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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2006-06-28, Page 2424 Exeter Times -Advocate Wednesday, June 28, 2006 Announcements/Community Vision becomes action (Note: The following is the third of 12 columns in 2006 about the Ausable Bayfield watershed's con- servation pioneers, during the 60th anniversary year recognizing the formation of Ontario's first Conservation Authority — the former Ausable River Conservation Authority, now the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority — and the creation of the Conservation Authorities Act of 1946.) savanna woodlands in North America. This area of land west of Highway 21 and between Huron Woods and Port Franks was once owned by the Canada Company. In 1953 this jewel of woodland near- ly ended up in pri- vate hands for residential devel- opment. The Conservation Authority, with the encourage- ment of the London Chamber of Commerce, pro- ceeded with a plan for a park development because the province was not inter- ested in developing another park. Eventually the province adopted the Pinery plan in 1957 and the park was opened in 1959. It is to the credit of far-seeing citizens and the Conservation Authority that the Pinery Park was saved from pri- vate development. Now almost a million people liv- ing within a 150 -kilometre radius of the park have access to a beautiful and unique recreational area. The late 1950s saw vision turned into action. The envi- ronmental benefits and recreational enjoyment of these two major projects are the living legacy that grew out of the roots of that vision by local conservation pio- neers. David McClure, of RR 2 Grand Bend, is a longtime conservationist, local volun- teer and a director of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation. Before retirement in 1990 he was head of the Geography Department at South Huron District High School. Resources consulted: • A. Dixon, 'A Tour through 25 years of Conservation,' Ausable River Conservation Authority, RR 3 Exeter, 1971. • A. Dixon, 'What Most People Don't See at Grand Bend.' A. Talbot Ltd. London, 1963. •W. Sherwood Fox, `Tain't Running No More - 20 Years After.' Oxford Book Shop Limited, London ,1958. DAVID MCCL ABCF DIRECTO URE R EXETER — The 1950s saw the development of two large projects in our Ausable Bayfield watersheds. Although both ended up being wise land -use initia- tives, neither might have been developed if there had not been some outside influ- ences or pressures. These projects were: • The building of the Morrison Dam and; • The development of Pinery Provincial Park. Flood and erosion control was an early mandate of our local Conservation Authority but there was another rea- son for development of Morrison Dam. The Exeter canning factory pumped wash water from the mill pond. Water was often in short supply during the height of the canning sea- son. Luther Penhale, from the cannery, and Andrew Dixon, an authority mem- ber, perceived that a dam could be built at the bridge crossing of Conc. 2 in Usborne Township. This would enable the development of a 25 -acre reservoir with a depth of 19 feet and producing 185 acre feet of water which would augment water supply for wash water being pumped to the cannery. The dam and reservoir construction began in 1956 and the new dam and bridge was constructed and opened by 1959. The reservoir was named after John Morrison, the authority chairman. The reservoir provided many side benefits besides a water supply. The planting of trees and the develop- ment of hiking and fitness trails enabled the area to have several additional recreational uses. The reser- voir's original purpose has now disappeared as the can- nery now uses treated water originating in Lake Huron. The development of the hiking trail to Exeter has greatly enhanced the value and accessibility of the Morrison trails. Not to be forgotten is the annual stocking of the reservoir with fish, enabling the enjoy- ment of another recreation. Pinery Park The wonderful provincial park we know and love as The Pinery contains 4,200 acres of wooded land with miles of sand beach, dunes and the pristine old river channel. The park contains the largest area of oak Nariiiiversar PPYAO.. . Y With Best Wishes Lots of Love on your 25th Wedding Anniversary July 4th Pam & Chuck •. •• .�• 7 •• • • • • iltili011. Shelly Deeann Wells We are very pleased to announce the gradua- tion of Shelly Deeann Wells from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours Program), al Convocation on June 13, 2006. Shelly is employed with the London -Middlesex Children's Aid Society. Proud grandmothers are Tiny Wells of Exeter and Donelda Lewis of Crediton. Shelly, we are so proud of your accomplish- ments and who you have become. You will make the world a better place for many. We love you very much Mom & Dad. Graduate Melissa Dawn Hayter daughter of John & Kathy Hayter graduat- ed from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. Melissa has accepted a position at Children's Hospital, Pediatric Oncology, London, Ontario. Congratulations & all the best we are all proud of you Love Mom, Dad, Miranda, Ryan, Mathew, Sharmaine & family, fiance Jeff Campbell grandparents Bob & Gloria Hayter, Tiny Wells. Graduate David Desjardine graduated on June 7, 2006 from the Mechanical Technician - Tool & Die Program at Georgian College in Barrie. He is presently employed at Adescor in Exeter. Congratulations!!! Love, Mark, Angie & Michelle Graduate Congratulations to Carolyn Van Sligtenhorst graduat- ing with Bachelor of Arts Honours with Distinction in European Studies and a minor in French. She also received the Rex Barrel Award in French. Carolyn will be attending Carleton University in the fall for post graduate studies. All our Love Mom & Dad Graduate Ann -Marie Leona Parsons, daughter of Bob & Theresa, grad- uated from the University of Western Ontario obtaining her Bachelor of Education degree at convocation June 13, 2006. Ann - Marie has accepted a position with Huron - Perth Separate School Board and will begin her teaching career September 2006 at St. Columban School, teaching French. Congratulations Ann - Marie and best wishes for a very happy and successful future. We are very proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad, Darryl, Kendra & Sarah. Graduate Pete and Mary -Angela Rutten are proud to announce the gradua- tion of their daughter Kelly from the University of Western Ontario. Kelly's convo- cation took place on June 16, 2006. She received her Bachelor of Arts, Honours Degree, with distinc- tion, in Kinesiology. Kelly has been accepted at U.W.O's 2 year program for Occupational Therapy, beginning September 2006. Congratulations, Kelly! Love, Dad, Mom, Keri, Ryan, Jim, Krista, John, Katie, Dayne & Darryl Graduate Jocelyn Stire graduat- ed June 15, 2006 from Fanshawe College with a Social Service Worker diploma. Jocelyn is currently employed at Western Area Youth Services in London. Congratulations! Love Dad, Steve & Scott Graduate - Pam Love, daughter of Gary & Kim, graduated from Ryerson University on June 19 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture. Pam has accepted a position at Graziani & Corazza Architects Inc. in Mississauga. We are very proud of you. Congratulations! Love Mom, Dad, Lindsay & Katelyn Horesback Riding at ul race FARMS SUMMER DAY CAMP! Available the weeks of July 17-21 July 24-28 August 7-11 August 14-18 Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Activities include: Daily lesson, horse grooming and saddling, general horse care and behaviour, games, crafts, bareback riding amd much more!!! Horse back riding lessons are also available throughout the summer!! For more information or to register call Jeannette Meyer @ 519-233-3165.