LRCA News

Hazelwood Dam Trail Closure

Hazelwood Dam Trail Closure

Posted on August 18th

PLEASE BE ADVISED:

Tom Jones Corporation will be undertaking repairs to the concrete dam located on the Dam Trail at Hazelwood Lake Conservation Area. 

Due to the construction, the Dam Trail will be closed beginning Thursday, August 19. It is anticipated that the trail will be re-opened for public use by October 1st. 

Please do not use the trail during this closure, and be aware of equipment, machinery, and vehicles in the area. 

We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. 

Shoreline Plantings at Mission

Shoreline Plantings at Mission

Posted on July 26th

Shoreline Plantings at Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area

Project Summary: Shoreline plantings are required to stabilize the shoreline at Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area.  The proposed plan for Mission Island Marsh includes the installation of riverstone, native trees and shrubs, and a 3-metre-wide path linking the parking lot to the existing forest trail.  A secondary path from the north side of the parking lot directly to the water’s edge will also be established.  

Since being established as a Conservation Area 1988, Mission Island Marsh has seen many changes.  From enhanced wildlife habitat, to the addition of viewing platforms, to natural changes along the Lake Superior shoreline.  Situated in the Thunder Bay Area of Concern (AOC) – an area classified by Environment and Climate Change Canada as having experienced high levels of environmental degradation – Mission Island Marsh is one of five marshlands found along the Lake Superior Coast in the AOC.  With Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) on the property, it is essential that Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area maintain its ecosystem functions while continuing to offer the amenities the public has come to love.  

Ecosystem functions are services provided by an environment to the surrounding landscape and its inhabitants.  At Mission Island Marsh, some of these ecosystem services include marshland breeding area for migratory birds, wetland water level regulation, carbon storing, forest habitat for wildlife, and meadow pollinator habitat.  Increased human traffic at Mission Island Marsh combined with natural erosion and storm events has caused deterioration of some of the valuable habitat found at Mission Island Marsh.  Erosion along the shoreline at Mission Island Marsh is encouraged by wave action, rising water levels, and coastal storm events, and is a challenge faced by many along the Lake Superior Coast.

One of the best defenses against shoreline erosion is the extensive roots of native trees and shrubs.  Shoreline plantings are planned for the area between the parking lot and shoreline at Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area.  Access to the shoreline and views of Sleeping Giant will be maintained by installing low-lying shrubs and establishing 3-metre-wide paths to the water’s edge.  On the northern side of the parking lot, lawn will remain intact for the loading and unloading of kayaks, windsurfing boards, and other water sports equipment.  The benches and monument currently in place will remain accessible as well.  Review the proposed concept plan by following the link below.  

CONCEPT PLAN

Hazelwood Beach Open

Hazelwood Beach Open

Posted on July 26th

Blue-Green Algae Update:

Please be advised that the beach at Hazelwood Lake Conservation Area has re-opened as of July 8, 2021.

While it is currently safe to swim and paddle in the lake at this time, please remain vigilant and if you spot a suspected Blue-Green Algae bloom, report it to the Spills Action Centre immediately at 1-800-268-6060.  

For more information on Blue-Green Algae blooms, please visit the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks website at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/blue-green-algae.

If you have questions, please contact the Thunder Bay District Health Unit at 807-625-5900 to speak with a public health inspector.