Subject: RE: Trail closures?

Brian, thank you for your enquiry regarding trail use in Fish Creek Provincial Park! I would hope that the Conservation Officer who spoke to you ,in fact gave you a more complete explanation of the changes which are occurring to Bike/trail use within Fish Creek Provincial Park. Approximately three years ago,new Provincial Park legislation was enacted which prohibits all bike use off designated and signed trails within the Park. This legislation was necessary to protect the Park escarpment and reduce environmental damage to riparian and sensitive vegetation communities.This new regulatory information is indicated on our trail maps,posted signage and associated printed material. Unfortunately,the 2005 flood destroyed much of the Park's existing pathway system and the past two years have been spent in repairs and major construction work. This work was mostly completed in October 2007 with some minor landscaping to be done this spring.Bike use is permitted on all the paved and granular surfaced pathways which are designated by signage. In addition, we are presently working on establishment of a designated and signed single track trail network throughout the Park which will incorporate some of the previously undesignated dirt trails which were utilized by the bike users. This trail network will have a lower maintenance standard than our other pathways and be a plain dirt surface.The Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society have adopted this project and are working on construction of this single track network through their TRAILCARE program.The friends utilize individual volunteers and formalized groups to work on the trail system. As sections of the network are completed,signage will be posted and printed maps will be made available. In addition, strategically placed Kiosks will be established on site which will deliver this message and information to the public.We will not be proceeding with actual enforcement action concerning charges until we have established a major component of this single track network.The Fish Creek website is presently under revision and these changes concerning bike use in the Park will be clearly stated in the new information. If you chose to become involved in the FFCPP Trail Care program please contact Bonnie @ 238-3841 or at the above email address.

J. J. Stomp
Site Manager - Fish Creek District
Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture
Fish Creek Provincial Park
Box 2780
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0Y8

Phone: (403) 297-5293
Fax: (403) 297-5284

Visit our website: www.fish-creek.org