The Optimum Route

People new to the Bruce Trail can be confused by the “language” used of the veterans.  For example, what exactly is meant by the term “optimum route”?

The term first evolved in the 1970’s, especially under the leadership of BTA president Tom East.  Remember that the Trail had been initially constructed by volunteers in five short years between 1962 and 1967.  Frequently the route chosen was that which could be accomplished easily, such as old logging tracks.  Alan Fowler, a pioneer trail builder from the Lion’s Head area, was quoted as saying, “We have finished the Trail for its opening; now we have to get back to work to put it where it should be!” What he was suggesting was a “better route”, more in keeping with an escarpment trail.  But unfortunately, much of the initial trail-building energy had dissipated, and this next step was slow to materialize.

The quest to secure land began under Tom East’s presidency, and that meant the need to clarify just where the Trail should be.  The initial working definition stated that the optimum route was to be “on or near the top of the Escarpment.” To my knowledge, no detailed mapping was completed at this time but at least the concept was established.

In the late 1970’s the first BTA Executive Director was hired, and operations were put on a more professional level.  In the 1980’s, the Bruce Trail Project was set up to pursue the dream of securing the Trail through acquisition or easement.  Its leader was Alan Ernest, and he worked at completing accurate landowner data lists and mapping the optimum route.  Alan spent a great deal of time walking the land, looking at Trail options.  Frequently he would be accompanied by club representatives, but often he was alone in the woods.  From his work came the foundation of the landowner records and the mapped optimum route we have today.

But that is now twenty years ago, and what may have been optimum then is not necessarily so today!  For example, I know of two clubs which now have large homes built directly on the optimum route!  (The original mapping had no legal status and could not be consulted in any land use planning applications to the NEC.)  And when we are buying land today, we must make sure that it will be a suitable route for the Bruce Trail in perpetuity.

This year, then, a decision was made to systematically reexamine the maps, and Dave Moule and Chris Walker of the Land Securement Secretariat sent out letters to each of the clubs asking them to take a look at those “old decisions.”  The BTA now thinks of preserving a “conservation corridor”, not just a narrow hiking trail.  Clubs are encouraged to “think outside the box”, to take a look at new possibilities.

The optimum route is not “etched in stone”, and indeed there is no absolute list of criteria.  There is a process for change; perhaps overly bureaucratic, it nonetheless ensures that no change will be frivolous.  First of all must come the approval of the local club’s executives.  Then the BTA Environment Committee, Landowner Relations, and Trail Director must all sign off before the request for change goes to the Land Securement Secretariat.  Finally, there is a requirement for a “third party” to walk the route before any change can be confirmed.

The application form for an Optimum Route change now runs to five pages, and one page is devoted to criteria to consider.  There is not room enough to list all here, but points include: “along or adjacent to the escarpment,..links Niagara Escarpment parks,…practical for hiking,…vistas from high points…, access to beauty spots,…variety in landscape and vegetation,…avoids unsafe locations,…avoids sensitive cultural and ecological areas,…minimizes disturbance/interference with adjacent land uses.”

Defining the optimum route is not an absolute; there is no perfect answer.  In many ways it is more “art” than “science.”  Indeed there can be several “optimum routes”, and I am sure that some time in the future another review will be necessary.

There is a lot of exploration waiting here for club volunteers, and a “fresh pair of eyes” is always advantageous in reexamining past decisions.  An executive committee has been set up with Ross McLean as chair, and they welcome your input.