Visitors to the Coldstream Conservation Area will notice improvements to local trail conditions in the coming weeks. The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority has received funding from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Nature London for improvements to the northern portion of the property. The property is home to rare cedar swamp habitat in the south end and an abundance of spring wildflowers in the north. The funding will allow the SCRCA to re-grade damaged trails, improve signage, and upgrade the parking lot. ATV’s and such are prohibited on all properties, however, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased amount. It is hoped the improvements to the northern portion of the property will enhance the visitor experience while hiking at the property. Trail restoration work is expected to be completed in May, with parking lot upgrades occurring in the summer of 2022.
“The use of motorized vehicles is prohibited on all of our properties,” said Greg Wilcox, Manager of Conservation Areas at the Authority, “Coldstream Conservation Area, north of Coldstream Road, has seen considerable damage over the years due to motorized vehicle use. During COVID-19, we have seen an increase in ATV traffic at many properties, along with other motorized and unauthorized vehicles, which has not only damaged the trails, but also the sensitive habitat found in the area.”
For more information on Coldstream Conservation Area and other properties owned by the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority, visit www.scrca.on.ca.
Written by: C. Soares