Marcy’s Woods The Environment & Social Change

 Almost 300 acres of pristine, untouched, Carolinian forest …

Carolinian Forest

Eastern Hemlock Trees

Earl Plato, Caretaker of the Property

 Marcy’s Woods is comprised of 408 plant species in which 36 are considered significant: 6 nationally rare, 3 provincially rare, 15 regionally rare, and 12 locally rare vascular plant species  Three nationally/regionally threatened birds, thirteen birds of regional significance, eleven birds of regional concerns, nationally vulnerable mammal - the southern flying squirrel, three nationally and provincially rare reptiles and amphibians, and one of only three sites in the world with old growth eastern hemlock

Black Maple Trees

 Reptiles & Animals include: Eastern Redback Salamander, Woodhouse’s Toad, American Toad, Green Frog, Northern Leopard Frog, Bullfrog, Opossum, Gray Fox, Southern Flying Squirrel

Eastern Red Back Salmander

Northern Leopard Frog

Woodhouse’s Toad  Nationally, provincially and regionally rare

Southern Flying Squirrel

Birds Found in Marcy’s Woods  Baltimore Oriole, Red-eyed Vireo, American Robin, Black-capped Chickadee, Wood Thrush, Blue Jay, Easter Wood-Pewee, Verry, Great Crested Flycatcher, and Brown Headed Cowbird  Yellow Warbler, Gray Catbird, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, and the Common Yellowthroat

 Marcy’s Woods is inhabited by 85 different bird species including: Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Yellow Throated Vireo, Red Breasted Nuthatch, Blue- Winged Warbler, Northern Parula, Hooded Warbler, & the Black-Throated Green Warbler.  As well as the Red-Headed Woodpecker, Cerulean Warbler, and Hooded Warbler have been designated by the Committee on the Status of Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) as being nationally vulnerable.

Where in the World is Marcy’s Woods?

 Marcy's Woods is located between Point Abino and Sherkston Beach, about a dozen miles west of the Peace Bridge in Southern Ontario  And is comprised of ¾ square miles; 300 acres including Lake Erie frontage property

 Previously owned for 70 years, by Dr George Marcy of Buffalo, who was a physician at the University of Buffalo Medical School  Sold to Niagara Falls, Ont., hotelier Dino DiCienzo in 2003 for 2.8 million Canadian dollars (about $ 21,000 acre)

 The legal fight over the sale of the property split the Marcy family, pitting one of George Marcy's daughters, Martha "Patty" Richards of Buffalo, who favored selling the property to the Canadian government for preservation, against brother Bart and sisters Mary Elizabeth "Polly" Spaulding and Margaret, who preferred dealing with businessman DiCienzo.

 What is the issue over Marcy’s Woods?  Dominant Paradigm  Alternative Paradigm

Dominant Paradigm  It is a prime piece of land that can be readily subdivided into large acreages which can each be sold for considerable money  These large lots will draw many higher socioeconomic income couples/families and will generate much property tax revenue for the town of Fort Erie  These individuals will spend money supporting local businesses - groceries, furniture, hardware, etc

Alternative Paradigm  It is a relatively untouched & natural Carolinian forest, 1 of only 38 remaining  It is home to an abundance of wild flowers, plants, trees, & a number of animals, including some rare species of reptiles like snakes & birds  3 nationally/regionally threatened birds, 13 birds of regional significance, 11 birds of regional concerns, nationally vulnerable mammal - the southern flying squirrel, 3 nationally & provincially rare reptiles and amphibians, and 1 of only 3 sites in the world with old growth eastern hemlock,

 ‘Bargaining for Reality’ – power can be acquired and maintained by groups & organizations if they are able to convince others that their view of the situation is the correct/ideal one

 Regarding Marcy’s Woods, currently the environmentalists have the power and strength; the current owners have indicated that they do not intend to develop the property at this time  The Bert Miller Nature Club is very active in ensuring that the public is aware of the treasures that this property holds (endangered species)

 There would be little public support for the DiCenzio family should they choose to develop their property (significant financial reasons for them to do so)