Almost $500,000 will be going to help rehabilitate a trail network through the Sayward Valley working forest.
The $495,778 in funding will be going towards the Back Country Horsemen Society (BCHBC) in partnership with the Strathcona Regional District from the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program.
The funds will allow much-needed rehabilitation to the Salmon Brewster Trail Corridor, a 40-kilometre multi-use trail linking up to Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) horse camps and recreation sites, traveling through scenic Crown Land and extending from the junction of the Salmon and Memekay Rivers to south Brewster Lake. The trail enhancement will provide a safe and sustainable equine, hiking, or bike wilderness experience within the Sayward Valley working forest.
“The SRD is proud to partner with the Back Country Horsemen Society to access funding for this project that highlights our shared dedication to restoring natural landscapes and providing recreation opportunities for residents and tourists,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker.
The project will involve improving trail standards, rehabilitating sections affected by slides and erosion, installing drainage, replacing an existing bridge and building a crossing over a major ravine.
“Back Country Horsemen Society of BC thanks the Province of BC for the funding and project partner Strathcona Regional District for their support towards realizing the Salmon Brewster trail corridor rehabilitation project. Once completed, this provincial investment in the North Vancouver Island will offer a unique experience for hikers, bike packers, and equine backcountry riding adventurers through the historic Brewster Lake forest resource area and north into the pristine Salmon River area” said Brian Harder, BCHBC President.
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