|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Proposals to Government of New BrunswickThis is a selection of documents sent to various Departments and Ministers for use of Simpson Hill as green space.
February 14, 2007 The Hon. Roland Haché Please find attached our proposal for the future use of Simpson Hill at the Champlain Industrial Park located in Bayside along Rte 127. This proposal will be a subject at our meeting with you, the Hon. Rick Doucet, and other ministers of the government on February 22, and we wish you to have an opportunity to peruse it beforehand. Thanks in advance for your attention to this matter. I look forward to meeting with you and the others next week. Timothy Foulkes, President, the Table Top Club (This letter was copied to applicable Ministers and MLA's) Government of New Brunswick Departments of Business, Natural Resources, Environment, Regional Dev. Corp'n, and others. Subject: Simpson Hill as a Nature Preserve and Recreational Hiking Complex. Feb. 12, 2007 Attached for your consideration is my revised proposal for the development and use of Simpson Hill at the Champlain Industrial Park, Bayside, NB, for recreational purposes. The object of this proposal is to have the provincial government set aside (conserve) this area as a green space for nature enjoyment and low impact recreation. While the Hill has been hiked for ages, trail development started in 1982 and the trail system has grown in complexity and use since then. A printed brochure (attached) describes Simpson Hill, its features and trails. This brochure and older proposals may also be seen at: http://www.scep.org/simpsonhill/ The attached proposal follows that of March 1998 made to the NB Dept. of Economic Development and Tourism via John Moore, then manager of the Industrial Park. Francis McGuire, then deputy minister of Economic Development and Tourism, accepted my proposal (his letter of March 12/98) with a few suggestions, the most notable of which was that, “It should be a local group that oversees and eventually operates the facility. This would give far more control and satisfaction to our community.” The Table Top Club, formed in 2002 (see over) is comprised of those who have climbed and love the Hill and wish to see it preserved. The club was formed so that it could formally sponsor this proposal as "The local group that oversees the facility, etc." A number of local organizations support this proposal and we have asked them for letters endorsing this initiative. If government also accepts this proposal, The Table Top Club will become a NB Trails Council "Sponsor" and be eligible for liability insurance under its umbrella program. See http://www.sentiernb.com/En/LocalTrailSponsors.html The development and maintenance of the trails, accident free since 1982, is a volunteer effort and overseeing them is a natural part of our recreation. The Table Top Club will, in conjunction with the NB Trails Council Inc., maintain, manage, develop and report on the trail system on Simpson Hill. Establishing Simpson Hill as a nature preserve or green space for recreational hiking is our vision for its use rather than as an “aggregate resource”, which would leave a much larger scar than the present quarry, to the detriment of property values, tourism, wildlife, recreational activities, and future generations. This will protect Chamcook Lake watershed and provide government with a positive option for its use while attracting growing numbers of visitors who enjoy its pristine wilderness and spectacular views. The attached "letter to the editor" has examples of some of the many testimonies from people who have experienced Simpson Hill. I trust this proposal will meet with your approval, and you will work with the Table Top Club and NB Trails Council, Inc. so we may see this heritage treasure and potential "Pearl in the Necklace" of the International FDR Trail around Passamaquoddy Bay conserved for all time. Please reply to the above address. Sincerely,
Timothy Foulkes, President, the Table Top Club Attachment: Simpson Hill as a Nature Preserve and Recreational Hiking Complex. (Or equivalent Green Space for Low Impact Recreation) Simpson Hill as a Nature Preserve and Recreational Hiking Complex (Or equivalent Green Space for Low Impact Recreation) Introduction: The “Lay of the Land” The attached map of the Champlain Industrial Park and its contours show how steep most of Simpson Hill is on all but the southern side where the water towers and dirt road are. Table Top at the north end of the mountain is the peak at 558 ft. There is a distinct valley with a high bog crossing the northern border of the park between this peak and another promontory 93 ft. lower to the northwest that lies just outside the park. The crest of this NW promontory is on the boundary of the Chamcook Lake watershed. A small stream flows down the valley from the bog most of the year into a lowland area, parallels Rte. 127, crosses the dirt road to the water towers and Chamcook Lake Road #3, and eventually joins up with the larger stream on the east side of Simpson Hill to empty into Chamcook Lake. All parts of Simpson Hill that are located in the Industrial Park are, therefore, part of the Chamcook Lake watershed. Simpson Hill is heavily forested with the exception of numerous lichen covered outcrops and parts of the Table Top area which afford spectacular views of the surrounding countryside looking down onto the Bayside Marine Terminal and up and down the St. Croix River. Because the area has so many steep ledges and rugged faults, there are still many fine examples of old growth forest with many red spruce and pine trees nearly 100 feet tall with trunks too huge to hug. Most of Simpson Hill represents a fine example of Acadian forest. Some selective cutting has been done over the years where access by horses was possible, but most of it has never been clear cut. The southern slopes are shown as “scrub” on aerial maps taken in April 1968 and have grown up from previously cleared farm land into attractive examples of “natural” second growth forest unpolluted by “softwoods only” chemicals used by the paper companies. There is evidence that many areas on Simpson Hill are winter deer and moose yards as well as habitat for the endangered Eastern Cougar (seen but not captured) although scientific evidence for its presence has been difficult to collect. The protection afforded by this natural forest is probably vital to their survival now that so much of the surrounding area has been, or is being, clear cut. The eastern side faces Wileys Mountain, partially clear cut about 1995, Limburners Lake, Little Chamcook lake and the hills of Bocabec. A rail bed from the industrial park loops around the south and east sides of Simpson Hill and extends up the valley between Simpson Hill and Wileys Mountain toward the north end of Limeburners Lake where it joins the old rail bed from St. Andrews. Ponds in this valley, traditional beaver habitat, feed the stream that flows into Chamcook Lake. Trails on Simpson Hill A brochure prepared in 2006 shows the approximate location of some of the major trails that have been developed since 1982. Most trails, with the exception of the dirt road to the water towers and an old access road from them to the to the top, have been cleared with brush axe only. Because of the rugged terrain they traverse, they are suitable for walking only. There is interest in mountain biking on the hill and several old logging roads on the south and east sides link to existing bike trails around Wiley's Mountain to Gibson Lake. The trails generally conform to DNRE Provincial Parks Trail Standards for “Low Use, Back Country" and Parks Canada standards for Class 1, Primitive, and Class 2, Minor Trails. The dirt road and track to and from the water towers could be upgraded to a Class 3 Major Trail. Similar back country trails may be found on Grand Manan, the Appalachian Trail, the East Coast Trail, etc. Trail-making has involved only under brushing, removal of dead and fallen trees, some clearing of young fir and spruce sufficient to make a path, and placement of a few stepping stones. Trails have been created as recreation to feature the old growth forest, traveling along ridges and outcrops for their alpine character and views and into secluded valleys featuring lush ferns, lichens and mosses. Some of our older friends (and dogs) required a gentle slope, whereas some of the more adventurous preferred the challenge of real rock climbing. Many of the trails have now been marked with flagging tape, but the original trails had only discreet double blazes and cairns to mark them. Prior to 2006, the trails on Simpson Hill were not advertised and known to only a few. Even without any publicity or easily recognizable marking of the trail heads, usage increased, new cairns and inukshuks appeared, the wishing pool accumulated coins, but there was no litter. Since the circulation of our brochure in August, 2006 and other publicity, usage has grown considerably but there is still no litter. People love this mountain! The attached "Letter to the Editor" is testament to how people feel about it. Karen's Cache is a registered geocache near Table Top. See details for the GCNAVV geo-cache at http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=8c7ccb9d-dd4e-4b66-a110-08b333f9111e Access Access to Tabletop can be had from the northernmost trailhead on Route 127 (3149) in about 25 minutes. A leisurely walk up the dirt road from 127 (across from the old "Brunswick" Tuna Plant entrance) to Table Top will take 45 minutes as will access via the seldom used trailhead off Chamcook Road #3, the rail bed and the power line. Trails are used year round. Snowshoes may be required! A Trail Guide, Map of Trails, and other information about our initiative may be found at: http://scep.org/simpsonhill/ Affiliation with other Trail Systems Developing Simpson Hill as a satellite of Sentier NB Trails via a link to the rail bed from Chamcook to Waweig, while geographically feasible, is not directly practical due to the rail bed from St. Andrews being blocked for hiking and biking by various landowners. However, as a designated Green Space as per this proposal, the executive of the NB Trails Council is anxious to include Simpson Hill in their provincial trails system. It will also become one of the attractions, a "pearl in the necklace", of the proposed new International FDR Trail system around Passamaquoddy Bay. As such it would receive even more use from visitors interested in our area for eco tourism as an escape from the ever expanding urbanization elsewhere. Mountain bikers are also anxious to use the mountain for their sport. The southern and eastern slopes, ideal for this purpose, can link to existing trails around Wiley's Mountain to Chamcook and Gibson lakes. Development of Simpson Hill into an established "Nature Preserve and Recreational Hiking Complex" (or equivalent) would involve the following sequence of events: 1) Obtain from the property owner(s) an easement or long term lease for this purpose. 2) Become a NB Trails "Sponsor", and get liability insurance under their policy. 3) Erect traditional, wooden, hiking signs at the two trail heads on Rte. 127. 4) Erect other signage, trail markers, etc., as necessary to meet NB Trails standards. 5) Print and distribute more descriptive brochures as was privately done in 2006. 6) Install more interpretive signs alongside the trails marking them and points of ecological interest. 7) Check that the land is "Posted", and erect new red disk “no hunting” markers all around the property at 50 M intervals down to the rail bed on the east side. 8) Improve two parking areas: a) At the main trail head at about 3149 Rte. 127 marked by two flagging taped poles in the ditch by installing a new, longer culvert and widening the shoulder; and b) near the old pump house, just up the water tower road from Rte. 127 on the flat, previously cleared ground that has grown over with alders. A few loads of gravel on the dirt road are also required. 9) Secure the ladders on the water towers and the communications tower with barriers so people cannot climb them. These are the only man made structures and liability concern on the mountain. This could be done with padlocked sections rather than a high fence 10) Maintain and manage the trail system in accordance with NB Trails Council standards. Future Considerations: The south side of Simpson Hill has old woods roads and areas ideal for mountain biking and wilderness camping. There is a need for both in this area especially if it becomes part if the International FDR Trail. Extending the present northern boundary of the Industrial Park about 500 meters further north would extend and protect the proposed Simpson Hill green space. This area would include the north side of Simpson Hill, scenic outlooks over the St Croix river and Oak Bay. It also includes the watershed area mentioned in the introduction, and Mamie's Trail on the extreme north side of the park developed in 1995 as an easy route to the peak from the upper north end of the valley trail. The high bog on this property at the head of the valley feeds the stream that flows down the west side of the hill, parallels Rte.127, and eventually finds its way into Chamcook Lake. It has been a traditional deer and moose yard in the winter and is home to huge pine trees. Acquiring this land from Jamer Materials Ltd., or an easement to it, is very desirable. The park may be promoted and listed in the NB Trail Guides as one of New Brunswick’s smaller but more spectacular and ecologically diverse green spaces We hope it may become part of the International Roosevelt Trail, one of a "string of pearls" around Passamaquoddy Bay. A Trail Info box was installed just in from the main trail head on Rte 127 to distribute our brochures with map and trail information to hikers. Brochures were also made available at some local restaurants and tourist information booths. These could also be distributed to other tourist accommodation facilities, as well as cruise ships and their agents “if” we can regain their business at the Bayside port. Development of hiking trails, scenic lookouts, bike trails and wilderness camping facilities on the southern and eastern slopes could continue for many years as interest and resources permit. What we have done so far has been for recreation, with no other objective, but as so many visitors appreciate hiking the trails, building cairns, and enjoying the wilderness and the views, it is time to share this with others. T. J. Foulkes, president, The Table Top Club, Bayside NB Feb. 21, 2007 Attachments: Simpson Hill Area with Quarry at Champlain Industrial Park, Bayside. Brochure: Welcome to Simpson Hill Hiking Trails, printed 2006 Letter to the Editor re Hiker Fears Loss of Scenic Treasure, Dec 8, 2006 Note: This was resubmitted on March 13, 2007 by T. J. Foulkes, chair elect of the VHHTI as of June 7, 2008 March 18, 2007 The Hon. Greg Byrne
Dear Mr. Minister Further to our letter to you of March 11 advising you of our meeting and merger with the Table Top Club, we are pleased to enclose our updated proposal for the development of Simpson Hill as a "green space" for nature enjoyment and low impact recreation as discussed at our meeting with Mr. Jochelman and ministers Doucet, MacIntyre, Haché, and others in Fredericton on Feb 22, 2007. We hope this meets with your approval, and we look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. Yours sincerely, John D. Castell, Chair, March 18, 2007 Government of New Brunswick: Departments of Business, Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism, Supply and Services, Regional Development, and others.
Subject: Simpson Hill as a Nature Preserve and Recreational Hiking Complex. Gentlemen: Attached for your consideration is our revised proposal for the development and use of Simpson Hill at the Champlain Industrial Park, Bayside, NB, reflecting the recent amalgamation of The Table Top Club, previous sponsor of this proposal, with the Van Horne Heritage Trail Inc., who are now sponsoring this proposal. The object of this proposal is to have the provincial government set aside (conserve) this area as a green space for nature enjoyment and low impact recreation. While the Hill has been hiked for ages, trail development started in 1982 and the trail system has grown in complexity and use since then. A printed brochure describes Simpson Hill, its features and trails. This brochure and older proposals (now obsolete) may also be seen at: http://www.scep.org/simpsonhill/ The attached proposal follows that of March 1998 made to the NB Dept. of Economic Development and Tourism via John Moore, then manager of the Industrial Park. Francis McGuire, then deputy minister of Economic Development and Tourism, accepted the proposal (his letter of March 12/98) with a few suggestions, the most notable of which was that, “It should be a local group that oversees and eventually operates the facility. This would give far more control and satisfaction to our community.” The Van Horne Heritage Trail Association was formed in 1992 with a focus on the use of the CP rail bed into St Andrews for recreational hiking and biking and as a tourist attraction. The association became incorporated on Sept. 8, 1995, and has been involved since that time with the NB Trails Council, Inc. Because parts of the rail bed have been blocked by private owners, the VHHTI has expanded its horizons to trails other than those on the rail beds, and has become involved with for a number of trails and related projects in St Andrews and surrounding area. Changes in the trail standards and liability insurance regulations with NBTCI have recently made it possible for the VHHTI to consider adopting the Table Top Club's proposal. This was approved at a recent general meeting, and we now wish to be seen as "The local group that oversees the facility, etc." as per Francis McGuire's response to the original proposal of 1998. A number of local organizations support this proposal and their letters endorsing this initiative were forwarded to government departments and members of the VHHTI on March 09/07. The VHHTI is a Local Trail Sponsor, so it is eligible for liability insurance under their umbrella insurance program (see http://www.sentiernb.com/En/LocalTrailSponsors.html) to indemnify both the government, as the land owners, and the trail organization as the organization responsible for management and maintenance of the trails. This will include bringing all public use trails up to the standards of the NBTCI, regular inspection, reporting, mapping of the trails, and publication of a brochure describing them. Our vision for the future of Simpson Hill as a nature preserve and green space would enhance property values, provide wildlife refuge, tourism opportunities, and recreational activities for future generations. It will provide government with a positive option for its use while attracting growing numbers of visitors who enjoy its pristine wilderness and spectacular views. Many people have discovered Simpson Hill by "word of mouth" and been delighted with its vistas and trails. By sharing this vision we can expect many more visitors. The Geocaching.com site near Table Top, while emplaced in 2005 as a discrete memorial to a passionate supporter of Simpson Hill conservation, has been cited recently at a GPS workshop in St John's NL as an example of what this new sport is all about, as well as an example of a well managed and beautiful trail system. With dozens of other sites in our area, this is becoming yet another reason for visiting. Simpson Hill is being cited as a vital "Pearl in the Necklace" of the International Roosevelt Trail, now being proposed to encircle Passamaquoddy Bay. Based on Campobello Island, the trail would traverse the USA side from Lubec to Calais, then to St. Stephen, St. Andrews, St. George, and Deer Island back to the Roosevelt Park on Campobello Island with all existing trails and attractions in between. This international trail should attract a great number of visitors to our area. We trust this proposal will meet with your approval, and you will work with the Van Horne Heritage Trail Inc. association, and NB Trails Council, Inc. so we may see this heritage treasure conserved for all time. Your response by May 1 or sooner would be appreciated so that we may prepare brochures, signage, parking, etc as well as our hiking trails for the 2007 tourist season. Please reply to the address below. Sincerely,
|
||||||||||||||||||||
