BC Trails Roundtable - Kelowna January 22

Competitive trail riders need access to trails for their miles of smiles.  Whether training or competing, riders throughout the province spend hours in the saddle on trails owned by a variety of land managers such as provincial parks, regional districts, timber companies and private owners. 

BCCTRA is committed to play an active role in enhancing trail access for equestrians.  One of our members, Nicole Vaugeois, sits on the Joint Trails Access committee with HCBC and is joined by reps from other organizations such as Endurance riders and Backcountry horsemen. Together these three organizations represent the three types of user groups for equestrian trails - competitive and recreational.

Unfortunately, access to trails has been a growing issue for equestrians in BC.  Urban sprawl, private land development, arduous permit processes and restrictions or prohibitive fees from Timber companies are some of the factors that have precipitated this issue.

HCBC is organizing an Equestrian Education Conference in Kelowna on January 22-23.  At this event, a trails roundtable is being organized to allow for better dialogue and enhanced relationships between trail user groups and land managers.  The roundtable promises to be a positive evolution for BCCTRA and Nicole Vaugeois and Tammy Mercer are attending on behalf of BCCTRA to bring our specific trail needs to the table.  Members will hear more about the outcome of the conference later on.

In the meantime - if you have specific trail related concerns or better yet - solutions - send them to Nicole to have represented at the conference.