KIM BURTON-SCHRAM
Local journalism initiative reporter
A second Committee-of-the-Whole meeting was held by SDG Counties Councillors to further address the concerns raised by residents regarding the roadside tree planting program in the Counties.
The tree program was paused by SDG Council in February when some farmers complained there were not consulted before trees were planted on county land beside fields. Jeanie Warnock and her son, Iain Ogilvie-Warnock, initiated a petition to request the tree planting program resume. Over 800 people signed that petition in support of the plan to create living wind and snow breaks along county roads.
At the most recent meeting, five delegates addressed council expressing concerns about wildlife habitat, soil erosion and tree canopy coverage, affected by deforestation. Clint Cameron, Provincial Director for the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) spoke of the necessity for farmers to open their fields to accommodate larger equipment as they attempt to optimize their planting and crop growing window.
The resounding issue among many SDG councillors, and those who signed the pro-tree petition, is winter road safety and how living snow fences can improve driving conditions by reducing snow drifting. But farmers say some trees were planted very close to their field entrances, without any notification or consultation from SDG Counties, and as the trees grow taller, the sight line to oncoming traffic could be blocked.
Due to a total road allowance of only 20 metres on county roads, space is limited, however, Jim Hendry, a specialist in forest management and planning with over 45 years experience, told council the living fence can still do its job within the smaller space. Hendry also pointed to studies that report better crop yields when windbreaks are established. However, Councillor Martin Lang countered that he has never found evidence of such studies; instead, the reality is that trees planted too close to field borders can cause a loss of up to 40 per cent crop yield. Lang suggested that SDG staff identify the problem road areas, then consult with landowners and farmers to find solutions. Warden Frank Landry concluded that the meeting provided both sides the opportunity to voice their opinions. “Good discussions lead to the betterment of SDG Counties,” said Landry.
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