Conservation Lands
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) protects 3,635 hectares of land through ownership.
Conservation lands were purchased for conservation reasons such as soil conservation, flood plain management, forest management, wildlife management, conserving ecosystems and protecting source areas to improve the overall health of water, soil, and living things in the watershed.
These properties are not as publicly accessible as our conservation area properties.
Secondary uses for these conservation lands are passive recreational uses such as hiking (where permitted), nature appreciation, fishing, canoeing, cross-country skiing and picnicking. Hunting is permitted on designated properties and you must obtain an ABCA Conservation Lands Pass.
Visit the conservation authority mapping portal at camaps.ca for maps of conservation lands in the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) watershed.
As the predominant land use of the ABCA watershed is 85 per cent agricultural, conservation land properties are considered islands of nature for visitors to appreciate and explore.
For the new, approved (2024) Conservation Lands Strategy, please visit the Conservation Lands Strategies and Plans web page.
A small number of our conservation lands include formal trail systems, more information about these properties may be found below:
CAUTION: These are nature trails. Trail surfaces and boardwalks may be slippery or uneven. Be especially careful during windy, wet and icy conditions.
- Use caution and avoid trails if covered in water
- Wear appropriate clothing, footwear and equipment for your preferred trail activity.
- Stay away from fast-flowing water.
- We recommend always carrying a map, and a charged cell phone.
- Hunting may be permitted at some of the properties.
Klopp Management Area
Klopp Management Area has a single-track dirt path which is seasonally flooded. The property is environmentally sensitive and part of the provincially-significant wetland, Hay Swamp.
Open seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise posted.
Location: The entrance to Klopp Management Area is located on the north side of County Road #84, approximately 550 meters east of Babylon Line, and 1.5km west of Parr Line, in the Municipality of Bluewater.
Visitors are responsible for knowing and abiding by Conservation Authority rules. Rules protect the environment, you and your fellow users. These rules must be followed and are be enforced under the Conservation Authorities Act and Trespass to Property Act.
The property is closed to the public between sunset and sunrise.
Motorized vehicles, bicycles, e-bikes, horses, drones, alcohol use, campfires and camping are not permitted.
- Dogs must be on a leash, under control, and you must clean up after your dog. Ensure your pet does not damage or interfere with vegetation or wildlife and does not interfere with others’ enjoyment.
- Do not remove or damage plants, trees, wildlife, signs or structures.
- Stay on the trails and respect neighbouring landowners. Do not take short cuts through neighbouring fields and properties.
- Fishing is permitted in compliance with applicable legislation.
- Don’t litter.
Please report vandalism and incidents to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.
For a list of permitted activities, please visit the ‘Permitted Uses’ web page at this link:
L-Lake Management Area
Explore the oak savanna and dunes in L-Lake Management Area along the 1.5km hiking trail. This trail connects with the Forested Dunes Nature Reserve Trail, Lambton Heritage Forest, and the Ausable River Cut Conservation Area.
Open seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise posted.
Address: 7101 Outer Drive, Port Franks, Ontario
Rules protect the environment, you and your fellow users. These rules must be followed and are be enforced under the Conservation Authorities Act and Trespass to Property Act.
The property is closed to the public between sunset and sunrise.
- Motorized vehicles, bicycles, e-bikes, horses, hunting, drones, alcohol use, campfires and camping are not permitted.
- Dogs must be on a leash, under control, and you must clean up after your dog. Ensure your pet does not damage or interfere with vegetation or wildlife and does not interfere with others’ enjoyment.
- Do not remove or damage plants, trees, wildlife, signs or structures.
- Stay on the trails and respect neighbouring landowners.
- Fishing is permitted in compliance with applicable legislation.
- Don’t litter.
Please report vandalism and incidents to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.
For a list of permitted activities, please visit the ‘Permitted Uses’ web page at this link:
Linfield Wildlife Area
Linfield Wildlife Area preserves water and soil resources, while providing passive recreation benefits. The donated property is about 95 acres in size, including 70 acres of active farm land and 25 acres of natural areas. Ausable Bayfield Conservation intends to implement best management practices on the property to demonstrate agricultural stewardship in the coming years.
Open seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise posted.
Location: The entrance to Linfield Wildlife Area is located on the south side of Pavilion Rd., approximately 670 metres west of Goshen Line, in the Municipality of Bluewater.
Hiking, bird-watching, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fishing are permitted activities in the wildlife area.
Rules protect the environment, you and your fellow users. These rules must be followed and are be enforced under the Conservation Authorities Act and Trespass to Property Act.
The property is closed to the public between sunset and sunrise.
- Motorized vehicles, bicycles, e-bikes, horses, hunting, drones, alcohol use, campfires and camping are not permitted.
- Dogs must be on a leash, under control, and you must clean up after your dog. Ensure your pet does not damage or interfere with vegetation or wildlife and does not interfere with others’ enjoyment.
- Do not remove or damage plants, trees, wildlife, signs or structures.
- Stay on the trails and respect neighbouring landowners.
- Fishing is permitted in compliance with applicable legislation.
- Don’t litter.
Please report vandalism and incidents to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.
For a list of permitted activities, please visit the ‘Permitted Uses’ web page at this link:
Mystery Falls Management Area Trail
Mystery Falls Management Area has a single-track dirt path which has steep, uneven and slippery sections. The trail leads to Mystery Falls, which is a small, intermittent waterfall. The property is environmentally sensitive and part of the provincially-significant Ausable Gorge.
Due to low water conditions, there is minimal water going over the falls at this time.
Mystery Falls Management Area is located on a narrow, dirt road, and is not maintained during the winter months. The parking lot has the capacity for 10 small cars; parking along the roadside is discouraged.
Download the map for the Mystery Falls Management Area Trail:
- Mystery Falls Management Area Trail Map (500 KB - Medium-sized PDF file)
Address: 176 Elm Tree Drive, North Middlesex
Visitors are responsible for knowing and abiding by Conservation Authority rules. Rules protect the environment, you and your fellow users. These rules must be followed and are be enforced under the Conservation Authorities Act and Trespass to Property Act.
- The property is closed to the public between sunset and sunrise.
- Motorized vehicles, bicycles, e-bikes, horses, drones, alcohol use, campfires and camping are not permitted.
- Dogs must be on a leash, under control, and you must clean up after your dog. Ensure your pet does not damage or interfere with vegetation or wildlife and does not interfere with others’ enjoyment.
- Do not remove or damage plants, trees, wildlife, signs or structures.
- Stay on the trails and respect neighbouring landowners. Do not take short cuts through neighbouring fields and properties.
- Fishing is permitted in compliance with applicable legislation.
- Don’t litter.
Please report vandalism and incidents to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.
For a list of permitted activities, please visit the ‘Permitted Uses’ web page at this link: