HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS-17-91 An "° '". TOWN OF NEWCASTLE
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'FETING: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION
DATE: APRIL 22, 1991
REPORT #: CS-17-91 FILE #:
SUBJECT: ROTARY CLUB PROMOTED TREE PLANTING
SOPER CREEK PARK - BOWMANVILLE
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose &
Administration Committee recommend to Council the following:-
1. That Report No. CS-17-91 be received for information.
1. 0 BACKGROUND:
1. 1 In December of 1990, Dr. Pinto representing the Bowmanville
Rotary Club approached the Community Services Department
seeking the Town's co-operation in promoting and assisting in
their "Preserve Planet Earth" program. The Rotary Club seeks
to promote the new awareness of the environment and the need
for a green future through a series of tree planting programs .
To assist, the Town co-operated with their promotion in
December 1990 providing two calliper size trees which were
planted at the Bowmanville Recreation Complex.
2.0 REPORT:
2 . 1 As a result of meetings with representatives of the Rotary
Club the Community Services Department offered Soper Creek as
a site for tree planting in 1991 and future years . The
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REPORT CS-17-91 - 2 - APRIL 22, 1991
Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority has similarly
offered the Long Sault Conservation Area for tree planting.
2 .2 On Thursday morning May 2nd, 4,000 seedling trees will be
planted in Soper Creek Park from Baseline Road to Highway #2 .
The seedlings will be restricted to hillsides, embankments and
wooded areas where grades prevent grass mowing or where it
would be desirable to reforest a deteriorating wooded area.
The plan is to involve the school children and other youth
groups such as the Boy Scouts in reforestation projects .
2 . 3 The Rotary Club members under the guidance of Community
Services Department staff will direct an estimated 120 school
children and scouts to plant an average of 25 seedlings each.
Each child is being instructed to bring a suitable digging
shovel plus rubber boots and rain wear should the ground
conditions or weather be wet.
2 .4 The Rotary club will extend a personal invitation to each
member of Council. Council is encouraged to participate and
support the children with their tasks . Suitable publicity of
the childrens participation will be provided through the
Rotary Club.
3.0 SEEDLING TREES:
3 . 1 Three species of coniferous trees; 1, 000 Red Pine, 1,000 White
Cedar and 2, 000 Norway Spruce will be planted. These trees
have been provided free of cost to the Town through the
Ministry of Natural Resources Orono Provincial Tree Nursery.
3 .2 Each year's success rate in tree planting may vary.
Insufficient rainfall, lack of soil moisture due to steep
grades and competition from other vegetation will affect the
success rate. Others may succumb to rodents, grass fires, and
other similar problems . Infilling in future years with a
variety of species will create a natural rejuvenation of mixed
species and sizes giving the desired result rather than
regulated tree plantations .
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REPORT CS-17-91 - 3 - APRIL 22, 1991
4.0 FUTURE YEARS:
4 . 1 School officials have indicated a strong interest in providing
their students with opportunities to participate actively
through this type of hands on project. A recent request was
received from the Newcastle Public School to expand the
seedling program to Newcastle Village. Using the School's and
the Rotary Club's declared interest and organizational
resources, the Town at little or no cost has the opportunity
to reforest the ravines, improve the overall ecology and
quality of life while encouraging good citizenship, community
participation and environmental awareness . With the expected
success of the program and continued interest, the Community
Services Department is anticipating an expansion to the
program in future years .
Respectfully submitted, Recommended for presentation
to the Committee,
fil
Jose f P. Caruana, Director Lawrence Kotseff
Depa tment of Community Services Chief A. rnistrative Officer
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