Articles
Dahl Family Announces Intention to Donate 500 Acres to HHLT
On Tuesday, May 12, 2009 about 30 people gathered at Wintergreen Maple and Pancake Barn in Gelert to hear Peter Dahl, representing his mother Peggy Dahl and sister Nana McKernan, announce the family’s intention to donate the Dahl Forest to the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust.
Peter Dahl explained that the decision to donate the land to the larger community was really based on the family’s inability to sell the land they loved.
"We spent over fifty years of tree planting, conservation and preserving that property ... how could we sell it at any price. It’s inconceivable to me, and my sister and certainly to my mother. The property is part of my soul and it’s part of my mother’s and my sister’s soul."
Sheila Ziman, Chair of HHLT stated, "The Land Trust and the Dahl Family share a vision for the property based on the value of protecting the land. The Dahl Forest is a model of conservation planning and is extremely rich in its ecological diversity, being home to a large number of species and their habitats, some of which are rare or at risk."
The 500-Acre property straddles both sides of the Burnt River for 2.7 km. Since Peter’s father bought the property in the early 1950s, the family has worked to bring the natural forest back to life. When the Dahl Family bought the property, it was abandoned farmland with depleted soil, crisscrossed with collapsed barbed wire fences where cattle ranged freely scrounging for what little feed remained on the land. In the years following, the family planted more than 100,000 trees. The plantations now cover about 40 per cent of the property. The remaining acreage was left to regenerate naturally.
The property will be donated under the federal government’s Ecological Gifts program and the Dahl Family will retain a life interest in the property. This will allow them to continue using the family home and the property as they always have.
Peter Dahl encouraged people to get out and enjoy the property by walking, skiing or having a picnic. "It’s part of our community and it’s there for you." The public will have access to the property with permission.
Gathered supporters followed Peter to the Dahl Forest for a glorious stroll along a path lined with towering Red Pines.
If you would like to contribute to the costs associated with this proposed land donation, please click on the ’Donate Now’ button at the top right of this page to contribute on-line or send a cheque to Haliburton Highlands Land Trust, Box 792, Minden, Ontario K0M 2K0.
Last Updated: May 23 2009 2:38:42 am.
Photo: Lyn Winans
Did You Know...
that there are 12 Species at Risk in the Haliburton County. These species include American Ginseng, Peregrine Falcon and Five-lined Skink. Find out more about Species at Risk.
