The Parks Manager with the City of Kamloops is asking people to stay off muddy trails in places like Kenna Cartwright Park, Lac du Bois Park, and the Kamloops Bike Ranch.
Jeff Putnam says these nature trails are wet and muddy as it hasn’t been warm enough to dry them just yet.
“When trails are muddy, it increases erosion much quicker than when they are dry and then people like to walk on the edges and what they are doing is destroying the native vegetation,” he said. “It doesn’t take long for them to dry out but we still have frost in the ground and that’s why its quite challenging.”
The City’s nature trails saw over a million visitors in 2020, and Putnam says he knows people are eager to get outside again after spending the winter cooped up because of COVID-19 restrictions.
“I know people have bought new shoes and new hiking boots and we’re just asking them to be selective and be careful right now,” he said. “This week for sure, we’re asking people to stay on the hard surface trails and let the nature park trails breathe and dry out a little bit and they’ll be ready to go for everyone to enjoy.”
Those hard surface trails include Rivers Trail, the X’get’tem’ Trail in Peterson Creek Park, the Aviation Way dike trail by the airport, and West Highlands Park in Aberdeen.
“If you use the muddy trails now, what happens is you’re damaging the actual trails and making it unsafe for other users and it’ll likely result in trails being closed for a longer period of time for maintenance,” Putnam added.
“Its just not enjoyable to be walking in ankle deep mud, so usually people will usually take a few steps and then turn around and then find an alternate spot.”
(Photo via Jeff Putnam)
It is a good idea to avoid #Kamloops nature trails for the time being. Much too wet and muddy this week. Check out Rivers Trail, X’get’tem’ Trail, Aviation Way dike trail or West Highlands Park in Aberdeen for some enjoyable options @TourismKamloops pic.twitter.com/WNQn43qhsz
— Jeff Putnam (@Putsky88) March 11, 2021
