Wildland trails are “different from our more typical official trails in the sense that they are more technical in nature, and they cater to those that want more of a challenge when they go out on our trails,” said Marcia Dewandel, visitor experience product development officer for Jasper National Park.
These multi-use wildland trails are part of the official trail system and are distinguished by a black diamond sign, which is different from the yellow diamond signs on other official trails.
Hikers, bikes and horses can travel these routes. “That’s really important since this past fall we told horse users and bikers that they must stay on signed trails,” said Dewandel. “That’s why there’s the importance to have that sign on the wildland trails, so people know they are official and they can go on them.”
These trails are not marked on official trail maps, so they aren’t highly used—that ensures the character of the trail is maintained.
So far there are nine wildland trails in the official trail system and “there are a few more that have been recommended in the Three Valley Confluence (TVC) Trail Plan that have not been implemented yet and we will get to that this summer,” said Dewandel.
Parks Canada doesn’t maintain wildland trails, so the Jasper Trail Alliance “will recruit some of its volunteers to help maintain them and shape them in ways that cater to a different trail audience.”
Parks has to approve all trail work, she adds.
The Jasper Trail Alliance recently certified some residents for minor trail clearing on official trails through its level one training course. This two-hour course shows participants how to properly assess a trail, clear deadfall and hazards, and know what types of vegetation to remove or leave.
Those interested in caring for and maintaining Jasper’s official trails can attend one of the alliance’s upcoming work bees on June 12 and 20. Work bees run for three hours. To sign up, email [email protected].
More information about the Jasper Trail Alliance is also available on its Facebook page.
