Quinte Conservation pauses parking fees Sunday

Visitor at the Beaver Meadow lookout

In honour of Earth Week, and to celebrate the warmer weather and longer days, Quinte Conservation is pausing the parking fee requirement at its conservation areas Sunday, April 27.

“Sunday is the perfect opportunity for residents to step into nature and discover the many incredible things that are available at our areas,” said Tammy Smith, Corporate Services Manager. “Quinte Conservation’s areas have seen major improvements, including the new hi-lo boardwalk at the H.R. Frink Conservation Area. Our dedicated staff have also been working hard to clean up the areas following the recent ice storm.”

There are 13 conservation areas within the Quinte Watershed, each offering interesting and diverse ecology and terrain. These conservation areas are open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year.

County locations include Beaver Meadow, Little Bluff, Macaulay Mountain and Massassauga Point.

Staff advise the public that if the parking lot is full, parking roadside is not encouraged. All gated areas will have the arm open for the duration of operating hours. All other areas will not be monitored for parking.

A conservation area day pass is $7 per vehicle, with the exception to the following: Deerock Lake Conservation Area and Little Bluff Conservation Area are $16 per vehicle.

Little Bluff. Quinte Conservation photo

A day pass for buses and vehicles with trailers (horse trailers, boat trailers etc.) is $13.
Day passes can be purchased at gated areas, through the machine, using a credit card or debit card. All other areas require the day pass to be purchased using credit card through PayByPhone.

Parking passes are also available to borrow from all watershed libraries, allowing for free parking access during the borrowing period.

Revenue from paid parking supports projects and maintenance, ensuring these natural spaces are accessible and safer. By combining donations, grants, and parking revenue, Quinte Conservation can complete and repair larger infrastructure.

Participating conservation areas include:
• Beaver Meadow
• Deerock Lake
• Depot Lakes
• H.R. Frink
• Little Bluff
• Macaulay Mountain
• Massassauga Point
• O’Hara Mill (Donations to the O’Hara Mill Volunteer Association are greatly appreciated)
• Potter’s Creek North
• Potter’s Creek South
• Sheffield
• Sidney
• Vanderwater

Quinte Conservation is a community-based environmental protection agency that serves 18 municipalities in the watersheds of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers, and Prince Edward County.