What's New
West Coast Trail Developments
Course yields more than new infrastructure on the West Coast Trail.
© Parks Canada
Last month in Bamfield BC, Huu-ayaht, Ditidaht, and Pacheedaht First Nations West Coast Trail Guardians and Parks Canada staff received a four-day trail building course. This training opportunity allowed participants to strengthen their working relationships and start the season with a renewed skill set in the continued maintenance of the 75 km West Coast Trail.
The course, facilitated by Mark Schmidt, trail building expert from Parks Canada, taught the crew alternative ways to create walkways, bridges and other accessories on the West Coast Trail. "The Guardians and Parks Canada are working hard to improve the trail, both for visitors and the environment,” said Schmidt.
These new techniques will allow the crew to utilize natural building materials found on the trail, such as fallen trees and rocks. With the length of the trail and the severe weather in the area, infrastructure maintenance is always an ongoing challenge. “The work being done is in character with the West Coast Trail and will maintain the challenge, while being sustainable and minimizing any negative resource impacts,” said Schmidt.
With new skills, strengthened working relationships, and bright ideas for future developments, Parks Canada is excited to welcome hikers to the 2013 visitor season.
The West Coast Trail reservation system opens April 17, 2013.