News release
For immediate release
Southwold – Kettle Creek Conservation Authority has finalized the donation of 46 acres of forest habitat creating a new Conservation Area that will be known as Deer Ridge Conservation Area – a generous donation from Ted and Duggie Gill and family.
The property is immediately adjacent to The Ridge at Talbotville Grove subdivision and within close proximity to the Talbotville Meadows subdivision.
“We’ve raised our family on this land – and enjoyed all it has to offer,” said Ted Gill. “It’s a breathtaking property that we want to ensure will be protected in perpetuity.”
While KCCA owns and maintains 1,305 acres of property from London to Port Stanley, this is the Authority’s first conservation area in Southwold Township.
“We want to thank the Gill family for entrusting the Authority with this property,” said Alison Warwick, KCCA’s Chair. “It is a huge honour to steward this gift for the community.”
Grant Jones, Township of Southwold’s mayor echoed those sentiments, “Deer Ridge Conservation Area will offer area residents an opportunity to connect with nature and recharge. The Township was pleased to work with KCCA and the Gill family to make this donation a reality.”
The donation is an important step toward protecting and enhancing forest habitat in this area of the Kettle Creek watershed. In 2018, KCCA’s Watershed report Card ranked the Dodd Creek Subwatershed a D in forest cover. This property ensures that a significant stand of interior forest is protected. It is a part of the Middlemarch Forest Complex featuring beautiful vistas of Dodd Creek, tableland woodlot and wetland.
KCCA is in the process of developing a management plan for the area to identify how the public can safely and responsibly access the property, while protecting the natural features. The donation is part of the Ecological Gifts Program – ensuring that the recipient, KCCA, maintains the property in perpetuity and in keeping with the donor’s wishes.
While a passive naturally surfaced hiking trail will be included in the management plan KCCA is asking the public to stay off the property – for now.
“We are excited to offer this new area to the public, but our first priority is to protect the natural features of the property and ensure the lands are safe for public access,” said Joe Gordon, KCCA’s Assistant Manager.
KCCA received financial support from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s “Canada Nature Fund” for costs related to the initial acquisition. The Kettle Creek Environmental Trust is accepting donations for future costs related to the property including invasive species management, wetland restoration and tree planting.
Pictures available upon request.
– 30 –
For more information contact:
Marianne Levogiannis
Public Relations Supervisor
519-631-1270 ext.222
Marianne Levogiannis
Public Relations Supervisor
519-631-1270 ext.222