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Rogue trails are dangerous and costly

It probably seems like a good idea at the time. Squamish has a web of quality trails, both for hiking and mountain biking, and the forests present endless opportunity to build more. Some people simply go ahead and do just that.
rogue
A rogue trail created in Valleycliffe.

It probably seems like a good idea at the time.

Squamish has a web of quality trails, both for hiking and mountain biking, and the forests present endless opportunity to build more. Some people simply go ahead and do just that. They bring in equipment and create their own new trails out of pristine forest land. It may seem like a charitable thing to do, as this way, the Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA) or the District of Squamish don’t have to hire a construction crew or send managers to supervise the construction. And the trail gets done quickly and privately. No doubt the trailmakers enjoy the bliss of a trail they created just for themselves.

In reality, rogue trail-making is expensive, dangerous and often environmentally disastrous.

In Squamish, a couple who was taking the dog for a walk stumbled across a rogue mountain biking trail in the Valleycliffe area – a trail that even includes ramps. They were shocked at the discovery. The trail likely destroyed wildlife habitat and could create erosion problems. Also, the trail might endanger riders including children who happen upon it.

It’s not a problem that is unique to Squamish. In Delta, for example, unauthorized trail builders have damaged the Watershed Park by cutting new biking trails through an environmentally sensitive area. Similarly, in Pima County, Arizona and in Whatcom County, Washington, state officials were taking action to block off trails created without permits. Without careful planning, the trails cause a risk to public safety and environmental sustainability. Trails require proper engineering design and maintenance to remain safe.

Garry Buxton of the District of Squamish cautioned anyone who wants to build a trail here to contact the district’s trail-building partner, SORCA, before starting. “If a trail is not safe, compromises slope stability, contributes to environmental degradation, or does not have the support of the landowners and or neighbours, it may need to be decommissioned. This is a waste of everyone’s time and resources,” Buxton said.

This is not the Wild West, where people can do whatever they please. Repairing the damage of a rogue trail is expensive to everyone, and sometimes the land can never be restored to its original condition. If you see unauthorized trail building, report it right away.

– Editor Christine Endicott

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