Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 15, 2007

Vandalism at Ken Reid Conservation Area

Kawartha Lakes – It is the second time this year that vandalism has occurred in the Ken Reid Conservation Area, located just north of Lindsay.

Earlier this summer an uncommon orchid was stolen from the park, and over the long weekend, a twenty-four foot section of the boardwalk railing was ripped off and tossed into the marsh.

Kawartha Conservation was forced to close the boardwalk for several days until the railing could be replaced, at a cost of about a thousand dollars.

The boardwalk was completely rebuilt less than five years ago by the Friends of Kawartha Conservation, a charitable organization that exists to support conservation efforts within the Kawartha watershed. They raised $60,000 and contributed hundreds of volunteer hours to the project.

“Vandalism impacts everyone,” says Kristie Virgoe, manager environmental protection & restoration. “The damage created a public safety hazard that caused the boardwalk to be closed, and stole time and money away from other worthy projects,” says Ms. Virgoe.

Anyone with knowledge of the boardwalk vandalism, or who sees suspicious activity in the conservation area, is encouraged to contact Jessie James, Kawartha Conservation's conservation areas coordinator at 705.328.2271 ext 212 or email Jessie at jjames@kawarthaconservation.com .

Kawartha Conservation is a watershed-based environmental organization focused on providing abundant clean water within a healthy landscape. It is one of 36 conservation authorities in Ontario providing natural resources management. The Kawartha watershed intersects portions of the City of Kawartha Lakes; Township of Scugog; Township of Brock; Municipality of Clarington; Township of Galway-Cavendish & Harvey; and Township of Cavan-Monaghan.

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For more information please contact:

Lezlie Goodwin at 705.328.2271 ext 233 or lgoodwin@kawarthaconservation.com