Yamaha donation supports conservation efforts in Northumberland Forest
Dunsfords of Havelock representatives Craig, Christine and Joel, Yamaha Parts and Accessories representative Andre Harris, Northumberland County Natural Heritage Manager Todd Farrel, Yamaha Financial Services Business Relationship Manager— Central and Southwestern Ontario Justin Balkos, Yamaha District Sales Manager Andrew Nelson, Motorsports of Trenton representatives Curtis and Patti King, and Northumberland County Forest Trail Coordinator Mike Muldoon. Photo provided by Northumberland County.
By Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News
Northumberland County
Northumberland County Forest will benefit from a significant conservation project with the help of a donation from Yamaha Financial Services.
The county has announced a $12,732.32 grant from the organization as part of their 2024 Stay Outdoors program. Natural Heritage Manager Todd Farrell and Forest Trail Co-ordinator Mike Muldoon accepted the cheque Thursday.
“Improvements made thanks to this investment will help ensure the long-term health of this natural asset,” Farrell said in the announcement.
The Stay Outdoors program provides funding to Canadian registered charities and not-for-profit organizations to support conservation efforts, protect environmentally sensitive areas from illegal or inadvertent vehicular use, improve access to natural spaces and promote the responsible use of trails, roads and waterways for motorized recreation.
At Northumberland Forest, this funding will support the installation of more than 120 metres of fencing, two gates and 20 regulatory signs to protect sensitive areas and help safeguard such species as the endangered Mottled Duskywing Butterfly and Monarch Butterfly. The project also includes planting 160 native species to restore damaged ecosystem, and launching a campaign to promote environmental stewardship among trail users.
All these initiatives will help preserve the forest while ensuring safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.
Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation Canada President David Bezerra said this project “is a great example of how responsible land use and motorsports can coexist.
“By prioritizing environmental stewardship, it reinforces Yamaha Financial Services' mission to support sustainable outdoor recreation while protecting the natural spaces we all enjoy.”
For more information on the forest and its 118-km. trail network, visit Northumberland.ca/Forest
