Conservation Lands

The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) protects 3,635 hectares of land through ownership. The 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 the watershed environment. Secondary uses for these conservation lands are passive recreational uses such as hiking, nature appreciation, fishing, canoeing, cross-country skiing and picnicking. Hunting is permitted on designated properties and you must obtain an ABCA Conservation Lands Pass. Download Hunting Map from our Publications page. 

Also: To download the Hunting Application Form click this link.

For a list of permitted uses on ABCA Conservation Lands download this PDF file.

The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority has updated Master Plans for its Conservation Areas. For information visit this page on the Conservation Area Master Plan update review.

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. Links below are for more information on our most popular Conservation Areas with facilities.

Our management areas are forested tracts that were purchased for preservation and protection of source areas, floodplain areas, and environmentally significant areas and as such are not as publicly accessible.

For information on a high-tech new way to expand your trail visiting experience visit the Bannockburn CA Walk a Mile Trail Information Project page.

Contact the ABCA for more information on our conservation lands.

For hunting map of ABCA jurisdiction visit our Publications to download now.

• Map of Conservation Lands
• Rock Glen Conservation Area
• Morrison Dam Conservation Area
• South Huron Trail
• Bannockburn Conservation Area
• Parkhill Conservation Area
• Clinton Conservation Area
• Ausable River Cut Conservation Area
• Carolinian
• Conservation Area Master Plan updates
• Crediton Conservation Area
• Linfield Wildlife Area
• Lucan Conservation Area
• Zurich Conservation Area