Major environmental protection plan brings green sanctuary to east end
Stephen Blais was proud to announce the protection of 238 acres of Forest in Cumberland Ward by the South Nation Conservation Authority.
Blais encouraged South Nation and its partner the Ontario Heritage Trust to acquire the property and ensure the protection, maintenance, restoration and enhancement of its natural features.
“This is a major win for our local natural environment,” says Councillor Blais. “South Nation and the Ontario Heritage Trust took the necessary steps to save this forest for generations to come,” he adds.
The South Nation Conservation Authority worked together with the City of Ottawa to broker the deal with the Ontario Heritage Trust, who helped to finance 50% of the purchase.
As an SNC board member, Councillor Blais represents the City in approving all property acquisitions made by SNC.
“These forested areas are important to our communities,” says SNC Chairman Doug Thompson. “Such sites contribute to overall community health by providing for recreational opportunities, healthy forest habitat and ensuring healthy waterways,” he added.
The property is on Garlandside Road, in the former Township of Cumberland, and is a vacant tree covered lot of approximately 238 acres in size.
There is a watercourse (Lowe-Armstrong Drain) running through the south end of the property. The drain is surrounded by meadow marsh, swamp, and forest.
There is also over 230 vascular plant species thriving on the property which is very high for the uniformity of the habitat.
“This is a large piece of land; it represents a solid investment for the ecological future of our area,” says Councillor Stephen Blais. “There aren’t many opportunities like this to preserve such pristine woodland on such a massive scale,” he adds.
The new parcel is also adjacent to another South Nation Conservation Authority holding. Mayor Jim Watson was also on hand to celebrate this occasion, along with SNC Chairman and former Osgoode City Councillor Doug Thompson.
For more information on the South Nation Conservation Authority Land Securement Strategy visit http://www.nation.on.ca/land/land-securement-strategy