Ganaraska Forest and Local Conservation Areas Closed to the Public
The public is reminded that the Ganaraska Forest and all conservation areas in the Ganaraska watershed are closed to visitors until further notice. The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) are being optimistic that the current situation will be resolved if everyone starts following the advice of the Ministry of Health by staying home; however, for the unforeseeable future, the GRCA are taking precautions to keep everyone safe.
Conservation Areas closed to the public include: Ball’s Mills; Ganaraska Millennium; Rice Lake; Cobourg; Garden Hill; Richardson’s Lookout; Thurne Parks; Port Hope; and Sylvan Glen.
Also, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, in cooperation with the Municipality of Port Hope and the GRCA, has closed the viewing area at the Ganaraska Fishway (fish ladder).
Closing GRCA properties and trails is not an easy decision for the GRCA to make. The mandate & mission of conservation authorities is the protection of people & property within their watershed.
Closing conservation areas and the Ganaraska Forest amid COVID-19 is consistent with that mandate.
People who choose to ignore these closures need to be aware that they are trespassing. By entering the Ganaraska Forest or a conservation area, they are subject to fines. Not only are they breaking the law, they are potentially putting themselves and others at risk.
All GRCA buildings remain closed to the public, including the Ganaraska Forest Centre and all public washrooms. While the Administration Office is closed to the public, staff continue to operate through phone and email communications.
Keeping employees and residents safe is paramount to the GRCA. Your local Conservation Authority is committed to keeping communications open to watershed residents. Please do not hesitate to contact the GRCA if you have any questions. 905.885.8173 / info@grca.on.ca.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love