There's been a lot of chatter both off and online about the Bragg Creek Trail System and the changes proposed by Alberta Tourism Parks and Recreation.
The plan focuses on the area just west of Bragg Creek that is used primarily for cross-country skiing in winter. However the trails are also used by hikers, cyclists and equestrians throughout the summer, despite the fact there is no official maintenance on the trail system.
The province is looking to further develop this trail system in light of this use, to enhance the trails for summer recreation while protecting the delicate watershed.
The Herald has more: Public invites to review trail plan for Bragg Creek
No matter what your recreation of choice is, odds are you'll want to at least review this plan and make your feelings known to the government. There's only a 60-day review, so don't wait. You can submit feedback at http://www.tpr.alberta.ca/parks/consult/braggCreek/default.aspx
There is also more coverage and information online at Greater Bragg Creek Trails Association.
Beyond just the West Bragg Creek plan, there are plenty of opportunities to stay on top of the planning, maintenance and redesign of Alberta's Recreational areas. Visit the Alberta Parks Consultation/Notification site often for information of what projects are currently in discussion.
Showing posts with label Environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Environment. Show all posts
Monday, April 12, 2010
Friday, February 8, 2008
Alberta's Land Use Plan - How To Get Involved
With the provincial election ramping up and the overdue land use agreement still in the works, there is no better time for hikers, cyclists and other recreational enthusiasts to educate themselves on the issues surrounding the areas we love to play in.
The Calgary Sun has an excellent look at the logging that is running practically unchecked in the West Kananaskis area in their piece City's playground faces trying time. Calgary MLA Dr. David Swann makes some surprising and disturbing comments about the province's logging plan.
CPAWS Calgary has also put together an excellent resource for Alberta voters to help each Albertan research the environmental issues and vote as green as possible. Make sure to stop by My Vote Is For The Environment. There's a lot of information to wade through here, but it's a real eye-opener.
The Calgary Sun has an excellent look at the logging that is running practically unchecked in the West Kananaskis area in their piece City's playground faces trying time. Calgary MLA Dr. David Swann makes some surprising and disturbing comments about the province's logging plan.
CPAWS Calgary has also put together an excellent resource for Alberta voters to help each Albertan research the environmental issues and vote as green as possible. Make sure to stop by My Vote Is For The Environment. There's a lot of information to wade through here, but it's a real eye-opener.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Outdoor activities on the decline
Found this fascinating article on Canoe.ca the other day: Video games replacing outdoor activity.
The Nature Conservatory funded a study on outdoor activity and found some startling numbers about camping, fishing, hiking and hunting in many countries around the world, not including Canada.
It was discovered - particularly in the US - that outdoor activities are in a sharp decline, most notable camping and fishing. Day hiking was up, but only because the study found many campers had switched to day hiking.
The decline appears to have started sometime in the 80s and 90s - as video games and the internet were rising in popularity and appeal.
The article also mentions that along with a decline in outdoor activities comes a lack of interest in environmental issues, nature conservation and preservation of public land space (something we might already be seeing in California?).
The reason why this is so interesting to me is that in Canada -- in my part of Canada anyway -- outdoor recreation seems to be skyrocketing. Sure, Alberta has had an influx of people over the past few years, but many of them seem to be adopting the outdoor lifestyle that is so popular here, leading to the need for new land use regulations.
I'd be curious to know if the rest of Canada follows this trend we see in Alberta.
The Nature Conservatory funded a study on outdoor activity and found some startling numbers about camping, fishing, hiking and hunting in many countries around the world, not including Canada.
It was discovered - particularly in the US - that outdoor activities are in a sharp decline, most notable camping and fishing. Day hiking was up, but only because the study found many campers had switched to day hiking.
The decline appears to have started sometime in the 80s and 90s - as video games and the internet were rising in popularity and appeal.
The article also mentions that along with a decline in outdoor activities comes a lack of interest in environmental issues, nature conservation and preservation of public land space (something we might already be seeing in California?).
The reason why this is so interesting to me is that in Canada -- in my part of Canada anyway -- outdoor recreation seems to be skyrocketing. Sure, Alberta has had an influx of people over the past few years, but many of them seem to be adopting the outdoor lifestyle that is so popular here, leading to the need for new land use regulations.
I'd be curious to know if the rest of Canada follows this trend we see in Alberta.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
California Proposes Closure of Some State Parks
Some scary news out of California today. State Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger has proposed to close 48 state parks as part of an overall budget reduction.
Some news links here:
Gov.'s Proposal To Close 48 Sites Angers Avid Users -- LaTimes.com
Governor Proposes Closing 48 Parks -- Record-Bee.com
I'm not at all familiar with the California system of park management, but closing recreational areas for financial reasons is rarely a good thing. At best it will lead to overcrowding and damage to the remaining areas, and at worst it will lead to abandoned sites, vandalism, and general decay.
Blogger Tom Mangan's Two Heel Drive is covering the issue closely.
Some news links here:
Gov.'s Proposal To Close 48 Sites Angers Avid Users -- LaTimes.com
Governor Proposes Closing 48 Parks -- Record-Bee.com
I'm not at all familiar with the California system of park management, but closing recreational areas for financial reasons is rarely a good thing. At best it will lead to overcrowding and damage to the remaining areas, and at worst it will lead to abandoned sites, vandalism, and general decay.
Blogger Tom Mangan's Two Heel Drive is covering the issue closely.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
When hiking is bad for the environment
Found this today. It was interesting to me because N and I had discussed going to Machu Picchu a few years ago:
Conservationists fear for Machu Piccu's future - Houston Chronicle
The latter part of the story has some discussion on the political measures some countries went through to get their historical sites designated as one of the "New 7 Wonders of the World". Now that designation could lead to the ruin of those same sites.
MACHU PICCHU, PERU — Daily they swarm this mystical city of the Incas where the high ridges of the Peruvian Andes fall away to meet the Amazon rain forest.
The tourists — about 2,000 each day — tramp through the 15th century mountain sanctuary, clog the paths between the stone buildings, scale fragile rock-and-sod terraces.
Now, following Machu Picchu's widely publicized designation as one of the "New 7 Wonders of the World," South America's best known archaeological site is bracing for even more visitors, while just down the mountain, new hotels and restaurants are going up to serve them. But some experts fear Machu Picchu and its surroundings will be loved to death.
Conservationists fear for Machu Piccu's future - Houston Chronicle
The latter part of the story has some discussion on the political measures some countries went through to get their historical sites designated as one of the "New 7 Wonders of the World". Now that designation could lead to the ruin of those same sites.
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