Sledders will be happy to know the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail (GRST) is one step closer to completion in British Columbia's Cariboo region, with the opening of a new bridge over Moffat Creek near Horsefly.
Construction of the $160,000 bridge and adjoining trail was funded by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO) in partnership with the BC Snowmobile Federation, National Trails Coalition, Northern Development Initiative Trust, Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition, New Pathways to Gold Society, 100 Mile Snowmobile Club, Canim Lake Truckers Association, Cariboo Regional District and District of 100 Mile House.
The Moffat Creek bridge, which opened for use in December 2015, is another important link on the GRST. Earlier this winter, the Blair Street bridge opened in Wells.
This winter, new directional signs with trail names and maps were installed on the Green Lake Snowmobile Trail system east of 70 Mile House, allowing for safer public use.
Riders should remember to check conditions before heading out onto the trail: Be informed before use; be prepared for all types of weather; and carry appropriate equipment to ensure a safe, fun riding experience. The current Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail route avoids avalanche terrain. However, conditions, maintenance and signage will vary depending on proximity to local communities and snowmobile clubs.
Snowmobiling plays a vital economic and recreational role in the Cariboo region, and promotes a safe, active lifestyle by providing groomed and well-maintained trails.
"Snowmobiling contributes an economic boost to the Cariboo region, and the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail's new Moffat Creek bridge will help ensure local residents and visitors continue to have a safe, fun sledding experience," says Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of FLNRO for Rural Development.
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• Currently, the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail stretches approximately 259 kilometres from 70 Mile House to Horsefly.
• The vision for the trail is to cover about 460 kilometres from Clinton to Wells/Barkerville, with a target completion date of 2018.
• The Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail is an initiative of the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation on behalf of local Cariboo clubs, including the Green Lake Snowmobile Club, 100 Mile House Snowmobile Club, Williams Lake Powder Kings Snowmobile Club, Quesnel Snowmobile Club and Wells Snowmobile Club.
• The trail is maintained by the local snowmobile clubs in co-operation with Recreation Sites and Trails BC.
• More information is available at Recreation Sites and Trails BC: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/