Seeking solutions towards sustainable forests in Hemmingford

by Benoît Bleau, translation Sheila Lord  (June 2014)

During the past year some Hemmingford citizens have been shocked to find out that some of the wooded areas in our region were clear cut for commercial purposes. After making some enquiries it was discovered that, apart from provincial regulations concerning marshy areas, rivers and streams, the only municipal regulation stipulates that a 30 metre wide strip of trees must be left along the edge of the road and another strip 10 metres wide around the periphery of the site. It also requires the contractor to clear away from the site all branches and other debris resulting from his operation. He must also plant new trees appropriate to the existing type of soil. However, these provisions do not apply in the case of cutting down trees for the purpose of agricultural development of the area.

It is well known that our forests are one of the most important treasures of the Hemmingford countryside. The more common species of tree to be found here are the sugar maple, red maple, Biltmore white ash, aspen, paper birch and white cedar. But what are the most characteristic, so-called noble species in existence in our region are the red oak, white oak, blue oak, butternut, black cherry, yellow birch, American beech, tamarack, Canada hemlock and the white pine.

These forests are the habitat of a variety of animals and they comprise reserves for the white-tailed deer. One can also observe the snowshoe hare, American black bear, Canada lynx, red fox, ruffed grouse, American woodcock, pileated woodpecker, wild turkey, tree swallow, American kestrel and several others, not to mention the variety of amphibians, frogs, salamanders, tortoises, etc.

Our forests are also the most important in the green corridor south of Montreal. This is clearly seen if one looks at a recent aerial map and realizes how much the whole metropolitan region has lost its natural lungs and depends on these remaining areas of wooded land to enable it to breathe better. Are we all aware of the natural heritage surrounding us and of the risk we run if we destroy our forests?

Faced with this problem a few members of the Hemmingford Environment Committee have been nominated to find solutions. As a first move we have chosen collaboration with the Hemmingford Township administration. Other municipalities and the MRC have been consulted and a copy of a policy has been sent to the municipality. This policy both permits forest producers to continue to receive revenue from their forest enterprises and to ensure the sustainability of this resource for generations to come.

In the event of the commercial development of a wooded area, a tool such as the Plan d’Aménagement Forestier (PAF) could be a future option, as it helps to define the varieties of trees and animals which are to be found in each wooded area and also contains commercial operations so as to preserve our collective heritage. We are also looking to inform private forest owners so as to offer them ideas and support them in their projected management and maintenance.

At the present moment in order to reply to citizens’ concerns, the Township has retained the services of an urbanist to prepare a draft regulation for all forest work. As soon as his regulation has been presented to the Township municipal council, citizens will be able to learn more about it and express their opinions. If this subject is of interest to you, you are invited to write to us at (benoit.bleau@gmail.com) to let us know your ideas and concerns. If the environment preoccupies you, the Hemmingford Environment Committee needs you. Think about it, it takes more than 100 years for a tree to reach maturity but it only takes a few minutes to chop it down. Don’t allow our forests to be cut down irresponsibly; your involvement can make a difference.

Benoît Bleau for the Hemmingford Environment Committee

This discussion will be continued in the next edition of the Bulletin. Meanwhile here are some leads for you to follow: Appalachian Corridor Association
American Tree Farm System
www.mrn.gouv. qc.ca/maf/mon-arbre.asp
and the following site is very interesting and deals with the state of forests all over the world:
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