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Trails for the Creston Valley focusing on four key projects

Giant Cedars and Lower Goat River recreational areas, Goat River Cottonwood and Community Connection trails in the works...
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The Trails for Creston Valley Society has plans for outdoors spaces around the Creston Valley.

With summer wrapping up, we are soaking up these last bright warm days and bumping into lots of people out on the trails! Trails for the Creston Valley Society is a group of outdoor enthusiasts with a passion for our beautiful valley and waterways. A not-for-profit society with charitable status, its goal is to protect and maintain access to treasured outdoor spaces.

The society is getting geared up for celebrating the work that has been done on the trails in town and taking on some new and exciting projects. It has spent the summer working on approvals and connecting with the proper authorities. The goal is to create a trails network and access to green spaces and water that will be part of the legacy of the valley.

Trails for Creston Valley has had tremendous support from local authorities and want to thank all three of Regional District of Central Kootenay directors for their ongoing dedication and support, including a $1,000 grant from Area B to help with some administrative costs. The people at the Ministry of Transportation, Justin Dexter with the Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resources, and the Lower Kootenay Band are also important partners. The society is just getting the wind in its sails but collaboration will make these projects happen.

As support and enthusiasm for trails builds, sub-committees have developed with champions to focus on specific projects. One group is focusing on signage and mapping for existing trails around the valley. We want to take advantage of the lovely October weather to tackle this.

The society has four key projects on the go:

•Giant Cedars Recreational Area: This exciting new trail will be located along Highway 3 toward the Salmo-Creston pass. Visitors will enjoy a hike through the pristine beauty of an old growth cedar forest with massive towering trees;

•Goat River Cottonwood Trail: This peaceful trail is in the process of being formally approved, so the important area located along the Goat River can be utilized and preserved;

•Lower Goat River Recreational Area: This area will provide clean and safe family access to the Goat River for day use. It will include designated parking, toilets, garbage facilities, a place to swim, walk the dog and go fishing within walking distance of town; and

Community Connection Trail: Through the Community Conversations process, the community has come together toward the common goal of a trail to connect Wynndel, Creston and Erickson. The society is actively pursuing this idea with the support of all our members and community partners.

The newest project Trails for Creston Valley is partnering on is improvements to the old ferry landing site. With the support of Area C director Larry Binks and the trails society, the Teen Action Committee youth are looking at ways to enhance the use of this beautiful space for all community members. Some ideas are to put in picnic tables and small fire pits, toilet facilities, and garbage collection. Ideas and volunteers are always welcome.

The best way to support this initiative is to purchase a membership at the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce, which will also keep you updated. Having paid members shows decision makers and funders that the society has the support of the community. The next community meeting is scheduled for Oct. 1 at Rotacrest Hall, to plan next steps. For more information, email crestonvalleytrails@gmail.com.

—TRAILS FOR THE CRESTON VALLEY SOCIETY