Counting Alberta's Trail Treaders

Why and How to add Groups to the List?

To help evaluate the extent of trail use on foot by provincially organized groups, Hike Alberta is searching out and encouraging all such groups to provide brief details of type of activity, frequency and approximation of membership numbers. If requested, contact information will not be published.

The purpose of this information is to substantiate to provincial and municipal authorities the known importance in recreational value of hiking and walking trails to Alberta communities. In recent years, strong representation by wheeled population, both muscular and motorized, has dominated the scene whereas interests of pedestrian traffic need a stronger voice.Multiple use by foot, hoof and pedal is the name of the game, the common leveller that works well in many instances, but dominance by one of the disciplines can ruin for others the trail experience and the trail itself.

Hikers, walkers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers form the ground swell of popular outdoor recreationalists and their voices should be heard in the halls of power. By identifying and listing the groups - big or small, organized or informal, any and all - that go out in numbers will provide at least a measure of this army of travellers on foot. Specialized groups treading these byways include birders and botanists, guides and scouts.

Entries, witty or wild, are invited, providing they supply the basic information of activity: type, frequency and ‘guesstimate’ of membership numbers. Check the website to view current listings. New entries of comparable length, or revision of present entries, should be emailed to trailminders@yahoo.ca. There is no charge and assistance in drafting the text is available.

It is recognized that many informal and private groups shy away from publicity for fear of attracting new membership, and great care is taken in withholding contact information when requested. The listing is not so much a directory as an inventory of organized group use of our provincial trails, including those trails in national parks.

The mainstream of pedestrian use comes from a wide range of people beyond the reach of practicable accounting: family groups, dog-walkers, joggers, anglers, climbing teams, photographers, artists and other wanderers of the wild.

Hike Alberta is a provincial wing of Hike Canada en Marche, the operating name for the National Trail Association of Canada. The Association has been actively engaged over many years in establishing the National Hiking Trail route coast to coast to help preserve our heritage of natural landscapes and to promote general fitness through hiking activities. Further particulars are found on website: www.nationaltrail.ca

Please pass on word of the availability of this listing to known group members or officials.