Message from the President
October 31, 2011
The objectives of the land trust are to ensure thepreservation of the land, forest, animal and plant life found within the nineacres of the forest lands. We alsowanted to ensure the lands were nevercommercially logged. With the newly produced “Branchton Village Land TrustBotanical Report”, we now know justhow significant this parcel of land is andare proud to have protected it during this time.
It should also be noted that wildlife has flourished withinthe woods. Deer, wild turkeys and a large variety of birds amongst others, maketheir home in theforest.
For us, as residents and homeowners, it is nice to know thatstudies dealing with real estate values, properties, not just those abuttingsuch forested lands, aresignificantly more valuable when they are near this type of land feature.
However, with the responsibility of managing the Trust comesthe function of protecting the forest from encroachments, dumping, hunting andtrespassing.Twice each year we walk the forest to pick up garbage andneighbour’s garden clippings. We do not appreciate the dumping but, more over,the clippingsinterfere with the natural vegetation as they re-seed and grow.The no trespassing notices on the land is a necessity for the Trust and its Directors to enforce,as we do not want to see anyone be injured or place any undue liability on the Trust and Directors. While we have always had this policy, we will beposting NO TRESSPASSING signs in the fall of 2011.
The good news is that anyone wishing a tour of the woods cancontact Dr. Paul Eagles. He would be more than happy to accommodate where andwhenpossible. Another good way to see the woods is to help us clean up the woods when we do our spring and fall cleanup. We would welcome your help.
Thank You
James Voll
President
Branchton Village Land Trust