September 2012 has turned out to be an absolutely spectalar one weather-wise. Ten days of beautiful blue skies provided ideal fieldwork conditions as IMBA Canada embarks on developing another trails masterplan for a community along the Yellowhead Highway (16) in northern British Columbia.
Daniel Scott has been working with local user group, the Houston Hikers, and BC Provincial Recreation Sites & Trails to set up a timeline for the development of a trail system for the small town of Houston, situated an hour either way from the riding destinations of Smithers and Burns Lake. Initially the concept was to focus solely on the newly designated Rec. Site of Mount Harry Davis but upon examining various offerings, Daniel determined that the ideal trail system for the area needed to incorporate not only MHD but also other terrain closer to town, etc. Doing so will provide the community with better trail connectivity for youth, novices, commuters and more.
On top of the numerous days spent surveying the terrain on MHD, Daniel had the opportunity to sit down with a large group of locals (~20) for a public design charrette. The purpose of this gathering was to help determine what kinds of offerings the local users from various groups were keen on getting in the mix while also tackling some folks’ concerns. Alongside BC Rec. Officer, Kevin Eskinlen, Daniel was able to distill a stellar wishlist for the new trails masterplan as well as address concerns pertaining to motorized vehicles, private property proximities and more.
This winter will see the masterplan produced and proofed with a goal of initial implementation to begin as early as next spring with a goal of developing one or two trails.
Huge thank-yous go out to Kelly Favron from the Houston Hikers for dedicating so much time and effort to getting this project off the ground, to local enthuisiast Kelsey for taking time to highlight some superb terrain and to the Sunshine Inn for the comfy base of operations.
Stay tuned for more info in the coming months!