Castlegar Parks and Trails is a volunteer organization committed to building and maintaining environmentally-sensitive trails for non-motorized use. Our trails are primarily constructed on the ground with a minimum amount of disturbance. Trails are maintained for ease of use and essential safety; many natural hazards (for example, wildlife trees and poison ivy) remain along our trails. Wildlife encounters are also a possibility on all trails in all months (see below). Trails are mixed use with pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians sometimes sharing the same path; practice good trail etiquette. There are no trail patrols and signing in at the trailhead will NOT alert anyone should you twist an ankle and get stuck out on a trail.<\/p>\n
Although it might be excessive for a short walk around Waldie Island Trail, those traveling on the Kootenay River Trails or the Columbia Trail may wish to consider their need for \u201cthe ten essentials\u201d:
\n1.Compass or GPS (and knowledge of use!)
\n2. Sunglasses and sunscreen
\n3. Extra food
\n4. Water (water treatment device)
\n5. Extra clothes
\n6. Headlamp\/flashlight
\n7. First aid kit
\n8. Fire starter
\n9. Matches
\n10. Knife<\/p>\n
You may wish to add other items, for example bear spray.<\/p>\n
For most of our trails you should tell someone where you are going (leave a note or message) and when you expect to be back. Cell phone coverage is generally good in our trail area.<\/p>\n
ALL trail users should carry a first aid kit, here are some suggestions for it\u2019s contents:<\/p>\n
\u2022 tensor bandage
\n\u2022 assorted band aids
\n\u2022 antiseptic pads
\n\u2022 sterile gauze squares of assorted sizes
\n\u2022 sharp scissors
\n\u2022 needle and thread
\n\u2022 matches
\n\u2022 moleskin (for blisters, apply moleskin as soon as you feel a \u2018hot spot\u2019)
\n\u2022 first aid tape
\n\u2022 safety pins
\n\u2022 tweezers
\n\u2022 one triangular bandage
\n\u2022 pressure bandages or sanitary pads
\n\u2022 first aid pamphlet
\n\u2022 rubber gloves<\/p>\n
\u2022 Uphill travelers
\n\u2022 Equestrian (if encountered, ask the rider for instructions)
\n\u2022 Hikers (if you\u2019re a cyclist)
\n\u2022 All others if you are unsure<\/p>\n
\u2022 If you pack it in, pack it out
\n\u2022 Leave not a trace
\n\u2022 Do not feed or harass wildlife
\n\u2022 Stay on the trail<\/p>\n
(Click on link to learn more): What poison ivy looks like<\/p>\n \u2022 Please check the fire indices \u2022 Please respect all users and remove manure from trails<\/p>\n *Please be aware that we have found\u00a0Poison Ivy<\/a> on or around most of our trails, keep your distance. Click on the link for more info*<\/p>\n For hikers of any skill level it is important to have proper footwear. Hiking boots provide much more support than sneakers and are recommended for all trails. Hiking poles are great for any trail surface; they will reduce impact on joints, improve stability, and provide am upper-body workout. Communication is very important. The strongest hiker should be the instigator of group discussions regarding speed, breaks, water consumption, route planning, and the physical condition of the group. If one person is uncomfortable with something, they should feel comfortable vocalizing it and confident that their concerns will be addressed.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Cougars<\/a>
\n\u2022 Bears<\/a>
\n\u2022 Moose<\/a>
\n\u2022 Ticks<\/a>
\n\u2022 Wasps and Bees<\/a>
\nThe best way to avoid incidents with wildlife is to make noise. Talk to your friends, or sing your favourite song, just make your presence know. For more information on bear safety visit https:\/\/wildsafebc.com\/black-bear\/<\/a><\/p>\nPoison Ivy<\/h3>\n
\n
Forest fire prevention:<\/h3>\n
\n\u2022 No fires in season
\n\u2022 No smoking in season
\n\u2022 Ensure cigarettes are extinguished – pack out butts<\/p>\nEquestrians:<\/h3>\n
Hikers<\/h3>\n
\nKnow your group. It is important to know the skill and fitness level of all party members. The slowest person should set the pace. If someone is falling behind stop, wait until they catch up, and let them have a break. People tend to start moving as soon as the slower person catches up, this way, they never get a break.<\/p>\n