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Forestry history comes to life

Interpretive pathway moves forward
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The 1920s Wehr ‘One Man Power Grader’ will soon be joined by other antique machines on display as a part of the new forestry trail.

Squamish residents may soon be able to walk back in time.

The Sea to Sky Forestry Centre Society is busy pulling together old logging equipment to display as part of a linear exhibit. The idea is to place the historical forestry tools on a pathway from Brennan Park Recreation Centre to the proposed Sea to Sky Forestry Centre across from the Squamish Adventure Centre, the society’s president Mike Wallace told District of Squamish council last week. 

The pieces will be accompanied by information panels and mobile web applications that will allow users to access stories of the items on the route. The stories will highlight the people and natural history in the Squamish region, Wallace noted. 

The content was developed in partnership with the forestry centre society, West Coast Railway Association, Squamish Nation and the Squamish Public Library. It’s anticipated the virtual exhibit application will be completed this year, along with the Loggers Lane artifact route. The historical walk aligns with Squamish’s centennial.

Positions for the items have been selected, forestry consultant Eric Andersen said. Each piece is being power-washed and painted before being moved into place. 

“The enthusiasm continues to grow, with volunteers coming from the forest industry and other industrial businesses and suppliers in Squamish and the Lower Mainland,” he said. 

Some of the equipment is already on display, Andersen noted. A 1920s Wehr grader sits at the entrance to the Loggers Sports Grounds. And a 1922 Barr Bros. steam donkey is slated to accompany it at the other side of the entrance. The Barr family, which owns the steam donkey, has announced its intend to pursue full restoration of the equipment, Andersen added.

The long-term objective is to place items along the entire length of Loggers Lane.

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