ERCA reminding equestrians to refrain from trail use during spring thaw

Essex Region – As the weather warms, the Essex Region Conservation Authority is reminding users of the Greenway trail system that horses are prohibited from the trail during the spring thaw.

“With a spring rains and saturated soils, the greenway trail surface is very susceptible to surface damage from horse hooves.  Even a few horses during this critical period can cause significant trail damage that is very expensive to repair,” explains Kevin Money, ERCA’s Director of Conservation Services.  “We have designed the trail as a multi-use surface, but these hoof prints create ruts that can cause safety issues for cyclists and pedestrians as the trail re-hardens, adding a significant expense to re-grade.  We have to ensure the trails provide the greatest good for the greatest amount of people, which is why we must limit equestrian use during this short period of time.”     

Since the trail opened in the year 2000, horse access has been permitted along sections the Chrysler Canada Greenway, and with the opening of the WindsorEssex Community Foundation Community Entrance in 2022, horses were also permitted along the Cypher Systems Group Greenway.  Trail use rules indicate horses must clean up horse droppings, just like all responsible pet owners.  “We communicate regularly with the equine community to help with the enforcement of these rules,” Money confirms. “But not every horse owner is affiliated with an equine group.” 

He also reminds the public that motorized vehicles, like ATVs and dirt bikes are strictly prohibited from the Greenway trail system, and that even cyclists should use caution against creating ruts when trail conditions are very soft. “Refraining from use for a short period of time to allow weather conditions to harden up the trail surface can save thousands of dollars in grading expenses while ensuring safety for all users,” said Money. A guide to Greenway etiquette can be found on ERCA’s website at essexregionconservation.ca.

The Essex Region Conservation Authority is a public sector organization established by the Province in 1973, and governed by local municipalities to provide programs and services that further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in watersheds in Ontario.