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South Star Trails are getting in shape for summer season

We are continuing to see many people walking, biking running and horseback riding in the South Star trail system.
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Rocke Robertson photo Volunteers are pictured falling dead danger trees in the South Star Trails network.

Rocke Robertson

With this year's short ski season behind us, we are continuing to see many people walking, biking running and horseback riding in the South Star trail system.  We have several projects planned for trail improvement which may be of interest.

The mountain pine beetle left a number of dead trees close to trails in certain areas. These trees sporadically blocked trails as they fell, and potentially posed a danger to trail users. We are fortunate to have a licensed faller in our group who volunteered to bring these trees down before they fell naturally.  Working with two other volunteers, over 100 trees were felled in three places.

We are planning to organize a work day in June to cut the wood into 16-18 inch lengths and bring it to a spot that can be easily accessed by pickup truck and offer the wood in return for a donation to the society. Money raised will be used to support winter trail grooming, improved signage, and ongoing trail maintenance.

If you would be interested in obtaining some of this firewood, please email rocke.robertson@shaw.ca  to be put on the list. Pickup date is not yet determined, but you will receive a return email with all the details.

Three areas have been targeted for trail work this summer and fall. The projects are funded through the Kootenay Livestock Association and the Columbia Basin Trust by a grant which is intended to improve grassland/rangeland. Trail users will know that cattle share our space in the summer months, and in their search for water they have damaged bridge crossings on Easy Street, Bobsled and the now closed connecting trail between the power line and Jackrabbit.  These areas will be repaired and both natural and man made materials (fencing) installed to prevent a repeat performance by thirsty bovines. Many sources of water not close to trails exist to satisfy the need for water.

The Board of Directors of the South Star Recreation Society continues to meet four times a year to plan needed maintenance of the area. All planning is done in conjunction with Recreation Sites and Trails BC, the agency which represents the provincial government.  Our 10 year agreement with the government to manage the trails gives us access to materials and expertise to improve the area for public use. In addition, many volunteers donate time to do trail work and to deal with the administrative requirements necessary to run the operation in an efficient and legal manner.  If you wish to become involved, or simply to support the trail system with a donation, membership forms are available at the trailhead. Outdoor exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

The South Star Trails provides a convenient place to get a few hours or a full day of good exercise and fresh air. Come join us!