With summer fast approaching, South Nation Conservation (SNC) is reopening its seasonal Conservation Areas, marking the changing season and welcoming the return of lush, green landscapes.
All parks and boat ramps are now accessible to the public!
In preparation for the reopening of seasonal Conservation Areas ahead of the May Long Weekend, docks are being installed and gates will be unlocked at the following boat launches:
- High Falls and Doran Park Conservation Areas (Casselman)
- St. Albert Conservation Area (St. Albert)
- Crysler Park Boat Launch (Crysler)
- Embrun Boat Launch (Embrun)
- Cass Bridge Conservation Area (Winchester)
- Jessup’s Falls Conservation Area (Plantagenet)
- Chesterville Waterfront Docks and Boat Launch (Chesterville)
- Spencerville Mill Riverside Park and Boat Launch (Spencerville)
Additionally, the following seasonal sites without docks will reopen:
- Oak Valley Pioneer Park Conservation Area (Winchester Springs)
- McIntosh Memorial Park Conservation Area (Berwick)
- Findlay Creek Boardwalk Conservation Area (Ottawa)
- Mill Run Conservation Area (Augusta)
Portable washrooms have been installed in all of SNC’s Conservation Areas, including those that are maintained year-round, like the Warwick Forest (Berwick), Robert Graham Forest (Brinston), Oschmann Forest (Ormond), Two Creeks Forest (Morrisburg), Reveler (Berwick), W.E. Burton and J. Henry Tweed (Russell) and Nokomis Park (Limoges).
SNC reminds anglers that it is unsafe and illegal to fish within 23 metres of a dam. Fish congregate in these areas and fishing prevents many fish species from spawning, which pose significant risks to fish populations. Please use safe and appropriate locations away from water control structures.
“We are very happy to welcome visitors back every spring to our Conservation Areas so that more people can step outdoors and out into nature” said John Mesman, SNC’s Managing Director, Property, Conservation Lands and Community Outreach. “Our team works hard this time of year to ensure the parks are ready to open for the May Long weekend” adds Mesman.
SNC kindly reminds trail visitors to please keep their pets on leash, not to litter or remove plants from Conservation Areas, and be respectful and courteous to other visitors.
SNC manages 20,000 acres of Community Forest in Eastern Ontario. Many of the day-use Conservation Areas under its management have been generously donated through SNC’s Land Securement Program. This initiative aims to preserve natural legacies for donors and offer the community spaces to connect with nature.
SNC is a not-for-profit, community-based environmental agency that relies on donations and self-generated revenue to protect and enhance the local environment across its 4,480 square-kilometer jurisdiction, on behalf of its 16 partner municipalities.
For a complete list of Conservation Areas managed by SNC, please visit: www.nation.on.ca/recreation/about-recreation
