County Forester’s statement on Beeton Woods

Released by County of Simcoe

Official Statement: Please attribute to Graeme Davis, County Forester, County of Simcoe:

In 2012, the County of Simcoe issued a Stop Work Order to Maria Rizzardo (Tecumseth Estates Inc) under the County of Simcoe Forest Conservation By-law as it was brought to the County’s attention that tree clearing had been occurring on the property.  An application was subsequently submitted to the County to remove the woodlands for the purpose of expanding an existing agricultural area.  As staff were aware that butternut had been impacted (a protected species under the Endangered Species Act), processing the application was delayed until this issue was resolved with the Ministry of Natural Resources.

In early 2013 the application to clear trees was circulated as per the normal process to the County Planning Dept., The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA), and the Town of New Tecumseth.  All parties requested that an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) be completed, and it was agreed that the NVCA determine the scope of the EIS and complete the review of the completed report.

In October 2014 the completed EIS was submitted by the applicant to all parties. The Ministry of Natural Resources agreed to a compensation plan with respect to the butternut, and the NVCA reviewed and accepted the results of the EIS on behalf of the County and Township Planning Departments.  The EIS recommended a reduction to the proposed woodland removal to properly buffer an area stream, reducing the woodland clearing to 30.6 acres from the original request of 34.7 acres. A report was subsequently provided to County Council which recommended acceptance of the revised application for a Special Permit which was approved by County Council in January 2015 to Maria Rizzardo (Tecumseth Estates Inc).

On March 3, 2015, the County of Simcoe issued a Stop Work Order to allow processes and information related to the application to be further evaluated and confirmed.

The property owner Maria Rizzardo (Tecumseth Estates Inc) has appealed the stop work order that the County of Simcoe issued on March 3, 2015.  The County is in the process of confirming a date for a hearing at a meeting of County Council. Once the date is determined, notification will be forwarded to affected parties and a Notice of Hearing will be posted on the County website (simcoe.ca).

The property in question is privately owned and the landowners, Maria Rizzardo (Tecumseth Estates Inc), have been fully compliant. It is of utmost importance that their rights be respected. Tree clearing that occurred on their private property between January 27 and March 3, 2015 was legally done and in accordance with the Special Permit issued by County Council.

Furthermore, while a Stop Work Order has been issued, Maria Rizzardo (Tecumseth Estates Inc) has permission to clean-up legally felled trees on their property.

County officials will provide more information about the timeline once available.

Graeme Davis,
County Forester
County of Simcoe