Hunting in the Dufferin County Forest Please take note of the following with regard to hunting in the Dufferin County Forest: ● there is no hunting allowed on any Dufferin County Forest property between June 1 and September 30 ● there is no hunting allowed at any time on the following Dufferin County Forest properties: Little, Leening, Hockley, north portion of Amaranth, and Mono. These are posted accordingly. ● on Dufferin County Forest properties where hunting is allowed, there may be hunters present at any time between October 1 and May 31 ● on Dufferin County Forest properties where hunting is allowed between October 1 and May 31, the seasons are the same as those established by the Ministry of Natural Resources. These can be viewed at www.ontario.ca/hunting. ● the peak periods for hunting are the two five-day shotgun hunts for white-tailed deer (first week of November and first week of December; actual dates vary from year to year) and the spring wild turkey hunt (April 25-May 31) ● suspected violations of the Fish & Wildlife Conservation Act (the provincial legislation governing hunting) should be reported to the Ministry of Natural Resources at 877-847-7667 (877-TIPS-MNR). Other inquiries should be directed to the County Forest Manager at 705‑435‑1881. Invasives Tracking System The Invasives Tracking System (ITS) is a web based reporting and tracking system designed to be a one-stop-shop for invasive species information in Ontario. The ITS allows users to view invasive species distributions, report invasive species sightings, browse an online field guide of invasives, along with many other features. Our ability to track, monitor, and control invasive species relies on public participation and volunteer efforts. Visit the site today to find out more about invasive species in Ontario or to report your sightings. Poison Ivy Be aware that poison ivy grows commonly in many areas of the County Forest. Information about identifying poison ivy and its treatment here. West Nile Virus Users of the Dufferin County Forest should be aware of the possibility of being bitten by mosquitoes while using the forest properties, particularly from dusk until dawn. Simple precautions such as wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks and using insect repellent will reduce the risk of being bitten and the possibility of contracting the mosquito-born west nile virus. The Wellington Dufferin Guelph Health Unit is the lead agency in assessing the risk related to west nile virus and in informing area residents about the potential risks. They can be contacted at 519-941-0760 or 1-800-265-7293 or by e-mail at wdghu@wdghu.org. For more information about west nile virus, visit the health unit’s website at www.wdghu.org. Ticks and Lyme Disease While the risk of contracting lyme disease from ticks in the Dufferin County area is low, it is nevertheless advisable to use simple precautions such as wearing shirts with tight cuffs and placing pant legs inside socks when in the forest to minimize possible exposure to the ticks that may be carrying lyme disease. You can find more information about ticks and lyme disease here or by contacting the local health unit at 519-941-0760 or 1-800-265-7293 or by e-mail at wdghu@wdghu.org. If you have been exposed to ticks and are concerned about lyme disease, contact the health unit and their lab will help determine if the ticks are lyme disease carriers. Annual Report The annual report for 2010 for the Dufferin County Forest is now available here. 2010-2015 Operating Plan The new five-year operating plan for the Dufferin County Forest has been released. This plan will guide the management of the County Forest for the period 2010-2015. You can find the executive summary here and the complete plan here. Gypsy Moth Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) is a leaf-eating insect that can cause significant defoliation and mortality of trees. One of its favoured species is red oak. Over the last several years gypsy moth populations have been on the rise in Ontario, reaching very high levels in the Main Tract of the Dufferin County Forest in 2008. If you have red oak on your property, and are worried about defoliation by gypsy moth, click here to read more about the insect and simple measures you can take to reduce the gypsy moth population in your woodland. Asian Longhorned Beetle Be on the lookout for the Asian longhorned beetle! This beetle, imported from China, has become established near Highways 400 and 407 north of Toronto. Both the City of Toronto and the Region of York have information on their websites about the infestation. The beetle attacks and kills many species of hardwood trees, but favours maples. If you think you have seen it, please contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency at 1-800-442-2342 or 519-837-9400. The differences between the Asian longhorned beetle and the whitespotted sawyer beetle (a common native species) are here. Emerald Ash Borer Emerald Ash Borer was identified in North America in July, 2002. It originates from China, Japan, Korea, and Mongolia. The Borer is capable of attacking and killing healthy trees, and all native ash are susceptible (white, black, green, and red ash). It is unusual for borer-type beetles to be able to attack and kill healthy trees, they usually attack only trees that are already under stress from some other condition(s). Michigan has imposed quarantines on the movement of ash nursery stock, ash lumber and related products in the infested area in order to reduce the risk of new areas becoming infected. Similar quarantines have been established in Ontario. For more information about the Emerald Ash Borer, and the actions that have been taken by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in order to contain its spread, click here. Red Oak Is Special On April 22, 2005, County officials declared red oak as the official tree species of Dufferin County. To find out why red oak was chosen, read the official proclamation. More information about red oak can be found here. Dufferin Giants For the results of the 2002 search for big trees in Dufferin County, click here.

April 1 Mountain Bike Ride Substance Projects will be holding a non-motorized mountain bike ride in the Main Tract. April 28, 9 am – noon One Day Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale The Dufferin South Simcoe Land Stewardship Network will be holding a first-come-first-served tree and shrub seedling sale for all residents of Dufferin County at the County of Dufferin, Primrose Operations Centre, 635666 Hwy 10 (just south of Hwy 89). A variety of tree and shrub species, as listed below, will be available for purchase. The seedlings are bare root stock, between 15 and 40 cm (6-16”) high and must be purchased in bundles of ten trees. If possible, please bring reusable/recyclable bags or other container(s) for your seedlings. $10/bundle: white cedar, white spruce, red pine, white pine, tamarack, silver maple, and red osier dogwood $12/bundle: eastern hemlock, red oak, red maple, sugar maple, black cherry, black walnut, nannyberry, and highbush cranberry Payment may be made by cash or cheque only. For more information contact Caroline Mach at 705-435-1881. April 29 Horseback Ride OCTRA will be holding a competitive horseback ride in the Main Tract. Saturday, May 26, 9:00 a.m. Wildflower Identification Little Tract (west side of Airport Rd, about 15 km north of Hwy 89) Join us on a leisurely spring walk in the Dufferin County Forest and learn how to identify wildflowers and shrubs common to this area. Cost: $5 for adults; children free. Pre-registration required, spaces are limited to ensure a high quality experience for all participants. For more information or to register contact Caroline Mach at 705-435-1881. Saturday, June 2, 9:00 a.m. What Tree Is That Anyway? Little Tract (west side of Airport Rd, about 15 km north of Hwy 89) Join us on a leisurely walk in the Dufferin County Forest and learn how to identify various species of trees, shrubs, and a few plants. Cost: $5 for adults; children free. Pre-registration required, spaces are limited to ensure a high quality experience for all participants. For more information or to register contact Caroline Mach at 705-435-1881. June 17 Horseback Ride OCTRA will be holding a competitive horseback ride in the Main Tract. July 1 Mountain Bike Ride Substance Projects will be holding a non-motorized mountain bike ride in the Main Tract. July 14 Fundraising Horseback Ride Debra Moore will be holding a horseback ride to raise money to fight breast cancer in the Main Tract. July 29 Mountain Bike Ride Substance Projects will be holding a non-motorized mountain bike ride in the Main Tract. August 18 & 19 Horseback Ride The Chesley Saddle Club will be holding a horseback ride in the Main Tract. August 25 & 26 Mountain Bike Ride Substance Projects will be holding a non-motorized mountain bike ride in the Main Tract. Saturday, September 15, 10:00 a.m. Discovering Mushrooms Join renowned naturalist and environmental consultant, Bob Bowles, on this mushroom identification walk in the Alliston area. Learn how mushrooms grow, where they grow, how to identify them, their relationship with trees and the soil, and what species are edible. Dress for the weather, and bring a snack if you wish. A basket for carrying mushrooms is also useful. Cost: $10. Pre-registration required, spaces are limited to ensure a high quality experience for all participants. For more information or to register contact Caroline Mach at 705-435-1881. September 30 Horseback Ride OCTRA will be holding a competitive horseback ride in the Main Tract.