Torbay Environment & Trails Committee help maintain the ECT

Saturday, July 12, 2014

On May 3rd, 2014, a stalwart group from the Torbay Environment & Trails Committee (TETC) took on two maintenance tasks along the East Coast Trail in Torbay.

Vandals had burned a vehicle on the path near the end of Morris Avenue, leaving a mess of burned debris and charred ground behind after the wreck was removed. The TETC group braved the cold and snow to pick up the debris and haul it in buckets up to the lane and thence to Liddy’s, who kindly volunteered their skip container. We also cleaned up as much of the charred ground as possible so that future vegetation growth can cover the damage.

The next task was to improve the drainage along the East Coast Trail below Ryan’s farm in an effort to dry out the trailbed. Drainage structures here commonly silt up and become blocked, causing mini-ponds to form in the trail. By clearing out the ditches and waterbars we were able to increase the run-off and drain some of the path. Recent reports from hikers indicate that the dryer trailbed is a welcome surprise for those who regularly enjoy this path.

Maintaining the trail for hikers is a significant undertaking. Seasonal paid crews, supplemented by community users and groups help keep the path sustainable. The ECTA welcomes the participation of community groups in efforts to improve and maintain the trail. Contact the ECTA office for further information.

Story and photos by R. Hicks