CARP – The City of Ottawa is decommissioning an unauthorized trail in the Carp Barrens that grew out of improper used.

“On Oct. 24 and 25, the Ottawa Mountain Bike Association closed an unauthorized trail constructed on the Carp Barrens and posted signs and information provided by the City of Ottawa,” the Friends of the Carp Hills released in a statement Tuesday (Nov. 10). “Closure of this trail was recommended by the Carp Barrens Trail Study.”

Users of the Carp Barrens trails will immediately recognize the now-officially off limits area.

“The unauthorized trail beyond this sign was constructed on conservation land owned by the City of Ottawa and is hereby closed,” a sign posted at the site reads.

The trail has been decommissioned to allow the area to return to a natural state.

“Closure is required to preserve the high ecological integrity of the area, which is critical habitat for several Species at Risk easily disturbed by human activity,” the Friends of the Carp Hills said. “Trail use has already introduced non-native plant species.” 

The prevalence of black-legged ticks in this area also increases the risk of Lyme disease transmission. Hunting continues to be a permitted activity in accordance with the City’s Discharge of Firearms Bylaw and provincial regulations.”