With ASHMuskoka, community volunteers test and verify evidence indicating that wood ash can safely be used to restore the well-documented damage to forests and lakes caused by widespread calcium (Ca) decline in Muskoka. Restoration begins by restoring soil and groundwater Ca levels to their pre-acid rain levels.
Independent assessments and the results of previous ASHMuskoka tests (formerly HATSOFF – Hauling Ash To Save Our Forests’ Future) have confirmed the need for such a program, along with the local enthusiasm and supply of wood ash needed for success. With the help of local leaders we hope to expand this program beyond Muskoka.
Why does calcium deficiency matter?
Calcium (Ca) is essential for all life. Trees are about 1% Ca, fish, 2-8% Ca, and clams and crayfish over 20% Ca. Unfortunately, acid rain has stripped Ca from our environment, and the growth and health of sugar maples, for example, is now limited by Ca supply. Levels in many Muskoka lakes have fallen by 25% to 40% over the last four decades, harming many calcium-rich animals.
Why wood ash?
A new Ca source is needed to fix this problem, and residential wood ash can fill this need. As confirmed in our previous program (called HATSEO — Hauling Ash to Solve Ecological Osetoporosis<link to HATSEO explainer>), wood ash is rich in Ca; contains other essential minerals; is produced in large quantities by local residents; and is considered a waste product. Based on previous surveys, we are confident that many residents will share their ash to help restore our forests and lakes.
How?
Friends of the Muskoka Watershed works to ensure long-term recycling of wood ash and the ongoing participation of local residents in the ASHMuskoka program by:
- Collaborating with the District Municipality of Muskoka staff to establish policy, training, infrastructure, and personnel needs to sustain the program in perpetuity;
- Providing District staff with tested tools to calculate needed wood ash application rates;
- Developing ongoing marketing strategies to ensure the flow of wood ash supply from the public;
- Seeking and training leaders to expand the program beyond Muskoka.
We are also working find appropriate ways to work in partnership with the forest management industry and large not-for-profit environmental corporations to develop their support of this new recycling initiative to supplement the blue box and green bin programs.
How can I get involved in the ASHMuskoka Program?
- Donate your clean, cold fireplace and woodstove ash. Contact us to get your ash can for collection at friends@fotmw.org
We cannot accept firepit ash as we require ash free of metal and plastic, as this ash is spread in forests. We host Saturday ash collection dates at Rosewarne Transfer Station, 1062 Rosewarne Drive, Bracebridge. <Upcoming Ash Collection Dates> - Volunteer at an ash drive. Tasks include recording weight and attendance, checking ash temperature, carrying ash cans, filtering ash and more. It’s a fun experience meeting all the dedicated ash donors but it can be chilly. With more volunteers, we can offer shorter shifts.
- Volunteer to spread ash in the forest. About once per year, we require a large crew to help spread the ash in our test forests. We supply gloves, masks etc to wear for this dirty but satisfying job of restoring Muskoka’s forests.
- Spread ash on your own property to restore your own piece of the Muskoka Watershed – and tell us about it!
- Donate to support our work. The huge containers for ash storage and metal cans for collection are expensive. So is the research, real science costs real money.
For more, visit our <ASHMuskoka FAQs> (frequently “ashed” questions)
We wish to acknowledge the generous financial support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in making this vital project possible.