Friday, May 22, 2020

MESSAGE FROM THE VTA


VTA responds to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis
During the Covid-19 crisis the VTA has suspended all sanctioned hikes across the organization. It looks like this will be the case for most of this hiking season. This doesn’t mean that the trails aren’t being cleared, but it does mean that the process will take longer and that some remote areas may not see any attention in the foreseeable future. 
Across the Association there is usually a Spring Sweep organized by each Club as conditions permit. On the Casque Isles we will usually have 20 or 30 volunteers and Club members go out on a weekend and clear the trail from end to end. It would be irresponsible at this point for us to advocate for the status quo this year. Singularly or in small groups of 2-4 people we have been hiking and clearing the trail of deadfalls and encroaching brush. This has enabled us to control the group size and to maintain responsible social distancing guidelines. 
In chatting with our Club members I am reminded of the passion that our volunteers have for maintaining these hiking corridors and that as avid hikers we all have this overwhelming urge to just be out there experiencing the outdoors. As the schools remained closed, many parents that I talked to have told me that they are using our local trails more than ever. Because so many recreational activities have been curtailed they are going out as a small family group to let the children explore, fish, climb hills or just relax by a creek or river and watch as the forest comes alive in the spring. So, it turns out that we need our trails more than ever. We just have to be careful, act responsibly, and follow a few guidelines. 
All VTA trails have always been “use at your own risk”. You can expect to find deadfalls in the back country and those trails may be obscured by encroaching brush. Streams may have to be waded seasonally or after a rain event. You must be prepared to be self-sufficient in case of an incident and cell service cannot be counted on. The Casque Isles Trail is classified as difficult, but that doesn’t mean that every part of it is extreme. This just means that to get to the more moderate sections you will have to climb some steep hills, wade those streams, walk on uneven terrain and pay attention to the markings. These same conditions apply to many of the other Club trails within the VTA. 
Many portions of the VTA trails have yet to be cleared, especially remote areas. Here are some guidelines to follow if you choose to use our trails;
  • You are using our trails at your own risk.
  • If you are sick or have been exposed to Covid-19 stay at home and isolate.
  • Keep your groups small and limit carpooling to family units.
  • Pay attention at parking areas where there may be more people around. Many amenities, such as washrooms or picnic tables, have not been regularly sanitized so bring appropriate cleaning supplies. Handrails on walkways have not been sanitized, watch that group members do not touch them. 
  • Almost all of the VTA trails are single track. Practice social distancing guidelines while using the trails. Be prepared to step aside when meeting others, even if this means you have to back track a little. 
  • Crown land camping is still not allowed, plan all of your excursions as day trips. Consult local Clubs for more information on trail distances and entry/exit points. 
By all means, get out and enjoy the outdoors. The conditions are prime in our area, and the bugs are coming. I wonder if we could teach them about social distancing? Please remember that as the Province loosens restrictions this doesn’t mean a return to full normal. We still have to maintain proper Covid-19 etiquette, indeed this may be our new normal for the near future. 
We’ll be seeing you on the trails. 
Matt Borutski
VTA Vice President West
Casque Isles President