Columbia Basin Trust is distributing $389,400 to regional recreational organizations, to employ seasonal workers who can help with trail building and maintenance.
The Trust is helping 19 Kootenay organizations recruit seasonal short-term workers to improve recreational trails for hikers, bikers and skiers. Applicants will gain hands-on experience in trail building, carpentry and chainsaw use.
Recipients include Castlegar Parks and Trails Society, Cranbrook Community Forest Society, Creston Valley Forest Corporation, Fernie Trails Alliance Association, Golden Cycling Club, Golden Snowmobile Club, South Country Trails and Recreation Association in Jaffray, Kaslo Outdoor Recreation and Trails Society, Kimberley Nordic Club, Kimberley Trails Society, Nakusp and Area Bike Society, Nelson Cycling Club Society, North Slocan Trails Society in New Denver, Revelstoke Cycling Association, Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club, Kootenay Columbia Trails Society and Black Jack Cross Country Ski Club Society in Rossland, Salmo Valley Trail Society, and Valemount and Area Recreation Development Association.
The Cranbrook Community Forest Society will hire five workers to repair erosion and remove hazardous trees, as well as install safety signage and improve trail features. This popular recreational destination, covers 2,000 hectares of forest and sees 600 visitors daily.
"We are a 100 per cent volunteer-run group, so this support eases a huge burden," said Cranbrook Community Forest Society board member Jim Nicol. "A paid crew allows us to get critical work done, making our trails safer and more enjoyable, while providing job opportunities for local workers."
The Salmo Valley Trail Society will recruit three workers to help maintain 32km of recreational paths spread across five locations. Salmo Valley Trail Society President Daniel Leslie said they're eager to hire local youth.
"We know people need jobs and employers need skilled local workers," said Leslie. "This support allows us to provide training and employment for local youth, including those who are unemployed or looking for their first job. Hands-on learning opportunities like this help workers develop essential skills such as leadership, teamwork and problem-solving crucial for future success."
The Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club will onboard three workers to its team to refurbish trail surfaces. The team will work to make trails safe and accessible, and clear excess vegetation that poses a risk to recreationists. Projects like these improve drainage, allowing the club to open earlier and extend the season.
Since 2018, the Trust has invested $5.6 million in supporting trails in the Columbia Basin area.
A total of 54 positions will be filled through this grant. For a full list of available positions visit www.ourtrust.org and click 'Read Our Latest News,' 'Creating Jobs While Enhancing Basin Trails,' and click the link at the bottom of the story.
To learn more about job opportunities, visit the Columbia Basin Trust's website or call 1-800-505-8998.
