Trail on Public Land. (Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Alberta

Provincial government aiming to improve Alberta’s trails through partnerships

May 29, 2024 | 5:19 PM

The Alberta government has announced it is developing additional recreation and tourism opportunities on public land by investing $1 million in non-motorized trail improvements.

According to provincial officials, thousands of Albertans enjoy the hundreds of unique trail experiences that Alberta’s Crown land offers hikers, cyclists, cross-country skiers and equestrian users. Through Alberta’s Public Land Trails Grant Program, the government says it will provide 14 trail organizations with funding to continue to build and maintain Alberta’s most loved trails.

“Alberta’s recreational trails are enjoyed and valued by many generations,” explains Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks. “This investment will build on previously announced funding. As an outdoorsman myself, I’m happy to see such strong uptake of this grant program by trail organizations across Alberta. Taking care of our land is a responsible thing to do and is very important to me.”

Alberta’s government has appointed the Great Divide Trail Association and the Hinton Mountain Bike Association as official trail managers. Albertans taking care of Alberta, volunteers with these organizations will continue their work to keep trails safe, accessible, and work to ensure there are sufficient high-quality and low-cost recreation opportunities for Albertans and visitors to enjoy, officials point out.

“Becoming an Alberta Trail Manager for the Great Divide Trail is an important step forward as we work towards our vision for the trail’s long-term protection,” says Kate Hamilton, executive director, Great Divide Trail Association. “We look forward to continued collaboration with Alberta’s government to maintain, protect, and promote the Great Divide Trail and its wilderness value for generations to come.”

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“This partnership provides the Hinton Mountain Bike Association with clear direction on maintaining our trail networks and the funding allows us to complete projects that were a challenge or on a wish list in the past,” shares Hal Jackson, president, Hinton Mountain Bike Association. “These two opportunities are allowing us to replace and construct small bridges and boardwalks over wet areas and will keep us supplied with hand tools to keep trails in prime condition.”

Officials note, Alberta’s trails offer opportunities for everyone, and Alberta’s government says it is pleased this ongoing funding will maintain trails for years to come.

Click here to see the full ist of projects recommended for funding.

Alberta government quick facts

• The Ministry of Forestry and Parks established Alberta’s Public Land Trails Grant Program in 2022 to provide funding opportunities for recreation partners.
• In 2022-23, 15 partner organizations received a total of $1.18 million for non-motorized trail projects.
• Albertans spend $2.3 billion on Crown land recreation annually, and another $376 million on recreation equipment and accessories.
• There are approximately 7,000 km of provincially designated trails in Alberta.