Vancouver Island Spine Trail

Hi Donna,

I have my commitment written on my office ‘white board’ – presentation is pretty much ready to go (just did a few edits).  It is entitled “The Vancouver Island Trail – Current Status & Future Plans”

Re my bio:  I am a retired geoscientist and soil scientist having worked as an independent consultant for over 45 years in the forest industry and in land use planning.  Projects include terrain and ecosystem mapping, establishment of ALRs, membership on the Clayoquot Sound Scientific Panel, landscape level planning in the Great Bear Rainforest and development of the Knob Hill Wind Farm.  I have been volunteering with the VI-Trail Association for 6-7 years, as Director of Operations for the last 4, so I am heavily involved in the planning and development of the Trail and consulting with the many stakeholders, First Nations, land owners and tenure holders.

It would be great if I could use your laptop, projector and screen – I’ll bring my presentation on a memory stick (I’ll have my laptop for backup too).

Looking forward to it!

The Vancouver Island Trail will soon be continuous trail from Victoria in the south to Cape Scott at the northern tip of the Island. The Trail follows an inland route in the south and becomes a coastal route north of Port McNeill.   It follows several First Nations and historic routes, and links up many existing trails.

Approximately 770 km long, the Trail is an adventure opportunity that will provide a recreational route for residents and tourists through the beautiful back-country of Vancouver Island.  Although primarily a hiking trail, some sections of the Trail are suitable for other non-motorized uses, e.g. mountain bikes, horses, and skis.  The route passes through a wide range of forest types, alongside streams, rivers and lakes and across a number of mountain ridges.  It is similar to other successful long-distance routes in North America such as the Pacific Crest Trail, the Bruce Trail and the Appalachian Trail.

The Trail will support local economies through increased tourism, cultural tourism opportunities, provision of services to trail users and trail building and maintenance. Local First Nations, hiking clubs and other outdoor clubs are encouraged to monitor and report trail conditions. First Nations and businesses will have an expanded opportunity to provide services to travelers in their region.