Celebrating 90 Years of Research  1918 - 2008

 

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Work Plan - 2011

 

 The Friends of the Petawawa Research Forest Inc (FPRF) has developed an ambitious work plan for 2011.  The FPRF has drafted a breadth of initiatives that should reflect the attributes of the Petawawa Research Forest (PRF).  Included in the work plan will be a description of on-going projects that the FPRF is committed to advancing.  In addition, proposed new initiatives will be described.  It is understood that some projects are ongoing and may not be completed this year.  Finally, the FPRF reserves the right to initiate new projects as opportunities present themselves throughout the fiscal year.

 All FPRF projects will be developed and implemented in compliance with the Objectives as stated in the FPRF’s Constitution.  A description of each project, including all community partners, will be entered.

Text Box: ONGOING PROJECTS

 

 

Exhibits at the Visitor’s Centre

 The FPRF will continue to participate in the planning, scheduling, cost and creation of the indoor and outdoor exhibits at the PRF Visitor’s Centre.

 Mountain Bike Trail

 The FPRF is still exploring revisions to the proposal put forth by the Outdoor Adventure and Adventure Naturalist programs, at Algonquin College, for the maintenance and repair of the existing mountain bike trail.  There will be costs associated with this project.  The main stumbling block is the existing low/wet areas which is fine for cross country skiing yet inappropriate for bike travel.

 Benches

 The FPRF will seek to install more rest benches near the PRF Visitor’s Centre, and/or elsewhere.

 Research Signs

 Research plot and Research area signs, with French translations, will be replaced or upgraded mainly along the Clouthier Road where they will get the maximum public exposure.  There will be costs associated with this project, yet half may be covered by a NRCan grant.

 Water Trail

 The FPRF will continue to assist, in any way possible, the repair of the water/wetland trial which goes from the Visitor’s Center.  There will be costs associated with this project.

 Stone Chimney

 The FPRF will use the existing standing stone chimney, near the original site of the headquarters, for installation of a memorial/historical plaque and a large sign.  The site will also be rehabilitated to allow easier access and viewing.  There will be costs associated with this project.

 Events:

 Maple Syrup Program for Local Schools

 The FPRF will participate in this annual event run by Ian Miller and Michelle Stein.  These will be full days that profiles Renfrew County’s maple syrup industry.  Ian and Michelle have asked for some financial assistance to cover the replacement costs of some of the equipment.

 MapleFest

 The Chalk River Lions Club will hold this annual event.   Friends are welcomed to attend and promote the PRF.  There will be no costs associated with this event.  

Renfrew County Expo 150

 The FPRF, along with the PRF and CIF, will participate in this fair.  There will be a small charge associated with this undertaking.

 Visitor Centre Opening

 The FPRF will participate in the opening ceremony of the PRF Visitor’s Centre.  The Town of Petawawa, Town of Deep River, Town of Laurentian Hills, and Townships of Head, Clara & Maria are the lead partners with support from FPRF and PRF.  There will be no cost associated with this endeavour.  The five year Municipalities Memorandum of Agreement, for the PRF Visitor’s Centre, was renewed for another similar term

 Annual General Meeting

 The FPRF will host this evening meeting when annual reports are given and elections held. There will be costs associated with this such as room rental, refreshments and handouts.

 Friends Appreciation / Christmas Social

 The FPRF will host this afternoon event, at the PRF building, to show appreciation to its volunteers. There will be a small cost associated with this such as refreshments. 

FPRF Communications

   Newsletters

 In 2011, the FPRF is committed to informing its membership of its activities, events and minutes of meetings.  A small cost will be required for copying and mailings

   Pamphlets

 In 2011, the FPRF is committed to updating and promoting their pamphlets.  One is a brochure on the PRF and the second is a leaflet about the current research activities at the PRF.  A small cost will be required for copying

   Web Page

 The FPRF web page will be continually updated.  There will be a small cost to maintain the web site.

   Funding

 This year, it is again hoped that the FPRF will be successful in attracting funding and donations from agencies, companies, corporations, foundations and the membership.  Without their continual support, the breadth and depth of the FPRF work plan would not exist.  A small cost will be required for mailings.

 Text Box: NEW PROJECTS

 

 Trail Maps

 The FPRF will plan, cost and make up maps of the existing trails, which will be made available at the Visitor’s Centre and on our web page.  This network would include the accessible roads, cross-country ski trails, biking trails and walking trails.  They will also be placed at crossroads to show people “You are Here”.  These signs will need to be protected from the weather.  There will be a cost associated with this project.

 First PSP Sign

 The FPRF will investigate the making of a sign, along Clouthier Road, to explain the history and importance of the first Permanent Sample Plot, in Ontario, if not Canada.  There will be a cost associated with this enterprise.

 White Pine Demonstration Trail

 The FPRF will investigate the upgrading of the demonstration trail and better marking of the route itself.  There will be a cost associated with this undertaking.

 

Accomplished

 2009

  • Due to the province-wide forest industry collapse, our corporate business donations vanished in 2009.
  • Three benches purchased in 2008 have been spotted on the Visitor Centre forest trails.
  • Work continued with the Deep River X-Country Ski Club and students from Algonquin College to upgrade the ski trails by clearing, erecting signs and trail marking.
  • On October 17, the annual Walk In The Forest was enjoyed by 32 participants over the trails of the Demonstration Forest.
  • Due to the advertising brochures, maps and the website of the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (coverage purchased in 2008), visitor numbers increased at the Visitor Centre in 2009 even with a recession.
  • The Friends continued to support with funds or volunteers the following organizations:

-          School Sugarbush Tours

-          Lions Club Maplefest

-          Renfrew County Outdoor Woodlot Conference

-          Ontario Envirothon (held at Logos Land)

  • We provided the Friends’ membership with updates through our two newsletters this year (12 & 13), plus the Annual General Meeting at the Deep River Library (on November 3rd), advertizing our current and past activities plus plans for the future.
  • We kept our friendsofprf.ca website current, interesting and up-to-date thanks to our volunteer Website Manager, Liz Mitchel.

2008

  • Successful fundraising campaign
  • Obtained our own domain name for the Friends website - www.friendsofprf.ca
  • Creation of a 12-foot banner celebrating the 90th anniversary of the PRF which was hung on the outer wall of the Visitor Centre
  • Arranged for a glacial erratic boulder (typical of rocks of this area) to be placed at the front of the Visitor Centre and engraved with the words "PETAWAWA RESEARCH FOREST/LA FORET EXPERIMENTALE DE PETAWAWA ESTABLISHED/ETABLIE 1918"
  • Bilingual water trail signs were installed and the trail upgraded to highlight the waterway and wetland habitat near the Visitor Centre.
  • Purchased three benches which will be installed on the trails next year.
  • Supported the April 23 Ontario Envirothon education program for grade 9 to 12 students, see. www.ontarioenvirothon.on.ca
  • Supported School Sugarbush Tours with a donation to purchase supplies.  This spring over 800 local students toured the sugarbush learning about nature, maple syrup and the PRF.
  • The Friends participated in the April Lions Club Maplefest and October Renfrew County Outdoor Woodlot Conference
  • Continued to work with the Deep River X-Country Ski Club and students from Algonquin College to upgrade the cross-country ski trails.
  • Organized the annual Walk in the Forest on October 18 through the Demonstration Forest and the water trail near the Visitor Centre
  • Issued Newsletters #10 & 11
  • Joined the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association so the attractions at the Visitor Centre will be advertised on the OVTA website and in their travel guide.  The Friends will also sponsor a display ad on the 2009 OVTA road map.

2007

  • Successful fundraising campaign
  • Creation of a mobile banner promoting the Friends for use at various venues
  • Ten new signs for the Water Trail
  • Two new museum display cases for antique forestry instruments, donated by the Rotary Club of North Renfrew
  • Signs linking the wine pine grading display with the Demonstration Forest were erected
  • Supported the April 26 Ontario Envirothon education program for grade 9 to 12 students, see. www.ontarioenvirothon.on.ca
  • Supported the Ontario Woodlot Association Forestry Field Trip on April 19 for local Grade 7 and 8 students.
  • Supported a new Kids' Corner at the Visitor Centre
  • Cleared the Maunsell Lake Trail for cross-country skiing, together with the Deep River X-Country Ski Club and students from Algonquin College.
  • Organized the annual Walk in the Forest on October 13 through the newly-cleared Maunsell Lake ski trail
  • Issued Newsletters #8 & 9

2006

  • Successful fundraising campaign resulting in more new Sponsors
  • Creation of a White Pine Demonstration Forest adjacent to the Visitor Centre
  • Refurbished Forest Theatre
  • Enhanced Exhibit Hall Displays
  • Creation of new interpretative display panels, including information for Birding Enthusiasts
  • Upgraded Water Trail
  • Supported a "Forest Education Field Day" for Grade 7/8 students
  • Attended and promoted the Friends at the Renfrew County Outdoor Woodlot Conference - Sept 30
  • Issued Newsletter #6 & 7

2005

  • Achieved Registered Charitable Organization Status
  • Issued Newsletter #4 & 5
  • Colored Publicity Brochure for Visitor Centre and Friends of the PRF (thanks to John Walden, Town of Deep River)
  • Successful fundraising campaign funded four new display panels at the Visitor Centre, a PRF map board and sponsor recognition sign (thanks to our Sponsors)
  • Clearing of Trails R3 & R4 in the Forestry and posting of 81 directional signs (thanks to Algonquin College Forestry Technician students)

2004

  • Submission of Application for Charitable Status (with assistance of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Ottawa)
  • Launch of Website
  • Issued Newsletter #3
  • Second Annual General Meeting held at Chalk River Lions Hall
  • Partnered with area municipalities to promote and manage the PRF Visitor Centre.
  • Hosted a General Motors "Mission Green" cross Canada project at the PRF.  See www.missiongreeen.com
2003
  • Incorporated Status Achieved (with pro bono assistance from Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Ottawa)
  • Issued Newsletter #2
  • Hosted visit by Senator Vivienne Poy at the Petawawa Research Forest (PRF)
  • Promotion and sale of Dr. Place's book "75 Years of Research in the Woods"
  • First Annual General Meeting held at Chalk River Lions Hall

2002

  • Founding meeting held at Chalk River Lions Hall
  • Constitution finalized
  • Issued Newsletter #1

 
 

 

 

 

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