INSIDE

By Meg Olson

Point Roberts walkers are losing part of a favorite path to cattle, but only temporarily.

“This summer it won’t go all the way through,” said marina owner Steve MacKay of the trail connecting Tyee Drive to Lighthouse Park, now sealed off with gates and “No Trespassing “ signs. “It will still be open on the Tyee side and goes about three-quarters of the way.”

The trail, built on marina property by marina staff and local volunteers, runs along the drainage canals and connects the marina basin with Lighthouse Marine Park. It also runs up to land now home to nine cows, a bull and three calves, with more on the way.

McKay said his Scottish Highland and Black Angus cattle were being harassed by dogs and the occasional teenager, which prompted the trail closure. “People with dogs are an issue – dogs like to chase cows,” he said. Marina staff had also surprised local youths trying to get into the enclosure with the animals, which seem placid but can inflict serious injury if antagonized.

In an effort to keep people and cattle safe, MacKay said they would end the trail before the fences this year, and look at moving it to complete the loop again. “The cattle thing will probably push the whole thing more towards the airport,” he said.