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Watershed Conditions Statement: Flood Outlook
The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority advises a low-pressure system is set to bring rain and mild temperatures to the region Friday night (March 6), through Saturday (March 7, 2026). Temperatures may reach above 10°C during the day and will remain above zero overnight, leading to continuous melting of the snowpack for several days. A second low-pressure system is set to arrive on Tuesday (March 10) and Wednesday (March 11) of next week before temperatures drop below freezing again. All ice cover on streams, lakes and ponds should be considered weak and extremely hazardous. Please exercise caution around all water bodies and alert any children in your care of these hazards. This Watershed Conditions Statement will be in effect until Thursday, March 12th, 2026 at 12 p.m. Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions and provide updates as necessary.
Spring Safety Statement: Stay Clear of Creeks, Ponds & Lakes
With the arrival of spring weather, unsafe ice conditions and slippery stream banks already exist. Mild air temperatures and high flows from spring rains will continue to weaken any remaining ice cover. These hazardous conditions can cause life-threatening injury if a person falls into the extremely cold water.
Upcoming Four Directions Speaker Series
Mino Bimaadiziwin: Join Us for a FREE, Five-Part Series Exploring Anishinaabe Worldview, Teachings & Storytelling Based on the Four Directions. The Sophia Hilton Foundation of Canada and Ganaraska Conservation are pleased to present this five-part speakers series, featuring: Dr. Jennifer Meness, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation & Professor of Indigenous Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University. This series will take place in the Ganaraska Millennium Building (south-eastern building) at 2216 County Road 28, Port Hope. For tickets and additional information, please visit: https://grca.on.ca/speaker-series/
Winter Rec. Opportunities Still Available Until Forest Reopens to All Activities On May 1st!
This Saturday, Feb. 28th, marks the last day of the season for cycling and horseback riding in the Ganaraska Forest. But, on May 1st, the GRCA looks forward to welcoming back all recreational user types, including motorized, horseback and cycling! For the remainder of the season, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities continue to be available with a Day Pass or Forest Membership. Reminder, cross-country ski trails are one-way and exclusive to skiers during the winter season. Please do not purchase cycling or horseback day passes from the online store beyond the Feb. 28th date.
Winter Safety Reminders For Outdoor Enthusiasts
Plan, Prepare & Play Safe in the Winter: Whether you are planning to cross-country ski, snowshoe or hike, being prepared for changing weather can keep you safe throughout the winter season. To help you get outside the winter, Ganaraska Conservation staff have put together a list of suggestions to keep you safe and comfortable. By planning ahead, you can still enjoy all that nature has to offer.
Low Water Advisory Ended: Watershed Conditions Return to Normal
With several precipitation events so far this winter, the watersheds in the Ganaraska Region have recovered to normal conditions. In December 2025, the region received 75mm or 106% of normal rainfall. This has brought stream flows up and is likely resulting in some groundwater recharge where there is little ground frost. The 3-month and 18-month total rainfall indicators are currently at 88% and 82% of normal respectively. When all three rainfall indicators are above 80%, watersheds are considered to be in the normal range. In addition, stream flow indicators are well above normal for this time of year as a result of the winter rain and snowmelt runoff.
Ganaraska Conservation Submits Comments Opposing Proposed Consolidation of Conservation Authorities
This proposal represents the most significant change to Ontario’s environmental management system in 80 years. The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) has reviewed the Province of Ontario’s proposal to amend the Conservation Authorities Act and consolidate Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities into seven regional bodies overseen by a new provincial agency. The GRCA does not support…
Winter Recreation Holiday Update
In order for GRCA staff to enjoy well-deserved time with their families, ski trails will not be groomed during the Christmas holidays, from Dec. 22nd until Jan. 5th. Staff welcomed this year’s increased snowfall by opening and maintaining ski trails a month earlier than usual. Trail grooming will resume once staff have returned from holidays and conditions permit. Updated trail conditions will be posted as they become available. For available trails and current conditions, please visit: https://grca.on.ca/trail-conditions
Ganaraska Conservation Board Opposes Proposed Conservation Authority Consolidation
Ganaraska Conservation Board Votes Against Proposed Conservation Authority Consolidation: The Province is proposing consolidating Ontario’s 36 local Conservation Authorities into seven Regional Authorities. During their November 27, 2025, meeting, the GRCA Board received a staff report and presentation entitled, Bill 68, Schedule 3, Proposed Changes to the Conservation Authorities Act and proposed Boundaries for Regional Consolidation of Ontario Conservation Authorities, available here. As a result, the GRCA Board of Directors voted unanimously to oppose the consolidated Eastern Lake Ontario Region Conservation Authority (ELORCA) proposed by the Government of Ontario.
Last Full Weekend of Motorized-Use For the 2025 Season
On Sunday, November 30th, 2025, motorized-use ends in the Ganaraska Forest for the season, returning May 1st, 2026. With winter on the way, the GRCA is looking forward to welcoming winter recreation back to the trails of the Forest. For available recreational opportunities and trails, please visit https://grca.on.ca/Forest-Recreation. Please do not purchase motorized-use day passes for dates beyond the seasonal closure on Nov. 30th.
Ganaraska Conservation Fall Newsletter 2025
Read about exciting news and upcoming events, as well as other important information from Ganaraska Conservation. Consider signing-up to receive our email newsletter when it releases.
2025 Timber Harvest Underway in the Ganaraska Forest
With the start of timber harvest season in the Ganaraska Forest, the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) would like to remind Forest users to exercise caution and yield the right-of-way to logging equipment during timber harvest operations. Exercise Caution When Encountering Logging Equipment in the Ganaraska Forest: Some forest roads may remain open to facilitate the movement of logging equipment through the Forest.