An increasing number of "irresponsible" ATV riders are causing extensive damage to a wetland east of London.
The illegal use of the Ivey Tract, known locally as the Putnam Tract, has prompted the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) to ramp up efforts to keep the machines away.
"Despite the signage and attempts to block off access by UTRCA staff, it appears a growing number of irresponsible ATV operators are opting to ignore these efforts and continue to damage the wetland to a point where the ecological damage may be irreversible," said Jason Belfry, the UTRCA's land management supervisor.
The tract is on a 112 hectare property on the South Thames River between Dorchester and Putnam and is part of the provincially significant wetland known as the Putnam Tract Swamp. It was given to the conservation authority by the Ludlow family in 1978. Funds to care for it come from the Ivey Foundation through the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
ATVs have been able to gain access to the tract much earlier this year due to the lack of snow. However, use of the machines on the tract, and all UTRCA properties, is strictly prohibited.
"The tract has a very diverse and sensitive set of species that are being significantly damaged by ATV’s and allows invasive plant species like giant ragweed to flourish. This is especially concerning," said Belfry.
The conservation authority is now working with Middlesex OPP to keep ATVs off the land.
