Trails Talk
Logging Update
The love of WBC trails has never been more evident now that the 2026 timber harvest proposed by West Fraser Timber (WFT) is upon us. Even though the harvest is 2 years away, emotions are running high. The open house hosted by WFT on May 8th in Cochrane was well attended by WBC trail enthusiasts who made their concerns over the potential negative impacts to West Bragg Creek and Moose Mountain Trails well known. Among the attendees were members of BCT staff and volunteers who were there to listen to the concerns and potential solutions.
BCT has been contacted by concerned trail users and has been included in correspondence with our policy makers.
We appreciate those who have taken the time to reach out. We share your concerns as BCT is heavily invested in protecting the overall trail network and the trail user experience.
BCT is neutral and in favour of working collaboratively with WFT under the negotiating frameworks of the West Bragg Creek Land Users Agreement and the Alberta Forestry Operating Ground Rules. This part of East Kananaskis Country is a multi-use landscape and all permitted users are expected to work to resolve impacts constructively. BCT has received criticism on remaining neutral, however we want to reinforce that we are in a stronger position to advocate for trails as the result.
BCT plans is to undertake detailed, site specific evaluations of all impacted trail segments (either in current identified harvest areas, or adjacent to them), for the purpose of protecting the trails we all care deeply for. Factors being evaluated will most likely include suitable buffers, forest characteristics, terrain, blow down risk, and potential trail alignment improvements. The data collected will all be used to help determine what the final harvest plan will look like.
BCT Annual Report Available Now
BCT held their AGM at the Snowbird’s Chalet on May 1 as yet another Spring snow storm descended upon Bragg Creek. The impressive accomplishments of the previous year was reported and can be seen in BCT’s 2023 Annual Report found on our website at braggcreektrails.org.
Volunteer Opportunities Abound
With the West Bragg Creek Master Trail Plan now a reality, so is the task of getting shovels in the ground. There are many trail construction and maintenance days planned this summer. Please come out and give us a hand. Check the volunteer calendar at braggcreektrails.org. It’s just plain fun in the dirt!
See you on the trails
Conrad Schiebel (BCT President)
