TLC for the Trails

Monday, July 15, 2013

Maintenance crews and volunteers have been hard at work since the spring and early summer clearing damage from last year’s storms and doing maintenance and enhancement work to keep the East Coast Trail in good shape.

During the month of May all 24 developed paths (265 km) were cleared of blowdown, blockages and leaning trees from Cape St Francis to Cappahayden. The full length of Brigus Head Path has undergone trail enhancement work including upgrades to boardwalk, replacement of crib steps, and installation of stones in areas that had become mud stretches. In addition, some signage re-installation was completed where critical signs were missing; additional signage will be installed once constructed.

In June, the trail crew replaced deteriorated boardwalk on Cape Spear Path from the trailhead at Cape Spear to North Head junction.

Brushing began on the south end of Flamber Head Path and tread way vegetation was removed or trimmed back from Brigus South to Deep Cove. With brushing done, enhancement work has just begun on this path and will continue throughout the summer months.

Plans for July and August months include – continuing work on Flamber Head Path and enhancement on the Spout Path and upgrades to the area from the Green Hills to Shoal Bay. A brushing program will take place at the same time. The maintenance crew have a camp on the Spout Path while this work is being completed. If ECT members (or trail volunteers) would like to “camp sit” on the weekends, when the trail crew are off, please contact the ECTA office (738-4453) for details and to register to “camp sit”. This is a great opportunity to spend time outdoors in a camp that is already set up! The first weekend available is July 13-14; additional weekend opportunities are available throughout the summer.

Photo collage provided by Chris Tompkins.