B.C. outdoor recreation users react to planned forest road closure
Rady Forest Service Road closure sparks Kootenay backlash over trail access Province will stabilize slopes, but locals are pushing to keep backcountry routes open
Outdoor recreation users in British Columbia’s Kootenay region are criticizing a provincial plan to decommission the Rady Forest Service Road near Trout Lake. The road is scheduled to be closed on Nov. 1 while the province carries out work to stabilize slopes and reduce landslide risk.
Local residents and recreational users say the road is an important access route for trails, alpine terrain, and remote backcountry activities such as snowmobiling, ATV use, dirt biking, and fourwheel driving. Some say they were caught off guard by the decision and have responded with petitions and letterwriting campaigns.
The Ministry of Forests says the deactivation decision is final and that work will include barricading the road and addressing safety issues. It also says that, after the project is complete, groups may apply for a licence of occupation if they want to rebuild a trail in the area.