The Grand Forks ATV Club has been successful in their application for Job Creation Program funding. With their many partners, the club will clear, map, erect signage and install staging areas in the Stewart, Morrissey and Gilpin areas.
The partners share the same values as the club’s mission statement:
“The Grand Forks ATV Club is active in preserving the environment and wildlife habitat, protecting our rights and privileges to access crown land, promoting safe and responsible operation of ATVs, and planning events, rides and meetings for every ATV enthusiast to attend. The club is dedicated to promoting safe riding on marked trails for all riders, youth and seniors alike.”
The majority of our members are seniors and near-senior and want to get out and see the beautifull areas in British Columbia on recognized trails in a safe manner.
The area sees an abundance of use and is recognized as having many sensitive environmental and wildlife concerns. Many of the partners have come together to identify these areas of concern and the species at risk.
There will be educational kiosks installed at the three staging areas to help bring this information to the shared users of the area. Everyone feels that with education and facts about the area, users will have a greater respect for the environment and wildlife.
They will stay on the marked trails and enjoy the great vistas plus the various trails leading from existing forest service roads.
The Job Creation Program allows the club to hire four workers who benefit from the experience of mapping, trail building, water erosion control, range land practices and talking with a area bioligist. They will also have a chance to talk with the area’s Nature Trust and Grasslands managers to gain a better understanding of the issues surrounding the area’s diverse ecosystem.
One club member commented, “This is not something new for this area—the club is hoping with well-marked trails and education people who use the area will now have a better understanding of the issues and want to do the right thing by staying on the trails.”