The B.C. Ministry of Environment and Parks has announced two East Kootenay organizations are receiving funds from the province’s Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Fund.

Windermere Valley Snowmobile Society is receiving $18,500 to go toward trailhead signage and avalanche beacon checkers and Kootenay Rockies ATV Club is getting $25,000 for St. Mary Lake/Angus Creek Trail brushing restoration project.

This year, $400,000 is going to 20 regional projects around B.C., such as building new trails, maintaining existing trails, or promoting safe and responsible use among riders.

“Outdoor recreation connects people to nature,” said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks. “It’s all about staying active, building community and respecting our natural spaces. The ORV Trail Fund helps keep our trail networks safe and provides space for people to come together to enjoy the outdoors.”

The Kootenay Rockies ATV Club received $25,000 to support brushing and maintenance work on more than 22 kilometres of trail. Four key trail sections that form a scenic loop connecting the St. Mary River Valley, Angus Creek and Hell Roaring Forestry Service Road will be restored to improve access for ATV riders.

“The Kootenay Rockies ATV Club is excited to hear we will receive funding from the ORV Trail Fund to improve safety, promote responsible recreation and ensure long-term access to one of the region’s most beautiful trail networks,” said Bernie Ogonoski, chair, Kootenay Rockies ATV Trail Committee. “These trail sections connect to a larger trail network in the area, thus providing some great riding over a vast scenic area just outside of Cranbrook.”

Now in its eighth year, the ORV Trail Fund is a user-funded program administered by Recreation Sites and Trails BC in partnership with the BC Power Sports Coalition. Since its beginning in 2017, more than $2 million has supported 160 projects throughout the province, removing financial barriers for communities and volunteer groups.

BC Government photo

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