The Strathroy-Caradoc Police Service has recently received concerns from residents and the Manager of the Conservation areas of St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) regarding the Strathroy Conservation area located at 245 Head Street North.
Information has been received that people have been attending the area and observed removing plants e.g. ferns from the Conservation area. There was also a complainant of many visitors leaving dog feces and garbage throughout the trails.
With the nice weather approaching we are so lucky to have these amazing conservation areas in our community to go for a walk, bike ride or spend time with our families. We need to remember to all work together to respect these areas and keep them clean and safe to use.
Bylaw Officers and Police Officers can enforce either the Conservation Authorities Act or the Trespass to Property Act if any individual is found to be in contravention of these acts. However, we are hoping by sharing this information and educating the community there will be no need for any further action.
Just some key points to share are as follows…..
Under the Conservation Authorities Act;
• Foraging or collecting plants is not permitted on SCRCA Lands, Regulation 131.
No person shall, in the conservation area,
– deface, remove or damage any property.
– cut, remove, injure or destroy a plant, tree, shrub, flower or other
growing thing.
– remove or destroy any soil or rock.
No person shall, in the conservation area, except under a permit issued by the Authority;
– Kill, trap, pursue or disturb a wild bird, reptile or animal.
Some reminders from SCRCA:
• Harvesting native plants can be very detrimental to their
populations
• Non-target plants are often trampled in the process
• Removal of native species promotes further encroachment by
invasive species
• Conservation Authority lands are meant to protect native
species
• Please stay on marked trails and support local nurseries by
purchasing plants, do not remove plants from Conservation
Areas.
SEE LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION:
We thank everyone for their continued commitment in keeping our Conservation Areas beautiful for everyone to enjoy.