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
More Canadians only making minimum payment on credit cards: TransUnion
Some Canadians are seeing their credit card balances grow as the cost-of-living crisis and higher interest rates eat into household budgets, a new report shows.
Severe thunderstorms, 15 cm of snow: Canadian weather forecast highlights
Well into spring, some parts of Canada could experience a wintry comeback, while other areas are bracing for severe thunderstorms, according to local forecasts.
Tornado touches down west of the Island of Montreal
Emergency services in the town of Rigaud, Que. are investigating after a tornado touched down shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
House from 'Home Alone' hits the market for US$5.25 million
Kevin McCallister’s childhood home has hit the market for US$5.25 million. At just over 9,000 square feet, the house from the 'Home Alone' movie was last sold in 2012 for $1,585,000.
Teen was doing homework at family's Mississauga, Ont. restaurant when gunman opened fire: testimony
The 13-year-old sister of a young man killed in the attack on her family’s Mississauga restaurant in 2021 took the stand in a Brampton courthouse on Monday to describe the terrifying moments of coming under fire.
Israeli tanks advance into Rafah's centre despite global outcry
Israeli tanks advanced to the centre of Rafah for the first time on Tuesday, witnesses said, three weeks into a ground offensive in the southern Gaza city that has stirred global condemnation for its continued civilian toll.
At least 60 reports of Lyme disease so far as Ontario enters tick season
Peak tick season is only just beginning but reports of bites – and tick-borne illnesses – are already higher than normal in Ontario.
What a CBSA strike could look like, according to an expert
Slowed or interrupted travel, the passing of goods and significantly restricted borders should be expected if Canadian border workers take upcoming strike action.
Arm of mummy came off after mishandling by museum staff: Mexican government
Mexico's federal archaeology agency on Monday accused the conservative-governed city of Guanajuato of mistreating one of the country’s famous mummified 19th century bodies.