As the parent of one of the kids who helped re-establish an old existing small dirt jump zone on an old road grade, I am writing in defence of my son’s participation. I headed over to the area this weekend to see for myself what the venting was all about in order to make an educated opinion on this issue.
My son hears me gripe about new trails being built in the alpine, or the impact of crazy bike lines down seemingly void mountain slopes. He is conscious of the needless destruction of the environment because he has to listen to me daily. He was truly upset by the article “Rogue trail in Valleycliffe” (May 28, 2015) as he felt that Brian Vincent’s complaint and the editor’s response were unjustified. It appears to me that people are making comments on an area that hasn’t been assessed by biologists or a slope stability scientist.
I have for several years assisted riparian biologists on data collection of certain amphibians listed as species at risk and have been present around geoscientists making assessments regarding slope stability. Having some limited knowledge on these issues, I would contest Brian Vincent’s and District of Squamish’s responses and comments.
The slopes above and below this old road grade are vegetated with established ferns and other flora. This so-called “rogue trail” is an old road cut mid-slope with very little evidence of erosion even after the heavy rains we encountered this winter. The flat area below the slope looks like an area that ponds and drains quickly in the spring. I would call it ephemeral, holding water for only a short period of time. If soil or silt did wash into the newly dug cross drainages, it would more than likely come to rest on the flat area below and not enter the Little Stawamus Creek. The existing walking/commuter trail I would guess has far more impact on the riparian habitat as it gets greater use and is in closer proximity to the creek. Because of the gate at the top end of the zone, it is not a pedestrian thoroughfare – therefore, it really isn’t in conflict with hikers.
In my opinion, this small dirt jumping area with little usage has far less impact on vegetation and wildlife then that of dogs off leash running through sensitive ecosystems such as the salmon-bearing Little Stawamus Creek.
Line Gillespie
Squamish
