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A 30-member committee that provides recommendations on sustainable recreation in Alberta’s Bighorn Backcountry is this year’s winner of the Shared Footprint Award. The award recognizes projects that reduce the impact of recreation and industry on the landscape.The Bighorn Backcountry Monitoring Group, Standing Committee, advises the Alberta government on the access management plan to retain the area’s natural beauty and accessibility for users.
“It’s inspiring to see different groups work together and achieve success,” said Mel Knight, Minister of Sustainable Resource Development. “The members’ advice on construction and rehabilitation projects, public education and monitoring and survey work ensures Albertans can enjoy the Bighorn Backcountry for years to come.”
With the help of volunteer stewards, achievements include developing a connected trail system, installing bridges to prevent damage to creek beds, improving camping and staging areas to accommodate more users and re-routing users to different trails when conditions are wet. The aim is to have a sustainable trail system in the future. To view photos of the Standing Committee’s work, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/srdalberta/sets/.
The Standing Committee was formed in 2003 and comprises members from various recreational groups, hunters and anglers, trappers and outfitter guides. There are also representatives from First Nations and municipal and provincial government.
The Shared Footprints Award was created by the Alberta government and certified by the Emerald Awards Foundation to celebrate and promote excellence in Integrated Land Management. Integrated Land Management is about government, industry and others working together to use land efficiently and reduce the footprint of activities on public land. For example, fewer roads may be needed if land users coordinate access into an area. For more information about Integrated Land Management, visit www.srd.alberta.ca and click on Managing Programs.
The Emerald Awards Foundation celebrates outstanding achievements by Albertans committed to protecting, preserving, enhancing and sustaining the province’s environment.
