At its regular meeting last night, the Board of the Meadowbrook Community Association (MCA) agreed to send a letter of support for the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC’s proposal for a $10 million endowment for the BC Trail Fund.

The constitutional purpose of the incorporated society of 100+ members is “To preserve and enhance the Meadowbrook and Woods Corner areas for residents and other recreational users.”

In its 10-year history, the MCA has raised sufficient funds to purchase a 420+ acre mining claim, to have the claim removed permanently from the mineral tenure system of B.C., and to have it replaced by a 40-acre regional park that includes Cherry Creek Falls (pictured above), and a 380+ acre recreation reserve. The area is now an attraction for residents and visitors, outlined MCA President Bob Johnstone in the letter sent to the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC.

“The MCA’s efforts have also resulted in the area surrounding McGinty Lake being designated as an Interpretive Forest, the entire area being re-fenced, and a picnic area being developed with a washroom, tables, benches and a fire pit.

“The MCA maintains trails in that area under a Recreation Sites and Trail Agreement with the province. We are currently identifying trails in the aforementioned 380+ acres that we wish to incorporate into that agreement,” Johnstone said.

“Like many non-profit groups, the MCA has found it challenging to acquire the funds needed to develop and maintain the trails networks. The BC Trail Fund is needed by everyone who looks after trails and recreation assets in B.C. and by the many businesses and advocates who are seeking to grow B.C.’s outdoor recreation economy.

“The upkeep and stewardship of our existing trails, facilities and outdoor spaces are fundamental to thriving rural economies but haven’t benefitted from the COVID recovery grants. However, without ongoing and dedicated funding, deteriorating trail conditions, overcrowding and environmental damage will continue to occur. The BC Trail Fund will help ensure that there is a long-term plan for caring for these valuable assets,” Johnstone stated.

“The MCA is looking forward to seeing the BC Trail Fund come to fruition and the value that this new funding mechanism will bring to the outdoor recreation community, tourism interests and the province as a whole.  Locally it would offer an opportunity for the MCA to garner the funds necessary to enable the efforts of our dedicated volunteers.”

Louise Pedersen, Executive Director of the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC responded quickly.

“This is wonderful, thank you so much for your support. We’ll keep you posted on our progress – and Mr. (Doug) Clovechok (Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA) can expect a call from me in the next few weeks to learn more about this project,” she noted.

e-KNOW file photo

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