This release was issued under a previous government.
McLean Creek crossing damaged by flood debris
The trails, located on public land, suffered erosion and sustained damages to bridges and other amenities when debris-choked rivers and creeks spilled their banks.
“Trails are important for Albertans and tourists to access our backcountry. It is critical that families have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and our great province.”
The Backcountry Trail Flood Rehabilitation Program will be completed by March 2017. The program restores priority trails and trails systems along the eastern slopes for motorized and non-motorized recreational users. Some trails may be re-established in more ecologically appropriate and sustainable areas, so they are better suited to withstand future flood events.
The program takes a collaborative approach with partner organizations helping to inventory, prioritize, and rehabilitate backcountry trails.
“Since 1997, Inside Education has used this area to teach more than 3,000 students each year about nature and sustainable forest management. It is important that we restore and improve our recreational areas so they can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.”
Our investment in the Backcountry Trail Flood Rehabilitation Program complements work already underway to remediate some of Alberta’s most popular recreational areas, including $81 million for Alberta Parks. Progress on remediation includes:
- More than 160 kilometres of trails in Kananaskis identified for restoration work, which is currently now underway.
- Detailed planning underway for key sites throughout Kananaskis and southern regions that require further redevelopment, including campsites, day use areas, and hiking trails.
- 98% of frontcountry campsites available for the start of the 2014 camping season.
- Flood trail repair crews hired and trained (12 positions with Alberta Tourism, Parks, and Recreation).
- Large-scale volunteer management program developed to engage the public in restoration of ecology, trails, and public sites throughout the region.
The Alberta government continues to improve the province’s flood resiliency and there are more than 100 approved flood mitigation projects underway.
Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta's resources to ensure we're able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.