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Memberships |
Clubs:
22 |
Club Members:
6100 |
Families:
225 |
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After the much publicized incidents that occurred on the May 2007 long weekend, the government of Alberta closed the trails to wheelers. This was done without any consultation or warning. Visit http://www.gov.ab.ca/home/NewsFrame.cfm?ReleaseID=/acn/200706/217316F02092D-99DF-90FC-1B2BAEA271F39477.html (opens in a new window) for the June 27, 2007 news release. For further information on the new Forest Land Use Zone (FLUZ) visit http://srd.alberta.ca/whatsnew/WillCreekFLUZ.html (opens in a new window).
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AB4WD was requested by the GAMP Stewardship Committee to submit a statement in response to these events. The following was submitted to be included in an overall statement to be sent to the government of Alberta by the stewardship committee:
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The Alberta Four Wheel Drive Association (AB4WD) supports sustainable use of trails by promoting responsible use and adequate access to public lands. We are concerned with the events that took place in the Eastern Slopes during the May long-weekend of 2007. This behavior is not a result of trail use, but of a few people being irresponsible and disrespectful to the area and the other users.
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The AB4WD believes that disrespect, congestion, and subsequent environmental damage can be reduced and prevented through proper management of public areas, and not closing them down completely. Closing areas defers the problem and compounds congestion in adjacent areas. Proper management could include limiting the number of people permitted in sensitive areas at a given time to a sustainable level, and having a user pay system to cover maintenance and enforcement costs.
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The AB4WD is also promoting responsible and sustainable trail use through developing standards that clubs and members will be held accountable to. Encouraging all four wheelers to join registered clubs will promote education, mentoring and accountability. The standards, along with increased membership and understanding will encourage further sustainability and respect for the environment and other users.
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AB4WD will be meeting with club presidents and delegates on July 5th, 2007 to discuss further actions to be taken.
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