Twenty-five acres of environmentally-sensitive Scugog land was recently handed over to the Kawartha Conservation Authority as the agency continues it efforts to secure significant properties in the East Cross Forest area.
According to conservation agency officials, Leslie Beauchamp handed over ownership of the land, valued at more than $20,000, to Kawartha Conservation late last year as part of her desire to help protect the East Cross Creek headwaters and maintain the integrity of the Oak Ridges Moraine.
The lands, located off Devitts Road in southeast Scugog, south of Blackstock, were donated to the conservation agency through Environment Canada's Ecological Gifts Program.
"For a long time, I've envisioned a large conservation area connected with the Test Hill area, and this is a way of making that happen," explains Ms. Beauchamp in a press release.
"It has been a great experience working with Kawartha Conservation, who made the whole process seem easy. Having them as its 'guardian,' I know the property will be safe."
Just as pleased with the donation is Kristie Virgoe, the agency's manager of environmental protection and restoration.
"Kawartha Conservation is really grateful to Ms. Beauchamp," says Ms. Virgoe. "Her gift will have benefits that trickle through the whole watershed. It's a pleasure to work with people who are truly dedicated to environmental stewardship."
The property contains mostly wetland and is located within Kawartha Conservation's East Cross Forest project boundary. It is recognized as an important source of water for the East Cross Creek and surrounding aquifers.
The East Cross Forest project was initiated after many properties in the area were devastated by off-road vehicles and other illegal activities. Kawartha Conservation is rehabilitating and managing acquired lands to ensure abundant clean water for surrounding residents and businesses, and to protect cold-water habitat and sensitive species such as brook trout.
It's evident, continues Ms. Virgoe, that Ms. Beauchamp has been a good steward of her land.
"Most of the hardwood wetland is of high quality, and shows very little obvious disturbance," she says. "A barred owl, which was noted during natural heritage studies by our staff, is a good indicator of the quality and the overall size of the wooded area, since they are known to be area-sensitive species that prefer larger trees for nesting."
Kawartha Conservation is incorporating the land into the East Cross Forest Conservation Area, which will be open to the public in 2009.
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