Telegraph Trail Preservation Society NEWSLETTERS Home | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 | 1994 | 1993

May 1993

UPDATE: by Dwight Lodge, President.

During the summer and fall of 1992, the Telegraph Trail was checked over and cleared of windfalls from Quesnel to Bobtail Take, some 60 miles. As well, Trail signs were put up along the route.

In early March of 1993, Betty Motherwell and Dwight Dodge took advantage of a hard snow crust and checked the area between Whittier Creek and Blackwater River. The hard snow allowed for easy walking and easy pulling of a hand sleigh with gear, power saw, packs, etc, at the same time putting up new logo signs along the way.

Dick Marsh Signs Ltd. of Quesnel designed and printed the logos which were financed through a grant of $600.00 received from Mountain Equipment Co-op of Vancouver.

SUBMISSIONS TO CORE

1. Request for 100 meter buffer zone on both sides of the trail to preserve its integrity, i.e. remnants of old blazes, wires and brackets on ancient trees, which in themselves replay the past, provoke thought and appreciation for the last wilderness undertaking of its kind in North America.

2. Proposal for protection of the Blackwater River Alley by park or other status, for the following reasons:

(1) to ensure a splendid example of old growth wilderness to view and experience is within reasonable access by all communities, area selection to be supported by multiple recreational opportunities, wild life viewing, cultural values and scenic landscapes.

(2) to ensure the well being and survival of the prized and significant Mule deer population, an economic and aesthetic resource; therefore 100 meters of the Douglas-fir forest bordering the escarpment should be left in its natural state, and HOF Handbook #13 for Timber & Mule deer Management Co-ordination on Winter Ranges in the Cariboo strictly adhered to. Further concern is the harvest of ALL mature fir for reason of susceptibility to beetle.

(3) to maintain the wilderness experience of the heritage trails passing through the valley, e.g. Mackenzie, Telegraph, First Nations Pack Trail, plus the escarpment and Canyon trail that provide aerial views of the great river in all its moods and seasons.

The Lower Blackwater LRUP are still in the planning stages, and it is hoped they will take into consideration our concerns and objectives.

We have received full support from 4 horse clubs, Horse Council B.C. Quesnel Naturalists, Caledonian Ramblers and the All Beings sector of CORE.