FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2020
QUINTE CONSERVATION RESPONDS TO COVID-19
In light of changing health concerns related to the Covid-19 Virus, and following the lead of local health units, as well as provincial and federal leaders, Quinte Conservation staff are taking extra precautions to slow the spread of the virus by closing the office to the public until April 6, 2020. Any scheduled site visits, events, and meetings will be reviewed on a case by case basis. The current flood risk is low; however, water levels will continue to rise during the spring freshet. Quinte Conservation’s flood forecasting staff will continue to monitor flows and will notify the public and municipalities if conditions change.
Corporate Services Manager Tammy Smith says, “The safety and well-being of our staff and visitors is our top priority. Effective immediately, the Quinte Conservation office will be closed to the public until April 6, 2020. Staff will still be available by phone or email, and individuals can continue to drop off documents via the mail slot in the door.”
Residents are reminded that if they need to reach the office, they can do so by calling 613-968-3434 or by emailing info@quinteconservation.ca. A full list of staff members is available on the Quinte Conservation Website at QuinteConservation.ca. Documents can be dropped off via the mail slot at the main office or by mail at 2061 Old Hwy 2. Belleville ON, K8N 4Z2.
The trails at Quinte Conservation's areas will remain open for physical and mental health benefits. In addition, Quinte Conservation has removed paid parking from its conservation areas until April 30, 2020 in an effort to provide outdoor spaces for those practicing social distancing.
Smith adds, “We understand that individuals will need to spend some time outdoors, to stretch their legs, and to get some fresh air, so it’s important for our organization to make that as easy as possible. By removing paid parking, visitors are at ease to visit whenever they choose throughout the day without having to worry about how and where to pay.”
Quinte Conservation’s areas provide quiet, open outdoor spaces for visitors. All areas are open seven days a week from dawn until dusk. Visitors are reminded to obey posted signs and that motorized vehicles are prohibited from all areas except for the parking lot.