On November 7th, 2015 approximately 25 members of the Huron Perth Chapter of the Ontario Woodlot Association attended a tour of a plantation thinning operation near St. Marys. The tour was hosted by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA). 
John Enright, Forester with UTRCA provided information on the history of the site as well as management goals of the project and other details about the operation. John had photos from throughout the life cycle of the plantation and actually remembered being there when the trees were planted almost 30 years ago. The group viewed a demonstration of the mechanical harvester in action and then were able to tour the site and participate in further discussion.
Location
North end of 25th line, near St. Mary’s. Directions:
– proceed south on Highway 7 across Wildwood Lake Dam
– turn south from Highway 7 onto 19th Line (Oxford Road 119)
– at Uniondale turn left (east) onto Road 96 (Oxford Road 28)
– at the second intersection turn left (north) on the 25th Line
– travel to the end of the 25th Line.
Parking
The 25th Line is a dead end road. There should be ample parking along the road.
*Participants should bring a hard hat to wear on the tour.*
Agenda (tour starts at 9:30 a.m.)
This tour to be lead by John Enright (Forester with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority) will view a thinning operation in a young coniferous plantation. Participants will be able to watch the mechanized thinning equipment in action and learn about the management objectives, other topics related to plantation thinning, etc.
Registration
No registration required. Everyone welcome.
Upcoming Huron Perth Woodlot Association Outings for 2015
November 21, 2015 – Strategic Planning Workshop for the Ontario Woodlot Association. Our provincial organization is hosting a series of four strategic planning workshops to help set future direction and ensure sustainability of the Ontario Woodlot Association. The final and closest workshop is November 21st in the Brantford area. No further details are currently available. We assume more information will be posted on the provincial web site as it becomes available.
