Squamish's Premier Mountain Bike Trail Threatened

Action Alert

For Immediate Release
05-04-05
Contact: Lora Woolner, IMBA Canada coordinator
lora@imba.com
705-441-6901

Key sections of the Powerhouse Plunge, one of the best-known trails in Squamish's mountain bike network, could be lost unless concerned trail users move fast. Enjoyed by runners, hikers, and mountain bikers, the Plunge is utilized by several mountain bike and trail running races, including one of North America's most celebrated events, the Test of Metal Mountain Bike Festival.

The Ministry of Forest's plans for the area include significant road work, which conspire to eliminate large sections of trail. The locally-based Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA) estimates that as much as 25% of the Plunge is in jeopardy. In addition, the proposed clear cut will reduce the dense forest through which the trail passes to a 10-metre buffer to either side of the trail tread.

Here's what you can do to help IMBA Canada and SORCA save the Plunge:

• Participate in the Save the Plunge Mountain Bike Race on Saturday, May 7, 2005, starting at 11:00 a.m. The race will coincide with the opening of Squamish's new Adventure Centre, which will be attended by various government officials. Details at: http://www.sorca.ca/

• Write an email or letter voicing your concerns about logging the Powerhouse Plunge, and other great Squamish trails, to any or all of the following:

  Honourable Michael de Jong
  Minister of Forests
  Room 128
  Parliament Buildings
  Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
  Phone: 604-702-5727
  Fax: 250-387-1040
  Email: Mike.deJong.MLA@leg.bc.ca
  

  Mr. Jerry Kennah
  BC Timber Sales
  Timber Sales Manager
  46360 Airport Road
  Chilliwack, BC V2P 1A5
  Phone: 604-702-5727
  Fax: 604-702-5711
  Email: Jerry.Kennah@gems4.gov.bc.ca
  

  Ms.Diane Reed,
  Squamish Forest District Manager
  Suite 101
  42000 Loggers Lane
  Squamish, BC V0N 3G0
  Phone: 604-898-2100
  Fax: 604-898-2191
  Email: Diane.Reed@gems1.gov.bc.ca
  

• Visit http://www.sorca.ca/ to learn more about the impacts that logging the Plunge would have on Squamish's recreation, tourism, and economy, as well as SORCA's call for the development of land use master plan for mountain biking in the Squamish area.

SORCA wants to clearly indicate that this is NOT AN ANTI-LOGGING CAMPAIGN. SORCA has always had a good working relationship with the forestry sector, and acknowledges that many recreationalists and non-recreationalists alike make their living from forestry.