| Scanned copy, if there are errors, please e-mail me with corrections: My comments are at the end, click on the highlighted text to go to specific comments, which will have numbers in brackets e.g., {1} POINTS OF INTEREST: Deputation by Donald Barber My protest at the suggestion of signage identify the salamander pond Jennifer Vincent & Dena Lewis, make statements which are all but unbelievable URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF MISSISSAUGA MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1997 - 7:00 p.m. COMMITTEE ROOM 'E' MISSISSAUGA CIVIC CENTRE 300 CITY CENTRE DRIVE, MISSISSAUGA, Ontario Internet Address - http://www.city.mississauga.on.ca Members Present: Members Absent: Guest: Staff Present: Next page MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1997, 7:00 p.m. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 1 . Minutes of the Urban Forest Management Advisory Committee meeting of October 27,1997. DEPUTATIONS 2. Mr. Donald Barber, 1614 Exbury Crescent PRESENTATIONS - NIL MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED 3. Proposed Communications Strategy for the Cawthra Open House CORRESPONDENCE 6. Letter from Robert Morris, Credit Valley Conservation NEW BUSINESS NEXT MEETING Monday, December 15, 1997 ADJOURNMENT Page - 1 - ADOPTION OF MINUTES 1. Minutes of the Previous Meeting Minutes of the Urban Forest Management Advisory Committee dated October 27, 1997. RECOMMENDATION: That the minutes of the October 27, 1997 meeting of the Urban Forest Management Advisory Committee be approved as circulated. Gail Simkus moved that the minutes of the October 27, 1997 meeting of the Urban Forest Management Advisory Committee be approved as circulated. The motion was voted on and carried. APPROVED (G. Simkus) MG.11.Urban 2. Mr. Donald Barber. Resident RECOMMENDATION: That the deputation by Mr. Donald Barber, 1614 Exbury Crescent, with respect to the Cawthra Management Plan and its effect on wildlife, be received. Mr. Donald Barber, 1614 Exbury Crescent, presented a cover letter and petitions circulated by the Friends of the Cawthra Bush and signed by approximately 250 residents in an effort to encourage the City to rezone the Cawthra Bush from residential to Open Space; to undertake a complete ecosystem study of the Cawthra Woods; and to recognize the Friends of the Cawthra Bush and form a working relationship with them. A newsletter from the Friends of the Cawthra Bush entitled 'Please Help Us Save the Salamanders was also circulated. Mr. Barber advised that there has been tremendous public support for the salamanders. Page - 2 - Mr. Barber suggested that the City make a commitment to the forest and its hydrology by returning it to its pre-watermain state, which could be achieved by limiting human activity. Mr. Barber suggested that residents do not want a recreational area and advised against implementing a trail system which could cause additional negative impact. Louise Aubin moved receipt of the deputation by Mr. Barber. The motion was voted on and carried. RECEIVED (L. Aubin) EC.12.Cawthra PRESENTATIONS - NIL MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED 3. Proposed Communications Strategy for the Cawthra Open House Presentation and discussion of the proposed Communications Strategy for the Cawthra Open House to be held on Wednesday, December 10, 1997. RECOMMENDATION: That the proposed Communications Strategy for the Cawthra Open House, to be held on Wednesday, December 10, 1997, be received. Bill Montague, Landscape Architect, introduced Mr. Mark Schollen of Schollen and Company Inc., who was hired to do the graphics for public presentation of the Cawthra Woods. Mr. Montague advised that Mr. Schollen's role will be to graphically present the main issues of the Cawthra Management and Implementation Plans for the walking tours scheduled for December 6th and 13th, and the Open House on December 10th. The self guided walking tour will provide information at twelve stations throughout of the woods. Facilitation arrangements will be finalized later. Mr. Schollen advised that the best way to approach the walking tour program was to have a series of stations within the woodland with their own sign board which will describe each site and how it is reflected in the Implementation Plan. This will allow residents to walk from site to site while gaining an understanding of the Implementation Plan. Staff will be available at the Cawthra Elliott house to answer questions. Page - 3 - Mr. Schollen advised that the first stop on the walking tour will be an introduction board. He explained that each of the twelve stations will have colour boards explaining such items as wetlands, invasive species, fencing, impacts on trails, maps, and advice on how people can become involved, adding that the signs are intended to make people aware of the issues. Mr. Schollen noted that the goals and objectives of the Management Plan will also be posted. Two information pamphlets will also be available; the first will direct people through the tour and advise them how to behave in the woods, and the second will describe the City's plans and who they can contact if they have concerns. A questionnaire will also be available which will provide the City with feedback on how the woods are used, who is using them, and how people would like to be involved. Mr. Schollen also discussed the implementation of a monitoring program which will provide information on why monitoring is necessary, how the data will be used, and the limitations of monitoring with respect to funding, resources and personnel. Community involvement is necessary for the success of the Implementation Plan, and in turn, residents need to be more involved to broaden their perspective of woodland management. Mr. Schollen suggested initiating a communications strategy including a community recognition program to assist in maintaining informed and accurate communication with the public. Mr. Schollen suggested that staff collaborate with existing community organizations to make people aware of what will be happening to the woods before it occurs. He further suggested providing reminders that documents are available for viewing at public libraries. Mr. Schollen advised that aerial photos of Cawthra will be set up on a display board during the Open House and for the walking tours, and residents will be asked to indicate where they live in relation to the woods. This will enable the City to gauge the geographical representation of citizens involved. Gail Simkus enquired if the signboards would appeal to children and suggested repeating the messages in simpler terms. Dena Lewis added that colour photographs would help children understand better than the written word. She further enquired if some information about different kinds of trees, soil, ponds, and general forest trivia could be included, and suggested that each station have a different "forest trivia" question which would be relayed on the questionnaire. Jennifer Vincent suggested getting visitors to fill out a "forest trivia" quiz and put their name into a draw for a T-shirt or similar reward, which will keep children interested and give them incentive to answer the questions correctly. Page - 4 - In response to an enquiry by Louise Aubin, Mr. Schollen advised that the signage information was produced on paper, which could be bound or folded into pamphlets for distribution in future. Mr. Barber indicated his opposition to a signboard identifying the pond, stating that the walking tour should not draw undue attention to it for the sake of the salamanders. Jennifer Vincent suggested that the pond signboard should be more vague rather than discussing sensitive amphibian habitat. She suggested that a wetland sign be posted in another area of the Cawthra Woods rather than the pond due to the sensitivity of the area, and that the sign should read Cawthra Woods rather than Cawthra Pond. Mr. Lyons stated that the pond signboard could be located in another wet area close to the walled garden, which would also be good breeding habitat for amphibians. Ms. Vincent further suggested reinforcing a "look but do not touch" concept. Gail Simkus Suggested that a wetland signboard could also indicate that there are a number of other amphibians in and around wet areas who play an important role in biodiversity. Mr. Montague noted that there may be risk involved in advising people about the pond and it's amphibian life, although there are also times when the greater the education, the better the protection. Councillor D. Culham stated that the failure of non-disclosure may lead people to harm or destroy the habitat if they are not properly educated about its treatment. He recommended taking a proactive approach and asking for assistance rather than avoiding the issue. Dena Lewis advised that there should be no harm in educating this time of year as the salamanders are not actively breeding and this is not a sensitive time in their life cycle. Councillor Corbasson noted that the Friends of the Cawthra Bush newsletter provides incorrect dates and times for public meetings and suggested that Mr. Barber. take action to provide the correct information to those who would have received the newsletter. Dena Lewis moved receipt of the presentation and discussion of the proposed Communications Strategy for the Cawthra Open House to be held on Wednesday, December 10, 1997 by Mark Schollen. The motion was voted on and carried. RECEIVED (D. Lewis) MG.11.Urban Forest Page - 5 - 4. Lecture/Presentation on Salamanders - Update Update on the proposed Lecture/Presentation on salamanders by an amphibian expert, to be hosted by UFMAC. RECOMMENDATION: To receive the update report on the proposed Lecture/Presentation on salamanders by an amphibian expert, to be hosted by UFMAC. Diego Fabris, Urban Forestry Supervisor, advised that he has spoken with Dr. Bogart at the University of Guelph with respect to a lecture on salamanders and their habitat for the Committee and other interested parties such as the South Peel Naturalists. Dr. Bogart was pleased to know that there are so many people interested in the topic, and agreed to present the lecture. Mr. Fabris will attempt to arrange a date with Dr. Bogart and a student, to be held in the auditorium at the Central Library. Committee members agreed that a week night at the beginning of February would be a more appropriate date to allow time for proper publicizing. Dena Lewis moved receipt of the information with respect to the proposed Lecture/Presentation on salamanders by Dr. James Bogart, an amphibian specialist, to be hosted by UFMAC and held at the beginning of February, 1998. RECEIVED (D. Lewis) EC.12 5. Naturalization Signage Visual display of naturalization signage proposed for the Cawthra Woodlands. RECOMMENDATION: That the committee endorse the use of naturalization signage for the Cawthra Woodlands. Mr. Fabris displayed an example of a naturalization sign used to educate people using the woods about what to look for, how to act and how not to act. Signage should catch the attention of pedestrians as they enter the woods with a very positive and uplifting message. Mr. Lyons and Eugene Furgiuele are working on possible wording for the signs which may be mounted on 6" x 6" posts which are less prone to vandalism. Page - 6 - Jennifer Vincent presented a series of slides which show a number of signs used by the Metro Toronto Region Conservation Authority (MRTCA) made from materials such as enamel and tree trunks. She noted that vandalism is very costly and is a constant problem. Ms. Vincent suggested that by using more graphics and less wording, people will read the signs more quickly and keep moving along the trail. A variety of heights, posts and messages showing various types of flowers or leaves during different seasons may be considered. Costs for the signs may vary from $200 to $1,500 dollars, but the larger the sign, the more durable and resistant to vandalism they are. She also advised that compaction around the signs can become a problem if they are not placed properly. Gail Simkus suggested that there is a need for general signs that can be used in other woodlands, but also very specific signs for certain areas. Mr. Fabris agreed that there is a need for individual ecosystem signs in specific areas of Cawthra. Mr. Hillis commented that all signs shown on the slides were very graphic, and suggested that more graphics and less writing simplifies the message, both for children to identify with and also for those who may not read English but can identify species by the way they look. Jennifer Vincent offered to provide samples of different pamphlets which are distributed for walking tours showing corresponding numbered items that can be cross referenced to match up species to their location on the tour. Louise Aubin moved receipt of the information on signage proposed for the Cawthra Woodlands. The motion was voted on and carried. RECEIVED (L. Aubin) EC.12 CORRESPONDENCE 6. Letter from Robert Morris, Credit Valley Conservation Letter dated November 8, 1997 from Robert Morris, Biologist, Credit Valley Conservation, with respect to the Cawthra Woods. RECOMMENDATION: That the letter dated November 8, 1997 from Robert Morris, Biologist, Credit Valley Conservation, be received. Page - 7 - Jennifer Vincent advised that she spoke to Mr. Morris about a Wetland Evaluation System and agreed that it would not change the protection of the Cawthra Woods. {1} Mr. Morris was quite firm in his statement that the CVC cannot be accountable for any wetland or E.S.A. features in the Cawthra Woods as it is not within their jurisdiction. {2} Dena Lewis added that an E.S.A. designation would not provide more information than we already have, nor would it change the prescription for the woods. {3} Mr. Fabris, Mr. Hillis and Ms. Simkus will attend the self guided tour at Cawthra on Saturday, December 6 and 13, 1997 to answer questions of the public. Laura Piette encouraged committee members to attend both the walking tours and the Open House / Public Meeting on December 10th to ensure that accurate information is provided to the public. {4} Councillor D. Culham moved receipt of the letter dated November 8, 1997 from Robert Morris, Biologist, Credit Valley Conservation, with respect to the Cawthra Woods. The motion was voted on and carried. RECEIVED (D. Culham) EC.12.Cawthra 7. Report to General Committee dated October 27, 1997 UFMAC Report 4-97 to General Committee dated October 27, 1997. RECOMMENDATION: That UFMAC Report 4-97 to General Committee dated October 27, 1997 be received. Gail Simkus moved receipt of UFMAC Report 4-97 to General Committee dated October 27, 1997. RECEIVED (G. Simkus) MG.11.Urban Page - 8 - 8. Letter from Mr. D. Barber Letter dated November 24, 1997 from Mr. D. Barber, 1614 Exbury Crescent, with respect to Fencing of the Cawthra Bush Pond. RECOMMENDATION: That the letter dated November 24, 1997 from Mr. D. Barber, 1614 Exbury Crescent, with respect to Fencing of the Cawthra Bush Pond be received for information. Sheila McKay-Kuja moved receipt for information of the letter dated November 24, 1997 from Mr. D. Barber, 1614 Exbury Crescent, with respect to Fencing of the Cawthra Bush Pond. The motion was voted on and carded. RECEIVED (S. McKay-Kuja) EC.12.Cawthra NEW BUSINESS Staff suggested that an informal meeting be held in January for both the outgoing committee members and the new committee members to meet and discuss the direction the committee has taken and the work that has yet to be completed. Committee members agreed that the lecture by Dr. Bogart should be scheduled for early February. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Urban Forest Management Advisory Committee is scheduled to be held on Monday, December 15,1997, at 7:00 p.m. in Committee Room "E". Jennifer Vincent requested that the next meeting include a staff report on the outcome of the December 10, 1997 meeting and the walking tours. ADJOURNMENT [COMMENTS BY DON B. - Is it not interesting how it is only Jennifer Vincent and Dena Lewis who are on the record, commenting on this very important letter and how they down play the whole letter? In fact no one on this committee had a positive comment about the CVC biologist's letter, how odd. What is not noted, are the members of UFMAC supporting the CVC, now why is that? Why is there nothing in that letter that members UFMAC could go on the record saying follow through with this, we support it? Please note, the minutes of this meeting were adopted at the next meeting, Dec. 15/97, without changes, therefore both Jennifer Vincent and Dena Lewis agreed the statements attributed to them, to be acceptable. They were both present at the Dec. 15/97, meeting. Will they say they didn't even read the notes that their names are attached to? {1} - Putting words in another mouth is a favourite method used by bureaucrats and the City of Mississauga, this is often followed up by not telling the person what the comments are, less they disagree. Mr. Morris has twice called for a Wetlands Evaluation and he has repeated to me what is commonly known in the environmental field, a Wetlands designation will afford protection to a site. At all levels of government this is true. The real question is, is this a factual statement or is created to dispose of the Wetlands Evaluation issue, while creating the impression Mr. Morris has clarified his statements by withdrawing them? Like maybe he didn't know what he was talking about in the first place? One thing is true the City of Mississauga wanted a statement to interpretate, as meaning no Wetlands Evaluation is needed. Back {2} - This is the grand-daddy of them all, Jennifer Vincent and Dena Lewis both work for the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), a body who's authority extends into Mississauga. The Cawthra Bush is either in the Credit Valley Conservation (CVC, where Mr. Morris works), or the TRCA. If it is the TRCA then these two are at night working on a management plan for an area they have authority over during the day but not noting this, how right can that be! There is no way that should be happening but that appears to be what they are saying. All maps I have seen are clear, the Cawthra Bush is within the CVC's jurisdiction, so the CVC's opinion matters and they have in fact noted Cawthra as one of their Environmentally Significant Areas (E.S.A.). Lets stop playing word games and do what the letter says. Is it not odd how two member of one conservation body work so hard to dismiss the reasonable requests of the neighbouring conservation body? How odd that UFMAC, the City created committee, charged with the task of helping City staff design the best forest management plan for Cawthra, turns around and provides the City with paper work that says don't even try and find out if the Cawthra Bush is worthy of the greater protection granted to Wetlands? Back {3} - I wonder how Dena Lewis can sleep at night saying things so wrong? Mr. Morris clearly states in his letter "To enhance a full understanding of this ecosystem,", maybe she thinks he didn't think about what he wrote or maybe she just knows better? OH, by the way the Cawthra Bush already has a E.S.A. designation, so what is she even talking about? She notes the "prescription for the woods" (the logging plan), would not change. It changed after they found out it was an Area of Natural and Science Interest (ANSI), you can bet that if Cawthra is found to be a Wetlands it would change again. Back {4} - What has this got to do with the letter? They knew I would attend this self guided tour, maybe that explains Laura Piette's comments. Back ] |
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