The city of Coquitlam has a message for whoever is clearing paths and building bridges in the forest around Coquitlam River Park: Leave trail building to the professionals.
Urban forestry and park services manager Lanny Englund told The Tri-City News the problems started last year and could have a negative impact on fish-bearing streams and environmentally sensitive areas in the park.
“We can’t have people modifying parks and trails without consulting us,” he said. “We are open to talking about it but we have to be involved.”
Safety is a major concern, he said, noting that proper city trails meet stringent requirements. The process is also necessary to ensure that environmental degradation is limited and fish-bearing streams are protected.
Englund said a small creek bed near the river was bridged over by the trail builders and several trees were cut down in the process.
“They are pedestrian crossings over fish bearing streams,” he said.
Similar issues have cropped up at other parks in the past but Englund said that, for the moment, the Coquitlam River is the only area where staff have been dealing with unsanctioned trails.
The city put up a sign in the area asking the trail builders to contact them. But when it did not receive a response, a new sign was posted at one of the trail heads noting that unsanctioned trail building and the cutting of trees on city parks is prohibited.
Not everyone agrees with the city’s position on unsanctioned trails. A note was posted above the city’s sign on the weekend said the new pathways are well maintained and enjoyed by many park users. “These are not different than the [hundreds] of small trails all over our city,” said the anonymous note. “No live trees were cut. There is no good reason to remove these trails. Call the city to protest.”
gmckenna@tricitynews.com
@gmckennaTC
