Ganaraska Forest Closed

Article by Valerie MacDonald News Now Network

The Ganaraska Forest is closed to the public following extensive destruction of trees by the storm that swept the province May 21.

Ganaraska Forest damage GRCA image

A fly over assessment on May 31 and a Conservation Authority forester’s check on several hundred of the 11,000 acres of the forest, has taken place CEO Linda LaLiberte told the News Now Network in an interview.

“Many of the trails are impacted….and some of the forest roads,” she said, adding “we don’t know what is hanging in the canopy.”

All parking lots and entrances have been strung with emergency tape to warn the public, LaLiberte continued.

“Right now it is very dangerous to be entering.”

She said the Conservation Authority is hoping the forest will not be closed all summer with the possibility of it be open in July.

Forest memberships will be extended according to the time the forest is closed, LaLiberte said.

She anticipates work in the forest will involve assistance from other conservation authorities, and when conditions on the trails are safe, volunteer help, as well.

#ganaraskaforest, #northumberlandcounty

Staff working at cleanup. GRCA Facebook image

Editor’s Note: Over 500 acres of blowdown area have been found throughout the extent of the Forest. As a result, salvage operations will be occurring to prevent further forest hazards. At the same time, GRCA staff are clearing trails in an organized and safe manner. Many of the trail blockages consist not only of downed trees but also snapped and cracked trees, and spring poles. The Derecho Storm event of May 21, 2022 is the largest natural disaster to hit the Ganaraska Forest and GRCA staff are continually working on recovery efforts. The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority is committed to re-open the privately owned Ganaraska Forest as soon as it is safely possible.