Afforestation; City Honoured as Pioneer

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SONY DSC

Northern Leopard Frog

A bit of fog and hoar frost in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

 

“We’ve got to realize we live in a biosphere.  When the trees go, the people go.  It’s a question of survival now.  We’ve got to plant trees within the  next 10 years to save our lives.  We’ve been eating into our forest cover faster in the last 50 years than ever.  If we want to enter the new century with forests, we will have to start planting trees for our lives now.” ~Richard St. Barbe Baker reported by Zeina Cleigh.  Tribune Staff Writer.

‘Afforestation’ is the establishment of a forest or stand of trees (forestation) in an area where there was no previous tree cover.

‘Deforestation’ which means cutting of forests or trees.

‘Reforestation’ is the natural or intentional restocking of existing forests and woodlands (forestation) that have been depleted, usually through deforestation.

The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area was planted by the City of Saskatoon parks department in 1972.  The three afforestation areas, 660 acres, were preserved in perpetuity that same year by City Council.

Wayne Buckle, a tree planter in that year, says ” I have always enjoyed travelling over the train overpass on Highway 7 to watch my forest grow – that’s probably the best vantage point to view it” ~ Leslee Newman

Paul Hanley also wrote the best selling book Eleven speaking the time when the planet reaches Eleven billion people ~ echoing the following sentiments of Richard St. Barbe Baker.  What are the choices facing this  generation for the future survival of our planet?

A few of the many and several articles written about afforestation and the benefits to the planet are; Afforestation and Reforestation for Climate Change   and Climate change mitigation through afforestation / reforestation These, of course, are just two of over 1,510,000 scientific articles on the importance and value of afforestation to mitigate climate change.

Will the human race fail, fizzle, give out, go out, peter out, run out, break, break down, collapse, conk (out), crash, cut out, die, expire, stall, stop, run down, wane?

It is up to you, personally, to help your grandchildren and all of  humanity to hold out, hold up, keep up, last, prevail, bear up, carry on, cope, endure, fare, get along, get by, get on, go, hang in, make out, manage, persevere, abide, continue, draw out, hang on, hold on, linger, persist, remain, run on.

What can you do?

1. Plant a tree, nay plant ten trees a year as requested by St. Barbe.
2. Support afforestation efforts around the world.
3. Care for trees everywhere.
4. Do a good deed.
5. Read Eleven, and the need to become a Sylvan economy as requested by St. Barbe

It is wonderful to be part of the City of Saskatoon, a city that at once is a pioneer in the world afforestation efforts. Saskatoon, was way ahead of the times in 1972.  The parks department showed incredible foresight if this Green Survival programme.

Paul Hanley, a personal friend of St. Barbe, a freelance writer, and environmentalist,  has written a biography on this internationally known forester, Richard St. Barbe Baker.  Contact Paul Hanley for more information about this book.

For more information:

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, SK, CA north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city.
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

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West Off Leash Recreation Area SW OLRA

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Tagged Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Twitter: St Barbe Baker

Contact the Meewasin Valley Authority in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The MVA has begun a Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund. If you wish to support the afforestation area with your donation, write a cheque to the “Meewasin Valley Authority Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund (MVA RSBBAA trust fund)”.  Post to MVA 402 Third Avenue South Saskatoon, SK S7K 3G5  Please and thank you!

Membership in the Saskatoon Nature Society  “supports nature conservation projects and [the society] is an active advocate for the preservation of plant and animal habitats”.

Please contemplate joining the SOS Elms coalition ~ an active group interested in forest management~ or make a donation to “Save our Saskatchewan” [SOS] Elms ~ leave a message to support the afforestation area  😉

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ^***

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Men of the Trees

Are you a Watu Wa Miti?

Natural Resources Canada has developed a Tree App just for you!

The My Tree app is a free download developed by the Canadian Forest Service, which will help you, as a property owner, to decide which trees will grow best in your region of Canada.  “The My Tree app now includes more than 180 native and introduced tree species and their colour-coded hardiness zones.”

 

Snowfall Saturday September 22 2018 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Saskatoon, SK, CA

Fresh Snow in the Sun

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Forest

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

You can download My Tree from the Government of Canada’s Mobile Centre for any operating system, or directly from the app stores for Blackberry, iOS (iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad), and Android.

Coincidentally, to go alongside the My Tree App download, you can request a free tree from the City of Saskatoon! as well, you can request a free seedling from SaskPower!

Are you able to also take the Watu wa Miti, or “Men of the Trees” oath? These forest guides, or forest scouts promised  that they would protect the native forest, plant ten native trees each year, and take care of trees everywhere.  It is recognized that Women are at the heart of the Men of the Trees, and Richard St. Barbe Baker “found friendship and guidance from some key female collaborators and colleagues…  The International Tree Foundation empowers women to be bold for change.”

Native trees for the prairies include the following (as well as numerous shrubs and bushes):

• balsam poplar
• trembling aspen
• green ash
• lodgepole pine
• white spruce source

“Of the earth’s thirty billion acres, already nine billion acres are desert. And if a man loses a third of his skin, he dies; plastic surgeons say “He’s had it.” And if a tree loses one-third of its bark, it dies. And if the earth loses one-third of its green mantle of trees, it will die. The water table will sink beyond recall and life on this planet will become impossible. It’s being skinned alive today. . .” Richard St. Barbe Baker

It is wonderful when the municipal or city government plants 1/3 of its acres to trees, it is remarkable when a provincial government department steps up to the plate and commits to planting trees around its province, and it is phenomenal when the country takes a stand to afforest their nation. Did you know Ontario has committed to planting 50 million trees in a densely populated province?  “Environment Canada recommends that a minimum of 30% forest cover and 10% forest interior habitat is needed to sustain the natural diversity of both plants and animals in a watershed, and that 75% of a stream length be naturally vegetated a minimum of 30 metres wide on both sides for these ecological features to perform their function.”Source  “In addition to enhancing the aesthetics of a property, the presence of trees and bushes provide a variety of benefits. For example, they clean the air and produce oxygen, they help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, and they provide habitat and food for wildlife. “Environment, Energy and Transportation Statistics Division

That being said, what are you doing individually?  Have you planted 1/3 of your property to trees?  Have you requested that your landlord sets 1/3 of your condominium or apartment property as trees?  If not, why not?

Honour the International Tree Foundation’s forest scouts called Watu wa Miti, or Men of the Trees, and tale action.  This autumn, it is not too late to plant trees.  The ground is not frozen!  According to Trees Canada, “Deciduous trees can be planted … in the fall, from leaf-fall until freeze-up.  Evergreens can be planted.. in the fall, from about the first week of August to the end of October”.  “The fact is that for many plants fall it is actually THE BEST time to plant! It’s also a great time to get deals on perennials, trees, and shrubs too!”Source

Download the My Tree App, read Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s resource for planting new trees and shrubs and today request a free tree from the City of Saskatoon or request a free seedling from SaskPower!

For more information:
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
Facebook: StBarbeBaker
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Contact the Meewasin Valley Authority in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The MVA has begun a Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund. If you wish to support the afforestation area with your donation, write a cheque to the “Meewasin Valley Authority Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund (MVA RSBBAA trust fund)”. Please and thank you!
Twitter: StBarbeBaker
Please contemplate joining the SOS Elms coalition or make a donation to SOS Elms ~ leave a message to support the afforestation area  😉

“To be in a better position to help them I studied their language [Kenya’s Kikuyu people], their folklore and tribal customs, and was initiated into their secret society, an ancient institution which safeguarded the history of the past which was handed down by word of mouth through its members.

Soon I came to understand and love these people and wanted to be of service to them. They called me “Bwana M‘Kubwa,” meaning “Big Master,” but I said, “I am your M‘tumwe” (slave).” Richard St. Barbe Baker

Arbor Day or National Tree Day

What is the difference between Arbor day, and National Tree Day?

Does Canada celebrate both?

Trembling Aspen grove Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, CA

Shepherdia argentea, commonly called silver buffaloberry bull berry, or thorny buffaloberry. CC-BY-SA-3.0 credit Julia Adamson

Arbor day originates in the etymology; Latin arbor, meaning tree.  On April 10, 1872 the state of Nebraska became the first state in America to celebrate Arbor Day by planting one million trees!  However, the Spanish village of Mondoñedo held the first abor plantation festival as early as 1594.  The roots of our modern “Arbor Day” was launched in 1805 in Villanueva de la Sierra, Spain.  According to the Arbor Day Foundation, countries around the world celebrate trees at various times during the year.

“By creating National Tree Day, the House has asked Canadians to spend just one day reflecting on the link between their lives and that of the tree,” said Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament.  “Canadians will dedicate trees, plant trees, learn about trees and appreciate the impact the tree has had on Canada’s economic success as a nation.”

Canada celebrates “Maple Leaf Day“ or “National Tree Day“ in the middle of National Forest Week, as Maple Leaf Day falls on the last Wednesday of September.

“The federal government is proud to help celebrate Canada’s first National Tree Day,” said the Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources. “Forests are not only an important part of our heritage, they are also essential to our future. Every tree planted today helps preserve our forests for future generations”

Maple Leaf Day has its origins with Sir George W. Ross, later the Premier of Ontario, when he was Minister of Education in Ontario (1883-1899). According to the Ontario Teachers’ Manuals “History of Education” (1915), Ross established both Arbour Day and Empire Day – “the former to give the school children an interest in making and keeping the school grounds attractive, and the latter to inspire the children with a spirit of patriotism” Arbor Day  

“National Tree Day.  Trees are essential to our lives.  They provide us with oxygen, clean our water, purify our air, elevate our mood and so much more. A tree can sequester 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide by the time it is 40 years old, so trees are invaluable to our battle against climate change. Not only must we take care of our forests, but we must also expand the living infrastructure within our cities.

Successive Canadian governments of all stripes have supported healthy forests, and are bringing more trees into cities. That is why Tree Canada, Canada’s leading national tree organization, has recognized the people of Canada with its coveted Eterne Award.“ Joyce Murray.  Open Parliament Government of Canada September 27, 2018

Whereas, the United States of America celebrates National Arbor Day on the last Friday of April, which will be April 26, 2019, though various states host their festivals according to the optimal planting time for their ecoregion.  Several Canadian provinces also plant trees, and celebrate Arbor Day as well, with a spring planting event.  Very interestingly, the United Kingdom also celebrates their National Tree Week in November, 24th November – 2nd December 2018. National Tree Week U.K. is  followed by National Tree Dressing Day on the first weekend of December. 

National Tree Dressing Day honours the life-giving blessings of trees and is based upon an ancient custom. “Trees have long been celebrated for their spiritual significance. The simplicity of tying strips of cloth or yarn to a tree is universal and timeless. The old Celtic custom of tying cloth dipped in water from a holy well to a ‘clootie tree’ echoes the practice in Japan of decorating trees with strips of white paper, or tanzaku, bearing wishes and poems. The twenty-first century trend of ‘yarn bombing’ in Europe and North America transforms the local landscape with bright fabrics and yarns, like the Buddhist tradition of tying ribbons around the trunk of the Bodhi tree in homage to Buddha, or the annual Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan when coloured strings are tied onto trees and plants to call upon the power of nature to protect loved ones.”  Source  It’s a way to say thank you to the trees in your community.

” While Napoleon was ravaging Europe with his ambition in this village in the Sierra de Gata lived a priest, don Juan Abern Samtrés, which, according to the chronicles, “convinced of the importance of trees for health, hygiene, decoration, nature, environment and customs, decides to plant trees and give a festive air. The festival began on Carnival Tuesday with the ringing of two bells of the church, and the Middle and the Big. After the Mass, and even coated with church ornaments, don Juan, accompanied by clergies, teachers and a large number of neighbours, planted the first tree, a poplar, in the place known as Valley of the Ejido. Tree plantations continued by Arroyada and Fuente de la Mora. Afterwards, there was a feast, and did not miss the dance. The party and plantations lasted three days. He drafted a manifesto in defence of the trees that was sent to surrounding towns to spread the love and respect for nature, and also he advised to make tree plantations in their localities.”
— Miguel Herrero Uceda, Arbor Day

This Arbour Day celebration is separate from the International Forests Day, March 21, was adopted by the United Nations to raise “awareness at all levels in order to strengthen the sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests and trees outside forests for the benefit of current and future generations…[regarding] Forests and Sustainable Cities…Forests and trees store carbon, which helps mitigate the impacts of climate change in and around urban areas.” Source

World Forestry Day, March 21, was inaugurated 1971 at the 23^rd General Assembly of European Confederation of Agriculture, “to increase the public awareness among communities about the values, significance and contributions of the forests to balance the life cycle on the earth…. Loss of the forests enhances the loss of inhabitant animal species to the forest. Deforestation imbalances the balance of natural climate which lead to the global warming by increasing the CO2 and decreasing the O2 percentage all across the world.”

Since 1970, Earth Day supports environmental protection,  and was supported by the  2016 acknowledging the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference historic draft climate protection treaty.  Earth Day was first celebrated on the first day of spring (northern hemisphere) March 21, 1970, however, United States Senator Gaylord Nelson initiated Earth Day on April 22 in America.  March for Science is also commemorated April 22, and the People’s Climate Mobilization follows on April 29.

Paul D. Tinari organized Canada’s Earth Day September 11, 1980 during Earth Day Week beginning Sept 6, 1980.

Trees have a way of bringing people together to celebrate a shared heritage. With over 80% of Canadians living in cities and towns, our urban forests are vital to our quality of life, and this recognition will go a long way toward ensuring that they continue to be planted and cared for in urban locations… For every person who stops and thinks about how they can help grow and maintain trees, Canada becomes a cleaner, better country.Cision Canada

The United Nations celebrates International Mother Earth Day on April 22 “to remind each of us that the Earth and its Ecosystems provide us with life and sustenance….The Earth and its ecosystems are our home. In order to achieve a just balance among the economic, social, and environmental needs of present and future generations, it is necessary to promote harmony with nature and the Earth.”

World Environment Day is celebrated June 5.

“World Environment Day reminds us that we have a global responsibility to safeguard our environment – and that each of us has a role to play to preserve and protect it.”

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister

in 1922, Richard St. Barbe Baker began the International Tree Foundation with Forest Guides, or Forest Scouts, called the Watu wa Miti, or Men of the Trees who… “promised before N’gai, the High God, that they would protect the native forest, plant ten native trees each year, and take care of trees everywhere.”

For more information:
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
Facebook: StBarbeBaker
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Contact the Meewasin Valley Authority in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The MVA has begun a Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund. If you wish to support the afforestation area with your donation, write a cheque to the “Meewasin Valley Authority Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund (MVA RSBBAA trust fund)”. Please and thank you!
Twitter: StBarbeBaker
Please contemplate joining the SOS Elms coalition or make a donation to SOS Elms ~ leave a message to support the afforestation area  😉

“I believe in the Oneness of Mankind and all living things and the interdependence of each and all.” Richard St. Barbe Baker

Green Survival

War against ecology abuse.

This concrete and asphalt jungle, filthy air and cold, stark, angular outlines devoid of greenery, are the characteristics of the modern metropolis.  But, man is instinctively against this type of life and often retreats to the country to enjoy fresh, clean air and green landscape as far as the eyes can see.  …Saskatoon’s parks and recreation board has preserved the areas of Beaver Creek and Cranberry Flats and the rifle range as open space to be enjoyed by Saskatoonians in pursuit of passive recreation such as picnics.  It [parks and rec] has also ventured into a massive project of planting 200,000 trees for local parks, on 600 acres of land south of Diefenbaker Park and south of the CNR station [Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area]. The Green Survival program is sponsored in North American by the Canadian Nursery Trades Association and the American Association of Nurserymen.”~Kathy Cronkite May 10 1972 Star Phoenix

This September 26^th is National Tree Day

Fresh Snow in the Sun

Richard St. Barbe Baker L.L.D, O.B.E. photo credit University of Saskatchewan. University Archives and Special Collections. Richard St. Barbe Baker Fonds MG71.

Photo of Richard St. Barbe Baker Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Richard St. Barbe Baker fonds, MG 71

Plant a tree (free)

“There is a kinship amongst foresters and planters of trees which has to be understood.  These men are bigger than themselves.  They have been called to be earth healers and Trustees for the Divine Artificer of the Universe.  The are above small talk, cheap entertainment, and trivialities.  This can be sensed in their gentle manners and bearing.  They have indeed realized the oneness of all living things and the part that they play in maintaining the delicate Balance of Nature.  They are indeed Nature’s Gentlemen; they have glimpse the Divine at the heart of Nature, and stand apart from the mob of go-getters.  Their burden is a heavy one. .” ~ Richard St. Barbe Baker writing in Caravan Story and Country Notebook.

For more information:

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, SK, CA north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city.
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

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West Off Leash Recreation Area SW OLRA

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Tagged Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Twitter: St Barbe Baker

Contact the Meewasin Valley Authority in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The MVA has begun a Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund. If you wish to support the afforestation area with your donation, write a cheque to the “Meewasin Valley Authority Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund (MVA RSBBAA trust fund)”.  Post to MVA 402 Third Avenue South Saskatoon, SK S7K 3G5  Please and thank you!

Membership in the Saskatoon Nature Society  “supports nature conservation projects and [the society] is an active advocate for the preservation of plant and animal habitats”.

Please contemplate joining the SOS Elms coalition ~ an active group interested in forest management~ or make a donation to “Save our Saskatchewan” [SOS] Elms ~ leave a message to support the afforestation area  😉

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ^***

“Has any one of us ever really seen a Tree? When we become aware of trees we may catch glimpses of them in moments of spiritual vision and, identifying ourselves with the trees, become conscious of the rising of the sap; the upward thrust of life; leaf burgeoning, their consciousness of the changing seasons; we may share their passionately boisterous exuberance of life in the height of a storm, and their tranquility when at rest; with them we will enjoy the glad murmur of the ripening seed clusters when after weeks of drought the steady warm rain brings relief to thirst; and we will know that these creatures, our elder brethern, are intimately related to us in their love and hunger for life. We may even catch their enthusiasm and aspire heavenwards while still rooted in our Mother Earth and in communion with our fellow men and, tree-wise, strive to make the Earth more fruitful again.” ~Richard St. Barbe Baker

Heir of the ancient woods

International Day of Forests
21 March 2018

“Come! tented leaves of my tree;
High summer is here, the moment of passionate life,
The hushed, the maternal hour.
Deep in the shaded green your mystery shielding,
Heir of the ancient woods and parent of forests to be,
Lo! to your keeping is given the Father’s life-giving thought;
The thing that is dream and deed and carries the gift of the past.
For this, for this, great tree,
The glory of maiden leaves, the solemn stretch of the bough,
The wise persistent roots Into the stuff of the world their filaments forcing,
Breaking the earth to their need. “Evelyn Underhill

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

“I believe, therefore, that water must be a basic consideration in all our national and earth wide forest programmes. Streams and rivers must be restored to their natural motion and thus floods and droughts must be eliminated. Forests and woodlands are intimately linked with biological, social and spiritual well-being. I believe that the minimum tree cover for safety is l/3rd of the total land area of every country. Every catchment area should have at least this proportion of tree cover made of mixed species including the broad leaved trees” Richard St. Barbe Baker

Western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)

“But what are the Americans going to do for oxygen? Where are the other people of the world who are dependent on this last best Oxygen Bank of the world going to get their oxygen?

…Oxygen, is the first call on the forests. Because we can live less than five minutes without air. The second call on the forests
is water. We can live less than five days without water. And the third call on the forests is food. We can live less than five
weeks without food. And so these I regard as the first three of the forests. ~Richard St. Barbe Baker”

How will you celebrate the International Day of Forests?  Check the United Nations Forum on Forests to find out more about Forest Heroes, and the International Day of Forests, films, award winning photographs and posters.

For more information:
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
Facebook: StBarbeBaker
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Contact the Meewasin Valley Authority in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The MVA has begun a Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund. If you wish to support the afforestation area with your donation, write a cheque to the “Meewasin Valley Authority Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund (MVA RSBBAA trust fund)”. Please and thank you!
Twitter: StBarbeBaker
Please contemplate joining the SOS Elms coalition or make a donation to SOS Elms ~ leave a message to support the afforestation area 😉

Values of the Afforestation Areas

The values of the Afforestation Areas. Are there social, environmental, cultural, recreational, scenic values of trees?

Fresh Snow on the Boughs

The following is a partial listing of the values of the afforestation areas in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Is there, indeed, some value in the afforestation areas?

• Nothing is financed, nor planned for the general public in regards to an urban regional park as the afforestation areas are NOT in municipal reserve, and not in city park space.
• Nothing is similarly in the long range planning in terms of curbing the illegal activity, and illegal trespass which have gone on for years, in the forms of fencing or gates to prevent access by motorized vehicle.  The afforestation areas belong to land bank, and as such there is NO  money that the city can allocate to the afforestation areas for any purpose whatsoever.
• Nothing is in the planning stages for erecting signs so that the vacant looking lands are defined as city owned lands, as there is no money allocated for the afforestation areas.
• The afforestation areas named as urban regional parks in 1979 by city council only and not by the parks department.  The afforestation areas belong to land bank,  they are NOT in municipal reserve, and not in city park space.
• The afforestation areas were ‘preserved in perpetuity’ on paper by city council in 1972 and not in real life as has been evident by the several community volunteer clean ups removing huge amounts of trash and the ‘George Genereux” afforestation area which has received no clean up at all.
• There have been grass fires in the afforestation areas over the years, and two massive grass fires at the nearby “Buck’s auto parts” requiring fire protective services from both the City of Saskatoon and the RM of Corman Park 344.  If a grass fire gets away and becomes a forest fire in the afforestation area, it would have devastating consequences for the neighbouring residents of Cedar Villa Estates, and for those train cars carrying flammable goods in the adjacent CN Chappell Yards Train station.  There is NO funding to fill in the existing large fire hole built to burn wood pallets for campfire parties, or convert it to a fire pit of city or provincial standards.  However, there is no funding for signs in regards to any fires in the afforestation areas.

Is it really true that nothing can be done?

As has been determined, the MVA has no immediate plans for the afforestation areas in the Blairmore sector of Saskatoon. City of Saskatoon long range planners have no immediate plans for the afforestation areas in the Blairmore sector of Saskatoon, either, as there is NO money for the afforestation areas.  What exactly are long range plans for the afforestation areas as Saskatoon’s population grows to just over 380,000 by 2035, and as the Saskatoon census metropolitan area is forecasted to reach a population of 448,985, the afforestation areas, around 380 hectares of land?  Is there something for everybody?  No. Read the following list of values of the Afforestation Area for more information.

380 hectares of land should provide the opportunities for the long range planners City of Saskatoon and the Meewasin Valley Authority to allocate  a naturalized areas for the population of the city.  Though our children will see the city rise to about 1/2 million by 2015, there no plans for these afforestation areas whatsoever. There is absolutely no way to protect the afforestation areas so that our grandchildren may still see a frog, a deer, or other creature inside city limits within the wildlife habitat corridor of afforestation areas. There is no safeguard on the wetlands, which the afforestation areas exist in, at all.

The  city and the MVA have the opportunity to follow up on Truth and Reconciliation for our first nations peoples of Saskatoon. “We respectfully acknowledge that the afforestation areas exist upon Treaty 6 territory and the traditional lands of First Nations and Métis people”. However, as the afforestation areas are not part of a municipal reserve, there is NO carry through to protect, conserve, or take care of take care of the riparian woodlands, wetlands, or grasslands of the afforestation areas in any planning at all.

If you can think of anymore values for the afforestation areas, please comment.

Please, if you have any values which you personally treasure about the afforestation areas, again it would be fantastic to hear your comment.

Does anyone have any suggestions regarding the afforestation areas in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada?

Some Values of the Afforestation Areas:

1. 1. The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area has as its namesake, Dr. Richard Edward St. Barbe Baker, O.B.E., Hon. LL.D. (Sask), F.I.A.L., For.Dip.Cantab., A.C.F. (9 October 1889 – 9 June 1982) silviculturist, environmental activist, humanitarian and author who founded the International Tree Foundation and Children of the Green Earth. “A name pronounced is the recognition of the individual to whom it belongs. He who can pronounce my name aright, he can call me, and is entitled to my love and service.” Henry David Thoreau
   2. George Patrick Genereux, B.A., MD, CM (March 1, 1935 – April 10, 1989) was a 1952 Summer Olympics Canadian Gold medal-winning trap shooter, recipient of the Lou Marsh Trophy and the Viscount Alexander Trophy, inducted into the Canada, and Saskatchewan and Saskatoon’s Sports Hall of Fame and physician. “When we take away the right to an individual name, we symbolically take away the right to be an individual.”. Erica Jong

• 3. Afforestation areas located in the West Swale, of a valuable geological heritage as the West Swale has its origins in the Yorath Island Spillway of the Pleistocene era.
  4. Afforestation areas provide a mixed deciduous and coniferous forest in the midst of an aspen parkland ecosystem, providing a unique setting for visitors. One does not have to drive north to the Prince Albert National Park to be in a mixed woodlands forest setting, it is in the city of Saskatoon.
  5. The mature riparian afforested woodlands situated in a wetlands setting provides the opportunity to observe and view a variety of flora and fauna, very unique to see the diversity of animals especially as Saskatoon grows to just over 380,000 by 2035.
  6. In 1972, Manchurian Elm Ulmus laciniata, and American Elm Ulmus americana were afforested, along with hardy drought resistant tree species such as Colorado Blue Spruce Picea pungens, Balsam-poplar Populus balsamifera, Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris L., Caragana Caragana arborescens. If Green Ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Manitoba Maple Acer negundo or Willow Salix were planted, there was not a large survival rate of these in the afforestation area. Native prairie Trembling Aspen Groves Populus tremuloides, Buffaloberry Shepherdia argentea and snowberry Symphoricarpo are emerging within the afforested woodlands. It is also intriguing to note that there is one native crabapple perhaps Malus baccata, the Siberian crab apple, honeysuckle Lonicera dioica and a few golden elders Sambucus canadensis ‘Aurea.’ in the afforestation area It is not believed that these were afforested, and there is no evidence of homesteading in the area, so from whence did they arrive to the RSBBAA? It is one of those naturalists type of questions when observing nature in the RSBBAA.
  7. As the afforestation areas were planted with fire breaks, and purchased in 1960, there are definitely areas of native grasslands which have been preserved for 58 years without disturbance.
  8. Woodlands not only enhance the wildlife habitat corridor, they provide a windbreak, and scenic setting for recreation, in an expanding urban environment, the larger Saskatoon census metropolitan area is forecasted to reach a population of about 450,000 by 2035.
  9. The afforestation areas absorb noise, dust, carbon dioxide, and greenhouse gases.
  10. The afforestation area enhances the City of Saskatoon’s green belt created by Bert Wellman and Bill Graham
  11. The afforestation area also happen to provide screening of the train yards for those driving Township Road 362A or enjoying the south west area past Saskatoon.
  12. Oxygen is released, enriching the general sense of well-being in humans, and also to wildlife in a protected area in the city limits. They help us breath, and the woodlands are the best source of great air quality.
  13. The afforestation woodlands, and wetlands naturalized area provides the opportunity for Truth and Reconciliation. What would reconciliation look like in the afforestation areas? “The current state of water in and around many First Nations communities is stressing the special relationship that many First Nations people have with water. This relationship is characterized by unique ways of knowing that water and using water for ceremonial purposes. For example, Mushkegowuk Elders of the James Bay Cree Nation describe water as a “mirror [of] the climate or mood that we, as human beings, are in” (Lavalley, 2006: 8). Another elder from the Haudenonsaunee Iroquois Nation points out that water is a living entity. Avoiding degradation of water includes changing the way water is perceived (emphasis added, Lavalley, 2006: 9). First Nations’ special relationship with water exists in the laws as well. Oji-Cree Elders state: “A treaty was negotiated and concluded by our ancestors to last forever for ‘as long as the rivers flow.’ Water signifies the everlastingness of this treaty relationship. The inherent right to water was never surrendered in the treaty. The Crown recognized that we would continue to exercise our inherent right to water without interference or molestation…the settler population’s government must be reminded of their treaty obligations” (in Lavalley, 2006: 34). “{source} Wetlands are wonderful, îhkatwâwa kihcîtâkwana. {source}
      It is a tragedy that “provincial cuts, downloading costs Saskatoon $59M” for without funds how can the City of Saskatoon place the afforestation areas into municipal reserve and have the capacity to provide funding for the wetlands and water of the afforestation areas. (CBC News 2017) “Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark says a surprise provincial budget cut could cost the city more than $10 million and create a “fiscal crisis” in 2017. ” (Bridges, 2017) The afforestation areas are not a part of municipal reserve and do not belong to the City of Saskatoon park space. Rather the afforestation areas are just lands held in the City land bank. As such, there is no money available which can be allocated to the afforestation areas for any purpose.
  14. Menoyawenek, “the Cree word that most closely represents ‘health’ is menoyawenek. Meno translates into ‘good’ or ‘well’ while yawenek means ‘living’, ‘alive’ or ‘being’. As a consequence, menoyawenek has been translated into ‘a good way of living’. Notably, menoyawenek does more than merely describe health in terms of the absence of disease but rather embodies an overall sense of leading a good life in all aspects….interactions with the natural environment through the practice of traditional harvesting activities, along with language, contribute to well-being.”{Source} Combining the existant ecology and further afforesting of the afforestation areas with the drive of the Saskatoon Food Forest Initiative would be one method to honour Truth and Reconciliation. “A report by the City of Saskatoon says provincial downloading and cuts will have ‘substantial financial implications’ for Saskatchewan’s biggest city”(CBC news, 2017)
      The afforestation areas are not in municipal reserve, nor are they a part of City park space, which would be the means to allocate money for these urban regional parks by the various city departments. The “Meewasin Valley Authority funding cut by $409K in Saskatchewan budget.”(Giles, March 23, 2017) Similarly, the MVA’s shortage of finances has limited the capacity of this environmental conservation agency.
  15. A statue, or commemorative naming in tribute of Missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) would provide distinction and recognition in the reconciliation process. It is truly unfortunate that a tragedy in the area (not a car accident) is currently marked by a nearby roadside shrine. The existing shrine of flowers located on Township Road 362A is dedicated by family and friends who loved the fallen victim of tragic circumstance.
      A shortage of $400K to the Meewasin Valley authority resulted in “a major hit for Meewasin. We knew there would be likely some reduction. We certainly hadn’t planned for something like this,” according to MVA CEO Lloyd Isaak.(Menz, 2017)     What did the provincial funding cuts mean for the city? “This is an $11.4-million hole in our operating budget for providing core services to citizens,” said City of Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark.(Bridges, 2017) There are no short term plans by the City long range planners to place the afforestation areas into municipal reserve nor into park space inventory. As the afforestation lands are part of the City of Saskatoon “land bank” the various city departments are allocated no portion of city funds for the afforestation areas, the city funds which are short $11.4 million dollars.
  16. The area is flat – a flood plain for all intensive purposes – so there is great value for use by many diverse users, the bicycle group, cross country skiers, the disabled, snowshoers, walkers and hikers who wish a walk without hills. The city riverbank trails are absolutely fantastic, however the disabled person, has a grasslands experience on the upper plains, as the river bank hills are not easy to navigate by walker, or wheelchair. A flat forest such as the afforestation areas, affords the disabled an experience in a forest setting which is not available in any other city green spaces.
      “Councillors spent hours brainstorming ways the city can cover the $11.4 million yearly revenue loss.” (Wilson, 2017) The city of Saskatoon has retained the afforestation areas in land bank, and there are no immediate plans to move them into municipal reserve or into city parks space. How can they, when they are suffering from an $11.4 yearly revenue loss?
      What are the ripple effects of the “Meewasin Valley Authority losing nearly half its provincial funding?” (Shields, 2017) The MVA is without funding for the afforestation areas.
  17. During these times of climate change, woodlands absorb CO2, mitigating global warming. Saskatoon has the unique heritage distinction of being one of the very first cities with an afforestation area started in 1972, Saskatoon, pioneer in the reduction of the projected climate change
  18. Saskatchewan cycles through years of high water tables, flooding and drought. Forests influence local weather patterns, and create individualized micro-climates. As Richard St. Barbe Baker knew when he reclaimed arable land from the Sahara Desert project, trees make it rain.  “My answer to this is: enlist the whole population to restore tree cover until they have a 33.3 per cent tree Cover. They would thus be fighting shoulder to shoulder on the green front as they are doing in the Sahara desert today to grow food for their people. We have heard this evening about the Sahara and I would like to say one word about this. These countries had fought for their freedom from colonialism and sometimes amongst themselves. They are coming together to reclaim 2 million sq. miles of this world’s most famous desert. “~Richard St. Barbe Baker Friends of the Trees Speech 1980”
  19. Tree roots, themselves are powerful systems. They absorb the devastating effects of flooding reducing loss of soil and reducing property damage. “ I believe that the minimum tree cover for safety is l/3rd of the total land area of every country. Every catchment area should have at least this proportion of tree cover made of mixed species including the broad leaved trees -mono culture in any form is injurious to the land, especially mono-cultivated coniferous woods, because the roots compete underground, of course. If you study the profile of a soil, the first roots may go down together and compete with each other. The hair roots of every tree are changed with acid sheath and this acid sheath is there to help the tree melt the rock, so that the root can go through the rock. You have seen a root go right down through the rock and continue growing at the other end, the bottom of the rock. Nature has provided this acid so that the roots can melt rock and get a hold and cling and split the rock. It is amazing that the power of a small root when it starts to grow, it can crack a rock, and just imagine, all these conifers planted at equidistant of the same age with roots competing at the same level.” Richard St. Barbe Baker Friends of the Trees Speech, 1980
  20. Trees act on the aquifer systems below the soil surface. “when the trees go, the rain goes, the climate deteriorates, the water table sinks, the land erodes and desert conditions soon appear.” Richard St. Barbe Baker Land of Tone 1954
  21. The afforestation areas are testaments to the history of Saskatoon, as they acted ahead of their time, planting trees. Afforestation areas are known to address the environmental issues of the world, and as such, Saskatoon has acted as a pioneer in the “Green Survival” campaign of 1972. “Let TAWAMHWE-pull together-be our motto and I pray that we may give our active support to all efforts of desert reclamation by tree planting and I pray that I may be just to the Earth below my feet, to my neighbour by my side and to the light which comes from above and within, and this wonderful world of ours may be a little more beautiful and happy for my having lived in it.” Richard St. Barbe Baker Friends of the Trees Speech, 1980.
      Though the afforestation areas are a true testament to Saskatoon’s heritage, and champion the city as a true pioneer in climate change mitigation, the afforestation areas are not a part of municipal reserve, the afforestation lands belong to the City land bank and are not City park space. “Saskatoon facing ‘immediate fiscal crisis’” says Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark.(Giles, March 23, 2017) There are no immediate plans to place the afforestation areas, and the attendant wetlands into municipal reserve where funding could be allocated through the various city departments, however in the face of the fiscal crisis, there is no immediate plans to change the status quo of the afforestation areas, and they will remain in the city of Saskatoon “land bank” and not be a part of City park space Former Mayor Brad Wall mentioned on facebook that  “We [the provincial government] think it is fair they [the city of Saskatoon] use some of their reserves or perhaps reconsider spending decisions, rather than a court injunction or an increase in local taxes.”(CBC News, March 23, 2017) The drastic shortage in finances has left the afforestation areas in limbo. They are not municipal reserve. They are not City of Saskatoon park space, the afforestation areas ‘preserved in perpetuity by city council (1979) belong to “land bank.” “Informally, the City of Saskatoon has been buying, developing and selling land since the 1920s. The City formally established the Land Bank in 1954 to acquire land for future development.”(City of Saskatoon About us)
  22. The wetlands located here are one of the only sites in Saskatchewan to view the ruddy duck Oxyura jamaicensis. The wetlands possess the capacity to provide foraging, and breeding grounds for many other species, Great Blue Heron Ardea Herodias, Canada goose Branta canadensis, Black Crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax, American white pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, a plethora of waterfowl and migrating birds. The site provides an amazing opportunity for hikers, bikers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts to connect to nature outdoors.  Though there are activity restriction guidelines by the Government of Saskatchewan for nesting colonies of colonial nesting birds, there is no funding for the afforestation areas.
      As the afforestation areas are not declared as municipal reserves, nor are they a part of the City of Saskatoon park inventory, there is therefore no funding available for the afforestation areas. Though these birds have been sighted at the Chappell Marsh wetlands, to date, there has been no investigation into whether or not nesting colonies exist in the wetlands.  AS $11.4 million dollars in funding to the City of Saskatoon has been drastically cut by the provincial government, there is no foreseeable plan to place the afforestation areas into municipal reserve. “This leaves a significant hole in our operating budget,” says Mayor Charlie Clark.(Saskatoon, March 2017)
      The MVA, has no funding capabilities, either. “The provincial budget has slashed funding for a conservation group dedicated to protecting the South Saskatchewan River.
      The Saskatchewan Party has cut $409,000 from the Meewasin Valley Authority, roughly half of the province’s annual contribution of $909,000.” (CBC News, 2017)

      I believe, therefore, that water must be a basic consideration in all our national and earth wide forest programmes. Streams and rivers must be restored to their natural motion and thus floods and droughts must be eliminated. Forests and woodlands are intimately linked with biological, social and spiritual well-being.” Richard St. Barbe Baker Friends of the Trees Speech, 1980

  21. The afforestation area situated in the West Swale wetlands provides a naturalized area enhancing wilderness tourism, and as such is an advocate for environmental, social, and economic wilderness tourism. As such, the West Swale wetlands provide recreational and aesthetic appreciation of a permanent wetlands in the case of “Chappell Marsh”.  It is hard to comprehend, however, the entirety of the afforestation areas are located in a wetlands area according to botanists, though the permanent wetlands area are only “Chappell Marsh.”
      Though the opportunity arises for a naturalized area, there are no immediate plans to place the afforestation area into municipal urban reserve nor into City Park Space as requested April 25, 2016 by former councillor Pat Lorje, so there is no opportunity for funding provided to the afforestation areas, the Blairmore sector urban regional parks by the City of Saskatoon.  So the afforestation area urban regional parks are parks in naming title only, they do NOT belong to City of Saskatoon park space, the afforestation areas belong to Saskatoon Land Bank. “Provincial cuts this year combined with direct and indirect downloading of costs adds up to nearly $59 million…Mike Jordan, the City of Saskatoon’s director of government relations, said those costs have “substantial financial implications.”” (CBC News, April 10, 2017)For the areas managed by the MVA, the MVA is in a similar pickle, with funding being cut off to this environmental conservation agency. The MVA “lost $400,000 in funding” (SUMA 2017)
  22. The wetlands, themselves operate similar to a sponge, mitigating flooding controlling flow to the South Saskatchewan River near Yorath Island, soaking up rainfall, and releasing the moisture over time playing a vital role in the hydro-logic cycle. Wetlands also act as sustainable carbon “sinks” playing a vital role in sequestering carbon from the atmosphere slowing climate change. This role of a healthy wetlands, provides huge economic benefits as they already exist, without charge, as an ecosystem service to remove water pollutants, store floodwaters, and sequester carbon.Wetlands also act as amazing biogeochemical cycling ecosystems removing and transforming nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorous from surface water. Wetlands function as amazing systems protecting and improving water quality while recharging groundwater supply.
      As the afforestation areas are not a part of municipal urban reserve, there can be allocated no funding by any City programme.  As such, there is no money to clean up the George Genereux urban regional park which is located in the West Swale wetlands which is covered in trash at all of the entrances.  Nor is there any money for the Richard St. Barbe Baker afforestation area to ensure that ATVs and 4x4s cannot drive through these urban regional parks.  There are no signs up announcing that the afforestation areas are urban regional parks, so therefore the lands appear to be vacant crown lands which under regulations are permissible for ATVs and 4x4s to drive in.  The afforestation areas are not covered by any funding as is the case of municipal reserves, so therefore there is no capability to provide the urban regional parks with any signs identifying the afforestation areas as urban regional parks.
      “Fairness is the key and whatever we present to government will be looking at fairness and sharing the pain.” spoke Government Relations Minister Donna Harpauer “Fairness is exactly what the mayors of the province’s two largest cities say they are also looking for. Those cities are still receiving significantly less money. “(Fraser, 2017) The City of Saskatoon report “states provincial cuts this year combined with direct and indirect downloading of costs adds up to nearly $59 million.”(CBC News, April 10, 2017)
      “The Meewasin Valley Authority (MVA) lost $409,000 from the provincial Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport. “(Levy, 2017) The ripple effect of the provincial cuts has come to the afforestation areas. The Meewasin Valley Authority is a conservation organization created by the Provincial Government of Saskatchewan in Canada and is dedicated to conserving the cultural and natural resources of the South Saskatchewan River Valley. Though the wetlands are invaluable resource as biogeochemical cycling ecosystems there can be no money to prevent illegal trespass, nor erect signs which may mitigate illegal trash dumping, there are no funds available.

  I believe that water must be the basic consideration in all our national and earth- wide forest programmes. Streams and rivers must be returned to their natural motion. What is a natural motion? A river flowing in its natural course comes to a bend. This gives it a spiral motion. It comes to a marrow, this provides tension. It broadens out, here is relaxation. This is how blood circulates in our veins and the sap circulates in a tree. This is the natural motion. When you destroy this natural motion, the water goes on its way sick or cancerous. When water comes up against a dam, the natural motion is destroyed and the water becomes sick. This sickness spreads up to the tributary rivers and to the fields through which these rivers have come and the sickness will go to the fields bordering these rivers and will affect the grazing animals. They say that cancer is a disease of civilization. You will accept that, won’t you? It was unknown till we called ourselves civilized.”Richard St. Barbe Baker Friends of the Trees Speech, 1980

  23. By providing a natural habitat for birds, wetlands help to control pests. It is amazing the numbers of leaf eating insects which birds help to control.
      24. 24. As can be seen by the superb educational tours by Ducks Unlimited in the neighbouring Chappell Marsh Conservation Area, Chappell Marsh provides an amazing opportunity for education, scientific research, and education of youth and visitors on biodiversity in support of  Ducks Unlimited work.
              However, as there are not any short term plans to place the afforestation areas into municipal urban reserve, there is no money for any type of program of any sort by the City of Saskatoon.  “The loss of the grants will leave the city $8.3 million short in its 2017 budget and $11.4 million short each year that follows.”(CBC News, March 27, 2017)
              The MVA is likewise strapped for cash, and there are no short term plans advanced by the MVA for any programming in their controlled lands in the afforestation areas. MVA CEO Lloyd Isaak “said the board is already looking towards how the organization can remain fiscally sound. ‘We’re going to be working with our board and our stakeholders to determine how to position Meewasin so that we have fiscal stability in the future,” he said. “But pulling out the provincial funding would have profound impacts on Meewasin as we know it.'” (Shields, 2017)
          25. The afforestation area has the potential to provide futherance to the very large design of the Fatlanders Fat Tire Bike Brigade (FFTB) trails which are groomed for the winter sport of Fat Bicycling. The City of Saskatoon and the MVA have both announced that they have no money and that providing any welcome to the general public in the form of signage is out of the question as the afforestation area is most definitely not part of Municipal Urban Reserve and there is no plan to place the afforestation areas into municipal urban reserve in the short term due to the absolute shortage in money for the city and the MVA also concurs, as they, too also lament their absolute dire lack of funds. Because the hands are tied by the City and MVA financial woes, the FFTB private club have to date received carte blanche permissions  to do pretty much anything anywhere in the making of a plethora of fat bicycle trails in this city owned green space.  The afforestation areas are faced with the long range plans of becoming solely a winter fat tire bicycle park.
              30 people in a privately run bicycle group can figure out how to create trails, create a programme for signage, and waymarking, however the MVA and city cannot. ““We can’t just simply stop what we are doing and find $12 million at this point,” former City manager Murray Totland said.(Giles, March 23, 2017)
              “We certainly knew that there was financial pressure on the province and we thought there would be some modest reduction, but we didn’t think it would be a 45 per cent cut from the provincial government,” Meewasin Valley Authority CEO Lloyd Isaak said.(Giles, March 24, 2017)
          26. The afforestation area has the potential to sustain recreation for City of Saskatoon youth with a BMX jump / trick park and yet still opportunities arise regarding safety issues. The City of Saskatoon has not come forward with any plans to place the afforestation areas into Municipal Urban Reserve, so therefore at this time the City of Saskatoon is presented with a challenge without any source of funding.  Concerned tax payers are crossing their fingers that a youngster on the BMX trick park does not meet with injury, a travesty in and of itself, and yet what financial shortfall would the city be in if they were sued because of a tragic accident? There are no safety regulations, no organisation, and no policing of procedure in any form whatsoever. Additionally this lack of any money means that the afforestation area has no possible method to avert accidents for the Saskatoon youth who use the jump park without proper safety protocols, the city has no possible modus operandi to ensure that dangers posed to the trees are mitigated.  As well there is no money to ensure that provincial and municipal environment protection bylaws for the wetlands are followed and sorted out.
              “How does the province’s decision to cut out grants-in-lieu affect Saskatoon residents? This decision will have an annual impact of $11.4 million dollars to the City, equivalent to a 5.63% property tax increase. It forces City Council to choose between raising taxes and/or making cuts to core services such as snow clearing, leisure facilities, police, or fire.”(City of Saskatoon, 2017)
              The MVA has no immediate plans for the afforestation area, as the “Meewasin received about $900,000 from the province last year. The number accounted for about 35 per cent of the authority’s total budget, with the City of Saskatoon and the University of Saskatchewan covering the remainder. This year’s budget will see the MVA receive about $400,000 less.”(Menz, 2017)
          27. The afforestation areas are so so scenic, beautiful and relaxing (once the trash is removed). The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation area received community volunteer cleans ups in June 2015, July 2016, and October 2016, March 2017. The ‘George Genereux’ urban regional park has received no clean ups. Neither the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area nor the ‘George Genereux’ urban regional park have received fencing, signs, or vehicle restriction barricades. These afforestation areas appear to be vacant land unowned and uncared for by anybody, and they receive a lot of illegal dumping, and illegal trespass.
              It would be nice to have ‘George Genereux’ urban regional park cleaned up too, so it could be used safely and without fear as well as it seems to be very very picturesque, however there are no short term plans to place the afforestation areas into municipal urban reserve, so therefore there is absolutely no money to clean up the huge amounts of trash dumped in the  ‘George Genereux’ urban regional park located in the West Swale wetlands.  This very sad predicament mans that ‘George Genereux’ urban regional park cannot be walked in, nor can vehicles access the ‘George Genereux’ urban regional park as the quantity of construction materials with nails, and shingles with nails located in the trash piles is very high posting a serious risk.
              However, this situation will likely remain, as the afforestation areas do not belong to municipal urban reserve nor are they a part of City Park Space. Because the afforestation areas are a part of Saskatoon’s land bank, there is no money allocated to any Saskatoon department to clean up the ‘George Genereux’ urban regional park. Note the ‘George Genereux’ urban regional park is an ‘urban regional park’ in the naming process of city council 1979 only it is NOT a part of City Park Space.
              There are no funds available for the City of Saskatoon nor for the MVA to proceed with any projects in regards to the afforestation areas.      “Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark says a surprise provincial budget cut could cost the city more than $10 million and create a “fiscal crisis” in 2017. Wednesday’s budget put an end to $36 million in grants”(Bridges, 2017) In discussing the Province cuts $400K from Meewasin funding and the province taking over Wascana Centre, h Christine Tell, the minister responsible for the provincial capital commission, in a news release, said that “I want to offer reassurances that under the new model we will continue to invest in infrastructure and make sure the park is well-maintained for all those who enjoy the beauty of this natural and recreational area.” However, that being said, there is still trash and illegal trespass in the West Swale wetlands and afforestation areas of the Blairmore sector.
          28. The wetlands with their emergent vegetation provide great and varied flora which attract diverse animal species. Besides birds and waterfowl already mentioned, the wetlands and associated riparian woodlands attract reptiles, and mammals who seek food, water and shelter in the adjacent riparian woodlands of the afforestation areas. The existence of the Tiger Salamander Ambystoma tigrinum, Northern Leopard Frog Lithobates pipiens, Woodland Frog Lithobates sylvaticus, muskrat Ondatra zibethicus, Mule Deer Odocoileus hemionus, White Tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus, Skunk Mephitis mephitis, North American porcupine Erethizon dorsatum, snowshoe hare, cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus. The Government of Saskatchewan has put into place activity restriction guidelines  regarding the Northern Leopard Frog.  nocturnal nature walks by the Nature Society reveals species of owls, and very likely bats as well. Besides waterfowl, and the declining numbers of songbirds under watch by the Saskatoon Nature Society the American Kestrel, Falco Sparverius, and Mountain Bluebird Sialia currucoides are both species which have received attentions in the West Swale and afforestation areas.  The black-capped chickadee Poecile atricapillus, Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus, Bohemian waxwing Bombycilla garrulus, and numerous sparrow species are among the common avian sightings. The spring season welcomes the The American robin Turdus migratorius, and western meadowlarkSturnella neglecta.The afforestation areas are not in municipal reserve placed before the city by former city councillor Pat Lorje April 25, 2016, and reviewed May 39, 2017. As the afforestation areas are not a part of the city’s urban reserves, nor do the afforestation areas belong to city’s park space inventory there is no funding available by any city department.
              “Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark said the city is facing a potential financial crisis following the release of the 2017-18 Saskatchewan budget.”(Giles, March 23) “The government also announced it will be changing legislation to eliminate the requirement that the University of Saskatchewan’s 30 per cent funding commitment to the MVA remain in place.” (Giles, March 24) This has the potential to further reduce funding to the MVA which has already been cut $400,000 in funding.
          29. The Forestry Farm Park and Zoo are absolutely wonderful ways for urban families to appreciate animals while living in an urban setting. However, it is also true that experiencing nature, wildlife in the natural setting is a true treat, and a testament to the City of Saskatoon that there still exists an oasis of green space where one can still see such a variety of flora and fauna inside of the city limits.  AS there are no plans on the horizon to place the afforestation areas into municipal urban reserve, there is no money available for fences nor gates to keep vehicles, 4x4s or ATVS  out of the afforestation areas.  The afforestation areas are not a part of the City of Saskatoon municipal urban reserves, without funding there can be no signs erected letting anyone know that the afforestation areas are urban regional parks, and are thus open to illegal trespass, trash dumping, illegal activities, and a host of bylaw violations. The afforestation areas are sadly urban regional parks in name only as they are not in municipal reserve nor are there any immediate plans to place the afforestation areas in city park space. The naming by city council in 1979 as urban regional parks has not been followed up upon. The act to ‘preserve the afforestation areas in perpetuity” by city council of 1972 has not been carried out ~ the afforestation areas are just lands held by the City of Saskatoon land bank, there is NO money allocated by any City department for their care nor for their upkeep in anyway whatsoever. There is NO money for public signs to define the vacant looking lands as city property. There is NO money for fencing or gates to keep illegal trespass and illegal activity out of the afforestation area.
              The afforestation areas predicament was placed before the city by former city councillor Pat Lorje April 25, 2016 requesting that the lands be placed in municipal reserve and into City park space, and reviewed May 39, 2017. There are NO short terms plans for the afforestation areas by the city of Saskatoon long range planners.
              “There was no mention of it [budget cuts could cost Saskatoon $11.4M] whatsoever and this could engender a real fiscal crisis for our city for this year,” said Saskatoon mayor Charlie Clark (Bridges, 2017)
              “Meewasin Valley Authority funding cut by $409K in Saskatchewan budget.”(Giles, March 23, 2017)As has been determined, the MVA has no immediate plans for the afforestation areas in the Blairmore sector of Saskatoon. The city of Saskatoon long range planners have no immediate plans for the afforestation areas in the Blairmore sector of Saskatoon, either.  The long range plans in terms of monetary budget in February 2018 for the afforestation areas is nothing as Saskatoon’s population grows to just over 380,000 by 2035, and as the Saskatoon census metropolitan area is fore-casted to reach a population of 448,985, the afforestation areas, around 380 hectares of land, will at this time may only service the current plans available for the afforestation areas due to budget restraints put forward by 30 members of the Fat Tire Fatlanders Brigade for their  winter bicycling and their trail creation.  Is there something for everybody of the city of Saskatoon?  No.
              

      Are the members of the FFTB the only people in the entirety of the city of Saskatoon who can figure anything out?  It is truly wonderful and remarkable that the FFTB can figure out how to get it done.  What happens now?   Is there no money in the budget for a sign to be  erected, as well, welcoming the general public?  Winter bicycling is absolutely, tremendously fantastic, though there are other activities in a Winter City such as Saskatoon, such as cross country skiing, snowshoeing, nature hikes, bird watching, etc, etc. which can go on alongside winter fat bicycling.

      The general public needs consideration as well.

      Though 380 hectares of land should provide the opportunities for the long range planners City of Saskatoon and the Meewasin Valley Authority to provide a naturalized areas for the population of the city. Though our children will see the city rise to about 1/2 million by 2015, there no plans for these afforestation areas whatsoever because as of February 2018 there was no money in the budget for the afforestation area. There is absolutely no way to protect the afforestation areas so that our grandchildren may still see a frog, a deer, or other creature inside of city limits within the wildlife habitat corridor of afforestation areas. There is no safeguard on the wetlands, which the afforestation areas exist in, at all.

      The  city and the MVA have the opportunity to follow up on Truth and Reconciliation for our first nations peoples of Saskatoon. “We respectfully acknowledge that the afforestation areas exist upon Treaty 6 territory and the traditional lands of First Nations and Métis people”. However, as the afforestation areas are not part of a municipal reserve, there is NO carry through to protect, conserve, or take care of take care of the riparian woodlands, wetlands, or grasslands of the afforestation areas in any planning at all.

      There may be some value to the afforestation areas.

      However, these facts remain;

      24. 24. • Nothing is financed, nor planned for the general public in regards to an urban regional park as the afforestation areas are NOT in municipal reserve, and not in city park space.
              • Nothing is similarly in the long range planning in terms of curbing the illegal activity, and illegal trespass which have gone on for years, in the forms of fencing or gates to prevent access by motorized vehicle.  The afforestation areas belong to land bank, and as such there is NO  money that the city can allocate to the afforestation areas for any purpose whatsoever.
              • Nothing is in the planning stages for erecting signs so that the vacant looking lands are defined as city owned lands, as there is no money allocated in the budget for the afforestation areas.
              • The afforestation areas named as urban regional parks in 1979 by city council only and not by the parks department.  The afforestation areas belong to land bank,  they are NOT in municipal reserve, and not in city park space.
              • The afforestation areas were ‘preserved in perpetuity’ on paper by city council in 1972 and not in real life as has been evident by the massive trash removed on several community volunteer clean ups removing huge amounts of trash and the ‘George Genereux” afforestation area which has received no clean up at all.
              • There have been grass fires in the afforestation areas over the years, and two massive grass fires at the nearby “Buck’s auto parts” requiring fire protective services from both the City of Saskatoon and the RM of Corman Park 344.  If a grass fire gets away and becomes a forest fire in the afforestation area, it would have devastating consequences for the neighbouring residents of Cedar Villa Estates, and for those train cars carrying flammable goods in the adjacent CN Chappell Yards Train station.  There is NO funding to fill in the existing large fire hole built to burn wood pallets for campfire parties, or convert it to a fire pit of city or provincial standards.  As you will see on reading this article, there is no funding for signs in regards to any fires in the afforestation areas.  There is NO funding for signs in regards to any fires in the afforestation areas.

      Is it really true that nothing can be done?

      

      West Swale and Richard St. Barbe Baker AFforestation Area wildlife Urban Forest Semi-Wilderness Area. Mountain Bluebird, White Tailed Deer Fawn. Barred Tiger Salamander or western tiger salamander. American Pelican, Mallard Duckling

If you can think of anymore values for the afforestation areas, please comment.

Please, if you have any values which you personally treasure about the afforestation areas, again it would be fantastic to hear your comment.

Does anyone have any suggestions regarding the afforestation areas in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada?

Bibliography
About Us, City of Saskatoon

Bridges, Alicia. Grant cuts in budget could cost Saskatoon $11.4M. Provincial budget cuts $36 million in grants for municipalities from SaskPower and SaskEnergy CBC News Mar 23, 2017

Fraser, D.C. Provincial government capping reduction to grants-in-lieu funding at 30% Regina Leader-Post March 31, 2017

Giles, David. Meewasin Valley Authority funding cut by $409K in Saskatchewan budget Global News. March 23, 2017

Giles, David. Saskatoon facing ‘immediate fiscal crisis’: Mayor Charlie Clark Global News. March 25, 2017

Levy, Bryn. Meewasin Valley Authority sees funds slashed in provincial budget 650 CKOM March 22, 2017

Menz, Kevin. Province cuts $400K from Meewasin funding, takes over Wascana Centre CTV Saskatoon

Provincial government cuts push financial burden onto City residents & taxpayers: Choices facing City Council are to raise property taxes or cut City services City of Saskatoon March 24, 2017

Provincial cuts, downloading costs Saskatoon $59M, city says. City official says costs have ‘substantial financial implications’ for taxpayers CBC News Posted: Apr 10, 2017
SUMA FAQ What did the provincial government do with payments in lieu to municipalities? CBC News. May 4, 2017

Shield, David. Meewasin Valley Authority to close interpretive centre CEO Lloyd Isaak says the centre will close July 1st CBC News Jun 08, 2016

Wilson, Jacqueline. Saskatoon mulls legal action over cuts in Saskatchewan budget Global News March 26, 2017

Saskatoon may have no legal grounds to challenge budget cuts, says prof Saskatchewan’s largest city threatening court injunction after provincial budget CBC News Mar 27, 2017

Shield, David. Meewasin Valley Authority losing nearly half its provincial funding ‘very challenging,’ says Saskatoon mayor
Authority and city had feared bigger cuts or end of provincial funding CBC News. March 22, 2017

• • If—

 

By Rudyard Kipling   A Choice of Kipling’s Verse (1943)

If you can keep your head when all about you

    Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

    But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

    Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,

Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,

    And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;

    If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

    And treat those two impostors just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken

    Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

    And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

    And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

    And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

    To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

    Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

    Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

    If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

    With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,

    And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

 

For more information:

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, SK, CA north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city.
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

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West Off Leash Recreation Area SW OLRA

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Tagged Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Twitter: St Barbe Baker

Contact the Meewasin Valley Authority in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The MVA has begun a Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund. If you wish to support the afforestation area with your donation, write a cheque to the “Meewasin Valley Authority Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund (MVA RSBBAA trust fund)”. Post to MVA 402 Third Avenue South Saskatoon, SK S7K 3G5 Please and thank you!

Membership in the Saskatoon Nature Society “supports nature conservation projects and [the society] is an active advocate for the preservation of plant and animal habitats”.

Please contemplate joining the SOS Elms coalition ~ an active group interested in forest management~ or make a donation to “Save our Saskatchewan” [SOS] Elms ~ leave a message to support the afforestation area 😉

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ^***

A Timeline to 1979

Do you have an inkling of the inscrutable history of the afforestation areas?  The history no longer needs be enigmatic, mysterious, unreadable, inexplicable, unexplainable, incomprehensible, impenetrable, inscrutable, unfathomable, unknowable; opaque, abstruse, arcane, obscure, or cryptic thanks to a bit of a time line.

“Wisdom: Knowledge rightly applied. We assimilate lots of knowledge. Whether or not we do anything with that knowledge is a measure of our wisdom. That implies some change … and change can be difficult.” – Hyrum W. Smith

Geographical Pre-History ~ the Pleistocene Era ~ creation of the Yorath Island Spillway which results in the current “West Swale.”

Protect your dog in the severe cold winter weather warnings.

Richard St. Barbe Baker AFforestation Area, Saskatoon, SK

1883  Temperance Colonization Society under John Neilson Lake, first examined this area in 1882 and found that it would make an excellent location to found their community based on the ideals of the temperance movement.  Nutana settlement is formed which later becomes a neighbourhood of the current City of Saskatoon.

1884 Surveyor’s Map Plan of Township No 36 Range 6 West of the Third Meridian. Dominion Land Office April 25, 1884.

1890 The Qu’Appelle, Long Lake and Saskatchewan Railway (QLSRSC) reached Saskatoon in 1890. [In 1889, QLSRSC railways were leased to the Canadian Pacific Railway and finally taken over by the Canadian Northern Railway in July 1906. At the rail station between the villages of Riversdale and Saskatoon, there was the QLL&SR bridge which was rebuilt in 1905, and again after a train fell through it in March 1914; the CNR rail bridge was demolished in 1965 to make way for the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge and the Idylwyld Freeway. The first location of the CNR train yards was where the Midtown Plaza shopping centre stands in contemporary down town Saskatoon.]  Note there are both CPR and CNR lines running parallel to each other south west of Saskatoon.

1886.  On September 10th 1886 Xavier  Gaugeon is doing homestead duties upon his military homestead, the eastern half of section 22 Township 36, Range 6 West of the Third meridian has broken 7 acres in 1887, and 25 acres by 1891 and has built a 14 x 16 foot house. The land is home to 7 horses and 16 cattle.  NOTE the southern half of this homestead this would correspond to a middle portion of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area [The 1/2 mile by 1 mile homestead begins 1/2 mile away from western edge and then extends 1/2 mile to the east].  The RSBBAA is defined as those parts of Southern half Section 22 and SW 23 township 36 range 6 west of the third meridian… On contemporary maps,  CNR Chappell Yards takes up the entire northern half of 22 36 6 W3 the CNR rail line bisects this homestead location.

1899. William Kennedy Esq. puts in a homestead application for SW ¼ Section 22 Township 36 Range 6 West of the third meridian on April 28, 1899. As of 1899 Kennedy initially broke 5 acres of land, up a total of 125 acres by 1903. In 1903 ~ 85 acres were crop land. Kennedy owned 2 cattle and three horses with a frame house and log stable. Kennedy requests a land patent certificate on January 25, 1904.  NOTE this a portion of land 1/2 mile by 1/2 mile  extending alongside the extreme  western edge  of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area.  On contemporary maps it can be seen that the railway line and the current CNR Chappell yards cuts the northern edge of this homestead.

NE 21-36-6 W3 or George Genereux Urban Regional Park had no homestead entry.   The afforestation lands SE section 23-36-6-W3 also had no homestead entry ~ the unnamed afforestation area also commonly referred to as Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area [east and SW OLRA].

1906. In 1906 Saskatoon became a city with a population of 4,500, which included the settlements of Saskatoon, Riversdale, and Nutana.

1915 Sectional Map Department of the Interior Topographical Surveys Branch. Sectional Maps. Portion of Saskatoon Sheet Sectional Map #215.

1917 Scarborough Map excerpt 

1922 A rail The CN junction is located on SE 24-36-6 W3 according to Bill Barry. A branch line runs through Section 23, township 36 Range 6 West of the Third meridian.

1924 Map Rand McNally Map excerpt This map shows the “Old Bone Trail.” This trail was used by ox and red river cart or horse and buggy in the 19th century. The Old Bone Trail came into use when the Buffalo herds no longer roamed the plains in massive numbers, their bones bleaching dry in the sun. Settlers would try to earn a buck or two, and load up their wagons with the bones traversing the “Old Bone Trail” into the nearest rail station where they would be transported to plants which would then convert the bones to fertilizer. The overlay of the old cart trail on the Rand McNally Map shows how the railways followed the old grade of the trails. Later maps would illustrate how highways followed the grade of the rails. Around this time~ the 1920s, trails began to take their leave from history, and pioneers would utilize the trains for passenger and freight transport.

1925 Map Waghorn’s Railway Guide excerpt

1960. A green belt for the city starts with Bert Wellman, Saskatoon Planning Department, who walked around Saskatoon’s perimeter choosing high spots of land for scenic beauty. Together with City Planner Bill Graham they worked on parkways and planted trees for the 1960 Circle Drive Parkway at these sites. A green city is envisioned.

“The Richard St. Barb Baker Afforestation Area was established in 1960 to create a green belt around the city. Trees, which act as habitat for local wildlife, were planted in rows to generate a man-made forest.”(World Web.com)

1966. According to Saskatoon’s Historic Building and Sites, the “railroad lines which dominated the landscape of downtown Saskatoon since 1890 were moved by the Canadian National Railways in 1966 to Chappell Siding west of the city. On a 285-acre site, the CN operates the most modern container, express and passenger services over 40 miles of track.”(Clubb. 1973. Note 124)

The CN Chappell yards are located to the north of the Richard St. Barb Baker Afforestation Area. Precisely the park is located at 52°6’6″N 106°45’19″W north off of Cedar Villa Road.

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Horned Grebe Podiceps Auritus

Horseback Riding

1972.  Planting in reserved lands purchased in 1960 for a tree belt begins in 1972. “A tree belt as a windbreak and to create a sense of enclosure is suggested along the edges of development for all areas which will not expand in the near future. Such a belt can already be considered along the northern boundary of Westview Heights. In conclusion it can be stated that a seemingly overwhelming demand lies ahead, however, through careful timing, programming and design there should be few difficulties. It should be remembered that the city forefathers reserved beautiful parks along the river, others have developed in Kiwanis Park, the University Grounds and numerous treed and landscaped streets. They did so under adverse conditions with a population of 20,000. They gave the city a reputation as the “City Beautiful” and today’s residents should be willing to uphold their tradition.” (Wellman. 1963. P 18)

“The concrete and asphalt jungle, filthy air, and cold, stark angular outlines devoid of greenery, are the main characteristics of the modern metropolis,” writes Kathy Cronkite in  Green Survival: War against ecology abuse. Three Saskatoon groups organizing main campaign.  Cronkite continues, “Saskatoon’s parks and recreation board has preserved the area of Beaver Creek, Cranberry Flats, and the rifle range as open space to be enjoyed by Saskatoonians in pursuit of passive recreation such as picnics.  It has also ventured into a massive project of planting 200,000 trees for local parks on 800 acres of land south of Diefenbaker Park and south of the CNR station. The Green Survival Program is jointly sponsored in North America by the Canadian Nursery Trades Association and the American Association of Nurserymen.”  NOTE the rifle range is now referred to as Chief Whitecap Park and off leash recreation area.

An original afforestation tree planter recalls, “I am not too sure of the hierarchy at the time, but I believe Dave Scott was the Superintendent of Parks, and the Assistant at the time was a guy from the Netherlands named Alex Ligtermoet. It was his planting project that ultimately led to me getting out of the park and off the outdoor rinks, and onto the tree crew.
“Anyway, and possibly due to his European roots, it was Alex’s vision to create an urban forest on the edge of Saskatoon. I don’t know how the land was acquired, but the areas planted were adjacent to the CNR railway tracks so I assume that the land was part of the railway’s holdings. The trees were saplings that came in crates from the PFRA Nursery at Indian Head, and Alex had selected a variety of drought tolerant species because the sites would not be irrigated. We started on the east side of the river, just west of the Saskatoon Golf and Country Club, and moved to the west side the following spring.

“The planting machine being towed by the tractor in the picture was purchased specifically for this project. I’m having a tough time remembering my co-workers names, but the tractor driver’s name was Bill. We took turns sitting on the seat of the planter. The boxes were loaded with saplings and a bell would ring to tell you it was time to jam another tree into the furrow, which was done at least 200,000 times over those 2 years. As a matter of fact, I know we got extra trees the second year, so the total number of trees planted is quite a bit higher. The area west of Highway 7 was the last to be planted, and was the sketchiest area even back then. There was a hobo (the precursor to the homeless) encampment in a small bluff of natural trees that made us uncomfortable on occasion. Overall, it is one of the things that I take some pride in and I have always enjoyed traveling over the train overpass on Highway 7 to watch my forest grow – that’s probably the best vantage point to view it.”(Newman, 2016).

Alex Ligtermoet,  Assistant Parks Superintendent, in 1972 goes before City Council to have the 660 acres of afforested lands preserved in perpetuity, this was passed by councilors.

1974 “The City of Saskatoon started a unique project for the prairie called Afforestation, or “Man-made Forest.”

“The City Planning Department, in conjunction with the City Parks Division, investigated the possibilities of having an afforestation program aimed at improving the future environment of the city.”

“Initially, future residential areas were examined and the required area for public reserve located, the intention being to plant these future areas of open space so that when the subdivision was developed, there would be mature trees already established …This idea was extended beyond the limits of these future public reserve areas to encompass the remainder of the surrounding land, and in fact, to consider all those lands owned by the City of Saskatoon not presently developed.” (Ligtermoet, 1974)

1976 On June 7, 1976 the Planning and Development Committee prepare the “South Saskatchewan River Corridor Study: Towards a River Edge Authority”. From this an autonomous agency arises upon which both Saskatoon and Corman Park agree to implement the report.

1979 “The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area south of the CNR station is named in honour of Dr. Richard St. Barbe Baker who received an honourary Doctor of Laws from the University of Saskatchewan.  St. Barbe was an internationally known forestry advisor and conservationist who attended the University of Saskatchewan in 1910 and homesteaded near Beaver Creek. The trail marker and dedication were co-sponsored by Meewasin Valley Authority and the Saskatoon Baha’i community.” (White, 2014).

At this same time George Genereux urban regional park received its name honouring Saskatoon resident, George Genereux, the 1952 Olympic Games Gold Medalist at Helsinki, Finland.  The name George Genereux has been assumed by a pocket park elsewhere in Saskatoon, and the title no longer officially designates this afforestation area.

The “West Swale” as described by Golder Associates is a low lying wetlands area which has its confluence at the South Saskatchewan River. The West Swale – its wetlands and surrounding environment does have a congruency with the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area.

Moriyama’s Meewasin Valley Project 100-Year Conceptual Master Plan is submitted by Raymond Moriyama Architects and Planners. Moriyama’s report includes the river valley of the South Saskatchewan River and also rural lands adjacent to the natural drainage systems feeding into the South Saskatchewan River.

The core concept of Moriyama’s plan was that this is indeed a unique land with a unique people, the objective is balance. The Meewasin Valley Authority fundamental values are;
1/ Nature conservancy.
2/ The improvement of water quality and a reduction of pollution
3/ The need for increased education and research opportunities
4/ An enhancement between rural and urban inter-relationships and users.
5/ An improvement of recreational opportunities
6/ The moving forward on cultural aspects in the area.

“The Meewasin Valley Authority (Meewasin) was formed in 1979 to act as an agent of the City, the University, and the Province of Saskatchewan to ensure a healthy and vibrant river valley, with a balance between human use and conservation. The Meewasin Valley Authority Act (MVA Act) establishes the mandate of Meewasin, its powers, and its jurisdiction, and the Conservation Zone.” According to newspaper accounts of the era, though the afforestation area lands are designated as being within the MVA conservation zone, in the case of the afforestation area only a portion of afforestation lands became managed by the MVA.  Not under management by the MVA are those lands inclusive of the Class IV permanent wetlands named “Chappell Marsh”  and an approximate description continues as those lands west of Chappell Marsh in the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Also not under MVA management are all lands within the afforestation area formerly known as George Genereux park.  Roughly, the lands which are managed by the MVA are east of “Chappell Marsh” wetlands including the South West off leash recreation area, and the “unnamed afforestation area east of the SW OLRA.  Meewasin‘s mandate can be summarized into three mandate areas: conservation, development, and education.

“The teacher, if indeed wise, does not bid you to enter the house of their wisdom, but leads you to the threshold of your own mind.” – Khalil Gibran

“Spirit is so called from its being the most inscrutable of all things.~Dr Morrison“

“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 nations 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.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Clubb, Sally Potter and William Antony S. Sarjeant. (1973) Saskatoon’s Historic Buildings and Sites. A survey and proposals. Saskatoon, Past , Present and Potential No. 1. Saskatoon Environmental Society.

Cronkite, Kathy. “Green Survival: War against ecology abuse. Three Saskatoon groups organizing main campaign.” Saskatoon Star Phoenix. May 10, 1972

Fung, Ka-iu editor. (1999) Atlas of Saskatchewan Celebrating the Millennium Edition 2000-2005. University of Saskatchewan. ISBN 0-88880-387-7. Pages 129, 136-137, 161-162
Golder Associates. Southwest Sector Plan. (2013)  City of Saskatoon West/Southwest Sector Natural Area Screening Study. Business & Development – Planning – Long Range Plans – Sector Plans.

Ligtermoet, A.L.  Report Afforestation ~ Man Made Forest on the Prairies. City of Saskatoon, January 4, 1974

Meewasin Valley Authority. (2016) Development Plan.
Meewasin Valley Authority. (1991) West Bank South Development Pla. February 5, 1991.
Meewasin Valley Authority. Annual Report (2014-2015) (8Mb)
Meewasin Valley Authority. (1991) West Bank South Development Plan.  February 5,1991.

Newman, Leslee. (2016) Planting the St. Barbe Baker Forest. Quotation from Wayne Buckle, an original tree planter of the afforestation areas who currently resides in Wadin Bay, SK, north of La Ronge

Wellman, Hilbert E. and Henry F. Frolich. (1963) Community Planning Scheme 1963. Henry F. Frolich, Assistant City Planner, and Hilbert E. Wellman, City Planning and Building Director. Page 18.

White, Robert. (2014) “Men of the Trees” Memorial Marker Even on Meewasin Trail .  SOS Elm News. 2014. Date accessed April 18, 2016

For more information:

Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, SK, CA north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city.
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

Facebook: StBarbeBaker

Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Facebook: South West Off Leash Recreation Area SW OLRA

Pinterest richardstbarbeb

Tagged Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area

Twitter: St Barbe Baker

Contact the Meewasin Valley Authority in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The MVA has begun a Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund. If you wish to support the afforestation area with your donation, write a cheque to the “Meewasin Valley Authority Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area trust fund (MVA RSBBAA trust fund)”.  Post to MVA 402 Third Avenue South Saskatoon, SK S7K 3G5  Please and thank you!

Membership in the Saskatoon Nature Society  “supports nature conservation projects and [the society] is an active advocate for the preservation of plant and animal habitats”.

Please contemplate joining the SOS Elms coalition ~ an active group interested in forest management~ or make a donation to “Save our Saskatchewan” [SOS] Elms ~ leave a message to support the afforestation area  😉

1./ Learn.

2./ Experience

3./ Do Something: ^***

“We are passing through a time of unprecedented destruction of things of the spirit and of the natural order. We have been caught up by personal greed and national competition. The very body of life on this planet is now being threatened by the destruction of earth’s green mantle, the Trees. “~Richard St. Barbe Baker.