Harbourtown tree clearance premature?

At the March 5 meeting of Fort Erie town council there was serious discussion about the possible authorization of tree cutting in connection with the Harbourtown Village development adjacent to Waverly Beach.

The essence of the discussion revolved around a suggestion that the cutting of trees on 12.8 hectares of land could begin the day after the council meeting that is expected to approve this development on March 19. This would be within the 20-day period when appeals are permitted to go to the Ontario Municipal Board.

The essence of tree protection bylaws is to ensure that forests are protected until the subdivision approval process is completed. This means legally, until possible appeals to the OMB are terminated. To seriously consider the premature massive destruction of a large tract of Carolinian forest, protected as a regionally significant forest under the Niagara Region official plan, is quite disgraceful. It is to be urgently hoped that the Waverly Beach forest will be protected until the OMB can decide such relevant matters as if there will be harm to endangered species, such as the red headed woodpecker, the barn swallow, the Fowler's toad and the chimney swift by the proposed, extensive, deforestation.

Dr. John Bacher (PhD)

Chair, Sierra Club of Ontario