Ken Reid Conservation Area, all CAs remain closed to the public

 

April 3, 2020 – The public is reminded that Ken Reid Conservation Area, the off-leash dog park and all of the conservation areas within the Kawartha Conservation watershed are closed to the public until further notice.

 

During the closure there is no maintenance of trails of green spaces within any of the conservation areas. 

“We have heard our Prime Minister and our Premier tell people repeatedly to go home and stay home. That is the only way we are going to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and flatten the curve,” said Kristie Virgoe, Director of Stewardship and Conservation Lands. “Unfortunately, we continue to see people ignoring signs, driving to our conservation areas and walking around the gates to access the trails.” 

Ms. Virgoe noted that with the nicer weather it is understandable the public want to get outside and enjoy nature. However, during this unprecedented time the most important thing people can do is listen to the advice and urging of the medical community.

“I can appreciate people want to get outside and enjoy the weather and the trails and nature. I want to get outside and enjoy those same trails,” said Ms. Virgoe. “But that is neither responsible nor respectful to everyone else who is staying at home, who is doing the right things, who are taking the necessary precautions.

“People who choose to ignore the signs and continue to enter our conservations areas need to understand that during this time we are closed, they are in fact trespassing; they are breaking the law and they are potentially putting themselves and others at risk,” Ms. Virgoe continued. “We will continue to monitor people illegally accessing our conservation areas and we will ticket individuals who continue to put themselves above the collective needs of our communities.”

Conservation areas closed across the watershed include:

• Ken Reid Conservation Area
• Windy Ridge Conservation Area
• Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area
• Fleetwood Creek Natural Area
• Durham East Cross Forest Conservation Area