Another day, another list of closures, this time from Recreation Sites and Trails BC. “Our number one priority is the health and safety of our staff, partners, volunteers, and visitors,” says the note sent to the Tumbler Ridge groups by Denise Booy, Recreation Officer for the Peace Fort Nelson region. “We are following the advice of provincial health experts and bringing in new measures at recreation sites and trails to support the Province of British Columbia in its effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.”
Effectively immediately, they will be closing recreation facilities and suspending services at many recreation sites and trails across BC. “Our response to COVID-19 continues to change based on direction from the British Columbia provincial health officer (PHO).”
The closures mostly affect facilities where people gather and are in contact with frequently touched surfaces. “Closures will apply to fee collection booths and kiosks, overnight shelters, backcountry cabins, day use shelters, and other related infrastructure. This includes facilities used for winter sports and activities (e.g. snowmobiling, nordic skiing, etc.), as well as all-season activities such as mountain biking and hiking.”
The actual trails will remain open. “Visitors are reminded of the directives from the PHO to practice social distancing, stay home when you are sick and limit non-essential travel. We strongly recommend users consider local trails and do not travel for recreation purposes. For those who do decide to use trails, be mindful that you are responsible for your own safety and should exercise additional caution as trails will not be groomed or maintained during this time.”
Also closed about the province are campgrounds, though none of the campsites in the Tumbler Ridge area are affected yet.
“Visitors should consult the RSTBC website to be prepared for their visit and to be aware of any closures.”
In the Tumbler Ridge Area, the following are fully closed: the Core Lodge cabin and facilities, Babcock Mtn Shelter, the Bullmoose Bus, Monkman Limstone Cabin and the Wolverine Cabin are closed.
Partial Closures (trails are open, but any infrastructure is closed) are: Albright Trail, Onion Lake, Mt. Babcock / Core Lodge Riding Area, Burnt River Snowmobile Trail, Holzworth Snow Trail, Mount Reesor, Wolverine Snow Trail, Wolverine Nordic Ski Trails, Quintette Mountain Trails, Thunder Mountain Trail, Holzworth Meadows and Pinnacle Peak.
This means, according to Wolverine Nordic and Mountain Society Secretary Trent Ernst in a message to members earlier today, avoid the infrastructure. “Here’s the deal,” he wrote. “Any structure/infrastructure is off-limits. That means you can ski the trails out to the Lost Haven Cabin, but you can’t enter the cabin. You probably also want to avoid licking the trail signs. But the trails themselves? Wide open (at this moment). Go for it. Get out there and explore.”
