Dugan Lake, B.C. – There is no shortage of great areas to explore in northern B.C. and the Cariboo Regional District has just unveiled a new addition.

A ceremony has just been held to officially open the Dugan Lake Accessible Trail near 150 Mile House. The trail was built in partnership between the Williams Lake Indian Band, the Cariboo Regional District, Northern Development Initiative Trust, Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition and the provincial government through the BC Community Recreation Program.

“It is with great pleasure we are able to officially open another trail in the Cariboo Chilcotin and take the next step towards developing the region as an accessible and inclusive tourism destination,” stated CRD Electoral Area F Director Joan Sorley. “Thank you to our partners including the Williams Lake Indian Band, the province, NDIT and CCBAC. It is through these types of projects that we can continue building communities together.”

Approximately one kilometre long and featuring a packed, crushed gravel surface, the trail follows the shoreline of Dugan Lake, which is situated among rolling hills in a spruce-lodgepole pine forest.  Dugan Lake has a BC Forest Service campsite, is a popular fishing spot and offers lots of opportunity for  viewing wildlife.   The trail has a gentle grade with one steeper section.  There’s an accessible outhouse,   benches and a kiosk at the trailhead with information about the trail.

“The Dugan Lake Low mobility trail is a perfect example of what happens when we work together. Through these relationships we have delivered something that will help bolster the already growing trail network and contributes to more trails in the local area,” says Williams Lake Indian Band Councillor Willie Sellars.

“The Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition is excited to be a part of this regional project,” stated CCBAC Chair, Bob Simpson.  “It is an excellent example of how partnerships, cooperation and collaboration can achieve great results. Projects such as the Dugan Lake Accessible Trail improve our communities by making our region accessible to all and enhance the visitor experience in the Cariboo Chilcotin.”

The Dugan Lake Accessible Trail is located approximately 24 kilometres east of Williams Lake on the Horsefly Lake Road, about 2.5km past the junction of the Horsefly and Likely Roads.