Trails across the Island see a significant amount of natural damage by mother nature but a more annoying cause of damage occurs as a result of vandalism and misuse. Island Trails are experiencing expensive repairs and it costs all Islanders in the end.
"Some of this damage is of an innocent nature," noted Tourism Minister, Greg Deighan. "Occasionally we are seeing evidence of damage that seems to be intentional and malicious. We have a wonderful resource here on Prince Edward Island with our trail system and it is unfortunate that a few are spoiling it for many."
While random acts of vandalism create one type of damage to the trail, actions of a less criminal nature also reap havoc for those responsible for maintenance. All-terrain vehicles (ATV's), dirt bikes, and other motorized vehicles which are clearly prohibited ignore signage and wander onto the trails. These vehicles damage the trail surface and pose a liability risk to anyone walking, travelling by wheelchair, or cycling. Similarly, standard bred horses and sulkies are very hard on the trail surface and can pose a risk to trail users as well. A fine of $200.00 can be levied to anyone caught on the trail with an unauthorized vehicle.
The Island Trail system covers the Island from tip to tip and is the first provincial section of the Trans Canada Trail to be completed. It offers an excellent recreational venue for Islanders and visitors to explore Prince Edward Island.
"We would like to ask the assistance of all Islanders in curtailing vandalism on the trail system and also ask the general public to contact Island Trails with any information they might have in regards to any occurrence of vandalism they are aware of," noted the Minister. "The more co-operatively we work on maintaining the quality of the trail, the more opportunity we will have to enjoy it."
Anyone with information towards misuse of the trail is asked to contact the RCMP, Crime Stoppers or Grace Blackette, Trail Watch Coordinator at (902) 583-2412.