world19News #103 - April 17, 2002 |
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world19News This e-mail is going to people on the mailing list for world19. If you don't want to receive further notices, please reply to this e-mail with "remove" in the subject. Let us know if you prefer to receive this in "plain text" format. Please forward this to anyone you think may be interested. A late notice about a planned burn in High Park on Thursday that may be of interest. Also, continuing our environmental theme of this week, more info on Earth Day, Environment Day, and a BWEV workshop on growing your own food. 1. HIGH PARK BURN - April 18 (scheduled) The meeting point prior to the burns will be the Grenadier Restaurant Parking Lot in High Park at 12:00 noon. Here we will meet with the media and public to describe the plans in all three parks for the day. We do not expect the burns to begin until 1 pm (simultaneously in High Park and South Humber Park). The fire crew at South Humber will leave one person on site with appropriate equipment when they move on to Lambton Park to begin the burn there. As stated previously, if we get the rain that is a possibility in the forecast, the burn will almost certainly be cancelled. We are hopeful however that the weather will hold for us.
Prescribed burns are part of Urban Forestry Services' long-term management plan to protect and sustain Toronto's rare black oak woodlands and savannahs in the city's High Park, Lambton Park, and South Humber Park. These rare vegetation communities are at risk of extinction not only in Toronto, but throughout North America. "Savannahs depend on periodic fire to maintain their open, park-like character and rich variety of prairie grasses, shrubs and wildflowers," explained City Forester Richard Ubbens. "A deliberately set and carefully controlled low fire consumes dried leaves, small twigs and grass stems, but does not harm larger trees. Within a few weeks of the fire, oak seedlings and other native plants grow more vigourously." Under ideal weather conditions, the smoke from the prescribed burns will lift and will not affect surrounding neighbourhoods. It is possible however that some smoke will reach residential areas near the parks. Individuals with asthma or high sensitivity to smoke may wish to limit their exposure by keeping windows closed or leaving the area on the afternoon of the burn. A fire boss with extensive provincial fire fighting and prescribed burning experience has written the approved burn plan. "Fire Boss" is an Ontario designation for a certified individual who has full responsibility for planning and carrying out the burn with a qualified crew. City staff from Parks and Recreation Division will assist with the burn, and Toronto Fire and Police Services will assist as required by the fire boss. During the months to follow, City staff, scientists and the volunteers from the community, including members of the High Park Citizen's Advisory Committee, will monitor and analyse the beneficial effects of the burn and implement additional management. Media contact: Beth McEwen, Urban Forestry Services, 416-392-1888
2. BLOOR WEST ECO-VILLAGE NEWS b) Workshop - April 30 Tuesday, April 30, 2002, 7.30 p.m. Find out how you can use any available space - window sills, balconies, patio containers, fences, a sunny garden plot or a shady corner of your yard - to grow your own healthy organic food. Get lots of practical ideas and advice just in time for the planting season! Bloor West Eco-Village
3. ENVIRONMENT DAY
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