November 10, 2023

The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) is continuing forest management operations at Gray’s Creek Conservation Area to improve forest health and public safety. Specifically, the RRCA is continuing to selectively remove hazardous and dead or dying trees along the trails.

“This tree removal is especially due to damage from recent storms as well as the emerald ash borer beetle, an invasive species,” says RRCA Communications Specialist, Vincent Pilon. “The beetle's larvae burrow into the tree and feed on its inner bark. This cuts off access to valuable nutrients, leading to the death of the tree.”

The RRCA will be replacing the trees with a variety of native species. Tree removal is complete along the trails west of the roadway through Gray’s Creek (i.e., Conservation Road). These trails have been reopened and are clearly marked as open to the public.

“Tree removal is now taking place along trails east of the roadway,” says Pilon. “For safety, visitors at Gray’s Creek must respect all signage and barricades prohibiting access to closed trails.”  Select closed trails are set to reopen early next year, once the tree removal is complete. 

Located in South Glengarry, immediately east of Cornwall, Gray’s Creek offers nature trails, a park and picnic area, a marina, geocaches, and a self-guided arboretum tour. The Conservation Area welcomed 106,000 visitors in 2022.

The RRCA currently conserves and maintains 1,853 acres of environmentally significant land – including its three publicly accessible Conservation Areas – to preserve ecologically sensitive habitat, increase tree cover, maintain green infrastructure for flooding resilience, and to provide recreation and eco-tourism opportunities.

RRCA’s Cooper Marsh Conservation Area is set to close for several weeks for maintenance. Visitors are encouraged to explore the nature trails at the conservation authority’s Charlottenburgh Park, which are open year-round at no cost. For more information about RRCA’s Conservation Areas, visit rrca.on.ca or contact (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.