Paul Wylezol, president of the International Appalachian Trail committee, speaks to the provincial members who gathered for the annual general meeting in Corner Brook Saturday. — Star photo by Cory Hurley

Newfoundland and Labrador has quickly turned from an addition to a focus of the International Appalachian Trail, according to the local international president.

Paul Wylezol of Corner Brook was recently named president of the organization that has established and continues to expand on a network of trails and committees linking the world’s Appalachian mountain chain together as a tourism product. He said this province is not only the geographical centre, but happens to offer the best product.

International Appalachian Trail Newfoundland and Labrador held its annual general meeting in Corner Brook Saturday.

Strides continue towards developing the three main trail projects, as well as expanding a marketing plan. This past year, International Appalachian Trail committees were formed in Ireland, Scotland and Wales, which are overseas connections to the mountain range which was formerly one in the continent known as Pangaea.

The trail system continues to grow, according to Wylezol, better offering this province’s unique product to outdoor enthusiasts and adventure tourists throughout the world.

“We are talking about a transportation network, basically, access,” he said. “Just like roads are infrastructure to move people, goods and services; trails do the same, except now we are talking about moving people who may be interested in flora, fauna, geology, and adventure.
“We are talking about opening up our beautiful back country, as a natural resource, so we can help generate interest and get people in here ... As quaint as trails sound, and we are all quite familiar with trails, trails, trails; they are the infrastructure that provides access to that resource.”

The adoption of a strategic plan Saturday will continue to ensure that happens.

“It all started in 2003, and we have had great success since then,” Wylezol said. “It’s kind of like a snowball going downhill, it’s getting bigger and faster and creating momentum.”

The key to continuing that snowball effect is to keep its membership, governments, and users interested. The vision is to extend major industries such as outfitting from a six-week operation in the fall to 20 weeks, starting in June with backpacking through a system that includes such amenities as back country cabins. However, not lost in sight of all that, is the exercise and enjoyment aspect for local people to take advantage of.
With marketing materials the focus for the winter season, Wylezol said the trails will continue to be upgraded and fine tuned starting again in the spring.

Meanwhile, the organization continues to have a keen interest and concern towards the plans to route the NALCOR transmission line through this pristine product they are establishing and promoting.

“We feel, since the Northern Peninsula is 60 kilometres wide, if all the interests are considered, we can find a good compromise,” he said. “We have talked with Nalcor and the Department of Tourism, and we need to make some adjustments to that route, so that, even though we are all for the development of Lower Churchill and a power line, we need to develop the natural resources so that we maximize them all.”