Temporary Closure of Smith property Side Trail

The Grand River Conservation Authority is the landowner of this property on Watson Road, and is currently conducting some forest management work.  The work involves cutting down trees within the conifer plantations throughout the property, and using heavy machinery, so the trail has been closed to the public to ensure safety during this work.

Thinning plantations increases forest diversity, improves wildlife habitat, and increases resilience to insect pests, diseases, and climate change.

This logging work started on November 20, and is expected to last about 4 to 8 weeks.  Signs have been posted at the entrance to indicate the trails (and the entire property) are closed.

During this closure period, hikers are encouraged to use other GHTC trails nearby.

For further information about plantation thinning and this particular project at Arkell Springs Smith property, please access this GRCA webpage:

https://www.grandriver.ca/en/our-watershed/current-forest-projects.aspx#gsc.tab=0

The hiking trail will be repaired / cleared of woody debris before the site is re-opened to the public.