During Question Period, I recently asked the Minister of Natural Resources to step up with funding to fight the infestation of our area woodlands.
“Minister, Emerald Ash Borer has invaded Norfolk County – this year’s Forest Capital of Canada, with 30 per cent forest cover – 25 per cent of that is ash. And gypsy moth is chewing its way through once proud Oak in Haldimand as well as Six Nations and Norfolk. Haldimand and Norfolk woodlot owner associations are desperate to mitigate the destruction - but they’re on their own!
“The Mayor of Norfolk County…has written letters and met with you to request funding. I have written you, and have hundreds of names on petitions requesting “financial aid” to deal with these infestations– yet still nothing.”
Each community addresses infestations like Gypsy Moth and Emerald Ash Borer based on local circumstances. But we need government help to manage any disease or invasive insect that threatens our urban or rural forest resource – whether it be public or private land. Once established, such infestations can force communities to deal with tough economic, environmental, legal and social issues.
Throughout April there are opportunities for all of us to do our part at tree planting projects around Haldimand and Norfolk. In May, area museums are creating exhibits that portray the importance wood and forests have had on our lives. Then, as now, sustainably-managed forests – forests of diverse species -- are crucial for our loggers, sawmills and the quality of our local environment and lifestyle.
I planted my first tree, with my grandfather, in 1957 – a scruffy Willow across from the County Yard on the Cockshutt Road. For me, that tree is my grandfather’s memorial. I encourage both grandparents and grandchildren alike to “plant the seed” – or seedling as it may be -- for future generations.
In recent months, we have seen the designation of Norfolk County as Forest Capital of Canada, and at Queens Park, Canada’s First Forestry Station is the focus of an impressive exhibit. As well, Canada Post has recently acknowledged the station’s 100th anniversary.
It is disturbing to see this legacy at risk of devastation from a two-pronged attack by Gypsy Moth and Emerald Ash Borer.
The Gypsy Moth has been destroying forests in Haldimand and Six Nations for four years – and has taken residence in Norfolk. The moth was brought from Europe to the United States in 1869 -- to start a North American silk industry. The idea failed and our forests – oak, willow, poplar, birch and basswood, as well as 350 other species - have been paying the price ever since.
While the Ministry of Natural Resources – once proudly known as the Department of Lands and Forests - had a private land spraying program for Gypsy Moth up until 1992, it has now left municipalities and landowners on their own.
Meantime, the Emerald Ash Borer is a relatively new – but even more deadly - visitor to our area. In fact it was only, July 2002 that Emerald Ash Borer was discovered killing ash trees in Windsor and Detroit. In the six years since, this pest has killed Ash eastward to our area where it was discovered last year.
We are the heart of Carolinian Canada -- our woods are in trouble.
Let’s do our part!
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