The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority will close the Cascades Conservation Area for three weeks to cleanup damages caused by a fall windstorm.
The closure will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 16 and remain closed until Monday, March 8. During that time the Cascades Conservation Area trails and parking lot will be completely closed.
"The Sept. 28 storm caused significant blow down at Cascades," LRCA Chairman Bill Bartley said in a news release issued to media Thursday. "Although out staff cleared more than 160 trees that had fallen across trails, there are trees that fell onto other trees which are in danger of coming down onto the trails."
The LRCA typically leaves deadfall to decay naturally, but because of the high volume of people who visit the Cascades the LRCA decided a more comprehensive cleanup is required.
Trees that have been blown down, are leaning on other trees or are in danger of falling will be removed from the park.
Because heavy machinery will be needed for the cleanup, the LRCA will close the conservation area.
Signs will be posted advising the public of the closure and barricades will be placed to prevent vehicles from getting into the conservation area parking lot.
"The cleanup efforts and replanting will ensure the area remains a healthy, green eco-system for future generations to enjoy," Bartley said.
