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Horsefly Salmon Walk damaged by dirt biking

A good group of people gathered at the Horsefly library for the regular monthly meeting of the Horsefly River Roundtable Feb. 16.

A good group of people gathered at the Horsefly library for the regular monthly meeting of the Horsefly River Roundtable on Thursday, Feb. 16.

There was a spirited discussion about the Salmon Trail path, the aluminum sectional dock for disabled access to the river’s edge, and a new idea for a cantilevered dock at a location which could present a very desirable viewpoint for everyone to observe the natural beauty of a location not normally accessible to anyone, much less a person in a wheelchair.

At our next meeting this month we will have the projected costs of the different ideas put forward.

We have to improve as well as repair our Salmon Walk, which has been heavily damaged by dirt bike operators ignoring the posted “No dirt bike” signs.

It was pointed out by the contractors present that no amount of repairs and compacting on the trail can prevent the damage motorized vehicles do to the trail, and we must educate the public, and in particular our own residents, in regard to the laws of the land, and in particular when said land or trail is posted.

Action will be taken in that more signs will be posted, and with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) cooperation, perhaps the opening to the trail near the Black Creek junction can be blocked to bike access.  It was felt this would be the most effective means of controlling dirt bike traffic.

There will be a Farmland Riparian Interface Stewardship Program session sometime in March either at the library or the community hall in Horsefly, and preferably on a Saturday.

It is felt there are enough Horsefly residents who would be interested in what possibilities might exist to improve their land.

This would be presented by Lee Hesketh. When we know for sure we will post signs, send e-mails, and I will phone anyone else we feel might be interested.

About three roundtable members were scheduled to attend the Fraser Basin Council Stewardship training funded by DFO.

The training for operating equipment in riparian areas, which is free, will take place after breakup. Signs will be posted, and if possible we will notify the Horsefly Buzz.

The technical committee will have a report prepared to be presented at our March meeting. They are extremely optimistic about the projects mentioned in detail at our last meeting, and the projected cost of completion will be ready as well.

The Watershed Sensitivity Report prepared for DFO by Rob Dolighan should be ready sometime in May.

DFO and The Land Conservancy are working together to replace an old culvert on Black Creek Road on a non fish bearing creek as part of TLC’s continued work on Patenaude Creek. This will help to create a swampy area to enhance the water retaining qualities, and flora and fauna of the riparian area along the Horsefly River.

DFO biologist Judy Hillaby, who lives in Horsefly, informed us that salmon projections for the Horsefly dominant year (2012) are very low.

The Roundtable is going to update and improve our web page, as well as create a Facebook page for more exposure to the public. Members are asked to review our current web page and provide suggestions and comments for improvement.

The next Roundtable meeting is at the Horsefly library at 7 p.m. March 15.