Smithers and Burns Lake Mountain Bike Trails - part of BC Premiers Award
BC Rec Site and Trails officer Kevin Eskelin has won a BC Premiers award for his innovative work with the Smithers and Burns Lake Mountain Bike Associations. Eskelin worked with the local organizations in the establishment of trail networks that meet provincial mountain biking standards. An excerpt from the news release states; "Thanks to Kevin Eskelin’s vision, mountain biking may have a new mecca in Burns Lake and Smithers. These two northern communities, hit hard by a declining forest industry, were keen to diversify. Capitalizing on a new provincial mountain bike policy, Kevin worked closely with the communities, mountain bike associations, First Nations and other stakeholders to create a world-class facility. Over three years, he helped partners raise over $600,000. And now 50 kilometres of professionally designed and built trails wind their way through 4,600 hectares of wilderness, delighting riders of all levels, garnering the region high profile press and placing these two unlikely communities on the international mountain biking map." Congratulations to all. A video on the project and award can be viewed by clicking here.
