With recent measures to close outdoor recreation spaces in order to promote social distancing and reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19, Northumberland County is announcing the closure of all trails and parking areas in the County Forest until further notice. For safety, members of the public are asked not to park on the roadside to access the closed forest.
“This was a very difficult decision,” states County Warden Bob Sanderson. “We recognize that fresh air and connection with nature are vital for both physical and mental well-being, particularly during these challenging times. However, it is essential that we do all we can to limit the spread of COVID-19. Increased volumes in the Forest parking lots and on the trails are putting the public at risk. Public health officials have been clear that the best way to stay safe right now is to stay home. We are therefore asking for the public’s cooperation in observing these closures; we will reopen the trails as soon as possible in full consideration of public safety.”
As closures elsewhere drive higher volumes to the County Forest, parking lots are becoming congested, putting people at increased risk. In addition, higher numbers of trail users is making it difficult for people to maintain sufficient distance between groups, with people passing in opposite directions not always able to maintain appropriate spacing. For these reasons, the County has moved to temporarily close all trails and parking lots to the public.
For updates about the reopening of County Forest trails as well as other Forest-related information, subscribe to receive news releases posted to Northumberland County’s website at Northumberland.ca/subscribe, or follow @NorthumberlandForest on Facebook.
For up-to-date information about changes to Northumberland County services in response to COVID-19, please visit Northumberland.ca/COVID19.
