Volume V Issue 1
Spring 2009 B RIAN B ARKLEY, G ENERAL M ANAGER OF E A S T E R N O N TA R I O M O D E L F O R E S T , ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT The Board of the Eastern Ontario Model Forest, with extreme reluctance, announces the retirement of Brian Barkley, our General Manager, effective April 1, 2009. He was the founding and only General Manager of the EOMF following a career in forestry with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources in eastern Ontario that laid the groundwork for his leadership at EOMF. He was manager of the Fast Growing Forests program that was an important element of Domtar’s wood supply in Cornwall. At the time of his taking up the General Manager’s role in 1992 he had been the Regional Forester for OMNR operating out of Kemptville.
Spring is coming...
WHAT’S INSIDE Brian Barkley Retires
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Wood Centre Update
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2 Hot Off the Press: Enhancing Species at Risk Habitat in your EO Woodlot Special Tribute to Brian Barkley
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Project Spotlight: New Herpetofaunal Atlas
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Project Spotlight: Species at Risk
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What’s Happened Lately Conference Briefs
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What’s Coming Up: EOMF AGM & Lots Else!
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Partner Profile
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AGM Notice
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Brian is a giant in the model forest community. His combination of affability, inspired leadership, skilled management and love of connecting with the forest community of eastern Ontario and upper New York State has resulted in a vibrant Eastern Ontario Model Forest. His accomplishment has also been a leadership model for both the Canadian model forest community and the burgeoning international model forest community. The board expresses its profound gratitude to Brian for what he has accomplished and the spirit in which it was delivered. We celebrate his legacy and will announce shortly details of the search for candidates for the position of General Manager of the EOMF. The Board wishes Brian well in his retirement and in any future endeavors he may undertake.
Jim McCready R.P.F., President, Eastern Ontario Model Forest *NOTICE TO ALL EOMF MEMBERS* Our Annual General Meeting will be on May 9 @ Temples Sugar Camp—see pg 8!
Picking Up Momentum
Hot off the Press...
By Sandra Lawn Monumental effort on the part of Brian Barkley and others, continues to steer us toward the realization of the OEWC & EIP vision: an integrated business community for wood products, processes and byproducts: production, advanced training, research, development and demonstration. This truly a creative approach to a balanced wood based bio-economy. Enhancing Species at Risk Habitat in Your Eastern Ontario Woodlot Published by EOMF
This colourful 30-page booklet is intended as a tool to assist landowners in enhancing species at risk habitat. It begins with a discussion of what constitutes a species at risk, why species are ‘at risk’, and how you, as a landowner, can play a central role in ensuring the survival of species at risk. Woodland habitats used by species at risk are then reviewed in some detail. The lion’s share of the booklet is devoted to a discussion of the practical ways in which you can enhance species at risk habitat in your woodlot. Legislative considerations are reviewed in brief. To view or obtain a copy visit our website @ www.eomf.on.ca 2
With funding from the Regional Eastern Ontario Development Fund and support from our many partners throughout eastern Ontario and Northern New York, Doyletech Corporation is working diligently on bringing prospective tenants to the EIP. Inquiries about several wood related initiatives are increasing weekly with six serious on-site visits to date. Connections with the University of Toronto Faculty of Forestry are strong and expanding with graduate students under the guidance of Dr. Sally Krigstin doing invaluable research that is filling the gaps in knowledge about biomass characteristics and availability. The Steering Committee of the OEWC was most pleased to attend a meeting at the Port of Prescott with representatives of the Township, the EOMF and the civil, chemical and mechanical engineering departments of
Queen’s University. Several areas of potential cooperation were identified and are now underway. The Queen’s Business School consulting service is currently preparing the business plan for the Wood Science Innovation Centre. A key factor in the surge in interest has been the federal and provincial governments’ announcement of approval of the $34 million rehabilitation of the Port of Prescott. The EOMFs key partner, Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal is the owner of the Port and their share of the improvements will come from the Port enterprise itself, not from the tax payers of the Township. On March 7, 2009 the EOMF, Queen’s and MNR partnered on a discovery session delving into the urgent nature of a forest biomass inventory for eastern Ontario that would be essential for not only economic development initiatives but also for modeling, commercialization, research, development of appropriate short rotation sites, climate change and public policy. We encourage you to visit www.woodcentre.ca for more information about this most innovative initiative in eastern Ontario.
A Special Tribute to Brian Barkley By Elizabeth Holmes Deeply proud of his roots in rural eastern Ontario, Brian’s love for the forest and its people is unmistakable. He has contributed an enormous wealth of knowledge to the field of forestry and to communities worldwide, and has done so with an intensity and devotion non-pareil. Sharing his knowledge of forests and forestry has been his life’s work – a pursuit supported wholly by his incredible wife Trisha and by their equally incredible children, Andrew, Sarah and Erica. The farm woodlot being a quintessential in the dairy country surrounding Elma, Ontario, it is not surprising that Brian and his young family grew up with a passion for the forest; reflected, for instance, in the lovingly produced maple syrup bearing the Barkleyvale Farms trademark. Brian graduated in the 70s with a Bachelors of Science in Forestry degree from the University of Toronto. As a Registered Professional Forester, he began his career as a Regional Forester with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Even at this early stage of his career, his passion, his willingness to explore and test new concepts, and his strong sense of community shone luminously. Whether experimenting with hybrid poplar clones or leading a tour of eminent foresters 6
from abroad, Brian had a remarkable gift of connecting others to the forest. In more recent times, Brian’s name has come to be synonymous with the term ‘model forest.’ Brian has been so much more than a general manager; he truly has been the lifeblood of the Eastern Ontario Model Forest. His ability to draw people into the fold in an equitable and respectful way has resulted in so many fruitful and long-lasting partnerships in support of our forests and our communities. By way of a few examples, we quite possibly wouldn’t have had a Biosphere Reserve, an A2A Conservation Association, a highly successful Ferguson Forest Centre, or been on the verge of having a state-of-the-art Wood Centre & Eco-Industrial Park in the region if not for Brian’s mentoring style . . . astute, strategic, and persuasive, while always kind, humble, and empathetic — often working away quietly in the background as opposed to in the spotlight.
Although his influence has been felt profoundly at the local level, Brian has touched communities around the world with his selflessness in sharing not only his knowledge and insights about our forests, but his home as well. Countless visitors from communities around the world have been welcomed into the Barkley ho me (an d cott age on Charleston Lake!), to experience rural Canada and to learn more about our forests and the communities they support and nurture. Brian has been a long-time, ardent supporter of the Canadian Model Forest Network, advocating the importance of working together and always striving to push the envelope of the possible. He is to credit for many of the achievements under the Private Woodlot Strategic Initiative and has contributed to numerous other network activities. He has been similarly supportive of the International Model Forest Network, always willing to lend a hand, and always going beyond the call of duty. For those of us who have had the privilege to work in staff positions alongside Brian, with mixed emotions we say, “Congratulations on your retirement, we’ll miss you, and please don’t be a stranger!”
Project Spotlight: Herpetofaunal Atlas
by Oliver Reichl, EOMF
PHOTO CONTEST To encourage the submission of photo records, a photo contest will run throughout two field seasons (April-October) and both monthly and annual prizes will be awarded!
With funding from the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund, the EOMF has initiated a Herpetofaunal Atlas that focuses on the reptiles and amphibians of eastern Ontario. The five counties that make up the model forest are collectively home to 35 species of herpetofauna, including seven turtles, nine snakes, one toad, seven salamanders, nine frogs, and one lizard. Throughout 2009 and 2010, we are asking landowners, citizens, and visitors to submit simple records of sightings within the EOMF.
Grand Prizes: 1. 2.
There are ten “at risk” reptile species and one "at risk" amphibian whose ranges include some or all of our area. Although we know which species may be found here, we know very little about their current abundance and distribution.
ACDSee Pro 2.5 software Wooden wrist watch (M/L)
Monthly Prizes: 1. Reptile calendar 2. Field Guide to Reptiles & Amphibians of Ontario
Volunteers will be able to submit sightings, or frog calls, via an online form, downloadable spreadsheet, mail-in cards, and/or as photographic records...details to follow. All participants will have their contributions acknowledged in the final atlas.
Such quantitative knowledge is essential if we wish to enhance or maintain the habitat(s) of these creatures and identify changes in the status or distribution of their populations over time.
Given that over 88 per cent of the EOMF land base is under private ownership, the voluntary participation of landowners is critical if we are to achieve accurate results.
For complete contest details, data submission guidelines, or other atlas-related information, please contact: “Ribbit”: Eastern Ontario Model Forest All contest P.O. Bag 2111, 10 Campus Drive entries must be Kemptville, ON, K0G 1J0 accompanied by a Tel: (613) 258-8241 data submission Email: modelforest@eomf.on.ca. to the atlas!
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Project Spotlight: Species at Risk by Marie-France Noël, Species at Risk Outreach Intern
Peregrine Falcon (MNR)
Building on the momentum of last year’s SAR project, MarieFrance Noel, EOMF’s Species at Risk Intern, has played a critical role in sharing information on SAR, dispelling myths, building trust and creating a dialogue with private landowners. Over 35 presentations were delivered to a variety of audiences and organizations. “This was a good way of introducing landowners to the new legislation, the available permits and incentives.” Over 1500 people attended presentations, making this project a success for the second year running.
Ribbonsnake (Simon Lunn)
Eastern Prairie-fringed Orchid (MNR)
Under this project, a series of SAR workshop modules were updated. These modules are available online at http:// www.eomf.on.ca/projects/cfyl.Species.At.Risk_e.aspx and include: Species At Risk - Module Species At Risk - Module MB) Species At Risk - Module Species At Risk - Module scriptions (PDF 12.2 MB) Species At Risk - Module (PDF 3.1 MB) Species At Risk - Module Species At Risk - Module ery Projects(PDF 1.3 MB)
Blandings Turtle (Simon Lunn)
American Ginseng (MNR)
1: The Broader Picture (PDF 1.6 MB) 2: Species At Risk Introduction (PDF 4.5 3: Why Species Are At Risk (PDF 3.1 MB) 4: Eastern Ontario Species at Risk De5: Landowner Options and Incentives 6: Species At Risk Protection (PDF 5.4 MB) 7: Eastern Ontario Species at Risk Recov-
A booklet entitled Enhancing Species at Risk Habitat in Your Eastern Ontario Woodlot has also been created (featured on page two of this newsletter). It is available online at: http://www.eomf.on.ca/publications/publications_details_e.aspx? pubno=106, or, give us a call at (613) 258-8241 if you would like a hard copy version.
This latest Species at Risk project was made possible by funding through the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ Species at Risk Stewardship Fund.
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What’s Happened Lately? Christmas Forestry Seminar
Proceedings excerpt by Tony Bull
The Christmas Forestry Seminar is an annual event jointly sponsored by the Eastern Ontario Model Forest and the Canadian Institute of Forestry, Ottawa Valley Section. On December 10, four speakers addressed important questions about the future of the forest industry. First up was Tom Richardson, the General Manager of the MazinawLanark Forest, representing sustainable forest licence (SFL) holders on Crown land in this area. He commented on the challenges facing the industry in eastern Ontario. Most businesses are multigenerational and relatively small. The second presenter, Mark Hubert, VP, Climate Change Leadership, Forest Products Association of Canada, described some global economic drivers and the national picture.
The 23rd Annual Kemptville Winter Woodlot Conference was a Record-Breaking Success!! There was a lot of ‘new’ at this year’s Winter Woodlot Conference: from its theme “What’s New in Your Woodlot?”; to the new look of its communications materials; to some new initiatives at the planning and promotion stages; to the new records that were established in terms of number of sponsors (19), exhibitors (29), and registrants (more than the 250 chairs laid-out). A diversified agenda loaded with engaging speakers delivered informative presentations on the latest developments on: Alternative and Biofuel Markets for your Wood Afforestation Programs & Climate Change Invasive Species & Species at Risk Wildlife Trees & Careful Logging Practices As is tradition, EOMF was integrally involved alongside other dedicated partners and volunteers in planning, organizing, communicating, and participating in this established event.
The third presenter, Randal Goodfellow, Senior VP for Community and Government Relations at Ensyn Technologies, described how Ensyn uses pyrolysis to flash heat wood in the absence of oxygen to produce oils that can be refined for a number of purposes. Ensyn has a number of plants currently operating including one in Renfrew .
In the frigid temperatures of midJanuary, Jim McCready, Brian Barkley and Melanie Williams huddled together with other Board Members, General Managers, and Communicators from the 13 other model forests across Canada, at the Courtyard Marriott in the Byward Market, for three days of intensive meetings organized by the Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN).
The fourth presenter, Christopher Simmonds, is an architect specializing in the design of LEED certified buildings. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a certification program of the Green Building Council.
While Board Members deliberated over legal, corporate, and strategic issues, the GM’s focused on advancing work on the Network’s key Strategic Initiatives, while Communicators discussed a broad range of topics designed to improve not only CMFN’s communications but also the communications capacity of each model forest.
The CMFN has embraced eight initiatives that represent the most nationally significant issues facing our model forests and Canada’s forest sector as a whole. Each initiative is championed by a GM and a team of national counterparts who apply their shared knowledge to advance sustainable forest management, strengthen forest-dependent communities, and diversify Canada’s forest sector. Brian Barkley is the champion of the Bioenergy Measurement and Analysis initiative yet also applies his expertise to the others which include: Ecological Goods & Services, Canadian Circumboreal Program, Non-timber Forest Products, Climate Change, Baseline Community Indicators, Aboriginal Youth Involvement, and the International Engagement Strategy.
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Partner Profile
What’s ComingUp?
As one of the 14 Model Forests in the Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN) , the Eastern Ontario Model Forest is actively involved in working with its colleagues in the other model forests on a range of Strategic Initiatives that address critical issues involving forests and forest communities from coast to coast. The 14 from east to west:
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- Model Forests of Newfoundland & Labrador (NL) - Nova Forest Alliance (NS) - Fundy Model Forest (NB) - Lac Saint Jean Model Forest (QC) - Cree Research & Development Institute (QC) - Le Bourdon Project (QC) - Eastern Ontario Model Forest - Northeast Superior Forest Community (ON) - Lake Abitibi Model Forest (ON) - Manitoba Model Forest (MB) - Prince Albert Model Forest (SA) - Foothills Research Institute (AB) - Resources North Association (BC) - Clayoquot Forest Communitie(BC)
The CMFN office is also directly across the hall from EOMF, plus we share a communications person, so we have been fortunate to be able to enjoy a unique and enhanced working relationship with this dynamic national organization. The CMFN is part of the International Model Forest Network which includes over 50 model forests across Africa, Asia, Europe, Russia, South and North America. The IMFN office is located in Ottawa, and EOMF continues to support their endeavours by hosting many international delegations. www.imfn.net
What: EOMF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Date & Time: Saturday, May 9 2009 9:00am Place: Temples Sugar Bush Camp Restaurant Address: 1700 Ferguson’s Falls Rd County Rd #15—Lanark -K0G 1K0 (613) 258-7000 Directions: http://www.templessugarcamp.ca/
AGM agenda & end time will be posted on our website soon
****************************************************************************** What: Ottawa Valley Farm Show Date & Time: March 17—19, 2009 Place: Lansdowne Park, Ottawa Visit: http://www.ottawafarmshow.com/ What: Ontario Woodlot Association AGM & Conference Date & Time: March 28, 2009 Place: Acton, ON Details: http://www.ont-woodlot-assoc.org/2009%20AGM.html What: Forest Cover Protection Conference (Bilingual Conference) Date & Time: Saturday—April 4, 2009 from 8:30—2:00pm Place: Alfred College, Alfred (Prescott-Russell) Details: http://www.easternontariostewardship.org/prescottrussell/home_e.aspx What: Ottawa Cottage Show & Big Backyard Show Date & Time: April 9-11, 2009 Place: Lansdowne Park, Ottawa Details: http://www.ont-woodlot-assoc.org/2009%20AGM.html To get the most current listing and details around Upcoming Events check our website at www.eomf.on.ca
Forestry Forum is a publication of the Eastern Ontario Model Forest, a proud member of the Canadian Model Forest Nework. Aussi disponible en français. ISSN 1201-3978 The Eastern Ontario Model Forest gratefully acknowledges the support of Natural Resources Canada through the Canadian Forest Service’s Forest Communities Program.
Please send comments and articles to: Melanie Williams, Editor Forestry Forum c/o Eastern Ontario Model Forest 10 Campus Drive, P.O. Bag 2111 Kemptville, Ontario, K0G 1J0 Phone: (613) 258-8365 E-mail: mwilliams@eomf.on.ca Web site: www.eomf.on.ca
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NOTICE OF THE EASTERN ONTARIO MODEL FOREST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING PLEASE JOIN EOMF STAFF AND FELLOW MEMBERS ON: Saturday: May 9, 2009 From 9:00 am onwards @ Temples Sugar Bush Camp Restaurant
1700 Ferguson’s Falls Road County Rd #15 Lanark, ON K0G 1K0 Directions: http://www.templessugarcamp.ca/ , or, (613) 258-7000 ∗ ∗
Take Hwy 7 south Turn right at Ferguson Falls Rd
AGM agenda & end time will be posted on our website soon www.eomf.on.ca
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