Barry Davidson from Westwind and Michael Henry from the Parry Sound District MNRF hosted a Local Citizens Committee tour on Friday, June 23, 2017. The LCC, along with some members of the planning team, learned about beech bark disease, cottagers’ perspectives, and conifer conversion projects.

The first stop was the site of a beech regeneration control trial where the group discussed the impacts and management of beech bark disease as well as the trial that Westwind has undertaken to learn more about controlling beech regeneration. There was also some discussion about cottagers’ perspectives on forest management. This was further explored at the second stop, a waterfront cottage. The final stop on the tour was a Forestry Futures Conifer Conversion Project where discussion included topics such as the promotion of pine regeneration, tending, and public perception of forest management.

Despite some rain and bugs throughout the day, the tour was a great chance to get out in the field and learn more about forest management in the French-Severn forest. Thank you to the LCC and planning team members who joined us!