Thomson Tract named for land donor

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In the spring of 2017, John Thomson of Mulmur graciously offered a tract of forested land to the County of Dufferin. 

The Thomson family owned the 29.58-acre property for more than 50 years (the family first began acquiring property in Mulmur in 1901). 

Adjacent to the Little Tract of the Dufferin County Forest this new property, which is transected by the Lisle Creek, has been officially designated as the Thomson Tract by County Council. “Accepting this donation promotes the county’s principles of conservation and environmental sustainability” said Warden Paul Mills. “The generosity that the Thomson family and other property owners have shown over the years by donating land to the County ensures additional publicly-accessible natural spaces across Dufferin County. It is a great gift to current and future generations” the Warden stated. 

When asked why he donated the land to the County, Thomson said that he “couldn’t think of a better use for the property than to make it a County forest for everyone to enjoy”. 

At more than 2,600 acres, the Dufferin County Forest is now comprised of 14 distinct tracts that are located across the County. This newly acquired tract of land will be managed by the county of Dufferin on a sustainable, multi-use basis. 

The forest tracts serve many important functions including erosion and water control, natural heritage protection, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and support of the rural economy through timber production and employment opportunities. 

Visitors are welcome to explore the Thomson Tract and the interpretive trail on the adjacent Little Tract daily. For additional information on the Dufferin County Forest, visit www.dufferincounty.ca. 

Contributed photo: Dufferin County councillor Earl Hawkins (from left), Mr. John Thomson, Warden Paul Mills, Ms. Julia Aikin and Councillor Laura Ryan.

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