Wild lily-of-the-valley (Maianthemum canadense), a typical groundcover in Point Pleasant Park (A. West, 2007) |
Selective thinning and spacing of the Cable Road sector of the forest will allow us to choose:
- the strongest Acadian forest trees;
- trees with a healthy structure;
- trees located in the correct soil, light, and water conditions for their type.
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Less competition for light, water, and nutrients will allow the remaining trees to root themselves in the soil firmly, increase their trunk girth, and become healthier trees overall.
With more light reaching the forest floor, native groundcovers that fourished in the park in this spring will be able to establish themselves.
Fostering and maintaining the sustainability and biodiversity of the forest, from treetop to bedrock, is the intent of this project.
Project Strategy
In keeping with the upcoming Point Pleasant Park master plan, HRM will be directing forestry contractors to remove undesired tree species (including invasive trees like Norway Maple) while retaining favoured tree species of the Acadian forest at a designated spacing distance.
HRM Urban Forester John Simmons monitors seedling growth, August 2007 (HRM, 2007) |
In the Cable Road sector of the park, favoured tree species will include:
- White Pine (Pinus strobus)
- Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
- Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
- Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
- Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis)
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In October/November 2007 workers will be using thinning saws to perform the work & will be leaving cut trees in place on the forest floor. Trees of diameter 4 inches (100mm) and less will be part of this project.
The cut trees will decay on the ground and become part of the cycle that will provide nutrients to the remaining Acadian forest trees. Cut trees near park roads will be pulled back into the forest and layed to ground.
For the next few years park visitors will see a more open forest in this area of the park until the remaining trees grow and fill out.
We ask that all park visitors respect the forest by keeping to roadways, trails, and official paths of the park. We also ask that dog owners practice responsible pet ownership by keeping their dogs on the path & in designated off leash areas.
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This Point Pleasant Park Biodiversity Project is made possible by: