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:
Below is NOHVCC’s press release: 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. 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.”

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 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
- In the Upper Clearwater/Ram FLUZ, the following trails are closed due to a prescribed fire:
- Scalp Creek Trail, and
- Skeleton Creek Trail from Forty Mile Patrol Cabin to the Scalp Creek Natural Area.
- Effective May 30, 2009 and until further notice, the area west of Whirlpool Point and north of the North Saskatchewan River will be closed due to a prescribed fire. Preachers Point River Access and the associated random camping sites are closed.
- Effective May 1, 2009, motorized access in the Kiska/Willson FLUZ will be temporarily restricted in the Bighorn Dam Area.
- In the Kiska/Willson and Upper Clearwater/Ram FLUZs, the North Ram Trail has been closed to off-highway vehicles due to erosion and public safety reasons.
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!!
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NTC Funding AnnouncedMay 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:
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:
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:
What costs are eligible?Eligible costs include only the following:
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 NORTH VANCOUVER, March 6, 2009 –
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.
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COHV Launches Multi-Media Youth ATV Safety Teaching ToolsThe 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 “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... |
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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:
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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... |
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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... |
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Canadians Spent $3.3 Billion on Direct Activities Involving ATVs in 2005Toronto – An economic impact study commissioned by The Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle |
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The Mountain Pine Beetle continues its attack on Alberta ForestsTo learn more about how the Alberta Government is dealing with this menace and how it will affect our trails |
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