Kelowna

Photo: Contributed

FOSS gather together after building a bridge over KLO Creek

Local business are joining together to improve Myra-Bellevue Park.

Friends of the South Slopes Society (FOSS) are promoting a new Adopt-A-Trail program, and local businesses are joining in to maintain and fix up public trails for hiking, running, mountain biking and horse riding.

President of FOSS Al Bischoff says each company that helps out will have their name on a sign post at the trail head.

"With government cutbacks and funding limitations, the extensive trail network needs support from the business community in addition to the many volunteers already providing their time to maintain the park."

Bischoff fears that if volunteers and businesses didn't steep forward and take on the responsibility for the recreational area, it would fall into a state of decline.

"The Crawford Trails area of the Myra-Bellevue Park is a favourite among hikers, runners, horse riders and mountain bikers with its 47 trails that have a combined length of 92 km."

According to Bischoff the park is still recovering from the 2003 fire.

"There are a large number of trees that fall on trials and need to be cleared. There is also an increase in water erosion damage as there are fewer tree roots to stabilize the soil."

FOSS says it works with partners in an environmentally responsible manner to create sustainable and accessible trials on the South Slopes.

Any individual or business that is interested in the “Adopt-A-Trail” program is invited to contact FOSS by e-mail: info@foss-kelowna.org.