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Page 8 THE HERALD OUTLOOK Saturday February Outlook on Halton Hills No snow causes change in plans By RICH FLAHERTY Herald Special Crosscountry alders have been understandably disappointed so far this season with the lack of snow at local conservation areas that offer crosscountry trails Both Credit Valley and Region Conservation authorities are hopeful alternate programs such as hiking can be put in place and the outlook on the rest of the season will be favorable The main contention of many of the conser vation areas offering groomed crosscountry trails is the lack of accumulation of snow needed for the six inch base for adequate ski ing This has partially been at tributed to unseasonably warm temperatures in January The- Terra Cotta Conservation Area has had a difficult time with the lack of snowfall Its horrible Weve opened for cross-country- one day said Sue Powell public relations officer for the Credit Valley Conservation Authority Credit Valley has jurisdiction over Terra and it is their only conservation area offering crosscountry trails The lack of snow has also fected other seasonal events of by Terra Cotta Recently they cancelled their annual Winter Sweetheart Carnival This made events such as a crosscountry ski race and showman building im possible The weather has not stopped all activity at Terra Cotta however Guides nave adapted barren cross country trails for interpretive hikes involving nature study The Halton Region Conservation Authority and its ski areas have found themselves a little more adaptable to the lack of snow Its affected the crosscountry skiing in a large way said Sandy Bell manager of conservation areas for Halton Region I think possibly some other places that have planned winter events have started looking up north Mr Bell feels that though the lack of snow base has affected at tendance at local conservation areas it will not be detrimental to KLASSIC KNITTING OFF KNITTING MACHINES brother 8534686 Klngham fld ACTON Professional Application Weddlnga Special Occasions BY APPOINTMENT ONLY FREE BRIDAL CONSULTATION GROUP RATES CAROLINE f fttHiiiiiairiiiipl organized competitive winter events as many of these are for later in the season We work with what we get said Mr Bell Conservation areas in Halton adapt much like Terra Cotta We still take groups out said Mr Bell on the substitution of ing from skiing This attitude is reflected in both the Crawford Lake and Mount sberg Conservation Areas in Halton At the beginning of the season wasnt as good as wed hoped said Susan Thomson education co onlinator at Crawford Lake I think people that want to get out to the parks tend to get out anyway Crawford Lake also has cross country trails that are used for ing In addition to cope with the lack of snow events like their Winter Celebration were re- plann ed Activities like a winter scavenger hunt were offered in place of a snowmanbuilding con Both this year and last year have not been that good said Mr Bell The situation at Mountsberg Conservation Area is the same The weather has a big part in what we do said Jim Aikenhead education coordinator at Mount We havent had many peo ple out for skiing The warm weather has had a positive effect as well Its not a bad winter for the animals said Mr Aikenhead Lack of activity has not caused a drop in full time employment and only minor cutbacks have been made with parttime help Prospects for those interested downhill look better Weve had very little problem said Phil Mahon assistant manager of the KelsoGlen Eden Conservation Area Mr feels that the perception of the public concerning the lack of snowfall does not apply to the Glen Eden downhill facility The ski conditions are very good said Mr Mahon on the quality of the 90 per cent plus man- made snow on the According to Mr Mahon man- made snow holds up better under warm weather and rains So far for the season it seems that downhill is the best local ski ing around SAME DAY TAX RETURNS 101 Si Georgetown 8772217 ft Services Offered in Our Community GEORGETOWN RENTALL 55 Sinclair 8770157 SS sales service tv stereo repmrs All Work Guaranteed for DAW IK WE Still BRAMPTON COLOUR