Norfolk County, ON (November 17, 2022)
This fall, Long Point Basin Land Trust (LPBLT) and local contractors will be working to thin conifer plantations at the Trout Creek Nature Reserve property to encourage the regeneration of natural oak woodland habitat. Trees being removed include invasive Scots Pine as well as planted Red Pine and White Pine. This is the third year that LPBLT is harvesting conifer plantations at this property.
Some of the harvest areas have also been identified as remnant oak savanna habitat. Maintaining oak savanna habitat requires ongoing management including prescribed burning, which is a natural process that would have historically maintained these now rare habitats on the landscape. Leftover conifer “tops” from last year’s harvest have been piled and will be burned on site this winter when the conditions are suitable and safe.
Monoculture conifer plantations such as the area LPBLT is targeting with this management activity do not support the diversity of plants and animals that natural habitats do. Oak woodlands and savannas support many rare species that are only found in these habitats. Oak woodlands and savannas are also well adapted to some of the environmental stresses we expect from climate change, such as increased temperatures and drought. Regeneration of these priority habitats helps to improve ecosystem health and increase the resilience of the forest and habitats at the Trout Creek Nature Reserve.
Hiking trails on the Trout Creek Nature Reserve property will be closed during harvesting and brush pile burning activities.
Signs will be in place at the trail entrances to inform the public of the work and trail closures.
Trout Creek Nature Reserve is located at 361 Charlotteville Rd 10, Simcoe.
For further information or for any questions about this project, please contact Dan Marina, Conservation Lands Manager, 519-420-9122, steward@longpointlandtrust.ca .
About the Long Point Basin Land Trust
Long Point Basin Land Trust, a charitable non-government organization, was founded in 1996 with a mission to protect and restore functioning ecosystems in the central Carolinian Region. This is accomplished through land ownership, land management and nature stewardship. LPBLT currently protects thirteen nature reserves, totaling 843 acres. The Land Trust’s Explore the Outdoors program provide opportunities for people to connect with nature through hands-on outdoor experiences.
Media Contact:
Brianne Curry
Outreach and Fund Development Manager
519-331-7020
outreach@longpointlandtrust.ca
