This month, the FMCBC is beginning to collect input from member clubs on trails across the province that are in urgent need of upgrades or repairs to improve safety, access and/or usability. Based on the submissions we receive from our online form, we’ll be looking at possible solutions (especially funding options) for how we can get these club prioritized trails repaired.

Since we're not prioritizing trails based on when we receive them, there’s no rush to submit early. Take the time to discuss with your club executive and visit the trail(s) you think need attention in order to better report on their current condition and photograph them. You can submit the completed form to us at any time.

Trails will be prioritized based on discussions with the clubs and land owners/managers. We’ll then look at raising the funds to make these repairs and upgrades happen. The FMCBC will mainly be helping coordinate fundraising efforts, and clubs will be responsible for recruiting volunteer trail crews. 

The priority trail upgrading form can be accessed here. We welcome to your questions, comments and recommendations on this initiative.

I have submitted the Lions Trail to the FMCBC online Priority Trails Form.

I have spoken with Alistair McCrone, FLNRO recreation office based in Squamish. The Lions Trail is an established trail under Section 56 of the Forest Range and Practices Act (FRPA). We do not require any authorization in that regard. The club will try to secure some funding.

Alistair was enthusiastic about the project. There may be matching or additional funds available from FLNRO. Their project deadline is in February so the timing is ideal from their point of view.

It sounds like we need to get $30,000 and the ministry can maybe come up with $50,000. Alistair is of the opinion that 1.2 km of trail can be constructed for roughly $30,000 if no helicopter is involved.

Here is the project summary from a conceptual point of view.

• Acquire funding
• Discuss project plan with Alistair McCrone in January 2016
• Alastair to secure matching or additional funding from FLNRO by February deadline
• FLNRO to assess Harvey Creek footbridge to determine suitability for supporting an excavator
• Proceed with work summer 2016
• BCMC will administer work
• If required, BCMC will augment the paid trail work with volunteer trail work

Project scope (initial proposal):

• Project funding of $80,000 acquired
• Mini-excavator commences work on road portion of trail between Alberta Creek and Harvey Creek
• Mini-excavator builds trail down to existing Harvey Creek footbridge at canyon crossing
• Existing footbridge is refurbished or new footbridge is built to carry load of mini-excavator
• Excavator crosses creek on bridge and continues up the trail to the shoulder near 1300 meters