Recreational Users Urge B.C. to Keep Rady Creek Forest Service Road Open

When the Ministry of Forests announced it would de‑activate the Rady Creek Forest Service Road later this year, a chorus of voices from the West Kootenay backcountry rose in protest. For many, that gravel strip isn’t just a strip of road – it’s a lifeline to remote valleys, alpine trails and a handful of cherished campgrounds.

“We’ve been using this road for years,” says Mark Henderson, a longtime mountain‑bike guide from Nelson. “It’s not about getting from point A to point B; it’s the whole experience – the sunrise over the Selkirk range, the creek that ripples beside the trail, the chance to escape the city for a few days.” He chuckles, adds a small pause, then continues, “If they close it, we’ll have to drive an extra two hours just to get to the same spot, and that’s a big deal for people who rely on weekend trips.”

Other users echo that sentiment. Sarah Kim, a hiker who regularly leads groups on the Rady Creek loop, notes that the road provides the only practical access for emergency services, search‑and‑rescue teams, and even local wildlife monitors. “When the weather turns, you need a reliable way in and out,” she explains, “otherwise a simple twist of a storm could become a serious safety risk.”

The province, however, says the decision stems from a broader strategy to limit vehicle traffic on sensitive forest lands and to reduce maintenance costs that have ballooned in recent years. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Forests told reporters that the de‑activation will involve “removing official signage and ceasing routine upkeep,” but emphasized that the road will remain passable for those who choose to use it at their own risk.

Community groups are not taking the response lying down. A petition, now gathering more than 3,200 signatures, asks the government to delay the de‑activation for at least twelve months while an independent review examines the road’s social, economic and environmental impact. The “Friends of Rady Creek” coalition has scheduled a town‑hall meeting for next Thursday, inviting residents, First Nations representatives and provincial officials to discuss possible compromises, such as seasonal closures or limited‑use permits.

As the debate unfolds, many users simply hope their pleas will be heard before the gravel fades beneath the forest canopy. “We love this place,” Henderson says, a hint of wistfulness in his voice, “and we’d rather keep it open for everyone to enjoy responsibly, instead of losing it entirely.”