SRD NEWS – $495,778 Investment for Salmon Brewster Trail Corridor Rehabilitation – April 12, 2024
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SRD NEWS
April 12, 2024 – $495,778 Investment for Salmon Brewster Trail Corridor Rehabilitation
Campbell River, BC – The Back Country Horsemen Society in partnership with the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) proudly announce they have received $495,778 in funding through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program. The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation (JEDI) shared the news of this significant North Island investment on March 30, 2024.
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/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 pedal bike wilderness experience within the Sayward Valley working forest.
Key aspects of the project include:
- improving trail standards,
- rehabilitating sections impacted by slides and erosion,
- implementing drainage and erosion solutions,
- replacing an existing bridge, and,
- designing and constructing a major ravine crossing.
“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” shared Brain Harder, BCHBC President.
“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.
ABOUT
Back Country Horsemen Society of BC – www.bchorsemen.org
Back Country Horsemen Society of BC (BCHBC) was established in 1991 as a registered not-for-profit society. Since 2013, the BCHBC – North Vancouver Island (NVI) chapter has a Partnership Agreement with Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) for the operation and maintenance of the Salmon Brewster trail corridor, which includes approximately 40 km of trail, 3 horse camps, and a truly spectacular equine, hiking and/or biking adventure. NVI chapter volunteers have worked with Sayward farmers, forestry representatives (Westerns Forest Products and Komoks First Nations), Fishers, Hunters and other backcountry enthusiasts to develop, operate, and maintain horse camps/recreation sites and the Salmon Brewster trail corridor.
The mission of BCHBC-NVI is to enable a unique recreational camping and trail experience in the working forest of the north island for horse owners and other non-motorized users. The BCHBC-NVI promotes educational programs in environmental awareness, safety, and courtesy for a COOPERATIVE and LOW IMPACT wilderness experience.
Strathcona Regional District – www.srd.ca
The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is the government body providing services to over 48,000 residents within north-central Vancouver Island, Discovery Islands, and mainland area inlets, representing four electoral areas, a treaty First Nation and five-member municipalities.
The Salmon Brewster Trail Corridor is located within the SRD’s Electoral Area A.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation News Release –
B.C. takes action to strengthen rural Island, coastal economies | BC Gov News
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Brian Harder, President, BCHBC 604-341-6382 | president@bchorsemen.org
Renée LaBoucane – SRD Manager, Strategic Initiatives 250-830-6711 | rlaboucane@srd.ca
Salmon Brewster Trail \ Photo credit: Deb Oakman