The South Nation Conservation Authority (SNC) reopened several of its public conservation areas and boat launches over the May 22 weekend, along with some of the boat launches and recreation sites it maintains with municipal partners.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to open the remainder of our parks, boat launches, and docks for public use,” stated John Mesman, SNC spokesman. “People are excited to get out on the water, and as long as our visitors continue to use our public spaces safely, we’re happy to provide access to the local environment.”

SNC has not opened all of its conservation areas to the public, but those that are now open are available so long as users continue to follow the social distancing and other pandemic protection guidelines set by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit and the provincial government. All dogs or other pets must be kept on a leash while at a park or conservation site.

Open for shoreline fishing, access to the boat launch, and for picnicking are the High Falls and Doran Park Conservation Area in Casselman, the St-Albert Conservation Area in St-Albert, the Crysler Park Boat Launch, the Embrun Boat Launch, the Cass Bridge Conservation Area in Winchester, the Jessup’s Falls Conservation Area in Plantagenet, the McIntosh Park Conservation Area in Berwick, the Findlay Creek Conservation Area in Ottawa, the Alfred Bog Walk in Alfred, and the Chesterville Waterfront Docks and Boat Launch in Chesterville.

Also open to the public are the Two Creek Forest Conservation Area in Morrisburg, the Oschmann Forest Conservation Area in Ormond, the Robert Graham Conservation Area in Glen Stewart, the Warwick Forest Conservation Area in Berwick, the J. Henry Tweed Conservation Area in Russell, the W.E. Burton Conservation Area in Russell, the Reveler Conservation Area in Cryslter, and Nokomis Park in Limoges.

The Camp Sheldrick Conservation in Winchester and the Oak Valley Pioneer Park Conservation Area in Winchester Springs will remain closed for the duration. Play structures and washrooms at all sites will remain closed for now. Picnic tables will be set in place during the final week of May.