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OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF DISCOVERY ROUTES TRAILS ORGANIZATION Spring 2008 |
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In This Issue:
Trail Projects on the Go
Touring the Region's Festivals
Trails Across the Region
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Trail enthusiasts will be delighted to begin a new trail season in the sun and warm weather. As usual, we are asking those involved in trail activities to send us your events and projects so that we can report them to the trails community. Or perhaps you have a story of a trail adventure you would like to share. We welcome suggestions and comments on the content and accuracy of the information we report. The heart and soul of the trails community are you the volunteers and you the trail users. Thank you for your continued support. |
| Trail Projects on the Go | |
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Touring the Region's Festivals
Discovery Routes will be touring the region's events and festivals this summer and fall to spread the word about trails. Our first stop will be the Powassan Maple Festival on April 26. We will be providing information about Discovery Routes, the extraordinary trail experiences and recreational opportunities in the region, as well as promoting responsible trail use and proper trail etiquette. The Powassan Maple Syrup Festival is a full day event beginning with a pancake breakfast at 7:00am, and festivities throughout the day until 4:00pm. As part of the festival, tours out to the sugar bush will be available. Participants can enjoy Powassan's beautiful trails while learning about the various sap collection and maple production processes happening in the area. See you there! Discovery Routes is looking for volunteers who are interested in joining us on our travels to the various festivals. We will be at a festival near you in Sturgeon Falls, Mattawa, North Bay, Magnetawan, South River, Callander, Sunridge and Burk's Falls. If you are interested in promoting the local trails to your neighbours, please let us know.
"Signs, Signs, Everywhere There's Signs"
Or, in our case, everywhere there's no signs... Discovery Routes is beginning a project that is aimed at enhancing the region's trail product. It has been a number of years since Discovery Routes has been involved in trail signage. Prompted by the need for accurate trail signage along the Trans Canada Trail through Callander and along the Old Nipissing Road, we are expanding the project and inviting participation by trail partners across the region. Trail signage standards are in place that ensure a consistency of design that is both functional and identifiable as part of the trails network.
Discovery Routes' membership campaign is going strong, but there's always room for more! Become a member and support local and regional trail initiatives. Trails provide a fun and easy way for the whole family to keep active together. Becoming a member of Discovery Routes keeps you connected to trail projects across the Near North and the Trans Canada Trail while strengthening the foundations of a thriving volunteer trails network. $12 for 12 months keeps individuals connected, while families can be a part of Discovery Routes for only $24 annually. Sign up today to become part of the network! Regional trail partners and businesses are also encouraged to participate.
Stay tuned…. We're working on it! |
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Trails Across the Region |
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Callander
Creating a "Friends of ..." Committee
The Municipality of Callander is adding to its recreational arsenal. Last Fall, Callander officially opened the Cranberry Trail. And, as the Trans Canada Trail through Callander nears completion, the Municipality is seeking community involvement for the trails. On April 22, the Municipality of Callander is inviting volunteers to the Community Centre to learn how they can participate in this worthwhile endeavour. The information session begins at 7:00p.m. with information brochures available as well as volunteer sign-ups. Trail stewardship is an integral part of any trail's long-term sustainability. Committees like this provide an opportunity for community residents to give back while creating a camaraderie among trail users. For further information, contact Callander's Municipal Office at (705) 752-1410.
VMUTS Spring ATV Rally
The Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System is providing a formal trail system for trail enthusiasts to responsibly participate in a variety of trail activities. As an important part of providing sustainability to this trails network and a significant economic boost to the region, VMUTS is hosting a spring ATV rally during the second weekend in May. The rally typically attracts around 400 riders from across Ontario, Quebec and as far away as the U.S. Riders participate in a couple guided rides along designated trails in the VMUTS system and have an opportunity to take part in a variety of social activities throughout the weekend. VMUTS ensures that the integrity of the trail system is maintained post-rally. For more information on the Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System and the Spring Rally, visit the VMUTS website at www.vmuts.com.
North Bay
The City is Planning for Trails
On April 10, the City of North Bay held a public meeting to present their North Bay Trails and Active Transportation Master Plan. The trails plan was designed by a committee with representation from various departments at City Hall and the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority. During the planning process, the City recognized the need for trails serving two functions; as recreational corridors, and as transportation corridors. The plan has identified sidewalks, bicycle routes, recreational trails and other transportation routes throughout the City to ensure that these corridors are acknowledged in the City's future development and improvement plans. The trails plan will be incorporated into the City's Official Plan. The trails plan is available for review at the City of North Bay's Park and Recreation Department.
Friends of La Vase Canoe Night
On May 2, 2008 at 7:00 pm, the Friends of La Vase are hosting a Canoe Night at Nipissing University. Hap Wilson, a well-known adventurer and canoeing author will be sharing some of his amazing images and stories of his canoeing adventures across Canada. Locally renowned wilderness canoeist and outdoor photographer, Paul Chivers, will be recounting the history of some of the groups, such as Restore the Link, that have worked towards protecting the La Vase Portages. He will also be showcasing some of his photography of the area. Admission to the event is free. Please visit the Friends of La Vase's website for further information at www.lavaseportages.com.
The Great Heritage Trails Photography Contest!
Discovery Routes is blooming proud to be a part of North Bay Blooms this year. The volunteers of North Bay Blooms are providing a great excuse to put your creative skills to work and experience some of North Bay's best trails. The Great Heritage Trails Photography Contest is encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to visit five defined trails starting now and running through to October. Contest rules are outlined on their website at www.northbayblooms.ca. The photos will be recognized on Cogeco Cable, the North Bay Blooms website and eventually displayed at Northgate Square for final judging. And there are prizes to be won! So far, Dent's Camera Center has donated a $300 value digital Nikon camera, we're throwing in a Trans Canada Trail coffee table book and more possible prizes are to come.
Thinking about becoming more active?
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and Discovery Routes are encouraging you to borrow a pedometer from your local library and take your first steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Walking can help you maintain a healthy weight, feel better, have more energy, and reduce stress. For additional resources to help you get started, you can visit the Health Unit's website. So get on those trails, get active, and get healthy!
South River
Don't forget the Forgotten Trails
The Forgotten Trails Association continues to need volunteers. The Forgotten Trails Association is a small group of volunteers that maintains an integrity for ecologically sustainable trails of natural and cultural significance in the South River area. These unique four-season, back-country trails are managed for the purpose of non-motorized recreational trail activities. Contact Discovery Routes for information on how to become involved with the Forgotten Trails. |
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| Helping Us Connect | |
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Discovery Routes would like to thank all of our current Business Members for supporting our organization and the region's trails.
- FRi Ecological Services - All of our trails partners throughout the region provide continuous support to our organization by keeping us up-to-date on the status of trails and local trail events. Discovery Routes would like to extend our thanks to these Trail Connector Members for contributing to our organization and our efforts:
- West Nipissing Nordic Ski
Club - Over the past year, Discovery Routes has welcomed new Municipal Members to our organization. We would like to thank the following for their support:
- City of North Bay - Trails connect communities businesses and families. Bring trails to your business or organization and become a member of Discovery Routes. By building awareness and exposure of our regional trails system, you will be contributing to a healthy, natural Near North. |
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1375 Seymour Street, North Bay, P1B 9V6 ~ T: (705) 472-8480 ~ F: (705) 472-8027 ~ info@discoveryroutes.ca |
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