Dear editor,
Re: Hiking Trails
After construction was completed back in August of last year on the hydro right-of-way for the Cape Scott Wind Farm I had made inquiries regarding the two hiking trails bisected by that construction. Both trailheads began at the dead-end of Cougar Drive. These trails were opened up entirely by volunteers. Access to both Cougar Trail and Glen Lyon Trail was blocked by construction debris.
I had received two replies via telephone. These men assured me that access to these trails would be cleared of debris so that they could be used again. I also spoke with two men who worked on that right-of-way and they assured me the trails would be rehabbed.
Cougar Trail was somewhat usable, with some work by the general public, including me. I’m a senior. We were able to access Duval Road off that trail. The Glen Lyon Trail was never opened at the Duval Road end.
If one was to attempt the Glen Lyon trail from Cougar Drive they would not even get as far as the BC Hydro station due to the boggy quagmire heavy machinery left behind.
On Wed., Jan. 7, I was on the Cougar Trail with my dogs heading toward Duval Road. There I saw a heavy piece of machinery. I happily thought they were finally going to clear up the debris. I went there the next day and found no such thing. Though they did clear up some stream beds, they also moved massive pieces of logs, roots etc: to block access to the road. And they moved their machine out.
What is happening here? Is it big business versus the little guy?
Connie Cowan
Port Hardy