Biosphere Trails Council forming
The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network is spearheading the development of a Biosphere Trails Council, and has issued the following proposal.
Why a Biosphere Trails Council?
“Regional Trail Committees act as the support network for the development, management and promotion of these provincial trail structures at the local level. As most trail development occurs at the grass roots level, support at the local level translates into support at the provincial level.” (Ontario Trails Council)
A Biosphere-based council would embrace the geological and biological diversity of the area as recognized by the United Nations. Through the creation of a Biosphere Trails Council, municipalities and constituent organizations would benefit from the support and guidance of the Ontario Trails Council, which fosters the development of trails across the province. It is a strong advocate of regionally based trails councils.
What are the Roles of the Council?
Working with established governments, organizations and citizens, the Council exists to:
• Encourage the development and maintenance of all types of trails in the Biosphere for the use of its citizens and visitors;
• Build co-operation among existing trails organizations;
• Improve public understanding of the benefits of trails and the need to respect private property and the environment;
• Develop common tools for trails organizations and users such as training, maintenance standards, environmental aspects of trail development as well signage that is non-intrusive and respectful of individual trail character; and
• Represent the Biosphere trail interests to provincial and national trial organizations.
What should be the Composition of the Council?
The Biosphere Trails Council is envisioned as voluntary organization that includes all types of sanctioned trails, respecting the distinctive use of each trail system and the autonomy of each trail owner and organization. All the advice we have received on this issue suggests an evolutionary and experimental process of the Council’s formation. The first reality is that the Council works in a collective and consensual manner. Further, with the many interests involved, membership should be seen as both representing specific interests as well as serving the goals articulated above. Further, over the next extended period of time, the FAB Network is prepared to support the Council’s development through facilitation, co-ordination, undertaking special projects, and liaison.
The following main groups are suggested for membership:
1. Trail Organization Partners and User Groups
2. Regional Resource and Advisory Bodies
3. Actively Engaged Governments
It is suggested that these groups be invited to send one representative to Council meetings.
Creation of an Executive
To date, the Biosphere has provided both organizational and executive services as this idea has grown. It remains committed to supporting this idea for some time to come. However, for the effective functioning of a Council in the long term, a seminal executive process should be initiated. The following composition of an Executive Committee, patterned after the Ontario Trails Council’s Best Practices for Forming and Revitalizing Regional Trails Committees in Ontario, is suggested:
• Chair
• Vice-Chair
• Secretary-Treasurer
• Members at large – 5.
First Tasks
Any organization, as it sets out, will need to develop formal constitutions, statements of purpose and examine the feasibility and need for incorporation. As well there is the question of charitable status, if that organization is seeking to support others through fund-raising. However, as this point, it is not suggested that this be done immediately. Rather, the first need is to develop a common understanding about trails themselves, their role in the health and development of the communities they serve. Therefore, the first role of the Council would be to foster the development of a common vision, then focus on organization.
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The following organizations have expressed interest in a Biosphere Trails Council:
5 County Trails
Athens Snowmobile Club
Brockville Climate Action Group
Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority
Cataraqui Trail
City of Kingston
Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance
FA Paddling Trails
Friends of Charleston Lake
Friends of Frontenac Park
From Another Time Ranch (equestrian)
Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network
Frontenac Outfitters Canoe and Kayak Centre
Gananoque Trails
Kingston Velo Club
Lanark Leeds & Grenville Health Unit; Communities ALIVE
LTI Municipal Heritage Committee
Merrickville District Community Health Centre
Ministry of Natural Resources
Ontario Parks, Charleston Lake
Ontario Trails Council
Township of Leeds and Thousand Islands
Rideau Canal National Historic Site
Rideau TR Association
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
Rideau Waterway Land Trust
South Frontenac Township
St. Lawrence Islands National Park
St. Lawrence Parks Commission
St. Lawrence Islands National Parks
Frontenac Provincial Park
Thousand Islands Cycle
Town of Athens
Town of Gananoque
Township of Rideau Lakes
Triangle X-country Ski Club
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
Vanridge ATV Trails
