Groups Say Alberta’s Proposed Trails Act Necessary, Concerned About Details | The Canadian News

Environment Minister Jason Nixon announced a bill this week that he said, if passed, would improve existing designated trails along with other trails on public lands within Alberta.

“The Trails Act will help modernize Alberta’s trail system and make trails safer by ensuring they are properly managed, more user-friendly and environmentally sustainable,” said Nixon.

According to the province, the law would improve trail planning, strengthen enforcement of environmental protocols, and create clearer direction on when and where off-road vehicles can be used.

Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad President Gary Clark says the changes are something the group has been asking for for 18 years.

“It’s been a long time coming into play, but at the same time the government wants to do it well and we want to do it well too, so we fully support it,” Clark said.

But while the Canadian Parks and Wildlife Society (CPAWS) also feels an update is needed, there are concerns that the proposed bill does not have enough details.

Becky Best-Bertwhistle, CPAWS Southern Alberta Chapter Conservation Engagement Coordinator, says the government is putting the cart before the horse.

“On the spot, they say that any trail plan developed under the law has to adhere to larger land use management plans,” Best-Bertwhistle said.

“Unfortunately, for most of the province, those plans have not been completed or have not even started in some places.”

Clark believes the new legislation would build on the existing designated trail system and improve infrastructure and conservation efforts at Crowsnest Pass.

“We’re just stepping up and making sure we can safely maintain these trails,” Clark said.

“(He’s) making the trails safer, better for the environment, protecting the headwaters of the Oldman River.”

Alberta’s trail legislation was last updated in 1979.