Kawartha Conservation urges public to report illegal activities at Ken Reid Conservation Area near Lindsay

Recent violations of conservation area rules include dirt bikes using the trails and the starting of campfires

Kristie Virgoe, Kawartha Conservation's director of stewardship and conservation lands, at Ken Reid Conservation Area. A certified forest therapy guide, Virgoe regularly leads forest therapy sessions at the 110-acre nature reserve north of Lindsay. (Photo via Conservation Ontario)
Kristie Virgoe, Kawartha Conservation's director of stewardship and conservation lands, at Ken Reid Conservation Area. A certified forest therapy guide, Virgoe regularly leads forest therapy sessions at the 110-acre nature reserve north of Lindsay. (Photo via Conservation Ontario)

Kawartha Conservation is urging the public to report any illegal activities at Ken Reid Conservation Area near Lindsay, including the use of dirt bikes and ATVs on trails.

“Ken Reid Conservation Area is a cherished natural reserve that prohibits the use of motorized vehicles on its trails to preserve the area’s tranquility and environmental integrity,” reads a media release.

“Despite clear guidelines and signage throughout the conservation area, there have been multiple instances of dirt bikes and other motorized vehicles damaging the landscape and disturbing the peace of this natural habitat.”

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Kawartha Conservation says it is also aware of other violations at the 110-acre property — specifically, the starting of campfires. Along with being against conservation area rules, campfires will be illegal when Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service imposes its annual municipal-wide burn ban, effective April 1, in response to the elevated fire risk associated with dry grass and debris during April.

“It is important to note that the prohibition of fires and use of motorized vehicles extends to all conservation areas managed by Kawartha Conservation, including Windy Ridge, Pigeon River, Fleetwood Creek, and Durham East Cross Forest Conservation Areas,” the media release adds. “These measures are in place to protect our natural environments and ensure they can be enjoyed by all visitors in a safe and sustainable manner.”

Kawartha Conservation is asking community members to report any sightings of suspicious or illegal activity, including the use of dirt bikes, ATVs, or any instances of fire within the conservation area, by using the online reporting tool at www.kawarthaconservation.com/report.