“It’s important to consider wildlife,” which is why these changes include space set aside for them, said Marcia Dewandel, visitor experience product development officer for Jasper National Park. As of Oct. 15, 2012, priority wildlife corridors, including Pyramid, closed to all human use.
The Bench area receives heavy use by hikers, runners, bikers and horses. As a result, there was a slight challenge “trying to accommodate all uses in a commercial horse area,” said Dewandel.
Now, commercial horse use will be designated to certain trails, although third parties are still allowed to use these routes.
Unofficial trails were examined, which included looking at why they were adopted, how they can be cleaned up and the area’s ecological values. Seven unofficial trails were signed and integrated into the official trail system, so there’s been “no loss of trails,” said Dewandel. All official trails are marked with yellow diamond-shaped signs, she reminds.
Horses and bikes are asked to stay on the official trail system to allow the unofficial trails to rehabilitate. This is especially important in areas with vegetation.
Trail 2a was connected to Trail 2b and Trail 3 switchbacks were upgraded. Altogether, six trailhead kiosks with information and maps were installed in the area.
Parks is also looking at interpretative trail options in the Cottonwood Slough area and may collaborate with local birders.
Since 2009, 50 per cent of the 104 TVC Trail plan recommendations have been implemented.
Next, the trail series will examine the TVC Trail Plan implementations and 2013 priorities in the Maligne Canyon area.
