funding from the Canada Ontario Agreement must be spent in the vicinity of the great lakes. We will have to seek funding elsewhere to build platforms on inland lakes.”
Individual landowners are encouraged to protect wilderness habitat where possible, and to leave the tallest trees behind when developing lands. Other important measures include protecting fish and waterfowl areas. When eagles nests are located, the surrounding area should be left undisturbed if possible between February and August.
For more information on eagles or other species at risk, go to http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/speciesatrisk/ or contact the Frontenac Stewardship Council at 613-531-5714.
Woodlot
Back to HomeFeature Article - October 22, 2009
Managing your woodlot makes $enseBy Julie Druker
Steve Pitt speaks about the endangered
butternut
Judging by the 50 + people who attended the Forest Products Workshop put on by the Frontenac Stewardship Council at Wintergreen Studios, an off the grid eco-lodge near Westport on Oct. 17, many woodlot and land owners are interested in exploring different ways of managing their forests and the possibilities of producing a surprisingly wide variety of forest products.
Cam McCauley, Stewardship Coordinator for Frontenac County, organized the day-long event, which offered participants presentations, tours and displays by experienced local landowners who practice forest management.
Steve Pitt, Coordinator of the Lennox and Addington Stewardship Council, and Dave Sexsmith, a member of the Upper Canada Woods Co-op who is also a sawmill and woodlot owner, led one group. They highlighted basic forest management practices.
They spoke about how to keep a forest healthy; how to thin a forest to promote growth; how to recognize disease problems, and other general management practices.
Steve covered many topics including how to recognize healthy butternut trees (now listed as an endangered species), how to plant their seeds in the fall by first softening the nut and then sprinkling wood ash on top to mask the smell from hungry animals. Dave displayed examples of milled lumber and explained how to approximate an individual tree’s lumber value and how best to harvest trees.
On the topic of thinning, Steve pointed out, “Managing forests is not unlike managing a garden in that of the roughly 15 species of trees growing in this particular forest, some will grow better than others, which will determine what and when you cut.”
Speaking generally he said, “Forests are usually managed on a 20-year cycle so it’s best to look at each individual tree and ask, ‘What will it look like in 20 years?’”
In general, it is good to get rid of injured trees and leaners in an otherwise healthy lot. Maintaining a forest’s crown closure is also an important consideration since too much sunlight can encourage the growth of unwanted plants and can also encourage windthrow, which can destroy or damage healthy trees.
That being said, the long-term goal of the woodlot owner is the most important factor that will determine the way a woodlot or forest is managed.
For example, David Hahn of Forest Farms manages his forest with a focus on maple syrup and garlic production. So a huge old maple that might be taken down on another person’s lot would be left standing on his.
For Rena Upitis of Wintergreen Studios, abundant wildlife is her primary concern. She was told to encourage the growth of nut-producing trees like beech and oak. She was also advised to leave dead, cavity-bearing trees standing as habitats for birds and other animals.
Later in the morning, Neil Thomas, who owns and operates a black walnut tree farm near Lansdowne, gave a power point slide presentation of what he has learned in his 20 years of growing and harvesting walnuts.
Usually considered a southern crop, David grows black walnuts trees and harvests them for their meat, shells and husks. His uncommon foray into farming walnuts (he might just be the biggest producer in all of Ontario) has produced a lot of vital information and statistics for anyone considering taking the plunge.
He partnered in a program with the local mechanical engineering students at Algonquin College in Ottawa to develop prototypes for machines designed to aid in the harvesting and cleaning of the walnuts.
In the afternoon, Rick Dawson of Desert Lake Gardens near Sydenham, who has been growing shiitake mushrooms for a number of years, spoke about the process, which involves inoculating oak logs that he harvests from his property (see the News article titled “Farming the Shiitake Mushroom, July 2, 2009). The mushrooms are flavorful and meaty and when sun-dried are very high in Vitamin D.
Tom Kaemmer of Toba Apiaries, and Ron Peterson of Ron’s Honey in Odessa, spoke about the ins and outs of managing bees and producing honey. They brought with them the equipment they use and described the process.
Ken Waller, a wood turner from Sharbot Lake, informed woodlot owners of the value of burls, those wart-like growths on trees that make lumber barons cringe. Burls offer wood turners hidden treasures with their dramatic patterns and markings and wood turners will pay for them.
Gray Merriam, Chair of the Frontenac Stewardship Council, summed up the many possibilities available to woodlot owners these days. “It all depends on the woodlot owners’ goals. Personally, my wife and I have a strip of forest along the Salmon River and our main objective is to manage it to maintain the health of the river. Though some would consider it non-management and though we do do some selective harvesting for firewood, we mainly want to preserve the natural forest and the four species of woodpeckers, the owls, and the tree nesting ducks that live there.”
Regarding the day‘s workshop Gray explained, “The purpose was to show woodlot owners the diversity of products that they can get from their woods rather than thinking of only standard lumber markets.”
He highlighted the fact that aesthetic value alone is often an important consideration. “An operation like Wintergreen Studios is a prime example. It would not be here if it wasn’t for the aesthetics of the forest that it sits in. The studio is selling the aesthetic values of the forest to visitors coming here.”
Gray also pointed out that as woodlot owners become aware of more options available to them, they are beginning to look at forest management from an entirely different perspective. He explained, “They start looking at intensive management of their forests meaning from one individual tree to another.”
According to Steve Pitts, woodlot owners who have certain objectives in mind but are unsure of how to achieve them, should seek advice from a professional first and have them assess the lot before any cutting is done.
For more information contact Cam McCauley at 613-531-5714 or visit the Frontenac Stewardship Council at www.ontariostewardship.org/councils
