‘Off-highway vehicles are definitely the most high-impact activity’
The AWA also documented 46 instances of an OHV trail crossing a stream or other water body throughout the trail network in 2017 alone.Article content When the AMP came into effect in 2002, the AWA decided that tracking trail damage was an important activity to help protect the important ecological area. The area should be protected, Earl said.
“Ideally, we would have liked to see this area protected, but at least if we can’t have a protected area there, we’d at least like to see that off-highway vehicles are only allowed in areas where it’s sustainable so that we can protect the integrity of the area as best we can.” Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen was unavailable for an interview. The ministry provided a prepared statement, which began by citing the Alberta government’s approach to managing the Bighorn Backcountry. It also cited its commitment to protecting the area while continuing to offer outdoor recreation opportunities.
The ministry added that conservation officers have the authority to implement closures in response to environmental or safety concerns.