A key section of the Test of Metal mountain bike route is being ravaged by motorbikes, according to race organizers - and if the machines don't ruin the trail first, road builders might carve it up in a few years.
The Powerhouse Plunge is a challenging downhill technical section of bike course that is loved and cursed at the same time by Test of Metal competitors and regular users of the trail.
When Cliff Miller, president of the 樱桃视频Off Road Cycling Association and Test of Metal race director, learned there was talk of logging the area near the Mamquam run-of-the-river power facility owned by TransCanada Power he shared his knowledge and there was an immediate reaction from the mountain biking community.
Miller met Tuesday (April 19) at the Forest Ministry office with a number of other stakeholders interested in the area.
He said one key player, BC Timber Sales, was not in attendance so no firm decisions were made except that there will be at least one more meeting in the future.
Miller's concerns are shared by the Lava Springs Water Company, which draws water for bottling from a well in the area.
Mayor Ian Sutherland isn't very worried about impacts the on the District of 樱桃视频(DOS) drinking water wells in the area but he is concerned about the future of the Test of Metal and the private water company.
Mick Gottardi, the DOS director of community development, attended the meeting to speak on behalf of the DOS.
"We wanted to make sure everyone knew our concerns," Sutherland said. "We respect the right of other things to take place in that area but if we can find a way to accommodate everybody that is our preference. There is a solution to be had that is a positive one for everyone."
According to Sutherland, DOS staff will follow up by meeting with a representative from BC Timber Sales next Friday (April 29).
Andre Germain of the Ministry of Forests office in 樱桃视频said BC Timber Sales is meeting with concerned groups to discuss issues of concern. He said the sides will try to address their differences and if they can't come to agreement the acting district forest manager will make a decision on what happens with the trees.
Miller said if the area is logged a new road will cross the trail two or three times.
"In essence you will be riding through a clear cut with road crossings," Miller said. "It would take away from the experience of being in the woods. The bigger question is between recreational and water extraction compared to forestry. What is the highest and best use for this land? For the $2 million that plot is going to generate once in 60 years versus the $8 million in mountain biking plus the value to the water company far exceeds the value of the timber."
Miller said those opposed to the proposed logging are supporters of industry and they don't want to be tagged as forest industry detractors.
A group called Save the Plunge (STP) formed this week to lobby for preservation of the trees.
Miller said STP stickers and t-shirts will be made and sold to help support the cause.
While efforts are under way to save the Plunge from logging motorized vehicles pose a more immediate threat to the trail. The heavy vehicles are damaging the trail and Miller is worried damage from motor bikes will jeopardize the race this June.
DOS Council decided this week to instruct staff to come up with a bylaw aimed at clamping down on motorbike riders who use trails closed to mechanized vehicles.
Sutherland said many complaints about motor bikes have been logged in recent weeks despite installation of new signs pointing out areas where motorized vehicles are restricted.
