Mountainside Park Forest Health Initiative February 2015

We will discuss: The Characteristics of the Mountainside Park woodlot The Key Findings of the Woodlot Management Plan The Forest Health Initiatives Planned for Spring 2015

Mountainside Park Woodlot Characteristics Approximate woodlot size: 7 ha (17.3 acres) Woodlot is surrounded by urban development No connections to other naturally vegetated corridors Contains a watercourse which traverses from north to south Several formal and ad hoc trails “Significant Woodland” based on Halton Region criteria

Three vegetation communities within the woodlot: Dry-Fresh Red Oak-Hardwood Deciduous Forest (FOD 2-4) Fresh-Moist Green Ash Lowland Forest (FOD 7-2) Cultural Woodland (CUW1)

Key Findings Dead or dying trees - approximately 155 dead or dying trees require removal as a result of natural mortality, poor drainage, invasive species and pests Impacts of pedestrian traffic - Several small ad hoc trails branching off the main trails have impacted understory growth and regeneration, particularly near the play area and neighbouring residences

Key Findings – continued Invasive species - Several non-native invasive species are present, including Garlic-mustard, Tartarian Honeysuckle, Common Buckthorn, Manitoba Maple and Norway Maple. Pest Invasion - Some ash trees had evidence of Emerald Ash Borer. Other pests infesting trees within the woodlot included Armillaria root rot (a fungal pest), Gypsy Moth and Two-lined Chestnut Borer

Key Findings – continued Lack of Oak Regeneration - Due to low light conditions resulting from minimal gaps in the forest canopy and higher levels of light. Drainage – surface drainage in select areas may be influencing the die-back of canopy trees

Tree Removal 155 dead trees to be removed Work to be completed in March Most logs will be removed with some remaining to provide wildlife habitat and soil nutrients Forest Health Initiatives

Tree Planting Approx. 5,500 saplings Varying species native to this area Work to be completed in Spring Forest Health Initiatives

Invasive Species Removal (e.g.. buckthorn, garlic mustard) Ad hoc Trail closures Review areas for drainage improvements Signage Forest Health Initiatives

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