Spring Trail Closures in Haliburton County

The Haliburton Highlands Stewardship Council, along with the Haliburton ATV Association, Ontario Federation of Trail Riders and Ontario Federation of 4-Wheel Drive Recreationists, are pleased to support the Ministry of Natural Resources Minden Area Office's efforts to protect trails from environmental damage through a spring trail closure. Motorized recreational vehicle use of trails while they are still saturated with moisture and have not had sufficient time to dry can result in both trail and environmental damage. Although many motorized recreationists do not use the trails during wet spring conditions, there are still those who may not be aware of the impacts of spring riding. Damage can include rutting, erosion, and sedimentation, which impacts soil hydrology, water flow, ecosystem health, and organisms (turtles, fish, frogs) living in a waterway. Damage to trails is costly; both economically to the motorized user groups that groom/fix the trails, and socially to other trail users who may not get the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful, natural environmental conditions that Haliburton County has to offer.

To educate motorized recreationists and the general public on responsible and safe riding, trails on Crown land will be posted with signs advising people that to avoid trail damage, trails should not be used before May 1st. Although this time period gives the trails some time to dry up, it may not be enough time in some parts of the county (such as the north part). Riders are advised to use discretion when riding, and choose trails that are not wet. As weather can change from year to year, as trails are assessed, closure dates may change in the future to ensure adequate time for the trails to dry out.

We realize that there are those (i.e. emergency, hydro, resource workers) who may need to access trails at any time, and these people are of course excluded from the spring trail closure.

Motorized off-road recreation is enjoyed by many, and it wouldn't be the same without the backdrop of our forests and wetlands. In an effort to respect and protect the land we use, and to sustain motorized recreation in Haliburton County, we encourage riders to educate themselves on responsible and safe riding, and to encourage their fellow riders to do the same. For advice on what you can do to minimize your impact on the environment, visit Tread Lightly! at www.treadlightly.com and look for your particular recreational activity, where you will find useful guides and tips such as the appropriate way to cross water, winching techniques, riding tips and more..

Lets all work together to keep Haliburton County a beautiful place to explore.

Off Road Vehicle Educational Initiative

The Haliburton Stewardship Council is pleased to support Tread Lightly! and their messaging. The intent of the educational messaging by Tread Lightly! is to create a respectful and responsible attitude towards recreational land use, so that the beauty of our land and trails stays intact for future generations to enjoy, and so that access to land stays open to the public.

If you are interested in helping to promote the Tread Lightly! messaging through your business or organization, please contact Tracey Teel at (705)286-5205, or hhsc.intern@gmail.com

To learn more about Tread Lightly!, please visit their website at www.treadlightly.org

Children's Water Festival

Hundreds of students from the Trillium Lakelands District School Board are invited to participate in the fourth annual Haliburton-Muskoka Children's Water Festival. The goal of the Water Festival is to help shape children's attitudes about the importance of water in their lives and its use, consumption and protection.

Through a series of 33 interactive learning stations, students in grades 3 to 6 will explore the concepts of:

• Water conservation
• Water Attitudes
• Water Technology
• Water Protection
• Water Science

The learning stations are designed to be hands-on, stimulating and fun, encouraging further understanding of curriculum linked water concepts. The event is open to Grades 3 to 6. There is no cost to attend, but schools must arrange transportation.

The Haliburton - Muskoka Children's Water Festival is led by a group of local community organizations and agencies whose mission isto help shape children's attitudes about the importance of water in their lives and its use, consumption and protection.

Volunteers

The Children's Water Festival is looking for volunteers and sponsors for this great event.

Why should I help?

The Haliburton - Muskoka Children's WaterFestival helps shape children's attitudes about respecting and conserving valuable water resources so they can ensure a reliable water supply for the future.

About 100 volunteers are needed each day to staff the activity centres. Volunteers will help with running activities, act as greeters, directing groups through the site, and helping staff keep the grounds safe and tidy.

What do you get for helping out?

All volunteers will receive a certificate of appreciation, a Water Festival T-Shirt and lunch.

Volunteer Tips for your day at the Festival:

• Wear comfortable shoes, or bring a second pair. You will be spending most of the day standing
• Wear something you can put a Children's Water Festival T-Shirt over. You will get one on the morning you arrive. It helps students, teachers and parents know that you're an activity leader.
• Dress for the weather! Activities will run rain or shine. You will be outside most of the day.
• Please wear comfortable clothing you don't mind getting a bit dirty or wet. Be sure to check the weather report before you leave the house.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact:

Haliburton - Muskoka Children's Water Festival
Contact: Julia Robertson, Festival Coordinator
Phone: (705) 457 - 9664

Constructed Wetland Project Update

The conservation community in Haliburton, Ontario has joined forces to collaborate on a project that will develop a constructed wetland at the Haliburton Fish Hatchery. The Haliburton Fish Hatchery Constructed Wetland Project will develop, install and monitor an engineered constructed wetland to treat aquaculture effluent from the Haliburton Fish Hatchery...More

Support for Youth Outdoor Education

Highlands Outdoor Education & Development Program (HOEDP)

HOEDP is a four-credit program offered at the Haliburton Highlands Secondary School that provides students with hands-on training and skills in resource management fields. HHSC is a firm believer in and supporter of this community-based program which is creating environmental stewards and preparing young adults for the workforce. The course is taught by the Council's Youth Respresentative and member Derek Little.