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The 108 Greenbelt
Map © Joy Silk. Note: This is not an official map. See also CRD Greenbelt Map [pdf 2555k]
The Greenbelt lands of the 108 Mile Ranch community are one of our most precious resources. Comprising of more than 1500 acres these community parklands include 108 and Sepa Lakes, Walker Valley and many small patches scattered around the ranch.
These lands are for all our pleasure - but with pleasure comes the responsibility for maintaining the land in its natural state. This means that the mix of forest, grasslands and wetlands has to remain relatively constant. During the summer, cattle are allowed to graze to ensure the grass does not get out of hand and lead to wildfire. It also means that motorized vehicles (ATVs, dirt bikes, trucks etc.) are not allowed. These vehicles tear up the land such that it takes generations for the natural vegetation to recover.
The Cariboo Regional District administers the lands for us, as our community does not have the same standing as a municipality. The funding to do work required, such as fencing and trail maintenance comes from a $10 parcel tax.
Walking or biking (the pedal variety) is permitted as they have little impact on the land. The total area is off limits to hunting. This is the place to hunt with your camera! Our community's relationship with nature is unique in the province - use it but don't abuse it.
Greenbelt Update - Graham Allison (Summer 2007)When is Greenbelt not greenbelt? When it is private property. Last week several residents got quite upset when a property owner started to construct a fence across the pipe line. There are portions of the gas line that are private property, and the owners have every right to put up a fence. The Greenbelt Commission is fortunate enough in this case - we have access around through the forest and a new trail is being constructed to bypass the private property. There are many trails that cross private lots and folks have used them for may years, but that doesn't change the fact it's private property. One day the owner may wish to
build a house and fence his property. There are many fences that were erected in the wrong place and as the 108 continues to develop this will become more of an issue.
Other matters. The knapweed was sprayed again in the valley and this year along the pipeline between the two Block drives. Canada thistle was also targeted and some spraying was done in the horse pasture. Sepa bridge is scheduled for an upgrade this fall. The deck will be replaced with a new and wider surface which will match the other two bridges.
A grassland management plan is being developed for the Walker Valley and the two horse pastures. This will ensure that the best environmentally-friendly practices are conducted and the many interests are being protected. The grass was again cut around the lake trails and many positive comments have been made as to how much nicer it looks and that it is easier to use. One other project being considered is a loop trail around Walker Valley. ATVs, motorcycles and now golf carts have been using the trails. I would like to remind everyone that no (unauthorized) motorized vehicles, except snowmobiles, are allowed on the greenbelt.
New (2007) bridge between Sepa and 108 lakes
See also Community News for updates on Greenbelt activities.
Tree Book - Online Information about trees and the BC context.
108 GREENBELT COMMISSION
(Needs updating)
e-mail: greenbelt@bcinternet.netMeetings: Second Monday of the month at 7:30 pm in the Lions Den, downstairs in the community hall
- Chair: Graham Allison 791-1977
- Vice Chair / Pasture Manager: Ron Soeder
- Treasurer: Linda Peterson
- CRD Director: Al Richmond
- Mike Broadworth
- Robbin Edwards
- Sandy Foster
- Robin Nadin
- Barney Pallen
- Geordie Patterson
- Fire Hazard Map [PDF - 580k]
- 108 Mile/Sepa Lakes & Their Watershed - BC Lakes Stewardship Soc. [PDF - 2.3MB]
- Knapweed
- 108 Lake News 2004 - Ann Swann
- BCLSS Loonie News - A monthly newsletter from the BC Lake Stewardship Society (pdf - 43k)
- BC Lake Stewardship Society - Furthering Lake Stewardship Through Communication and Education
- Greenbelt Committee Minutes 1996 to present
- Noxious weeds: pictures and descriptions
- Henry Block's Speech to the 108 Community Sept 29, 2001 [PDF- 13k]
- Heli-logging in Walker Valley - text and pictures
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Overlooking Watson Lake: 108 Mile residents' horses in one of the community pastures
Photo Joy Silk
View and Sign our Guest Book
For more about the 108, go to our Recommended Links
CONTACT THE 108 MILE RANCH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
