On October 10, 2013 the Ministry of Natural Resources held a Public Open House to discuss the trail network located on the Tarentorus Fish Culture Station property in Sault Ste. Marie. 

At the open house the MNR officials stated  that the authorized trails, including the Red Pine ski trail, do not encroach on sensitive areas and are not of concern to them.  Their main concern was protecting the fish culture station’s water supply  from potential threats as a result of the development of unauthorized trails. 

MNR  recently provided an update for citizens who expressed an interest in keeping informed on the progress of the planning project for the trails.

On Wednesday, November 20, 2013, the MNR met with representatives of the three clubs which have been most heavily involved in the management and use of the trails to date – the Kinsmen Club, the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club and the Sault Cycling Club – to review the planning process that has been developed by MNR.  All three clubs have agreed to participate on the Planning Team that is tasked with developing options for a sustainable authorized trail network.  The first planning team meeting is expected to take place in January, 2014.

Once the options have been developed, likely in late February or March, the MNR will provide an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the options through a formal Class Environmental Assessment process.  The general public will be notified of the launch of the Class EA process through advertisements in local newspapers.

The snow that arrived earlier this week has enabled Hiawatha Highlands staff to groom some of the trails.  The 2km Kinsmen loop and the Pinder Trails have been groomed for classic and skating.  There are still a few branches and the odd rock to watch out for but overall the trails are in good shape for this time of year.  A few more cm of new snow will make a big difference.  Get out and enjoy the winter.

As a result of the Sunday night (November 17) windstorm there were a lot of blow-downs (trees) on the Ski Trails.  Hiawatha Highlands staff (Gil and Ted) and club volunteers should have the chainsaw work done by the weekend but there is a need to clear the trails of a lot of smaller branches.    The ski club proposes a family friendly work bee for Sunday Nov. 24 to get this done.   Volunteers can meet at 11 am at the KinCentre (it will be open from 11 am to 3 pm ).  Doug Cuddy (705 945 8084) is the contact person.