Last Wednesday, at the McDonald Trailhead in the Northumberland County Forest, the County’s Natural Heritage Manager, Todd Farrell, and Forest Trail Coordinator, Mike Muldoon, were presented a cheque for $12,732.32 by representatives from Yamaha Financial Services as part of their 2024 Stay Outdoors grant program.
“We are grateful for this grant, which will support conservation efforts in the Northumberland County Forest,” says County Natural Heritage Manager, Todd Farrell. “Improvements made thanks to this investment will help ensure the long-term health of this natural asset.”
The Stay Outdoors program provides funding to Canadian registered charities and not-for-profit organizations to support conservation efforts, protect environmentally sensitive areas from illegal or inadvertent OHV use, improve access to natural spaces, and promote the responsible use of trails, roads, and waterways for motorized recreation.
Funding will support the installation of 121.92 metres of fencing, two gates and 20 regulatory signs to protect environmentally sensitive areas in the County Forest. These additions will help safeguard species such as the endangered Mottled Duskywing Butterfly and Monarch Butterflies. Additionally, the project will include planting 160 native species to restore damaged ecosystems and launching a campaign to promote environmental stewardship among trail users.
By supporting these initiatives, the project will help preserve the forest while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.
“Northumberland County’s project is a great example of how responsible land use and motorsports can coexist,” states David Bezerra, President of Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation – Canada. “By prioritizing environmental stewardship, it reinforces Yamaha Financial Services’ mission to support sustainable outdoor recreation while protecting the natural spaces we all enjoy.”
For more information about the County Forest and its 118-kilometre trail network, visit Northumberland.ca/Forest.
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