Our group is not the only one to recognize the deteriorating conditions in some of the most beautiful areas of our mountain National Parks. Please take some time to read their stories, as well as reporting on our initial project, Simon Creek Bridge.
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Hello Friends!
The Canadian Backcountry Trails Preservation Society (savethetrails.ca) is currently reaching out to hikers, backpackers and horse persons to ask for any images or videos you may have that show the neglect of the backcountry in Banff and Jasper national parks. Destroyed or missing bridges, poor trails, illegible or missing signs, dangerous fords where bridges once existed and anything you can think of.
As an election looms, we are currently very busy putting together our lobbying for the political parties who will form the next government.
We would love it if you would submit images or videos for us to use on our website at savethetrails.ca and in our promotional materials.
Together, we can restore these amazing places for our children and grandchildren and generations to come!
Thank you all in advance!
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Meet our Board of Directors and Founding Members!
Meet The Board - The Canadian Backcountry Trails Preservation Society
savethetrails.ca
Trevor Willson is an engineer based in Calgary and avid backpacker. He wishes others to have access to the breathtaking beauty of the backcountry of Canada’s Rocky Mountain national parks, on existi...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
As we approach the end of 2024 a couple of exciting announcements 🎉
We are now an incorporated Non-Profit Society and are able to accept donations on our website!
You'll also notice our nice new logo. 🙂
We are currently in the process of updating our website with more functionality and a little crisper feel and look.
One thing you'll be able to see is who WE are! Pictures and Bios of the Founding Members and Board of Directors. We are a diverse group with one common goal - a passion for improving backcountry access in Jasper and Banff National Parks for generations to come.
We hope you'll join us on this journey as we work tomorrow preserve these one of a kind, soul nurturing places!
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The Canadian Backcountry Trails Preservation Society was incorporated in 2024 to preserve and protect safe access to remote wilderness areas in Canada’s National Parks and other public land use areas through private partnerships and positive, productive advocacy.
We hope you will join us on this path and get involved with our work.
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We've added two more documents to our Documents and Maps page! The first document is the response from the Superintendent of Jasper National Park to the Alberta Equestrian Federation with regard to backcountry trail maintenance. (North Boundary Trail specifically)
And because the Superintendent likes to quote the "Trail Matrix as often as he can, we've uploaded that as well.
One thing to remember about the "Trail Matrix" is that it was CREATED by Jasper National Park Managers. It fall inline with the 2010 CUTS.
And now, they refer to this matrix as if it is the Holy Bible.
The irony, if it were not so important for access, would be humorous. Unfortunately, they have created a self fulfilling prophecy of backcountry neglect.
Also, the "ecological integrity" priority is something that none of us can argue with. That is why it is used so many times. That said, Parks Canada has a dual mandate that also includes access. Otherwise it's not a park. It's some sort of inaccessible "preserve". Recognize this point when reading this current Superintendent's comments about "ecological integrity", because that is used as the "excuse" for funnelling all backpackers onto three trails. One could easily question the damage being done in those valleys, and whether or not the preservation of ecological integrity is being managed properly by such heavy use.
One final note, is that the North Boundary Trail is now all but inaccessible for two legged visitors. Twintree bridge will NOT be replaced because horse parties will be able to cross Twin Tree Creek - meaning patrols can still complete the trail to assess "ecological integrity" So, for most backpackers, the magnificent NBT is lost as a complete trip.
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As is our aim here, it is encouraging to see groups coming together for a common goal. We have just uploaded a letter signed by the Presidents of The Alberta Equestrian Federation, Alberta Trail Riders Association, Back Country Horsemen of British Columbia, Cottonwood Corrals Association and Great Divide Trail Association all signed this letter in April 2023.
We have uploaded the entire document to our Documents and Maps page on savethetrails.ca
It's nice to see that it's not just backpackers who believe that the backcountry deserves safe access for future generations, is invaluable and not simply some line on a budget spreadsheet.
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Right to the Point.