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a view to the well known pond in the copeland forest

Temporary Trail Closure for Repairs

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The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry will be conducting trail repairs that include the installation of culverts on one of the main Copeland trails.

The location of this repair work is the main trail between Parking Lot 1 and Parking Lot 2  (see our map for these locations).  Continue reading Temporary Trail Closure for Repairs →

New Trail Diversion Around Seepage Area

The Upland of the Copeland Forest is on the edge of the Oro Moraine.  Water seeps out of the hills and helps form the rivers that flow out of the Forest.

In a few instances, single track trails go through these water seepage areas and continued trail usage will lead to a widening of the trails and ecological damage.  At the end of June, six mountain bike members of Copeland Forest Friends Association re-routed 200 metres of trail to avoid one of the seepage areas.

It is our hope that this new route will discourage users from traveling through this sensitive area that is below the new trail.

Later this summer, we will add signs at either end asking users to stay on the trail.

Thanks to the trail crew for their hard work:  Bob, Tony, Ed, Brian, Kody, Johnathan and John.  A special thanks to Bob Hannah for coordinating the project.

New Maps and Signage – Helping You Find Your Way

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A new map of the major trails in the Copeland Forest is now available to help  people enjoy the Forest.  Over 50 new signs enable users to see where they are on a map.

The map and signage are a project of the Copeland Forest Friends Association.  In the public consultations leading to the formation of Copeland Forest Friends, we heard repeatedly that people were getting lost in the Forest.  The new maps and signage will help you locate yourself in the forest and get you back to the main parking lots.

The signs and maps are very user-friendly and we hope will make for a more enjoyable and safe experience for all in the Forest.    Frequently Asked Questions about Copeland Forest Maps and Signage.

Kids pointing at signThe printed map/brochure is printed on tear-resistant, water-repellent paper and is  free to all members of the Association.  You can purchase a copy for $2 at these locations:

  • Craighurst Esso
  • Craighurst KOA Campground
  • Horseshoe Resort Guest ServicesWorth Every Penny
  • Horseshoe Inn Reception Desk
  • Bikeland in Barrie
  • Greenhawk in Barrie
  • Sojourn in Barrie
  • The Bird House Nature Company in Orillia
  • Woodside Pottery & Gallery in Craighurst
  • The Couchiching Conservancy

 

A special thank you to the volunteers of the Copeland Forest Friends Association, particularly the trails committee.  The trails committee members are:  David Kennedy, Andrew Doble, Neil Craig, Ted Greatrix, Bob Marshall, Dave Lord, and Sandy McLoughlin.

This project is one of the key activities included in the 2016 work plan approved under the Memorandum of Understanding between the Association and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests.  The Association looks forward to continuing to assist the Ministry with the management of the Forest.

This project would not have been possible without the financial support of Casino Rama’s Community Cares Program.  The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority provided GIS work for the map.  The trails were mapped by the District Office of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and updated by the CFFA.  Thanks to Horseshoe Resort for its support of the project.

Casino Rama

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Call for Volunteers – Water Testing

Copeland Forest Friends are beginning a new initiative this summer to monitor watershed health using a citizen science approach.  We have room for a few volunteers who will be assigned a permanent site along a stream in Copeland Forest to monitor.  No experience is necessary and you  will be provided with all the training and equipment required to conduct water tests.

Why it matters
The Copeland Forest is the headwaters for three major rivers/watersheds:  The Coldwater, Sturgeon, and Willow.

Headwaters are like the foundation of a building, and if they are compromised, so is the entire watershed.  If the headwater stream stays cold year-round, it is of primary importance because it provides the larger, lower portions of the river with a steady base flow of clean water.  In turn, they are fed from groundwater originating from glacial formations such as moraines and drumlins.

Some of the sources in Copeland Forest are as clean as water can get, and it is important to monitor them to ensure they stay that way.  This data can also be used to provide a comparison to the water downstream.

Volunteers test for eight water quality “parameters” right on-site.  The tests include Depth, Temperature, Turbidity, pH, Phosphates, Nitrates, Dissolved Oxygen, and Alkalinity. Other tests, such as Chlorides, will be added if deemed necessary.

For a complete volunteer job description, click here.

To sign up, contact Pat Woodford at strix.woodfordii@sympatico.ca  or call (705) 835-0002.  Next training session is this Sunday July 17th from 9:30 to 5 pm.

 

Launch of 2016 Workplan

We have some exciting news that just came in.  The Copeland Forest Friends Association 2016 Work Plan has been approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

The 2016 Work Plan is part of a three year plan focusing on trail management and ecology and sustainability.  The key objectives are to:

  1.  Support a sustainable network of trails to promote a broad range of safer recreational activities that respect the Forest.
  2. Use scientific research to monitor the Forest and undertake stewardship activities and develop educational opportunities.

This year the key projects include:

  1.  Development of a main trail map for the public – the map is set to go to the printers and will be available later in June.  One copy will be available free to members and additional copies will be $5.00.  Non-members may also purchase it at local stores.
  2. Development of directional and locator signage based on the map – there will be welcome signs going up at five parking lots, two on Ingram Rd and three on the 5th Line N.  Within the Forest, there will be 12 “You Are Here” signs with a map to show you where you are in the Forest.  Intersections on the dual track trails will be numbered and keyed to the map.
  3. Identification of sensitive ecological areas and installation of signage asking users to stay on the trails in these areas – Sensitive lichen and wildflower areas will be marked.
  4. Trail maintenance – pilot project for the 5th Line connecting trail.
  5. Trail re-routing for water seepage – two trail reroutes are proposed for single track trails going through seepage areas.

Stay tuned for news about the map and signage plans.  Requests will be going out to members for volunteers to help install the signs and work on the trails.  It’s going to be a busy and exciting time!

The signage project is being proudly supported by Casino Rama Resort.

Thanks to the board and the trails committee for all the work to develop this project

-David Kennedy, Copeland Forest Friends Board President.

First AGM a Success

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We held our first Annual General Meeting on Saturday February 20th, 2016 at W.R. Best Public School where we welcomed over 70 members. David Kennedy, Copeland Forest Friends Board President, welcomed everyone and gave an overview of our progress to date. Continue reading First AGM a Success →