Recently elected Chair of Similkameen Trails Society Duncan Baynes of Keremeos hopes to advance and improve the trail through Cawston in 2014.

“I feel the number one issue facing us this year is to resolve the access issues surrounding ranch lands in Cawston,” Baynes said recently. He said that current discussions regarding right of way through ranch lands south of Keremeos were proceeding slowly, with “legalities slowing things down.”

“Understandably, there are concerns regarding open gates and garbage being left by trail users as they cross ranch lands,” Baynes continued, “but those things can be controlled.”

Once right of way through the ranch lands is established, Baynes said the society would work toward restoring the former railway right of way to Coulthard Road.

 

“Other than that, we will continue to plug away wherever we see an opportunity,” Baynes added, noting the Keremeos portion of the trail was in good shape. Baynes also mentioned the work of some seasonal workers at St. Laslo’s vineyard, who were brushing and cutting firewood along the right of way between Willis Ranch Road and Becks Road, cleaning up the right of way at the same time.