Now is your chance...K Country

[Spinalguy]

The following information has been posted to the Government of Alberta website.
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Information Bulletin


November 21, 2007
Public input welcome on Kananaskis park and recreation plans

Calgary... Albertans are invited to share their opinion on a new management plan being developed for Bragg Creek Provincial Park and close to 40 provincial recreation areas in Kananaskis Country. The provincial recreation areas include those along Highway 66 (Elbow Valley), Highway 68 (Sibbald Area) and Secondary Highway 541 (Longview Road). In addition to taking written feedback, two open house sessions will be held to gather input.
When: Monday, November 26
Time: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Best Western Village Park Inn
1804 Crowchild Trail N.W., Calgary

When: Tuesday, November 27
Time: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Bragg Creek Community Centre
25 White Avenue, Bragg Creek

Input is also invited on the park management plan’s draft Terms of Reference, available at both sessions or by visiting the Kananaskis site at www.tprc.alberta.ca/parks or calling 403-678-5508. Written comments received by January 15, 2008 will be considered as the draft Terms of Reference and plan are prepared. Albertans will have another opportunity to provide input into the plan once a draft is finalized, expected to be in the spring of 2008.
The Government of Alberta is committed to developing management plans for all protected areas in Alberta to determine how they are managed in the future. Park management plans:
Describe protected areas, and the surrounding environment and community
Identify government goals for the park or protected areas, and how they will be achieved
Provide objectives and guidelines on how a site’s natural and cultural heritage will be preserved
Detail the type and extent of recreation, heritage appreciation and tourism opportunities that will be supported in an area, and how they will meet the needs of the community
Provide opportunities for ongoing review and public consultation on park management
Ensuring access to Alberta’s provincial parks and recreation areas is part of Premier Ed Stelmach’s plan to secure Alberta’s future by building communities, greening our growth and creating opportunity.
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Media enquiries may be directed to:
Ray Andrews
Operations Manager, Kananaskis Country
Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture
403-678-5500 ext. 270 Erin Mikaluk
Communications
Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture
780-427-6530
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

[GiS]

Also in this morning Paper!

[JackstandJohnny]

well I had the chance to go take a look at what this open house had to offer.  also met Tom (spinal guy) and for the most part asked a bunch of questions and shared many concerns that we as 4wheelers share.

what i took from it: Alberta parks works seperately from Foresty Land use, and are not ultimately responsible for such things like land closures.  I am also unsure of how this report or plan will portray the OHV community and the trailsystems we seek to keep open.  I personally think its sketchy because it talks directly about places like Mclean creek and trail usage, but not necessarily bout closures or reopening previously closed trails.
secondly, after talking with Don afterwards (the AB parks official) media coverage and the political sway it carries will always be an issue for us.

third, enforcement of any and all of these rules that will be put in place will be lacking.  RCMP will most likely not be around, just the usual SRD guys, with no actual authority (read: guns) there is simply no money in the budget to hire people to go patrol these areas, both OHV and other public use areas.

last concern; is this plan is coming out next year, or a 'draft' is supposed to come out in the spring, right around May long..... and i wonder if either will have implications on the other, and the outcomes of such implications.
my .02.  anyone else have an opinion that had the chance to check it out tonight?

[Spinalguy]

Here is my analysis.
The plan is addressing the probability of overnight privately run hotels, motels, cabins, etc of SMALL size being constructed in K country. There will not be any more golf courses or ski hill development. The above lodging does not specify the use so outfitters and horse interests will be a possibility.

Maclean Creek OHV.
Restrictions will be implemented. Reading between the lines and listening to what is not being said leads me to believe the 4x4 community will be hardest hit. Staging areas at the 5km mark and Fisher Creek in the South will be examined to determine if more staging areas need to be created. Random camping may be a part of our past as camping needs are met through privatization. Enforcement will not change, there will be a continued lack of enforcement at Maclean Creek.

Spring of 2008 will see the completion of the final draft. It will likely take another 1 year to clear the red tape. But seeing how Teddy Moron cleared the tape with zero public consultation at Indian Graves, than i will not be surprised to see this in full effect prior to May Long.

If you want to be part of the VOICE than please fill out your plan for success. Maybe agreeing to a ban on Random camping will save our trail systems?

 The deadline is Jan 15th,2008. i will try to get a link up soon.