LRCA News

2021 Annual Report

2021 Annual Report

Posted on May 20th

The 2021 Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Annual Report is now available.

Physical copies are being distributed via the Chronicle Journal and will be available at our Administrative Office once in early June.

We are proud of the work completed during 2021, and look forward to continuing our mission to lead the conservation and protection of the Lakehead Watershed in service of our vision of a healthy, safe and sustainable Lakehead Watershed for future generations.

2021 LRCA ANNUAL REPORT

Pay and Display Units Now Operational at Cascades and Mission

Pay and Display Units Now Operational at Cascades and Mission

Posted on October 28th

New Pay and Display Units Installed at Mission Island Marsh, Cascades Conservation Areas

In an effort to ensure adequate funding for Conservation Areas, the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) has installed automated pay and display units at Mission Island Marsh and Cascades Conservation Areas to replace the coin boxes at those areas. Parking at both Mission Island Marsh and Cascades Conservation Areas will be enforced under the City of Thunder Bay Parking By-Law. To avoid receiving a ticket, visitors must display either the printed receipt from the pay and display unit, or a valid Explore Card Parking Pass. Paying online for parking at Mission Island Marsh or Cascades Conservation Areas will no longer be accepted, as there is no mechanism for enforcement staff to determine if a vehicle has paid online or not.   

Please note that the pay and display units accept credit cards and coins only, with debit tap support forthcoming; the units are not able to accept paper bills, nor are they able to produce change.

Additionally, coin boxes will be installed at Mills Block and Wishart Forests, and a second coin box will be installed at Little Trout Bay Conservation Area. Staff have also installed new signage at all properties indicating the $5.00 per vehicle parking fee as visitors enter LRCA properties, and a social media campaign is forthcoming.

Visitors to Conservation Areas are reminded that the LRCA is a non-profit organization, and that the revenue generated from day-use parking fees and Explore Card Parking Pass sales goes directly toward the maintenance and upkeep of recreational lands owned by the LRCA.

Staff urge regular Conservation Area visitors to purchase an Explore Card Parking Pass, as this is the easiest and most convenient method for visitors to ensure their parking fee is covered. At a cost of $40.00 +HST, this annual pass allows visitors to forgo the $5.00 per vehicle parking fee at all LRCA-owned properties for one calendar year. People who purchase an Explore Card now will receive the 2022 pass.

 

Mission Shoreline Restoration Work Beginning Monday, August 23, 2021

Mission Shoreline Restoration Work Beginning Monday, August 23, 2021

Posted on August 19th

Thanks so much to everyone who took the time to offer their feedback on the proposed shoreline restoration work at Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area.  The response was overwhelmingly positive, and we’re excited to get some plants in the ground!  

In response to concerns regarding reduced water access, we have expanded the area proposed for lake access and added another footpath down to the water alongside the existing boardwalk.  In order to maintain views of Sleeping Giant, the Mountain Ash will be installed along the perimeter of the existing forest.  Once established, shrubs will be pruned by Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) Staff should they start to impede views.

Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area is one of eight Conservation Areas owned and maintained by LRCA.  This Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry-funded project is part of LRCA’s Superior Stewards Shoreline Protection Program, which has the overall goal to improve riparian and shoreline health within the Thunder Bay Area of Concern

If you have questions about your specific feedback or would like to discuss the project in greater detail, please do not hesitate to email us or call our office at (807) 344-5857.