Crime in the Forest

Historically the forest has experienced issues however with the implementation of the trail system near completion and therefore more and more people beginning to use the forest for what it was saved for, the types of issues as noted below are beginning to diminish. Let's hope this trend continues and the forest can prosper for generations to come.

Year End 2003 Update

Bicycling of any kind is not permitted in the Altona Forest. Despite this a small number of bicycles do enter the forest from time to time as strict enforcement is difficult at all times. Periodically bicycle ramps have been constructed. When they are found they are removed or dismantled appropriately. Shown below is a picture of one recently discovered. Due to the ecological sensitivity of the Altona Forest this activity is regrettably not allowable. If you see anyone or are aware of anyone bicycling in the forest please advise them that this is not permitted in the forest. Bicycling can be a very enjoyable activity however we suggest people should engage in these types of activities in areas that are designated as such.

Mid-Year 2003 Update

The theft of trees from the forest appears to have retreated however vandalism to trees continues to be noted occassionally. This shot below shows significant damage to a cedar tree. This picture was taken in early June of 2003. If you have any information on this or any other vandalism call the TRCA enforcement branch at (416) 984 7868. If the vandalism is in progress call Pickering police at (905) 683 9100 x 6234.

Shown here is Jake. He is a grade five student from St. Elizabeth Seton School.

Theft in the Altona Forest

Some thieves have been systematically removing cedar trees from the north reforestation area of Altona Forest. They dig up 5 to 6 foot high cedars and cart them out. In early 2002, many dozens of trees had been stolen. There are too many trees to be used by any one person in landscaping their own property, so it is surmised that these thieves are removing these trees for personal profit and selling them to the public. The worth of these stolen trees is in the many tens of thousands of dollars. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is committed to catching these thieves. The value of the trees stolen makes this an indictable offence and this crime carries severe penalties including jail and fines for those responsible when found guilty.

If you are hiking the northern section you will be able to see some of the holes created by these thieves. If you happen to see someone removing trees from Altona Forest, please do not approach them, but phone the police at (905) 683-9100 and ask for Communications. Police officers will be sent out immediately if the thieves are still there. Tell the police the location is south of the hydro property between Altona Road and Rosebank. Tell them to enter the property from Finch, half way between Altona and Rosebank and proceed south to the Conservation property where the thefts are taking place.

Here we see some of the examples of the theives handy work - holes remain where trees once stood, some trees are also left behind to die.

A small number of unscrupulous individuals have from time to time dumped garbage in the forest. Fortunately for us, these items were all removed during the last spring clean up day. There have also been occassions of small fire pits appearing with garbage left behind. Once the trail system opens up and more people traffic starts to flow through we expect this type of occurance to disappear.

Vandalism in the Altona Forest

During the September of 2000, a number of acts of vandalism took place in Altona Forest. The vandals entered through a hole in the Altona Forest fence from the children's park off Woodsmere Crescent. This hole was partially repaired but reopened by the vandals on the weekend of September 23/24. It has again been repaired by the TRCA and as of Sept. 29th has not been reopened. The vandals have made axe cuts in many trees which are still standing. Two are in danger of falling. They also have cut down and left to rot the following trees:

Over 125 trees were cut down in the forest in 2001. The cowardly vandals left the tree to die on the ground. Many other trees were hacked and eventually died or had to be cut down because they were in danger of falling. In mid-2002 the following had also been noted:

The replacement value of these trees, which are on average between 20 and 35 feet tall, is estimated to be approximately $80,000. This includes having them planted professionally. These trees were cut down with axes and saws and left to rot where they fell or possibly to age before being cut later for firewood. Many other trees have been damaged with axe cuts (from a number of cuts to the tree being cut 1/4 of the way through and left) and some of these will surely die. Some of these trees will have to be cut down because they present a hazard. Vandalism is a cowardly act done by people who sneak around or, as in this case, use the cover of the trees on the fringe of the forest to destroy trees further inside the forest.

The Conservation Authority and the Altona Forest Stewardship Committee has asked local residents to be vigilant and help in the protection of Altona Forest from these vandals. They have been asked to call the police or the Conservation Authority if they see anyone making openings in the fence or if they hear chopping or sawing in the forest. It takes many years for trees to grow to the sizes of the trees in the Altona Forest. Many of the trees in the forest are well over 100 years old. The trees cut down were generally between 20 and 50 years old. It takes only minutes for them to be destroyed by vandals. When caught, the vandals will be charged with trespassing and destruction of property. If the vandals are minors, their parents will be held responsible to the full extent of the law for restitution of the destroyed trees.

If you have any information on this or any other vandalism call the TRCA enforcement branch at (416) 984 7868. If the vandalism is in progress call Pickering police at (905) 683 9100 x 6234.

We ask that parents with children in the area tell their children about the vandalism and to stress the importance of trees and respecting nature everywhere but especially in the Altona Forest. We ask that parents ask heir children that if they see or know any other kids doing this vandalism, they should tell their parents who can then contact the TRCA or the police.