The Outdoor Recreation Report SuperNatural British Co- lumbia! Kounugu Moun- Published by the Outdoor Recreation Council tain in the Spectrum Outdoor Recreation Council Range, Mount Edziza Pro- of of British Columbia vincial Park. The moun- tain is named after Opinion Kounugu, the master of freshwater in Tahltan Let’s classify our myth. Photo reproduced trails in BC! with permission from the author from The Sacred by Jeremy McCall Headwaters: The Fight to When it comes right down to it, out- Save the Stikine, Skeena, door recreation is all about trails. So and Nass.by Wade many aspects of outdoor recreation Davis . See page 18 for depend on, revolve around or are review. In 2011 the Skeena, Stikine and Nass otherwise concerned with recreation were ranked BC’s No. 2 trails of all kinds. And what is a rec- Endangered Rivers. reation trail? In the Draft Trails Strategy for British Columbia, a trail is defined as “a path or route solely The Outdoor Recreation Foundation Gold MasterCard or partly used for one or more rec- ORC has no core-funding and pays no reation functions”. Recreation trails salaries but we still have to pay for rent can be as varied as the sea wall and other essentials. We do that with round Stanley Park or a section of funds granted by the Outdoor Recreation the Trans Canada Trail through BC’s Foundation which earns a small percent- back country. age from the transactions of the holders And what do we mean by classify- of its BMO Affinity MasterCard. This ing recreation trails? We mean de- MasterCard can be structured as a Gold scribing the type of uses intended for MasterCard and can earn Air Miles. If a specific trail or a section of trail you value the services which ORC pro- where it is not already completely vides and want to see ORC continue in obvious which, in other words, is business please apply for this Master- Members of the North Shore Search and Rescue Team (Nick Card, choose the features which suit you, Zupan, Curtis Jones and Tim Jones) about to be tasked for a Continued on page 8 helicopter long line rescue mission. North Shore Rescue photo.. and use it for your purchases and travel. Or, if you prefer, please consider a tax Nearly all ORC’s funding is provided by income deductible donation to the Outdoor Rec- from the Outdoor Recreation Foundation’s Affinity Contents of the Fall/Winter 2011 issue reation Foundation. MasterCard. To all holders of this card - Thank you! ORC’s Objectives……………………………...2 National Trails Survey……………………….16 The Outdoor Recreation Report is published by the Outdoor Recreation Council of Editor’s column………………………………...2 Healthy Forests - Healthy Communities: A con- British Columbia assisted by funding from the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch The proposed Natural Resource Roads Act……2 versation on BC forests…………………...17 of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. Members of ORC: Quad Riders ATV Association Book Review - The Sacred Headwaters: The of BC………………………………………...3 Fight to Save the Stikine, the Skeena and the Profile of an outdoor activist: Tim Jones - Volun- Nass……………………………………..…...18 teer Team Leader with North Shore Rescue...5 ORC’s Member Organizations….……..….....19 Good advice for hikers from North Shore Rescue ORC’s Executive Board of Directors…...... 19 What to Bring - The 10 Essentials…...……..7 2012 Endangered Rivers List………………..19 The Cranbrook to Kimberley Rail Trail………10 The Outdoor Recreation Foundation’s Mastercard………….…………………….20 Canadian Publication Mail Sales Agreement 40063490 Experience the Gold Rush/Spirit Trails……….12 Printed by Infigo Imaging, 150 - 3820 Cessna Drive, Richmond, BC V7B 0A2

The Outdoor Recreation Report Fall/Winter 2011 Vol. 23 No. 2 20 The Outdoor Recreation Report Fall/Winter 2011 Vol. 23 No. 2 1 The Outdoor Objectives of the The Outdoor Recreation Member Organizations 2011 - 2012 Outdoor Recreation Council of BC Council of British Columbia Provincial Group Members Recreation Report 47 West Broadway (voting) Backcountry Horsemen of BC Published twice a year by The Outdoor Recreation Coun- Vancouver BC V5Y 1P1 4. To foster responsible BC Federation of Drift Fishers the Outdoor Recreation cil of British Columbia, gener- Tel: 604-873-5546 use of BC‘s outdoors BC Federation of Fly Fishers Council of British Colum- ally known as ORC, has by recreational users [email protected] bia, 47 West Broadway, adopted the following objec- through advocacy and Website www.orcbc.ca BC Marine Trails Network Association BC Nature Vancouver BC V5Y 1P1, tives to clarify its mission and education. Executive Board of Directors 604-873-5546 or by e-mail BC Off-Road Motor Cycle Association purpose: 5. To be a forum for the (with affiliations) at [email protected] 1. To promote the benefits exchange of views Bob Gunn, Chair, BCIT BC Snowmobile Federation Distributed at no charge to of public outdoor rec- between government, Jack Bryceland, Federation of Mountain BC Speleological Federation member organizations, their reation in BC. outdoor recreation Clubs of BC Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society clubs and club members by 2. To represent the inter- groups and other or- Erin Hart, BC Snowmobile Federation Climbers Access Society ganizations in matters request and distributed to all ests of the outdoor rec- Kathy Whittemore, Four Wheel Drive Council of BC Yacht Clubs reation community to related to outdoor rec- public libraries in BC. Association of BC Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC government, industry reation. Subscription price for non- Don Reid, Trails Society of BC Four Wheel Drive Association of BC and the public. 6. To build bridges be- Guide Outfitters Association of BC members: $15 per year. tween outdoor recrea- Rose Schroeder, Back Country Horsemen 3. To advocate and facili- Hike BC Advertising rates: tate access to public tion groups with con- of BC Horse Council of BC $300 per inside page lands and waters for flicting interests. Howie Harshaw, UBC Forestry outdoor recreation. Steve Butschler, Quad Riders ATV International Mountain Bicycling Association $150 per half inside page Association of BC Lapidary Society of BC $100 per one third page Quad Riders ATV Association of BC Past Chairman Gordon Weetman, UBC Forestry Recreational Canoeing Association of BC Sea Kayak Association of BC Rivers Committee Chair The Editor’s column The proposed Natural Resource Roads Act Mark Angelo, BC Rivers Institute Trails Society of BC This issue of the newsletter is The recreation community can however. Senior Advisor Regional Committee Member going out later than intended. It expect to hear a lot about the We spent the three days re- Ray Pillman (voting) Valemount Area Recreation Development contains lots of information Natural Resource Roads Act in viewing the issues identified by Executive Director about trails and it’s because early 2012. The Ministry of For- the project team in its prelimi- Jeremy McCall Association there have recently been so ests, Lands & Natural Resource nary discussions with affected Shuswap Trail Alliance many events and developments Operations (FLNRO) has already sectors and also gleaned from Participating Group Members Participating Group Members involving trails that the editor invited public input on a discus- the public feedback received to (non voting) was unable to complete the is- (continued) sion paper (available at http// date. The project timeline is Okanagan Similkameen Parks Society Association of BC Snowmobile Clubs sue earlier. Besides the National www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/nrra/ ) extremely ambitious and it has Pacific International Kayak Association BC Spaces for Nature Trails Survey (see page 16) for That exercise ends December 15. strong support from the BC Castlegar Friends of Parks & Trails which there are only a few days On December 7, 8 and 9, in Government which has allo- Pemberton Valley Trails Association Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association China Ridge Cross Country Ski Association left, there have been meetings Richmond, 75 people gathered to cated staff and funding. Friends of the South Slopes Society about the proposed Natural Re- begin planning for this new stat- The objective is to have a draft Strathcona Wilderness Institute source Roads Act (see next ute. Participants came from most statute ready for the legislature West Chilcotin Tourism Association Friends of the Stikine Society item) and the Experience the sectors having an interest in re- by Fall 2012. To that end work- Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association Hope Mountain Centre Fraser initiative. The latter will source roads, including the forest ing groups are now being New Pathways to Gold Society see a network of trails along the and oil and gas industries. All formed to address a dozen key Fraser between Hope and the affected branches of the BC issues, including access man- estuary (for more information Government were represented. agement, liability and de- NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2012 ENDANGERED RIVERS LIST visit www.metrovancouver.org Most importantly from a recrea- activation requirements. ORC Nominations for the 2012 Endangered Rivers List should be submitted to the Matters not fully addressed in tion standpoint half a dozen will be continue to participate Outdoor Recreation Council at [email protected] by Monday March 5, 2012. this issue will be addressed in groups were represented, includ- we will keep members informed Please accompany your nomination with a description of the perceived threats the Spring/Summer issue. ing ORC. There was little or no as we go. and any other reasons for the nomination. Comments on any any changes to Jeremy McCall representation from ENGOs, Jeremy McCall the river’s status if it was listed in a previous Endangered Rivers List would also be useful

The Outdoor Recreation Report Fall/Winter 2011 Vol. 23 No. 2 2 The Outdoor Recreation Report Fall/Winter 2011 Vol. 23 No. 2 19 Members of ORC: The Quad Riders ATV Association of BC Book Review by Jeff Mohr that away what are we going to the wonder of this remarkable The Quad Riders ATV Asso- The Sacred Headwa- have? We’ll be standing with place, if for no other reason ciation of British Columbia ters: The Fight to Save nothing. What is going to happen than the survival of our chil- (ATVBC or the Association) the Stikine, Skeena, to us? You see that, all those dren.” (p viii) was organized in 2000 at Green and Nass mountains? Our minds are in As I read this book I feel Wade Lake in Central BC and incor- every mountain. Our memories porated in 2001. The Associa- by Wade Davis. has two intentions: First, to are in every valley. Our children make people fall in love with tion provides a voice for AT- Principal Photography by are in every river and stream that the Stikine-Skeena-Nass coun- Vers while promoting environ- Carr Clifton. flows here. That is where we try, leading to its preservation mentally friendly and responsi- Foreword by David Suzuki. belong.” (page 46) for future generations and sec- ble riding practices within the Afterword by Robert F. Ken- Lillian Moyer: “The elders are ond, to tell the story of Tahltan province in conjunction with nedy Jr. Published by Grey- keepers of the land. When we – corporate - BC- Federal inter- similar provincial ATV associa- stone Books, Vancouver, stand with them we stand with actions, which are similar to tions across Canada. At the time 2011. Available in hard cover the ancestors. I did not get ar- happenings all across BC and it was incorporated in 2001 the ISBN 978-1-55365-880-1 rested for the fun of it. I did it to Canada. There are many ver- Association had a membership and as an e-book ISBN 978- protect the land. We have the sions of the Tahltan story, told of 299 and it has since grown to 1-55365-880-8 power to stop whatever we want by folks with differing view- have over 3,000 members in 42 The Sacred Headwaters: birth- to stop. We need your help to points or differing experiences, clubs from Elkford to Port Al- ing ground for three of Can- protect this land. It is not just for yet Wade has attempted to re- berni to Fort St. John. The Harrison Lake rest stop during the 2011 South Western All Terrain ada’s most important salmon the native people it is for all peo- late what usually goes unre- Board of Directors is made up Trails poker ride. Photo by Marlaine Mohr rivers, home and heart ground, ple. Not just for us. And that is ported. We, as Canadians, ought of 15 volunteers from across the cating safe and environmentally trust in which individuals can kitchen and living room of the the way it should be. It is all con- to know what transpires in the Province. With this continuing responsible riding while work- work together successfully, in- Iskut Tahltans. The Serengeti of nected. We are all connected.” background of environmental growth the Association has ing with all to the greater bene- formation is to be freely shared the North, including caribou, (p 47) and socioeconomic negotia- been able to open an office in Kamloops and hire an office fit of the sport. throughout our organization us- moose, goat, Stone sheep, griz- David Suzuki: “If, as this pas- tions. Some may say, “This is manager and a Land and Envi- Integrity - We are honest and ing multiple communications zly and black bear, and wolf sionate and persuasive book sug- confidential business for First ronmental Coordinator thus straightforward in all that we channels. Effective communica- natural predator-prey ecosys- gests, the meadows of Klabona Nations and corporations.” gaining expertise and the ability do. We treat everyone with tion involves stating facts and tems. A country under layered can be the Sacred Headwaters of Which is true, and it is also the to better represent the member- dignity and respect. We act opinions clearly, listening criti- with copper and gold, anthracite all Canadians, indeed, for all business of all of us who value ship. Our goal is to work with responsibly with the resources cally, asking for necessary clari- coal and coalbed methane. A peoples of the world, then all of the long term integrity of the all organizations, communities entrusted to us. We are ac- fications and providing feedback country on the verge of massive us must act. Canadians espe- earth. industrial resource extraction. and other outdoor interest countable and act in accordance that is respectful of other's opin- cially should make their voices Reviewed by Stan Tomandl, with these values. ions and sensibilities. At all lev- Rita Louie: “The beauty of groups to advocate mutual re- heard. We must all listen to the Chair of the Friends of the Sti- Accountability - Accountabil- els we have the responsibility to this land, we live off. We get spect for all trail users. stories of the Tahltan people, kine Society. He lives in Victo- ity is the ongoing process of communicate openly and hon- our food, our fish, our medi- ATVBC subscribes to the fol- learn from them, and celebrate ria and can be reached at Sti- assessing the effectiveness with estly as receivers and senders of cines, our berries. If they take lowing guiding principles and values: which the Association meets the information. Environment - We support standards and expectations that Diversity - We recognize and Good advice for hikers from North Shore Rescue: The 10 Essentials - continued from page 14 the principles of a sustainable have been established by our celebrate the similarities and dif- keep your feet warm. They can eering leather or plastic boots socks are a must as these types environment and will not con- membership. Further the Board ferences in our members, clubs, also prevent frostbite in cold needs to be based on the type of of socks will wick sweat away sciously carry out or support of Directors and employees communities, programs and weather. activity you plan to carry out and from the feet thus reducing the any activities that will lead to a have a mutual responsibility for ideas. We value diversity be- We did not include footwear the type of terrain you will travel risk of blisters or skin problems. detrimental effect on the diverse the quality and scope of the ser- cause it promotes learning, en- as an essential item to carry as in. Remember to break in new “The 10 Essentials” can be ecosystems of our province. vices provided to the sport and riches our relationships and sport it something that goes on at the boots long before your hike and viewed on the North Shore Res- Commitment - We are pas- our membership as well as for and enhances our ability to solve start of your hike and stays on. have plenty of moleskin on hand cue website at sionate in our commitment to honest stewardship of the re- problems and make decisions. to cover the potential hot spots sources entrusted to us. Efficient and Effective Sys- Footwear selection from trail www.northshorerescue.com the sport of ATVing. We will runners to approach shoes to that always seem to go with new strive to improve the percep- Communication - In order to tems - ATVBC will strive to light hikers to full mountain- boots. Also, good quality hiking tions of the sport through advo- generate an environment of Continued on page 4

The Outdoor Recreation Report Fall/Winter 2011 Vol. 23 No. 2 18 The Outdoor Recreation Report Fall/Winter 2011 Vol. 23 No. 2 3 The Quad Riders ATV Association of BC - continued from page 3 Healthy Forests - Healthy Communities provide to effective and respon- with ATVs. Other accomplish- trail organizations such as the sible stewardship and manage- ments include a Youth Training Association of BC Snowmobile A conversation on BC forests ment of its responsibilities and Program which is being deliv- Clubs, the BC Snowmobile by Bill Bourgeois its resources by maintaining an ered in schools throughout the Federation and the BC Off- In 2009 and through 2010 a • To inform decision- 3. Communities want to be open decision making environ- province to Grades 4 to 7 stu- Road Motorcycle Association growing concern was voiced makers on communities’ more informed of the state of ment participating in collabora- dents focusing on safety and en- as well as working relationships among professional foresters vision for BC forest local forest lands. tive action, developing mutual vironmental responsibility. A with similar provincial associa- and biologists, conservationists, lands, including local or respect among members and vigorous ATV Safety Program tions across Canada. ATVBC is 4. Communities want a viable academics, community leaders, regional perspectives and and sustainable local forest employees, making decisions in has been established whereby also a member of the All- forest industry support compa- issues. a timely manner and achieving instructors are certified to teach Terrain Quad Council of Can- industry that meets their nies and First Nations that BC’s • To raise the profile of needs membership goals. the Canada Safety Council ada (AQCC). forests are in need of greater forest management The 2011 accomplishments in- Participatory Governance - (CSC) and Canadian AQCC In 2010 in Chilliwack and attention to meet societal expec- All members of ATVBC are Safety Institute (CASI) Rider again in 2011 in Nanaimo semi- through dialogue and de- cluded: tations over the long-term. bate regarding delivery of encouraged to accept their per- Training programs. ATVBC is nars were added to the agenda • Confirmation of 14 partners These gave rise to ideas for a community needs from sonal obligation to participate in also represented on the Joint Ad- for the spring meeting to pro- including academic institu- number of initiatives. In evalu- forest lands over the long- this process through active in- visory Group for the BC Govern- mote the sharing of information tions, conservation organiza- ating these it was clear there term. volvement in governance activi- ment’s Off Road Vehicle Man- with topics like GPS training, needed to be a focus on forest tions, a forest professional The process includes three ties. Such collaboration pro- agement Framework which will bridge building and presenta- management which was not organization, local govern- components: motes creative problem solving, introduce the registration of tions on topics of interest like otherwise included. This ment and a community foun- greater acceptance of decisions ORVs at the point of sale and registration and licensing. evolved into an initiative with 1. Securing background in- dation. made and a more trusting envi- resale. ATV BC was also a ATVBC’s Annual General the name Healthy Forests - formation from experts in • An established and fre- Meeting is held in August each Healthy Communities: A con- the field. quently updated a website year at various locations around versation on BC forests 2. Holding Community Dia- bcforestconversation.com the province to update members (HFHC). logue Sessions to acquire which posts contributions and promote club interactions. community views and and overview analyses. A jamboree is usually held in The non-partisan, volunteer- suggestions, and Establishment of an organ- conjunction with the AGM to supported HFHC initiative be- • 3. Providing a website and izational structure based on a introduce members to new rid- gan in January 2011 to catalyze social media mechanisms volunteer foundation ing areas and showcase the dialogue with natural resource to share information and beauty and diversity of riding experts and local communities • Recruitment of over 150 vol- enhance public dialogue. experiences throughout the (including members of the for- unteers across BC to assist in province. Jamborees have been estry profession, Aboriginals The dialogue was guided by a various aspects of imple- held in Green Lake, Revelstoke, and non-Aboriginals, commu- draft forest lands vision which menting the HFHC. nity advocates, conservationists, Kelowna, Princeton, Elkford, could be modified at regional • A draft provincial forest Pouce Coupe, Mt Washington youth and concerned citizens). levels to reflect local condi- lands vision as a basis for the The purpose was to provide an (hosted by the Campbell River tions or priorities identified dialogue. opportunity for communities through community discus- ATV Club), Elkford, Vernon, • Completion of 28 Back- and concerned citizens to in- sions. Prince George (hosted by the ground Brief papers by ex- three ATV Clubs in Prince form decision-makers of their The 20 Community Dialogue 2010 ATV Show in Prince George. Photo by Jeff Mohr views and concerns regarding perts on key aspects of forest George). The 2012 AGM will Sessions conducted in 2011 management. ronment as we honour differ- member of the Off Road Vehicle be held in Fort St. John. As our management of BC forests and identified four common Completion of 18 Commu- ences as common ground is Coalition which developed and members travel around the identify areas for improving themes related to community • long-term sustainable manage- nity Dialogue Sessions built. presented the original 47 recom- province and experience the wants or needs: (CDS) in communities in all The last three years have been mendations, including licensing uniqueness of each area they ment to achieve the provincial, community and family goals of 1. Communities want assur- regions of the Province. significant in our growth with and registration, to the BC Gov- share their experiences and with ance of a sustainable fu- ensuring healthy forests and • Completion of two work- major accomplishments such as ernment. What we consider as that comes increased tourism. ture for local forest lands. entering into a Memorandum of most significant is the develop- Members of the Association healthy communities for a shops addressing, in more 2. Communities want more Understanding with the Provin- ment of a sound working rela- continue to talk with the public brighter BC future. The initia- influence in forest lands cial Government on the sharing tionship within government cir- tive’s objectives were: decisions. Continued on page 15 of environmental stewardship cles as well as other motorized Continued on page 16

The Outdoor Recreation Report Fall/Winter 2011 Vol. 23 No. 2 4 The Outdoor Recreation Report Fall/Winter 2011 Vol. 23 No. 2 17 The Quad Riders ATV Association of BC - continued from page 4 Profile of an outdoor activist: Tim Jones and other ATV enthusiasts see someone in distress, and will for 36 years. He is a member of around the province by setting make my vehicle available to the Ridgeriders and Prince Volunteer Team Leader with North Shore Rescue up booths at trade shows and search and rescue. George ATV Clubs and has by Jeremy McCall conferences to promote and I will not interfere with any been riding ATVs with his wife ▪ I met Tim Jones in the City of share information about safe other sports enthusiast, and will Marlaine for about ten years. North Vancouver’s Works Yard and responsible riding. respect their rights to enjoy the He has been the First Vice where North Shore Rescue ATVBC has established a rider outdoors. President of ATVBC for the past stores its equipment and parks Code of Ethics and standardized four years and got involved be- ▪ I will know and obey all its trucks. During our meeting practices for responsible riding cause there was a lot of public- Federal, Provincial and local Tim was surrounded by practi- for all ATV users regardless of ity about restricting the use of rules regulating the operations of cal rescue gear of all shapes and affiliation: Off Highway Vehicles, includ- ATV’s in the areas where I ride. sizes. He was tuned in to what I will be a good sports en- ing ATVs. He was concerned ▪ ▪ I will not drink and drive. was happening in the North thusiast. I recognize that the that riders today, as well as the ▪ I will not harass wildlife and Shore Rescue Team’s wide- people judge all owners by my next generation, might not have will avoid areas posted for the spread area of operations as he actions. places to ride in the future. His protection of feeding of wildlife. probably is for much of the time involvement with ATVBC has ▪ I will use my influence with ATVBC will continue to work when he is not working at his allowed him to see a lot more of other ATV owners to promote with other trail groups to resolve “day job”. Few days go by this wonderful province and fair conduct. issues and initiate meetings to without some incident involving given him the opportunity to ▪ I will not damage living resolve differences provincially the Team. The day before we work with and help others to trees, shrubs, grasslands, alpine while providing support to local met Tim was helicoptered in to Tim Jones gives the final briefing to members of the North Shore understand that motorized areas or other natural features. I clubs in working locally with all the Stave Lake area to bring out Rescue Team for a recent helicopter and avalanche rescue drill sports help people to see and go will not damage the land. trail users to achieve balanced a truck driver who had sus- called SNOWMAN. Photo by John Blown. to places they would not nor- ▪ I will respect other people’s use. tained neck and back injuries mally get to. paramedic with the Advanced Tim was originally elected as property and rights. Jeff Mohr retired six years ago when his truck drove off a log- Life Support Team of the BC the North Shore’s Team Leader ▪ I will lend a hand when I after working for CN Railways ging road. The day after we met Ambulance Service and he is in 1996 and is presently in his the Rescue Team became in- the head of the North Vancou- third term. He is also the Search The Cranbrook to Kimberley Rail Trail - continued from page 10 volved when one of its off-duty ver Station. In that job he is on and Rescue Manager, the Heli- members came across a hiker in that this committee will eventu- known as the North Star mine how first class trails can be an call for a four day shift fol- copter Rescue Coordinator and the Hanes Creek watershed who ally evolve into a non-profit and it was the reason the rail line economic driver and a tourist lowed by four days off so he is Communications Chair as well had been missing for ten days. society with increased responsi- was built to Kimberley. attraction for a region. available for rescue work dur- as leading fund raising efforts on The next morning the Team was ing his four days off. There is behalf of the Team. bilities in the management and This already successful trail A downloadable GPS track of able to evacuate the hiker who inevitably a great deal of coor- Rescue teams the stewardship of the trail. the trail is available at highlights what a benefit to our had become quite disoriented dination between the rescue North Shore Rescue is one of The advisory committee early community that a world class http://www.everytrail.com/view and who had developed severe teams and the paramedics. Tim 90 rescue teams in the Province. this year undertook a name-the- trail can bring. The recently in- _trip.php?trip_id=635037 trench foot. says he caught the rescue bug in The North Shore Team became trail campaign. The new name stalled trail counters recorded Al Skucas is the president of The link between paramedics 1987 when he was participating established in 1965 when a selected for the trail is the North over 1,000 crossings at the Trails BC and the Cranbrook and rescue in an ambulance call for a res- loosely formed group of climb- Star Rails-to-Trails. The name bridge over the St. Mary’s River representative on the Prov- Tim is a long time resident of cue. He acknowledges that over ers evolved into a more formal highlights the mining and rail- during the Labour Day weekend. ince’s Rails-to-Trails Public the North Shore. He is married, the years he has probably given structure. Apart from the imme- way heritage of the trail. The It has already engaged many lo- Advisory Committee. He lives in with two grown up children and up a considerable amount of diate its first mine to operate in Kimber- cal residents in becoming more Cranbrook. his son Curtis is also a member overtime pay which he could response area includes Bowen ley over 100 years ago was active and fit. It has also shown of the Team. He has a teaching have earned during his days off Island, Indian Arm, and the City degree from SFU which no but he considers that a worth- of Vancouver and the University doubt stands him in good stead Have you completed the National Trails Survey! while sacrifice. And that is one Endowment lands and Pacific when he is training new mem- reason, as well as the fact that Spirit Park. There are neighbour- To complete the survey please visit ORC’s website at www.orcbc.ca and follow the bers of the Team. rescue work is so gruelling and ing rescue teams in Lions Bay, links on the home page. This trails survey was initiated by the National Trails Tim’s day job dovetails well dangerous, why Tim was Squamish and Whistler to the Roundtable after it met in Banff in 2010. It has been live on Survey Monkey since with his work on the rescue awarded the Order of British north, the latter two of which squad as he is a 29 year veteran July. And hurry! The survey period will end on December 31. Columbia in 2011. Continued on page 6

The Outdoor Recreation Report Fall/Winter 2011 Vol. 23 No. 2 16 The Outdoor Recreation Report Fall/Winter 2011 Vol. 23 No. 2 5 Tim Jones - Volunteer Team Leader with North Shore Rescue - continued from page 5 Let’s classify our trails in BC! - continued from page 11 also have helicopter operations, about sensible outdoor practices. A less well-recognized fact is The Alberta system classifies the kind of Experience a trail No doubt there are other good Sunshine Coast to the west and He is only too well aware that that a rescue team is a non- trails in stages. The Primary user will enjoy on that trail, ei- models available. It is reassuring the Coquitlam, Central Fraser you cannot prevent people from profit society with a volunteer Classification is either Non- ther primitive, semi-developed to know that we do not have to Valley and Chilliwack teams to failing to treat the outdoors and base and a board for directors motorized, Motorized, Mixed or developed. This is analogous reinvent the wheel but merely the east. All the rescue teams the weather with adequate re- so these societies are obliged to Use or Extreme Use. In this to the Character classification take the best of what other juris- belong to the BC Search and spect . For example you cannot carry so-called errors and omis- context Mixed Use includes used in Ontario. Another attrib- dictions are already doing. What Rescue Association. stop hikers from wearing runners sions liability insurance for both motorized and non- ute of the Alberta System is an is certain is that all who seek Along with co-founder George for rock climbing or crossing their directors and officers. And motorized use on the same trail excellent set of signage with a trails in BC, whether they be hik- Zilahi, Tim takes some of the snowfields. But he does think the cost of the insurance pre- (the expression “shared use” is sign specific to each class of ers, mountain bikers or ATVers, credit for establishing the Heli- that an opportunistic approach to mium for that coverage is just not used). The Primary Classifi- user. can only benefit from having copter Long Line Rescue pro- messaging can be of value and one of many expenses incurred cation also divides trails into As BC moves ahead with the better and more informative trail gram on the North Shore. He he manages to get important by a typical rescue tem. The either Single Use or Multi-Use, system on the RSTB website, lists available. has also pioneered protocols for messages out from time to time. budget for NSR Team is ap- after which it specifies the types and perhaps with other compre- Jeremy McCall is the Executive the treatment of hypothermia. A He recommends that persons proximately $350,000 per year, of user groups applicable to that hensive trail lists in the NGO Director of the Outdoor Recrea- more recent development has venturing into the back country and these funds have to be trail. The Alberta System adds sphere, we could incorporate tion Council of BC and the edi- been the formation of a kayak have some kind of itinerary in raised every year by the Team’s more complexity with a Secon- some of the best features of the tor of this newsletter. team to assist white water kay- mind and know where they are members and supporters if the dary Classifier which describes Ontario and Alberta systems. aking rescues. Tim has also going so they can tell their fam- Team is to have a supply of the been responsible for establish- ily or friends. He also suggests materials and equipment it Healthy Forests - Healthy Communities - continued from page 17 ing a chain of radio repeater that they should be ready to ad- needs to carry out its role. Per- stations to improve communica- just their route and their clothing sons wishing to make a dona- detail, priority issues identi- logue. changes to forest manage- tion in the Team’s area. for changes in the weather and tion to the NSR Team can do so fied through the Commu- In discussions with politicians, ment decisions. The Team and its members be capable of lending a helping through the Team’s website at nity Dialogue Sessions and more specific recommendations 2. 15 one-day community The NSR Team presently has hand to others if required. He www.northshorerescue.com analyses of the Background are desired than what has been workshops as a basis for 45 members, of whom as many endorses the use of mobile or Tim is truly one of BC’s most Briefs. received through the 2011 ac- community dialogue re- as 25 may call in at one time satellite phones whenever possi- active volunteers but he consid- • Publication of a 2011 Ac- tivities. This generated a 2012 garding community recom- when drills are held. However ble. ers that the incidents dealt with tivities Report on the results activities plan designed to build mendations on the specific the numbers can decline at Liability insurance and fund- by the NSR Team are just the from the experts’ papers, on the results from 2011. The changes. times in the summer to as few raising tip of the iceberg. He thinks the Community Dialogue objectives will include continu- 3. Reports based on the dia- as six. Requirements for a vol- Since an incident a few years many other incidents go unre- Sessions and other inputs ing to build on both the momen- logue from all the work- unteer member of the rescue ago when the Rescue Team in ported because they are dealt from concerned citizens tum regarding support for BC shops and summarized into team are good local knowledge, Golden was exposed to liability with by individuals and he feels (planned for distribution in forest management with a focus a final report; and some mountaineering skill, an claims for the loss of a life and this is a tribute to the sense of January 2012). on community capacity building 4. 30 communications ses- ability to multi-task and to be had no liability insurance cover- responsibility and capability of Holding meetings with po- and involvement and the current • sions talking about the 2011 tough both mentally and physi- age at the time, liability has been many of those who venture into litical decision-makers to initiatives of resource ministries - 2012 dialogue recommen- cally. It takes about ten years one of the most important issues the mountains and the back update them on the status that meet community needs. for an individual to become facing volunteers on rescue country. Perhaps this is just as dations to inform decision- and results of the HFHC The more detailed recommen- makers, decision-maker competent and fully engaged. teams. In fact there is a well es- well because it allows Tim to As in the case of all HFHC dations and community actions Additional members for the tablished system to address this spend part of his life at home influencers, communities contributions, the 2011 Activi- that are practical, realistic and and concerned citizens and team are needed to assist with aspect of their operations. Mem- with his wife Lindsay and make ties Report will be posted on the innovative will be acquired the inevitable electrical and me- bers are covered for liability un- sure that the family dog Abbi to encourage further dia- HFHC website and distributed from experts, communities and logue. chanical work to keep the der the Provincial Emergency gets her two walks each day! to key decision-makers (e.g., concerned citizens through: equipment is good order and Program provided a Program Bill Bourgeois is the HFHC politicians, forest industry rep- 1. 12 one-day workshops information technology has be- Task Number has been issued for Jeremy McCall is the Executive Coordinator. He is a Registered resentatives, influencers) with held within six BC aca- came an especially valuable the incident and the individual Director of the Outdoor Rec- Professional Forester. He lives encouragement to act on the demic institutions to obtain support skill in recent times. volunteers involved in the par- reation Council and the editor in North Vancouver and can be recommendations. Presentations views from concerned citi- Educating the public ticular rescue have been listed of The Outdoor Recreation Re- reached at to key decision-makers will be zens, experts and senior Tim acknowledges that it is and signed in by the duty search port. [email protected] offered to provide clarification implementation people not easy to educate the public manager. and further input into the dia- regarding the specific

The Outdoor Recreation Report Fall/Winter 2011 Vol. 23 No. 2 6 The Outdoor Recreation Report Fall/Winter 2011 Vol. 23 No. 2 15 Good advice for hikers from North Shore Rescue: The 10 Essentials - continued from page 7 Good advice for hikers from North South Chilcotin Mountain Park Shore Rescue Guided Hiking Retreats in South- quality flashlight or headlamp less) until they can make voice tice and it is not a substitute for western British Columbia with extra bulb and batteries is contact with you and then follow orienteering skills especially if What to bring - The 10 Essentials From the North Shore Rescue website With a solid pair of boots, and pack horses carry- No.1 on our list of the 10 essen- their instructions. you are in terrain with natural ing your gear, all experienced levels can enjoy tial items. It is also prudent to We also recommend you carry a obstacles such as canyons. http://www.northshorerescue.com/ the world-renowned ecology of the South Chilco- tin Mountains with Chilcotin Holidays’ all- carry green Cyalume glow heavy duty thermal blanket as The whole strategy for cloth- Even the best weather can change rapidly, and sticks as an emergency backup inclusive Guided Hiking Trekking Retreats from this provides excellent shelter ing is layering and breathability. even the widest trail can be lost. It pays to take May to September. ONLY. These lightweight items and reflects body heat. This prevents overheating and a little extra with you, just in case. North Shore will illuminate the trail around Our wilderness guest ranch and licensed guide Water is an essential item to sweating which can cause dehy- Rescue recommends taking the following 10 territory are located in the rain shadow on the and in front of you sufficiently take before and during your hike. dration and begin the cycle of Essentials: leeward side of BC’s where for you to travel slowly in dark- there is next-to-no precipitation and few bugs. We recommend you drink one to hypothermia in cold weather 1. Flashlight or a headlamp with extra batteries ness for several hours. and heat exhaustion in rela- Away from civilization, journey into a land un- two litres of water beforehand and light bulb. Green Cyalume stick as emer- touched by man where 50 million year-old fossils, Note that training is required tively warmer weather. There and carry one to two litres. Hy- gency backup. jade, and rainbow colourations on glaciated to develop efficient skills for are many clothing types on the scree abound. Choose between: dration is directly proportional to 2. Whistle (we recommend the Fox 40 whistle use of a map, compass, and first your performance but it also market but you will want to McGillivray Pass: 4 or 7-Days with a lanyard ) aid kit, as well as to efficiently maintains the essential fluid bal- wear underclothing next to the at Connel Creek camp light fires. However having ance in your body. This is only a skin that wicks sweat away. It is 3. Matches (water proof or in plastic bag) or of the Coast Mountains these items with you can make general guideline and is to be also important to purchase lighter. We also recommend a firestarter and/or Shulaps Range: 4 or 7-Days all the difference in a survival adjusted for extreme heat, cold, fleece and Gortex clothing that a candle Eastern edge of the Chilcotin Mountain Range situation. altitude, terrain, etc. We also has venting zippers in the arm- 4. Extra clothes , hat or toque, gloves or mit- One camp or Hut-to-Hut to: Brett Creek, Liza Lake & Grizzly Why a large orange plastic recommend you carry electro- pits and leg areas as this allows tens, fleece jacket, gortex jacket, polypro un- excess body heat to vent during Spruce Lake Park – The Jewel of the South bag? It’s actually one of the lyte, such as Gatorade, in order derwear, good quality hiking socks and gortex Chilcotin Mountains Park: 7 or 10-Days times of heavy exercise in in- most valuable items on the list. to replenish salt and potassium over pants. Northwestern side of the Chilcotin Range Crawling into the bag helps that are depleted during exces- clement weather. A fleece or 5. Pocket knife with quality cutting blade. Can One camp or Hut-to-Hut to three of our five keep you warm and dry. The sive exercise. We recommend woolen toque or hat is also a saw (pocket chain saw in a can) (optional) camps:Big Creek, Eldorado, Spruce Lake, must as a great deal of body Tyax, & Warner Lake orange colour is also highly that you take short rest and water 6. Large orange plastic bag and thermal tarp visible and helps attract atten- breaks and hydrate yourself dur- heat is lost through the head No need to be deprived of all the comforts of home! Our permanent alpine camps have indi- tion, particularly from the air. ing your hike so as to avoid fluid especially in children. Remem- 7. Water (gatorade crystals recommended) and ber the saying “if your feet get food (high energy food bars) vidually-heated tent cabins at 6,000 - 6,500 feet Why a whistle? It is ideal for depletion that leads to heat ex- elevation. Enjoy freshly prepared meals cold put your toque on”. Good signaling for help as your voice haustion or hypothermia. 8. First-aid kit , should include pocket mask; (vegetarian menu available) and the lasting quality woollen or Gortex will become very hoarse in a We combined navigation and Sam Splint, bulk dressings, protective gloves, friendships you’ll make around the campfire! gloves or mittens are a must, short period of time especially communications into No’s 9 and bandage, scissors and blister dressings especially in winter and inclem- if you are dehydrated. We rec- 10 essential items rather than 9. Navigation: Good quality compass with ent weather so as to prevent ommend the Fox 40 whistle creating 11 essential items as built in declination adjustment and both topog- frostbite or cold injury. This because it works very well in they go hand in hand with each raphical and interpretive maps. we also recom- will also allow you to perform wet conditions and has good other. Knowing where you are mend a GPS unit but only as an adjunct to tasks such as holding on to range. When sending out a dis- and being able to communicate compass and map rocks or tree branches when tress whistle blast do three short your location in an emergency is traveling in rough terrain, wood 10. Communications: We recommend you blasts in timed intervals of one a godsend, both to yourself and gathering or lighting a fire. One bring a mobile phone with two fresh batteries to five minutes and in different the search and rescue team. As additional little tip is to carry and also consider purchasing a two-way family directions from where you are noted above you need proper two good quality plastic shop- radio system called FRS. standing as rescuers may be training to orienteer with com- ping bags in case your boots get Important Tips regarding the 10 Essentials: above, below or to the sides of pass and map and a GPS should wet. You can put on your dry The lack of light is the single most frequent you, especially if you are lost in be seen as an adjunct to this. The socks and wrap them in the cause of overdue hiker calls for North Shore a canyon. If you hear whistle GPS itself is a valuable tool and, bags then put your wet boots Rescue. It is so easy to underestimate the Chilcotin Holidays blasts from rescuers it doesn’t depending on the type and price back on. This is great if you are amount of daylight left, especially if you are Gun Creek Road, , BC V0K 1P0 mean that they can hear you. you pay, you can download to- stranded overnight and want to deep in the forest. That is why carrying a good Tel. 250 - 238 - 2274 Continue whistle blasts at even pographical maps onto the GPS. E-mail: [email protected] shorter intervals (one minute or However, a GPS requires prac- or visit chilcotinholidays.com Continued on page 18 Continued on page 14

The Outdoor Recreation Report Fall/Winter 2011 Vol. 23 No. 2 14 The Outdoor Recreation Report Fall/Winter 2011 Vol. 23 No. 2 7 Let’s classify our trails in BC! - continued from page 1 Experience the Gold Rush/Spirit Trails - continued from previous page the Boston Bar First Nation, Social media also plays a role For 2012, New Pathways plans in most cases. New Pathways is reconstructing in marketing heritage trails. to work with the Hope Mountain One of the most important rea- the traditional First Nations Tracebook, a social media ini- Centre, BC Parks, Spuzzum First sons why the need for classifi- Trail from Boston Bar to the tiative created in partnership Nation and others to restore and cation is becoming more and Coldwater. And New Pathways with Barkerville Historic Town, revitalize Alexandra Bridge Pro- more urgent is the dramatic in- and the In-SHUCK-ch Nation is a Facebook-based social me- vincial Park. The park (between crease in the numbers and types recently completed a trails dia network connecting heri- Yale and Hell's Gate) contains of users of recreation trails. evaluation for the Harrison- tage sites, visitor centres, muse- largely-intact sections of the While there have not been sig- Sasquatch Trail. This ums, arts and culture groups Cariboo Wagon Road, HBC Bri- nificant increases in the num- project will see a large portion and other partners to a global gade Trails, the 1926 Trans- bers of the more traditional user of the gold rush era "Douglas online community. Set up like a Canada Highway and the First groups, such as hikers, back Trail" (built along traditional Facebook page, it uses a combi- Nations trail network they were country skiers, conventional First Nations’ routes) restored. nation of live programming and founded on. New Pathways is cyclists and equestrians, there historic recreations to bring his- also working with the Ministry have been huge increases in the In August 2011, construction started on a $98,000 upgrade of tory along the trails to life. of Transportation & Infrastruc- numbers of mountain bikers, ture as it carries out a structural off-road motor cyclists, snow- the Tikwalus Trail near In August, New Pathways Spuzzum. A partnership be- and Barkerville teamed up with assessment on the historic 1926 mobilers and riders of all terrain Alexandra Bridge, a BC heritage vehicles (ATVs), also known as tween the Spuzzum First Na- the R.E. Living History Group tion, Hope Mountain Centre and to stage the 1861 Pack Trail trails icon. New Pathways will quads. While many of these also continue to build on its mar- enthusiasts use different trails The Haller Trail above the Fraser, which can be seen winding its New Pathways, the restoration Gold Rush Ride. This historic keting strategy. from those used by the tradi- way through the canyon far below. Photo by Larri Woodrow. project is almost complete. recreation celebrated the 150th anniversary of the first rush New Pathways also looks for- tional users , the dramatic in- when they need to describe a program was introduced in In addition to restoring B.C.'s down the trail between Keithley ward to working with the Experi- crease in their numbers has re- specific trail to others is the con- 2009, the funding was allocated Heritage Trails, New Pathways Creek and Richfield, jump- ence the Fraser initiative to help sulted in them having an fusion over certain key words three ways, between non- and its partners are also actively starting the Cariboo Gold Rush. with connectivity, marketing, equally dramatic impact on the applied to trails, specifically the motorized trails, summer mo- promoting them. With partners Pictures, posts and videos of the promotion and advocacy as BC users of conventional trails. words “shared use” and “mixed torized trails and winter motor- like the Cariboo Coast Chilcotin ride are on the Tracebook Core continues to expand and improve This impact can often result in use” and “multi-use”. For exam- ized trails. To handle these allo- Tourism Association, the Soci- page. In addition to making the its world-class Heritage Trails conflicts between trail users. ple the Trans Canada Trail cations the National Trails Coa- ety is working on a strategy to trek using nothing but period- Network. New Pathways wel- There are a number of other (TCT) is described on its website lition (NTC), which was revitalize the Gold Rush/Spirit authentic clothing and equip- comes new partners to join with reasons why more structured at www.tctrail.ca as “the world’s charged with administering the Trails marketing brand. ment, the Living Historians also dozens of communities and or- classification would benefit the longest network of multi-use program, made the following To promote the Heritage placed geocaches along the ganizations dedicated to revital- outdoor recreation community. recreational trails” and the so- statement in its guidelines for Trails network, New Pathways Pack Trail route, adding it to the izing this ancient transportation These include clarification of called “preferred uses” listed on completing applications: has also launched innovative Chasing the Golden Butterfly network. the present definitions for de- its website include snowmobiles. “There are two types of shared promotional campaigns like the program. scribing trails, providing a basis Yetmany proponents and sup- use trails: motorized and non- Chasing the Golden Butterfly Don Hauka is the communi- for descriptive signage and fa- porters of the TCT in BC de- motorized. Projects that com- passport/geocache program. It These efforts have helped cations director for the New cilitating the listing of trails scribe it as a non-motorized trail. bine both motorized and non- combines a traditional passport start a new gold rush along the Pathways to Gold Society. He with their intended uses. Classi- And in Newfoundland and Lab- motorized are categorized as program (like the one used dur- Gold Rush/Spirit Trails net- lives in New Westminster and fication is also a useful tool for rador the Newfoundland T’Rail- Mixed Use trails.” In this sce- ing Expo 86) with the emerging work. People from all over the enjoys walking these historic the funding of trails and the way Council, which is responsi- nario, multi-use trails had the pastime of geocaching to en- world are coming to experience trails and sharing their stories promotion of trails as part of an ble for the TCT in that province, same definition as shared use courage travelers to visit his- a new kind of gold: perhaps the with people from all over the overall policy aimed at increas- describes its mandate as the pro- trails. toric sites along three routes in most diverse heritage, cultural world. He can be reached at ing tourism. motion of multi-use trail devel- As a result two influential the BC Interior. and recreational experience of [email protected] The case for classifying – opment and the preservation of sources, the TCT and the NTC, its kind in BC. clarification abandoned railway lines for use have taken two slightly differ- One of the obstacles encoun- by hikers, bikers, cross country ent approaches to the use of the CANADA WEST MOUNTAIN SCHOOL tered by trail advocates, volun- skiers, snowmobiles and ATVs, terms shared use (and multi- Established in 1982, Canada West Mountain School is an international mountaineering school teers and professionals engaged among other uses. and guiding company. We lead expeditions to some of the most spectacular mountain regions in trail funding and construction When the Federal trail funding around the world, including the Seven Summits, and offer a wide range of courses in back- Continued on page 9 country skiing, avalanche safety, and rock climbing. Visit www.themountainschool.com

The Outdoor Recreation Report Fall/Winter 2011 Vol. 23 No. 2 8 The Outdoor Recreation Report Fall/Winter 2011 Vol. 23 No. 2 13 Experience the Gold Rush/Spirit Trails Let’s classify our trails in BC - continued from page 8 by Don Hauka use) and mixed use. The lack of regular donors and the TCT originally used for the rail-bed clarity caused by these differ- Foundation as well as the Prov- surface. ATVBC also disputes Follow ancient First Nations ences provides opportunities for ince. With the restoration of the the Province’s statement that the trade routes through sacred, the misuse of trails and ulti- trestles in Myra Canyon Provin- KVR has been designated as a living landscapes. Walk in the mately to conflict. cial Park between 2005 and non-motorized trail. ATVBC footsteps of fur trader and ex- The case for classifying – con- 2008, the full length of the takes the position that quad rid- plorer Simon Fraser. Or saddle flicts and disputed uses KVR was available for cyclists ers, who have for years used sec- up and ride along the spectacu- Conflicts can arise due to the and hikers and the trail gained tions of the KVR to access their lar Gold Rush/Spirit Trails of susceptibilities of different an international reputation as a fishing holes and other back- the Fraser Canyon and the Cari- types of trail users. These can destination for touring cyclists. country trails, should not be pre- boo. These are just some of the include the tendency of some In the past three years that repu- vented from using the trail. experiences you can have along horses to “spook” easily, for tation has been tarnished as While many would agree that BC's historic routes thanks to example when they see a stick more and more cyclists have ATVs should not use the KVR, the New Pathways to Gold So- (because they think it is a complained about the quality of no-one would dispute the fact ciety's Heritage Trails Program. snake!). It also includes the the trail surface which became that ATV riders have as much need for hikers, naturalists and significantly degraded. Many right as any other trail user to Since 2009, the New Path- back country skiers to have a users have attributed this to have some trails designated for ways to Gold Society (New quiet experience free from the damage caused by ATVs. Trails their use. Pathways) has helped to restore internal combustion engine BC has played a prominent role The case for classifying - sign- hundreds of kilometres of the when they are in the wild. in attempting to get this recti- age ancient trail system that con- HBC 1849 Trail crossing at Bushby Creek. Photo by Don Hauka A recent example of a long- fied by calling on the Province, It goes without saying that de- nected BC’s regions to each standing dispute was use of specifically the Recreation Sites finitive classification of the uses other and the rest of the world. comprises dozens of communi- gades. Today, hikers and horse- trails in the Squamish area by and Trails Branch (RSTB) of permitted on any given trail Originally blazed by indigenous ties and an incredible diversity of back riders can enjoy a continu- off-road motor cyclists and the Ministry of Forests, Lands makes it very simple for signage people over the course of First Nations’ culture. It includes ous wilderness trail that spans mountain bikers. It was the op- & Natural Resource Operations to be provided to indicate which 10,000 years, this latticework of dramatic landscapes like the rug- 50 km of scenic alpine mead- portunity presented by the Fed- (FLNRO), to enforce non- uses are permitted. A clearly un- routes was expanded by fur ged Fraser Canyon, the semi- ows and lush old-growth forest. eral trail funding program in motorized use of the KVR. The derstandable signage system has traders and gold seekers. Out- desert dry lands of the Thomp- New Pathways is also work- 2009 which forced the two staff at FLNRO have reiterated been developed on Vedder door enthusiasts and recrea- son and the rolling green fields ing with Western Economic groups to meet and resolve their their position that the KVR is Mountain in the Fraser Valley by tional hikers also left their of the Cariboo. Development Canada, Northern differences. Since then the local designated as a non-motorized the Vedder Mountain Trail Asso- mark. All of them left stories New Pathways has undertaken Development Initiative Trust clubs for each user group have trail and they state that this des- ciation (see www.vmta.ca ). along the way. projects from one end of the and the District of 100 Mile Gold Rush/Spirit Trails corridor House with funding provided in taken a pro-active approach to ignation was originally decided The case for classifying – trail Today, New Pathways helps their differences and they now on to satisfy the requirements of inventories and lists visitors to our province learn to the other since receiving $2 part from the National Trails million in funding for Heritage Coalition federal trail funding collaborate on working out so- landowners adjacent to sections Another benefit of classifying those stories and add their own lutions to their differences. of the trail and because of li- trails is the inclusion of useful chapter to the living history of Trails restoration from the Min- program to transform the Gold istry of Tourism, Culture & the Rush Snowmobile Trail be- There has been a less satisfac- ability issues. information in an inventory or BC's Heritage Trails system. tory outcome to the long- On the other hand ATV clubs list of trails. The RSTB is re- With community, government Arts (now the Ministry of Jobs, tween 70 Mile House and Tourism & Innovation) in 2009. Horsefly into an all-seasons standing dispute between users adjacent to the KVR, supported sponsible for approving the es- and corporate partners, New of the Kettle Valley Railway by the Quad Riders ATV Asso- tablishment of trails in the Prov- Pathways is working to revital- With partners like the Hope trail. Once completed, this 170 km route will be open year- (KVR) in the Okanagan. This ciation of BC (ATVBC), are ince under Section 56 of the For- ize the Gold Rush/Spirit Trails Mountain Centre, New Pathways rail-trail was acquired by the petitioning the BC Government est & Range Practices Act. And network that helped build mod- helped rebuild the Hudson’s Bay round for hikers, horseback rid- ers, cyclists and snowmobilers. Province of BC in the mid- to “retain the current and his- the RSTB is beginning to assem- ern BC. Company 1849 Heritage Trail 1990s. Trails BC, the non-profit torical mixed use (both motor- ble an inventory of the Prov- New Pathways operates along between Hope and Tulameen New Pathways’ commitment society which is responsible for ized and non-motorized recrea- ince’s established trails on its the Gold Rush/Spirit Trails net- (outside Princeton). This 74 km to First Nations reconciliation is developing the TCT in BC, was tion) of the rail line”. ATVBC website at work, encompassing the Hope- trail follows the original First reflected in all its projects. The given a tenure of the KVR and disputes the claim by Trails BC http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/ Barkerville corridor as well as Nations trade route from Hope to Heritage Trails Program is no it proceeded to develop it as a that use by ATVs degrades the Included in the information be- the Harrison-Lillooet route and the Interior. In 1849, the Hud- exception. In partnership with trail primarily for touring cy- trail surface and suggests this is ing provided for each trail are the neighboring areas. This region son's Bay Company (HBC) ex- clists with funding from its caused by the type of material panded the trail for its fur bri- Continued on next page Continued on page 10

The Outdoor Recreation Report Fall/Winter 2011 Vol. 23 No. 2 12 The Outdoor Recreation Report Fall/Winter 2011 Vol. 23 No. 2 9 The Cranbrook to Kimberley Rail Trail by Al Skucas Let’s classify our trails in BC! - continued from the line to a trail. The biggest page 9 obstacle to the creation of the uses intended for that trail. This inventory still has trail was the remediation of the a long way to go before it is anywhere near com- contaminated Sullivan mine plete and a massive amount of information about waste which had been used for intended users will be required before the list has ballast throughout the line. an adequate amount of detail. One way to achieve Without the removal of this bal- that more expeditiously would be to have a last, work could not proceed on straightforward classification system which could trail construction. CP Rail was be applied at the time the trail is established. Such able to reach an agreement with a system, which would define permitted uses, Teck Resources Limited, a BC would also be more simple to apply to the existing mining and metals company, list than attempting to identify all the uses to whereby CP Rail was able to which any given trail could be put. remove the line’s contaminated The Ontario Trails Council, a non-profit organi- ballast and transport the mate- zation and a member of the Canadian Trails Fed- rial to Teck’s mine tailings eration, has developed a superb trail location sys- A scenic section of the Cranbrook-Kimberley Rail Trail. Photo by Al ponds in Kimberley. This was tem on its website at www.ontariotrails.on.ca Skucas done in the spring of 2009. which enables a visitor to “Find a Trail” by re- Canada’s newest rail trail was many years. The excellent sur- Shortly after the remediation, gion, city or activity. Also for each trail its opened on September 23, 2010. face and the gentle elevation pro- construction began on the trail “character” is listed as, for example, natural, mo- This paved pathway runs from file that is a characteristic of all and it was completed in June torized or rail-trail, and a list of the primary uses Cranbrook to Kimberley for 25 rail trails make the trail appeal- 2011. There is only one bridge for that trail is shown, such as hiking or ATVing, kms. Although not officially ing to young families as well as on the line and that is over the so that there is no doubt about the type of users open this past summer, this pic- seniors and they are also using St. Mary’s River. The 135 me- one can expect to meet on that trail. This system is turesque non-motorized trail has the trail in increasing numbers. ter long steel girder structure an excellent model for other jurisdictions seeking was fitted with concrete slabs already proven to be one of Word-of-mouth reports of the to develop a comprehensive trail inventory. for the surface with 6 foot metal BC's most popular trails outside trail have already brought in The case for classifying –promoting the use of fencing installed for safety. an urban area. many outsiders as evidenced by trails Although cyclists are the main the Alberta license plates often Funding of $1.8 million for the Trails are among the finest assets BC can employ beneficiary of the trail, many found in the trailhead parking trail was provided from the Ru- to attract visitors from elsewhere. While the more walkers especially close to lots this past summer. ral Municipal Infrastructure traditional visitors have sought out hiking and Fund, and this was split be- mountain trails, for which they can obtain infor- Cranbrook and Kimberley are How the trail came to be using the trail. Rollerbladers, tween the Province and the mation on websites such as Clubtread or Biv- With the closing of the Sullivan which are seldom seen in east- Government of Canada. The ouac.com, an increasing number of visitors want Mine in Kimberley in 2001, ern BC, are using the trail in two communities contributed motorized trails. It is important to be able to pro- there was no longer a need for a increasing numbers. There is $400,000 each. vide them with directions to the trails they will rail line to Kimberley. CP Rail, also an opportunity for equestri- Currently the trail is managed want to use. A freely available inventory of trails the owners of the rail line, gra- ans to have a separate trail by a Trail Management Com- with types of use similar to the Ontario model is ciously donated the rail grade to within the rail-trail right-of- mittee consisting of city staff essential for this rapidly growing area of interest. the cities of Cranbrook and Kim- way. In fact a dirt access road from the two cities. A public Solutions – What can be done berley based on a Memorandum runs alongside portions of the advisory committee has recently In 2009 the Province of Alberta published Al- of Understanding originally trail within that right-of-way. been formed with representation berta Recreation Corridor & Trails Classification drafted by CP and the two cities System - Although Cranbrook is not from the communities as well as in 2007. Title transfer was com- http://www.tpr.alberta.ca/recreation/trails/pdf/Rec noted as an active cycling com- from the Regional District of pleted in August 2011. CorridorsManual.pdf This is an ambitious attempt munity, this trail has brought East Kootenay. It is expected The two communities recog- to fully address the question of trail classification. out many individuals including nized the best future use of the seniors who have not cycled for rail right-of-way was to convert Continued on page 16 Continued on page 15

The Outdoor Recreation Report Fall/Winter 2011 Vol. 23 No. 2 10 The Outdoor Recreation Report Fall/Winter 2011 Vol. 23 No. 2 11