Eco Log Homes

EcoLog Homes is comprised of passionate and dedicated people who enjoy what we do. We are devoted to supplying a top-quality product at an affordable price. Because of this commitment, EcoLog Homes is always working towards design improvements and material savings, all of which directly benefit our customers. EcoLog Homes combines traditional features with modern interior design.

Our framework allows customization, within some key parameters to allow for efficient production and construction.

With over 20 pre-defined kits, from the small footprint of 672 sq ft to a double-wing floor plan of more than 2,000 sq ft, as well as the ultimate flexibility of design with our custom plans, your dream can be a reality with an EcoLog Home kit.

EcoLog kits mainly use Eastern hemlock from Haliburton Forest, a 100,000-acre sustainable forest. Haliburton Forest owns and operates four sawmills, and it is the single largest employer in Haliburton County. This means that when you buy an EcoLog kit, you are buying locally grown and locally-manufactured wood, supporting local jobs and the local environment.

To take a look at some of their layouts click here, https://www.ecologhomes.ca/build-your-own-log-home-plans, they also build micro cabins and bunkies https://www.ecologhomes.ca/micro-log-cabin-kit

Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program

Learn how you can contribute to healthy forests in Ontario and get a property tax reduction when you follow an approved Managed Forest Plan for your property.The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program encourages good forest management by giving a property tax reduction to eligible landowners who prepare and follow an approved Managed Forest Plan.

When your forested area is enrolled in the program, it is:

• classified as managed forest
• taxed at 25% of the municipal residential property tax rate

The regular tax rate still applies to any other part of the property that is not managed forest, such as your house.

You must hire a Managed Forest Plan Approver to prepare or approve a Managed Forest Plan for the forest on your property. This plan describes how you will manage your forest responsibly over a 10 year period.

To enroll in the program, your Managed Forest Plan Approver submits your plan to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).

You need to follow your Managed Forest Plan and submit a progress report in the fifth year of your plan.

After 10 years, you can renew your participation in the program with a new approved Managed Forest Plan.

What land is eligible

To be eligible, land must:

• be owned by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or a Canadian business, trust or conservation authority
• have at least 4 hectares (9.88 acres) of forest on a single property in Ontario on one municipal roll number
• have a minimum number of trees per hectare (read the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program Guide for details)

Residences, landscaped areas and land used for residential or other purposes are not eligible.

Bird Watching, Raptor Migration

 One of Southwestern Ontario's best kept secrets for bird watching and the fall Migration of Raptors is Holiday Beach Conservation Area. https://www.essexregionconservation.ca/conservation-areas This Conservation Area is located along Lake Erie, just east of Amherstburg. If you find yourself fighting the crowds at Point Pelee, make the short half hour drive to this park. During the fall the migration of Raptors is a spectacle to be witnessed by anyone. The peak season is September 15-25 for Broad wings, however other species can be observed also. The Holiday Beach Migration Observatory operates their own website which can be fond here https://hbmo.ca/  Be sure to visit this park spring or fall, you won't be disappointed.

http://hbmo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018-2-pgs-version-Eastern-Migrant-Raptor-Flight-Guide-4.0.pdf

How To Make A Pine Scented Candle, The bushcraft Way

 If you ever find yourself out in the bush with no light, you can make a simple bushcraft candle with very little in the way of tools or supplies. This video shows you how to get it done. https://www.tiktok.com/@woodsboundoutdoors/video/7346390588717157675?_r=1&_t=8koTPo9RQ5m

Make a map of your property

 Wanting to make a map of your property and surrounding area? Visit this website https://www.lioapplications.lrc.gov.on.ca/Natural_Heritage/index.html?viewer=Natural_Heritage.Natural_Heritage&locale=en-CA

Choose the appropriate layers you wish to be shown on the map; and be sure to toggle or
move the cursor at the bottom left of the layers to show the imagery. 

What fish are in what lakes in Ontario?

Headed out fishing and not sure where you want to go fishing in Ontario? Not sure of what you may catch in which lake? Looking for fish stocking information for your favourite lake? Be sure to check out the Ontario Provincial Governments website Fish On-Line https://www.lioapplications.lrc.gov.on.ca/fishonline/Index.html?viewer=FishONLine.FishONLine&locale=en-CA Here you can zoom in on the map to quite a few lakes and find the species you will encounter, fish stocking information , GPS coordinates etc. I have found that some lakes I've fished not all species were listed. Have fun and explore some new fishing spots this year.

Sale at Sail , hunting and fishing equipment...

Sail Outdoors Stores in Ontario are having a sale on hunting and fishing equipment; 15% off quite a few items. If you're looking for turkey gear, decoys, rods reels, trolling motors, fishing reels, be sure to get in before inventory is gone and the sale is over. For hunting clearance click here https://www.sail.ca/en/clearance/hunting fishing clearance click here https://www.sail.ca/en/clearance/fishing

UTV, ATV, Truck, Jeep off road recovery

When you’re in the back country with your utv, atv, truck or jeep you want to be prepared for any emergency that comes along. Stuck in the mud, can’t make it up a hill, or worse yet you rolled your vehicle on its roof. You want a snatch block recovery system with you. This will not only allow you to get out of that situation, it will also give you the ability to redirect the direction of pull, and give you a mechanical advantage; and also save the life and strain on your winch. There are many snatch blocks available for different weights etc, I have provided a link to a good package here https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07Q5J3JSD/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07Q5J3JSD&pd_rd_w=IyvNJ&content-id=amzn1.sym.d8c43617-c625-45bd-a63f-ad8715c2c055&pf_rd_p=d8c43617-c625-45bd-a63f-ad8715c2c055&pf_rd_r=PM8F02Q55ACM2CTFE1BS&pd_rd_wg=KIoP0&pd_rd_r=80e99fbe-0319-4bd6-82ce-a6dff5491da1&s=automotive&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw A search online will provide many options for you. I have also provided a link to a video of how to connect and use a snatch block properly here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2uc4Ahp0zQ.  

Camping Stove

Whether you're looking for a cook stove for your van, camper, bus, or off grid tiny home, this one works excellent. It runs off the little green propane tanks or you can get a hose and connector to connect to a 20 lb tank. It works excellent and for its size and versatility makes an excellent choice when it comes to camping, or tiny home off grid living. It can cue purchased at Sail Outdoors https://www.sail.ca/en/martin-stove-and-oven-combo-225784-3351460001 for $329.99 .

Kids making money making walking sticks....

My boys were quite young when one day they came up to me and said "Dad buy us a quad" To which I said "Get a job" They said we're too young to get a job. This is where the story begins; I said you found an old walking stick in the corner of the old house correct? They said yeh, so what does that mean. Well I said; we own 500 acres of bush, or 500 acres of potential walking sticks. I'll show you how to choose them and how to peel them, how to do your market research and how to sell them. In order to get their attention I made the following statement; 1000 walking sticks x $15 = $15000.00 That was all it took, we were out in the bush cutting walking sticks, peeling, letting them dry, sanding and scheming...lol. To this day they always have their eyes open for that unique walking stick, and today they're 30 and 35 respectfully. Take a kid out to your woodlot, choose some sticks, buy a spoke shave and have some fun. Spring is the best time for peeling and Maple or Cherry make the best sticks. If you dry them, stain them, wood burn designs, bear paws etc, then give them a coat of shellac, you can now charge more money maybe $50 0r more. And yes they did buy a used quad off their uncle, when I told him what I had made the boys do, they were over at his place one day telling him what they were doing. He said oh really, well how much have you made so far? They said $350.00; to which he replied it just so happens I have a Honda in the garage I'm selling. They said yeh but how much ? He said $350.00; end of story!

They have collectively made hundreds of walking sticks over the years.

Employment In The Outdoors

People looking for employment in the outdoors in most cases don't realize that there are thousands of jobs posted everyday; however most are posted January - April. In this article I will provide a bunch of websites I have found useful throughout my career working in the Outdoors. Every Municipality in Ontario and throughout Canada posts jobs here are two websites to watch https://canadamunicipaljobs.com/ and https://www.amo.on.ca/jobs The Ontario Parks association also posts jobs regularly and can be found here https://ontarioparksassociation.wildapricot.org/EmploymentOpportunities The 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario post their jobs almost daily and can be found at this site https://conservationontario.ca/careers All province of Ontario jobs can be found at this site and also are updated daily https://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/Jobs.aspx?Language=English If you're looking for a job with the Federal Government here is the link https://www.canada.ca/en/shared-services/corporate/careers.html?utm_campaign=ssc-spc-recruitment-campaign-23-24&utm_medium=sem&utm_source=ggl&utm_content=ad-text-en&utm_term=federal%20job%20postings&adv=2324-530150&id_campaign=21019609635&id_source=157672334854&id_content=690995877075&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiArrCvBhCNARIsAOkAGcWtmIycXNyuUha5wTgAqEnQ6jsKzAvkBuLXvgWbpFrOD-BsNTPv2bUaAjFKEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds Provincial jobs across Canada can be found by visiting the appropriate Province and searching their career websites https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/related-provincial-territorial-government-sites.html Parks Canada jobs can be found at this site https://parks.canada.ca/agence-agency/emplois-jobs

Don't be afraid to apply, but ensure you follow any requirements or suggestions on how to apply. I have assisted many people in finding their dream job, working for the Ministry of Forests in BC, Parks Canada in Revelstoke, the Yukon Government and many more. Good Luck and happy job hunting

IHunter hunting app

 In my opinion iHunter App is one of the best I have found for the amount of information and useful features. Yes there is a subscription fee; however if you want a direct link to the WMU hunting regs, aerial photography which is up to date, the ability to mark stands, have the app track you on all trails, and have a visual representation of where your trails go on your property or on crown land this is the app for you. It shows you private land, crown land and many other layers. I have provided some screen shots of some of the features so you get an idea of what I''m talking about. It's also handy for locating property lines or corners of your lot. it shows you where you are in relation to property lines etc. I use this app quite a bit and have found it to be well worth the annual fee.

https://www.ihunterapp.com/

Kawasaki 2023 Teryx 800, dust stopper/rear windshield

 If you're experiencing a hot cab or a lot of dust in your new Terry 800, I've found the solution. It's a dust stopper from 3Star Industries. This makes the world of difference in stopping dust from swirling up in the cab from behind you. It also cools the cab by stopping the wind from passing through the cab and instead swirls through the cab dissipating the heat. Made a huge difference in my experience.

Here's the link https://3starindustries.com/products/kawasaki-teryx-800-2-seater-soft-back-panel they also handle a lot of accessories for Kawasaki and other brands. 

Get yourself a new Ruger 10/22...75th Anniversary

Looking for a nice looking accurate shooting 22; look no further pick up a Ruger 10/22 75th Anniversary model from your local gun shop. Easthill outdoors had one in stock at the time of this posting. I have provided a direct link at the bottom of this article. I currently own a few Rugers, and they all are unprecedented in accuracy and quality. You won't be disappointed!

https://www.easthilloutdoors.com/ruger-10-22-sporter-semi-auto-75th-anniversary-mod.html

Looking for a new side by side....look no further

The new Ridge by Kawasaki 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qglrIXmXMCs

featuring

NEW KAWASAKI-BUILT 999cc, 118 PS*², IN-LINE 4-CYLINDER ENGINE

• HIGH POWER AND HIGH TORQUE
• PRECISE SPEED CONTROL
• SMOOTH POWER DELIVERY, LOW VIBRATION, LOW NOISE
• DISTINCT EXHAUST NOTE
• POWER MODE SELECTION (WORK/NORMAL/SPORT)
• LONG-TRAVEL DOUBLE-WISHBONE SUSPENSION AND HIGH GROUND CLEARANCE
• 1,000-LBS. CAPACITY TILTING CARGO BED, DETACHABLE TAILGATE
• 7-INCH FULL-COLOUR TFT INSTRUMENTATION WITH SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY VIA RIDEOLOGY THE APP POWERSPORTS
• SPACIOUS CABIN
• ADJUSTABLE HIGH-BACKED BUCKET SEATS

https://cameroncycle.ca/Kawasaki-Inventory/adid/31081704/2024-Kawasaki-RIDGE-XR-HVAC-Cavan-Monaghan-ON/

Looking for a bullet proof ATV?

 I've owned a Susuki 450 ATV since 2008, I have almost 12000 kms on it, plough snow with it, ride the trails, haul firewood, hunt, fish and explore the trails throughout Ontario. Our family in total owns 5 Suzuki ATV's; they all have been very reliable machines. Now getting back to the one I own; lets talk about what I've had to do to it. I just replaced the belt, even though after everything I've put it through wasn't necessary.  Suzuki's do not eat belts like other machines, due to their unique clutch system and the way it works. I have had to replace the starter twice, which is an easy fix, one new battery and changed the oil, and front and rear diff oils. That's it.....which with the abuse this machine has taken is amazing. I will definitely be purchasing another Suzuki in the near future.

https://cameroncycle.ca/ATVs/adid/25587352/2023-Suzuki-KingQuad-500XPZ-Metallic-Matte-Rocky-Gray-Mag-Wheels-Cavan-Monaghan-ON/

An excellent propane heater.

I've owned this little heater for 2 years and have absolutely no complaints. It's 40-60000 Btu's and kicks out the heat. I use it to heat my garage in the winter which is uninsulated. You do need a source of electricity to run the fun and igniter, you could use a generator if it was to quickly get your cottage or remote cabin up to temperature before using a wood stove or other heat source. You do have to keep in mind to watch the carbon monoxide levels however my garage has so many holes in it it doesn't ever become an issue. I picked mine up at Canadian Tire on sale for $179.99 if you watch the sale flyers I've seen them on sale numerous times. This one is a Remington as can be seen in the photo.

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/remington-portable-heater-0762895p.0762895.html

Need A Good Generator?

The Champion Power Equipment Gasoline Powered 1850W/2500W Portable Recoil Inverter Generator is one of the best for the money. If you watch the sales at Canadian Tire you can pick this up on sale for $699.99 regular $899.99. Just read all of the positive comments on their site. Whether for the cottage, camping, the back of the UTV, or for your off grid cottage/bunkie; you can't beat the quality for the money.

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/champion-power-equipment-gasoline-powered-1850w-2500w-portable-recoil-inverter-generator-0550409p.0550409.html?loc=plp

A must have tool

 A handy take along tool whether you're camping, hiking, hunting or fishing. You never know what situation you may find yourself in; tree across a trail while quadding, branches sticking out on the path while hiking, or find yourself hurt or having to stay the night in the bush. These arborist saws are a handy tool. Store it in your pack on your side by side, one day it'll come in handy. You could quickly build a bush lean to, cut firewood, downed trees. You can pick them up at Canadian Tire , Sail Outdoors Stores or your nearest Arborist supply store.