Cranbrook Community Forest DRAFT Master Trail Plan CCFS Trail Committee April 2015 AGM

Overview Why are we doing this? What have we done? Where are we at? What’s next? Key discussion items… How can you let us know what your think?

Why are we doing this? People are discovering the CCF in greater numbers… – Walking, biking, running, birdwatching, photography… Signage and maps have increased awareness of CCF Increasing desire for healthy living

Why are we doing this? (cont’d) Increased use… more potential for unauthorized trail building

CCF is a large area… South CCF North CCF (Eager Hills) Relatively easy to develop new trails… without planning or leadership redundant and non-sustainable trails will be built. Why are we doing this? (cont’d)

Master trail plan can provide framework for justifying new trail development that respects user needs, environmental and other values. Big opportunity to manage trail development in North CCF while improving the trails in South CCF. Without a plan or trail development process… trails will get developed anyways, as seen in the South CCF

What have we done? Trail mapping (completed in 2013) Trail signage (completed in 2013) Trail inventory (in progress) Trail assessment (in progress) Master Plan preparation (in progress)

Trail assessment: Key Findings South CCF o Heavily used and significantly developed trail system o Random trail design with some redundant trails and some non-sustainable trails (often result of past motorized use) o Multiple trail heads due to proximity to town

Trail assessment – Key findings North CCF (Eager Hill)  Limited trail presence (Eager Lookout, Chewbacca Rocca, Connector and Waterpark)  Two Trail heads (Fraggle Rock, and Eager Lookout) Dangerous highway access Limited parking (Eager Hill TH) Limited facilities (Fraggle Rock)  Significant use by local communities in early season

Trail assessment: Recommendations – South CCF Primarily maintenance of existing trails… – Some minor re-routing around wet or sensitive areas – Limited deactivation of redundant trails – Potential connector trails to existing hubs if a need assessment justifies Connectors to Eager Hills beyond Migor trail Easier grade trail from College Trailhead Improved parking at Lower Baker Rd (Gasline) Trailhead

Trail assessment: Recommendations – North CCF (Eager Hill)  Trail head improvements required Fraggle Rock (elevate road entrance, signage for angle parking, outhouse/picnic tables?) Eager Hill (add gravel to access road, expand parking?) Third trailhead past interchange?  Trail improvements Eager pond re-route  Trail planning Some key decisions required to provide framework for new trails

North CCF – Key decisions What kind of trail development will disperse users and relieve pressure on existing trails? – concentrated trail network or dispersed? – Trail composition (wide easy double track hikes, smooth single track, technical trails) – Siting considerations (target destinations, areas to avoid, directness to destination, steepness)

Potential Trail Development …some concepts for discussion

Overview of potential new trails - South CCF - North CCF

South CCF

North CCF

Concentrated trail network north of Eager Hill (leaving much of NorthCCF undeveloped) OR ???

Another Trailhead?

Next Steps… Public consultation (AGM, Facebook, Website, dedicated Complete Trail Assessment work Develop inventory of trail maintenance projects for CCFS Board approval Finalize Master Trail Plan for CCFS Board and RSBC approval Develop implementation plan for prioritizing new trail development and trailhead improvements

What can you do? Become a member of Cranbrook Community Forest Society Let us know your thoughts regarding the Master Trail plan…. Keep informed on website and Facebook Volunteer to assist with Trail Maintenance evening/weekend work parties