Kelley Cook of Princeton, B.C., was nominated for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for her outstanding contributions to local trails and was presented her award on Friday, Jan. 18.
In 2009 - 2010 a federal trails funding program was arranged through the National Trails Coalition (NTC), The Canadian Trails Federation (CTF) and in B.C., the Outdoor Recreation Council.
China Ridge received federal funding approval from the NTC. Upon reviewal of the applications for funding, it was found that the China Ridge trails project was one of the highest ranked non-motorized applications received—and it had strong provincial support from Recreation Sites and Trails B.C.
The proposed improvements at China Ridge would benefit a number of non-motorized year round trail activities including; hiking, cycling, horseback riding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, skijoring and dog sledding.
Kelley Cook at that time, was the project manager for the China Ridge Trails project in Princeton.
On behalf of China Ridge, Kelley Cook met and exceeded the expectations of the NTC specifications for approved projects. For example, she provided quality descriptions and photos of the works in progress as well as monthly reports, etc.
“It was a pleasure to work with Kelley in my role as NTC Regional Trails Coordinator. She stood out in my mind as particularly deserving recognition for her efforts and I hope she will be able to receive a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for her hugely successful contributions,” said Terje Vold in the citation for Cook’s award.
“I may have lead the China Ridge team, but I never once had to ask twice—when I needed help, Club volunteers were there in body and spirit every time,” said Cook.
The NTC funding along with over 600 volunteer hours provided construction of two bike trails, more dog friendly ski trails, new maps and website, highway signage and a motorized access route around the trail network.
“The NTC project was an outstanding success,” Cook said.