Canol Heritage Trail

[50thd90]

Was wondering if anybody here is planning to attempt it again? Would be nice to be the first people to do it as I don't think it's been completed recently if I'm correct?

[withabix]

Could be a rather unpopular thing to do...

http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/2 ... 11can.html

It appears that this group got bad press last time......

[50thd90]

So, everyones backing away because of this supposed issue?

[sailourboy]

Sounds more like it is my backyard and the rest of you stay away! If the land claims go ahead then all the more reason to see it now before it gets closed.

[Doc Tari]

<RANT ON>

At the time, I really wanted to respond to the total BS the article referenced above puts forth but decided to just let it go as I didn't see much benefit. However, in the interest in keeping the record straight...

The tracks in the pictures were not ours. We made every effort to stick to the Canol road and certainly didn't deviate because of a bit of mud or water. In fact, we often hiked to ensure we were on course and at one point did so for several hours. The tracks in the picture were made by quads and if anyone without an agenda would bother to check the width of them, it would become obvious very quickly.

They talk about impact to wildlife. We passed through twice, going in and coming out, without killing anything. This is far more than can be said for those that are hunting in the area throughout the entire season, year after year, including an outfitter that flies clients in for 10 days for a mere $30K...

Pollutants that we're causing? They don't mention the countless abandoned rusting oil drums and giant storage tanks (still full of sludge), or the crude oil that we found still leaking from pipes. Nor do they talk about the asbestos scattered around from the buildings' insulation. The NWT government used to publish a hikers' guide to the Canol but stopped due to the potential liability created by the toxics along the road.

Various groups have been trying for years to get the Canol road designated officially as park land and made part of the heritage trail but no one wants to spend (or has) the cash to clean it up, so it remains Crown land, open to public use, including hunters, hikers, bikers, ATVers, snowmobilers, and 4x4 drivers. One hasn't any more or less right to the road than anyone else. This was spelled out in several phone conversations and letters I received from the Ministry of the Environment before making each attempt.

A project is underway to improve the portion of the road in the Yukon because of a mining interest. So, as long as you can pay, no problem, come and do what you like, no worries. Hypocrisy? Nah, just my 'magination...

This is not say it should turn into Stave Lake. We tried to be responsible, packed out what we packed in, stuck to the road as much as possible, and when we set Glen's Disco on it's side to work on the transmission, were careful not to have any fluids leak out. The point was to see how far down the road we could get, and enjoy the awesome wilderness along the way. If mud bogging was our goal, we could have done this much closer to home, with less risk. When the jump-off point is 2600km from home, and it's another few hundred km's into the bush, mechanical sympathy is a must so the mud bogging BS is not an option.

I agree with Sailorboy, it's a "stay out of my backyard" deal. I encourage anyone that has the interest, time, and money to not be dissuaded by the crap those with special interests or who are looking for a story, spew out. Despite the issues I mentioned above, it still is an incredibly beautiful place, one that should be enjoyed while it's still open to motorized vehicles. It's your land, get out and enjoy it, you just might be the first one all the way through!

<RANT OFF>

We now return you to the regularly scheduled programming...

[acg]

The news article at the bottom says: "We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor."

I am a recent transplant from the States and new to the club, that is, not sure if this has been done previously. Have we presented a diplomatic rebuttal on the concerned points raised in the article? in particular, Doc Tari's comment would be a useful statement to the editor:

"The tracks in the pictures were not ours. We made every effort to stick to the Canol road and certainly didn't deviate because of a bit of mud or water. In fact, we often hiked to ensure we were on course and at one point did so for several hours. The tracks in the picture were made by quads."

[Doc Tari]

Besides calling people out on their BS, I don't see much benefit in responding. Do you think anyone up there cares about our side of the story? In 2009, we met the guy that took the photo in the article and he was clearly unhappy with us being there and told us so. I personally believe he knew the tracks weren't ours - but the picture suits his purpose. Claiming or even proving the tracks aren't ours won't change that we're viewed by most people as intruders and bad guys, despite what we say. We don't live there so how much weight do you think will be put on our perspective? If you want to take up the fight, more power to you, you've got my support.

50thd90, there's no reason to back away, it's still legally open to us all. However, if you're interested in going, I'd plan a trip sooner rather than later. I recently read an article that talked about how the NWT government is taking over more control from the feds and revenue from mining claims will go to the territory beginning this year ($60M for 2014). They may finally get the control and budget needed to successfully close the Canol to 4x4's soon. Should you decide to go, I'm happy to share any knowledge from 2009 and 2011.

[Gromit Dog]

Interesting stuff!

I agree. not only is the original article biased, but as guy who is in no position to take sides (I wasn't there) it's obvious BS.

It seems to me they are forgetting the Canol Heritage TRAIL was a ROAD. Obviously abuse of any land is not something I condone, but respectful use of a ROAD even if it means getting bogged up to your u-joints to get through it or fording a creek now and then is not abuse. and unless it's a daily or weekly occurrence is reasonable use.

I spent a good portion of my life in the wilderness. usually on foot or horseback and I can attest to the resilience of nature. How often walking through the woods I have found a settlement reclaimed by the forest or discovered the mound of blackberries conceals a long forgotten vehicle, now hopelessly surrounded by trees and shrubs. (a bit "Steven King" actually). Unless you are out to pave this thing and establish a daily commuter route I seriously doubt there will be that much impact. The guy writing this is just a weenie.

That said, while my life situation currently prevents it, I'd love to try this some time :)

[HeadDamage]

I have heard some talk, here in Yellowknife, about the possiblity of re opening the Canol as an oil and/or gas pipeline route again.