OFNC’s role in Larose Forest

by Christine Hanrahan

Picnic shelter; photo D. Gordon E. Robertson

In 2002, when a local group proposed a theatrical pageant/theme park called L’écho d’un peuple, for Larose Forest, there was widespread concern that the forest’s conservation values would be destroyed. Accordingly a number of people came together in an attempt to stop this project. Under the banner of The Friends of Larose Forest, they sought help from many quarters including the OFNC. Summary of OFNC role in preserving Larose Forest.

Bioblitz

On 3 June 2016, Larose Forest held its 4th Bioblitz, marking 10 years since the one in 2006. The event was co-organized by the United Counties of Prescott and Russell and The Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club. More species were found than on any previous Bioblitz in the forest, and added substantially to our ongoing species inventories for the Larose Forest. See report.

Several skate-ski trails are now in operation offering over 38 km of groomed access. There are also 46 km of groomed ski trails, and 18 km of snowshoe trails. Winter hiking can be done on the packed down snowshoe trails. Several new parking areas have been created on Concession 11 (also called Indian Creek Rd). All this is free!

Species lists

See box above left for links to various species found in the forest. They are updated regularly.

No-hunting zone

A reminder that the entire area north of Road 25 in Larose Forest is a no-hunting zone. This has been in effect for several years.

For information about hunting, trapping, forestry, vehicle use, hiking and natural history in Larose Forest, as well as downloadable maps of the area, please visit the website of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell or call (613) 675-4661 x7101.

More trails

The United Counties of Prescott and Russell has been busy in recent years creating a new network of trails in the forest, with plans for more snowshoe trails and mountain bike trails to be built in the next few years.

Logging and tree planting

Selective logging continues in the forest, with the money from the sale of timber being used to plant new trees, improve trails, and do other necessary work in the forest. During 2016, about 36,000 new trees were planted, including a considerable number of white pines.

Maple syrup operation

An extensive maple syrup operation has been set up in the forest, on the far NE corner. Participants in the 2016 Larose Forest Bioblitz were each given a can of Larose-produced maple syrup.

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© The Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club
This page was revised on 7 November 2020
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