 There's an incredible wealth of trails in and around City of Castlegar. But they don't build, maintain or advertise themselves. That's where Castlegar Friends of Parks and Trails (FOPT} comes in
"Castlegar is very well supplied with trails in the vicinity of the city. I think that's the strength of the trails in Castlegar - they're very handy and close. It's very important to maintain access to these trails," said FOPT president John Mansbridge. The mandate of FOPT is to build and maintain trails in the community for non-motorized use. Access to the trails is free for are assigned sections of trail to ,look after. They clear brush when needed and call for larger crews if major obstacles block any of the local trails. "There's a system of volunteers," said Mansbridge.
One of the recent focuses of the group has been to put in better signage at trail heads and along trails.
"We've done a lot of work in the last year to make it easier for people to find the trails," said Mansbridge.
FOPT vice president Elaine Robinson said a major component of FOPT work is dedicated to educating the public about local trails through maps, flyers and its newsletter. It's also important for FOPT to work with private property owners - business and residential - if tarns border on or cross into their properties and to make sure the public appreciates the contributions of these owners, and respects those properties. It's very important, because you can't have people walking where they're not supposed to," Robinson said. FOPT also works to raise funding for projects from various levels of government and corporations. Much of its efforts are made possible through grants from organizations like BC Hydro and Columbia Power Corporation. In addition, FOTP focuses on one major project. Right now, that project is linking this community to the rest of the country. "Our project right now is a map outlining the Trans Canada Trail through Castlegar" said Robinson. That route comes in along the rail grade from Christina Lake, follows Arrow Lakes Drive across Robson Bridge, drops onto Waldie Island Trail, heads through part of Brilliant and then up through Ootischenia, crosses the highway and drops down to the Columbia Trail connecting Castlegar and Trail on the east side of the Columbia River. Robinson said the route is important to Castlegar and the area.
"It is a circle route. That's what makes it so good. That was always the dream is that it was a Kootenay loop." A loop, Mansbridge added, that will bring people into the area from across Canada and around the world. "That's a big plus. I don't think people in Castlegar realize .I how important it is on the trail because it's at the end of the railway portion. It's a transition point," said Mansbridge. FOPT held its AGM last Thursday and elected its 2005 board. This year's executive includes: president John Mansbridge, vice-president Elaine Robinson, secretary Ginny Brownlie, treasurer Paul Henricksen, director David Sharp, director Peter Wood, director Leslie Anderton and director Gordon Hollingshead. Mansbridge said he's pleased with the level of support FOPT has received from the community. "I think it's very positive. People have always been generous," Mansbridge said. He hopes those same people are benefitting from the work FOPT does. "Get out and enjoy the trails." For more information about FOPT and trails in Castlegar or to join the
group, contact Mansbridge at 365-6448 or Robinson at 365-2202. |
