Partial trail closure in Central Park near the Rotary Club off Guelph

Updated Aug. 1, 2018: I’ve received numerous questions about tree removal in the forest north of the Rotary Youth Centre in Central Park off of Guelph Line. A press release with background on the tree removals is below. Recently, staff provided some additional information about tree removal in this area:“Trees that are a risk or that are within striking distance of an approved maintained trail, target as well as neighbouring private properties are being removed to mitigate potential public risk.As part of the City of Burlington’s Council approved 2018 Emerald Ash Borer Action Plan (https://www.burlington.ca/en/services-for-you/Forestry-Operations.asp), the City of Burlington will be cutting and leaving logs and debris in Central Park and other naturalized areas.However, due to the high number of removals in this area of Central Park, we have already committed additional funds to remove some logs and debris near Guelph Line.”See My Take below, with proposed next steps.Press Release - The City's Roads, Parks & Forestry department have started the process for a partial trail closure in Central Park near the Rotary Club off Guelph Line. It is intended to be a permanent closure of a section of path that was originally a socially constructed pathway by the public. The intent is to let this area naturalize and regenerate due to the removal of ash trees from Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).View a larger version of the map here.The public will still be able to access the path from the parking lot. The red line is the section of trail being closed and the blue dots are where "trail closed" signs will be installed. My Take: I have recently met with staff to discuss reopening the trail. A “socially constructed” trail is the public telling us where you like to walk. Barring any safety or environmental concerns, we should embrace and adopt these trails, to encourage walking and being in nature. This area is well used by the public, and once the trees infected with EAB are taken down we should be looking at reopening this path. Staff will be bringing forward a plan during the next budget for managing areas like this, which are considered “wood lots.” I support looking at ways to provide resources to add these woodlot trails to our parks system.