Trespassing snowmobilers jeopardize key Sudbury trail access

Some snowmobilers in Greater Sudbury are trespassing by using a closed trail between Copper Cliff and Lively, jeopardizing vital landowner agreements.

Snowmobile enthusiasts in the Sudbury area are receiving a firm reminder regarding a specific route that is no longer permissible. Riders have consistently ignored posted signage, leading to renewed warnings about trespassing on Vale property.

Closure of Copper Cliff to Lively route reinforced

The Walden Sno Runners recently emphasized the ongoing issue via social media.

“As a reminder, there is no official trail from Copper Cliff to Lively – it was closed approximately six years ago,” the club wrote.

“If you are riding in this area, you are trespassing.”

The club also noted that despite Vale installing jersey barriers and additional ‘trail closed’ signs to reinforce the closure, some individuals continue to bypass these barriers.

Landowner relationships and trail network sustainability at risk

This pattern of trespassing has raised significant concerns for local trail authorities.

Sudbury Trail Plan President James Saville highlighted the broader implications, stressing that such actions jeopardize critical agreements with major landowners.

“I won’t name the big landowners because we do have quite a few of them – but, you know, that really jeopardizes the relationship we have with them,” he said.

“When people trespass on their property, especially in places where there is no trail anymore and we really need to keep those relationships, because in the Sudbury area, if we were to lose our two largest landowners, which I’m sure everybody can figure out which ones those are, it is 80 per cent of our trail network would be gone.”

Vale encourages adherence to official guides, signage

When contacted for comment, Vale Base Metals provided a statement supporting safe recreation while underscoring the importance of respecting closures.

Riders must consult dynamic trail status before departing

Saville strongly advocates for the consistent use of the official OFSC online guide, which provides real-time trail availability.

“Our online, guide that tells you whether the trail is, unavailable, limited or available. which are the three colours right red, yellow and green,” he said.

“Stuff changes all the time, right? Landowners revoke permission… but we need to keep an eye on these trails and just look, just take a glance before you go out, take a look, see where you’re going to ride. Make sure that they are available or limited and that they’re not red, or that they haven’t completely disappeared.”

Officials with the trail network told CTV News that while the season began with challenging weather, most trails are now open and the primary goal is for riders to enjoy their time on the trails safely and responsibly.