The volunteers from the Squamish Trails Society resurfaced the Dipper Trail by the Squamish Golf Course last week.
Trails that are heavily used need to have their surface built up about every five years to avoid going concave and collecting water.
The Dipper Trail is especially prone to water pooling because of the prolific foliage which quickly builds up organic matter on the trail surface.
The Dipper Trail takes its name from the small grey aquatic bird which bobs up and down as its searches for food. It is a true aquatic songbird and a sure indicator of clean water as it will leave when pollution or silting affects the watercourse.
The biannual Pinks are expected in late August and will be followed by Chum and Coho over the fall, and clean water is the prime requirement for the soon to arrive spawning salmon.
The embryo salmon depend on overhanging banks and vegetation for protection from their many predators . This is a Sensitive Habitat Area (SHA) as defined by municipal and fisheries rules and offenders can expect penalties.
Human and pet disturbances can lead to erosion on the banks of the watercourses which escalates to silted water, disturbed nutrient supply, damage to riparian vegetation and loss of habitat for juvenile fish.
The trails society encourages all to enjoy the pleasant trail but also requests people to stay out of the water.
Jim Gracie is a member of the Squamish Trails Society.
Thank you so much for the upgrades to our Dipper Trail. The bridge repair is perfect. Any chance of our steep hill being softened for strollers and bikes?