Last week the Province announced the opening of provincial parks and conservation reserves; causing some confusion amongst the public between reserves and conservation areas.
Conservation reserves fall under provincialmandate, while conservation areas full under conservation authorities.
Prior to the announcement, the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) began working on a plan to ensure a safe opening of its properties, including all conservation areas and the Ganaraska Forest.
In an effort to keep our community healthy, GRCA’s Ganaraska Forest and conservation areas will open in phases.
As an update, staff are preparing to open all areas and the Ganaraska Forest to hiking on May 22, 2020.
Phase 2 will allow nonmotorized uses on May 29, followed by motorized and all uses by June 5.
It is to be noted that trails in the Millennium Conservation Area in Port Hope will become one way.
The GRCA asks visitors to note that all washroom facilities and buildings will remain closed, and while visiting, please remember to:
• Stay at least 2 meters (6 feet) apart on the trails and in parking lots
• Keep dogs on-leash
• Remove all of your litter and pet waste
• Stay on the trails
• Follow trail etiquette and respect other visitors
• Take only pictures and memories
• Leave only footprints
Currently, all GRCA properties remain closed.
The GRCA recognizes the important connection between health and nature, and is looking forward to welcoming residents back to these spaces.
In the meantime, please continue to respect the closures and keep an eye on grca.on.ca and ganaraskaforestcentre.ca for updates from your local conservation authority.
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
