Media Release: King City, Ontario
For Release: September 24, 2014
Moraine Protection Works Downstream
Two Conservation Easements in King Township, just off the Oak Ridges Moraine, now protect
191 acres of the Humber River watershed.
“We are thrilled with the commitment made by the Jackman Family to protect these open lands
and valleys high in the Humber River watershed forever,” says Chris Norris, Chair of the Oak
Ridges Moraine Land Trust, “Moraine protection now benefits everyone who lives downstream.
These two parcels will act like great big sponges every time it rains.”
While wetlands are more frequently thought of as a means for delaying flood waters, as was the
case recently in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, simple open fields and forests perform a very
protective role too.
“I have lived with a strong connection between the Moraine in King Township and Toronto,”
advises the Hon. H.N. (Hal) Jackman, who has worked with the Trust to register the conservation
easements, “the Humber River is a highway for water starting on the Moraine and running
through the heart of Toronto. Every bit of the river and valley land we can preserve for the good
they do is worth our time and attention.”
The two adjoining parcels, of 97 and 94 acres, are within the protected countryside-natural
heritage system area of the Greenbelt south of Nobleton. Conservation Easements stay on title in
perpetuity to protect the significant features that include the observed presence of threatened
species Eastern Meadowlark and endangered Redside Dace. Past observations on the properties
included the endangered Jefferson Salamander and threatened Purple Twayblade.
Moving forward, annual monitoring will establish full documentation of all species which will
benefit from this generous act of protection.
In total, the two properties are roughly 42% forested and within less than three kilometres of
other protected areas managed by publicly funded organizations. Mr. Jackman scans the woods
as he remarks, “We’ve had so many hours of walking and exploring the trails we maintain here
for our use. It’s a comfort to know that my grandchildren will be able to bring their friends and
their own families here in the future and explore with the same curiosity. This kind of natural
experience is hard to find so close to Toronto. I’m happy to know these lands won’t be paved
over and developed without a thought given to their real natural value.”
The Gate House, 13990 Dufferin Street North, King City, ON L7B 1B3 Telephone: 905-833-3171
Email: landtrust@oakridgesmoraine.org www.oakridgesmoraine.org Charitable Registration #87320 8920
The Land Trust is grateful for the support of the Rogers’ Foundation and York Region’s
Greening Securement Partnership for financial assistance in securement of these properties.
“York Region is proud of the conservation successes we’ve achieved through partnerships with
like-minded organizations such as the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust,” said York Region
Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch. “These conservation easements will ensure vital environmental
lands remain protected forever.”
30For further information contact:
Susan Walmer, Executive Director
swalmer@oakridgesmoraine.org 905-833-3171 ext 32
The Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust (ORMLT) a registered charitable organization was formed
in 1999 by citizens interested in protecting the Moraine. It is not a government agency. The Land
Trust ensures significant Moraine properties are protected for future generations through
agreements with landowners, acquisition of lands and on-going stewardship. To date the Trust
has secured over 3,700 acres of land and planted over 90,000 trees.
The Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust
The Gate House, 13990 Dufferin Street North
King City, Ontario L7B 1B3
Telephone: 905−833−3171
Fax: 905−833−6619
www.oakridgesmoraine.org
Photo credit (both): ORMLT staff photo
(picture 1) Cut line: A 43 m drop in elevation on the property leads to the Humber River (picture 2) Cut line: The
Humber River meanders from north to south through the forested eastern end of the protected properties.
The Gate House, 13990 Dufferin Street North, King City, ON L7B 1B3 Telephone: 905-833-3171
Email: landtrust@oakridgesmoraine.org www.oakridgesmoraine.org Charitable Registration #87320 8920