Landscape Feature Name

• CORE AREA: Within the Richmond Street Forest lies a self-sustaining habitat with distinctive biotic and landform characteristics. The thirty acre woodland is considered a core area which sustains a diverse, and in some cases rare community of plant and wildlife species (Ecoplans, 1995).

• Biota: A complete species inventory has been provided for trees, secondary plants, mushrooms and bird species observed in the forest (Ecoplans, 1995)(Carlson, 1996). It should be noted that the ecological assessment was undertaken during January, February, June and September of 1995 by Ecoplan Consultants, with additional findings from Niagara field naturalist Carla Carlson.

  • Plant species:

    138 vascular plant species, 38 tree species and 22 species of secondary plants

  • Animal Species:

    33 bird species; 10 mammals including deer, racoon, fox, rabbit, coyote, skunk, chipmunk, squirrel; reptiles include American Toad, Garter Snake, Western Chorus Frog; 31 mushroom species

  • Rare:

    Eastern Bluebird, Hirsute Sedge, Fox Grape, Pin Oak, Pignut Hickory, Swamp White Oak, Chinquapin Oak

    Threatened:

    Carolina Wren

    Area Sensitive:

    Hairy Woodpecker, Wood Thrush

  • Geomorphology:

    During the retreat of the Wisconsin glaciers and the subsequent amelioration of the climate, a northward invasion by some characteristically southern forest species occurred (Brock University, Dept. of Geography, 1980). The first stage of invasion was the development of podzolic soils in conjunction with the evolution of a Spruce, Fir forest (Ontario Institute of Pedology, 1985).

    The Richmond Street forest is a Goat Island member. This area consists of brown weathering, medium bedded and blue-grey dolostone. The area is composed of sandy/loamy sediments over lascustrine clay (Ontario Institute of Pedology, 1985). The soil is slightly acidic due to the limestone base (Ontario Institute of Pedology, 1985.

  • Hydrology:

    The parcel of land which contains the Richmond St. forest is located within two drainage areas (Region of Niagara, 1995). The southerly portion is tributary to Lake Gibson (Region of Niagara, 1995). The north portion is tributary to Dick's creek watershed (Region of Niagara, 1995). There are some concerns regarding the impact that development will have on Dick's Creek due to increased run-off (Region of Niagara, 1995). It has been suggested that the developer consider draining the entire property to Lake Gibson, utilizing an existing pipe system combined with a proposed storm water management plan (Region of Niagara, 1995).

  • Climate / microclimate:

    The area is part of a mild climate influenced by the Great Lakes. Lake Erie and lake Ontario produce a moderating effect and thus create a microclimate which can support species that typically inhabit milder climates (Brock University, Dept. of Geography, 1980).

• HISTORICAL

• Land use history: Agricultural

  In 1972 Condrain Inc. purchased 195 acres of agriculturally zoned land from local farmers. Metrus Development bought the land from Condrian in 1975 for residential development. In 1978 the developer won city approval for a 1,200 home subdivision. In 1993 Metrus returned with a request for a high density development. Thorold City Council approved the proposal pending certain standards and regulations were met. However, the increased density proposal faced a great deal of opposition from local residents. Local citizens banned together and protested against the removal of the woodlot. After a great deal of debate and mediation it was decided in 1995 that portions of the woodlot, known as Richmond street Forest would be preserved as open space. The final outcome permits 10.3 acres of the forest to be zoned as open space with eight additional acres serving as a natural corridor between the forest and Lake Gibson. Friend's of the Forest also have the first option to purchase an additional four acres of the forest at 250,00 per acre.

• Education / Interpretation:

  The woodlot known as the Richmond Street Forest has been the exploration grounds for many children and adults alike over the years (Draper, 1995) Throughout the battle to save the forest the it became very clear how important this area has been for local residents. The abundance of wildlife that inhabits itself in this unique remnant of Carolinian forest has created a sense of home for local residents. One woman spoke of her experiences as a child and the countless hours she spent with her sisters exploring the forest (Thorold News, 1995). Children speak passionately about the importance of having a forest (Draper, 1995).. They too can recognize the value the forest holds, not only for themselves but for the ecosystem as a whole (Draper, 1995). Preserving natural areas such as the Richmond Street Forest is important because it is a natural environment in which to learn, a rare chance within urban boundaries.

LAND TENURE

• Ownership: Metrus Development

• Public access permitted? There is presently no public access available

• Zoning: The property is presently zoned as Agricultural. However, once all conditions of the subdivision plan have been met the property will be zoned as urban residential.

• Official Plan Designation: The official plan designation for this area is primarily for residential use. Institutional and open space allowances have also been made (Regional Municipality of Niagara, 1994).

• Land Value:The land is valued at 250,00 per acre.

• Management: A memorandum of understanding between the City of Thorold and representatives of Friend's of the Forest has been set in place regarding the management of Richmond Street Forest, natural corridor and frog pond (Regional Niagara, 1995). The City of Thorold recognises that the Friend's of the Forest will have an advisory role and act as stewards of the forest for a) the purpose of consultation of the forest and its management b) as a core group of volunteers supporting the forest, including as fund raisers for the purchase of optioned portions (Regional Niagara, 1995).
  • Groups, agencies, organizations: Friend's of the Forest

  • Type of management practices: Management will include: the protection and enhancement of the forest, natural corridor and frog pond; the planting of trees and vegetation after the site is graded; the removal and transplantation of any threatened vegetation.

CONNECTIVITY

• Linkages: There is an existing hedgerow running parallel to highway 406. This area will be preserved and enhanced serving as a natural corridor to the Lake Gibson area. It is important to note that this linkage is crucial to many of the larger mammals inhabiting the forest. While the forest can be considered a core area the need for linkages to the core cannot be underestimated. The entire forest will soon be surrounded by a highly urbanised environment. The linkage to Lake Gibson needs to be preserved and enhanced since it serves as the only connectivity route.

• Adjacent Land Uses: The adjacent land uses to the North, East and West are highly urbanised, consisting of a 400 series highway, a regional road and connector road with a low to medium density residential area. Lake Gibson is a naturalised area that lies south of the woodlot.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Adam, Graham. "The Richmond Street Forest - Microsm of a Global Emergency?" Thorold News 30 May 1995.

Allen, Gary et al. Conserving Carolinian Canada. University of Waterloo Press: 1990.

Carlson, Carla. Personal Interview. 19 March 1996.

Draper, Doug. "If a Tree Falls in the Forest." St. Catharines Standard 10 June 1995: B3.

Draper, Doug. "Thorold Deal Spares Pond and More Forest." St. Catharines Standard 7 Dec. 1995: B1.

Duncan, Bruce. "Carolinian Canada." Bruce Trail News Fall/1995. August 9, 1995.

Ecoplans Consultants. Environmental Overview Metrus-Thorold Woodland: City of Thorold, Regional Municipality of Niagara. Ecoplans Limited Addendum Report to Environmental Overview: Metrus-Thorold Woodland, Part Lot 22,23,24,34,35,36 and 37. Kitchner, Ontario: March 1995.

Dept. of Geography Brock University. "Environmentally Sensitive Areas." September 1980.

Regional Niagara. Modification to the Draft Approval: Confederation Heights Subdivision. Thorold. August 9, 1995: Region of Niagara.

Regional Niagara Planning and Development Mr. Ken Todd September 20, 1993. Protecting Trees Review of City Initiatives to Protect Trees.

Sadleir, Dick. "Thorold Project May be to Big." St. Catharines Standard 13 May 1994: A6.

Sadleir, Dick. "Woodlot Study Flawed: Critic." St. Catharines Standard 24 March1995: A3.

"We Could All Use an Improved Sense of Home" Thorold News 9 May 1995.

CONTACT

Andrew Cavasin
e-mail: acavasin@mail.niagara.com
Friend's of the Forest Home Page: http://www.niagara.com/~acavasin

Adele Filson, M.C.I.P., R.P.P.>BR>City Plannner, City of Thorold
P.O. Box 1044
8 Carelton Street South
Thorold, Ontario L2V 4A7
City Hall: (905) 227-6613
Fax: (905) 227-5590

Green Spaces Hotline
(905) 227-1282 (Preserving green spaces in Thorold)

You can reach us by e-mail at:
bl94ap@badger.ac.brocku.ca
rm96ae@badger.ac.brocku.ca
ms95ak@badger.ac.brocku.ca