Infrastructure

The Forest Service can no longer afford to fully maintain the Province's extensive network of recreation sites and trails. In order to keep as many sites and trails open to the public as possible, the ministry is entering into partnership agreements with local recreation groups, forest companies, First Nations, regional districts, private contractors, and a range of other parties. Sites and trails that are not managed under agreements will continue to be open to the public, but will receive only limited maintenance.

Eligible activities for Recreation under the Infrastructure, Land Base Investment Program include maintenance of recreation sites, trails and facilities.

Expectations for Recreation Activities

• Prior to maintaining a trail or recreation facility on Crown land the proponent must have the consent of the Ministry of Forests and Range (district manager).
• Recreation maintenance activities may only occur at recreation sites and trails established under Section 56 or at trails and recreation facilities authorized under Section 57 of the Forest and Range Practices Act.

Maintenance of Recreation Sites, Trails & Facilities

Maintenance of recreation sites, trails and facilities involves cleaning, inspecting, repairing, replacing and removing structures and natural hazards. Maintenance consists of inspections and any follow-up actions (further visits or services) that may be necessary to maintain safe, sanitary, socially acceptable and environmentally sound conditions in accordance with the type of environment and the level of use of the site, trail or facility.

The objectives of maintenance are to:

• provide user safety;
• provide sanitary conditions;
• protect the environment;
• provide user access and convenience; and
• protect investment in infrastructure.

Maintenance priorities

• safety considerations should always be the first priority. Unsafe conditions should be corrected or normal use restricted using established standards (e.g. Danger Tree Assessment).
• Sanitary considerations. Potentially unhealthy conditions need correcting (e.g. toilet facilities)
• environmental damage should be corrected and actions taken to prevent further damage; and
• user convenience should be considered.

Specific maintenance activities and frequency of service visits at a recreation site, trail or facility will depend on the types of structures, environmental conditions and level of use. A maintenance checklist for the common structures found at a recreation site, trail or facility such as toilets, fire rings, tables, signs barriers etc. can be found in Chapter 9 of the Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts Recreation Manual and procedures for maintaining trails are described in Chapter 10. In addition district and region MOF staff members have maintenance schedules for specific recreation sites, trails and facilities in their areas that may be of use. This information may assist proponents in developing the maintenance plan for a recreation site, trail or facility referred to above under "Expectations for Recreation Activities".