L-Lake Mangement Area
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) properties, including conservation areas and trails, are open for public use.
For a list of permitted uses click on ‘Permitted Uses’ at the link below:
Ausable Bayfield Conservation has nine conservation areas where you can enjoy nature and stay active and learn about how to protect soil, water, and living things.
These areas have trails and parking lots. Some have privies. They are open year-round but there is no winter maintenance and most parking lots are not maintained in the winter
To learn more about conservation areas and plan your next visit, please click:
ABCA owns thousands of acres of environmentally significant lands which are mostly forested. There is no formal trail system but people are welcome to visit for nature appreciation.
For information on all conservation lands (including conservation areas) visit:
For current property status and updates please visit this web page:
Where is it?
Address: L-Lake Management Area is at 7101 Outer Drive, Port Franks, Ontario.
It is number #17 on the map:
Pictograms of permitted activities - Pending
Open seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise posted.
- Brochure and trail map – Link pending
Recreational Trails
Explore the Ausable River Cut’s one-kilometre (0.6-mile) recreational trail and travel through the Oak Savanna and dunes. Our multi-use recreational trails are accessible by foot, snowshoes or cross-country skis, weather permitting.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted in compliance with applicable legislation. Outdoor Cards and Fishing Licences can be purchased from Service Ontario and other licence issuers. Please release any fish caught out of season.
There is a number of native species you may find in L-Lake.
Rules and Regulations
CAUTION: These are nature trails. Trail surfaces and boardwalks may be slippery or uneven. Be especially careful during windy, wet and icy conditions.
- Wear appropriate clothing, footwear and equipment for your preferred trail activity.
- Stay away from fast-flowing water.
Rules
Rules protect the environment, you and your fellow users. These rules must be followed and are be enforced under the Conservation Authorities Act and Trespass to Property Act.
Please refer to signs and entrance kiosks for permitted and prohibited activities.
- The property is closed to the public between sunset and sunrise.
- Motorized vehicles, motor boats, bicycles, e-bikes, horses, hunting, alcohol use, campfires and camping are not permitted.
- Dogs must be on a leash, under control, and you must clean up after your dog. Ensure your pet does not damage or interfere with vegetation or wildlife and does not interfere with others’ enjoyment.
- Do not remove or damage plants, trees, wildlife, signs or structures.
- Stay on the trails and respect neighbouring landowners.
- Fishing is permitted in compliance with applicable legislation.
- Don’t litter.
Please report vandalism and incidents to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610.
Tips to Enjoy your Visit
Be aware of the following to help you enjoy your visit:
Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy is a common, native plant in the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority watershed.
‘Leaves of three, let it be. Berries white, take flight.’ Leaves may either have smooth edges or a few coarse teeth and may appear shiny. If you come into contact with Poison Ivy wash the affected area with hot soap and water as soon as possible, launder clothes in hot water.
Habitat: Open woods, fields and roadsides, disturbed areas.
- Picture of Poison Ivy – pending
Giant Hogweed
Giant Hogweed is an invasive, non-native plant introduced from Asia. It has large, flat-topped to slightly dome-shaped flower (similar to Queen Anne’s Lace/Wild Carrot) and seed head and a bumpy or bristly stem. It can grow up to five metres (16 feet) in height. Skin contact with Giant Hogweed sap may cause severe skin rashes when exposed to sunlight.
Habitat: Roadsides, streambanks, waste areas, yards
- Picture of Giant Hogweed – pending
- Giant Hogweed fact sheet – pending
Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettle is from between half a metre in height to three metres tall. Stems and leaves are covered with short, stinging hairs which can cause irritation and inflammation if touched with bare skin. Flowers are in clusters with separate flowers attached by short stalks along a central stem about 1-7 centimetres long.
- Picture of Stinging Nettle – Pending
Ticks
Ticks are present in the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority watershed.
- Wear light-coloured clothing, so it’s easier to see ticks
- Wear closed-toed shoes
- Wear long-sleeved shirts
- Wear long pants, tucked into your socks
- Use insect repellent containing DEET
- After outdoor activity put your clothes in the dryer
Check yourself and your children:
- Behind your knees
- On your head
- In your belly button
- In your groin area
- In your underarm area
- On the back of your body – use a mirror, or ask someone to check for you
It’s a good idea to have a shower as soon as you can to wash off any ticks.
If you discover a tick on your body remove it, place the tick in a secure container and contact your local public health unit.
Directions for removal can be found here: