Hikers and visitors in Whitchurch-Stouffville will need to find alternative trails until mid-April 2026 as two popular local areas are closed for sustainable tree harvesting. The York Region Government has temporarily restricted access to the Hall Tract at 15681 McCowan Road and the Clarke Tract at 15015 McCowan Road to allow crews to complete forestry work safely.
The harvesting operation involves the selective removal of mature Red Pine trees. This process is part of a broader forest management plan designed to allow more light and water to reach native species, which helps promote natural forest regeneration. This work is guided by the 20-Year Forest Management Plan, which oversees all planting, harvesting, and tending activities across the regional forest system.
To minimize the impact on the community, the region has limited the harvesting work to weekdays only. Visitors can still use the trails during weekends, which are when the trails are most used. The region notes that while some dust or noise from the equipment may be noticeable, crews are making efforts to keep disruptions to a minimum.
The York Regional Forest spans more than 2,600 hectares, offering over 150 kilometres of trails across 22 different tracts. While the Hall Tract is temporarily closed, it is normally known for its 1.5 kilometres of accessible trails that meet provincial standards. The forest management practices in place are recognized by both the Forest Stewardship Council of Canada and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, ensuring the woodlands remain a balanced and thriving ecosystem for years to come.
