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1996

We started off the 1996 season early. There were still patches of snow in the shady areas when Don Thompson sad I began work of locating and marking the ancient Native trail that lies buried under windfall and thickets of brush between Punchaw lake and the Fraser river. This was a direct route between the old village at the outlet of the lake and the old village of Netseicha on the Fraser.

There are blazes on some of the large Douglas fir along this trail that could be 200 years old or more. Sadly, companies like Weldwood are allowed to cut then down, destroying forever this valuable archeological evidence.

We spent several days there, staying in a trapper's cabin in the area. By using old maps, evidence of the ground and the old blazes, we eventually located it all the way through over the entire 12 miles. Much work remains to be done to restore it for hiking.

The Telegraph Trail Society hopes to employ a crew of Native youths this coming season to help restore trails through a generous grant free the B.C. Hydro Corporation. A two week training session was held in December, 1996 for the youths. During part of this time, we scouted out the feasibility of a trail to Pinnacles Provincial Park, some three miles west of Quesnel along Baker creek.

Last summer, I received a pleasant visit from Mark Lauckner of Mayne Island, B.C., which is somewhere between Vancouver Island and the Mainland. He puts out the Canadian Insulator Magazine. He has taken a keen interest in the Telegraph trail aid has given us coverage in his magazine.

Over the years, the Telegraph trail has become famous among insulator collectors. The old glass insulators are highly prized for their beauty and history. In the past, families have scheduled their vacations for the summer season and have traveled long distances to explore the trail. All we ask is that they return the moss to the area if the ground becomes disturbed. However, the chances of actually finding any glass along the trail are very small. But, the dream lives on.

Mark has undertaken to put together a brochure for the section of trail between Quesnel and Blackwater river. This should encourage more hikers to use the trail. I am currently working on a large, 4'x8' signboard for the present trailhead near Whittier creek. Our crew will help set it up this spring.

We are continuing to press for one hundred metres from the centre line protection for the Telegraph trail. The Kispiox Forest District has already adopted that in their Management Plan for the trail in their area. This would allow for blowdown to occur on the edge of a clear cut without affecting the trail corridor.

We welcome Marie Erb to our staff as bookkeeper for our various trail projects. She has done a fine job. Thanks Marie.

Dwight Dodge