Two community organizations will now be stewards of some of Alberta’s trails.
The province has designated both the Alberta Off-Highway Vehicle Association and the Alberta Snowmobile Association as official trail managers under the Trails Act.
The role involved the maintenance, repair and improvement of some of the province’s most popular trails – ensuring their sustainability and the protection of the environment for years to come.
“As a lifelong outdoorsman, I know first-hand how important trails are for Alberta families,” said Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry, Parks and Tourism.
“That’s why I’m pleased to recognize the Alberta Off-Highway Vehicle Association and the Alberta Snowmobile Association by designating them as official trail managers and supporting their ongoing work with sustainable funding. This will allow them to create additional recreation and tourism opportunities and larger projects over the coming years.”
Both organizations were given $1 million in 2022-23, and are set to receive $1 million each over the next three years under Budget 2023, for an overall total of $8 million.
As trail managers they will be responsible for managing a number of provincially-designated snowmobile and off-highway vehicle trails, and coordinating the creation and maintenance of trails with local clubs. The managed trails are required to align with the approved land use plans for the area and ensure environmental commitments are adhered to.
“This new framework and funding helps increase both the capacity and support for our clubs working to improve the quality of trails, and mitigating impacts of recreation,” said Garett Schmidt, president of the Alberta Off-Highway Vehicle Association. “We are very pleased to be working in collaboration and partnership with our government to ensure sustainable recreation and having Alberta’s provincial OHV trail system develop into the world class recognition and destination.”
The Trails Act stipulates that new trails can only be approved through a planning process that identifies and ensures social, economic and environmental aspects are considered. Trail agreements are being developed with both organizations so there is a clear understanding of the goals for both funding and environmental protections.
“Building a publicly accessibly recreation system, connecting winter communities and driving winter tourism across rural Alberta are paths we are excited to travel down. We have had these plans in place for many years and are now able to start work on what will be the best snowmobile trails in Canada,” said Executive Director of the Alberta Snowmobile Association Chris Brookes.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, comments, or concerns, can reach our to the local constituency office via the contact page.
View the original press release on the Government of Alberta website.