CVC manages over 2400 ha of land in the Credit Watershed. The Conservation Areas of CVC represent a cross section of natural and cultural landscapes that characterize the watershed. Rare flora and fauna, habitats, ecosystems, and cultural heritage features are all protected within these areas.

CVC's Conservation Areas exist to protect the Credit River Watershed's significant and representative ecosystems, and offer sustainable natural and cultural heritage appreciation and recreational benefits to its residents and visitors. The key objectives of our Conservation Area System are always protection, appreciation and recreation and CVC aims to provide watershed residents with an enjoyable and educational experience every time they visit.

From Island Lake in the north, to Rattray Marsh in the south, these Areas provide wonderful opportunities to experience natural environments close to urban centres.

Please take some time to learn about our Conservation Areas by exploring the navigation bar on your left.

Important Reminders when Visiting

We don't mean to nag, but some of the following reminders are the law, while others are just plain common sense and courtesy. Everyone's cooperation and respect for these reminders will help preserve the natural beauty of our Conservation Areas.

General

• Owners must keep their pets on a leash at all times and "stoop and scoop".
• Possession and/or consumption of alcohol is not permitted.
• Please do not damage or remove plants, picnic tables or other area property.
• Camping is not permitted in any of our Conservation Areas.
• Campfires are not permitted in any of our Conservation Areas.
• When in doubt concerning an activity, please ask our staff.

Visitors

• It is illegal to pick or remove vegetation of any kind, including live or dead branches, soil or any plants.
  
  

  Credit Valley Conservation owns and/or manages over 50 properties for the protection and appreciation of important natural resources. Many of these Conservation Areas are for the public to experience and enjoy and for future generations to be able to do the same. Some global trends, such as climate change, are putting these natural resources at risk but unfortunately, some visitor trends can do the same. In our Conservation Areas it is illegal to pick or remove vegetation of any kind, including live or dead branches, soil or any plants. The plants, wildlife and all natural or cultural resources in Conservation Areas are for everyone to experience and enjoy so please help us in keeping these areas protected. If you see anyone picking plants or removing any resources from our Conservation Areas, please contact us at 905-670-1615 ext.268. Thank you for your cooperation.

  
  

Trail Etiquette

• Know which uses are permitted before participating.
• Give the right of way to smaller and slower users.
• Stay right when approaching oncoming users.
• Stay on the trail surface.
• Keep pets leashed, and clean up after them.
• Obey signs.
• Do not climb fences or take shortcuts.
• Respect the privacy of landowners bordering the trails.
• Leave wildlife and plants for others to enjoy.
  

Swimmers

• Island Lake is the only area that is tested for E.coli bacteria, therefore swimming is not recommend in any of our other conservation areas.
• Swim only in designated areas.
• Obey any warning signs.

Boaters at Island Lake

• Boaters are allowed only during operating hours or by special permit.
• Electric or manual powered watercraft only.
• Sailboats are restricted by mast height (due to danger form overhead power lines).
• Obey Coast Guard Small Vessel regulations.
• Use safety equipment.
• Watch for and give way to rowing club vessels.
• Respect other visitors.
• Stay out of areas marked "no boating".
• CVC may restrict lake use due to high winds or rough water.
• Watch for changes in the weather. You may not be able to get back up the lake at high winds.
  

Anglers

• Fishing is not permitted at Rattray Marsh or at any sections of the Credit River marked as a "Fish Sanctuary".
• A valid Ontario fishing licence is required.
• Ontario Fishing Regulations apply.
• Fishing is permitted only when the Conservation Area is open.
• Please practice catch and release of bass.
• Please - no exotic baits. If in doubt, ask CVC staff.
• Conservation limits may come into effect for all anglers. Please check with staff.