Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), wetlands mammal enjoys the emergent vegetation around Chappell Marsh such as cattails
Autumn picture of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas supported by the non profit group Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. Please join now, like, support, share.
Day to day environmental learning, tidbits of information posted every day during Earth Month. Unfortunately with great thought it is wise to reduce suffering, so our planned spring outdoor gatherings have been cancelled to respect the COVID-19 protocols so as to not put people at risk in group gatherings – postponed are the bio-blitzes, scavenger hunts, tours, and Clean Green Community Scene volunteer cleanup. We are adding to our website daily online activities for the month of April which involve interaction, education and awareness about Earth Month with a focus on the Earth Month Theme Climate Change.
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SW 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063 Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)? with map
Please help protect / enhance /commemorate your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers)
“St. Barbe’s unique capacity to pass on his enthusiasm to others. . . Many foresters all over the world found their vocations as a result of hearing ‘The Man of the Trees’ speak. I certainly did, but his impact has been much wider than that. Through his global lecture tours, St. Barbe has made millions of people aware of the importance of trees and forests to our planet.” Allan Grainger
“The science of forestry arose from the recognition of a universal need. It embodies the spirit of service to mankind in attempting to provide a means of supplying forever a necessity of life and, in addition, ministering to man’s aesthetic tastes and recreational interests. Besides, the spiritual side of human nature needs the refreshing inspiration which comes from trees and woodlands. If a nation saves its trees, the trees will save the nation. And nations as well as tribes may be brought together in this great movement, based on the ideal of beautifying the world by the cultivation of one of God’s loveliest creatures – the tree.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker.
“I believed that God has lent us the Earth. It belongs as much to those who come after us as to us, and it ill behooves us by anything we do or neglect, to deprive them of benefits which are in our power to bequeath.” Richard St. Barbe Baker
Are there really any effects of Climate Change on birds? Miners observed the ‘canary in the mine’ as an indicator of the health status in their area, and if they – the miners- were safe or not. The state of the air would affect a small animal such as a bird first before a large animal such as a human. So…what is the declining numbers of birds telling us? Or are we ignoring the ‘canary in the mine’ today?
Whooping crane
Bobolink_female_CC2-0_GregTheBusker.
Grasshopper_Sparrow CC2.0 dominic sheronY
Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)
Savannah sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis
Audubon suggests there are measures that can be taken to help protect birds, as they have made observations of how the “warming temperatures, shifting seasons, changing precipitation, and rising sea levels are disrupting the behavior of our feathered friends and the ecosystems that support them.” Did you know that the American Robin and Sandhill Crane are among two birds which Audubon has listed as bird species at risk. Birds are experiencing phenological changes. What will it mean if birds nest, and lay eggs earlier, or migrate sooner in the spring? Will it mean that there will be no food for them to eat? The environment is not catching up to the changes in the bird’s adaptation lifestyle. Nature Canada suggests that “climate change will put large numbers of birds at risk of extinction.”
COVID-19 health specialists provided projections in regards to the numbers of people who may be infected, and how hospitals and health care facilities will be impacted. National Geographic and the US Forest Service have also made projections about climate change and the bird populations. Humans, rallied, and followed protocols, to level the COVID-19 pandemic results. Where, human lives were at stake, there was an impetus to move swiftly, decisively and fast. Governments issued large fines for anyone not taking the appropriate safety measures to flatten the curve. This worked well for humans. Can we do the same thing for our feathered friends? Will governments stand by environmental policies? As you are taking measures to self-isolate, and social distance, are you also writing letters to your federal, provincial or municipal governments to see what can be done for birds?
A few ideas which you can take personally, are protecting birds from window strikes, and keeping your pet cat indoors. If you do not have a pet cat, plant a bird friendly yard. Other suggestions are to take action on climate change at a local level, and plant native plants and trees.
Today on “Go Birding Day” follow health protocols for COVID-19. If you are self-isolating write letters, and learn about the birds seen at the afforestation areas. Listen to bird calls online, and study the predicted migration patterns.
“Some people are very competitive in their birding. Maybe they’ll die happy, having seen a thousand species before they die, but I’ll die happy knowing I’ve spent all that quiet time being present.” ― Lynn Thomson
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063 Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)? with map
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail)
Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal using the e-mail friendsafforestation AT gmail.com, or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
“Climate change is the environmental challenge of this generation, and it is imperative that we act before it’s too late.”- John Delaney
“Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth… these are one and the same fight. We must connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security, and women’s empowerment. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all.” – Ban Ki-moon
“Climate change is happening, humans are causing it, and I think this is perhaps the most serious environmental issue facing us.” – Bill Nye
“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.”~Herman Melville
Grant Ireland and his four West Highland White Terriers, Phoenix 17, Lacy 12, Tasha 11, Feona 8 out at the South West Off Leash Recreation Area, Richard St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Children enjoying their time collecting leaves in the autumn forest.
Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla Garrulus Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Blue heron
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SW 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063 Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)? with map
Please help protect / enhance /commemorate your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers)
“The more one forgets himself—by giving himself to a cause to serve or another person to love—the more human he is and the more he actualizes himself.” — Viktor Frankl
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss
“Activism is the rent I pay for living on the planet.” — Alice Walker
Dog waiting for a walk at South West Off Leash Dog Park
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” – Oscar Wilde
Please take care on your walks in the two Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestion Area (urban regional park) and the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (afforestation area.) Please follow the protocols set out by the City of Saskatoon and the Province of Saskatchewan. Thank you kindly.
We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SW 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063 Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)? with map
Please help protect / enhance /commemorate your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers)
“St. Barbe’s unique capacity to pass on his enthusiasm to others. . . Many foresters all over the world found their vocations as a result of hearing ‘The Man of the Trees’ speak. I certainly did, but his impact has been much wider than that. Through his global lecture tours, St. Barbe has made millions of people aware of the importance of trees and forests to our planet.” Allan Grainger
“The science of forestry arose from the recognition of a universal need. It embodies the spirit of service to mankind in attempting to provide a means of supplying forever a necessity of life and, in addition, ministering to man’s aesthetic tastes and recreational interests. Besides, the spiritual side of human nature needs the refreshing inspiration which comes from trees and woodlands. If a nation saves its trees, the trees will save the nation. And nations as well as tribes may be brought together in this great movement, based on the ideal of beautifying the world by the cultivation of one of God’s loveliest creatures – the tree.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker.
“I believed that God has lent us the Earth. It belongs as much to those who come after us as to us, and it ill behooves us by anything we do or neglect, to deprive them of benefits which are in our power to bequeath.” Richard St. Barbe Baker
The Honourable Pat Lorje, Councillor Ward 2 City of Saskatoon
City of Saskatoon
Council Enquiry April 25, 2016
The Richard St. Barbe Afforestation Area is an urban forest in the south-west section of the city. I believe is is all within the current boundaries of the City of Saskatoon, and that a portion of it may fall within the MVA jurisdiction. It is south of the CN Freight Yards, and near Ducks Unlimited Chappell Marsh, and Cedar Villa Estates. Unfortunately, it is also close to the city landfill.
This naturalized forest was planted by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department in the early 1970’s. Several groups currently use it, including the Fat Bikers Club (the Fatlanders), as well as a group of BMX enthusiasts who were apparently given permission by the city to use the area some twenty years ago. There are also numerous on-leash dog walkers and other people who merely want to stroll in nature on the edge of the city. It is also home to many animals.
The Montogmery Community Association has tried to pick up some of the garbage in the forest, but since there are at least 20 large truckloads of garbage that has been abandoned there by people who bypass the city landfill, this is an almost herculean task.
Will the Administration please report on the following matters with respect to the Richard St. Barbe Afforestation Area:
Can/will it be declared Municipal Reserve and added to the city’s park space inventory?
What measures can be taken in both the short term (since there is no current budget for this) and the long term to enclose the area in order to prevent unlawful dumping of garbage and trespass by motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles and ATVs? This could include measures such as strategically-placed boulder, gates and fencing.
Can/will the city provide resources to pick up the accumulated garbage in the area? This could be accomplished by either city crews picking up this garbage, or by giving assistance for landfill tipping fees for community volunteers to start the clean-up of this significant urban asset.
What plans are there to consult with community groups, stakeholders and adjacent residents to develop a possible program for the area including the South West Concept Plan development?
Now it is time to explore what is a municipal dedicated land?
“Dedicated lands are for parks, open space and other public amenities. There are four types: buffer strips, environmental reserves, municipal reserves, and walkways. Any person subdividing land must provide, without compensation, dedicated lands to the municipality in which the land is located…
Municipal reserves may be used for open space, parks, recreation facilities, public buildings, schools, natural areas, and horticultural or agricultural uses. The land may be leased for any of the permitted uses, or for buildings or facilities owned by charitable corporations. Municipalities and school divisions may negotiate agreements for the joint use and maintenance of municipal reserves (s. 192, Act & s. 6, Regulations).
The location and suitability of land to be dedicated as municipal reserve is subject to the approval of the Director of Community Planning or any council or authority that has been declared an approving authority pursuant to the Act (s. 186, Act). New municipal reserves are to be identified on survey plans as Municipal Reserve MR#.
Every subdivision for residential purposes must designate 10% of its gross area as municipal reserve; for other subdivisions 5%. The gross area includes all the proposed lots, parcels, streets, and lanes, and the remainder of the land being subdivided if it cannot be further subdivided. (Government of Sk. 2007.)”
“As per the Planning and Development Act, 10% of this neighbourhood [the University Heights Suburban Development Area]is dedicated to Municipal Reserve(COS 2009.) “Use of Public/Municipal Reserve – Public and Municipal Reserve land shall be used only for public parks and recreation purposes(COS 1989). ” “Dedicated Lands – Parcels of land dedicated as buffer strips, environmental reserves, municipal reserves, public reserves and walkways(City of Sasktoon, 1996). . Environmental reserve land is not included in the total amount of land dedicated as public or municipal reserve, but is a separate dedicated City land holding.(City of Saskatoon. 1989)
According Chapter P-13.2* of the Statutes of Saskatchewan, 2007 (effective March 21, 2007)” c.P-13.2, s.191.
Use of municipal reserve, public reserve 192(1) Subject to subsection (2), a public reserve or a municipal reserve is only to be used for: (a) a public park or buffer strip; (b) a public recreation area; (c) school purposes; (d) a natural area; (e) a public building or facility; (f) a building or facility used and owned by a charitable corporation as defined in The Non-profit Corporations Act, 1995; (g) agricultural or horticultural uses; or (h) any other specific or general use that the minister may prescribe by regulation. (2) Subject to section 22, a council that has been declared an approving authority pursuant to subsection 13(1) may permit uses on a municipal reserve other than those uses mentioned in subsection (1). ”
“Vision Statement “The reciprocal relationship between Corman Park and Saskatoon will grow to keep pace with the need for sustainable, regional economic and social development based on a tradition of thoughtful planning and sound land use and development management” in regards to The Planning and Development Act, 2007; Section 6: Recreational Objectives and Policies. “Use and Enjoyment of Adjacent Properties 1. Recreational developments and uses shall be aesthetically pleasing and shall consider the use and enjoyment of adjacent and nearby properties.
2. Prior to making a recommendation to the Approving Authority regarding the allocation of land dedication, money in lieu of dedication or a combination thereof to satisfy Municipal Reserve requirements as a condition of subdivision approval, Council shall consider the recreational needs of the area.
3. Land dedication shall be directed to areas that provide open space recreational opportunities and the development of integrated trail systems and continuous pedestrian linkages.
4. Partnership agreements may be considered with Saskatoon, the Meewasin Valley Authority or local community organizations to jointly develop and support recreational amenities, community services and emergency services. (Corman Park 2016) ”
The City Bylaw states ““Park” means Municipal Reserve or other lands maintained for recreational purposes, owned by the City and designated as one or more of the following:” Further to this, under Environmental Management 9.1 Riverbank Stewardship, “Riverbank Protection a) For the purpose of protecting or conserving the natural, historical and recreational features of the Riverbank Area of the South Saskatchewan River, the Riverbank Area shall, insofar as possible, be dedicated as Municipal Reserve or Environmental Reserve under the provisions of The Planning and Development Act, 2007 as amended. Furthermore, the banks of the South Saskatchewan River shall, insofar as possible, be conserved as public open space for the benefit of all citizens. The development of the Riverbank Area for visual amenity and public recreation shall be undertaken in a manner that enhances and complements the natural and historical features of the riverbank” from bylaw Number. 8769
Under the same bylaw, Parks, and Recreation Open Space; “For the purposes of establishing a desirable standard for public open spaces within the City of Saskatoon, a ratio of four (4) hectares of public open space for every one thousand (1000) persons shall be considered adequate and reasonable. Such public open spaces may include Municipal Reserves and such other publicly owned areas as are dedicated or assigned to fulfilling the needs of public enjoyment and recreation.”
“Terry [Terry Fusco, Senior Planner Long Range Planning City of Saskatoon] stated he is interested in know what type of transition Montgomery Place would be
interested in when the South West Sector in planned.
What should the transition from existing residential (Montgomery Place) to future
Employment Area (Business Park and Light Industrial) look like?
Residential – Earth Berm – Business Park – Light Industrial
Residential – Municipal Reserve – Business Park – Light Industrial
Residential – Road – Municipal Reserve – Business Park – Light Industrial
As the Business Park and Light Industrial Area is built-out, 5% of the land to be developed
is required for Municipal Reserve. The Municipal Reserve Parcel could be considered a
transitional area between the existing residential neighbourhood and the new employment
area.
Note: Municipal Reserve does not necessarily mean open field of grass. Municipal
Reserve parcels can be used for public facilities like Arenas, Leisure Centers, and Fire
Halls. They can also be used for City-wide recreation such as Soccer and/or baseball
fields, etc (Montgomery. 2015).”
There are both environmental reserves and municipal reserves, and they are spoken to in the Planning and Development Act Sections 192 and 193 Queens Printer. Additionally the Dedicated Lands Regulations outline the measures and restrictions on land when it receives a parcel class. At the current moment both land areas of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area are classified as ordinary surface lands without any parcel class restrictions upon them according to Saskatchewan Community Planning and the Informational Services Corporation ISC land titles database. Tyson McShane is currently planning the South West Sector, and is taking into consideration the afforestation area, while being aware that at this time it is partially zoned light residential / park.
With community engagement, and the commitment taken in 1972 by Saskatoon City Council that the Richard St. Barbe Baker Park be kept in perpetuity as an afforestation area, the direction towards a Richard St. Barbe Baker Park would serve the needs and desires of residents speaking up for Saskatoon in regards to the South West Sector planning as land areas in the South West Sector are being sold for employment economies embracing Business Parks and Light Industrial Areas.
City of Saskatoon Bylaw 7767. The Recreation Facilities and Parks Usage Bylaw, 1998 Codified to Bylaw 9272 (April 27, 2015)Date accessed May 20, 2016.
City of Saskatoon official Community Plan Bylaw Number 8769. (City Council passed – December 2, 2013) (Deputy Minister Approved January 21, 2014)
City of Saskatoon. (1989) Policy Title Dedication of Public and Municipal Reserve Land. Adopted by City Council. December 11, 1989. Planning and Development Committee Report No. 44-1989. Date accessed May 5, 2016.
Montgomery Place LAP Meeting #3. Neighbourhood Boundary/South West Sector Plan Meeting. St. Dominic School Gym. 3301 Dieppe Street. September 17, 2015. 7:00 pm
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063 Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)? with map
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail)
Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal using the e-mail friendsafforestation AT gmail.com, or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
What was Richard St. Barbe Baker’s mission, that he imparted to the Watu Wa Miti, the very first forest scouts or forest guides? To protect the native forest, plant ten native trees each year, and take care of trees everywhere.
“We stand in awe and wonder at the beauty of a single tree. Tall and graceful it stands, yet robust and sinewy with spreading arms decked with foliage that changes through the seasons, hour by hour, moment by moment as shadows pass or sunshine dapples the leaves. How much more deeply are we moved as we begin to appreciate the combined operations of the assembly of trees we call a forest.”~Richard St. Barbe Baker
“St. Barbe’s unique capacity to pass on his enthusiasm to others. . . Many foresters all over the world found their vocations as a result of hearing ‘The Man of the Trees’ speak. I certainly did, but his impact has been much wider than that. Through his global lecture tours, St. Barbe has made millions of people aware of the importance of trees and forests to our planet.” Allan Grainger
“The science of forestry arose from the recognition of a universal need. It embodies the spirit of service to mankind in attempting to provide a means of supplying forever a necessity of life and, in addition, ministering to man’s aesthetic tastes and recreational interests. Besides, the spiritual side of human nature needs the refreshing inspiration which comes from trees and woodlands. If a nation saves its trees, the trees will save the nation. And nations as well as tribes may be brought together in this great movement, based on the ideal of beautifying the world by the cultivation of one of God’s loveliest creatures – the tree.” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker.
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 