Durham East Cross Forest Conservation Area

Durham East Cross Forest Conservation Area is Kawartha Conservation's newest natural area, and the first to lie within the Township of Scugog. It is the realization of a collective vision of the East Cross Forest as a protected natural area.

In October of 2006, a significant tract of land was donated to Kawartha Conservation and it forms the cornerstone of the conservation area, with hopes that one day this area will span over a thousand hectares.

Durham East Cross Forest Conservation Area lies entirely within the Oak Ridges Moraine. The headwaters of the East Cross Creek lie partially within its current boundaries and it contains a mosaic of forests and grasses.

A Township of Scugog Initiative

In 2002, the Township of Scugog established the Test Hill Task Force. Its purpose was to develop a long-term strategy to address illegal activity taking place in the south eastern area of the Township. Major issues included trespassing, dumping, hunting and environmental damage.

In November 2003, the task force, renamed the East Cross Forest Task Force, released a report entitled Proposal for the Protection of East Cross Forest, which recommended that a comprehensive acquisition strategy be developed. One of the recommendations was to seek funding to undertake and sustain restoration and management activities. A large grant was subsequently secured through the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation, and in December 2005, Kawartha Conservation agreed to take the lead, hold title to future properties within the East Cross Forest and manage them as a conservation area.

Generosity Moves the Vision Forward

In October of 2006, Mr. Erast Huculak donated just over 223 hectares (552 acres) of property in the East Cross Forest to the Nature Conservancy of Canda, who in turn transferred title to Kawartha Conservation.

Mr. Huculak has a long history of community service here in Canada and abroad. He holds an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Alberta for his international humanitarian and philanthropic activities, and his advancement of Ukrainian Studies. Mr. Hucualk's roots to Durham go back a half century, to 1957 when he founded Medical Pharmacies Group Inc in Oshawa with just one store. It is now the largest provider of pharmacy services to long term care facilities in Canada. He and his wife Yarmila have five children and four grandchildren.

The Cornerstone of East Cross Forest Conservation Area

East Cross Forest Conservation Area is an 832 acre property lying within the East Cross Forest, in the south eastern corner of the Township of Scugog, Region of Durham. It is situated entirely within the Oak Ridges Moraine, and is a largely forested area containing a variety of species of plants including prairie grass remnants. The headwaters of the East Cross Creek originate in this landscape. The property is known locally as the Emedi property, as the Emedi Lumber Company once operated out of the site. Neighbouring lands may be acquired and added to the present conservation area, so that one day over a thousand hectares will be protected in a natural state for generations of visitors to enjoy.

What is happening now in East Cross Forest?

Kawartha Conservation is currently in the process of creating a management plan for a multi-use conservation area. In order to restore sections of the property that have suffered environmental damage, the area has been secured and no tresspassing is currently permitted.

Canadian Shield Anticrime Response Corporation has been contracted and will be acting on our behalf to enforce the Trespass to Property Act. Durham Regional Police are also providing support. Your cooperation is most appreciated.

Future Plans

Durham Cross Forest Conservation Area will open on June 25, 2009. We are relying on the public to comply with the current no trespassing status so that we can dedicate all our available resources to creating a multi-user area that balances the needs and wishes of the public with sound environmental management.

Want to know more?

Your input counts! We will be seeking public input as we progress with conservation area plans. Watch for future notices on our website, through local media and through correspondence.

The following documents are downloadable.

• Questions and Answers About East Cross Forest  (pdf )
• Durham East Cross Forest Conservation Area Fact sheet (pdf)

To be put on our contact list, please send an email request to Brent Kulba, Communications Specialist, Kawartha Conservation. You may also reach Brent at 705.328.2271 ext 220.

Map