Squamish Access Society

The following information was forwarded by email to the SAS regarding the re-opening of the Stawamus/Indian River Forest Service Road.  This has relevance for those seeking access to the Sky Pilot/ Habrich/etc… area and is effective as of January 19th 2010.

Re: Rescinding closure order on the Stawamus/lndian River Forest Service Road

In October 2003, the Stawamus/Indian River Forest Service Road (FSR) (4823.01) was closed under Section 57 of the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act following extensive damage to the road as a result of a severe storm event.

Following significant repairs and deactivation during the fall of 2009, the road has now been either repaired or deactivated to a level which protects the watersheds’ environmental resources and is safe for public use. Due to some short sections of extensive deactivation, the road is now impassable near the mountain pass between the Stawamus and Indian River watersheds located approximately 10.5km to 12km from the junction of the Mamquam FSR or between 22.5km to 24km from the head of Indian Arm. As a result of this work, please be advised that the FSR closure notice is hereby rescinded and the passable portions of the FSR are open for public and industrial use effective immediately.

The following information was forwarded to the SAS regarding access on the Shannon FSR:

The following road closure may affect hikers and climbers attempting to enter or exit the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park or adjacent areas by way of the Shannon Creek FSR. The Shannon Creek FSR will be closed (0km to approximately 3km) to all public due to active logging operations (road re-construction, falling, yarding, and hauling) from May to the end of July 2008. Activity is not expected to be occurring on the weekends or evenings but it is possible that operations may be occurring during any daylight hours and access. EXTREME caution is advised, DO NOT approach active equipment or tree fallers. Notices will be provide to Parks for posting at the start of the chief trails and will be removed upon completion of operations. The logging contractor will have additional signs posted closer to the active operations.

Status: changed access situation.

Access to Mount Habrich and the Sky Pilot area was significantly changed in the Fall of 2006. The Ministry of Forests closed the gate at the entrance of the Stawamus/Indian Forest Service Road due to road damage. Recent scouting by the SAS indicates that significant damage has occurred on the Shannon Creek Branch making it virtually impassable for vehicles at this time. Some sources close to the forestry industry suggest that repairs will be effected, however this and any related time-table are not confirmed. Climbers wanting to access this area must now ride or walk in from the closed gate, which adds a fair bit of time.

The SAS is researching the viability of better access to this region via Britannia Creek. The residential development at Britannia by Macdonald Development Corporation has led to far better access than before to the Brittania Creek valley. The logging road is in excellent shape at least to the 5km mark and seemingly beyond to the old Mt. Sheer townsite. Improved access via this route would add an additional option to gain the alpine terrain around Mountain Lake (currently accessed via Furry Creek), an excellent hiking and moderate scrambling destination. The future potential for an excellent alpine link-up via the head waters of Furry and Britannia is something to consider if access can be maintained and enhanced to both watersheds.

On Sunday, October 15th, eleven individuals from the community of Furry Creek and the BCMC donated approximately 40 hours of trail clearing in less than clement conditions - in fact it was pouring. Thanks to all those involved in helping maintain a trail system to an area rapidly growing in popularity for its alpine setting.