ERCA warns of trespassing at Hillman Marsh

LEAMINGTON – Trespassing ATV riders at Hillman Marsh’s East Beach have created chaos along Leamington’s already fragile eastern shoreline in recent weeks.

The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) has placed large boulders in the parking lot there to deter motorized vehicles from entering the area, but those boulders are being moved to gain access.

This prompted ERCA to issue a statement on December 23.

“Over the past month, significant construction works have been ongoing at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area. Rehabilitation of the dykes is being conducted in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada, while Wheatley Harbour has been accessing the site regularly to provide sand replenishment,” the statement said.

It seems that, by providing access for construction traffic to conduct these uses, a number of four-wheel drive vehicles, UTV and ATV users have gained unlawful access to the site and are creating significant negative impacts.

“ATV and any motorized vehicles are strictly prohibited in all conservation areas, including Hillman Marsh,” said Tim Byrne, CAO, Essex Region Conservation Authority. “In addition to causing further erosion at this already fragile area, these unlawful activities are also potentially disturbing nesting habitats for a number of endangered species.”

After the statement’s release, however, local residents noticed that the ATVs continued with their trespassing, with photos on Boxing Day showing the new blockade boulders being moved once again and ATV tracks up and down the beach.

Boulders moved aside at Hillman Beach continue to provide illegal access to ATV riders. These boulders had been moved back in place by ERCA on December 23, but by Boxing Day they had already been displaced.

Photo courtesy of Wayne King

The Hillman Beach has been an ongoing concern for residents and neighbours for the past couple of years as erosion has caused the beach to virtually disappear at its southernmost end and a large breach open up into Hillman Marsh.

ERCA continues to remind the community that motorized vehicles are not permitted for use in conservation areas and along trails.

“Local authorities have been contacted and will work with ERCA to help stop this illegal access which is resulting in environment degradation,” said the statement.

Penalties can be assigned through the Conservation Authorities Act and the Trespass to Properties Act. If someone is found disturbing and or destroying habitat and or species identified under the Endangered Species Act, they could face significant additional penalties.