Mountain Life
  • Daily Content
    • Trips & Expeditions
    • Climbing
    • Mountain Biking
    • Mountain Lifer
    • Multiplicity
    • On The Trail
    • Paddling
    • Photography
    • Skiing
    • Snowboarding
    • Stay & Play
    • Surfing
    • The Great Outdoors
    • The ML Interview
    • Travel
  • GEAR
  • VIDEOS
  • STORE
  • Magazines
    • ML Coast Mountains
    • ML Rocky Mountains
    • Vie En Montagne
    • ML Blue Mountains
    • ML Annual
    • ML Subscriptions
  • ABOUT
    • What is ML?
    • Our Team
    • Newsletter
    • Adventure Grant
    • Distribution
  • Podcast
  • Contests
  • CONTACT
    • ML Agency
    • Advertising
    • Contribute
Subscription Form

Get notified of the best News

Social Links
Instagram 22K Followers
Facebook 25K Likes
Twitter 5K Followers
Pinterest 1K Followers
Vimeo 34 Followers
LinkedIn
22K Followers
25K Likes
5K Followers
1K Followers
Mountain Life
Mountain Life
  • Daily Content
    • Trips & Expeditions
    • Climbing
    • Mountain Biking
    • Mountain Lifer
    • Multiplicity
    • On The Trail
    • Paddling
    • Photography
    • Skiing
    • Snowboarding
    • Stay & Play
    • Surfing
    • The Great Outdoors
    • The ML Interview
    • Travel
  • GEAR
  • VIDEOS
  • STORE
  • Magazines
    • ML Coast Mountains
    • ML Rocky Mountains
    • Vie En Montagne
    • ML Blue Mountains
    • ML Annual
    • ML Subscriptions
  • ABOUT
    • What is ML?
    • Our Team
    • Newsletter
    • Adventure Grant
    • Distribution
  • Podcast
  • Contests
  • CONTACT
    • ML Agency
    • Advertising
    • Contribute
  • Mountain Biking

3 For All: Progressing and Finessing the Three Stage Mountain Bike Trail Network

  • May 17, 2018
  • Mountain Life Media
Total
10
Shares
10
0
0
0
0
0
Total
10
Shares
Share 10
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
Share 0
Share 0

words :: Colin Field.

The future of Three Stage is being decided in what seems the most unlikely of places: an office in Wasaga Beach. At the Ontario Parks regional headquarters, we watch a powerpoint presentation on the ecological significance of Pretty River Valley Provincial Park, home of the Three Stage trails. It’s Parks staff versus mountain bikers. Only there is no versus.

 

Meagan Broughton getting deep in the woods of Three Stage. Photo: Colin Field

In fact, the government officials and the mountain bikers want the same thing: a sustainable trail network that can continue to offer some of the best singletrack in the province.

“There has been a lot of illegal trail building that has occurred throughout the years,” says Ben Dasti, the Assistant Park Superintendent at Wasaga Beach and Craigleith Provincial Parks. “In fact, it’s all technically illegal. We’re just trying to get a handle on it. We realize it’s there, it’s not going anywhere. It’s something that we don’t want to give the axe to and shut down, because it is beneficial to the community and Ontario Parks. But at the same time we just need to get ahold of it a little bit better.”

“When biologist Ron Gould gets into the species list of Pretty River Valley Provincial Park, it starts to hit home. It’s an impressive list and one that is truly affected by a busy network of trails.”

So here’s the rub: The staff of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park isn’t only responsible for the park at the beach; it is also responsible for the management of Craigleith Provincial Park, Devils Glen Provincial Park, Nottawasaga Lookout Nature Reserve, Noisy River Nature Reserve, Duncan Escarpment Nature Reserve and Pretty River Valley Provincial Park. And it is the growing network of trails at Pretty River Valley that is being discussed.

With field biologist (and Ontario Parks Protected Areas Specialist) Ron Gould presenting to a number of interested parties, including Steve Varga, vice-president of the Collingwood Cycling Club, Jason Petznick and Sam Measures from Blue Mountain Resort, and Don Churchill of Kimberley Forest, it’s soon evident that what’s going on at Three Stage needs to be reigned in. And it’s no surprise. Anyone that has watched the growing popularity of the venue over the past decade, knows that something needs to be done. And now, hopefully, it is.

 

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT A small sampling of Pretty River’s biodiversity: Hart’s tongue fern; cerulean warbler; yellow spotted salamander; green heron. Photo: Ethan Meleg

Gould goes over the Provincial Parks & Conservation Reserves Act which is aimed at all things good: protecting ecosystems of all Ontario’s natural resources, maintaining biodiversity and providing opportunity for compatible, ecologically sustainable recreation, amongst other points. But it’s when he gets into the species list of Pretty River Valley Provincial Park that it starts to hit home. It’s an impressive list and one that is truly affected by a busy network of trails.

These sensitive species include the cerulean warbler, an endangered species whose population size is dropping faster than any other warbler species. They don’t like a lot of human activity. The Louisiana waterthrush is a threatened species that also doesn’t do well with human activities. Green herons and spotted salamanders are threatened species found at the park. And the Jefferson salamander (recently discovered in the park) is an endangered species facing imminent extinction.

Hart’s tongue fern is also a species at risk. It can be wiped out very quickly by invasive species. And guess how these invasive species, such as garlic mustard, wild chervil and phragmites are spread throughout a park? By trail networks, dirty bike tires and hiking boots.

So what’s to be done? Well, according to Parks staff, it isn’t all doom and gloom. And they don’t want to shut the trails down.

“We’re looking for a formal legal entity,” says Dasti. “One that can assist with trail maintenance, clean up days, invasive species days. We can work together with our biologist on trail-building exercises, assistance with trail closures and rerouting through sensitive habitats. We just need an organized entity that can be stewards for Pretty River Valley.”

 

The Halfpipe Trail. Photo: Glen Harris

Organizations like this aren’t unusual; a quick list of mountain bike clubs that successfully work with governmental organizations includes the Simcoe County Mountain Bike Club, the Turkey Point Mountain Bike Club and many more. Generally they are insured entities that protect the landowner and work with the landowners to create sustainable trail networks. Some require fees from club members, while others use grants (there are many available) to pay insurance fees.

But running these organizations is a thankless task full of mindless paperwork, endless frustration and bureaucratic red tape. Thankfully for everyone that loves riding at Three Stage, Steve Varga put his hat in the ring to be just that guy.

“The government officials and the mountain bikers want the same thing: a sustainable trail network that can continue to offer some of the best singletrack in the province.”

“If you give us the framework for what you need, we’ll just do it,” says Varga. “I’m eager to solve this.”

Dasti is quick to warn that these things take time. A similar organization just took three years to form over in Beaver Valley. But the Midhurst District Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry want to assist. They’ve loaned the Wasaga office a partnership specialist to assist and facilitate the creation of just such a group. As of press time, that group barely exists. Varga has enlisted the help of Claire Woodhouse and Ben McNabb, but so far that’s about it.

“We have a few issues,” says Varga. “We have to create the company. We need to sort out funding. I would like to create a model that doesn’t ask riders for money.”

And while Varga’s vision of the company is a nice one, in reality, it’s a long way from existence. He needs volunteers.

“I need cool, calm and collected people that are reliable,” says Varga. “It’s so early. We’re looking for executive material, for people that have an interest, people that understand how to put these organizations together. And that’s the stage we’re at.”

If what happens at Three Stage is important to you, it’s a great time to get involved. Track down Steve Varga. He may be looking for you. For now, the future of Three Stage is in all of our hands.

 

Total
10
Shares
Share 10
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
Share 0
Share 0
Mountain Life Media

Previous Article
  • The Great Outdoors
  • On The Trail

Happy Trails: When Human And Nonhuman Trails Converge

  • May 11, 2018
  • Ben Osborne
View Post
Next Article
  • Photography

Is the SS Norisle Sinking? The Uncertain Fate of the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry’s Predecessor

  • May 21, 2018
  • Ben Osborne
View Post
You May Also Like
Mountain-Life-Blue-Mountains-Summer-2022-spreads-cover
View Post
  • Mountain Biking
  • On The Trail
  • Ontario
  • Paddling
  • Photography

ML Blue Mountains Summer 2022 Issue Out Now

  • Mountain Life Media
  • June 22, 2022
1970s-dual-suspension-MotoBMX-BRETT-TIPPIE
View Post
  • Mountain Biking

Brett Tippie’s Old Bike Day

  • Mountain Life Media
  • June 16, 2022
Explore-the-Bruce-Boating-Paddling
View Post
  • Mountain Biking
  • On The Trail
  • Ontario
  • Paddling
  • Stay & Play
  • Travel

The Artistic River Village: Discovering Paisley

  • Mountain Life Media
  • June 15, 2022
MLRMSummerCover
View Post
  • In This Issue
  • Mountain Biking
  • On The Trail
  • Photography
  • Rockies
  • Trips & Expeditions

New Issue Drop: ML Rocky Mountains Summer ’22

  • Mountain Life Media
  • June 9, 2022
Jessy-Braidwood-and-Neve-Petersen-Paradise-Valley-Squamish-REANNAN-SHAY
View Post
  • CLIMBING
  • Food & Drink
  • In This Issue
  • Mountain Biking
  • Mountain Lifer
  • Paddling
  • Photography
  • Trips & Expeditions

ML Coast Mountains Summer ’22 Issue Out Now

  • Mountain Life Media
  • June 8, 2022
View Post
  • Mountain Biking
  • Ontario

Adventure Riding at its Finest

  • Sarah Bulford
  • May 17, 2022
Nick-Gottlieb-Pereval-Dzhuku-pass
View Post
  • Mountain Biking
  • Travel
  • Trips & Expeditions

Touching the Mountains of Heaven

  • Mountain Life Media
  • May 12, 2022
North-Shore-Betty-rummel_t_0110_BP
View Post
  • Mountain Biking
  • Videos
  • Women

Friday Flick: North Shore Betty

  • Mountain Life Media
  • May 6, 2022
Featured Posts
  • Nic-Groulx-Sam-Dickie-on-the-Great-Divide-Trail crop 1
    The Legend of Sam Dickie & the Cougar
    • June 23, 2022
  • Mason Mashon Photo - Xaays Canoe Journey ML 2
    The Great Canoe
    • June 21, 2022
  • Mountain-Life-Blue-Mountains-Summer-2022-spreads-cover 3
    ML Blue Mountains Summer 2022 Issue Out Now
    • June 22, 2022
  • The-Yin-and-Yang-of-Gerry-Lopez-still-2 4
    Friday Flick: The Yin & Yang of Gerry Lopez
    • June 17, 2022
  • Property-Valet-HQ-group-Kristin-Schnelten 5
    Property Valet: Creating (and Managing) Beautiful Memories
    • June 16, 2022
RECENT POSTS
  • The-North-Face_SS21_Vectiv_Trail-Run_Saunders-
    Gear Shed: Summer Trail Shoes
    • June 20, 2022
  • 1970s-dual-suspension-MotoBMX-BRETT-TIPPIE
    Brett Tippie’s Old Bike Day
    • June 16, 2022
  • Explore-the-Bruce-Boating-Paddling
    The Artistic River Village: Discovering Paisley
    • June 15, 2022
Social Links
Instagram 22K Followers
Facebook 25K Likes
Twitter 5K Followers
Pinterest 1K Followers
Vimeo 34 Followers
LinkedIn
INSTAGRAM
mountainlifemedia
22K Followers
Who’s having a multi-sport day?! 😆 @timemmett probably is.
Bruce County is much more than the Bruce Peninsula. We’re here to let you in on a secret: a thriving community nestled in Bruce County’s interior region, just waiting to be discovered. The village of Paisley offers something for everyone, and isn’t overrun by summer crowds.
The mere thought of a cougar or any other apex predator in our midst can turn a backcountry adventure into a psychological test of mind over matter. Luckily, our fears are mostly in our heads and few have experienced a negative wildlife encounter. But, for ultramarathoner @samuel.dickie, it got real. #Linkinbio to read more!
MAG DROP! 🤩
Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day (today and every day)!
Together with our partners we’ve picked our favourite summer trail shoes, in alpha order, for your crush-it summer. #linkinbio
Happy Father’s Day to all the RAD DADS out there!! 🙌
Join the Climb for Climate Challenge on @fatmap_official! Whether you’re gaining your vert on the climbing wall, the dirt trail, or the pavement, hashtag #ClimbForClimate in the title of your adventure, and @mountainhardwear will donate $1 to @protectourwinterscanada for every 20m vertical up to $5,000–100,000m. Signing up enters you to win: a 1-month membership to FATMAP premium and a $500 MHW gift card. (Challenge runs June 16-26.)
GIVEAWAY TIME! We've teamed up with @hydroflask.ca to give you a chance to WIN an epic prize pack! The perfect pairing for a SUP expedition or an adventure in the mountains! Prize pack includes:
“With almost 50 years of riding bicycles under my belt (and 40 years of mountain biking) I can safely say when I just hop on and start givin’r it feels much like an ‘autopilot’ or ‘cruise control’ of stoke. But…I recently had a moment that hit my turbo fun button and kicked my stoke into another gear.
Follow

Subscribe

Subscribe now to our newsletter

Who’s having a multi-sport day?! 😆 @timemmett probably is.
Bruce County is much more than the Bruce Peninsula. We’re here to let you in on a secret: a thriving community nestled in Bruce County’s interior region, just waiting to be discovered. The village of Paisley offers something for everyone, and isn’t overrun by summer crowds.
The mere thought of a cougar or any other apex predator in our midst can turn a backcountry adventure into a psychological test of mind over matter. Luckily, our fears are mostly in our heads and few have experienced a negative wildlife encounter. But, for ultramarathoner @samuel.dickie, it got real. #Linkinbio to read more!
MAG DROP! 🤩
Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day (today and every day)!
Together with our partners we’ve picked our favourite summer trail shoes, in alpha order, for your crush-it summer. #linkinbio
Mountain Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Advertising

Input your search keywords and press Enter.