FROM/DE:    Middlesex County OPP

(WARDSVILLE, ON) – The Middlesex County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) working in partnership with the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority would like help from the public in identifying and preventing trespassers on All Terrain Vehicles (A.T.V.) from destroying protected property in Southwest Middlesex, Ontario, near Sassafras Road and Centreville Drive.

Mosa Forest is a 300 acre parcel of property owned and managed by the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority.  The parcel of land is considered an “Area of Natural and Scientific Interest”.  Due to its size it is considered the largest Carolinian Forest south of London, Ontario.   It also is home to a number of species at risk.

Over the past couple days, trespassers have cut down wire fences and driven A.T.V.s and Jeeps through the forest.  A great deal of damage has been caused to the forest floor and has certainly stressed the wildlife living in the forest.  This illegal activity also deprives citizens of the lawful use and enjoyment of the forest for hiking.

The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority has partnered with the Municipal Enforcement Unit and the Middlesex County OPP to prevent repeat acts of trespassing and vandalism from occurring.

Police encourage anyone with information to come forward immediately.  Should you wish to remain anonymous you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip online to www.londoncrimestoppers.com where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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Contact:   Liz Melvin

E-mail:     [email protected]