A frank discussion on the state of Cumberland’s vast network of recreational trails, most of which wind their way across privately owned land, will headline two important events March 4 and 5.
No hiker, biker or any other trail user will want to miss the Cumberland Trails Forum on March 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Cumberland Cultural Centre. Co-presented by the Village of Cumberland and the United Riders of Cumberland (UROC), the forum will feature an update on ongoing land-use negotiations and a free exchange of ideas between trail users.
“If you’re at all interested in the Cumberland Forest trails, this is the time to get involved,” says UROC board member Jeremy Grasby. “There are some really exciting developments underway. The people who attend the trails forum will help shape the future of our trails.”
Special guest Mark Wood, program manager for the North Shore Mountain Bike Association, will also discuss how a more sophisticated level of organization has benefited that area’s legendary trail system.
“The North Shore went through a period where tensions were high between landowners and various user groups,” explains Kevin McPhedran, parks and outdoor recreation co-ordinator for the Village of Cumberland. “By taking an organized approach, they’ve created solutions that work for everyone, and they’ve had a lot of success in that regard.”
“The way we see it, Cumberland is about five years behind the North Shore,” adds Grasby. “We’re trying to be proactive in order to mitigate any growing pains. The fact that the Village sees trail access as a key priority, both in terms of quality of life and economic development, is a definite asset.”
The trails forum will include a Q&A with Wood and UROC directors, and preliminary plans and design of the Cumberland Jump Park will also be a topic of discussion. While the focus will be on non-motorized access initiatives, all interested individuals are invited to attend.
Just one day earlier, on Tuesday, March 4, active and aspiring trail builders are invited to participate in Cumberland’s first Builders Academy, scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. at the Riding Fool Hostel.
Also facilitated by Wood, the academy will teach participants how to assess and create sustainable solutions on existing trails and build progressive trails that last in our West Coast climate while also protecting our unique environment. The presentation will also discuss a move toward a higher level of organization among trail builders and advocates.
The Builders Academy is free, but space is limited. RSVP to Kevin McPhedran at 250-336-2291 or kmcphedran@cumberland.ca. No RSVP is required for the March 5 trails forum, which is also a free event.
The Village of Cumberland has identified formalizing access with private landowners as a strategic priority. In April 2013, council entered into an agreement with the United Riders of Cumberland to support UROC in efforts to pursue formal access agreements.
— United Riders of Cumberland