Maintaining the relationship between the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) and the NPCA is a top priority. The management plan will not impact the Walker Living Campus or its current programming.

A management plan is a strategic document that directs the overall design and sustainable use of a conservation area. It focuses on balancing the public’s enjoyment of these areas with the need to protect and preserve their natural integrity. All management plans for NPCA conservation areas are guided by the NPCA Conservation Area Strategy, which ensures that each plan aligns with the vision, mission, and priorities set out in the NPCA Strategic Plan. Conservation area management plans will aim to increase access to greenspace where appropriate, connect people to nature, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the watershed. The management plan will also seek to identify the unique features and identity of Woodend Conservation Area within the conservation areas system of the watershed.

Conservation authorities must develop management plans for conservation areas as prescribed by the Conservation Authorities Act. This requirement is also supported by NPCA’s Strategic Plan. Working within the framework of NPCA’s Conservation Areas Strategy and in meaningful collaboration with community partners, we are developing an updated management plan for Woodend Conservation Area to establish the vision, objectives and actions that will respond to current priorities, environmental pressures, and community needs. NPCA’s conservation areas are made up of diverse ecosystem and vegetation community types. Each one requires a tailored management plan to guide permitted uses, access levels, enhancements, programs, services, and risk management to ensure visitor safety. Management plans focus on the sustainable use and enjoyment of conservation areas by the public after careful consideration of all the natural and cultural heritage features that make the area unique.

The development of conservation area-specific management plans aligns with NPCA's Strategic Plan, supporting multiple priorities, goals, and actions:

• Strategic Priority 1: "Healthy and Climate Resilient Watersheds" is supported by Goal 1.4 to manage NPCA lands to increase biodiversity, habitat connectivity, and natural cover through the development of management plans for NPCA properties.
• Strategic Priority 3: "Connecting People to Nature" is supported by Goal 3.1 to create equitable access to greenspace for the health and well-being of people through the improvement of services and visitor experiences at NPCA properties, and the identification and removal of socio-economic barriers to accessing NPCA properties and programs. Goals 3.2 - 3.4 are also supported by the management planning process.
• Strategic Priority 4: "Partner of Choice" supports engagement with local communities, Indigenous peoples, municipal partners, and others to develop meaningful management plans that support community needs, environmental sustainability, and shared stewardship of these areas.

Management plans could also be tied into other Strategic Priorities not noted above, like Strategic Priority 2: "Supporting Sustainable Growth", Strategic Priority 5: "Organizational Excellence", and Strategic Priority 6: "Financial Sustainability".

The Conservation Areas Strategy (CA Strategy) was developed within the framework of NPCA's Strategic Plan, which sets the organization’s vision, mission, and goals. The CA Strategy translates this vision into actionable goals, objectives, and actions to deliver programs and services that meet the needs of residents and visitors while ensuring the health of the natural environment.

Once the Woodend Conservation Area Management Plan is completed and approved, an Implementation Plan will follow to action out the specific enhancements, projects, and goals that are outlined in the management plan. For example, if the Management Plan includes concepts for trail improvements or accessibility enhancements, the implementation plan will determine the costs associated with it, how it will be funded, and the timeline for installation.

The development of a Management Plan for Woodend Conservation Area is expected to take 1-2 years due to its unique natural and cultural heritage features, the requirements under the Niagara Escarpment Parks and Open Space System Planning Manual, accessibility needs, and the current pressures on this conservation area. NPCA's land planning team works closely with other departments including planning, land care, restoration, communication, and enforcement through coordinated internal working groups and teams. This process also includes a comprehensive communication and engagement plan to ensure collaboration with community partners, local municipal staff, Indigenous peoples, and other interested parties in shaping the plan.

The final management plan for Woodend Conservation Area will need approval from the NPCA Board of Directors, endorsement from the Niagara Escarpment Commission and final confirmation from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF)

At this time, no decision has been made to implement automated gates or paid parking.

NPCA staff are preparing a comprehensive strategy to bring to the Board of Directors in early 2026, that will examine the feasibility and need for gates and parking fees at high-usage sites.

Our goal is to establish a consistent set of criteria and a clear, unified approach to guide future decisions, understanding the need for improved access to greenspace, and managing visitor needs and infrastructure at these conservation areas.

Any future changes will be carefully reviewed by the Board and shared with the public before implementation.

Improving accessibility at Woodend Conservation Area is a top priority. We are committed to collaborating closely with partners and community members to better understand the specific needs that should be addressed to ensure a positive and welcoming experience for everyone. Both the NPCA Strategic Plan and Conservation Area Strategy have specific goals related to improving accessibility at NPCA conservation areas. Accessibility can mean improving access to the conservation area for the community, and can also mean making trails, amenities, and entrances more accessible by removing barriers for people with disabilities. NPCA can achieve these goals by using best practices and being compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Community feedback is a key part of developing management plans. You can choose your level of involvement, from staying informed to providing input via surveys, Q&A, polls, or attending open houses and workshops. For those more interested, we will also have a Focus Group/Advisory Committee/Working Group for the Woodend Conservation Area Management Plan, where participants can engage in roundtables, meetings, and review key aspects of the plan.

We value the input from community members and are committed to considering it in the development of the plan. Your participation helps us enhance the visitor experience, improve conservation efforts, and ensure Woodend remains vibrant for future generations.

Please note, while we welcome all feedback, actions will be limited to what is allowed under the Conservation Authorities Act. We may not be able to act on every suggestion, but all will be considered.

Yes! We have developed a comprehensive communications and engagement plan for development of Woodend Conservation Area’s management plan and are committed to hearing from the community at various stages of its development. We will be hosting multiple open houses to gather feedback. There are also multiple ways to engage in this page, including our interactive map, survey, and by signing up to stay informed about this project. Individuals may also submit written feedback, comments, concerns or other input for the Woodend Conservation Area Management Plan via letter, email, phone call, through our feedback form. If you wish to request an accommodation to ensure your input can be submitted, please reach out to landplanning@npca.ca or call the office at 905-788-3135 x234.

Registration for the open house is encouraged. Please register using this link.

Yes, there will be more opportunities for you to provide input. More open houses are planned, with dates to be determined. In the meantime, you can share your thoughts and questions through the Q&A or by contacting us. Stay tuned for other opportunities to provide input by checking the project timeline.

NPCA staff have connected with Treaty & Rights-Holders, Indigenous-serving organizations, Indigenous Teams at local school boards, NPCA Public Advisory Committee members, Niagara Geopark, as well as Indigenous partners and individuals to determine their level of interest in the Woodend Conservation Area Management Plan at the beginning of the project. We will continue to work with Indigenous communities to determine how they would like to be engaged with the project and what aspects of the management plan they are most interested in providing input on. If you are an Indigenous community member, or First Nations with a Treaty or historical affiliation to the watershed and wish to be further engaged in the management plan for Woodend, please reach out to kroyer@npca.ca or 905-933-5304 for more information.

NPCA is committed to keeping the public informed as we are developing the Woodend Conservation Area Management Plan. The Get Involved project page is the best way to stay informed on timelines, opportunities to provide input and feedback, and to engage with staff on this project. The communications and engagement strategy outlines various steps in the project for the public to provide input and receive updates through open houses, surveys and polls. Please see the project timeline for updates on progress.

Other ways to stay updated:

• Register on Get Involved Portal
• Join volunteer mailing list
• Visit our website & follow us on social media
• Visit Woodend Conservation Area
• Join us at events like the Ball's Falls Thanksgiving Festival