Access is available for hiking, walking, birdwatching, and biking during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Peterborough, Ontario (May 13, 2020) As the May long weekend approaches, many residents will be looking for places to get outside and find access to nature, nearby. The physical and mental health benefits of accessing nature are widely known.
During the pandemic, Otonabee Conservation is continuing to provide access to trails and Conservation Areas (CA), which are currently available to the public for hiking, walking, birdwatching, and biking. With the public’s help following physical distancing guidelines, these areas will continue to be accessible for residents.
“It is important for visitors to follow physical distancing guidelines while accessing our Conservation Areas,” explains Otonabee Conservation’s Manager of Conservation Lands, Jessie James, “If the parking lot is full when you arrive, please move on; for the public’s safety, we ask that you do not park on roadways.”
Trail users should also know that trail maintenance is limited and that all of our buildings and facilities, washrooms, picnic shelters, observation towers, boat launches, and beaches remain closed. Some trails are closed, such as the Caves Trail at Warsaw Caves CA, and several trails at Harold Town CA that are closed seasonally due to wet conditions. Please obey all signs and stay off all closed trails.
All visitors should be extra cautious when engaging in recreational activities to avoid injury in order to help minimize the demands placed on our emergency services and health care system. Visitors must also stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost, coming into contact with poison ivy, or disturbing sensitive vegetation or wildlife. Visitors should not travel with or meet-up with people from outside of their main residence.
Otonabee Conservation appreciates the continued support and understanding as we continue to navigate through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
For updates to the modifications of our services during the changing times of the pandemic, visit otonabeeconservation.com/covid-19-response.
For a full list of guidelines for physical distancing when accessing our Conservation Areas and trails, visit otonabeeconservation.com/physical-distancing.
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For more information contact:
Dan Marinigh | CAO | Otonabee Conservation
dmarinigh@otonabeeconservation.com | 705-745-5791 ext. 222