News Article

County Forest Partnership Formed

June 6, 2012

Today at County Council a partnership project was formed between the County of Peterborough and the Friends of the County Forest Group. In the recent years the forest has been used as a dumping ground for garbage. The County forest house has been vandalized many times. The partnership between the County and the Friends of the County Forest has been formed to increase presence in the forest and to keep it clean and beautiful for years to come. This partnership will include the provision of increased security in the forest. Additionally, forest clean-up days (similar to Adopt-A-Road programs) will be held bi-annually to keep the forest clean. “It is truly a shame that there are still a small group of people who abuse and destroy public property that is meant to be there as a true natural area”, said Warden J. Murray Jones. “This partnership is an excellent opportunity for the County to further relationships with property owners and users of the forest to a mutually beneficial goal”. “Being present in the forest alerts people to the fact that the forest is monitored and truly cared for, which will deter vandalism”, said Ross Cossair, Chair of the Friends of the County Forest Group. “Along with this partnership, the County has increased awareness of the vandalism issues in the forest and is working with both the Friends of the Forest Group and local enforcement agencies to see these issues addressed”, said Sheridan Graham, Director, Procurement, Facilities & Communication. “We look forward to working with the greater community to increase security and the natural beauty of our forest property”. -30-