Hiking trails in the Chilliwack River Valley are being spruced up this summer, with the addition of foot bridges and some new signage.
The Hiking Trail Rehab project, undertaken by Chilliwack Trails Society, is underway.
About half of the existing 13 trails have had rehab work completed on them, including brushing and removal of dead trees.
"The trails crew has been on the ground for a month," reported Coun. Sam Waddington, a member of the Chilliwack Trails Society. "They're now tackling some bridging and some new infrastructure along the trails."
Head trail builder, Ewan Fafard, has experience working on the Grouse Grind and the Squid Line on Sumas Mountain, and will be working this summer with crews of volunteers.
"He's done a really good job and the trail work makes the user experience so much better," Waddington noted.
A recent funding boost of $15,000 from TD Green Streets, will go toward some trailhead beautification, along with native plants, and new signage set to go in the fall. Sto:lo knowledge about traditional plants and Sto:lo names will be part of the future projects.
"Keep in mind this is not a one-year project," said Waddington. "This is about building a trail network through collaboration with various partners."
There's been a lot of support shown for the trails rehab project, including FVRD dedicating a staff person as liaison.
"This is just the beginning," said Waddington. "The trails will only get better and better from here."
They secured $28,000 in federal funding from the National Trails Coalition earlier this year, through the Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC, along with matching funds from several local partners.
The trails effort is known as the Chilliwack River Valley Hiking Trails Rehabilitation project. Matching funds have come from: Chilliwack Forest District, Tourism Chilliwack, CEPCO, Chilliwack Outdoors Club, Around the Lake Give ’r Take 30 Society, with support from Community Futures South Fraser.
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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