East Cross Forest Conservation Area

East Cross Forest Conservation Area is Kawartha Conservation's newest natural area, and the first to lie within the Township of Scugog.

The East Cross Forest project was initiated after many properties in the area were devastated by off-road vehicles and other illegal activities. Kawartha Conservation is rehabilitating and managing acquired lands to ensure abundant clean water for surrounding residents and businesses, and to protect a variety of plant species and cold-water habitat.

Since taking ownership of the first 552 acres in October of 2006, Kawartha Conservation has received donations and purchased additional lands to expand the East Cross Forest Conservation Area.

Our current land holdings are 832 acres, encompassing the valley and test hill areas, the hydro corridor to the north of test hill, the former Emedi property and Mt. Baldy.

Our goal is to ensure sensitive ecological features are protected and to leave a natural area for generations of visitors to enjoy.

All of this land is in a Natural Core Area on the Oak Ridges Moraine. Natural Core Areas contain the greatest concentrations of key natural heritage features that are critical to maintaining the integrity of the Oak Ridges Moraine as a whole.

The Conservation Area remains closed to all members of the public until the spring of 2009. It is currently under surveillance by Canadian Shield Anticrime. With the help of Durham Region Police, they are laying charges against anyone who trespasses.

History of East Cross Forest Conservation Area

In 2002, the Township of Scugog established the Test Hill Task Force to develop a long-term strategy to address illegal activity taking place in the southeastern area of the Township near the headwaters of the East Cross Creek.

In November 2003, the task force released a report entitled "Proposal for the Protection of East Cross Forest," which recommended that a comprehensive acquisition strategy be developed. A working group, the East Cross Forest Implementation Team, was established to act on the recommendations, one of which was to seek funding to undertake and sustain restoration and management activities. A large grant was subsequently secured through the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation.

In December 2005, the team turned over leadership of the initiative to Kawartha Conservation, which agreed to hold title to future properties and manage them as a conservation area. The team assumed the role of an advisory committee to provide input into the management plan.

In 2005, the Nature Conservancy of Canada approached Kawartha Conservation with regard to a significant tract of land that was available as a donation. The property was within the targeted acquisition area of East Cross Forest, and discussions began.

In October 2006, Mr. Erast Huculak donated 552 acres of property to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, who then transferred title to Kawartha Conservation. For many years, the unoccupied property, and the properties surrounding it, had been subject to unauthorized motorized vehicle use and other illegal activity, which caused considerable environmental damage.

A security group was immediately contracted to patrol the property and enforce the Trespass to Property Act. This patrolling will continue until the trespassing and illegal dumping is brought under control.

A community clean-up event was held in June of 2007 and resulted in over 75 volunteers collecting over 60 cubic yards of garbage, in addition to a number of abandoned cars and hazardous wastes.

In the spring of 2007, Kawartha Conservation purchased an additional 5 acres within the area of interest.

In October of 2007, another 250 acres of vacant land was purchased adjacent to the original 552 acres.

In December of 2007, Kawartha Conservation finalized a donation of 24.5 acres of wetland, forest and savannah by Ms. Leslie Beauchamp through Environment Canada's Ecological Gifts Program (www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/egp-pde/).

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 trespassing is permitted.

Canadian Shield Anticrime Response Corporation is enforcing the Trespass to Property Act. Durham Regional Police are also providing support. Your cooperation is most appreciated.

Future Plans

The East Cross Forest Conservation Area will open in 2009. Restoration will be ongoing into the future until heavily damaged sections of the land have recovered and new roads, trails and structures are in place.

We are relying on the public to comply with the current no trespassing status so that we can dedicate all of 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 other correspondence.

For more information about East Cross Forest please contact Kristie Virgoe, manager, environmental protection and restoration at 705 328-2271 ext. 223, toll free 1 800 668-5722 ext 223 or email kvirgoe@kawarthaconservation.com.

To be put on our East Cross Forest mailing list, please contact Catherine Hennings at 705 328-2271 ext 211, toll free 1 800 668-5722 ext 211 or email chennings@kawarthaconservation.com.

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