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Level 1 Low Water Advisory: Mild Drought
Due to a significant lack of rainfall, the watersheds of the Ganaraska Region have entered a Level 1 low water condition. As a result, the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority is asking residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce their water use.
Abnormally dry conditions since the beginning of June have resulted in below average stream flows, depleted soil moisture levels and potential for water supplies not able to keep up with demand. Low stream flows can cause stress on aquatic ecosystems due to increasing temperatures and water quality issues. Low rainfall is especially important for surface water takers and shallow well users. For residents experiencing problems with their shallow wells, information is available through the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) website.
Help Prevent Wildfires By Exercising Added Caution
The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) would like to remind visitors to take steps to help prevent fires.
Due to the ongoing, extremely dry conditions, local communities and visitors must do what they can to prevent fires from starting locally. There are currently no wildfires in the immediate vicinity of the Ganaraska Forest, though there are several burning in neighbouring jurisdictions.
Current fire bans / restrictions for most of the region, including all of Northumberland County, the City of Kawartha Lakes and Municipality of Clarington, among others, are in place to help prevent wildfires from starting. Everyone must do their part to help prevent local fires.
Under the Conservation Authorities Act, both residents and visitors are reminded that open flames, campfires, barbecues, fireworks and other sources of fire are not permitted on GRCA properties, Conservation Areas or in the Ganaraska Forest at any time.
Rain Barrel Sale 2025: Conserve Water & Save Costs At Home
Sale Has Ended For 2025: This sale is available for a limited time, so act fast and order before June 16th! Discounted pricing is available for residents within the Township of Hamilton, Town of Cobourg, the Municipality of Port Hope and the Municipality of Clarington, within the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority jurisdiction. Please visit https://rainbarrel.ca/Ganaraska and view available products at the bottom of the page. Order before June 16th to receive a discount* on each barrel, to be delivered directly to you.
Ganaraska Forest Trails Opened For the Season On May 1st
The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) is set to open the Ganaraska Forest trails for the season on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, for users with a valid day pass or membership. Updates to the Ganaraska Conservation Online Store: In an effort to streamline the sign-up process, new users and those renewing will now receive their member card / day pass and parking pass attached to the purchase confirmation email received from the online store. The design of the parking pass has changed but any valid parking pass will be accepted. Ganaraska Forest Trails Update: Please exercise caution on trails, as there are still trail blockages and debris throughout the Forest after the ice storms and severe weather earlier in April. GRCA staff continue to work to clear Ganaraska Forest trails, when weather and ground conditions permit.
Ganaraska Conservation Spring 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.
Ganaraska Forest Hunting Reminders
With turkey season opening on April 25th, 2025, the GRCA wanted to share some reminders for Ganaraska Forest users. Hunting opportunities exist in the Ganaraska Forest year-round, as per Ontario Hunting Regulations. Before planning to hunt in the Ganaraska Forest, all hunters should visit the GRCA website for more information on hunting rules in the Forest and to consult the Ganaraska Forest Trails Map before planning your visit.
Upcoming Military Training Exercise Will Include Portions of West Ganaraska Forest
Northumberland County is preparing to welcome approximately 800 members of the Canadian Armed Forces for a planned emergency training exercise taking place on April 25–27, 2025. Part of the military training will take place in the West Ganaraska Forest, where the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) will be closing a section of the West Forest from April 25–27. For the safety of both Forest users and the participants in the training exercise, the Ganaraska Forest Trails Map will include the closed area that is included as a graphic with this post.
Fishing Season Opens April 26, 2025
With the spring fishing season opening on April 26, 2025, the GRCA wanted to share some updates for anglers. Fishing can occur on the east side of the Ganaraska River, within the Ganaraska Millennium Conservation Area (CA). Sylvan Glen CA is also available for fishing, while being mindful of property lines. Port Hope CA will remain closed in preparation for Highway 401 expansion work.
Ganaraska Forest Trails to Reopen to Hiking & Hunting on April 18th, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, April 11, 2025 (Port Hope, ON) – Ganaraska Forest trails will reopen to Hiking and Hunting on April 18th, 2025*, ahead of the larger opening to all recreational uses on May 1st. Please exercise caution on trails, as there are still trail blockages and debris throughout the Forest. GRCA staff continue to work to clear Ganaraska Forest trails, when weather and ground conditions permit.
Ganaraska Forest Trails & Ganaraska Conservation Properties Reopened
The Ganaraska Forest and all GRCA properties are now OPEN after being temporarily closed, due to the weekend ice storm. Ice accumulation and expected high winds on Mar. 31, 2025, can present a serious hazard to the public from falling trees and limbs. For your safety, please do not visit the Ganaraska Forest or GRCA Conservation Areas at this time.
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.
Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority Announces New Vice-Chair For 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, February 24, 2025 (Port Hope, ON) – The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) held their Annual General Meeting on Thursday, February 20th. The meeting began with Chair Vicki Mink, Municipality of Port Hope, thanking the Board and staff for their dedication and support through a year of many successes and continued support…