We have a management plan…

You may be aware that the post-2015 Rosebery-Summit Lake Rail Trail management plan talks under Rec Sites and Trails BC have been nearing completion. It’s been a long and arduous four years, but last week the planning group agreed to a final framework for the rail trail, a motorized bypass, and establishment of a day-use recreation site at the former Girl Guide camp on Slocan Lake.

The proposed management plan and map are available on this site for viewing or downloading. To access them go to the 2020 Management Plan page and click on the relevant links.

The plan contains background info, a summary of identified issues and recommendations to address them, information related to implementation, and more.

In a nutshell:

• The rail trail will be designated non-motorized for its entire length, from Rosebery to the junction with Ruby Range/Island View Rd north of Summit Lake (fall 2021).
• The RDCK and Rec Sites and Trails are investigating shared management from Rosebery up to and including the Girl Guide Camp.
• An ATV bypass route will use and enable connections between the existing Summit, Shannon and Slide Creek (between Hills and Rosebery) FSR networks. To make these connections, ATV owners will need to obtain individual permits from the local RCMP to use Ruby Range/Island View Roads (north end) and the Bonanza Cr. Bridge and Bonanza Rd (south end). There will be no new crossings of Bonanza Creek.
• Gates, seasonal closures and other measures will address impacts on various species at risk.

This week, planning group facilitator John Cathro will issue a press release for immediate distribution. We are reviving the 2015 roseberysummitrailtrail.com website as an information update site.  An open house is being planned for the spring.

A new society will be established to manage the non-motorized rail trail in partnership with Rec Sites and Trails, as in the south valley; more about this in coming months. The Slocan Lake ATV club will manage the motorized bypass. Implementation will be a joint project.

Environmental impact assessments in 2018-19 and other inputs have guided us in negotiating agreements over the past year and re-enforced what we all know: this trail network lies in very special and often very complex and sensitive terrain. Management plan implementation will require attention to detail, continued expert advice, and lots of volunteer energy. We hope you’ll want to be part of this effort and look forward to working with you going forward.

 

Richard Allin

Mike Koolen

Rosebery-Summit Lake Rail Trail Steering Committee