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Video below: Ontario Minister of the Environment John Wilkinson visits Wildwood Conservation Area to talk about the importance of Source Water Protection and wellhead protection.

Videos below: UTRCA staff treat buckthorn at the Sauder farm and revisit the site two weeks later to assess their work.

 

 

June 15, 2011

New Funding Available for Removing Invasive Tree Species

The Common Buckthorn tree is invading forests throughout southern Ontario, displacing native species and diminishing biodiversity of trees and plants. The Clean Water Program and the County of Oxford have teamed up to begin removing this invasive species from local woodlots.

Steve and Cobi Sauder are Oxford County landowners removing invasive Common Buckthorn from the edges of their woodlot. Cobi says, “I was glad to use our farm as a demonstration for this new initiative. Upper Thames River Conservation Authority staff will treat the invasive trees in June and then follow up through the fall to ensure the buckthorn is removed.”

Sauder goes on to say, “Eighteen years ago when we bought the farm, Common Buckthorn was not as big a problem. However, over the years it has begun to spread and affect the integrity of our woodlot.”

Landowners in Oxford County can apply to the Clean Water Program for a grant to cover up to 70% of the cost. General woodlands are covered for 50% and woodlands identified as significant in the Oxford Natural Heritage Study are funded up to 70%.

The new funding is available for:

  • Invasive species control

  • Woodland Management Plans

  • Woodland Marking and timber sale supervision

  • Woodland expansions and connections

  • Woodland clean up

  • Roadside tree planting and maintenance

  • Woodland technical advice

The uptake of the Clean Water Program in Middlesex, Oxford and Perth Counties has been excellent. More than 2,000 environmental projects have been completed through the program to date. Other projects include creating treed buffers along streams, improving household septic systems, decommissioning abandoned wells, and installing erosion control structures on farmlands.

Special recognition goes to the Clean Water Program funding partners for their environmental vision:

  • County of Middlesex

  • County of Oxford

  • County of Perth

  • City of London

  • City of Stratford

The Clean Water Program is delivered by the following conservation authorities: Ausable Bayfield, Catfish Creek, Grand River, Kettle Creek, Long Point Region, Lower Thames Valley, Maitland Valley, St. Clair Region, and Upper Thames River.

Contact: , Coordinator, Conservation Services