The Shuswap, British Columbia – Did you know the South Canoe Trail System is looked after by volunteer trail users just like you? Equestrian riders, hikers, and cyclists are working together to make the area safer, more enjoyable for all users, and more environmentally sustainable. 

Three fall volunteer work parties are scheduled to continue working on upgrading the trails: starting this Sunday, Sept 28^th, then Oct 5^th, and Oct 19^th. All work party days begin at 9:00 am, meeting at the parking lot on 10^th Ave SE at 70^th St SE. Bring gloves, weather-appropriate clothing, water and lunch. They are open to everyone - and always an enjoyable way to be outdoors and give back to the community. 

An extraordinary effort of time and skill is being shared by dedicated individuals to gather stakeholders, facilitate planning, secure approvals, raise funds, assemble resources, coordinate volunteer days, haul rocks, repair trails, install culverts, build bridges, protect creeks, create signs, dig post holes, figure out maps, monitor environmental impacts, and work with City and Provincial land managers. 

“We need healthy support from all users of the trail system during the volunteer days this fall to complete the current work,” says South Canoe Trail Advisory chairperson, Isabel Reinertson, adding that ongoing donations are welcomed. 

The number one priority is to finish the Prudential multi-purpose trail upgrades begun in the spring. The upgrades target reducing environmental erosion and safer shared use for hikers, equestrian riders, and cyclists. Most of the work consists of labour as the material has been arranged. 

Second priority is the completion of the new ‘Horsing Around’ trail that parallels the ‘Troll Bridge’ trail to give equestrians a safer connection to the Prudential trail. This alternate route for horses is almost complete. The final target for this season is completion of the Triangle Trail reroutes to reduce water issues on the bike trail. 

Work this season was made possible through a $3000 donation from the EQ Trail Association combined with Shuswap Trail Alliance fund-raising totalling over $17,000, plus approximately $11,000 in additional in-kind contributions and $12,000 in volunteer labour contributed to date. 

A public information session for friends of the South Canoe trail system is planned for November 27^th in the evening to update on the 2014 progress and 2015 plans. Location TBA. For information on the info session check the South Canoe trail link and event calendar at www.shuswaptrails.com. 

To find out more about trails throughout the Shuswap, check out www.shuswaptrails.com. And be sure to share trail maintenance needs through the trail report hotline email at trailreport@shuswaptrails.com 

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Photo: Shuswap Trail Alliance project leaders, Damon Kent and Jim Maybee, work with Equestrian riders, Donat Koller and Hugo Van Rooyien and a team of volunteers upgrading a section of the South Canoe Prudential Trail earlier this season. Improvements are making the trail system better for equestrian riders, cyclists, and hikers who are working together to plan fixes and new routes. More volunteer days swing into action this Sunday, Sept 28^th, 9 am at the South Canoe trailhead. Also Oct. 5^th and 19^th, with a public information and planning gathering scheduled for November 27^th. Check the events calendar at www.shuswaptrails.com for details. 

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