The Castle Parks

Working Together to Preserve and Enhance the Castle

As an organization dedicated to finding the right balance between conservation and proper use of the outdoors, we know that some key parts of our province may require the reduction or removal of motorized recreation. We take issue with our government’s plans to impose outright bans in certain areas though because it simply doesn’t make sense.

In the Castle, for example, after committing to future motorized access the government now wants none. We believe that a proper balance in the Castle could be achieved; that a very fine trail network could be derived from what exists today. We are not only reasonable in our approach in terms of what we are prepared to compromise on, but we are prepared to demonstrate to all Albertans why our suggested approach is the right and fair thing to do.

At this juncture, it is important for everyone to fully understand the issues, the impacts and the options in providing outdoor recreation opportunities for all Albertans.

Concurrently, AOHVA and our members suggest taking an active role in:

Assisting the government in identifying, evaluating and either closing or reclaiming and converting illegal trails to acceptable multi-use trails.
Working together to return areas showing the effects of mismanagement to an acceptable condition.

Continuing our work educating the OHV community about acceptable riding practices, rider safety and environmental consideration.

AOHVA MAKES FORMAL SUBMISSION TO ALBERTA ENVIRONMENT AND PARKS; CASTLE PARKS DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Government of Alberta is currently enacting the biggest change to land use in the province in 30 years. With that in mind, AOHVA took the opportunity to provide the government with some important insight and information. It is our hope that AOHVA and the Government of Alberta, Environment and Parks will work together to establish a foundation from which to fortify Alberta’s parks and public spaces, ensuring they are places all Albertans can enjoy.