Despite set-backs, Steven Dubas, the president of the Tabor Mountain Recreational Society never gave up on his goal of having the 407 kilometres of trails formally recognized by the province, and on Saturday and his tenacity has finally paid off.
Members of the hiking, walking, ATVing and horseback riding communities came together to celebrate on Saturday.
"Today is a celebration of a task that has taken five years to accomplish. We've had obstacles pushed in our path but we've always been focused on the goal ... These trails are motorized and non-motorized for everyone to use and will give people a place to explore," said Dubas.
They have been formally registered with the province under a section 56 trail agreement. This order formally recognizes the partnership between the ministry of forests, lands and natural resources, recreation Sites and Trails B.C. and Tabor Mountain Recreation Society.
"It's remarkable how the society managed to work with all the user groups so effectively... They have been able to collaborate together and that is good news for all. Whether you are motorized or not, summer or winter users, everyone will enjoy using the trails," said MLA Pat Bell.
Last week, the BC government committed to a provincial trails strategy.
Bell said Prince George is one of the parts of the province that would be ideal for piloting the strategy and supporting the development of this region.
"We think it is a key part of our tourism opportunity in the province and [the trail strategy] was rolled out as part of the tourism strategy that was just announced."
"The society is one of the leaders in British Columbia for stake holder co-operation. They have been able to collaborate with industry partners, with the regional district and the province to make sure everyones needs are addressed. The mountain is a shining example of sustainable recreation and resource management," said Steve Thomson, minister of forests, lands and natural resource operations.
"I grew up in Prince George, as did my husband and my kids, I'm incredibly proud of what [they] have accomplished. The mountain has been used by Prince George and Valemount residents for many years, from winter skiing enthusiasts to summertime ATVing, they provide excellent outdoor opportunities," said Bond.
Bond went on to present a plaque to Bjorn Norheim, director at large for the Sons of Norway for his, "contribution to the outdoor community in Prince George."
In 1952, Norheim began his career laying out road routes for logging activities. It was then he discovered the opportunity for skiing and became a huge part of having the ski trails and cabins built on the mountain.
"Outdoor recreation is a big part of what attracts families to this region. We're pleased to see Tabor Mountain become a provincially recognized trail system that honours the contribution of the resource industry to our region," said Art Kaehn, chair of the regional district of Fraser-Fort George.
The formal announcement came on the 50th anniversary of the Grove fire that destroyed most of the mountain infrastructure.
Many of the trails used today are the result of fireguards and subsequent salvage logging after the fire.
For more information on the Tabor Mountain Recreation Society visit www.tabormountainrecreation.com
