An Autumn Paddle on the Salmon River
Sometimes I wonder how I might include more local examples of Creation awareness in this Groundling blog, the good, the bad, and the ugly. While it's important to "think globally" it's essential to "act locally." In the past I've highlighted the good, including the successful Bay of Quinte remediation initiative, Quinte Conservation projects, new Belleville bike lanes, and the annual Trash Bash clean-up.
As paddlers and hikers we love living in this area of Southern Ontario with its access to the beauty of God's good Earth. We don't have to go far to get out on the water in season, or to go for a walk or a ski. Sometimes we're amazed by the fact that we have spots to ourselves, especially now that retirement allows us to venture out on weekdays.
I was encouraged to see that a municipal council not far north of Belleville is complying with a requirement to create a "tree canopy" regulation. According to Quinte News:
Stirling-Rawdon council has passed a so-called “tree-canopy” bylaw aimed at protecting significant wooded areas and other natural vegetation. Stirling-Rawdon, and all of Hastings County, contains several important natural heritage systems with major wetlands, forests, wildlife habitat and areas of scientific interest. The “tree canopy” bylaw addresses those issues to ensure property owners cannot cut down significant numbers of trees or otherwise change the landscape without facing consequences. All municipalities must have similar bylaws in place by March 01.
Of course, compliance is another issue. And needless to say, I hope that this is more than jumping through a regulatory hoop, and that the current provincial government doesn't get up to some jack-assery, cancelling the requirement. What we have here is precious, a home-grown gift from God.
A Winter Walk at the Frink Centre
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