West Bragg logging plan damaging to kilometres of trail, recreation groups say
A plan to log 450 hectares of old-growth forest near Bragg Creek, Alta., would significantly damage kilometres of popular trails, say groups representing recreational users.
The plan by West Fraser, which now owns Spray Lakes Sawmills, is to cut two large blocks of timber in 2026.
But the cut blocks cover between 25 and 30 kilometres of existing hiking, equestrian and mountain bike trails.
"Obviously, this is going to be a significant impact to the area as far as changing the landscape," said Conrad Schiebel, president of Bragg Creek Trails.
"We're working with West Fraser to try to sort out what kinds of mitigations we can put in place to reduce the impact to the trails and the trail users."
Schiebel's group is responsible for the design and maintenance of the network.
In a previous cut conducted in 2012 aimed at limiting fire risk to Bragg Creek, trees were left as a buffer around impacted trails.
Most of those have blown over during the past decade.
Jeff Woodgate with Grow Kananaskis says traffic counters show the trails see around 300,000 users a year and are a go-to weekend recreation destination for many Calgarians.
"It significantly affects the experience that all those recreationalists would have," Woodgate said.
In a statement Wednesday, West Fraser said in part:
"We welcome input on our forest planning including for the West Bragg Creek / Moose Mountain area. Public input is important as it helps inform our plans with insights from local residents and stakeholder groups as to the values that are important to them – whether that is particular knowledge of trails or visual quality objectives that should be considered and factored into our planning."
The statement goes on to say interested people can participate in a public feedback session on May 8 in Cochrane, Alta.
It also notes no timber will be harvested this season, which lasts until spring 2025.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
'More aggressive': Tocchet shifts lineups as Canucks get ready to take on Oilers in Vancouver
As the Canucks prepare to take on the Oilers for Game 5, Vancouver head coach Rick Tocchet is making changes to the team's lineup.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.