Vandalism upsets

Resident frustrated with damage done along Spionkop Mountain trails in Lake Country

Over the past six or more years a dedicated group of volunteers in Lake Country has devoted hours of their time and much of their energy to identifying, marking, mapping and clearing walking trails on Spionkop Mountain, local “crown land.”

Our main objective has been to provide accessible walking trails for people to enjoy safely without getting lost, and to this end, we have provided markers and maps identifying trails and showing locations of interest and destination.

Our efforts have been very well received by residents of the Okanagan and visitors, and we estimate up to 10,000 walkers are now using these trails annually.

Sadly some users of the trails seem to have little respect for this public environment and have vandalized both the trails and the signs that we have provided for public use and safety.

Recently we have discovered that our trail marker signs have been forcibly removed or even burned off, harming some of the trees.  This is not the first time this has happened, and maybe it will not be the last but I do hope by writing this letter that whoever is responsibly for this desecration of a lovely and accessible environment will be shamed into venting their spoliation acts elsewhere if they cannot stop themselves.

Responsible users of the trails are welcome, and maps are available at the trail heads or online at the District of Lake Country website at www.okanaganway.ca

Peter Withers,

member,

Walk Around Lake Country

 

Vernon Morning Star