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E-mailNew & Recent Postings / Active Advisories
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 Tracking Autumn 2021 Foliage Colour @ SLBM Trails 2021-09-18: The maples have started to to show their fall colours @ SLBM Trails. Below leaf colour change timeline for 2021 will be updated as in-field observations are made. Photos, trail maps & activity guide for SLBM Trails.  |
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Autumn Foliage Colour Timeline Trend @ SLBM Trails 2021-08-19: We frequently get querries regarding the timing for autumn foliage colour @ SLBM Trails. The timeline graphic below was created to provide a guide for three distinct phases of various types of foliage turning colour in the fall. The timeline is indicative based on in-field observations over the years 2018, 2019 & 2020. There are a number of environmental factors that determine the start of the main event and scope of the autumn show. The kickoff for the show usually begins with the first killing frost of the season, which also marks the beginning of the all-too-short "Indian" summer. Check out this briefing note "Why Do Leaves Change Colour In The Autumn?" for the science behind this natural phenomenon. To get a sense of the autumn foliage views one can experience @ SLBM Trails take a look at Photo Gallery that covers the years 2000 - 2018. For autumn 2021, the sequential timeline graphic will be posted on SLBM Trails Facebook page as and when in-field observations take place.  |
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SLBM Trails Maintenance Status Chart 2021 2021-09-18 (Update): A 5-man volunteer work-party spent the past six days completing comprehensive maintenance of the 50-km SLBM Trails network. The trails are in tip-top shape for hiking to take in the panoramic views of the 2021 autumn foliage colours. The trails have also been prepared for backcountry style snowshoeing & cross-country skiing this coming winter. Trail maps and activity guide available --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Full-scope maintenance of trails has begun to prepare them for coming autumn & winter seasons. It is planned to have all trails completed by 17 September. Trails that have full-scope maintenance completed are indicated by red-lettering date. All other trails with black-lettering date have had safety related maintenance done up to this point in time. --------------------------------- Below is chart recording progress on maintenance of each trail in the SLBM Trails network. See immediate previous posting on maintenance work order. This chart will be updated as maintenance of each trail is completed. The updated chart is also available on SLBM Trails Facebook page, pinned at top. PDF version for printing.  |
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SLBM Trails ~ Gypsy Moth Infestation Damage 2021-07-23: There has been a massive defoliation of oak and maple trees in area encompassing the SLBM Trails caused by Gypsy Moth infestation. Scope of the Gypsy Moth infestation and defoliation reported in posts (below) on SLBM Trails Facebook page. |
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2021 Trail Maintenance Underway 2021-06-11: Crews started today the 2021 maintenance of SLBM Trails. Below is work order that will guide & prioritize the COVID-19 related delay in maintenance.  |
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Fire Ban Amended ~ Madawaska Valley Township 2021-08-10 (Update): Madawaska Valley Township has lowered fire ban to allow Night Time Burning Only with permit (see chart below) effective 10 August due to recent preciptation. Campfires are allowed at all hours & do not require a permit. ----------------------------- 2021-06-21 (Update): Madawaska Valley Township has lowered fire ban to Level 1 (see chart below) effective 21 June due to recent preciptation. ----------------------------- 2021-06-07: Madawaska Valley Township has declared a total fire ban effective 7 June due to extreme dry conditions. SLBM Trails are covered by the ban as they are located in the Township.  |
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Fire Rating Extreme 2021-06-02: The driest May on record and forecast extreme heat over next week with no measurable precipitation has raised the fire rating to extreme for Madawasaka & Algonquin regions. Please act with extreme care in handling open flame and ashes. Many municipalities in these regions have issued effective immediately a total fire ban while others have declared Level 1 fire ban.  |
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2021 Trail Maintenance Plan Post 2 June 2021-05-26: The annual spring maintenance of trail network for 2021 has been on hold during Stay-at-Home Order that went into effect on 8 April. We are aware that significant clearing of trails is needed as result of damage from winter snow & ice and spring winds — dead branches of all sizes scattered and trees toppled on the trails. A maintenance plan has been developed (see bulletin below) to commence on 2 June if the Stay-at-Home Order is lifted.   |
2021 Hunting Season
This notice is to help you plan timing of your visit to the SLBM Trails in autumn 2021. The Spectacle Lakes / Bear & Burnetts Mountains recreation trails lie within the Ontario Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 55A. PDF version of this notice for viewing, download & print.  Refer to Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry 2021 hunting regulations for more detailed information. >> Website >> Pdf copy |
| (Update) ONTARIO: COVID-19 State of Emergency & Stay-at-Home Order Extended to 2 June – Impact on SLBM Trails 2021-05-13: Government of Ontario announces extension of below orders through to 2 June 2021. Government of Ontario has extended by two weeks to 20 May the third State of Emergency and the Stay-at-Home Order. Measure taken to arrest the escalating spread of COVID-19 that is now overwhelming public health care facilities. Bulletin below highlights impact re SLBM Trails. References: 1) Press Release (16 April): Ontario Strengthens Enforcement of Stay-at-Home Order 2) Press Release (7 April): Ontario Enacts Provincial Emergency and Stay-at-Home Order 2) State of emergency and provincewide stay-at-home order  |
| YouTube Channel Launched 2021-05-04: Over the past several years the MT Group team has accumulated a substantial quantity of raw videos and photographs taken over the 4 seasons @ SLBM Trails. With travels to the trails curbed by COVID-19 emergency response measures, including Stay-at-home Orders, time has come to open the vault and process this pictorial treasure trove to create virtual hike videos to view from safety and comfort of an armchair. To carry out this mission an YouTube channel has been launched under "MT Group / SLBM Trails". Videos will be added to the channel as they are processed. To be notified when new video is posted hit the "Subscribe" button near top of the channel page. The videos are uploaded to YouTube in high definition resolution (1080p) format. However, the quality of the video YouTube automatically streams to your viewing device — desktop computer, laptop, tablet, smart phone and large-screen digital TV — is dependent on speed of internet or mobile connection and type of device. YouTube recompresses the original uploaded video into various resolution formats, but the HD (1080p) format is still available if your device can handle it. Viewing the HD format video on a large screen digital TV gives you the sensation of being in person on the trail. Resources: 1) System requirements - YouTube Help - Google Support 2) Google Video Quality ReportBear Mountain Loop 3) YouTube Slashes Video Quality to Save Bandwidth 4) YouTube is reducing its default video quality to standard definition for the next month   (Screen capture of MT Group / SLBM Trails YouTube channel) |
| Earth Day 2021 2021-04-22: Unfortunately we are not able to spend Earth Day 2021 taking in the tranquility of nature @ SLBM Trails due to COVID-19. But we do have memories of past Earth Days on the trails. Because of COVID-19, the last Earth Day we could roam about on the SLBM Trails was in 2019. To relive those memories we present following 2 brief videos of highlights from that occasion. Videos posted on Facebook at these links. 1) Loon-Beaver to Greg's View 2) Bear Mountain Loop  |
| ONTARIO: COVID-19 State of Emergency & Stay-at-home Order – Impact on SLBM Trails 2021-04-07: Government of Ontario has declared a third State of Emergency and issued a Stay-at-home Order to take effect 8 April for a 28-day period. Measure taken to bring under control a third wave of COVID-19 spread. Bulletin below highlights impact re SLBM Trails. References: 1) Press Release : Ontario Enacts Provincial Emergency and Stay-at-Home Order (7 April) 2) State of emergency and provincewide stay-at-home order  |
| ONTARIO: COVID-19 Emergency Brake Effective 3 April – Impact on SLBM Trails 2021-04-01: Province of Ontario will be applying effective 3 April 2021 a province-wide "Emergency Brake" for an initial 28 days to arrest escalating spread of COVID-19 variants. Below is impact with respect to SLBM Trails (#SLBMtrails). The current COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open, will be paused when the province-wide emergency brake comes into effect. References: 1) Press Release : Ontario Implements Provincewide Emergency Brake (1 April 2021). 2) Emergency Brake & Grey Zone (Lockdown) measures.  |
| Advisory: Winter Lake Crossing Routes Closed @ SLBM Trails 2021-03-11: The snow melt and rain of past few days has left substantial amount of water covering ice under snow on the lakes. As well, the ice near shorelines has weakened with open water. Therefore, winter crossing routes on the lakes @ SLBM Trails are CLOSED FOR THE SEASON.  |
| Help Prevent COVID-19 Third Wave 2021-02-25: With more virulent variants now in communities there is a need for everyone to adhere to public health guidelines to avert a COVID-19 third wave. National and provincial public health authorities' modelling point the way to a COVID-19 third wave by mid to late March if people ignore current guidelines on gatherings, physical distancing, masking and non-essential travel. Do your part to prevent a COVID-19 third wave and subsequent lockdown. Let us make it to spring without going through another lockdown.  |
| Status of SLBM Trails During COVID-19 2nd Emergency Declaration Transition 2021-02-09: Ontario will begin reopening its economy on Wednesday, 10 February, by gradually transitioning regions back to a colour-coded restrictions system. A stay-at-home order will remain in place for communities until they move over to the tiered system. The province is also bringing in an “emergency brake” it can use to move regions back into lockdown if cases spike. Here’s a breakdown of the transition plan: Feb. 10: The regions of Hastings Prince Edward; Kingston Frontenac and Lennox and Addington; and Renfrew County and District will enter the “green” category of the restrictions system. That will allow, inter alia, non-essential retailers to open, restaurants to offer indoor dining, and personal care services to open. Feb. 16: The province’s remaining public health units will transition to the colour-coded restrictions system, except for three hot spots in the Greater Toronto Area. The category regions are placed in will depend on case rates at the time. Feb. 22: The hot spots of Toronto, Peel Region and York Region are expected to transition back to the colour-coded restrictions system, though the province said any sudden increase in cases could delay that plan. Below is outline of SLBM Trails status during the transition period.  |
| Status of SLBM Trails During COVID-19 2nd Emergency Declaration 2021-01-15: Government of Ontario has declared a 2nd provincial emergency to reign in the spread of COVID-19, which threatens to overwhelm the public health care system. The emergency declaration is in effect for at least 4 weeks from 14 January 2021. Below is outline of status for SLBM Trails during the emergency period. Travel within Ontario (Ref. document #1 below) "Stay home. Travel outside your region should be limited to only essential purposes." Relevant Government of Ontario documents. 1) Second Emergency Declaration 2) News Release: Ontario Declares Second Provincial Emergency... 3) Ontario Regulation 10/21 - Rules for Areas in Stage 1 — filed January 13, 2021 under Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19 ) Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 17  |
| Lake Ice Condition Advisory 2021-02-01: RESCINDED. 2021-01-02: The erratic weather conditions thus far this winter has rendered the ICE CONDITION on lakes within the SLBM Trails network UNSAFE to cross on. STAY SAFE, STAY OFF.  |
| Trails Status During COVID-19 Lockdown Period 2020-12-26: Province of Ontario has been placed in grey, or lockdown, zone for 4 weeks through to 23 January 2021. See Ontario Regulation 82/20. Ontario lockdown summary of measures (PDF). Below is outline of status for SLBM Trails during the lockdown period.  |
| Ontario COVID-19 Lockdown ~ Public Health Advisory 2020-12-31: Government of Ontario official information on COVID-19.  |
| Wind-caused Damage to SLBM Trails 2020-11-30 (Update): MT Group volunteer crew took advantage of spring-like day (+6 C, sunny) on 29 November to continue maintenance of SLBM Trails for coming winter season. The following trails were done. > East Bluff > Spectacle Lake > Spectacle Ridge > Raven (east section) > Moose (east section > Loon See SLBM Trails Maintenance Status chart. 2020-11-20: MT Group volunteer crews had completed on 30 October maintenance of SLBM Trails for coming winter season. Then, Mother Nature struck! High winds – gusting to 75 km/h – on 15-16 November has brought trees and branches down on SLBM Trails. Maintenance crews will attempt to get as many of trails cleared as possible before pending significant snowfall. Priority will be given to most frequently used trails for snowshoeing & x-country skiing in the Bear Mountain & Spectacle Lakes Sections. Status progress will be recorded on chart (see below) and posted on MT Group / SLBM Trails Facebook page and this Notice Board. Maintenance on trails in Burnetts Mountain Section will be deferred to Spring 2021 as they are out-of-bounds for snowshoeing & skiing. See winter-use activity map.  |
| Ramblers Way Trail ~ Western Section Re-opened 2020-10-02: The massive blow-down of large trees that resulted in closure of 1.2 km segment on western leg of the Ramblers Way trail (see accompanying map) has been cleared away and trail section is re-opened for use.  |
| 2020 Trail Maintenance Status 2020-10-02 (Update): A small volunteer work party conducted a 4-day blitz to complete all outstanding 2020 maintenance on SLBM Trails (see SLBM Trails Maintenance Status chart). The trail network is in good condition for autumn and winter recreational activities. 1) Wolf Lake trail 2) Wolf trail (Black Cat Lk. to Loon Lk.) 3) Crossover trail — removed debris from trail caused by beavers toppling a large white birch tree. Maintenance of remaining trails (Partridge, Maurice's Dream & Ridge) is being deferred until such time multi-person work party can be deployed under restrictions of COVID-19 protocol. Remoteness from access points make it impractical for one-person work party to accomplish task alone. Table below indicates latest status of inspection and maintenace of each trail in the SLBM Trails 50-km network. Status chart is also posted on MT Group / SLBM Trails Facebook page. 1) Eagles trail — inspection & maintenance 2) Wolf Lake trail — inspection & partial maintenance 3) Wolf trail — inspection & partial maintenance Remaining maintenance on Wolf Lake & Wolf trails involves removal of thick fern growth. Plan is to complete task early next week.  |
| Burnetts Trail ~ 2 Sections Flooded 2020-08-14: An exploding beaver population has resulted in multiple beaver dams being constructed along Burnetts Creek, resulting in the flooding of two sections along Burnetts trail (see accompanying briefing note with map). With no feasable option for rerouting the flooded eastern section of the trail it will remain closed for an indeterminate period. (Note: It is possible to wade through flooded area using high-cut or calf-high rubber boots.) PDF version of briefing note for download & print.  |
2020 Hunting Season
The Spectacle Lakes / Bear & Burnetts Mountains recreation trails lie within the Ontario Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 55A. PDF version of notice for viewing, download & print.  Refer to Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry 2020 hunting regulations for more detailed information. |
| Ramblers Way Trail ~ Temporary Closure of Section 2020-08-07: A massive blow-down of large trees has resulted in closure of 1.2 km segment on western leg of the Ramblers Way trail (see accompanying map). No ETA at this time as to when section will be re-opened as COVID-19 health regulations are hindering the assembly of work crew for immediate action. Not all is lost, however, as there is alternate route to closed segment covering same distance. Namely, Link trail between Ramblers Way & Bark Lake trails, and Bark Lake trail to Spectacle Lake trail.  |
| Spring 2020 Trail Maintenance Begins 2020-06-14: As of 13 June maintenance of SLBM Trails has commenced under 2nd phase of lifting COVID-19 emergency response lockdown. Check SLBM Trails Facebook page for updates on status of maintenance for each trail.  |
| Spring 2020 Trail Maintenance Postponed 2020-05-16: COVID-19 emergency response expected to remain in force through June 2020. Printable (PDF) version.  |
| Earth Day 2020 ~ 22 April 2020-04-20: As we remain hunkered down at our residences due to COVID-19, here are some resources to help celebrate Earth Day 2020. 1) Background & History 2) Earth Day Canada  |
| Ontario Emergency Declaration Extended 2020-04-15: Province of Ontario has extended through 12 May 2020 the Declaration of Emergency re COVID-19. Refer to: Government of Ontario @ https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/04/ontario-extends-declaration-of-emergency-to-continue-the-fight-against-covid-19.html  |
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| COVID-19 Travel Advisory 2020-03-21: Province of Ontario State of Emergency declaration was issued this week. See below advisory on travel. Printable (PDF) version.  |
| Winter Trails @ Spectacle Lake 2020-02-14: Ice conditions on Spectacle Lake are safe for crossing on snowshoes and x-country skiing. Map below shows recommended crossing routes on the lake. The map also indicates which activity — snowshoeing or x-country skiing — is suitable for each of the trails in the Spectacle Lake sector of the SLBM Trails. Printable (PDF) version or downloadable image version available. Map for winter use of trails in all sectors of SLBM Trails. Other formats of the map available here.  |
2020-01-19: The "Dead of Winter" is upon us in the Ottawa Valley & Madawaska Highlands. For at least the coming month, sub zero temperatures and wind are factors that combine to determine the risk of frostbite. Below is a quick guide of frostbite risk based on various combinations of temperature and wind speeds that form what is commonly known as "wind chill". The cold temperatures should not be a deterrent to enjoying winter in nature as long as proper preparations are undertaken to ward off frostbite. For such guidance refer to posting immediately below this one. Now you can prepare for an enjoyable snowshoe hike or cross-country ski on the SLBM Trails. Printable (PDF) version or downloadable image version available.  |
2020-01-17: The "Dead of Winter" is upon us in the Ottawa Valley & Madawaska Highlands on 19-20 January. This is the period of coldest of cold based on 30-year temperature average (see Climate Normals). The cold temperatures should not be a deterrent to enjoying winter in nature as long as proper preparations are undertaken, including warding off frostbite. Below is a quick tip sheet on how to prevent frostbite as you prepare for an enjoyable snowshoe hike or cross-country ski on the SLBM Trails. Printable (PDF) version or downloadable larger image version available.  |
2019-12-16: Winter 2019/2020 has begun to settle in on the SLBM Trails with significant snow coverage and cold temperatures. Below is a quick tip sheet to help you prepare for an enjoyable snowshoe hike and cross-country ski on the SLBM Trails.  |
2019-09-15: Follow us on Facebook (MT Group / SLBM Trails) for progress tracking of the 2019 autumn foliage colour on the SLBM Trails.  |
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2019-09-05: UPDATE – Madawaska Valley Township has lifted the TOTAL FIRE BAN. Night time burning is now allowed WITH PERMITS. PLEASE REFRAIN from lighting fires on the SLBM Trails: there are no designated areas for campfires. The forest cover remains extremely dry and combustible. This amended fire ban will remain in effect until further notice. 2019-07-26: Madawaska Valley Township is now under a TOTAL FIRE BAN, no open air burning is permitted. The fire ban includes campfires, outdoor cooking fires (charcoal bbq's), and fireworks. This applies to all public and private lands. SLBM Trails are covered under this fire ban. The fire ban will remain in effect until further notice. If you have any questions please contact the Chief Fire Official at 613-756-2747.  |
2019-07-25: Madawaska Valley Township has issued a Level 2 Fire Ban effective immediately. All open fires, including campfires, are banned. This applies to all public and private lands. If you have any questions please contact the Chief Fire Official at 613-756-2747. |
2019-07-05: Madawaska Valley Township has issued a Level 1 Fire Ban effective immediately. No burning permits will be issued. Camp fires are allowed in a designated fire pit. As there are no designated fire pits in area that encompasses the SLBM Trails, CAMPFIRES are NOT PERMITTED. If you have any questions please contact the Chief Fire Official at 613-756-2747. |
2019-01-07: Ice conditions on Spectacle Lake are now safe to cross on snowshoes or skis. See accompanying map for recommended route that links to the SLBM Trails on land. This winter crossing provides a convenient access to trails in southern part of the 50 km SLBM Trails network.  (click on map to view larger version) |
2019-01-07: Volunteer maintenance crew cleared damage to trails caused by clinging heavy wet snow in late November. The trails are now ready for some winter fun snowshoeing. There is almost 2 feet (60 cm) of snow on the ground.   |
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2018-09-20: Open fires allowed in Madawaska Valley Township — with permits — one hour before sunset and one hour after sunrise for period through to 31 October 2018. This regulation applies to where SLBM Trails are located. Fire ban is lifted in South Algonquin Township only for organized campgrounds. Ban remains in effect in all other areas. Fire ban remains in effect in Madawaska Township. Open fires still not permitted in area where SLBM Trails are located. |
2018-05-26: During the recent SLBM Trails maintenance, 3 viewpoints were added to the Burnetts Mtn. hiking trail (as indicated on map segment below). Now your hike up the mountain will be rewarded with panoramic views spanning counter-clockwise from the northwest through southeast. Photos of views from these viewpoints posted in Photo Gallery. Updated version (May 2018) of the SLBM Trails hiking map is available @ Maps.  |
2018-05-07: UPDATE — The Ramblers Way trail section shown in boxed area on map below is now open. 2017-12-11: UPDATE — The section of Bark Lake trail shown in boxed area on map below is now open. The Ramblers Way trail section in same box is still impassable due to major blowdown of black spruce. A trail maintenance work crew will be clearing the trail in early May 2018. 2017-09-25: Severe micro bursts of wind in August-September caused widespread windfalls on the Bark Lake trail between Spectacle Lake trail and Link trail (see highlighted section on map below). This section of the trail is impassable due to the density of the windfall (black spruce). No indication at present as to when volunteer maintenance crew will be able to get trail cleared this autumn.  |
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2017-05-11: Volunteer maintenance crew on 2017-05-10 completed re-establishing trail section on Wolf Lake Loop that beaver activity had blocked by toppling some dozen birch and poplar trees across path. The complete Wolf Lake Loop trail is now open for hiking.  2017-05-06: Beaver activity since last October has brought down over a dozen large trees (photo) on section of Wolf Lake Loop Trail along west side of Black Cat Lake. This section of Wolf Lake Loop Trail — between Eagles Trail & Wolf Trail — is temporarily closed. A voluntary maintenance work crew is scheduled to remove the fallen trees from the trail during week of 8-12 May 2017.  |
(Top banner photo: Snowshoeing on Spectacle Lake, heading north.)
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