Celebrating 90 Years of Research  1918 - 2008

APRIL 2011 

            This is our first newsletter of 2011 (#16 in the series), intended to bring you up-to-date on recent developments in our organization and the Petawawa Research Forest.  Please refer to our website www.friendsofprf.ca for previous newsletters, more detailed organizational information and a variety of useful links.

            **Please take note that your 2011 charitable membership donations are essential in order to carry out the plans we have for this year.  Membership in the FPRF is free, but with the number of corporate donations made to our organization decreasing in the past three years, we really need your donations now to stay afloat.  See page 3 of this newsletter for detachable membership and donation form.**

             Board of Directors:  The 2011 Board of Directors (BOD) was elected by acclamation at the Annual General Meeting (#9) on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at the Deep River Library.

            Three student/youth representatives from the Forestry Technician Program of Algonquin College were introduced by Frank Knappen. 

The 2011 Board of Directors is as follows:

 Projects:  The following are continuing or proposed projects of the Friends during 2011:

• 2011 Fund Raising Campaign:  Our fund raising campaign will continue this year with letters being sent to many public and private organizations which might be interested in the Friends’ program.  Our student/youth representatives have offered to investigate and apply for project grants.  Any suggestions for fundraising would be appreciated, and may be emailed to us at phoenix262@live.com, or written on the donation sheet on page 3 of this newsletter.
• Expo 150:  With the assistance of the PRF and the Fibre Centre, the Friends of PRF will have an information display at Expo 150, a celebration of Renfrew County's 150th  anniversary to be held at the Pembroke and Area airport from June 9-12, 2011. 
• Water Trail: The Chalk River Water Trail boardwalk is in dire need of repair. Its upgrade is under discussion for grant applications. 
• Stone Chimney: Charles van Wagner and Kit Yeatman will have the final proposals for a sign and plaque to be put on/near the stone chimney of the former staff house this year.          
• School Sugarbush Program:  A donation was given to Ian Miller and Michelle Stein again this year in order to purchase maple syrup for the school sugarbush program.  The Friends feel strongly that this project continue and recognize its importance to local school children.

Annual General Meeting (AGM) – The FPRF 2010 AGM was held on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at the Deep River Public Library. Chair, Earl Berry, read a synopsis from the last newsletter of the Friends’ activities since the 2009 AGM and reviewed what had been done in 2010, including clearing of, and new maps for, the ski trails; proposed plans for the stone chimney; the installation of new Highway 17 Visitor Centre signs; the 15^th annual Renfrew County Outdoor Woodlot Conference that was held at the PRF in October 2010; and the Friends' membership in the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association.

   The Friends also sponsored a talk by Frank Ahern on his book, Algonquin Park Through Time and Space: The history and ecology of Algonquin Park told with satellite imagery and computer graphics at the Deep River library on May 26^th, 2010

   Katalyn Macafee, representing the CIF, presented plaques to Kit Yeatman and Charles Van Wagner in recognition of their research and long-term commitment to the CIF.  Similar plaques have been presented to Mary Morgenstern (for Kris) and Ben Wang, and duplicates of all these plaques will be hung in the Visitor Centre in the spring.

   Our guest speaker for this annual meeting was Dr. Darwin Burgess who spoke on "The Potential Role of the PRF in Forest Productivity Research."  He described examples of plantation research at the PRF, and research in natural forests, as well as presenting examples from other research forests and challenges for the PRF.  He pointed out why we need research forests and explained some advantages of intensive plantations and different silvicultural systems in natural forests, giving examples of research from the PRF as well as from Sweden, Europe, the U.S. and Japan. He pointed out that the Northern European Database of Long Term Forest Experiments, NOLTFOX, between the Baltic countries and the UK, is a shared database with about 2000 references in place for future reference and research, and suggested that a similar database should include Canadian research, perhaps in collaboration with the U.S. and other countries. 

           Darwin finished his talk with a summary of his view of the challenges for the PRF, including hiring new research staff; connecting at local, national and global levels; involving universities, colleges and other groups; expanding the research scope to include biomass, water, wildlife, recreation and climate change studies; encouraging research at the process, stand and forest levels; and applying innovative approaches at all levels.  He was thanked for his presentation by Chairperson, Earl Berry.

Membership:  Our 2011 membership totals 163 with approximately 50 active members.  We have 22 corporate members, including the towns of Deep River, Laurentian Hills, Petawawa and township of Head, Clara and Maria.  We acquired 3 new corporate donors this year: Summers Logging & Tree Service Ltd, AECL and the Canadian Institute of Forestry.  A donation was also made to the Friends through the United Way.  Other corporate donors were the Renfrew County Stewardship Committee, Lavern Heideman and Sons, and Murray Brothers Lumber Company.

Treasurer’s Report:  As of April 26, 2011, the Friends’ account at the Deep River Northern Credit Union stood at $2 745.33.

   In early 2010, a grant of $1000 was made to the Friends by the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre.  The money was used to purchase new signs for locations such as PNFI historical sites, the Petawawa Sunburst white spruce, fire research, and PSP 1.

October 2010

            This is our second newsletter of 2010 (#15 in the series), intended to bring you up-to-date on recent developments in our organization and the Petawawa Research Forest.  Please refer to our website www.friendsofprf.ca for previous newsletters, more detailed organizational information and a variety of useful links.

 FPRF 2010 AGM: Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at the Deep River Public Library from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Our guest speaker will be Dr. Darwin Burgess. His topic will be The Potential Role of the PRF in Forest Productivity Research.

 !! Your attendance at the AGM is important to help determine the future direction and activities of the Friends !! 

**Please note that your FPRF membership for 2011 should now be renewed. Although membership is free, we will issue charitable receipts for donations of $10.00 or more.  See page 3 for detachable form.  Donations for 2011 will be accepted at the AGM or may be mailed to the Friends of the PRF Inc., P.O. Box 2000, Chalk River ON. K0J 1J0.**

             Board of Directors:  The 2010 Board of Directors (BOD) is as follows.  Nominations and changes to the Board for 2011 will be dealt with at the AGM in November.

 Visitor centre:

During the summer of 2010, approximately 200 visitors stopped in at the PRF Visitor Centre each week, making the total for the two months around 1800 people.  The tree house remained closed due to safety concerns.  The portable toilets that were placed at the VC were adequate but hand washing facilities will have to be considered.  A number of suggestions that will be addressed by the V.C. municipal committee were made by the students in their final report.

 Updates:  The following are projects undertaken by the Friends during 2010:

• 2010 Fund Raising Campaign:  Our fund raising campaign has continued this year with letters sent to many public and private organizations which might be interested in the Friends’ program.  Corporate donations have been down sharply in the last two years, probably because of the state of the forest industry in Renfrew County, but our donation request letter has been revised and we are looking further for donations in order to continue the plans we have for 2010 and 2011.  We are also investigating the possibility of applying for project grants.  Any suggestions for fundraising can be emailed to us at phoenix262@live.com or added to the donation sheet on page 3 of this newsletter.
• Canadian Wood Fibre Centre Grant:  In early 2010, a grant of $1000 was made to the Friends by the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre.  The money was used to purchase new signs for locations such as PNFI historical sites, the Petawawa Sunburst white spruce, fire research, and PSP 1.
• Visitor Centre Highway 17 Signs:  With the help of a generous donation from the Visitor Centre Municipal Committee, the signs promoting the PRF Visitor Centre on Highway 17 have been replaced.  Additional “Closed” signs have been purchased to replace the plywood covers that were used after the summer season.

·         Ski Trails:  Because of the efforts of volunteers, the Deep River Ski Club, PRF staff and Forestry Technician students from Algonquin College, we can look forward to a great cross country ski season at the PRF this winter.  The Maunsell Lake, H.S.A. and Acer trails will all be marked and open. More trail signs have been purchased by the Friends and a new map is available. (See link to “ski trail map” on www.friendsofprf.ca)

• Water Trail: The Chalk River Water Trail boardwalk is still in dire need of repair and is under discussion.  Subject to the approval of the manager of the PRF, the Friends intend to contribute to the necessary maintenance and upgrading cost repairs.
• Stone Chimney: Charles van Wagner and Kit Yeatman have been very busy with this project and a brass plaque and sign, with bilingual wording and a picture of the original house, will soon be ordered to be put on/near the stone chimney of the former staff house.           Plans to clear an area around the chimney are on-going.
• School Sugarbush Program:  A donation of $384 was given to Ian Miller and Michelle Stein to purchase maple syrup for the school sugarbush program.  The Friends feel strongly that this project continue and recognize its importance to local school children.
• Lecture at the Deep River Library: The Friends sponsored a talk by Frank Ahern on his book, Algonquin Park Through Time and Space: The history and ecology of Algonquin Park told with satellite imagery and computer graphics at the Deep River library on May 26^th, 2010.  Despite wind and rain, about 90 people turned out to hear Dr. Ahern’s talk.
• Ontario Woodlot Association Conference:  The 15^th annual Renfrew County Outdoor Woodlot Conference, entitled Forest Research: Applications for Woodlot Owners, sponsored by the Ontario Woodlot Association, was held at the PRF on October 2, 2010. A morning silviculture bus tour and an afternoon sugar maple walk were both well attended.  One of the most important events of the season for managers of private land forests in Renfrew County, the conference did much to promote and explain the on-going research and activity on the PRF.
• OVTA:  The Friends will continue their membership in the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association at a cost of $185 plus HST ($209.05) for 2011.  Advertising costs in the Travel Guide and on the road map will be paid for once again by the Visitor Centre Municipal Committee.

 Membership:  Our 2010 membership totaled 161 with approximately 80 active members.  We have 21 corporate members, including two new members, Summers Logging and Tree Service, from Killaloe, and AECL. 

 Treasurer’s Report:  As of October 15, 2010, the Friends’ account at the Deep River Northern Credit Union stood at $1 832.

April 2010

            This is our first newsletter of 2010 (#14 in the series), intended to bring you up-to-date on recent developments in our organization and the Petawawa Research Forest.  Please refer to our website www.friendsofprf.ca for previous newsletters, more detailed organizational information and a variety of useful links. 

            **Please take note that your 2010 charitable membership donations are essential in order to carry out the plans we have for this year.  Membership in the FPRF is free, but with the number of corporate donations made to our organization decreasing in the past two years, we really need your donations now to stay afloat.  See page 3 of this newsletter for detachable membership and donation form.**

             Board of Directors:  The 2010 Board of Directors (BOD) was elected by acclamation at the Annual General Meeting (#8) on November 3, 2009 at the Deep River Library.

            The possibility of having a student/youth representative on the Board of Directors was discussed and received a very positive response.  At our first BOD meeting of 2010, Corey Simpson was introduced and welcomed to the Board. Corey is a former Algonquin College student who has worked and volunteered at the PRF.  Her presence as a member of the BOD is very much appreciated and we look forward to working with her.

 Projects:  The following are continuing or proposed projects of the Friends during 2010:

• 2010 Fund Raising Campaign:  Our fund raising campaign will continue this year with letters being sent to many public and private organizations which might be interested in the Friends’ program.  Corporate donations have been down sharply in the last two years, probably because of the state of the forest industry in Renfrew County, but attempts will be made to revise our donation request letter and look further for donations in order to continue the plans we have for 2010.  We are also going to investigate the possibility of applying for project grants.  Any suggestions for fundraising would be appreciated, and may be emailed to us at phoenix262@live.com or written on the donation sheet on page 3 of this newsletter.
• Visitor Centre Highway Signs:  The Visitor Centre highway signs have fallen into disrepair.  Estimates to replace the signs (but not the structures holding them as they are sound) with new, aluminum signs were presented at the last Board meeting.  The V.C. Municipal Committee is considering sharing in the cost of replacing these signs. Designs are under review and it is hoped that this project will be completed by the summer season.

·         Ski Trails:  Because of the efforts of volunteers, the Deep River Ski Club, PRF staff and Forestry Technician students from Algonquin College, who all put forth a great effort to improve the trails, the Maunsell Lake Trail was well used by skiers this winter. The H.S.A. and the Acer Trails were also open.  More trail signs have been purchased by the Friends and a new map is available. (See link to “ski trail map” on www.friendsofprf.ca)

• Benches: The benches purchased by the Friends in 2009 were placed at various spots along the Visitor Centre trails and were well used and appreciated. 
• Water Trail: The Chalk River Water Trail boardwalk is still in dire need of repair and is under discussion.  Subject to the approval of the manager of the PRF, the Friends intend to contribute to the necessary maintenance and upgrading cost repairs. The V.C. tree house will remain closed due to safety concerns, however.
• Stone Chimney: Charles van Wagner and Kit Yeatman have been very busy with this project and at the last Board meeting, distributed copies of the proposed wording for a sign and plaque to be put on/near the stone chimney of the former staff house. Some clean-up of the site will need to take place.  The sign, with bilingual wording and a picture of the original house, will be erected near the road, so that visitors will be aware of the chimney and its relevance.  A brass plaque will be fastened to the chimney itself.                
• School Sugarbush Program:  A donation of $384 was given to Ian Miller and Michelle Stein to purchase maple syrup for the school sugarbush program.  The Friends feel strongly that this project continue and recognize its importance to local school children.
• Ontario Woodlot Association Conference:  The 2010 Woodlot Conference is to be held at the PRF in October of this year. 
• Lecture at the Deep River Library: The Friends are sponsoring a talk by Frank Ahern on his book, Algonquin Park Through Time and Space: The history and ecology of Algonquin Park told with satellite imagery and computer graphics at the Deep River library on May 26^th, 2010, from 7 to 8:30 pm.  

Annual General Meeting (AGM) – The FPRF AGM was held on November 3, 2009. At that meeting, the relevance of the Friends and their mandate to support, promote and protect the Petawawa Research Forest was raised for discussion. Over the past two years, there have been times when the Friends felt their existence was questionable, even losing importance, especially in light of dwindling donations and management changes at the PRF. 

           In the latter months of 2009, however, things began to look up with the Friends’ BOD being included in some station decisions and encouraged to participate in PRF tours.  A proposal for a $1000 donation to the Friends from the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre, Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada, was a positive gesture as well.  For now, the Board believes that the Friends of the PRF is a relevant organization that, through its work and volunteering efforts, is following its mandate.  The organization will continue.

 Membership:  Our 2009 membership totaled 160 with approximately 100 active members.  We have 19 corporate members, including the towns of Deep River, Laurentian Hills, Petawawa and township of Head, Clara and Maria.  Only two corporate members, Hec Clouthier and Sons and the Renfrew County Stewardship Council, made donations to the Friends in 2009.

 Treasurer’s Report:  As of April 21, 2010, the Friends’ account at the Deep River Northern Credit Union stood at $2 845.96. 

   In early March of this year, NRC, Canadian Wood Fibre Centre (CWFC), CFS, presented the Friends of PRF with a grant of $1000.  As this money had to be spent by March 31, 2010, new and replacement Permanent Sample Plot (PSP) signs quickly were purchased.  A note of thanks was sent to George Bruemmer, Executive Director, CWFC for initiating this grant.

October 2009

             This is our second newsletter of 2009 (#13 in the series), intended to bring you up to date on recent developments in our organization and the Petawawa Research Forest.  Please refer to our website www.friendsofprf.ca for previous newsletters, more detailed organizational information and a variety of useful links.

 FPRF 2009 AGM:  Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at the Deep River Public Library from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

 !! Your attendance at the AGM is important to help determine the future direction and activities of the Friends !!

 **Please note that your FPRF membership for 2010 should now be renewed. Although membership is free, we will issue charitable receipts for donations of $10.00 or more.  See page 4 for detachable form.  Donations for 2010 will be accepted at the AGM or may be mailed to the Friends of the PRF Inc., P.O. Box 2000, Chalk River ON. K0J 1J0.**

 Board of Directors:  The current Board of Directors (BOD) is as follows: 

Treasurer’s Report:  As of September 9, the Friends’ account at the Deep River Northern Credit Union stood at $4,188.91.  Because of the downturn in the economy of the forestry industry, our corporate donations have been all but non-existent.

Membership:  Our 2009 membership totaled 161 with 55 active members. We have 19 corporate members, including the towns of Deep River, Laurentian Hills, Petawawa and township of Head, Clara and Maria.  Two corporate members made donations in 2009, H. Clouthier and Sons, and the Renfrew County Stewardship Committee.  To date this year, we have received $1,341.53 in donations.     

Work Plan:  The Board of Directors of the Friends produces a yearly Work Plan with the idea of initiating additional work projects to be undertaken within the objectives of our Constitution.

Our 2009 Work Plan is poster on this website.

PRF News:  Since August 2007, the Petawawa Research Forest has been under the direction of the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre (CWFC) with Mr. George Bruemmer as its Executive Director and Mr. Dean Toole from the Atlantic Forestry Centre as its Project Manager.  Peter Arbour is presently the PRF Field Coordinator. 

             - At a meeting in June, the Friends’ Board was informed about DND’s plans for two large gun displacements to be situated approximately in the centre of the Research Station.  Each gun will require 25 hectares (about 63 acres) cleared around it.  One benefit of this plan will be improved road access to the middle of PRF which will be good for fire suppression.  A PRF land displacement map presented at the Management Committee meeting has been made available to the Friends and will be available at the AGM on November 3.           

             - Karin van Ewijk, a Ph.D. candidate from Queen's University, this summer established and measured plots within the PRF LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) flight lines in order to correlate the LIDAR data to ecological classification in order to gain insight in invasive species dynamics.

            - Dr. Andrew Simons, Associate Professor at Carleton University, continues his work in evolutionary biology at the PRF. His investigations aim both to quantify the extent of environmental fluctuations at different field sites, and to determine the evolutionary outcome of fluctuating selection on the timing of seed germination and bolting behaviour.

            - Analysis of samples taken from the PRF Mill Lake spacing trial continues, focusing on different fibre characteristics relative to the various spacings of white spruce. This is a collaboration between the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre (CWFC), Laval, University of Toronto, and University of Quebec.

     - A 40-year re-measurement of Cartier Lake Silvicultural Area has been proposed for 2011.  This study is investigating the effects of white pine release in pine mixed woods.  

     - A whole tree harvesting experiment, one of Canada’s first biomass studies, set up in 1981, will be re-measured this fall and will provide a comparison of whole tree and conventional clear cut harvesting 30 years after treatment.

            - New biomass study at the PRF:  A new study led by Dr. Suzanne Wetzel, Canadian Wood Fibre Centre (CWFC), Sault Ste Marie, is investigating the advantages of harvesting low quality biomass in pine-mixedwoods for bioenergy purposes.  This has two potential advantages:  1. creating new business opportunities from the forest, and 2. the harvest of this low quality biomass would then lead to improved silviculture of these stands by creating more favorable conditions for higher value fibre production in the future.

   The work is a collaboration of the CWFC, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) (looking at associated costs and long-term sustainability), as well as University of Toronto (analysis of the harvested biomass and potential uses). Sally Krigston from U of T is doing the biomass characterization work along with her students.

2009 PRF Tours:      

- Assistant Deputy Minister of the Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada, Jim Farrell, visited the station with George Bruemmer and others on June 22 and showed a great interest in the PRF and its ongoing work. 

            - The Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) Teachers’ Tour of the PRF allowed teachers from all over the province the opportunity to look at forestry research and discuss how best to teach forestry in the classroom.

            - Lakehead University fourth-year students’ tour of the PRF was a two-day tour, part of Lakehead's fall field trip. There was good discussion during the course of the tour, especially around operational forestry.

FPRF Projects:  The following are continuing or proposed projects of the Friends for 2009: 

·         Ski Trails:  The efforts of the Forestry Technician students from Algonquin College, volunteers, the Deep River Ski Club, and PRF staff have ensured that the Maunsell Lake, H.S.A., Hawk and Acer cross country ski trails will be available for use this winter.  Trail signs have been purchased by the Friends - with more to come. Trails have been marked with paint, and a new map is available.  (See link to “ski trail map” on www.friendsofprf.ca )  We applaud the efforts of all these groups and look forward to enjoying the trails once the snow falls.

• Benches: Three sturdy benches purchased by the Friends were placed along the Visitor Centre trails. 
• Water Trail: The Chalk River Water Trail signs have been completed and erected and the trail boardwalk repaired. 
• Stone Chimney: A suggestion has been made to recognize the stone chimney of the former staff house – the last standing vestige of the former Petawawa Forest Experiment Station (PFES) on the research station.  The Friends will purchase a plaque which will be fastened to the actual chimney explaining some of its history.

·         Renfrew County Outdoor Woodlot Conference: On October 3, 2009, the Friends will be represented at this venue with a display providing information and membership forms.

·         Webpage:  Although no longer on the Board of Directors, Liz Mitchel is to be thanked for her on-going effort, continually updating the Friends’ webpage. 

·         Fall Walk in the Forest: This year’s walk will take place on Saturday, October 17, at 10am.  Chair of the Friends of PRF, Earl Berry, will once more guide the walk through the Demonstration Forest and the Water Trail.

·         Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA):  The Friends have agreed to retain their membership in the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association. John Walden and the Visitor Centre Municipal Committee have offered to pay for the ad for the Visitor Centre on the OVTA map, as well as in the 2010 tourist booklet.  We thank them for this generous motion, as well as for authorizing the printing of 650 new, updated 2009 Friends’ brochures.

·         Envirothon:  The Ontario Envirothon is an interactive environmental education program for youth from Grades 9 to 12, sponsored by the Ontario Forestry Association. Information about this program can be found at: http://www.ontarioenvirothon.on.ca/.  The local competition took place in April this year, at Logos Land in Cobden.  Members of the Friends were involved in volunteering for this educational program.

February 2009

             This is our first newsletter of 2009 (#12 in the series), intended to bring you up to date on recent developments in our organization and the Petawawa Research Forest.          

Kris Morgenstern 

The passing of Dr. E. Kristian Morgenstern on New Year’s Eve, 2008, was felt with sadness by all members of the Friends of the PRF.  Kris’ great contribution to the Friends will not be forgotten. His dedication to its formation and continued work, and his tireless efforts to have it successfully incorporated and declared a charitable organization were remembered at our first Board meeting of 2009.  His presence at the table was sorely missed as he was an active member of the Board of Directors since the inception of the Friends of the Petawawa Research Forest in February, 2002.    

   **Please take note that your 2009 charitable membership donations are essential in order to carry out the plans we have for this year.  Membership in the FPRF is free, but with the number of corporate donations made to our organization decreasing in the past two years, we really need your donations now to stay afloat.  See our "Membership" page**

            Board of Directors:  The 2009 Board of Directors (BOD) as elected by acclamation at the Annual General Meeting (#7) on November 6, 2008 at the Deep River Library, is as follows: 

Projects:  The following are continuing or proposed projects of the Friends during 2009: 

• 2009 Fund Raising Campaign:  Our fund raising campaign will continue this year with letters being sent to many public and private organizations which might be interested in the Friends’ program.  Corporate donations were down sharply in 2008, probably because of the state of the forest industry in Renfrew County, but attempts will be made to obtain donations in order to continue the plans we have for 2009.

·         Ski Trails:  Because of the efforts of volunteers, the Deep River Ski Club and the PRF staff, the Maunsell Lake Trail is being used by skiers this winter.  Forestry Technician students from Algonquin College as also putting in an effort to improve the Maunsell trails. The H.S.A. and the Acer Trails are also open.  Trail signs have been purchased by the Friends, and a new map is now available.  (See link to “ski trail map” on www.friendsofprf.ca )

• Benches: The Friends have purchased three sturdy benches that will be placed at various spots along the Visitor Centre trails in the spring. 
• Water Trail: The Chalk River Water Trail signs have been completed and erected.  The boardwalk of the trail, however, is in dire need of repair.  Subject to the approval of the manager of the PRF, the Friends intend to contribute to the necessary repairs.  More information about maintenance and upgrading costs will be available in the spring.
• Stone Chimney: A suggestion has been made to recognize the stone chimney of the former staff house – the last standing vestige of the former Petawawa Forest Experiment Station (PFES) on the research station.  Suggestions include having a plaque fastened to the actual chimney explaining some of its history, clearing an area around the chimney, placing a picnic table near it and having a free-standing sign near it.  Any further suggestions for this project can be made on the detachable membership and donation form on page 3 of this newsletter.

           Annual General Meeting (AGM) – On November 6, 2008, we were fortunate to have Mr. George Bruemmer, Executive Director, Canadian Wood Fibre Centre speak at the Deep River Public Library on the structure and goals of the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre, and address suggested policy changes at the Petawawa Research Forest. He explained how the PRF is now a part of the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre, explaining the Fibre Centre’s integrated innovation system with Paprican, Forintek and FERIC (The Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada) into what is being called “FP Innovations.”  

           Mr. Bruemmer stressed that research undertaken at the two national research forests must be economically feasible to fit into this plan.  When asked to address the Petawawa Research Forest and its future, Mr. Bruemmer reminded the audience that the PRF is now combined with Acadia Research Forest under the same manager, and went over the “Not good/Good” aspects of the two national research forests since 1997.  On the “Not good” side was that contribution to CFS corporate goals and objectives were unclear; both forests were underutilized and both were perpetually at risk.  On the “Good” side was that they both are unique federal installations, home to long-term research and have a concentration of demonstration opportunities.  In conclusion, Mr. Bruemmer presented the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre’s strategies for going forward.  

Membership:  Our 2008 membership totaled 160 with 117 active members. We have 19 corporate members, including the towns of Deep River, Laurentian Hills, Petawawa and township of Head, Clara and Maria.  Four of the corporate members made donations in 2008. 

            Treasurer’s Report:  As of January 19, 2009, the Friends’ account at the Deep River Northern Credit Union stood at $3 904.

            Our 80% charitable donation spending obligation up to the end of 2008 has been fulfilled.

February 2008 

            This is our first newsletter of 2008 (#10 in the series), intended to bring you up to date on recent developments in our organization and the Petawawa Research Forest.  Please refer to our website www.friendsofprf.ca (*Note new web address) for previous newsletters, more detailed organizational information and a variety of useful links.

            Please take note that your 2008 charitable membership donations will be gratefully received – see Membership page for form.

            Board of Directors:  The 2008 Board of Directors (BOD) as elected by acclamation at the Annual General Meeting (#5) on November 7, 2007 at the Deep River Library, is as follows:

 Projects:  The following are continuing or proposed projects of the Friends during 2008:

• PRF 90^th anniversary:  Purchase of a banner announcing the 90^th anniversary of the PRF to be situated at the entrance to the station is being investigated.

         Other proposed ideas for the anniversary include:

•  A social event for members in a setting of natural beauty at the PRF, such as Montgomery Lake.

• The planting of a tree or installation of a special sculpture at the entrance to the PRF with a plaque commemorating the anniversary.

• A ceremonial re-measurement of Permanent Sample Plot 1 (PSP1) on July 18, the date that it was originally measured in 1918.

         The Friends are asking for suggestions from all members for other ideas on how to celebrate this momentous occasion.

• 2008 Fund Raising Campaign:  Our successful fund raising campaign of 2007 will be continued this year with letters sent to many public and private organizations that might be interested in the Friends’ program. 
• Ski Trails:  The Maunsell Lake Trail was cleared in 2007 with the help of students from the Algonquin College Forestry program, staff from the PRF and volunteers.  The H.S.A. Trail is currently open and the Acer Trail is soon to be open, both because of the efforts of volunteers, the Deep River Ski Club and the PRF staff.
• Kids’ Corner:  A Kids’ Corner was set up at the Visitor Centre, sponsored by the Friends, but due to the efforts of Melissa Blimkie, the on-site summer student supervisor.  The public response was very positive.  Two “Fun Days” were held at the Visitor Centre with approximately 20-30 children attending each day.
• Construction of benches to be funded by the Friends is being investigated.  They will be placed at various spots along the Visitor Centre trails.
• The 2008 Envirothon is being planned, and the Petawawa Research Forest will host the event again this year.  Workshops will be held April 16 & 17, and the competition will be held on April 23.  The Friends have agreed to make a donation of $200 to the Renfrew County Stewardship Council for this venture.
• The Chalk River water trail signs should be erected this year as well as many new and renewed trail and road signs.

 Annual General Meeting (AGM) – We were fortunate to have Charles Van Wagner as our guest speaker.  He spoke on the history of the cross country ski trails of the Petawawa Research Forest, formerly known as the Petawawa National Forestry Institute.  He explained how he, along with some other hearty skiers, started the trails when he first arrived at the station in 1960, out of a love for both nature and skiing.  He explained how the very first trails were the fire access trails, and how volunteers cleared and mapped over 30 miles of trails, all on their own time, using hand tools. Once the HSA and Maunsell Lake trails around the forestry headquarters were cleared out, they provided pleasant, shorter, family-oriented skiing.

           The Deep River Cross-Country Ski Club eventually became involved to help with clearing and maintenance of the trails, and in the mid-70’s, Silver Spoon tours were held there with hot drinks available at midpoint.  After the closure of the PNFI in 1995, the trail system began to fall apart, although some skiers continue to break trail and use the shorter trails. 

           The Friends consider ourselves very fortunate to have members such as Charles who can take us on a trip like this “down memory lane.”

 Membership:  Our 2007 membership totaled 144 with 48 active members. We have 19 corporate members, including the towns of Deep River, Laurentian Hills, Petawawa and township of Head, Clara and Maria.  Four of the corporate members made donations in 2007.

Treasurer’s Report:  As of February 8, 2008, the Friends’ account at the Deep River Northern Credit Union stood at $ 5443.15. 

 September 2007

This is our second newsletter of 2007 (#9 in the series), intended to bring you up to date on recent developments in our organization and the Petawawa Research Forest. 

FPRF 2007 AGM:  Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at the Deep River Public Library from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Charlie Van Wagner will speak about the history and tales of the forestry ski trails.

Please note that your FPRF membership for 2008 should now be renewed. Although membership is free, we will issue charitable receipts for donations of $10.00 or more.  Donations for 2008 will be accepted at the AGM or may be mailed to the Friends of the PRF Inc., P.O. Box 2000, Chalk River ON. K0J 1J0.

Your attendance at the AGM is important to help determine the future direction and activities of the Friends

 Board of Directors:  The current Board of Directors (BOD) is as follows:

Treasurer’s Report:  As of September 12, 2007, the Friends’ account at the Deep River Northern Credit Union stood at $5041.

New Direction for the PRF: As of August 2007, the Petawawa Research Forest is now under the direction of the new Canadian Wood Fibre Centre. The vision of this new CFS initiative is that “Canada’s wood fibre is sustainably managed to give the forest sector a strong competitive advantage in a global marketplace.”  More information about the Fibre Centre can be found at:  http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/news/144

Since the PRF has been concerned with sustainable management since 1918, this seems to be a fitting match.

Work Plan:  The BOD produces a yearly Work Plan with the idea of initiating additional work projects to be undertaken within the objectives of our Constitution.

Our 2007 Work Plan can be seen on our website 

Projects:  The following are continuing or completed projects undertaken by the Friends during 2007:

• Signs:  - A mobile banner promoting the Friends of the PRF for use at the various venues we attend was produced.

                  - Ten new signs for the Water Trail were completed.

                  - Two new museum display cases have been built and donated by the Rotary Club of North Renfrew, Deep River branch under the direction of John Veen.  They will be used to display antique forestry instruments.  Engraved plaques acknowledging the Rotary Club were donated by Steve Handke of the Pembroke Trophy Centre.

                  - Signs linking the white pine grading display with the Demonstration Forest were erected.                 

·         Envirothon:  The Ontario Environthon is an interactive environmental education program for youth from Grades 9 to 12, sponsored by the Ontario Forestry Association. Regional competitions take place throughout the school year with a provincial competition taking place in the spring.  The Friends were involved, through volunteering and bussing costs, with the local competition that was held at the PRF on April 26, 2007.  The team which won at the PRF was from Opeongo High School and they went on to place third in the provincial competition. Information about this program can be found at: http://www.ontarioenvirothon.on.ca/. 

·         Ontario Woodlot Association Forestry Field Trip:  The OWA sponsors a project involving local Grade 7 and 8 students who visit a woodlot area to learn about tree species, wildlife (birds, reptiles and mammals), water ecology, water sampling and tree harvesting.  Volunteers visit the school(s) involved a few days before the field day to prepare the class and teachers for the event.  On April 19, 2007, Grade 8 students from St. Mary’s School in Deep River came to the PRF for an enjoyable and educational day in the woods.  Various members of the FPRF volunteered in different ways to make this project a success, and the Friends of the PRF paid the cost of the students’ bus.

·         Kids’ Corner:  A new Kids’ Corner at the Visitor Centre was set up with assistance and donations from the Friends.  One of the summer students hired by the municipalities responsible for the Visitor Centre, Melissa Blimkie, was particularly involved in this project, developing various nature projects for the children.  Response from the public was very positive.  Two “Fun Days” were held at the centre with approximately 20-30 children attending each time.

·         Ski Trails:  Volunteers from the Friends and the Deep River X-Country Ski Club, along with students from Algonquin College, have cleared most of the Maunsell Lake Trail for cross-country skiing.  What has not been cleared has been marked. The trail is going to be featured on this year’s Friends’ annual fall walk.

·         Fall Walk in the Forest: This year’s walk will take place on Saturday, October 13 at 10am.  Visitors will be guided through the newly-cleared Maunsell Lake ski trail. 

This is our first newsletter of 2007 (#8 in the series), written to bring you up to date on recent developments in our organization and the Petawawa Research Forest.

              Please note that your 2007 charitable membership donations will be gratefully received  (renewal form)

            Board of Directors:  The 2007 Board of Directors (BOD) as elected by acclamation at the Annual General Meeting (#5) on November 7, 2006 at the Deep River Library, is as follows: 

White Pine Demonstration Forest:  The Demonstration Forest on PRF property off the Nature Trail south of the Visitor Centre and located between the C.P.R. Railroad and the TransCanada Highway #17, became a reality in 2006.  The funding for this project was allocated to the Renfrew County Forest Stewardship Committee by the Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation.  The advisors for this project were the Forest Stewardship Committee, Steve D’Eon and his staff, and the Friends.

This new Demonstration Forest was the focus of the annual fall “Walk in the Woods”, with more than 50 participants viewing the forest, new trails and signs.

This area will help the Friends’ educational efforts to showcase the natural beauty of the PRF forest environment and also teach the rewards of good White Pine management to the general public and private woodlot owners.

 Projects:  The following are continuing or proposed projects of the Friends during 2007: 

• Signs:  A mobile display sign promoting the Friends of the PRF for use at the various venues we attend is being produced.

                  New signs for the Water Trail are under production.

                  A new museum display case has been built and paid for by the Friends.  It will contain antique forestry instruments.

• 2007 Fund Raising Campaign:  Our successful fund raising campaign of 2006 will be continued this year with letters sent to many public and private organizations that might be interested in the Friends’ program. 

                  A special one-time grant of $1 500 from the Toronto Dominion Friends of the Environment fund was received and acknowledged at the opening of the Visitor Centre on June 30, 2006.

·         Envirothon:  The Ontario Environthon (The “Environmental Olympics”) is an interactive environmental education program for youth from Grades 9 to 12, sponsored by the Ontario Forestry Association.  Five woodlot subjects are studied – Forestry, Wildlife, Soils, Aquatics and a mystery subject. Regional competitions take place throughout the school year with the provincial competition taking place in the spring.  The Friends have agreed to be involved, through volunteering and bussing costs, with the local competition to be held at the PRF on April 26, 2007.  More volunteers are welcome.  Information about this program can be found at: http://www.ontarioenvirothon.on.ca/

·         Ontario Woodlot Association:  This group sponsors a project involving Grade 7 and 8 students from local schools being taken by bus to a woodlot area to identify such natural features as tree species, wildlife (birds, reptiles etc.), marshes or wetlands for water sampling and tree measurements.  Volunteers visit the school(s) involved a few days before the field day to prepare the class and teachers for the event.  2006 saw students from Keys Public School in Deep River come to the PRF. This project is once more being considered for 2007.

·         Ski Trails:  Proposals have been made for the Friends to play an active part in the hiring of someone to clear the Maunsell Lake Trail.  The H.S.A. Trail is currently open and the Acer Trail is soon to be open, both because of the efforts of the Deep River Ski Club and the PRF staff.

·         Liability Insurance: A quote for the Friends to obtain liability insurance through the Deep River Community Association is being discussed by the Board.

·         Kids’ Corner:  A proposal for a hands-on Kids’ Corner for the Visitor Centre is being pursued.  Suggestions are welcome.

 Current 2007 Research Activities Within The PRF:  Because of the positive response to the inclusion of this list in last year’s newsletter, an updated version has once more been included. For additional information please contact the researchers listed or Mr. Steve D’Eon (PRF Forest Manager) at (613) 589-2880, sdeon@nrcan.gc.ca 

• Use of Forest Biomass for Energy: Assessing the economic and environmental feasibility and costs associated with production and use of forest biomass and forest biomass residues for renewable power generation based on single cycle combustive technologies at the PRF. Lead is Suzanne Wetzel, CFS-Sault Ste. Marie.
• Annotated Bibliography for White and Red Pine: Summarizing the research on the ecology, silviculture and management published between 1960 and 2007. Lead is Darwin Burgess, PRF.
• Acquiring and testing Multiband orthophotography (and integrated LiDAR) for production of enhanced forest inventories in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Forest:  The PRF is one of the test sites for assessing the use of LIDAR technology in forestry.  Lead is Murray Woods, OMNR.
• Effects of spacing and thinning on plantation-grown red pine:  Draft paper completed of an assessment of productivity, products and economic value.  Lead is Margaret Penner, Forest Analysis Ltd., Huntsville, ON.
• First Generation White Pine Genetics Study:  New field test of 180 white pine seed lots collected in northern Ontario was established.  Lead is Dennis Joyce, Ontario Forest Research Institute.
• Carbon Sequestration in White Pine: Assessing the carbon and nutrient budgets in old-growth stands and in plantations of white pine. Lead is Alison Munson, Laval University.
• Forintek Wood Durability Test:  Testing how long treated and untreated posts and decks last in use.  Contact is Janice Ingram of Forintek Canada Ltd., Vancouver, BC.
• Red Pine Fungal Biodiversity Study:  Testing biocontrol agent for Fomes annosus on plantation red pine.  Contact is Gaston Laflamme, CFS-Quebec City
• Spoor Lake Jack Pine Cone Collection:  Individual tree collection of cones from Spoor Lake jack pine seed orchard (one of the better performing sources of jack pine).
• White Pine spacing Trial with Acadia and China:  A white pine spacing trial being installed in China (without weevil or blister rust) and Canada.  With Lioaning Provincial Academy of Forestry and Jilin Provincial Academy of Forestry (China) and Acadia Research Forest, NB.
• International R & D, Seed and Genetic Resources:  Ben (B.S.P.) Wang has maintained his position as Emeritus Research Scientist at the PRF for many years.  The focus of his interest is to advise and assist Chinese Forest Authorities in the acquisition, testing, and utilization of major eastern Canadian tree species, notably jack pine and white pine, in northern and eastern China.
• Climate change influences on radial tree growth:  A study to understand how past climate changes influenced radial growth of four major boreal tree species (black spruce, jack pine, white birch and trembling aspen) to model and predict future growth.
• NEBIE:  (Natural disturbance, Extensive, Basic, Intensive, Elite).  Testing of silvicultural methods for the conversion of mixed-wood pine stands to higher value pine stands.  Lead is Wayne Bell, Ontario Forest Research Institute.
• Moosegrove Natural Regeneration of Red Pine:  Testing of methods to naturally regenerate red pine in cooperation with Nipissing University. Lead is Steve D'Eon
• Evolutionary Aspects of Lobilia inflata:  Testing of microenvironments that drive the evolutionary advantage of this plant.  Lead is Andrew Simons, Carleton University.
• Inheritance of black spruce for carbon sequestration:  Testing of inheritance characteristics of black spruce for carbon sequestration.  Lead is John Major, CFS-Maritimes.
• Development of a seed source model for climate change response of jack pine:  Lead is Bill Parker, Lakehead University.
• Installation of an air quality monitoring station:  Ontario Ministry of Environment is installing an air quality monitoring system to supplement the provincial pollution-monitoring network.  Lead is Al Melanson, MOE, Toronto.
• Testing of willow sources for carbon and bioenergy:  Lead is Alex Mosseler, CFS-Maritimes.
• Remote sensing methods for Kyoto and forest changes:  Lead is Don Leckie, CFS-Pacific.
• The impact of genetic and environmental signals in tree rings in conifers:  Lead is Jianguo Huang, University of Quebec.
• The effects of density management on the quality of jack pine:  Lead is Julia Savva, University of Quebec.
• Seed source trial of white spruce:  Lead is Bill Parker, Lakehead University.
• Long-term studies in forest management:  With USDA and Lloyd Irland, Yale University.
• Afforestation for Kyoto: red pine.  In cooperation with Dan McKenny, CRS-SSM.
• Cartier Lake Silvicultural Area:  Effects of hardwood release of eastern white pine in mixed-wood stands.  Lead is Darwin Burgess, PRF.
• Meridian Road Silvicultural Area:  Evaluations of partial cutting, site preparation and underplanting in eastern white pine.  Lead is Darwin Burgess, PRF.
• Initiation of PRF Seed Bank: Local collections were made for all major tree species to be used for future research. Lead is Steve D’Eon.
• Re-measurement of the silvicultural permanent sample plots within the PRF:  Lead is Craig Robinson, PRF, Petawawa.
• Seed Orchard White Spruce cone collection for future research use. Lead is John Major, CFS-Maritimes.
• White Cedar and Eastern Hemlock seed collection. Lead is Dale Simpson, CFS-Maritimes.

• A Class Environmental Assessment for Timber related activities on Federal Lands in Ontario. Lead is Steve Dominy, CFS-Sault Ste. Marie.

Membership:  Our 2006 membership totaled 120 with 69 active members, including Corporate members.  A further 27 individuals (now scattered across Canada) who worked at the former PNFI have been contacted to inform them of the work of the Friends.

            Treasurer’s Report:  As of January 31, 2007, the Friends’ account at the Deep River Northern Credit Union stood at $7,348.74

Friends of the Petawawa Research Forest Inc.

P. O. Box 2000, Chalk River, ON, Canada, K0J 1J0

phone: (613) 687-2214 or  (613) 732-8402

e-mail: rcunning@bell.net