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July 2011Rossburn Sub-Division Trail Association Like almost everywhere in Manitoba, the 2011 spring and summer season has been a wet one for the RSTA! Our 2011 Inspection Report showed eleven damaged areas on the 172 km stretch from Neepawa to Russell - some more severe than others - but all from either the high water table level or from flooding erosion. It is a challenge for our group to keep on top of these problems, but one we will face as time and funds allow. An extremely rare phenonomen occurred on the Trail west of Erickson, where 100 metres of the former rail bed, which is the RSTA, slid down and sideways in an extraordinary and hazardous position. Everyone who has seen the “slip” finds it extremely fascinating. International Trails Day was commemorated on Sunday, June 5th with a Wiener Roast following the Sunday Hymn Sing by the Trail in Sandy Lake. Approximately 35 people braved the rather inclement weather to come out to share in the fun and learn more about the Trail. The Birdtail Bridge project is awaiting Navigable Waters approval and then we can proceed to replace this previously burned wooden trestle bridge with a metal passage link for hikers and bikers to use. With thanks to MRTA for funding, this will be an exciting and long anticipated accomplishment for our members. Our joint plans to build 4 connecting Trails from the RST to the Riding Mountain National Park are in full swing with work being done on our TCT Grant application for this very large project. It is an exhilarating time to be part of the RSTA and we are encouraged by the possibilities this future vision promises for our Communities. As has become our tradition, we will invite our “significant others” to join us at our July meeting for a Barbeque. We have several new members on the RSTA Board since the Municipal election last fall, and we look forward to getting to know everyone better. When out on the trails, please use our trail etiquette. 2008 – Something to talk about!A year in review for the Rossburn Subdivision Trail Association Now looking back at our start of the year (AGM) it feels as if we came out of a long sleep, stretched and are ready to conquer the world. Our executive elected is Chris Radford, Town of In the beginning of the year, we applied for grants to the MRTA to be able to install regulatory signage (stop and stop-ahead signs) along the 176 km of trail as well as to mark out our trail clearly with Trans Canada Trail signage. Another major project started was the refurbishing the trail with screening fines from the rock crushing process. This material is known to give a packed smooth surface, which in return will make RST popular with cyclists. Both projects were supported by the MRTA with a total of $20,535 for a total value of both projects together of about $27,940. We can report proudly, that both projects were completed within the year. Besides completing our signage project, we were able to resurface more than double the miles than originally projected, to reach 14.2 miles (or close to 23 km). This covers the trail from the Town of A successful application to the South West Regional Development Corporation has insured a continuation of this project in 2009. It will provide up to $10,000, which have to be matched. Thank you to the The We moved little steps closer to a transfer of properties still held by CN to MRTA and then to the respective towns, thanks to the endless efforts of Doreen. Bureaucracy is at its best, so this road seems to be filled with hurdles, go Doreen go! Our relationship to the MRTA as well as to our neighboring Crocus Trail (Russell to SK border) has been strengthened in 2008. Proof of this is the jointly organized AGM of the MRTA, which will be held from Step by step we are coming closer to fulfilling the dream of a functional Trans Canada Trail, which will connect our towns with the rest of The Winnipeg Pathfinders (a hiking club) has already announced a visit of the Rossburn Subdivision Trail in the beginning of June 2009 and I am sure it will be one out of many groups discovering our trail. Our work is far from done though. Over 100 km of our trails are passable, but still need work to be done. We hope to be able to set up our interpretive trailhead signs in 2009 and look at opportunities for funding for directional signs. Being able to do a ecological inventory will be on our wish list as well. Fundraising efforts have to be raised in order to achieve these goals one by one. Regular upkeep of the trail will be our challenge, we are lucky to have so many communities supporting the trail group in different ways, keep up the good work! Celebrating and promoting our success in 2008 and working towards more results in 2009 will be the goal of the RSTA Board of Directors. Ilse Ketelsen RSTA Secretary/Treasurer Rossburn Subdivision TrailThe Rossburn Subdivision trail runs 172 km / 107 miles long, from Russell to Neepawa via Angusville, Rossburn, Oakburn, Elphinstone, Erickson, Clanwilliam and Bethany. This section follows the abandoned rail line from Russell to Neepawa, passing through Silverton, Angusville, Birdtail, Waywayseecappo, Rossburn, Experience a new adventure on the Rossburn Subdivision trail! Taken from the MRTA's website. Board Members
Manitoba Recreational TrailThe Manitoba Recreational Trail Association (MRTA) is the official body overseeing the coordination of the building of the Trans Canada Trail in the province.
• Provides funding to recognized trail associations for trail development More information on the MRTA: Manitoba Recreational Trail Association
Check out their newsletters: Trans Canada TrailThe Trans Canada Trail is a 21,500-kilometre recreational trail winding its way through every province and territory, from the
More information on the national trail: The Trans Canada Trail |
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