are used in the future. Guidelines for other considerations such as buffer zones 
around water bodies and riparian areas are also addressed. While the forestry plans 
recognize the value of snags, mast trees, and nesting raptors, I would like to see 
management plans consider habitat for songbirds and other wildlife dependent on the 
forest Conversations with SNCA foresters have been encouraging thus far, and they 
have also expressed a desire to protect locations of rare and significant species of 
flora and fauna. One can only hope that the reality is as good as the theory. 
Recreation in Larose Forest 
Several recreational pursuits have become increasingly visible and more organized 
in Larose Forest. Ski Larose now has 18 kilometres of groomed trails, maps, toilet 
facilities and a website ( http://skilarose.ca ). Sled dog teams are nothing new in 
Larose, but a new organization. Mush Larose, has assumed responsibility for 
maintaining the winter trails for this increasingly popular pursuit. Of course 
snowmobiling is the most visible winter activity and the Eastern Ontario chapter of 
the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) (http://www.ofsc.on.ca/) 
maintains many groomed trails in Larose, more of which are now patrolled. ATVs 
have always used the forest, especially on weekends. However, they have now 
joined the ranks of the above organized pursuits under the banner of the Ontario 
Federation of All Terrain Vehicle Clubs and some trails now sport their small metal 
signs. Whether this means that ATV use will be more closely monitored remains to 
be seen (but I hope so). One good thing that might arise is the pressure to keep them 
off the trails posted as “No Motor Vehicles Allowed” which, in the past, they’ve 
blithely ignored. As stated before (Hanrahan 2004), the forest is big enough that 
many recreational pursuits can be followed without undue conflict, particularly if a 
modicum of respect is used. 
Cultural History 
At one time the settlement of Grant was a thriving little community with houses, a 
cheese factory, post office, school and church. Today, you would be hard pressed to 
find any signs of human habitation, apart from the small Grant Cemetery and 
foundations of the church and school. Larose Forest now covers the site, a 
fascinating example of nature reclaiming her own, with help, of course, from the tree 
planters. Local historian, Alexandra De Quimper, has written a book about Grant 
(De Quimper 2002) and conducts guided tours in Larose, during which she brings 
the community back to life. The OFNC held its first successful “Walk-&-Talk" tour 
with Alexandra last year, and will be holding a second one on May 10 (see page 123 
in the Coming Events). 
Research, etc. 
To the best of my knowledge little or no long-term research has been done in Larose. 
The UCPR appears open to the promotion of scientific research in Larose, and it will 
be interesting to see what direction, if any, this takes in the near future. Stay 
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