Joint Trail Signage
By Brian Sibbles
The 2011 clean up in the Bobcaygeon area five points trail system marked the beginning of a new collaborative relationship between trail user groups. Volunteers from the 4X4 community around the province joined forces with local ATV and snowmobile clubs in repairing the large five points trail system after a major storm took down hundreds of trees. Thousands of hours were spent in the bush batting away killer mosquitoes and clearing trees to reopen this well-known trail system.
The joint effort in the trail clean-up opened doors for the 4x4 community to become involved in other joint projects with the ATV and snowmobile clubs. In May 2012 the OF4WD worked with the Kawartha and Halliburton ATV associations to roll out information and directional signs throughout the five points.
Over 200 fibreglass signs have been placed in the region with more to come, giving all trail users valuable information. KATVA and HATVA trail numbers with directional arrows are placed on the signs indicating which trail you are on or pointing out which way to go.
OF4WD stickers are being applied to the mid section of these signs showing 4x4 users that this is an approved trail for their use. Future plans include the addition of traditional trail names below the OF4WD logo to further help the navigators.
The ATV Trail numbers shown on the signs are also found on the OF4WD trail index map which makes for easy navigation when on the trails. Special attention by the 4X4 members is required however generally speaking a high level trail for an ATV is a mid level trail for a 4X4 vehicle. The OF4WD recommends that their users always consult the online trail index map before going out to get up to date information on trail status and ratings.
Trails that do not permit 4X4 traffic are also marked out of respect for land use agreements that ATV clubs may have and to ensure people are not riding on private land or sensitive areas.
As an added safety feature each sign has a GPS coordinate placed on the back of the sign to use if the person is absolutely lost or needs emergency assistance.
In a perfect world all the trail users would have the same name and rating system. However it’s easy to understand that because each group has their own traditions, ownership and years of work invested in the trails, it’s hard to come up with a unified system to satisfy and respect the needs of each organization and its’ members. We feel what we do have is a great solution in a sustainable trail system and future for all the trail users involved.
If you find yourself looking for a place to visit, the five points trail system in Bobcaygeon Ontario is one of the best and includes something for everyone. With a great little town near by, the area is fun for the whole family, visit the OF4WD trail index and plan your trip today.