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Read Before You Go

Remember when you visit any of our conservation areas, you are a guest of the forest, meadows or wetlands being protected. This is a collective legacy that we will share with future generations, an inheritance for them to use and enjoy.  If we don’t look after what we have, we all lose.  So your responsibility and ours can be realized, here is what we expect from you when visiting a conservation area.

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Trail Etiquette

 

Know which uses are permitted before participating by checking out our information kiosk located at the entrance to each of our conservation areas. There are many rare and sensitive plants and small animals that could easily be impacted if you leave the trails.  Always follow the trail etiquette rules below:

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  • Access is only permitted on marked trails and trail surface provided.  Staying on the trail will also reduce your exposure to poisonous plants and ticks and protect our native plants and animals.

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  • Respect the privacy of our Conservation Area neighbours along trails by staying on marked trails and avoiding excessive noise.  Off-trail use is not permitted.  Do not climb fences or take shortcuts.

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  • Obey all posted signage.

 

  • Give the right of way to smaller and slower users, and cyclists should follow dismounting signage.

 

  • Stay right when approaching oncoming users.

 

  • Pack out what you pack in. Garbage cans are not present in most locations in an effort to keep wildlife wild and our Operations Staff available for Conservation Area maintenance.

 

  • Keep pets on a maximum two-meter leash.  Stoop, scoop and take home all pet waste.

 

  • Wildlife can find their own food. To keep us and the wildlife safe and healthy, please feed songbirds only seeds.

 

  • No hunting.

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  • Fishing is permitted at Enniskillen, Heber Down and Lynde Shores* Conservation Areas, but anglers are asked to please stay on the designated trails, to take their garbage with them, and to fish only at approved locations. You may also find this Durham Region Fishing Map helpful. Anglers should be aware that while fishing is permitted, it is still regulated through the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, which includes the possession of a valid fishing license and respecting provincial catch limits. Anglers must follow provincial fishing practices for Zone 17.​  (*Fishing at Lynde Shores is limited to canoe fishing [canoe launch open July 15 - Sept. 15]. Streambank fishing is not allowed.) ​

 

  • ​Professional photographers require a photography permit and must stay on marked trails.

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  • Do not bait animals for photographic purposes. 

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  • Leave flowers and plants for others to enjoy. No foraging.

 

  • Please refrain from damaging and or moving property like picnic tables, signage or washrooms.

 

  • Possession and or consumption of alcohol is prohibited.

 

  • Our Conservation Areas are smoke free, which includes cigarettes, cannabis and vaping.  

 

  • Before you leave a Conservation Area, give invasive species the brushoff by cleaning your footwear, bikes, pets, canoes and kayaks.  

 

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person littering with a red slash over the image
Person on a snowmobile with a red slash over the image
Tent with a red slash over the image
Person riding a four wheeler with a red slash over the image
Person riding a horse with a red slash over the image
hand picking a plant with red slash over the image
Fire symbol with red slash over the image
Person with a bow and arrow with a red slash over the image
Person swimming with a red slash over the image
BBQ with a red slash over the image
Lit cigarette and vape with a red slash over the image
Person with a gun with a red slash over the image

Conservation Area Safety​

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  • Keep well back from edges of ridges and valleys, at least two meters. Adults should keep children and pets away from these areas.

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  • Creek crossings on trails are by a bridge. DO NOT swim or walk through the water or allow dogs in the water.

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  • Camping or campfires are not permitted in any of our Conservation Areas.

Invasive Species

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We are managing invasive species in our conservation areas. Some of these such as Giant Hogweed and Wild Parsnip can be harmful to your health. Learn to recognize invasive species and please report any you find. Staying on the trails, keeping your pets on a leash, and cleaning off your footwear and equipment will help stop their spread. 

 

Please use the boot brushes located at the conservation area kiosks to clean off any seeds on your footwear before entering and exiting each conservation area.

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Giant hogweed's white flower

Giant Hogweed

What Can You Expect From Us? 

 

Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) has staff who maintain and manage all our Conservation Areas to ensure you have a positive experience and our natural areas are clean. We cannot be there all the time, so please report excessive litter and impacts to the trails like fallen branches or trees. When in doubt concerning an activity, please ask our staff. We can be reached at 905-579-0411; after hours press 5 or email info@cloca.com.

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  • CLOCA makes every effort to keep its trails and conservation areas open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset.​ Trails may be closed at certain times of year depending on maintenance or weather conditions. Be sure to check the alerts on the website for possible closures or service disruptions.

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