The forests near Grand Bend that were damaged by a tornado are expected to make a recovery, according to forestry experts.
The community of Grand Bend is continuing to clean up after a tornado devastated the area on July 27.
There was concern about the region's forests, and that the hardest hit areas wouldn’t recover. However, experts are optimistic that won’t be the case.
“Many people are concerned about the long-term impact to tree cover and the unique Pine-Oak woodland where they live,” said Ian Jean, Forestry and Land Stewardship Specialist with Ausable Bayfield Conservation.
Jean says given time, the forest should recover.
“Ten years from now, I think people will be surprised at how much re-growth will have occurred.”
He says if trees were healthy prior to the storm, the likelihood of them recovering is far greater. The conservation group is now concerned that the proper trees aren’t being planted. This includes White Cedar, Black Oak and Tulip Trees.
“We would encourage people to consider planting the native trees that are well-adapted to their site and that fit with the ecology and aesthetics of their surroundings.”
For more information on the proper tree types to plant, you can visit the Ausable Bayfield Conservation website.
