St. Williams Conservation Reserve
Rebuilding vital ecosystems to honour Ontario’s heritage
While we’re delighted that individuals and groups are out on trails and experiencing nature’s peace and beauty, the fact is, whether we walk, mountain bike, horseback ride, dirt bike, or ATV, there is an impact on the forest’s vegetation and wildlife. MNRF View It’s important for you to know that based on available research, MNRF […]
As part of The CR’s Operations Plan renewal process, we are considering changes to the authorized trail network for motorized, equestrian and mountain bike users. If your group would like to request changes to the authorized trail network, please read the Trail Change Process information and fill out an application by December 31 2017. Download […]
Why Was The CR Established? Ontario established the St Williams Conservation Reserve so that: ‘…these tracts will be a flourishing example of extraordinary biological diversity representing their pre-European settlement natural legacy of ecological communities while protecting their unique cultural heritage and providing opportunities for compatible public land uses.’ — SWCR Management Plan 2007 – 2057 […]
In 2017, an online survey was conducted to gain a snapshot of recreational use in the St. Williams Conservation Reserve (SWCR or, “the CR”) and to gauge recreational users’ perceptions of the current trail system. The online survey was widely promoted to recreational users and to others affected by recreational activities. Local recreational user groups […]
Operations Plan 2009-2018 The first Operations Plan for 2009-2018 defined the St Williams Conservation Reserve Community Council’s priorities and activities needed to meet the five management objectives. Natural Heritage Protection & Restoration 2009-2018 The Community Council’s focus on Natural Heritage during the first operational plan period included: About half of the pine plantations areas have […]
Opportunity to Request Trail Changes in St Williams Conservation Reserve (The CR) As part of The CR’s Operations Plan renewal process we are considering changes to the network of authorized trails for motorized, equestrian and mountain bike users. If your group would like to request changes to the authorized trail network, please fill out an […]
The vision for the Reserve is to restore the native ecosystems that existed here more than 200 years ago. We actively manage the ecological communities on the reserve to achieve this goal. All of our practices are based on sound research, expert consultation, and the best management practices available. Click on the management activities below […]
Part of the St Williams Conservation Reserve will be closed for vegetation management work starting November 1st 2017. The area affected by this temporary closure is in the eastern section of the Nursery Tract, on both sides of the 6th Concession Road (see map). For safety reasons, this work area will be closed to all […]
Hunting is permitted in most parts of the SWCR, according to provincial and federal policy and legislation. All visitors are required to obey posted signs. Always be aware that many other people are using the SWCR. Please review and follow the ‘Code of Conduct for SWCR Users’. Be seen, be safe: wearing hunter orange increases […]
Copies of the SWCR Trail Maps and User Code of Conduct are now available at libraries, County offices, information booths and local businesses in Norfolk County. The maps can also be download from our website.