South Nation Conservation (SNC) announced the reopening of its seasonal Conservation Areas and boat launches across Eastern Ontario. With the return of sunny days and lush greenery, the community is invited to enjoy nature once again at their favourite local parks.
Docks are now installed, and access gates are open at the following popular boat launch in High Falls and Doran Park Conservation Areas in Casselman, St. Albert Conservation Area in St. Albert, Crysler Park Boat Launch in Crysler, Embrun Boat Launch in Embrun, Cass Bridge Conservation Area in Winchester, Jessup’s Falls Conservation Area in Plantagenet, Chesterville Waterfront Docks and Boat Launch in Chesterville, and Spencerville Mill Riverside Park and Boat Launch in Spencerville.
Additionally, seasonal day-use parks without docks are also open at the Oak Valley Pioneer Park in Winchester Springs, McIntosh Memorial Park in Berwick, Findlay Creek Boardwalk in Ottawa, and Mill Run Conservation Area in Augusta.
Portable washrooms have been installed at most SNC sites, including year-round destinations such as Warwick Forest, Robert Graham Forest, Oschmann Forest, Two Creeks Forest, Reveler, W.E. Burton, J. Henry Tweed, and Nokomis Park.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the community back to our Conservation Areas,” stated John Mesman, SNC’s Managing Director. “Our team works hard to prepare the parks each spring, and it’s always rewarding to see people enjoying nature again!”
SNC reminds visitors to follow safety and environmental guidelines. Visitors must stay away from dams and water control structures; fishing is prohibited within 75 feet of dams, practice boating safety such as wear personal flotation devices and reduce speeds near shorelines and in narrow channels, keep pets leashed and clean up after them, use designated waste and recycling bins, and to remain on marked trails to protect wildlife and fragile habitats.
SNC manages over 20,000 acres of Community Forest and numerous Conservation Areas, many of which were donated through the Land Securement Program, an initiative aimed at conserving green spaces for public use and ecological preservation.
As a not-for-profit, SNC relies on donations and self-generated revenue to fulfill its environmental mandate across 4,480 square kilometers, serving 16 partner municipalities.
Residents can see a full list of Conservation Areas and rules on the SNC’s website.
