THE BRUCE TRAIL CONSERVANCY
Environment Committee
THE BRUCE TRAIL CONSERVANCY
Environment Committee
Help Protect the Bruce Trail this Spring
The landscape of the Bruce Trail is as diverse as it is beautiful. Our desire to see as much of the Trail as possible can sometimes put its beauty at risk. Pressure on the trail is increasing, as more people want to explore it, and many getting out as early as possible in spring, and hiking well into the fall.
Such enthusiasm can have its downfalls. While Club Trail Directors and volunteers do an exceptional job protecting at-risk sections of the Trail by spreading woodchips, using side logging, drain channels, stepping stones and boardwalks, negative impacts can still occur.
Large groups can damage the trail in some of the lower, wetter areas if hiking immediately following a heavy rainfall or at the beginning of spring melt before trail maintenance crews can address any issues. Hiking with large groups through these more sensitive areas can place the Trail at increased risk of damage as many feet turn the softer areas into a muddy mess, compacting soil and damaging the Trail.
The good news is that there are simple solutions that can ensure protection of the Trail and provide ample opportunities for hiking. Solutions include:
- Aim for smaller groups on prearranged walks (especially in early spring/late fall). If more hikers than expected show up, try splitting up (if more than one leader is present) or organize a multiple shuttle so not everyone is walking on the same stretch of Trail. Section III - 2 of the Bruce Trail Reference notes: ‘The Trail is best suited for use by individuals or small groups … The Association recommends that the groups be kept small … Day-use group size should not exceed twenty-five people.’
- In the wetter times of the year, explore higher-elevated sections of the Trail, which are less prone to soil compaction and damage. Use your local knowledge of the Trail to select the most appropriate routes.
In the event that you notice any damage to the Trail or have concerns about a particular area please contact the trail maintenance captain for that section of the Trail. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Dan Murray
BTC Environment Committee
This article appeared in the Bruce Trail Magazine – Spring 2008
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