From planting 160 native species to installing fencing, gates, and signage to help protect environmentally sensitive areas, the Northumberland County Forest will receive a boost to its ecosystem this year thanks to a recent grant.
County staff and others gathered at the McDonald Trailhead in the Northumberland County Forest on February 12 with representatives from Yamaha Financial Services to accept a $12,732.32 cheque as part of the 2024 Stay Outdoors grant program.
The funding will support the installation of 121.92 metres of fencing, two gates, and 20 regulatory signs to protect environmentally sensitive areas in the county forest. These additions will help safeguard species such as the endangered mottled duskywing butterfly and monarch butterflies, noted the county in a media release.
Additionally, the project will include planting 160 native species to restore damaged ecosystems. The county will also launch a campaign to promote environmental stewardship among trail users.
“It was wonderful to work with Yamaha on this,” Kate Campbell, Northumberland County’s director of communications and information technology, told kawarthaNOW.
She said the spring should lend itself for installing the fencing and the planting will occur in either the spring or fall, depending on supply and availability.
“We are grateful for this grant, which will support conservation efforts in the Northumberland County Forest,” said Todd Farrell, county natural heritage manager, in a statement. “Improvements made thanks to this investment will help ensure the long-term health of this natural asset.”
Launched in 2022, the Yamaha Financial Services Stay Outdoors program provides funding to Canadian registered charities and not-for-profit organizations to support conservation efforts, protect environmentally sensitive areas from illegal or inadvertent off-highway vehicle use, improve access to natural spaces, and promote the responsible use of trails, roads, and waterways for motorized recreation.
“Northumberland County’s project is a great example of how responsible land use and motorsports can coexist,” said David Bezerra, president of Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation – Canada. “By prioritizing environmental stewardship, it reinforces Yamaha Financial Services’ mission to support sustainable outdoor recreation while protecting the natural spaces we all enjoy.”
The project will help protect the forest while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors, the county added.
Northumberland County Forest is intended to offer residents and visitors a place to appreciate plants and wildlife while preserving forest ecosystems and providing ecological benefits to Northumberland County.
The forest features over 118 kilometres of trails, including around 54 kilometres of single-track and double-track trails that are open for for ATVs and off-road motorcycles from May 16 to September 30.
The county’s forest services also manages annual timber harvesting in the forest, as well as invasive species, weed and forest conservation (tree) bylaw enforcement.
For more information about the county forest and its trail network, visit northumberland.ca/forest.
