The Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail is one step closer to completion in B.C.’s Cariboo region, with the opening of a new bridge over Moffat Creek near Horsefly.

Construction of the $160,000 bridge and adjoining trail was funded by the ministry in partnership with the BC Snowmobile Federation, National Trails Coalition, Northern Development Initiative Trust, Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition, New Pathways to Gold Society, 100 Mile Snowmobile Club, Canim Lake Truckers Association, Cariboo Regional District and District of 100 Mile House.

The Moffat Creek bridge, which opened for use in December 2015, is another important link on the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail. Earlier this winter, the Blair Street bridge opened in Wells. Also this winter, new directional signs with trail names and maps were installed on the Green Lake Snowmobile Trail system east of 70 Mile House, allowing for safer public use.

Riders should remember to check conditions before heading out onto the trail: Be informed before use, be prepared for all types of weather and carry appropriate equipment to ensure a safe, fun riding experience. The current Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail route avoids avalanche terrain. However, conditions, maintenance and signage will vary depending on proximity to local communities and snowmobile clubs.

Snowmobiling plays a vital economic and recreational role in the Cariboo region, and promotes a safe, active lifestyle by providing groomed and well-maintained trails.

Quotes:

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations for Rural Development/Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett –

“Snowmobiling contributes an economic boost to the Cariboo region, and the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail’s new Moffat Creek bridge will help ensure local residents and visitors continue to have a safe, fun sledding experience.”

Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes –

“The Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail provides a great recreation opportunity for families in local communities, as well as visitors to the Cariboo. The new Moffat Creek bridge is an important addition to the trail.”

BC Snowmobile Federation executive director Donegal Wilson –

“The investments made this past season to install the Moffatt Creek and Blair Street bridges show strong commitment by member clubs and their partners to make the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail a reality.”

Quick Facts:

• Currently, the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail stretches approximately 259 kilometres from 70 Mile House to Horsefly.
• The vision for the trail is to cover about 460 kilometres from Clinton to Wells/Barkerville, with a target completion date of 2018.
• The Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail is an initiative of the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation on behalf of local Cariboo clubs, including the Green Lake Snowmobile Club, 100 Mile House Snowmobile Club, Williams Lake Powder Kings Snowmobile Club, Quesnel Snowmobile Club and Wells Snowmobile Club.
• The trail is maintained by the local snowmobile clubs in cooperation with Recreation Sites and Trails BC.

Learn More:

Recreation Sites and Trails BC: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/

Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail (Horsefly): http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/search/search-result.aspx?site=REC6895&districtCode=RDCC&type=Trail

Green Lake Snowmobile Trail (70 Mile House): http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/search/search-result.aspx?site=REC6246&type=Trail

Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail: http://goldrushsnowmobiletrail.com/