Upgrades to Callaghan's Conservation parking lot Oct. 25/21

 
I met with Marc this aft to double check major plans are still on schedule, which they are. I know a lot of members of our group have been feeling disheartened because we haven't been meeting, and many members aren't aware of what has been going on 'behind the scenes' with Marc's coordination. However, a lot of very major upgrades are either in progress or are about to happen very soon, which should lift everyone's spirits!

A major upgrade to the parking lot is about to take place during the week of October 25. Callaghan's will be closed to the public so a local contractor can enlarge, upgrade and fortify the parking lot from entry to the conservation area by illegal motorized vehicles. The $7K needed to do this major construction work has been arranged. The contractor has facilities very close to Callaghan's at Tiffin Road and Highway #7, so the transportation cost of moving heavy equipment has been lessened.   

Marc has also been meeting with members of Marmora & Lake Council, EOTA (Eastern Ontario Trails Assoc.), of course Tim Pidduck with CVCA (Crowe Valley Conservation Area), and several other related groups. We're anticipating that once the expensive parking lot upgrade has been completed it will encourage EOTA to do their share of protecting Callaghan's from illegal ATV riders entering from the trans-Canada rail bed by fencing off access to the area next spring.

A CVCA staffer has been assigned to work under Marc's supervision on the ongoing mudding trail project. The brush barriers have been successful in keeping ATVers out of the 100 metre mud road they illegally built paralleling the river. Most of the summer Marc and CVCA staffer Liam have been hauling loads of soil and sphagnum for the arduous job of filling in the deep ruts. Several members of our group recently transplanted pine saplings at the northern entrance to the mudding trail. Restoring the natural habitat of the mudding trail is an ongoing process, and I suggest members take a look at what has already been accomplished there.

The protection and restoration of our favourite conservation area is definitely alive, well and thriving thanks to the support of our large membership group!


thanks & best wishes to everyone,

Chris (Faiers)