We were very lucky to obtain the services of the MNR Stewardship Rangers on July 7,8 & 9 to assist in clearing and marking trails in our area. We started on 7 July at Rossmere Creek, about 17km in from Hwy 108, and worked our way west to Crooked Creek, about 8km total. This area is travelled by ATV's and clearing was fairly easy. We marked the trail from our start point and will do the area east on the road to Quimby Lake later. On the 8 July we drove to Blind River and worked our way from the Granary Lake boat launch to the high dome about 1km inside the CdeB territory. This was a more difficult day as there is considerable damage to the trail from ATV traffic and the terrain is a lot more rugged with some fairly good hills. We travelled about 12km. total and this section is now well marked and open.
On the last day, 9 July, we tackled Hope Lake. This was very overgrown with ferns, shrubbery and blowdowns. In a few areas the trail was completely blocked by trees pushed over by our heavy snowfall last winter. We made it to the marsh, where water was still over a part of the trail. The bugs were horrendous and we called it quits there and returned. The trail will need more work but will wait until the bugs have died down.
The Rangers, high school kids from Thessalon, were very helpful and put in a full days work. Our thanks to MNR and their team leader, Kaylin Wood, for the help and also our club members, Emily, Scott, Liz and yours truly.
Near McGiverin Lake
Lunch in the trappers gazebo at McGiverin Lake
Granary Lake from the dome
Trail side conference
Hope Trail blockage by blow downs
After clearing, a job well done
