The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority is set to begin ash tree removal on Stoney Island Conservation Area.
The conservation area is located at 434 Bruce Road 23, Kincardine. The SVCA says that since the arrival of the emerald ash borer in the early 2000s in Ontario, they have destroyed millions of ash trees.
SVCA staff have observed the managed forested area at Stoney Island, and have found most of the ash trees to be infested and declining rapidly due to the presence of the emerald ash borer.
7,300 ash trees on the property will be removed. Removal is not optional and is performed to ensure the safety of the people who enjoy the property as a space for recreation.
Removal will begin in mid to late summer 2023. The public should anticipate Stoney Island Conservation Area being closed for up to 2.5 months, allowing time for both removal and clean-up operations.
“We appreciate that the temporary loss of access and the change in appearance to a local and beloved hiking, skiing, and birding location will be upsetting for those who enjoy it regularly. We want those who frequent Stoney Island Conservation Area to know what to expect," said Donna Lacey, Manager of Forestry and Lands, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority. "This harvest is not an activity that we desire to undertake. The ash that are killed by EAB are extremely hazardous to property users. EAB has forced agencies such as SVCA to abandon proper forest management planning to instead remove trees based solely on species and safety concerns."
Under no circumstances should the public attempt to explore the property during the ash removal process," Lacey continued. "The process of tree removal at this scale is extremely dangerous. SVCA staff will be supervising the removal and working hard to re-open the trail system. SVCA will clearly advertise (through signage and other communication) when the property has been made safe again and is open for visitors."
