STA working on State of Sask Trails Report

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The STA will be undertaking a research project to determine what the current state of trails are in the province, identify existing gaps, and develop potential solutions. We will develop an on-line survey that we will distribute to all members, municipalities, resort communities and provincial sport and recreation association.

More in-depth research will be required with key stakeholders such as the Saskatchewan Cycling Association, Saskatchewan Horse Federation, Saskatchewan All-Terrain Vehicle Association, Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association, and Cross Country Saskatchewan. A final aspect of this research is to review how our provincial trail association compares with other provincial associations.

We have currently secured funding from the Community Research Unit at the University of Regina (the same group that funded our Rails to Trails Manual).

Stay tuned for more information.

What to do when encountering a bear on the trail

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Recently, we received an interesting question from Moosomin Regional Park. Trail officials noted that there are bears in the park on occasion and they like hanging around the trails as that’s where it’s the quietest and there’s the largest supply of berries. Because of this, some people are worried to use the trails because they’re concerned about encountering bears.

Encountering a bear is something that is certainly possible while exploring the province’s trail system. So what should you do in the event of an encounter? The Government of Saskatchewan has a document called Living in Bear Country that provides some great information: http://publications.gov.sk.ca/documents/66/89520-English.pdf

Another point not brought up in the document is the use of bells. Upon contacting the STA, Moosomin noted that it had received suggestions to hand out “bear” bells. They were told the noise can cause the bears to leave the area. This question prompted an interesting discussion among the STA board of directors.

The STA would like to stress that there is no evidence to support, in any way, that bells they will deter a bear encounter. Bringing a bell on a hike will only provide a false sense of security. The STA advises that talking in normal voices will normally move the bears away from human contact. If the bears are habituated to humans and do not move away or have had access to garbage, we would suggest you contact the local conservation officers to possibly set up a trap and relocate the bear. If you administrate a trail where there have been beer sightings, you may want to post signs at trail access points and\or trail heads.

STA increases funding available through Members Grant Program

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The STA is making it easier to access funds for trail projects in the province. Through the Members Grant Program, grants of up to $1,000 are now available.

These grants can be used for maintenance projects such as updating maps, GPS trails, fixing signs, purchasing maintenance tools, etc.

These grants are only available to current SaskTrails members. Some of the eligibility criteria include length of membership and how long you will be committed to the organization in the future. All applications are reviewed by a volunteer committee.

The deadline to apply is Dec.31, 2017. For more information, visit http://sasktrails.ca/trail-builders/#funding.

 

Hudson Bay Ski Club completes trail improvement project

The Hudson Bay Ski Club is pleased to announce that the trail improvement project for the Pineview Cross Country Ski Trails in the Hudson Bay Regional Park has been completed. The project was supported by a $500 Membership Grant from the STA.

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Jasper and Benny are excited to try the new upgraded trail!

The project organizers were able to add a 1.6 kilometre loop that is wide enough to skate ski in the winter as well as being suitable for mountain biking or hiking in the summer. The total trail system in the Regional Park now sits at 12.3 km, which is maintained for skiing in the winter and hiking in all other seasons. All of the trails, including the new fun loops, now have GPS coordinates. A large trail map showing all current trails has been erected beside the first shelter at the start of the trail system. Each of the shelters has a new sign plus a number of small signs reminding users that these trails are not meant for motorized use.

The STA was proud to support this worthwhile project. If you’re interested in the STA helping bring your trail project to life, visit http://sasktrails.ca/trail-builders/#funding to learn more about our funding programs.

Deb Serhan at the improved Hilltop Shelter

Deb Serhan at the improved Hilltop Shelter

A trip to Roche Percee

Recently, we ventured to La Roche Percee Provincial Historic Site and snapped some great pictures. The site is located in the Souris River Valley, approximately 20 kilometres southeast of the City of Estevan.

Here’s some background on the area:

The site consists of a large sandstone outcrop that has been sculpted into unusual shapes by the forces of erosion and inscribed with carvings that date from precontact to present times.

The heritage value of La Roche Percee lies in its status as an important landmark and record of the region’s changing historical landscape. The rock was once nearly covered with precontact carvings of animal, human and geometric forms thought to have been created by Siouan speakers. Historical accounts state that the Nakota (Assiniboin) regarded the site as sacred, never passing the rock without leaving offerings. Erosion and later carvings have taken a toll, leaving only a few carved pits and some red ochre staining as evidence for First Nations use of the site.

As you can see from the pictures, there are some great paths that allow you to explore the area fully for as long as you’d like. Be sure to add Roche Percee to your bucket list!

If you’re interested in exploring the area by horseback, you can take part in the annual historic three-day Roche Percee Trail Ride, featuring. Read more about the ride in this Grainews article.

Check out this old blog post from Roche Percee further describing the area.

Hiking Elbow Trails

Last week I spent the afternoon hiking the trails in Elbow, Saskatchewan. These trails recently celebrated their grand opening this spring.  This gorgeous spot offers a great variety of changing scenery and makes for a great way to spend the afternoon.
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The trail head, which connects to the Trans Canada Trail can be found from the golf course. Here, the trail starts with a easy walk through prairie land, where it then begins to descend and wrap around the harbour.  Here you get a great view of Diefenbaker Lake, as well as the boats lined up in Elbow marina. The trail then takes you back to the golf course where you are welcomed by chairs and a phenomenal view.  You can continue the trail along the harbour where the trail then turns in the bush.

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The remainder of the trail is approximately 6km is covered by trees. This portion of the hike is a bit more difficult and involves a steady incline.  Along the way there are several markers with historical background of Elbow Saskatchewan. There are also several picnic tables and benches along the way.

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This trail makes for a moderate hike or a more challenging bike. The trail offers a wide variety of trees and plant life. I would recommend you complete this trail a few times in order to take all of what it has to offer.

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After our hike, we stopped at the Harbor Golf Club House for lunch.  I couldn’t have asked for a better day to complete the hike.  Elbow trails will be up on our trail directory shortly to help plan your next adventure in Elbow Saskatchewan.