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SALTSPRING ISLAND UPDATES
JULY, 2001 by Dave Lines
Hi all. This is an update on the trail access situation on Saltspring
Island.
The bad news first: In April, 2001, BC Parks posted signs at Ruckle Park to
tell people that there's no cycling permitted on the trails. There are now
no BC Parks in the South Vancouver Island District that have designated
cycling trails. This despite recreational uses being a part of the BC Parks
mandate. If you're unhappy about this, please let 'em know. Try Ross
Dawson or David Chater at the District Office, 391-2300.
And the good news is that the timber harvesting has stopped on Mt. Bruce,
Hope Hill, and Mt. Tuam. The moratorium on logging was implemented
unilaterally and voluntarily by the land owner, Texada Land Corp. pending
negotiations over other lots that they own on the Island. Realistically,
they didn't have that much left to log of the old growth and mature second
growth on Southwest Saltspring before they would've been moving on to the
controversial Burgoyne Bay and Maxwell Lake properties that include Garry
Oak habitat and drinking water supplies, respectively.
So what does this mean for trail users? There is no official access, so
trail users are still trespassing. However, there will be far less logging
truck traffic on Musgrave Rd, and active logging areas will no longer be a
hazard. Trails have been impacted on the ridge that connects the three
peaks, but the Hope Hill network suffered most. If you choose to hit the
trails there, be aware that it's changed and some of your important
landmarks and turnoffs have changed. Give yourself extra time, food and
water in case you get lost.
May 3, 2000
In the Gulf
Islands things have gone from bad to worse for riders on
Saltspring Island. As of yesterday, (April 30) one singletrack has been
lost to timber harvesting. Three have recently been impacted by
roadbuilding activities. Another half a dozen trails on the Hope Hill
network could be lost completely in the very recent future if the most
recent surveying and flagging are any indication of what's to come.
If you
are not intimately familiar with the Hope Hill trail network, I suggest you
don't try it for a while because the recent activities there have made
navigation very difficult. You will likely find that your old landmarks,
intersections, and trails have disappeared. If you do wish to ride the area
before it's been completely harvested, give yourself extra time to complete
the loop before dark. You may well end up lost. DON'T RIDE HOPE HILL
DURING THE WEEK. IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AN ACTIVE LOGGING AREA.
Check out www.savesaltspring.com for updates on recent activities on
southwest Saltspring Is.
by Dave Lines, Rainforest Riders, issue no. 3, Spring 2000. Reprinted by
permission.
To get involved in this or other trail access issues, contact Rene Ballard at home 727-6374, work 475-6055, or e-mail
rene.ballard@home.com |
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August
Tuesday August 5th.
SIMBS Board Meeting, first (non holiday) Tuesday each month 7:00 PM sharp, Victoria Police Station, 850 Caledonia Ave, everyone welcome.
Sunday August 10th.
Introductory Ride at Hartland, second Sunday each month 9:45am, Guided, separate beginner and advanced groups, all ages.
Details and Updates
Sunday August 10th.
Youth Ride at Hartland, second Sunday each month, 9:45 AM. Families welcome too!
Details and Updates
Sunday August 10th.
Women's ride at Hartland occurs on the second Sunday of each month at 9:45am. The rides are led by women for women of all ages and abilities. Carmel Ecker.
Details and Updates
Sunday August 17th.
Trail Maintenance at Hartland third Sunday each month, 8:45am sharp (on the trails at 9:00), Call Greg @ 598-6198 and please leave a message so we have enough lunches, or e-mail him: mailto:trails@simbs.com
Details and Updates
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