As a result of the Provincial directive to close non-essential business operations and to support efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, Saugeen Conservation has made the difficult decision to close their trails, effective immediately, said a March 26 Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) media release.

“It was a difficult decision," said Dick Hibma, Interim General Manager / Secretary-Treasurer. "Unfortunately, we were finding that people were starting to gather at our various conservation areas, and this has posed a problem," he continued.

"While we wanted to encourage people to be outdoors and to enjoy nature, we were also worried about the risk of people not regarding the federal directive with respect to social distancing," Hibma said."And that indeed, has been the case.

Saugeen Conservation will be sure to notify the public as conditions arise or improve over the coming days and will continue to monitor developments on a regular basis with respect to both federal, provincial and regional public health recommendations.

"The health and safety of our staff, volunteers and the community continue to be our top priority," read the release.