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For Immediate Release:
June 30, 2021

USER FEES SUPPORT UPCOMING IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AT VANDERWATER AND SHEFFIELD CONSERVATION AREAS

Quinte Conservation’s Vanderwater and Sheffield Conservation Areas will be undergoing maintenance and improvement projects over the next few months. Most notable to visitors and lovers of Vanderwater will be the improvements to the internal road, which will re-open to the halfway mark and the addition of an accessible screening topped trail leading to the scout’s camp.

These improvements are made possible thanks to the parking fee revenue and donations made to Quinte Conservation over the last few years, as well as additional support from our watershed municipalities.

Land Operations Coordinator, Tim Trustham, says, “The fees collected from paid parking, donations, and the special levy from our municipalities will support the ongoing maintenance to create a better experience for guests in our areas."

Those who count Vanderwater among their favourite green spaces will be pleased to see these improvements.
“Visitors will be happy to hear that they will be able to park closer to Vanderwater’s rapids, cutting that walk in half. Included in the improvements, the new screening topped trail will create a safer and more accessible experience for those that wish to take the longer route in from the main lot.” Trustham adds.

Healthy Forest interpretive signage will also be installed this summer at Vanderwater to educate visitors on Quinte Conservation’s sustainable forest management practices.

Guests at Sheffield Conservation Area will notice improved access through the gravel path leading to Little Melon Lake, as well as updates to the parking area.

Quinte Conservation field staff installed trail marker posts on the looped 4.5 km trail at this area, which will make it easier for visitors to navigate along the official trail and will reduce the need for trail marking paint applied to rocks and trees.

Quinte Conservation is a community-based environmental protection agency. It serves 18 municipalities in the watersheds of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers and Prince Edward County. It provides cost-effective environmental expertise and leadership. Quinte Conservation’s main goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem where people and nature live in harmony. More information about Quinte Conservation is available at www.quinteconservation.ca.

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For more information contact:
Kirsten Geisler, Communications Specialist
(613) 968-3434 ext. 123