Central Lake Ontario Conservation

Lynde Shores Conservation Area is expanding!

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A construction project is underway at Lynde Shores Conservation Area to provide:

• A large constructed wetland to create additional habitat for wetland plants and wildlife

• A new trail loop to provide a new visitor experience

• A new Conservation Area entrance, parking lot and comfort station

​The work is a project of the Region of Durham and Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA). Grading work will be completed during the fall and winter, with completion of the project scheduled for late summer 2021. No trail closures are anticipated, but please be aware of construction in the Area, and stay out of the fenced construction zone. ​ For more information, please contact CLOCA: Perry Sisson, Director of Engineering and Field Operations psisson@cloca.com; 905-579-0411, ext. 118

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SMART Watersheds' Project to Create Technology Ecosystem

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Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) is excited to announce their SMART Watersheds Project, funded with the generous support of the RBC Tech for Nature program. This investment provides CLOCA with state-of-the-art technological tools to ensure a more comprehensive understanding of the watersheds within CLOCA's jurisdiction. Read more...

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Conservation Areas are open and parking fees are in effect

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Due to COVID-19 mitigation measures our Pay-and-Display parking metres no longer accept cash (coins). The flat rate fee of $6/vehicle/day can be paid by Visa and MasterCard only. Frequent users of our Conservation Areas, you may want to consider purchasing an annual Parking Pass. This pass grants you access and parking to any of our eight Conservation Areas for one year from the date of purchase. See you on the trails!

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What to expect when you visit our Conservation Areas during the winter months

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We would like to remind visitors to our Conservation Areas of the following changes during the winter months:

Winter Trail Maintenance

Due to the sensitivity and nature of many of our low-impact trails, we do not maintain our trail surfaces in winter. The equipment and application of salt and sand would impact negatively on the very natural features you come to see. We do remove hazards like trees if they block our trails, so please contact us at 905-579-0411 if you notice a trail blockage.

Parking

Parking fees are in effect and annual passes available for purchase. Each Conservation Area has a pay-and-display system for parking, and we have moved away from cash due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and offer credit card options. Participating local libraries offer free parking passes for borrowing on a weekly basis. The annual parking pass costs $75 and can be used at any of our eight Conservation Areas.

Dogs on Leash

Please make sure your dog is a 'B.A.R.K. Ranger' at our Conservation Areas when you visit:

B – Bag your poop (and take it with you for proper disposal)

A – Always on a leash (six feet [two metres] maximum)

R – Respect wildlife (give them there space; you are the visitor)

K - Know where you can go (which trails/areas are pet friendly)

There are dog off-leash areas managed by the local municipality located next to Heber Down Conservation Area and Bowmanville Westside Marsh Conservation Area.

Road and Entrance Closures

If you are visiting Heber Down Conservation Area, please note that the entrance located at 500 Lyndebrook Road has been closed and will reopen in May when weather and road maintenance activities allow. Please note you can still access the Conservation Area at the north entrance, located at 5000 Cochrane Street.

Check out our Read Before You Go section on our website for more information on what our Conservation Areas have to offer you this winter.

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CLOCA issues Winter Safety message

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Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority reminds residents of dangers that can exist near streams, rivers, ponds and lakes around this time of year and urges people to keep family and pets away from the edges of all waterways.
Those of us in the environmental field know the call of the great outdoors only too well, this year more than ever, we want to remind all nature seekers to be extremely cautious when outside this winter. We ask that you “Target Trails and Steer clear of Streams”. Read full message here.

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Regional Councillor Bob Chapman Re-elected Chair of Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority

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At Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority’s (CLOCA) annual Board of Directors meeting on January 19, 2021, Regional Councillor Bob Chapman of the City of Oshawa was re-elected to the position of Chair of the Conservation Authority and Councillor Elizabeth Roy from the Town of Whitby was elected as Vice-Chair. Read more...

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