Indian Bay River Trail Restoration

Description: A historical trail that leads from the start of Indian Bay River (a major scheduled salmon river) and runs along most of the river to #1 Pond, has been neglected and grown over for decades with brush and trees. This trail was historically used for pulpwood movements and allowed for machinery and cutting crews to access the interior of the watershed for timber, which was then sent down the river. Today, this trail (the portion that is accessible) is used heavily by anglers to access salmon pools within the river. At the end of the accessible section, ATVs are then directed into the river to access the rougher section of trail, which allows for another km or so of travel. Thereafter, access is only by foot or walking through the river to access pools further upstream. There are approximately 100 pools from the mouth of Indian Bay River through to #1 Pond, with many of them beyond the trail that is regularly maintained.

Indian Bay Ecosystem Corporation (IBEC) will install multiple rock cages at the entry and exit points of where ATV’s access the river (like the successful Adurt Brook project, which has worked marvellously in ending access to ATVs through that Brook), removing this environmental risk by keeping them on land. They will build a boardwalk over the immediate portion allowing for ATV’s and walkers to cross over the area and meet up with the rougher portion of the trail. They will then improve the rougher part of the trail by removing brush, releasing water buildup, and adding rock/gravel to have a safe trail system. They will also improve access points to pools in this area, allowing for easier access to anglers and taking pressure off pools downstream. The total length of trail they plan to improve is approximately 3 to 5 kms, depending on how rough sections are further upstream.

Access will also provide DFO Enforcement the opportunity to further patrol this part of the river for poaching, a major issue in this area. The trail is also popular with walkers so signage for FCAS and information boards would be seen by anglers and walkers alike. Opening this area of trail will also provide IBEC access to areas of Indian Bay River that it has not been able to access in decades, increasing the likelihood of additional restoration projects for areas upstream in the future.