There are frogs in the ponds of Mountain View Park, and they don’t mind if we ride by!
While not a destination for mountain bikers, those wishing to squeeze as much trail into their ride often find themselves exiting through Mountain View Park. Historically, local youth had built some stunts in the area, and with increasing use by hikers, dog-walkers, and mountain bikers, there were so many braided trails it was hard to take the same path twice.
The issue surrounding whether or not mountain biking was having an negative impact on the parks wildlife didn’t surface until 2003 during public consultation for the Residents Only Parking initiative.
The NSMBA was proactive in addressing the lack of a defined trail through the park, and worked with the District of North Vancouver to define a route and enhance the trail through the park.
Due to the concerns of Monica Craver, a local resident and passionate protector of the red-legged frogs in Mountain View Park, a study of the Potential Impacts to Red-legged Frog Populations in Mountain View Park was completed in May 2008. Based on experience and knowledge of the species, habitat, and potential impacts, the professional opinion of the biologists and environmental consultants that completed the report was that “mountain biking activities (i.e., current trails) will have an insignificant effect on the Red-legged Frog populations.”
However, this does not mean that the Red Legged Frog is in the clear. The report recommended a number of actions including having a “dogs on leash” rule in the park, improving signage and fencing around the ponds, and assessing potential frog habitats across the North Shore to prioritize protection and management.