In the two years since the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) Dufferin Hi-land Club took over 400 acres near Honeywood, the transformation has been amazing. Volunteer Tom Thayer spearheaded the effort to get off-road vehicles out of the nature preserve. Even when the land was privately owned it was always off-limits to vehicular traffic but Thayer says for the previous 30 years, people simply ignored the rules and trespassed at will.
When Bill Duron moved to the area, he loved to hike in what has now become the Pine River Nature Reserve. Over the years, he watched as it became a playground for off-road vehicles and was frequently used as a dumping ground. Duron convened a groupof concerned citizens who concluded that the only way to enforce the no-vehicle policy was to find a way for the private land to be brought under the control of a conservation organization. They agreed that the Bruce Trail Conservancy was the obvious choice, and set about acquiring the land.
The Van Nostrand family agreed to donate their 81 acre parcel. The neighbouring 98 acre property known locally as the Apple Orchard had been for sale for a number of years but had been so heavily damaged by off road traffic that it failed to sell. Ananonymous donor was found to fund that purchase. Then the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) agreed to enter into a co-stewardship agreement for adjacent Crown Land bringing the total size of the nature reserve to roughly 400 acres. BTC formally took over management of the site in September, 2020.
For the first year and half, Thayer says Trail Club volunteers issued warnings to riders advising them of the no-vehicle policy. Then the OPP was enlisted to do patrols and issue tickets. Thayer isn’t sure how many citations were issued, but says that he personally reported 15 to 20 instances of vehicles captured in the area by trail cameras. The increased enforcement has had the desired effect. This year only one off-road vehicle has been spotted breaking the rules.
With the land acquisition complete and the off-road vehicle problem under control, the focus has shifted to rehabilitation. A dedicated group of volunteers showed up on a cold, rainy day last May to begin the cleanup. They filled a giant dumpster with waste and hauled away abandoned boats, cars, tires and lawnmowers. Duron says the area is now being enjoyed by hikers and anglers, and the MNR has committed to stocking the Pine River annually.
Michael McDonald, CEO of the BTC says Pine River is a great example of the community getting behind a major conservation project. A local contractor has been hired to grade and bring in clean fill to repair the considerable damage caused by off road vehicles after the bird breeding season has ended in August. Then the area will be seeded with grass and native wildflowers. Tree planting will follow next year. Weed-pulling parties are planned to get rid of invasive species such as Phragmites, Garlic Mustard, English Ivy and Common Buckthorn which threaten the habitat of turtles, frogs and salamanders. People are encouraged to explore the area using marked trails which are designed around eco-sensitive areas.
Duron’s committee has raised $120,000 to facilitate the restoration work, including a $30,000 donation from last year’s Jim Cuddy Jamboree. Tickets are now on sale for the 17th Anniversary Jim Cuddy Jamboree, Sunday July 24 at Lyric Pond near Honeywood.