For the Love of Trails!
This February, we’re sending heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers and supporters who make Bragg Creek Trails thrive. Together, we’ve created a space where everyone can connect with nature, find adventure, and enjoy the outdoors. But with this love comes a question: is it possible to love our trails too much?
From Bragg Creek Trails’ perspective, the answer is yes. While we’re thrilled so many people visit and enjoy this special place, high usage does take a toll. As co-managers of the trail system with Alberta Forestry and Parks, we witness firsthand the impacts on the land and wildlife. While we work hard to mitigate these effects, you, as trail users, play an essential role in reducing these impacts and preserving the trails we all cherish.
Here are some ways you can help protect the trails, environment, and wildlife that call this area home:
Be a Responsible Trail User
- Dogs: West Bragg Creek is one of the few maintained trail systems in Kananaskis where dogs can run free in the Public Land Use Zone. Please keep your pets from chasing wildlife or cattle and pick up after them. Properly dispose of waste— poop bags left on trails are a significant issue. Be especially mindful around watercourses to protect our drinking water sources.
- Stick to the Trails: Shortcuts and trail braiding cause erosion, increase maintenance costs, and disturb wildlife that use quieter areas as refuge. Help us protect their space by staying on designated paths.
- Follow Signage and Trail Conditions: Wet trails are especially vulnerable. If your activity is leaving ruts or damaging the trail, consider changing your route or activity for the day.
- Respect Trail Etiquette: Our multi- use trail system welcomes a variety of activities. In winter, users are separated to support grooming programs, but in all seasons, adhering to trail signage helps reduce conflicts and ensures everyone has a great experience.
- No Campfires or Smoking: Trailside campfires are strongly discouraged due to Bragg Creek’s high fire risk. Smoking and burning toilet paper also pose significant hazards.
- Bury Your Waste: If nature calls, bury your waste and toilet paper deep enough so wildlife and dogs won’t uncover it.
- Pack It In, Pack It Out: Leave no trace. Litter has no place on our trails.
- Limit Nighttime Use: Nighttime activities can disrupt wildlife behaviour. Please consider this when planning your trail adventures.
- Dirty bike?: Streams make tempting bike wash stations. Take your bikes home to clean them properly. Introducing silt and lubricants into the water contaminates the aquatic ecosystem and impacts our water quality.
By working together, we can reduce our collective impact and ensure these trails remain a source of joy for generations to come. Thank you for your care, respect, and love for Bragg Creek Trails.
Happy trail adventures!
Conrad Schiebel (BCT President)
