After years of conflicts over trail use in Squamish, the topic is being re-examined from a different point of view: an objective one.
Ana Elia Ramon Hidalgo, a UBC Forestry and Resource Management master's student has studied the use of trails in the district since April. She has just recently completed a survey of trail users in order "to discover the types of conflicts that occur between recreational users on Squamish trails, as well as to examine the management practices that are being applied reduce such conflicts," she said.
A Barcelona native and graduate of Spain's Universitat de Lleida, Hidalgo realizes that the issue has been brought up various times by various interested parties over the years. However, she also believes she has a distinct advantage.
"I'm not working for anyone," she said. "I am just studying this from a neutral point of view."
Though Hidalgo admits she has spent most of her leisure time in the Coast Mountains mountain biking and hiking, she stresses her objectivity.
"I think it is very important because if people don't trust me, they won't offer objective info."
Squamish was chosen for her thesis work, Hidalgo said, because of the high volume and variety of trail users. With bikers, dog-walkers, dirt-bikers, hikers and runners all represented in significant numbers in the community, it is a setting with a unique and complex challenge.
"After doing research in this region of B.C., I found it was the perfect place to study. There are lots of different trail users sharing the trails in Squamish."
However, there was specific moment that Hidalgo's eye turned to towards Sea to Sky country: "When I found out that Squamish is the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada."
So far, Hidalgo said she's been very impressed with the community's co-operation and thoughtful response to her research and surveys.
"[Locals] all really love the trails - [everyone] is really engaged in maintaining and taking care of the trails. In general, I got a very high response rate."
The concept of community and the love of the outdoors are among the main reasons Hidalgo is involved in this field.
"Everyone has a right to enjoy nature, and my research can result in a happier and healthier community."
Even Municipal Hall has been accommodating, helping with her efforts to host a public information meeting in March or April 2010, when the study is published.
