This study area is complex and dynamic, ecologically and culturally. While it contains a diversity of ecosystems, from aquatic to terrestrial systems, it also plays host to many forms of stressful land use activities - cottages, marinas, beach use, picnic and trailer parks, sport fishing facilities, and intensive agricultural practices - making this area a priority for planning and management attention. The forests are largely natural areas of primary significance, containing a mix of deciduous forest, monoculture pine plantations and remnants of oak savannah. The coastal connection to Lake Erie is extremely advantageous as it provides an opportunity to create connections along the shore and inland; it can potentially improve the quality of water found in upland streams, receiving wetlands and the lake itself; and it is particularly beneficial for those organisms whose behaviour and functions require both land and water environment. The study area contains a Life Science ANSI, Class 1 Wetlands, Significant Natural Areas, Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA's), a Carolinian Canada site, a Provincial Park, a Provincial Forest Station, and is part of the Biosphere Reserve's buffer zone and zone of cooperation.
Although the large forest blocks central to the study area are largely publicly owned, adjacent forests and connective corridors are primarily in private ownership. A major initiative of the project was therefore to gain a better understanding of the privately owned land and its owners and to work in partnership with these people. A landowner contact program was initiated whereby all landowners in the study area were approached. The landowners were offered the opportunity to have a biological inventory of their forested property undertaken. This information was useful both for the landowner and the project in terms of characterizing forest types across the landscape.
Another major thrust of the Forest Corridor Project was to provide technical and financial assistance to landowners to restore natural areas and enhance forest blocks and connectivity between patches. Landowners interested in converting agricultural or other land uses back to forest, or in some cases meadow or prairie, were directly assisted through this project.
A steering committee of experts in forest flora, fauna and fragmentation issues were brought together from universities and conservation organizations to help develop and direct the project over the three year period. The regular support and guidance from the committee have been invaluable in keeping the project focussed on the ecological needs of the area.
The Forest Corridor Project was highly successful in terms of support by the local community and beyond. Funding was received from both government and non-government sources such as Action 21 (Environment Canada), Wildlife Habitat Canada, Shell Canada, Ontario Hydro and student employment programs. A project co-ordinator was hired for a large portion of the project to ensure continued momentum and support, and numerous students gained excellent field skills through the project.
LPWBRF is fortunate to have Canada Trust Friends of the Environment Foundation commit additional funds to this worthwhile project. The following report describes the work completed through this additional money.