**New Trail Advisory Bulletin from ASRD

[Spinalguy]

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June 13, 2008

Wet weather heightens need for land stewardship

Saturated trails in southwestern foothills at risk

Edmonton... Due to recent heavy rains throughout much of southern Alberta, the Government of Alberta is recommending Albertans voluntarily refrain from motorized recreational use in the forest reserve south of the North Saskatchewan River to the north boundary of Waterton Lakes National Park.

Recent heavy rains and high water have saturated soils to a vulnerable and fragile state in much of the province. Albertans are encouraged to keep motorized vehicles, both off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and automobiles, away from stream banks, wetlands, and wet trails to allow soils to drain, stabilize, and recover. A single vehicle on a wet trail can cause more damage than many vehicles on a dry trail. Work completed by volunteers in the area is also at risk of being damaged by any vehicle use on saturated soils. These projects include new trailwork and work done on bank stabilization and water crossings.

Trails, roads, bridges, and popular camping locations may be impacted by the heavy rain and resulting flooding. Backcountry users are encouraged to support good stewardship practices, be aware of trail conditions, and be extra careful for their own personal safety.

Please travel cautiously and respect any local trail and road closures. Albertans can learn more Respect the Land tips at http://srd.alberta.ca/lands/usingpublic ... ngout.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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Media enquiries may be directed to:
Rick Blackwood
Area Manager, Southern Rockies Area
Sustainable Resource Development
403-297-8806 Eilish Lemieux
Communications
Sustainable Resource Development
780-427-8636

To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

[MotorEd]

Couple of us were going to tackle some of the blow-down tonight? Has anyone been out lately? is it that bad that even trail clearing isnt recomended? Not looking for a ride tonight....just do some saw work and clear trail....but if things are that bad we cant even get around, maybe we should postpone?

Thoughts?

[steve-o]

Couple of us were going to tackle some of the blow-down tonight? Has anyone been out lately? is it that bad that even trail clearing isnt recomended? Not looking for a ride tonight....just do some saw work and clear trail....but if things are that bad we cant even get around, maybe we should postpone?

Thoughts?

Just saw this too. I think we should be okay, but if the concensous it to not, we could postpone??

[Spinalguy]

This is my opinion.
If you are doing clean up and trail clearings, than i think that is a positive step.
It is wet, it is soft. Tread lightly and smartly to get the much needed work done.
i thank you for your initiative.

[MotorEd]

This is my opinion.
If you are doing clean up and trail clearings, than i think that is a positive step.
It is wet, it is soft. Tread lightly and smartly to get the much needed work done.
i thank you for your initiative.

We are going to give it a shot....see what we can do. If its too soft and wet to even move around we will pull the pin.

[steve-o]

This is my opinion.
If you are doing clean up and trail clearings, than i think that is a positive step.
It is wet, it is soft. Tread lightly and smartly to get the much needed work done.
i thank you for your initiative.

It was pretty soft in the lower elevations and meadows (which we stayed off of!!!!) the higher trails had some light streams here and there but nothing too major. We cleared all of Quark 'Mountain' (not ridge) and re-directed some trails back to thier original origins from way back (some were re-routed over the years due to dead fall not being cleared)

If Dylan is reading this Quark ridge and the Swannies should be done next. Starting from the north end primarily (closest to Elbow Falls)