The Regional District of Central Kootenay is closing a portion of the Nelson-Salmo Great Northern Trail because of bear activity.
A closure will be in effect from May 1 to June 15 from south of Cottonwood Lake to Hall Siding. The trail is also closed from Cottonwood Lake to Stanley Street in Nelson after a grizzly bear bluff charged a man between the rail trail and cemetery Wednesday evening.
Signs will be posted accordingly at the trail entrances.
The regional district says it made the decision in consultation with the BC Conservation Officer Service, regional bear biologists and the Ministry of Forests.
In a news release, the RDCK said collared bear data has shown the area from Cottonwood Lake to Hall Siding, particularly the areas of Apex and Camp Busk, are heavily used by grizzly bears in the spring. Bears use this area because of its high valued forage habitat. In most cases the bears move on to higher elevations by mid-June.
The RDCK feels the closure will help ensure public safety and benefit the local bear population from over exposure to people.
