On May 17 it was posted on the Recreation Sites and Trails B.C. that the trails of Mount Harry Davis are closed due to saturated soils.
On June 1, Zach De La Mare, president of the Houston Mountain Bike Association, said, “We went up there to take a look at the soil. It’s getting better, but heavy rainfall the last few days have made soggy soil, and have also blown some trees down.”
De La Mare says that he and another member of the Houston Mountain Bike Association are working to get up on Mount Harry Davis to clear the fallen trees.
Recreation Sites and Trails B.C. works closely with groups and clubs that frequently use crown land outside of B.C. parks. Recreation Sites and Trails B.C. has a relationship and agreement with the Houston Mountain Bike Association to monitor and report on the conditions of the trails.
“[Recreation Sites and Trails B.C.] get a hold of us and we tell them our information and they put it on their provincial website,” said De La Mare.
“We are a branch of the Ministry of Forest,” said Brandy Hughes, recreation officer of the Nadina-Skeena district for Recreation Sites and Trails B.C. “We manage recreation opportunities on crown land outside of B.C. parks, and partner with clubs which allows us to support the clubs through funding, provide signs and outhouses, as well as advice and hiring trail planners.”
In turn the club, like the Houston Mountain Bike Association, has expectations and an agreement with Recreation Sites and Trails B.C. based around maintaining trails, ensuring safety, and reporting on any safety concerns.
“Any board walks and or A frame structures are expected to also be checked twice a year,” added Hughes. “We work together to keep the trails safe and environmentally sustainable.”
Due to the saturated soil, the trails of Mount Harry Davis are closed in order to protect the trail bed. “And to protect the sensitive soil so that we don’t have to go back and repair them, which is costly and delays riding,” said Hughes.
Until further notice the trails will remain closed. Recreational users of Mount Harry Davis can check the Facebook page Facebook page of the Houston Mountain Bike Association or the Recreation Sites and Trails B.C. website for more information and updates as to when the trails are open.