Huron County Council received their annual update on forest conservation within the county.
County Forest Manager Dave Pullen gave a brief presentation to council on the work being done for the county’s 14 forests.
The department has been doing work in January to salvage timber from trees that were affected by a tornado within the O’Connor Tract to be sold or used.
They completed winter maintenance within county forests for snow removal for the county forest parking lots to accommodate visitors.
The department has also been working with lower-tier municipalities on hogweed control efforts.
Pullen also updated council, explaining that 9 of 14 county forests have been included in the new Hiking Guide.
This is in part because during the pandemic, recreational usage of local trails remains high due to residents seeking outdoor activity and seeing the value in “forest therapy”.
The team has been able to create a new walking trail and stone culvert on the Stevenson Tract, as well as a new boardwalk made from forest-harvested wood for the Sheppardton Tract north of Goderich.
Pullen says his crew is working to complete an accessible trail and boardwalk in the Hays Tract, south of Goderich, which is scheduled to be opened for use this year.