With the arrival of warmer summer temperatures and the relaxation of COVID-19 closures, conservation authorities are reminding shoreline residents and visitors that nature has no maid service.
“We have all been long-awaiting the opening of our beaches and shoreline areas, but we have been receiving some disturbing reports about the actions of those using our shorelines,” stated the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation in a Facebook post.
“Many shoreline areas that are opening across Lake Huron have limited access to washroom areas and garbage receptacles. This is no excuse for us to litter or relieve ourselves in inappropriate areas,” the group continued.
Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation is a registered charity with the goal of protecting and restoring Lake Huron’s coastal environment. The organization says Lake Huron is highly affected by plastic pollution.
“If you are visiting a shoreline area, please use the seven Leave No Trace principles,” stated the conservation group. “This means that everything you bring onto the shore should be taken away with you and disposed of in the proper recycling or garbage streams when you get home.”
The seven principles of Leave No Trace are a set of guidelines that encourage minimal impact practices, which include: plan ahead and prepare; travel on durable surfaces; dispose of waste properly; leave what you find; minimize campfire impacts; respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors.
As it is set to open all of its properties to the public this weekend, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) is voicing a similar message to visitors.
“With washrooms and garbage receptacles not being available on GSCA properties at this time, we are asking visitors to do their part to make sure natural spaces stay clean and safe for everyone to enjoy,” says Vicki Rowsell, programs and communications planner with GSCA. “This is important for both human visitors and the wildlife that call these conservation areas home.”
She stresses the importance of dog owners picking up after their pets, and encourages visitors to think ahead about what they are going to do with their garbage.
“It's always a good idea to bring a small garbage bag in your backpack or purse so you can collect and store your garbage and wrappers before they get dropped or blow away,” Rowsell adds.
For an up-to-date list of all open GSCA properties, visit the conservation authority's interactive property map.
