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Vandalism overshadows upgrades at McLure Pit

Recent upgrades at McLure Pit have been marred by vandalism in the area.

Despite receiving over $20,000 in donations from Lakes District Maintenance (LDM), which included equipment, materials, and labour, along with an additional $10,000 from the Outdoor Recreation Fund of BC for new picnic tables and fire rings, the site has suffered damage after someone cut off the ends of picnic table boards.

LDM's contributions included significant road improvements, with more than 100 hours spent on grading and enhancing materials, according to Garth Schienbein, president of the Lakes Outdoor Recreation Society, which oversees 10 trails and 25 recreation sites in the region.

Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) and BC Timber Sales also contributed by clearing brush and improving access to the boat launch.

The cost of repairing the vandalism at McLure Pit remains uncertain, as it will depend on the price of new boards and installation labour. Schienbein said this incident has not yet been reported to the police, but community members with information are encouraged to contact the RAPP hotline at 877-952-7277.

Schienbein stresses the importance of public input in maintaining these areas and urges responsible use to prevent further vandalism.

In June, two other sites managed by BC Parks also reported vandalism, including damage to outhouses at Lund Lake and Morice Lake. BC Parks estimated that replacing the outhouses at Lund Lake would cost nearly $7,000, while the more durable cedar panabode pit toilets at Morice Lake would cost approximately $15,000 each to replace.

Due to the rising instances of vandalism at these sites around Burns Lake, BC Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails BC issued a plea in June for responsible recreation, encouraging adherence to guidelines on their websites. BC Parks reminds the public that acts of vandalism create hazardous situations, raise environmental concerns, incur financial costs for organizations, and could lead to criminal investigations and charges.



About the Author: Binny Paul

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