YORK REGIONAL FOREST SUSTAINABLE HARVEST - Eldred King Tract
Trees will be sustainably harvested from Eldred King Tract at 16232 Highway 48 in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville until mid-April.
The tract will remain open but some trails will be closed while trees are being harvested. The areas being harvested will be sectioned off with signage posted. All work will be done on weekdays.
The parking lot at 16232 Highway 48 in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville will remain open but parking will be limited on weekdays with signage posted. Parking will not be affected on the weekends.
Visitors are reminded to stay clear of equipment and operations and off closed trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sustainable harvesting?
Sustainable harvesting involves selectively removing some larger trees like Red Pine to allow more light and water to reach native trees and plants underneath them.
Why are trees being harvested?
Trees are being carefully managed to promote the growth of a more natural and diverse forest type. Removing mature trees is necessary to ensure remaining large trees and smaller native trees and plants have a chance to grow and thrive.
Why is the harvest happening now?
The work needs to take place in the winter to minimize the impact to the Forest trails (while the ground is frozen) and to prevent impacts to wildlife and bird habitat that would occur in the spring and summer months.
Is harvesting the Forest sustainable?
York Region is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. This certification ensures the York Regional Forest is managed in an appropriate and sustainable manner in accordance with international standard. The York Regional Forest was the first public forest in Canada to be Forest Stewardship Council certified in 2000.
What happens to the animals and birds when the trees are cut down?
Most animals will leave the site during the day when harvesting occurs. The animals often return at night to feed on tree buds and twigs found on the forest floor which were once too high to reach.
What does the Region do with the trees that are harvested?
The trees are sold to a contractor who has been chosen through the Region’s procurement process. Once harvested, the contractor cuts the trees into wood products that can be found at local timber/hardware stores.
When was the York Regional Forest last harvested?
Trees were sustainably harvested from the Davis Drive and North Tracts in 2022 and the Bendor and Graves, Eldred King, Patterson and Robinson Tracts in 2021. The same sustainable methods used last year to harvest trees, are being used today.
How often are Tracts in the York Regional Forest harvested?
Harvesting occurs only when needed to maintain the health and diversity of the forest. Sections of some Forest tracts are harvested every 10-20 years as the trees grow in size and density. Many stands in the York Regional Forest, however, will never be harvested.
Are there any other tracts in the York Regional Forest that I can visit?
York Region has 22 Forest tracts open to the public. To find one near you visit york.ca/yrf. The following rules are currently in place for all users at the York Regional Forest:
- Dogs must be leashed at al times, except in designated areas
- Pick up and properly dispose of pet waste
- Stay on established trails
- Do not smoke or vape
- Do not litter
- Please be kind and act responsibly
Is there a phone number I can call or a website to report an incident in the York Regional Forest?
While York Region Forestry staff monitor the tracts on a regular basis, they cover a large area so it’s possible that someone visiting the Forest may not see a staff member during their time at the Forest. If that’s the case, visitors are advised to contact the Region by calling 1-877-464-9675 if they see a recurring incident.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Forestry Services
1-877-464-9675
[email protected]
