What would be the Mill Creek trail without at least seeing the creek?
That was the question facing Puslinch councillors last week following reports from GWS Ecological and Forestry Services and the Grand River Conservation Authority.
In a letter to council, Greg W. Scheifele of GWS Ecological & Forestry Services Inc. stated that he had recently inspected the acquired woodland area at the Puslinch Community Centre to establish the feasibility of establishing a recreational trail in the woodland which surrounds an existing hay field.
Scheifele said it was his understanding that the former agricultural land was to be converted into a soccer pitch, including lighting for evening play.
“Fieldwork confirmed that woodland conditions were suitable for trail development and a proposed route was flagged in advance of a site meeting with GRCA staff who confirmed that the proposed trail location was acceptable from their perspective, subject to a minor modification in order to avoid a wet area.
The following discussion describes existing conditions in the woodland, constraints on trail development, and the recommended trail design and use,
Mill Creek flows along the north and west boundaries of the subject property. A small cold water tributary discharges into Mill Creek at the northwest corner of the property. The location of these streams was inaccurately mapped by the GRCA so their actual alignments were recorded using a hand held GPS unit.
GRCA mapping identifies a wetland within this forested area and it is part of the Mill Creek Swamp Wetland Complex, a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW).
This wetland was also verified by site inspection although the wetland limits are somewhat different than shown on the GRCA map.
His report recommended a recreational trail should be located around the perimeter of the woodland.
In this constrained woodland environment a trail width of 8 feet (2.4m) is considered most appropriate in order to minimize tree loss and impacts to other vegetation.
Either a stonedust or stonedust over compacted granular surface treatment could be used in this setting as per the Wellington County Active Transportation Master Plan (May, 2012).
Based on these trail design parameters it is estimated that only about 10 living trees ranging in size from 4 to 10 inches diameter (10-26cm) would have to be removed to accommodate trail construction. However, seven dead trees would also have to be removed along with cedar and hardwood regeneration. Consideration should also be given to tree planting along open portions of the trail to screen out the future soccer field and create a more natural setting for trail users. Trees such as white pine, white spruce, red maple, white birch and bur oak should grow well in this area.
In this environment passive trail uses are considered most appropriate such as walking, running, cross country skiing, nature viewing and photography.
Councillor Wayne Stokley had concern with the report recommendations regarding the trail.
Stokley said when the trail was first being considered there was a look at the potential of linking the trail with Mill Creek.
“But if you look at the proposed trail, there is no real connection to the creek at all.”
He said the trail is being proposed for the outer boundary of the woodland area.
“There is no movement to move the trail closer to the creek.”
Stokley wanted to know how the rest of council felt about what was being proposed.
“I really think something needs to be added to this so we have the trail moving towards the focus creek … and we have some key spots at least.”
CAO/clerk Karen Landry commented that Scheifele had located the trail based on what the GRCA was requiring.
Mayor Dennis Lever agreed that the intention was to have the trail close to the creek so people would be able to see it.
“If we cannot have the trail near the creek, can we at least have some lookout points?”
He considered that would be advantageous to people using the trail.
Stokley added the other issue was that the Friends of the Mill Creek had also hoped to use the trail as an educational tool.
“If you have the creek and the trail, it would give a chance for students to do stream studies. That is why I see the overlap as being necessary.”
He added the Friends of Mill Creek also see this as a visual thing.
“When we talked about the trail, it was kind of integrated with the creek.”
The group are akin to stewards of the creek trying to maintain its potential, “but even they see the educational value of trying to bring the trail closer.” Lever noted, “In the end it is township property and the township responsibility to adhere to the GRCA recommendations.”
