Some signs at Clendenan Conservation Area in the Town of the Blue Mountains were vandalized recently.
The Grey Sauble Conservation Authority says a resident informed them about the damage to the newer wayfinding signs, which were installed following an incident where a group of people became lost on the property and after several complaints about trespassing from neighbouring landowners.
Apparently, six signs and posts were ripped from the ground, broken and pieces were thrown into the forest and river. The OPP has been notified about the vandalism.
“Staff are feeling very defeated with the news that these brand-new wayfinding signs were vandalized or outright stolen. Implementing this project was truly a team effort, between design, printing, and installation. An event like this is a major blow to morale,” says Grey Sauble Conservation Manager of Lands Rebecca Anthony in a statement.
According to the conservation authority, this isn’t the first time there’s been vandalism at Clendenan Conservation Area, which does not have any fees associated with its use.
“Yellow trail blazes have been painted over, signs reminding visitors to keep their dogs on a leash have been destroyed, and a trail counter that was installed to help estimate property usage has been consistently tampered with, limiting its effectiveness,” a release from Grey Sauble explains.