The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Saskatchewan government is defending its flip-flop on an agreement to keep a snowmobile trail between Denare Beach and Tobin Lake maintained. The province recently reversed its decision to let the Border Explorers Snowmobile Club mark and groom the trail, which connects the local area with Saskatchewan's snowmobile trail network. Saskatchewan Environment spokesperson Nancy Cherney said yesterday the move came in response to concerns from the Cumberland House Cree Nation that it had not been "fully and formally consulted." "We decided the most appropriate response was to discontinue that section of the trail," she said, "and if the Border Explorers want to continue with some discussion around a trail in the area, they need to be involved in broader discussion with the government." Cherney said there were in fact consultations regarding the trail, as public notices were posted for anyone interested in attending special meetings. If a new round of consultations are to take place, Cherney said the procedure would be to post meeting information and specifically invite concerned people. "We'd want to make absolutely sure that if we pursue a consultation about this topic that no one gets missed," said Cherney, "or can't take the position, 'Well, we didn't know about it that day and there was no other opportunity for us.'" Cherney said the Cree Nation as well as trappers, fishers and outfitters in the vicinity of the trail are worried that additional snowmobile traffic might drive away wildlife. Government officials have said previously the route was been designed to minimize impact on wildlife. They've also said people have already used the trail for years and that the improvements would increase safety. The Border Explorers has indicated an interest in re-starting the process of setting up an agreement to keep the trail maintained. The club feels marking and grooming the trail enhances safety and promotes economic spinoffs.
