A new 3.8-kilometre trail is going to be created in Mission’s Stave West Forest and Recreation Area.
Mission Municipal Forest, on behalf of the Stave West Leadership Team, has received $3,000 in funding from Community Futures North Fraser that will be used toward the development of the trail.
The money will go toward the development of a trail around the edge of Devil’s Lake, offering a family-friendly lakeshore and forest hike.
The new trail will also include wayfinding and interpretive signage created by students from the University of the Fraser Valley.
Mission Mayor Pam Alexis said the funds will “contribute to the development of a trail that I know will be loved by residents and visitors alike.”
Clare Seeley, Stave West Project lead and manager of tourism at the district, thanked Community Futures for contributing to local outdoor recreational opportunities.
“Stave West is becoming a popular destination for both locals and tourists and support towards new trail development will continue to offer us increased access to the incredible natural assets available,” she said.
The Stave West Forest and Recreation Area is 50 square kilometres of Mission’s Tree Farm Licence with provincial designation as an interpretive forest. The name in local Halq’emeylem – mekw’wa’t a’xwest ikw’elo’ – means “everyone shares here.”
Mission is committed to recognizing the cultural significance of the area for the shared traditional territory of the local Indigenous people, and to encourage accessible recreation in co-existence with the sustainably managed forestry operation.
Completion of the Devil’s Lake Trail Loop is expected by the fall of 2020.