REMINDER TO STAY OFF THE TRAILS:

April 1, 2017,

We have been reminded by the TRCA to stay off the trails until they are reopened hopefully in a couple of weeks.  They are a bad mix of mud and ice right now.  Some dry, warmer weather will help defrost and dry them out.   We have been specifically asked  to stay out of  North Walker, Wilder, Walker Woods & Glenmajor Forest.  Most trails will have `Closed`signs posted by this weekend.  Keep in mind that ALL TRAILS in the Uxbridge area will be in similar condition right now and we ask that you refrain from riding on ALL TRAILS until they stabilize.  We thank you for your compliance and helping to keep equestrians welcome in our forests.

Sections of Durham Regional Forest Trails to be Closed

Selective Tree Thinning from January 30 to March 31, 2017

NEWMARKET – January 24, 2017 – As part of ongoing forest management activities at Durham Regional Forest, sections of the Main Tract will be closed from January 30 to March 31, 2017 for selective thinning. The Main Tract of the Durham Regional Forest is located between Concession 7 and Lakeridge Road, south of Goodwood Road, in the Township of Uxbridge.

Forest management activities, including tree assessments, monitoring and reforestation efforts, ensure forests remain healthy and productive with diverse wildlife. At Durham Regional Forest, selective thinning is part of a restoration plan that aims to bring the forest back to its original, pre-settlement condition. Thinning creates small, scattered openings in the forest canopy to allow natural light to reach the ground, supporting growth of hardwood species such as maple, oak and beech.

The affected trails will include closure of the Pines and Maple Gravy trails, as well as sections of the Maze and trails intersecting with the Red Oak trail. In addition to the closures, certain sections of the Red Oak and White Pine trails will be used as an active forestry haul route. Recreational users should expect to encounter machinery and industrial traffic at all times of the day. The haul route remains open to the public, but extra caution is advised if using these trails.

Details of the affected areas will be posted on signs at the Main Tract and on LSRCA’s website. Trail users are asked to follow the instructions on warning signs in the posted areas.

The mission of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority is to work with our community to protect and restore the Lake Simcoe watershed by leading research, policy and action. - 30 -

Media Contact: Susan Jagminas, Corporate Communications  E-Mail: s.jagminas@LSRCA.on.ca