St. Lawrence Islands National Park of Canada

Phase 1 of trail project well underway

Trailblazing begins at Jones Creek property

Ecosystem data technician Greg Saunders (left) and Parks Planner Angus McLeod examine a map while exploring boat access to the park's new Jones Creek property.
© Parks Canada

Trails have been laid and construction will soon begin on approximately 20 kilometers of hiking trails through the St. Lawrence Islands National Park Jones Creek property.  The trails, which will have a main entrance on the 1000 Island Parkway across from Brown’s Bay and a secondary entrance on Highway 5, are designed in a variety of loops around Jones Creek and Mud Creek.

“The goal is to showcase the best of what there is to see in the properties,” said Jennifer Harvey, coordinator of the trail project.  “There are granite lookouts and ridges, great beaver ponds and wetlands, and hundred-year-old pines and oaks.”

The trails cover a variety of terrain suitable for different abilities from moderate hiking around beaver meadows to more rigorous climbs over granite ridges.

Trail coordinator Jennifer Harvey points towards Jones Creek from a viewpoint along the new trail system.
© Parks Canada

Staff will begin trailblazing this spring under the direction of Trail Crew Supervisor, Kent Dowsley. The work will involve some brushing and pruning of trees so that they won’t sag with winter snow and block the trail.  Very few trees will need to be removed as the majority of the trail winds through mature trees.  The trail crew will construct bridges and boardwalks and mark the trail loops and distances.

“We also have to do a great deal of landscape rehabilitation,” said Harvey.  “ATV use has created deep ruts that have altered the natural drainage pattern, created erosion, and compacted soil.  Many of the ATV trails go through inappropriate areas such as wetlands and low areas.”

In many cases, the ruts have also become habitat for frogs and other amphibians that are driven over by ATVs.  Harvey reminds residents and visitors that ATV use is not permitted on park property.  “The damage is extensive and the cost to replant the entire route is prohibitive.  We will be encouraging natural regeneration and doing some planting for aesthetics.  We are using existing paths where appropriate, but most of the trails will be new paths.”

Frances Rennie examines the underside of a large shelf fungus during a hike along the trails of St. Lawrence Islands National Park's new Jones Creek property.
© Parks Canada

The new trails are on higher ground that is well drained. “Some boardwalks will be required,” explained Harvey, “but the goal is to keep the trail system as natural as possible.”

Trail construction at Jones Creek, including a trailhead and parking area, should be complete in the fall of 2007.  The second phase of the project will begin with the evaluation and layout of trails on the Landon Bay property.

For more information about the trail project, please call 613-923-5261.