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Access to Comox Lake Main and Ash Valley

INFO FOR  COMOX LAKE & ASH VALLEY TRIP LEADERS

Please read these instructions carefully.

ACCVI has an agreement with Mosaic Forest Management (the forest management company for most of Vancouver Island’s privately-owned land) which provides the section with keys to the gates at Comox Lake Main and Ash Valley. This gives 24/7 access to the east side of Strathcona Park and backcountry destinations from the west side of Comox Lake. And through Ash Valley, access is made to the south end of Strathcona Park via Great Central & Oshinow Lakes at Port Alberni. These areas are adjacent.

The agreement comes with the following terms:

  • Insurance through ACC National is essential to the arrangement, which is only valid on officially scheduled trips. Thus, keys can only be used by leaders of trips that have been posted on the schedule at least 3 days before the start time.
  • All participants must be club members. This is a requirement of our insurance coverage.
  • All vehicles passing through the gates mid-week must carry VHF radios. The club has purchased four, which are issued with the key, instructions and paperwork.
  • There is absolutely no camping on Mosaic lands.

Instructions for trip leaders using the Mosaic access agreement

Before the trip

  1. Post trip on the schedule by emailing . The trip must be posted at least 3days before the start time. After the trip is posted, contact the respective key custodian:
  1. The trip leader then is sent a response with:
    • Mosaic site manager’s phone number and email address
    • Use email provided to contact the Mosaic site manager, their liaison person and the key custodians at least three business days before the planned trip to get Mosaic approval for travel. Use phone number if no response to email.
    • If you plan to access and/or exit by both areas, get approval from bothsite managers and carry permits for both areas.
  1. You must receive & carry WRITTEN APPROVAL from Mosaic. The key custodian will then forward instructions to the leader including. 
    • digital permit & release agreements
    • instructions on radio use and road protocols
    • address and lock-box combination for pickup.

 

  1. Familiarize yourself with the protocols for the use of active logging roads in Mosaic Agreement Schedule D.
  2. Watch this video: https://youtu.be/gVIX5NtimDY(10:47) and make use of the resources linked below the video.
  3. Print and carry copies of the Mosaic Release Agreement Schedule C and have all participants sign.

 

During the trip

Only the trip leader may pick up the key, radios, lockbox  from the key custodians.

The lockboxes contain:

    • Two radios with instructions
    • Mosaic digital key with instructions
    • New FOB to access Avalanche Gate system for Comox Lake only
    • A copy of the Certificate of Insurance from ACC National
    • A copy of the permit from Mosaic
    • Information on protocols for active logging road use
    • Copy of the map of approved road use
    • Copies of the Mosaic release form which must be signed by each trip participant

 

  1. At the gate check first to see that the gate is locked or unlocked. Some gates may be unlocked remotely but unopened. A sign at the gate should give instructions to leave a gate open if it is found unlocked. If locked, proceed.
  2. Follow the instructions for the use of the digital key/Invisible Witness card to open the smart gate at: https://www.ivwit.com/usegate.php You may need to hold the card at the reader for up to 30 seconds to activate the lock.

N.B. Comox Lake Gate 7km now has an additional “Avalanche Gate System” which may or may not be active. A FOB has been issued for our use with this system & is included with the document/radio package. Push the button with the white sticker on it to open and close the gate.

Use the key/FOB to lock the gate behind you. If found open, leave it open.

  1. Only ACC-VI trip vehicles can enter.
  2. All vehicles on the trip (up to a maximum of two) must carry a radio.
  3. Follow road protocols and radio use instructions. Park as directed by the site manager.
  4. No overnight camping on Mosaic property (and no fires). Take measures to prevent fire at all times and if travelling during fire hazard closure please carry shovel &/or Pulaski & large water supply.

7.Carry the Mosaic key, FOB and club radio (turned off) safely during the trip.

After the trip

  1. Return the key, radios, etc. to the lockbox in Courtenay or Port Alberni.
  2. Send copies of release forms to Barb Baker at .
  3. Please Submityour trip report! This is a request in return for the privilege of using the key/permit and helps us to promote the system.