A derecho windstorm this May destroyed more than 600 acres of Ganaraska Forest with an estimated 100 trees damaged along every kilometre of trail.
After months of hard work, and with support from the Greenbelt Foundation and neighbouring conservation authorities, Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) is preparing to welcome forest members back to its trails next week on September 30. Upon further recovery efforts and salvage logging, more of the trails will be opened to the public for access through a day pass or membership.
As a result of the May storm, the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) restricted public access and began the enormous task of clearing the trail, salvaging trees, addressing health and safety issues, and determining the ecological status of the forest. The Greenbelt Foundation grant supported the rehabilitation work and will also include the installation of new trail signage when the project is completed.
Recovery efforts will continue through 2023.
On Friday, Greenbelt Foundation CEO, Edward McDonnell, was joined by the Ontario Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, David Piccini (below), for a first-hand look at progress on the restoration work.
“This devastating storm caused damage that can’t be easily reversed,” noted McDonnell. “We must come together to respond to extreme weather events, supporting rehabilitation projects that build climate resilience. Thanks to support from the Government of Ontario, we are able to provide funding to ensure that, once again, this greenspace can be enjoyed by everyone.”
“I’m proud that our government continues to support the ongoing work of the Greenbelt Foundation to create new opportunities to experience nature, including recent efforts to restore trails in the Ganaraska Forest — for the benefit of Ontarians today and for future generations,” said David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “As southern Ontario’s largest forest, the Ganaraska Forest is a destination for many. It serves as a living example of how integrated resource management can be used to balance a variety of uses and needs, sustainably protecting the forest and its many inhabitants for generations to come.”
