A new equestrian trail at the Forest Hill Wildlife Management Area is expected to be a popular attraction for riders and a valuable eco-tourism resource for the area.
Minister of Environment Chester Gillan invites horseback riders from across the province to join him on a trail ride Friday, October 4, at 2 pm to officially open the horse trail.
"With the leaves just starting to turn, this is a beautiful time of year to go riding," said Minister Gillan. "The trail goes through a variety of forest cover types and offers some spectacular scenery. I'm certain that riders will be suitably impressed."
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment has been working in cooperation with the Boughton River Watershed Enhancement Association the past two years to develop the trail at the Forest Hill Wildlife Management Area. Located on the Gay Road (Route 339), it is currently a four-kilometre trail. The Boughton River Watershed Enhancement Association has also constructed a horse corral for loading and unloading horses. Signage will be added and there is potential to expand the trail another four kilometres.
The Forest Hill Wildlife Management Area is a 1,827-acre parcel of land just north of Dundas. It is comprised of diverse woodland and encompasses two of the largest freshwater wetlands in the Prince Edward Island - Whitlock's Pond and Doc's Marsh, which are jointly managed by the Province and Ducks Unlimited Canada.
The property is used extensively by people across Prince Edward Island for recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking and wildlife viewing. Minister Gillan said the new equestrian trail will build on that.
"I understand from the Prince Edward Island Horsemen's Association that this is the type of site that will attract riders from throughout the region. I believe there is great potential for the community to market the area as an eco-tourism destination."
Eco-tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry. In recognition of this fact, the year 2002 was declared the International Year of Eco-tourism by the United Nations.
For more information on the new equestrian trail or other features at the Forest Hill Wildlife Management Area, contact the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, Fish and Wildlife Division, at (902) 368-4683.