Media Release - Conservation & trail safety improvements planned for County Forest with Yamaha Financial Services grant award
Cobourg, ON – February 20, 2025 – Last Wednesday, at the McDonald Trailhead in the Northumberland County Forest, the County’s Natural Heritage Manager, Todd Farrell, and Forest Trail Coordinator, Mike Muldoon, were presented a cheque for $12,732.32 by representatives from Yamaha Financial Services as part of their 2024 Stay Outdoors grant program.
“We are grateful for this grant, which will support conservation efforts in the Northumberland County Forest,” says County Natural Heritage Manager, Todd Farrell. “Improvements made thanks to this investment will help ensure the long-term health of this natural asset.”
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 OHV use, improve access to natural spaces, and promote the responsible use of trails, roads, and waterways for motorized recreation.
Funding will support the installation of 121.92 metres of fencing, two gates and 20 regulatory signs to protect environmentally sensitive areas in the County Forest. These additions will help safeguard species such as the endangered Mottled Duskywing Butterfly and Monarch Butterflies. Additionally, the project will include planting 160 native species to restore damaged ecosystems and launching a campaign to promote environmental stewardship among trail users.
By supporting these initiatives, the project will help preserve the forest while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.
"Northumberland County's project is a great example of how responsible land use and motorsports can coexist,” states David Bezerra, President of Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation – Canada. “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 about the County Forest and its 118-kilometre trail network, visit Northumberland.ca/Forest.
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Photo attached (left to right): 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.
For more information:
Kate Campbell
Director of Communications and Information Technology
Northumberland County
Phone: 905-372-3329 x2335
Email: campbellk@northumberland.ca
Web: Northumberland.ca
About Northumberland County
Located on the traditional territory of the Mississauga, Northumberland County is a thriving community just one hour east of Toronto along Highway 401, with easy access to urban centres to the north, east and west. As the upper tier level of municipal government for the region, Northumberland County’s vision is to bring together people, partnerships and possibilities for a strong and vibrant Northumberland. Our community includes seven distinct yet complementary municipalities, with County Council comprised of the Mayors of each of these member municipalities:
• Township of Alnwick/Haldimand
• Municipality of Brighton
• Town of Cobourg
• Township of Cramahe
• Township of Hamilton
• Municipality of Port Hope
• Municipality of Trent Hills
