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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 →

Horseback Riders on the 3rd line of Copeland Forest

Gifts and Responsibilities

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Horseback riders were granted an extra gift this year, when we were able to ride in the Copeland Forest all through the fall and almost up until Christmas, due to the lack of snow (with the exception of a couple of snowfalls that melted quickly). Continue reading Gifts and Responsibilities →

Copeland Friends AGM Saturday Feb 20th

Please join us for the Annual General Meeting and User Group Meetings of Copeland Forest Friends.  The event will run from 1 to 4 pm at W.R. Best Elementary School on the Old Barrie Road east of Dalton.  Doors open at noon.

The deadline to become a voting member at this AGM is Sunday January 24th at midnight.  If you miss the deadline, you are still welcome to come to the meeting where we will be selling memberships.  Read More…