Three more Towns sign MOU with ECTA to protect Trail

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

(St. John’s)  The East Coast Trail Association (ECTA) and the towns of Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove and Bauline are pleased to announce they have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) agreeing to work together to manage and protect 28 kilometres of the East Coast Trail.


“The MOUs recognize that the East Coast Trail has become invaluable for tourism and recreation in the region, and will keep on giving across generations, as long as we provide the loving care, management and protection it requires,” said ECTA president, Randy Murphy. The documents establish clear lines of communication between the towns and the association, Murphy added, assigning roles and responsibilities for the management and protection for the trail that passes through these communities.


Commenting on the agreement, Mayor Nat Hutchings of Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove said The East Coast Trail is a treasured asset to towns that border it or have sections of the trail within town boundaries. Not only does it provide a venue for people to stay active, but the economic spinoffs are extremely important. Mayor John Kennedy of Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove commented, The trail provides a breathtaking and unique experience for local residents and tourists within our own back yard,” adding, we’re pleased to have an MOU in place. It’s a privilege to work with a visionary and professional organization like the East Coast Trail Association.


The East Coast Trail comprises 300 kilometers of world-class wilderness hiking along the east coast of the Avalon Peninsula. Its newest section connects Portugal Cove-St. Philips to Bauline and Cape St. Francis. Commenting on the trail, Bauline’s Mayor Chris Dredge said, The East Coast Trail provides a new recreational asset for the residents of Bauline, connecting our town to a larger network of trails. It will introduce many new people to Bauline’s scenic coastline and a spectacular view of Conception Bay.


The new MOUs establish partnerships between the towns and ECTA for enhanced cooperation on the care, management and protection of the East Coast Trail, clarifying roles, responsibilities and a more formalized process to share information on issues that affect the trail. Today’s announcement of three new MOUs builds on an announcement in November 2014 of an MOU with the Town of Torbay. MOUs are expected in the coming months with other towns along the eastern Avalon. In addition to MOUs with towns, the association is working towards provincial protection of the trail.

Photos:
Mayor Chris Dredge of Bauline,
Mayor John Kennedy of Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, and,
Mayor Nat Hutchings of Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove, with Randy Murphy, ECTA President