Visitors to the Coldstream Conservation Area will notice improvements to local trail conditions in the coming weeks. The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) has received funding from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Canada Nature Fund) and Nature London for improvements to the northern portion of the property, north of Coldstream Road.
“The use of motorized vehicles is prohibited on all of our properties,” said Greg Wilcox, Manager of Conservation Areas at the Authority, “Coldstream Conservation Area, north of Coldstream Road, has seen considerable damage over the years due to motorized vehicle use. During COVID-19, we have seen an increase in ATV traffic at many properties, along with other motorized and unauthorized vehicles, which has not only damaged the trails, but also the sensitive habitat found in the area.”
Coldstream Conservation Area is located approximately 30 minutes outside of the City of London. A popular hiking spot – the property is home to rare cedar swamp habitat in the south and an abundance of spring wildflowers in the north.
The funding will allow the SCRCA to re-grade damaged trails, improve signage, and upgrade the parking lot. It is hoped the improvements to the northern portion of the property will enhance the visitor experience while hiking at the property. Trail restoration work is expected to be completed in May, with parking lot upgrades occurring in the summer of 2022.
For more information on Coldstream Conservation Area and other properties owned by the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority, please click HERE.
![Damage and ruts along a trail at Coldstream Conservation Area](https://www.scrca.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Coldstream-CA-Trail-damage-web-225x300.jpg)
Photo of trail damage caused by unauthorized motor vehicles in the northern portion of the Coldstream Conservation Area in 2021.