Concerns raised about the fate of shatter cones along the route of a new non-motorized trail being built by Rainbow Routes have been addressed by the not-for-profit organization.

In the Nov. 19 issue of Northern Life, Dr. Darryl Long, from the department of earth sciences at Laurentian University, expressed concerns over a “key geoheritage site” being damaged in favour of building a trail on Ramsey Lake Road.

Rainbow Routes addressed these concerns, stating that they intend to not undertake any blasting, which would have damaged the geological feature.

“Rainbow Routes Association is indeed developing a non-motorized pathway along the south side of Ramsey Lake Road,” the organization stated in a release.

“We decided, in consultation with our engineers, to not undertake any rock blasting in this area.”

As with all their projects, Rainbow Routes held consultations.

“It is important to note that our organization consults local experts, professional firms, and holds community information sessions prior to the design phase of every project and this was no exception.”

The trail will increase accessibility to the site, as well as safety.

“With the new pathway, not only will this site be preserved but it will also become more accessible. In 2010, university and college students from across Canada and the United States will be able to walk safely to the site along a non-motorized path and examine these features from a much safer location.”

Rainbow Routes plans to build the new path around this outcrop of rock and along the existing paved shoulder with a guardrail to protect pedestrians and cyclists.