MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
May 7, 2021

NBMCA Opens Conservation Areas, New Bridge at Eau Claire Gorge

(North Bay, Ontario, May 7, 2021) The majority of North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority’s (NBMCA) 15 conservation areas and trails have officially opened for passive use while a few amenities, such as washrooms, remain closed due to COVID-19.

One of NBMCA’s most popular trails, Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area, is now open with a new 10 metre pedestrian bridge installed leading to the Gorge lookout. That section of the trail closed last fall to allow for the removal of the old bridge and construction of the bridge this spring.

“With the bridge complete, the gates are open and Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area is ready to welcome the public to the trails,” said Troy Storms, Manager of Lands and Stewardship.

A video featuring the new bridge at Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area is available on NBMCA’s You Tube Channel. https://youtu.be/02R3wGHuJh8.

“All of our conservation areas with the exception of Papineau Lake, are now open. The Papineau Lake dock will be installed in the near future while washrooms and beaches will remain closed for now,” added Storms.

The public is reminded to practice physical distancing or wear a mask while visiting the Conservation Areas.

“NBMCA has been following the recommendations of our local public health experts, keeping our trails open to promote mental and physical health and wellness, while encouraging the public to respect physical distancing for our community’s safety. Opening up the conservation areas which were closed for the winter gives people more opportunity to get out in nature,” said NBMCA Chair Dave Mendicino.

While most conservation areas remain accessible year-round, a few are gated and were closed for the winter season for safety. NBMCA typically opens those prior to the Victoria Day long weekend.

NBMCA has seen continued use of its trails over the last few months. The use has been increasing with the warmer weather, including at Laurier Woods Conservation Area in North Bay.

“The trails at Laurier Woods are being well used,” said Fred Pinto, Chair of Friends of Laurier Woods which co-owns Laurier Woods with NBMCA.

“While people are enjoying the trails, we would like to remind them to maintain physical distancing, keep their dogs on leash, stay on the trails, and leave nature in its place by not picking and removing natural items such as tree bark and wild flowers,” said Pinto.

Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area is located in Calvin Township, off Hwy 630, south of Hwy 17. From Highway 17, travel east towards Mattawa. Turn on Highway 630 and follow the signs. Entrance to Eau Claire Gorge is on the right (Graham Rd).

The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) was founded in 1972 by the Province of Ontario and the NBMCA’s 10 member municipalities. A non-profit organization, the NBMCA works closely with the public to balance human needs with the environmental needs of the region’s watershed. The NBMCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities who are members of Conservation Ontario.

For information contact:
Troy Storms, Manager, Lands and Stewardship (705) 474-5420
Sue Buckle, Manager, Communications & Outreach Cell: 705-497-4999

15 Janey Avenue North Bay, Ontario P1C 1N1 P: (705) 474-5420 F: (705) 474-9793 www.nbmca. ca