LRCA worries about vandals

Conservation Authority officials are worried that vandals are increasingly using Conservation Areas as targets for destruction.

Officials with the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority say numerous visitors to the areas aren’t there to enjoy nature, but to vandalize property. The most notable act of vandalism took place in May when suspects set fire to several interpretative displays at the Cascades.

A similar act of vandalism took place more recently. The LRCA reports that suspects set a garbage can in that area on fire with gasoline.

Trail markers have also been removed or vandalized on LRCA property.

"There have been situations where visitors inadvertently leave our properties because trail markers have been removed," said LRCA chairman Bill Bartley in a news release issued Tuesday. "This has resulted in emergency personnel being called to conduct searches.

The LRCA is encouraging anyone with knowledge about trail vandalism to contact the police or Crime Stoppers.

"If everyone remembers to take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints, our Conservation Areas will be around for a long time for everyone to enjoy," Bartley said.