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July 1, 2009

The Economy

Every day the news is filled with more stories about plant closures, layoffs, declining property values, plummeting retail store sales, etc. Practically every aspect of our national economy is affected by the economic downturn. These are discouraging times for many of our neighbors, friends, and family members. This uncertainty makes the times all the more stressful, but especially so for those with young families.

All of us are learning to do more with less. Some are better at it than others, but we are all learning because we have to. Rather than taking long vacations, many families are taking day-long trips. Those of you who are fortunate enough to live relatively close to public lands can access these areas at little or no cost. Take advantage of this by taking your kids for a day of exploring. Tear them away from the television set or the computer and insist that they spend a day with you hiking, OHV riding or boating. All of you will be healthier for it, both physically and emotionally, and in the process you will strengthen family ties.

Vacations don't have to be expensive. Devoting one day a week outdoors with the family will make a world of difference in facing the challenges ahead.

 

June 18, 2009 – ARRA’s partner, the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC), has announced the first webinar session of its Public Land Advocacy webinar series.  Registration for the webinar is available by accessing one of the links on its website, www.nohvcc.org.

The first session of the 4-part series will be held on the dates and times below:

  • July 21st at 10:00am Central
  • July 22nd at 12:00pm (noon) Central
  • July 28th at 6:00pm Central

 

Below is NOHVCC’s press release:

NOHVCC

The National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) is pleased to announce the schedule of the first module of their Public Land Advocacy webinar series.  This 4-part series is designed to assist government agency personnel, OHV enthusiasts, and other interested parties with creating and maintaining sustainable OHV trails.
 
And best of all, due to funding provided by the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association as well as Yamaha OHV Access Initiative Program, this webinar series is free to you.
 
The first module is entitled, Route Designation: How Did We Get Here?  Its focus is on the Forest Service Travel Management Rule, their Planning Process, and their Structure.  This is a session you will wish to attend even if your focus is not on the Forest Service.  The information you will learn regarding their route designation and planning process is similar to other government agencies and helps provide a foundation for other sessions.
 
The other three modules are:

  • The second and third modules, System Trail Planning – Part 1 and System Trail Planning – Part 2, will help riders and land managers understand how to plan, design, manage, and maintain trail systems that meet riders’ needs by providing high quality and adequate quantities of trails that riders will want to stay on, not trails that they have to stay on.
  • The fourth module, Making it Work, will help riders understand how to be effective in their efforts to influence the decisions that will determine where they can ride.

Russ Ehnes, Executive Director of the NOHVCC said “We are very excited to be able to offer this webinar series.  Since we will be holding several sessions of the same module, we will be able to accommodate as many people’s schedules as possible.  This will be a great way to reach people who would not otherwise be able to attend a workshop due to travel budget constraints.”
 
The workshop modules were developed in cooperation with the American Motorcyclist Association, BlueRibbon Coalition, Motorcycle Industry Council, Off-Road Business Association, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and United Four Wheel Drive Associations. 
 
For more information and to register for our webinar sessions, go to www.nohvcc.org or call 800-348-6487

 

 

CNP Quad Squad Family/Novice Trail Day

The Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad is hosting a Family/Novice Trail Day at the Carbondale Ball Diamond, marker 29 on the Castle Special Management map, July 11, 2009. The purpose of the event is to acquaint OHV novice riders and families to a memorable ride on a multiuse trail through forested areas, across bridged creeks and streams, and through an area burnt in the Lost Creek Fire. There will be guides throughout the day to lead groups around the trail loops which will take approximately one hour.

 

 

 

   
   

Trail Closures and Conditions

Last review/updated: June 3, 2009

 

 

2009 Willmore Wilderness Foundation Grizzly Bear Survey

 

The Willmore Wilderness Foundation conducted a survey in 2008 of grizzly bear sightings and surprise, surprise, their numbers were much higher than the select scientific community were coming up with. The survey results have been forwarded to government for their reaction.
The WWF is once again doing this survey in 2009. The Alberta Off Highway Vehicle Association has committed to helping them garner this valuable information. If you see a grizzly bear, document the following:

-Where the bear was sighted. What were the landmarks?
- Number of bear (s)
- colour of bear (s)
- activities of bruin
- GPS coordinate if possible
- was there a collar or ear tag?
- Collect DNA sample (after people have been trained.)
- Please provide pictures if possible
- Send data to info@willmorewilderness.com
- please provide your name and contact information.

BUT do NOT put yourself or the bear in jeopardy just to get the information. Get as much as you can but stay safe – for your sake and the bear’s!!

 

 

 

NTC Funding Announced

May 26, 2009

 

What is the National Trails Coalition?

The National Trails Coalition (NTC) is the operating name for the Coalition of Canadian Trails Organizations, a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization. Its members are: Canadian Trails Federation (CTF), Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO) and the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV). The NTC was founded in 2007 based on a common belief that cooperative approaches and support at the national level would facilitate trail building and refurbishment activities; be beneficial to the long term sustainability of all forms of trail-based activities; and stimulate economic activity and development in communities across the country.

The NTC received a $25 million dollar investment from the Government of Canada in Budget 2009: Canada’s Economic Action Plan. These federal dollars must be matched by cash contributions from NTC member organizations or their partners. 

Aside from delivering a much needed boost to the recreational trails sector in Canada, this program is intended to create jobs in the near term and a lasting platform upon which more jobs can be created in the future.

The purpose of this document is to provide member organizations with information that will be helpful when preparing their grant application.

Is my organization eligible?

In order to be eligible for the NTC Grant Program, an organization must be a member in good standing of one of the following organizations:

  • The Canadian Trails Federation (CTF) or one of its provincial-territorial members;

  • A provincial-territorial rider federation recognized by the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors’ Council and/or of the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC) or the ATV & Quad Council of Canada (AQCC), or one of its provincial-territorial affiliates;

  • A provincial-territorial organization recognized by the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO) or one of its members’ clubs.

For a list of the members of the above organizations in each province and territory, please go to the NTC website:  www.ntc-canada.ca

Does my project meet the eligibility criteria?

Projects involving construction, upgrade, renovation or rehabilitation of multi-purpose trails, non-motorized trails, snowmobile trails and all-terrain vehicle / off-road motorcycle trails are eligible.  More specifically these projects include:

  • New trail construction

  • Trail upgrade / improvement

  • Bridge and water crossing construction, upgrade and rehabilitation;

  • Signage;

  • Trail surveying and tracking; and

  • Trail rehabilitation.

Can my project be completed by March 31, 2010?

This funding program applies only to the 2009-2010 fiscal year. As such, projects must be “shovel ready” and of a scope and size that can be completed within the fiscal year by the successful applicant.

Projects that have an overall timeline of more than one year may be partially eligible if a clearly identified phase of the overall project can be started and completed within the one year timeline of this funding program.

Does my application meet the mandatory requirements listed on the application form?

Applicants must meet the mandatory requirements set out on the application form including the following:

  • Evidence that project proponent’s incorporation status is in good standing;

  • Proof of Directors & Officers insurance;

  • Proof of Comprehensive General Liability insurance;

  • Evidence that all legislated environmental assessment and protection requirements have been satisfied;

  • Letter of support from the provincial trail organization related to the trail project category selected.

What costs are eligible?

Eligible costs include only the following:

  • the capital costs of constructing, rehabilitating, upgrading or renovating trails;

  • the costs of joint communication activities (press releases, press conferences, translation, etc.) and signage recognition;

  • the costs of surveying, engineering, architectural supervision, testing and management consulting services, including but not limited to fees paid to professionals, technical personnel, consultants and contractors;

  • the costs of labour, materials, licenses or permits and equipment rental, for the refurbishment and construction of trails;

  • the costs of labour, materials, licenses or permits and equipment rental, for the refurbishment and construction of water crossings, including but not limited to bridges;

  • the costs of environmental assessments, monitoring, and follow-up programs as required by federal or provincial legislation;

  • the costs of engineering reports and/or economic impact studies;

  • costs of purchasing and installing signage for trails, including regulatory, safety, directional, interpretive, and trailhead signage; and

  • other costs that are considered by NTC to be direct and necessary for the successful implementation of your project.

Only costs incurred after June 26, 2009 and on or before March 31, 2010 are eligible for this funding. However, projects that commenced earlier than June 26, 2009 may be eligible projects and in those cases matching funds could be used to cover some of those earlier costs.

How do I apply?

To be considered for funding you will need to submit a project application form. The application form can be filled and printed online.

Who can I contact to obtain more information?

If you have further questions about the program, you may contact us directly at any of our provincial/territorial offices by email.

Please visit www.ntc-canada.ca for applications and more information.  Deadline June 25, 2009

 

 

 

The Government of Canada Invests $25 Million to Increase
Recreational Trails and Sites Across the Country

NORTH VANCOUVER, March 6, 2009 –

The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), today announced that the Government of Canada will invest $25 million in Canada's trail infrastructure as part of the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Funding will be used by the National Trails Coalition to build and renew multi-purpose trails for walking, running, cross country skiing, biking, ATVs, and snowmobiles. This will create jobs and leaving a lasting legacy of pristine trails that will benefit Canadians for years to come.

"Our Government sees this investment as a win for our national trails system, a win for everyone that uses healthy living space, and a win for job creation and investment in communities," said Minister of State Lunn. "By providing safe and easy access to healthy living sites, like biking, walking, and snowmobiling trails, our Government is working to ensure that all Canadians benefit from their natural surroundings and have the opportunity to engage in an active and healthy lifestyle."

Today’s announcement will provide funding to projects that are ready to break ground in the 2009–2010 construction seasons. These projects will invest money in local and rural regions, create jobs, and increase opportunities for tourism, at a time when the need for economic stimulus is greatest.

The Government's contribution will be matched by the National Trails Coalition, a joint venture, made up of the following non-profit organizations: Canadian Trails Foundation, Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations and the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council.

"Together the National Trails Coalition represents thousands of Canadians who enjoy the outdoors. Thanks to the support of our Federal Government, all Canadians will be able to enjoy safe, well-maintained trails right across the country," said Terry Norman, spokesperson for the National Trails Coalition.

 

 

 

  
 
COHV Launches Multi-Media Youth ATV Safety Teaching Tools

The Canadian Off-Highway Vehicles Distributors Council (COHV) and the All-Terrain Vehicles Federation of New Brunswick (NBATV) introduced the new Adventure Trails interactive CD and activity book to be used by ATV Clubs, law
enforcement, safety organizations, schools and the general public as the most innovative and effective way to teach young ATV riders the rules around riding safely.

“Studies show that with proper legislation including mandatory size limitations and adult supervision, it is safe and it is responsible to allow youth to ride age appropriate youth-sized ATV’s and off-road motorcycles,” stated Bob Ramsay, President of the COHV. “The introduction of this CD and activity book is just one more tool for us to help reach our youth and their parents in our efforts to ensure that everyone enjoys safe family recreation.”

Read complete press release here...   Read backgrounder here...

  
 
New recreational rules introduced for Willow Creek area (Indian Graves)

Recent destructive and irresponsible behavior in the Willow Creek area 120 km southwest of Calgary has prompted the Alberta government to introduce new recreational rules for the area under a Forest Land Use Zone (FLUZ).   Visitors to Willow Creek this long weekend are asked to note the new rules:

  • Camping is permitted in designated areas only and may not exceed 14 days. New signs will mark these areas.

  • On-highway vehicles exceeding 363 kg are only permitted to be used to transport people and equipment to camping and staging areas on routes designated by signs.

  • Off-highway vehicles heavier than 363 kg are not permitted in the FLUZ.

  • Motor vehicles that weigh 363 kilograms (800 pounds) or less are still permitted within the Willow Creek FLUZ.

Read more here...

  
 
Alberta’s Land-use Framework – if you really care get informed!

There is a process in train, or perhaps more accurately a train in process, that will impact us all when it comes to how public lands are managed and accessed.  We must participate and let our views be known.  There is a 41 page booklet available on the above site that provides background and I recommend that you read it to get up to speed.  But, if you haven't time or enough passion about your access to read it and the companion 15 page Workbook questionnaire I will try to help a bit.  Read more here...

  
 
New fines for offences on forested public lands.

It will soon cost more for those who ignore the laws when they set out to enjoy a weekend of recreation in the woods. Effective May 1, fines will increase for offences such as improper waste disposal, careless use of an off-highway vehicle or starting an open fire in or near a Forest Recreation Area.   Read more here...

  
 
Canadians Spent $3.3 Billion on Direct Activities Involving ATVs in 2005

Toronto – An economic impact study commissioned by The Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle
Distributors Council (COHV) and completed by Smith Gunther Associates Ltd.,
to read more about the study click here
To read the news release click here
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The Mountain Pine Beetle continues its attack on Alberta Forests

To learn more about how the Alberta Government is dealing with this menace and how it will affect our trails
click here
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