The South Nation Conservation Authority (SNC) is encouraging Eastern Ontario residents and anyone visiting the region to consider taking advantage of the public recreation sites and special conservation areas that the agency maintains. 

“More and more our conservation areas are being viewed as destinations,” stated Shannon Gutoskie, SNC spokesperson, “not only by local residents, but by visitors from neighbouring municipalities, making our conservation areas a huge tourism draw and a benefit to our member municipalities.” 

The SNC manages and protects more than 12,000 acres of public natural space, including a network of conservation areas available for 14-day camping stays at no charge. So far more than 62,000 visitors have stopped at these areas for fishing, boating, picnicking, birdwatching, and other activities. 

Visitors to the SNC public recreation sites and conservation areas are reminded to practice public health guidelines regarding personal hygiene, social distancing from other visitors, and wearing masks when necessary. Also anyone bringing a dog to these areas is asked to keep their pet on a leash and not allowed to run loose. 

Information on available recreation sites is at www.nation.on.ca/recreation.