March ice storm cleanup continues across Simcoe County trails

Ice storm cleanup continues at trails across Simcoe County.

Downed trees and branches and weakened tree tops along the Mid/Pen Link trail that connects Midland and Penetanguishene have been an issue for trail users since the March ice storm.

Volunteers have been out clearing and removing what they can in recent months. The cleanup will continue on Thursday thanks to volunteers with the Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association.

“We are still working hard at clearing the debris that fell on the Ganaraska Hiking Trail, which is 500 kilometres, and which was effected in it’s entirety pretty well,” said Frieda Baldwin, with the Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association.

“There’s still a lot of dead fallen trees and branches and debris on the trails. We’ve cleaned up most of our section but we have a little bit left to do and I’m hoping we can get it done tomorrow,” said trail director Larry Piitz.

It’s a similar scene right across the county.

The Simcoe County foresters say there are still some areas in the county that need massive clearing. The foresters say people may notice some significant differences next time they’re out on a trail.

“Recognizing the changes that have happened in some of the natural stands, as well with the amount of broken tops and limbs and the amount of light coming in, so there’s been a quit an impact across the board,” explained Graeme Davis, a long-time professional forester.

In Barrie, the City says the cleanup is now focused on environmentally-protected areas, along with trails and pathways, and is expected to take a couple more months to complete. To date, roughly half of the City’s 50 trails have reopened since the storm.

In an average year, the City replants around 1,000 trees, and that number is expected to jump to 5,000 over the next two years because of the ice storm, running a tab of roughly $4 million. It’s seeking financial support from Ottawa and the province

The group Living Green Barrie is a registered environmental charity that helps people make responsible environmental choices. It’s executive director says they are hoping homeowners who have lost trees seriously consider replanting.

“The trees that were a safety hazard or a perceived safety hazard that were cut down and taken out completely I would suggest every single one of those trees, plus three, should be planted in it’s place,” said Andee Pelan with Living Green Barrie.