Help Shape Trail Management Along the Wapiti River Valley

Official title: Wapiti Recreation and Trail Management Plan engagement

Closed Community Planning Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Alberta is developing a long-term plan for trails and recreation along the Wapiti River Valley near Grande Prairie. The first phase gathered feedback on proposed 'Trail Experience Zones' to designate trails for specific uses like hiking, biking, or motorized vehicles. The goal? Reduce conflicts between different user groups and make outdoor recreation safer and more enjoyable.

Why This Matters

Use the trails along the Wapiti River for hiking, biking, ATVing, or paddling? This plan will decide which trails are for what. If you've ever had a close call with an ATV while hiking, or wished for better trail maintenance, this is your chance to weigh in.

What Could Change

Once finalized, trails will receive official designation and legal protection under Alberta's Public Lands Act and Trails Act. That means certain trails could become off-limits to motorized vehicles, while others get designated for ATVs only. Trail maintenance and enforcement would follow the new designations.

Key Issues

  • Which trails should be designated for motorized vs. non-motorized use?
  • How should Trail Experience Zones be defined to reduce user conflicts?
  • What improvements are needed for safe and enjoyable recreation?

How to Participate

  1. Review the Wapiti Recreation and Trail Management Plan Fact Sheet and Proposed Trail Experience Zones map to understand the proposal.
  2. Email your feedback to the planning team at FP.Engagement@gov.ab.ca.

What Happened

The first phase of engagement collected feedback through an online survey from April 23 to May 24, 2024, and a webinar on May 13, 2024. Feedback will inform the final Wapiti Recreation and Trail Management Plan.

Key Documents