Dunsmore family gift protects Springwater forest
From left, Byron Wesson, director of conservation services with the NVCA, Laura Kucey, Ontario regional co-ordinator for the EcoGift program, NVCA chair and Wasaga Beach Councillor George Watson, Springwater Township Mayor Don Allen, John Dunsmore, Rosemary Dunsmore, Leonard Dunsmore and Barbara Anne Dunsmore. -Barrie Today photo
News release from Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority
The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) officially dedicated the new Dunsmore Management Area in Midhurst, Springwater Township, earlier today.
John and Rosemary Dunsmore generously donated this 46-hectare (114-acre) forested property to the NVCA through Environment Canada’s EcoGift Program.
“We worked over 30 winters in this bush using selective cutting and good managed forest practices,” said John Dunsmore. “The NVCA has agreed to take over our managed forest plan and continue this effort.”
Heavily logged in the 1920s, the forest has regenerated into a sanctuary for wildlife. It forms a corridor between the provincially significant wetlands in Dalston and those around Little Lake. The Dunsmores’ gift is part of the NVCA’s conservation lands acquisition program, which looks to secure properties that protect ground and surface waters, as well as areas that offer significant habitat for wildlife.
“We want to protect this natural area so future generations could enjoy all it has to offer,” added Mr. Dunsmore. “The forest is a refuge for animals and plants, and connects two wetlands. Protecting it will help to preserve the wetlands and help combat climate change.”
Over the past 40 years, NVCA has acquired close to 13,000 acres of conservation lands through partnerships and donations.
“We are fortunate to have many committed conservation stewards like the Dunmores in our watershed,” said Byron Wesson, director of conservation lands with the NVCA. “Thanks to their generous donations, the NVCA is able to protect and preserve some of the most environmental sensitive lands in our region.”
super thanks Dunsmores for helping to preserve forest and create linkages of natural heritage for the future resilience and lives of 2 and four legged creatures forever!
I was there for the unveiling yesterday, it was really special.
John and Rosemary Dunsmore are awesome environmentalists and this property is amazing.
John took some of us for a walk through the completely forested property afterwards and I’ve never seen so many trilliums before, it was so beautiful like a carpet.
Thank you John and Rosemary for protecting this special place for future generations to enjoy!