Five Norway maples that are currently growing in the Inglis Falls Arboretum located at 237897 Inglis Falls Road, Owen Sound are scheduled to be removed this Friday and Saturday (June 23 & 24, 2023). These trees are being removed by an arborist to reduce the number of seeds that are being spread to nearby areas.
Norway maples are considered to be invasive species and are prolific seeders that outcompete and overtake native species. As a result of the abundance of seeds that are produced by these trees every year, many new Norway maple trees and seedlings are now growing in the natural forested areas along the edges of the Arboretum. There are concerns that if not managed, the Norway maples will have negative impacts on the native tree and plant species in these areas.
Removal of the remaining Norway maple trees and seedlings will be ongoing.
Please be advised that the section of the Arboretum to the south-west of the Grey Sauble Administration Centre will be closed during the tree removal.
-30-
For more information:
Mike Fry, Forestry Coordinator Grey Sauble Conservation Authority m.fry@greysauble.on.ca 519-376-3076
Background:
Our vision is a healthy watershed environment in balance with the needs of society.
Our mission, in partnership with the stakeholders of the watershed, is to promote and undertake sustainable management of renewable natural resources and to provide responsible leadership to enhance biodiversity and environmental awareness.
The Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation (GSCF) held their Memorial Forest Ceremony at the Grey Sauble Administration Centre and Arboretum last Sunday. This ceremony is held every year in June to celebrate those who have had a tree planted in their honour. Donors and families were invited to remember their loved ones and participate in planting a commemorative tree in the Inglis Falls Arboretum. The species chosen for the 2023 commemorative tree was a Black Tupelo, which has glossy green leaves in the summer that change to beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and bright red in the fall.
The GSCF proudly supports the Memorial Forest program where trees are planted in memory of loved ones whose names are placed on plaques at three locations: Pottawatomi, Griersville, and Big Mud Lake. GSCF volunteers and Grey Sauble Conservation Authority staff planted 96 trees at the three Memorial Forest sites earlier this month. Necessary maintenance of the existing memorial trees was also completed at this time to keep the Memorial Forest sites beautiful places to visit.
“The Memorial Forest program is very special to the Foundation, and we are honoured that so many people participate in it every year. We hope that the donors and families find peace in knowing that the memory of their loved ones will live on through these forests and will benefit our communities for years to come” said Don Sankey, Chair of the Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation.
Memorial trees can be purchased for $75 online (www.greysauble.on.ca/foundation/memorial-forest) or by calling the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority office (519-376-3076).
For further information:
Don Sankey, Chair, Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation
The Grey Sauble Conservation Foundation was established in 1993 and is a federally registered, charitable, not-for-profit organization that raises money to assist the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) fund programs and projects. The Foundation offers opportunities for the public to actively participate in conserving and enhancing the natural heritage that exists within the GSCA watershed.
Issued by: John Bittorf, Water Resources Coordinator
To: Watershed Municipalities and Watershed Media
Message:
Some watersheds within Grey Sauble area have already received 50mm of rain with more in the forecast. As a result, fields and low-lying areas are experiencing significant ponding and overland flow. Small watercourses and drainage ditches are becoming overwhelmed, resulting in localized flooding situations. Larger river systems are just starting to respond and are expected to continue to rise throughout the day and into the night. Levels on these systems may exceed normal spring runoff levels. However, unusual riverine flooding is not expected at this time.
Flood watches are issued when flooding is possible along local watercourses. Landowners within known flood prone areas should monitor their situation and be prepared in case of flooding.
Grey Sauble Conservation Authority would like to remind everyone that during spring runoff events, potential conditions exist that could pose a risk to personal safety. High flows, unsafe banks, or other factors could be dangerous for residents and pets. Stay back from riverbanks and away from fast moving water.
Grey Sauble staff will continue to monitor the weather and the flows and provide additional updates as needed. Watershed residents can access stream flow and rain gauge data through our Watershed Conditions page on our website (http://www.greysauble.on.ca/water-management/current-watershedconditions/).
This Statement expires April 8th at 12pm unless replaced by further updates.
Message Number: 2023-01 Issued on: March 31, 2023 (9:00am) Issued by: John Bittorf, Water Resources Coordinator To: Watershed Municipalities and Watershed Media
Message:
Two weather systems will affect our area over the next two days. The first will move through today bringing some snow. The snow will then change to rain this afternoon or evening and may become heavy overnight as a second and much stronger system begins to move in. Both systems have the potential to deliver periods of heavy rainfall which will quickly turn into surface runoff. With the soils already saturated, we expect smaller drainage features to respond quickly and may experience localized or urban flooding. The larger watersheds will respond and may reach levels close to average spring runoff conditions. No major flooding is expected at this time, but watercourses may reach or exceed their banks. Seasonal flooding of low-lying and poorly drained areas is expected.
The remaining snowpack is restricted to woodlots, heavily drifted areas, and snowbanks. It will continue to reduce and may contribute to some of the runoff. Our river systems are clear of ice cover and should not be at risk to ice jamming.
Grey Sauble Conservation Authority would like to remind everyone that during spring runoff events, potential conditions exist that could pose a risk to personal safety. High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for residents and pets. Stay back from riverbanks and away from fast moving water.
Grey Sauble staff will continue to monitor the weather and the flows and provide additional updates as needed. Watershed residents can access snow, stream flow and rain gauge data through our Watershed Conditions page on our website: https://www.greysauble.on.ca/water-management/current-watershed-conditions/.
This Statement expires April 3rd, 2023 at 12pm unless replaced by further updates.
Important Notice: The GSCA office at 901 3rd Avenue East, Suite 215, Owen Sound (above the Post Office) remains open to the public during the ongoing postal strike and picketing outside the building.
We've Moved Temporarily! Get information about the move here: GSCA Office Move
