Point Pleasant Park Forest, Fall 2004 (HRM) |
Since the recent Fergusons Cove Road fire (May 2009), there have been comments about the "untidiness" of Point Pleasant Park and the possible fire hazard presented by standing dead trees, and the twigs, branches and trunks lying on the forest floor. Perhaps it would help if people understood how this woody debris is helping to restore a safe and healthy forest to our park. After Hurricane Juan on September 28, 2003, it was impossible to walk through the tangled mess of fallen trees and upturned roots which Point Pleasant Park had become—I know, I trespassed and tried it! The large number of people who use the park regularly quickly learned how diminished life was without it. A year later, when Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) asked what should be done with the park, the people spoke loud and clear. They wanted their "forest" back, they wanted it to be healthy and sustainable, and they wanted it as quickly as possible. Point Pleasant Park Comprehensive Plan The goal of the comprehensive plan for the park which resulted from the people's cry is to grow a healthy and sustainable Acadian mixed forest containing a wide variety of trees native to Nova Scotia. These trees must be of mixed ages; never again must Point Pleasant Park degenerate into an over-mature forest full of dead and dying trees, just waiting for nature herself to begin the process of regeneration with a hurricane or a fire. HRM Urban Forester John Simmons tells me that, "an Acadian forest stand, when healthy, is not considered fire prone". Of course, Point Pleasant Park is not a natural forest, how could it be when it is so heavily used by humans and dogs and is isolated by water and by the city from natural sources of flora and fauna. It is a managed forest and what HRM staff and their advisors have done since the hurricane is to help this managed forest restore itself. Their efforts are bearing fruit and Mr. Simmons says, "Point Pleasant Park is in good condition and coming back as expected". continued on page 2
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