HistoryShuswap Trail Strategy Brief - updated May 15, 2018 In November 2004, regional stakeholders in the Shuswap met to consider a proposal by local trail advocates envisioning the creation of an internationally recognized natural trail and waterway network promoting environmental stewardship, sustainable economics, and a reputation for healthy living and recreation. Catalysts for action included results from the 2002 Shuswap Tourism Opportunity Strategy, Columbia Shuswap Regional District Parks and Trail planning underway throughout the region, an ambitious proposal put forward by the Adventure Okanagan Cooperative to link the Okanagan Shuswap valley under a single extended trail route brand (the 5 Rings Trail), and new provincial emphasis on healthy communities, tourism enhancement, and preparation for the 2010 Olympics. A steering advisory was formed including representation from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, Little Shuswap Indian Band, the Switzmalph Cultural Society, the City of Salmon Arm, the District of Sicamous, Community Futures Development Corporation, Salmon Arm Economic Development Society, Sicamous and District Chamber of Commerce, Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce, Shuswap Tourism and Economic Development, the Larch Hills Nordic Society, Shuswap Outdoors, Shuswap Naturalists, Salmon Arm Greenways, BC Backcountry Horsemen, the Shuswap Mountain Bike community, business, and accommodation operators. The Shuswap Hut and Trail Alliance was formally incorporated as a legal non-profit society in November 2005 out of a year long study to examine the viability of the vision, and consider how communities, organizations and governing bodies might work collaboratively toward a linked system of natural trail, hut-to-hut, and waterway routes for walking, hiking, mountain biking, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and paddling throughout the Shuswap. The full Shuswap Trail Strategy, first presented in November 2006, proposed an ambitious 5-year development strategy that would link existing trail plans throughout the Shuswap watershed into a unified message of active communities, ecological commitment, and welcome. (SHTA, 2006) Through the Shuswap Trail Alliance, community partners – First nations, municipalities, the regional district, recreational clubs, environmental groups, businesses, industry, and community members – were invited to come together and coordinate their efforts toward the creation of trails and greenways throughout the region. Three and a half years later, the Shuswap Trail Alliance had evolved into a strategic meeting point for leadership of regional trail development and management. Milestones included:
The Shuswap Trail Strategy is a regional success story. Support continues to grow. New funding investment to conduct planning and organizational management of the project is now essential for its long-term viability. For a copy of the most recent Shuswap Trails Background Brief click here ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shuswap Trails: Strategic Planning. . .Several Key Strategic Planning Processes and resulting Documents have been instrumental in the evolution of the Shuswap Trail Strategy and Shuswap Trail Alliance: (Follow the links below) 2004 Shuswap Hut-to-Hut Trails and Waterways Initiative Concept Paper 2006 Shuswap Trails Concept Study 2016-2019 Shuswap North Okanagan Destination Development Strategy 2010 Shuswap Trails Adaptive Management Planning Tool Trails Strategy for British Columbia Shuswap Regional Trails Strategy & Round Table ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Shuswap Regional Trails Strategy & Round TableRegional partners throughout the Shuswap have been working hard to develop the first ever multi-user (motorized and non-motorized) trail strategy for the region that includes appropriate acknowledgement of Secwepemc Nation territory, accountable protocols for planning and approvals, a focus on ecology and access management priorities, and a commitment to work together. The Shuswap Regional Trails Strategy and Roundtable is administered by the Shuswap Trail Alliance on behalf of the regional partners, and provides core direction for the Shuswap Trail Alliance Annual Work Plan. For the full strategy, mapping, reports, updates, and work plan click here. Annual General Meetings2020 Shuswap Trail Alliance ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (October 20, 2020) via Zoom. If you missed it, check out these links to the 2019/2020 AGM package (including 2019 Financial Statements);2019/2020 STA Coordinators Report, and the Presentation Slides chock full of photos from trail projects in 2019 & 2020. 2019 Shuswap Trail Alliance ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (May 21, 2019) South Canoe Elementary Outdoor School. If you missed it, check out these links to the 2019 AGM Meeting Package (including 2018 Financial Statements), Annual Executive Directors Report, and the Presentation Slides chock full of photos from trail projects in 2018. 2018 Shuswap Trail Alliance ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (May 15, 2018) Okanagan College, Salmon Arm Campus. (To include adoption of new Bylaws for BC Societies Act Transition.) See AGM meeting package, including new Constitution & Bylaws. And the 2017 Year End Financial Statement. As well, check out the Executive Director's Annual Progress Report. 2017 Shuswap Trail Alliance ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (March 1, 2017) Okanagan College, Salmon Arm Campus. Check out the report package and slide presentation. 2016 Shuswap Trail Alliance ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (March 2, 2016) Okanagan College, Salmon Arm Campus. Check out the report package here and slide presentation here. Annual Work PlanEach year, an annual work plan is updated based on the Shuswap Trails Strategic Plan. Priorities for the Shuswap Trail Alliance's annual work plan are guided by direction from the regional trails strategy and roundtable, regional trail stewards, trail advisories, and Secwepemc, Provincial, Regional, and Municipal planning strategies, advisories, and leadership. 2015 Shuswap Trails Strategic Work Plan 2016 - 2019 Shuswap Trails Operational Strategy Brief |
What's New
Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail Campaign Launch
Friday, December 4, 2020
Media Release: December 4, 2020
Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail Campaign Launch
The Shuswap – North Okanagan, British Columbia, Splatsin te Secwepemc - The community fundraising campaign for the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail launches with a splash of colour as Askew’s Foods steps forward to be the first community partner offering up to $20,000 in matching funds!
The launch features a specially commissioned winter greeting card showcasing the natural beauty of the rail trail in winter by local artist, Otto Pfannschmidt.
The Shuswap Trail Alliance adds new trails and partnerships
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
News Release: Nov. 25, 2020
The Shuswap Trail Alliance adds new trails and partnerships
The Shuswap, British Columbia – The Shuswap Trail Alliance (STA) continues to connect local and regional leadership as they work together to develop, operate, maintain, and promote a network of non-motorized trails, waterway, and hut-to-hut routes throughout the Shuswap watershed region.
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