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Kimberley and Area Trails Management Plan
Meeting May 30
Almost everyone reading this will realize that one of the best things about living in Kimberley is the easy access to a diverse range of trails. Although the city has put together trail plans in the past, these usually pertained to those found on city property, only. For the last seven months, a multi-stakeholder group has been working on a contemporary Trails Management Plan that encompasses many areas well outside the city limits.
Funded by the provincial government (Recreation Sites and Trails), a mediator has been contracted to help local, (non-motorized) trail management groups and other stakeholders work together to draft a plan that will coordinate how trails are managed into the future. John Cathro, the consultant hired, was instrumental in the drafting of the Kaslo and Area Trails Management Plan.
In a nutshell, the Kimberley draft plan: sets out the areas where trails exist, or might be developed, close to town; identifies the various trail management groups and other key stakeholders for these areas, lists the current trails and their status, and expresses broad guidelines for standards. It is important to understand that particular groups, such as the Kimberley Nature Park Society and the Kimberley Nordic Club, will maintain control of specifics of how they manage their trails. The draft plan opens the door to more communication, sharing of practices and coordination, where feasible, between the various groups. It also allows the general public to better see what efforts are being taken by different groups to help protect values and balance interests.
At this stage, a draft is ready for the public to read and be consulted on. You can view the draft plan at: www.tourismkimberley.com/draftplan A public meeting concerning the draft and seeking feedback will be held at Centennial Hall at 7 p.m. on May 30.
Feedback can also be provided by e-mail: [email protected] . The trails management groups very much look forward to hearing your thoughts and any concerns about this general plan for trails around Kimberley. The hope is that this document, with support from the public, will help lead the way into a future with even more sustainable, well supported and legal trails for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.
Above photo: Hikers going up the new Hoodoo View Trail in the south end of the Kimberley Nature Park. By Kent Goodwin
Submitted
