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(Etiquette…continued from page 4)

Garbage Disposal

Garbage attracts wild animals (bears, raccoons, rodents, birds, insects) and accustoms them to human food. Do not assume biodegradable things degrade quickly or at all. Our climate and local bacteria favour some biodegradables over others, for example, orange peels do not decompose easily. Partially decomposed items are unsightly.

• Try to create as little waste as possible.
• As a general rule, pack out ALL garbage.
• Do not throw peelings away. Consider eating apple cores etc.
• Consider every small item. Wooden matches decompose slowly and are unsightly.
• Some garbage (e.g. paper) can be burnt but many things do not burn well or at all (aluminum foil). Food could leave some residue when burnt. Plastics give off toxic gases when burnt.
• Never bury garbage - it can be exposed by animals or frost action.
• Consider packing out garbage that others have left behind.

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President’s Report

I want to start off this report by acknowledging the support Friends received from Gordon Zaitsoff, RDCK Area J Director for upgrade and repair work on the Waldie Island Trail. Thank you Director Zaitsoff. Work on Waldie Island Trail will include replacement of damaged and rotting boardwalk boards, leveling of boardwalks, installation of surface material to prevent slipping on the backside boardwalk, installation of a bearproof garbage can, installation of steps, and general repair of trail. Self-guided walk markers have already been replaced.

Friends has been approached by local mountain biking/youth interests to consider including mountain bike trails in our trail portfolio. A presentation will be made by a representative of this group at the November 18th general meeting.

As technology changes so to does the public’s expectations. I spoke with Selkirk College staff about how we might use some of the new technologies to modify existing trail maps. One executive member is already charging ahead and learning the skills needed to tackle this. Those of you traveling the globe via Google Earth and the photo links can see the potential for enticing more people out on our trails.

We have written a letter to the Ministry of Transportation and Highways regarding the ongoing issue of closure of the Mel Deanna/Castlegar viewpoint parking area. We hope to see safe parking provided within the existing parking area throughout the year.

There is frustration regarding the continued closure of the trails in the Brilliant Dam area. Our last report from Columbia Power was that work would be completed this month. Hopefully next year’s hiking season will open with access to this trail restored.

We are still waiting to hear back from Fortis regarding their proposed developments on the top of the Brilliant Overlook. Unfortunately it took a few months for FrontCounter BC to send our submission on to Fortis delaying their ability to address our concerns.

Many members have engaged in trail maintenance work over the past several months. I want to express my great appreciation to all who have lent a hand to keep our trail system in good shape. I hope to see you out for one last trail maintenance extravaganza when the Waldie Island volunteer day goes ahead. A tentative date is November 22nd or 23rd if the 22nd’s weather is poor. Please see last page for further information.

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