Churchill River Water Legacy Project

Although the COVID outbreak has delayed last year’s intended installation date. The STA is happy to announce that the first Urine Diverting Vermicomposting Toilet (UDVT) purchased with the funds raised through donations, raffle tickets, and the Give a Sh*! event has finally been successfully installed by volunteers on Barker Island along a popular canoe route in northwest Saskatchewan.

Pristine lakes, such as Barker Lake, are connected by countless falls, rapids, and ledges as the Churchill River courses through the rugged landscape on its 1,600-km journey to Hudson Bay. Throw in huge areas of spectacular boreal wilderness with a rich and storied history, and it’s easy to see how the Churchill River system enthralls thousands of canoeists, kayakers, and anglers who return year after year. It is also home to multiple Indigenous communities whose people continue to use the land and waterways.

Since much of the river system is in the Canadian shield, with all this activity, one of the biggest challenges in backcountry sites is dealing with human waste. In 2019, the STA partnered with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, Churchill River Outfitters, and the local community to launch the Churchill River Water Trail Legacy Project. This project aims to remedy the lack of pleasant toilet facilities which lead to human waste and remnants of toilet paper being scattered throughout the landscape causing long-term environmental consequences and negative visitor experiences.

After extensive research into this challenge, a realistic and cost-effective solution was found in using a UDVT, manufactured by Toilet Tech Solutions (TTS). The technology separates the waste streams to allow for successful composting and has been proven to work through peer-reviewed academic research and in the field experiences. The system is innovative, leading-edge, and reliable.

We believe that the Churchill River Water Legacy Project is an initiative that will facilitate stewardship and lead to a cleaner environment along with providing an enhanced visitor experience. This project is a wonderful opportunity to promote trail development in the north and showcase how important trails are in every community to both the natural environment, its inhabitants, and travelers.

Although human waste is rarely spoken of, the problem of dealing with it is a serious issue in the backcountry and in remote sites. Compounded by increased visitation, the problem can have lasting negative impacts on the environment and create very poor visiting experiences. The installation of the first UDV toilet at Barkers Island will help improve the outdoor recreation experience along canoe routes in northern Saskatchewan.
Finally, the STA would like to thank all of our wonderful partners, volunteers, and donors involved in the project who made it so successful.

       

A volunteer standing beside the newly installed UDV toilet on Barker Island.

       

Many thanks to the volunteers who were involved in installing the UDV toilet on Barker Island.

Trail Etiquette 2021

With the weather finally warming up, Saskatchewan residents are spending more time outside this summer to get a breath of fresh air away from the city. But with so many people on the trails, it’s important that they remain in good shape. We are reminded that trail etiquette involves safe and courteous interaction with other travelers, but also includes proper care of the paths and nature.

Responsible outdoor recreation is outlined in the following sections. Feel free to review this guide or even print it out before your trip and carry it with you:

1. Research and Plan Ahead
Adequate trip planning and preparation helps hikers travel safely and have fun, while simultaneously minimizing damage to the land. When planning a trip, destinations and activities should be chosen based on the expectations, skills, and abilities of participants. Doing a bit of research beforehand is also advantageous as reviewing maps, considering the weather, and knowing the regulations of an area can help prevent awkward or even dangerous situations on the trails.

2. Bring the Essentials
Hikers should bring equipment and clothing for comfort and safety. A hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent along with proper footwear and suitable clothing for the weather are a must when traveling. Food and water along with bags for storing trash should also be brought to keep you fueled during the hike. For longer journeys, survival kits and first aid kits should be carried along with a whistle. When cycling or trail riding, a helmet, and other protective equipment should be worn properly.

3. Travel Properly
Many of us have veered off the trail to dodge mud puddles and incoming traffic. The action seems harmless at the time but places the quality of our outdoor experiences and the recreational resources we enjoy at risk. Always be alert and watch out for poisonous plants, wildlife, and falling rocks. Trail use is recommended whenever possible, and it is important to learn the rules of the ‘road’. Firstly, walk, ride or cycle in single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy unless passing on the left. Secondly, individuals climbing up a hill have the right of way if you are climbing down. Thirdly, it is important to remember that bike riders yield to hikers and horseback riders; hikers yield to horseback riders. Lastly, even without COVID distancing measures in place, try to keep space between yourself and other hikers on the trail.

4. Environmental Stewardship
“Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints”, it is essential that we take all our trash back with us when returning home from the trails; do not assume that anything is biodegradable. It is equally important to protect the environment by not disturbing it: Leave wood, rocks, flowers, and other natural resources on the trail so others can enjoy them and avoid making loud noises. Along with not disturbing plants or wildlife, removal of archaeological artifacts, dead wood, fossils, or other geological features is not permitted and is even considered illegal under certain jurisdictions. Additional rules govern the construction of campsites. Do not build structures, fire rings, furniture, or dig trenches, and fires are not allowed on the trails except in campsites that approve it. Additionally, make sure your campsite is at least 60 meters away from water sources and bury human waste at least 100 meters away.

5. Travelling with Children or Pets
Children enjoy the trails just as adults do. To ensure their safety, dress children in bright colors for easier locating and bring backpack carriers for longer trips. It is also important to note that disposable diapers should not be buried or otherwise discarded improperly. Though we all love our furry friends’ company, pets are best left at home. If you do bring them, keep them on a leash, away from the water, and bring doggy bags to clean up after them.

After reading this guide, I hope you are more knowledgeable about trail etiquette and will follow the guidelines moving forward. If everyone continues to do their part, the fun will be guaranteed, and Saskatchewan Trails will continue to be available for years to come.

Preparing for Tick Season

With the arrival of summer and warm temperatures, an increasing number of people are venturing outside to enjoy the trails. Unfortunately, the nice weather also means that tick season is upon us. The creepy crawlers are typically active in Saskatchewan between April and July with the peak happening in May and June.

Ticks are eight-legged arthropods (related to spiders) that need a blood meal from a vertebrate host to complete their life cycle. When ticks feed, they can transmit tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease to people and their pets.
The most common tick in Saskatchewan is the American Dog tick. There are also some areas that have Rocky Mountain Ticks and Winter ticks (moose tick). These species are usually active from mid-April to the end of July and cannot transmit Lyme disease to people. Blacklegged ticks, which can cause Lyme disease, are fortunately rare in Saskatchewan. Introduced by migratory birds in early spring, blacklegged ticks mature into adults and remain active throughout fall, particularly in tall grass, brush, or wooded areas.

Ticks move by crawling and running, but do not leap or fly. They cling to grasses and grab on to hosts as they walk by. Ticks can attach to any part of the human body but are often found in hard-to-see areas such as the groin, armpits, and scalp.

In April of last year, the Government of Saskatchewan, in collaboration with researchers at the University of Saskatchewan, launched eTick (www.etick.ca), an image-based tick identification platform. Residents of Saskatchewan can submit photographs of ticks found on humans or animals using the eTick online system to receive timely identification of the type of tick and information on the risk of exposure to tick-borne diseases.

To prevent tick bites:

  •  Ticks like warm, sunny days so go out when it’s colder if you really want to avoid them.
  • Early mornings are also a good time to avoid ticks as they like the sunnier parts of the day.
  •  Wear pants, long-sleeved shirts, and shoes that do not expose your bare feet.
  • Pull socks over your pant legs to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.
  • Wear light-coloured clothes so ticks can be seen easily.
  •  Use insect repellents that contain DEET or Icaridin. Apply repellent to clothes as well as your skin. Always read and follow the directions on the label. Some repellents may have age restrictions.
  • In Canada, clothing that has been treated with the insecticide permethrin has been approved for use by people over the age of 16.
  •  Shower or bathe as soon as possible after being outside to wash off loose ticks and inspect for attached ticks.
  •  Do “full-body” tick checks after being outside on yourself, your children, and your pets.

If you find a tick attached to your skin or on your pet:

  •  Carefully remove it with fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the tick’s mouthparts as close to the skin as possible.
  •  Pull slowly upward and out with firm, steady pressure.
  •  Be careful not to squeeze, crush or puncture the body after removal.
  • Do not put Vaseline, gasoline, or other harmful substances on an attached tick.
  • Submit photos of the tick using the eTick system, and please keep ticks in a secure container until you receive the identification results. Ticks can be euthanized by placing them in a bag and storing it in the freezer for 24 hours.

 

Additional Information can be found at:

A Saskatchewan Oasis: Fairy Hill Trail

If you are looking for a winter trail to experience over the holidays, Nature Conservatory Canada’s (NCC) “Fairy Hill” just 30 minutes North of Regina is the perfect city escape. Fairy Hill is a 90-minute hike that is a part of the Qu’Appelle valley.

The trail varies from flat areas to hills and includes wetlands, grasslands, and riparian slopes.  There is also many nature-spotting opportunities of birds, deer, and moose. There is one particular hill that overlooks the valley, and it is the perfect lookout spot to soak in the beautiful sights. There is signage along the way so you can stop and learn about the land and the history of the trail.

Make sure to keep an eye out for cattle that may be present on the property at various times throughout the year. If you see them give them their space and keep pets on a leash.

                       

A Guide for Trail Etiquette 

   

With a growing number of people on the trails these days, it is important to remind everyone about trail etiquette so we can all have the best experience.

It is great that a high amount of people are outdoors enjoying the trails, but it is also important that we remember to be safe and courteous of other individuals on the trails. Trail etiquette does not just involve our interactions with others either, it also encompasses proper care to the trails and nature as well. Trail goers do not just include individuals on foot, there are plenty of bikers and horse back riders too, which increases the risk of accidents if a trail is not being shared properly.

Here is an easy to learn guide to ensure you are being respectful to individuals and the environment when your out on the trails.

Plan Ahead:

  • Before heading out on a trail, research any conditions, regulations, or special concerns of the area. Some urban trails for example, are now designated one-way trails to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
  • Familiarize yourself with the trail route.
  • If you notice the trail route is pretty difficult, consider choosing an easier trail based on your physical capabilities and experience.
  • Pick a low use times time to go on the trail to minimize excessive human activity in the one area at a time. However, it is important that you pick a time that ensures you have enough time to complete the trail in day light.
  • Check the weather before you head out on the trail.

Bring the Essentials:

  • Food and water to keep you fueled, and zip lock or larger bags to store your rubbish.
  • A hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  • Proper footwear, and suitable clothing for the weather.
  • A helmet if you’re cycling or trail riding.
  • Travel in a group of 3 or 4 in case someone gets hurt. It is also important to go with others if you have never been to that trail before.
  • Take a whistle, and for longer journeys bring a hiking survival kit and first aid kit.
  • Pets are best left at home. If you do bring them, keep them on a leash, away from the water, and bring doggy bags to clean up after them.

Travel Properly:

  • Stay on the trail path, do not create shortcuts to decrease soil erosion and to respect the privacy of people living along trails.
  • Avoid making loud voices and noises to respect the serenity of nature.
  • Watch for poisonous plants, wildlife and falling rocks.
  • If you drink water that is not from home it must be purified.
  • Walk, ride or cycle in single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
  • Travel on the right of the trail and pass on the left.
  • If a person is climbing up a hill they have the right of way if you are climbing down.
  • Bike riders yield to hikers and horseback riders; hikers yield to horseback riders.
  • Unless you are passing someone, try keep a good distance between yourself and other hikers.

Have Manners Toward Mother Nature:

  • Pack it in, Pack it Out: take your trash home with you. It is the simplest yet most fundamental thing you can do for the environment. The saying: “Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints” is important to follow.
  • Leave flowers, wood, rocks, and plants on the trail so others can enjoy them.
  • Do not break branches off the trees.
  • Do not build structures, fire rings, furniture or dig trenches. Fires are not allowed on the trails except in campsites that approve it.
  • Do not assume certain foods are biodegradable.
  • If you have to bury human waste, make sure you do it at least 100 metres from any water.
  • If you camp, leave your site cleaner than you found it. Make sure your campsite is at least 60 meters away from water sources, so animals are able to come drink the water.
  • Do not disturb plants or wildlife. In many federal or provincial jurisdictions its illegal. Removing archaeological artifacts, dead wood, fossils or other geological features is not permitted.

Extra Tips- Hiking with Children:

  • Dress them in bright colours so they can be located easier.
  • Bring extra food and feed them often to avoid irritability.
  • For longer trips bring a backpack carrier. Practice using it at home so you are well prepared.
  • Do not bury disposable diapers.

After reading this guide, I hope you are more knowledgeable about trail etiquette and will use these valuable instructions moving forward. If everyone continues to do their part, fun will be guaranteed for everyone and Saskatchewan Trails will continue to be available for years to come.

    

If you ever witness or come across any vandalism, please report it to the organization managing the trail.

Give Us Your Best Shot Photo Contest

Thanks to everyone for participating in our photo contest! We received 440 entries and we were very impressed with the quality we received, so much so, that we increased the prize pool from an overall top prize winner of a $200 gift card from Cabela’s to two more prizes of $50 cards as honourable mentions.

The overall winner was Dean Kewaluk for this outstanding photo of the boardwalk at Nicolle Flats in Buffalo Provincial Park. Our honourable mentions go to: Amanda Kiefer for her photo of the trails at Duck Mountain Provincial Park, and to Rick Dizy for his mountain bike photo.

 

Even though the summer contest is over, send us your photos and we’ll continue to promote trails on our social media accounts.

Mans Best Friend on The Trails

Everybody loves the trails and who better to explore the great outdoors with than your four-legged friend? Dogs are like family and nobody should get left behind when the family heads out to their favorite trail. Hiking is a great experience for both you and your dogs alike. Although it might seem easy to just throw you new exploring buddy on a leash and head out, here are some easy steps to keep you and your pup safe on your next adventure!

Preparation

• Vaccination- The first step to ensure your pet stays safe is t ensure that they are caught up on all shots and vaccinations to avoid any unwanted illness or disease.

• ID Tags- Nobody ever expects to lose their dog on a trail but trust me, one squirrel and a loose leash and you never know what can happen. This is why you should always make sure to keep your dogs tags updated with all of the required information if they were to get lost!

• Food and Water- Dogs, just like humans, need food and water especially when exercising on long trails. Always ensure to carry ample water and snacks for both you and Fido!

• First Aid- Unfortunately, accidents happen and what works for you doesn’t always work for your fuzzy friend. So, pack some extra pet friendly first aid to be safe! Don’t know what to bring? Check out: https://www.calgaryhumane.ca/diy-canine-first-aid-kit/ for more info on how to make your own DIY Pet First Aid Kit!

• Leash- This one sound obvious but before your trek into nature, ensure that your pets leash fits properly so they cannot escape, is adjusted to size, and is not harming the dog.

• Research to ensure dog friendly trail- Not all trails are pet friendly and allow fuzzy friends on them, be sure to do your research beforehand to know the best spots! Check out: https://sasktrails.ca/best-online-trail-resources-to-checkout-before-your-next-hike/ to find some resources to lead you to pet friendly trails!

• Weather- Its finally summer and we are all basking in the sun! We love the sun, but our four-legged friends DO NOT sweat the same way humans do to cool themselves off. Too high of a temperature and too much sun can be dangerous for you animals. This means cloudy days or times when its not as hot are much better for your pet! Tip: If walking on a paved trail in the heat, place the back of your hand on the asphalt for 5 seconds. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog!

During

• Etiquette- Many dogs are human and dog friendly, but many are not. Just because another puppy looks nice doesn’t mean they can’t or won’t bite. We want the best for our animals and that includes avoiding any accidents. Make sure to always avoid any other animals or humans on the trail unless everyone agrees it is okay. One accident could get pets banned from your favorite trail, so stay safe!

• Regulation- If it turns out, you and your pup share your love for the trails, you still have to first make sure that each trail you hike allows dog. Various trails have different rules and regulations regarding pets, leash requirements and other pet specific rules. Make sure to check the signs and any online resources to make sure that the trail is pet friendly!

• Clean-Up Bags- We want to make sure the trail just like it was before we got there. We also don’t want to be scrapping dog duty from our shoes. Remember to bring a few clean up bags to pick up after any puppy surprises!

• Stay On trail- Some of the best hidden views and sceneries require some off-trail adventuring, yet for the sake of you pets stay on the trail. Tall grass hides ticks, sticks, and other potential dangers to your dog’s paw pads that can be easily avoided by staying on the path!

• Rest and Break (Shade)- unfortunately dogs and humans cannot talk, but dogs get tired and hot too and often don’t have a way of telling you. Like I mentioned before, dogs cannot sweat like humans to cool down. For this reason, make sure to take some breaks and walk in the shade when possible to avoid any meltdowns!

• Be aware of signs- Always check up on your dog to ensure their tales still wagging and they are plenty hydrated. Periodic breaks to check paw pads is also suggested, be aware of any large tearing in the paw pads. Smaller cracks on a dogs paw pads is normal but when it starts to have larger tears, be safe and head back.

After

• Ticks- We all know ticks are the hitchhiker we never asked to come with but they did anyways. Carefully check your furry friend from top to bottom (Including paws) for any uninvited guests.

• Plenty of Water- Congratulations on getting out onto the trails. I am sure you and your best friend has a blast! Now its time for both of you to hydrate up and recover from the sun and heat!

These Tips and Tricks should ensure you and your best friend stay safe and get the most out of your exploration through the Saskatchewan trails! Not every preparation step may apply to you, but this is a good first step to ensuring you and your dogs’ safety on the trails! Now get out there and soak up everything mother nature has to offer with your new hiking buddy by your side!

1000 Devils Trail by Russel Hodgins

We have a friend in town from New Zealand, so I took him down to Grasslands East Block to spend a night in the badlands:

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The Valley of 1000 Devils trail starts at the park visitor center in the East Block of Grasslands National Park and takes you into the badlands where backcountry camping is permitted. It was hot and dry with an extreme fire hazard when we backpacked into the hills, so we didn’t carry a stove and just ate a cold supper that night. In the 35-degree heat, hot food wasn’t a priority, just the scenery and that more than surpassed our expectations. The fluids we carried made up most of the weight in our packs and the park suggests each person carry 2-3 liters per day. They also point out that it can be 10 degrees hotter in this environment than other areas and it certainly lived up to it on our trip. The bonus is that when you are hiding from the sun in a patch of shade, you always have an amazing view.

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We chose the site for the tent based on the view higher up along with a steady cooling breeze. One of the difficulties in deciding where to camp was the amazing number of excellent places to put the tent. In colder weather, the tent could be set up lower down with more shelter and regardless of the wind direction, there was always a place that was out of the wind.

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Deer tracks were everywhere but they were all bedded down out of the sun during the heat of the day. We hoped to catch some moving in the evening and morning hours but surprisingly, saw none. I think our experience is not the norm but again, that might be due to the heat and the deer waited until after dark to move.

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We kept finding round balls of clay at the base of hills and it appears that rain caused the mud to be washed down, forming them on the way down. We were told that this surface turns to grease when wet and from the looks of these clay balls, it probably sticks to everything. There was a brief lightning storm during the night but only a small amount of rain came with it so we didn’t get to experience 20 pound boots on the hike out.

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Be prepared to do some climbing and while this area can be explored with a day hike, a night spent in the backcountry comes with a sunset, a sunrise and a star filled night.

Trail Communities In Saskatchewan!

Trail and Hiking Groups in Saskatchewan

Hiking, cycling, snowmobiling, running, horseback riding, whatever your method of traversing the trail, there’s others like you! Going on the trails solo can be an amazing experience but tackling a trail with others who share the same passion of exploring nature can be even better. Tackling a new trail can be a tough feat, especially for a new hiker. The Saskatchewan Trails Association strives to promote the trails and get more people out onto the trails to enjoy the beauty of nature. That’s why we put together a list of diverse trail and nature groups/clubs so you can find others who share your passion! So, pick a community you think you would enjoy, join the group, and see what adventures await! Most groups have a public and private group settings on social media, but I have found that if you request to join the group, they are all very friendly and welcoming!

 

SaskHiker- was created by Jay Brown, a Saskatchewan outdoors enthusiast as a place to spread information on everything hiking and has a great community of helpful people. SaskHiker has everything from a great community, to a great blog, and can even help you with gear reviews. You can visit SaskHiker on Facebook or visit their website at https://www.saskhiker.com/

 

Saskatoon Hiking and Skiing Meetup- is just like it sounds, a Meetup Page for people to meet new people to hike with in the summer or ski within the winter. Their page can be found on Meetup.com at: https://www.meetup.com/Saskatoon-Hiking-Skiing-Meetup/?fbclid=IwAR2RXySkreF60CpSc7IUlIPdocACz4t5Z0U1eJ4PiO1mGyB6yj6zcQOqdpA

 

#Walk1000Miles- is a private Facebook group with over 31,000 members! It is the official group for people changing their lives one step at a time through Country Walking magazine’s #walk1000miles challenge, and the most supportive group on the internet! Join to interact with others doing the same, share experiences, ideas and encouragement. You can find them on Facebook at #Walk1000Miles or at this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/walk1000miles/

 

Regina Outdoor Club- is another private Facebook group with less of a focus on trails, but more focused on just being outside in nature! The Regina Outdoor Club keeps their members up to date with tons of different outdoor activities and has plenty of members to interact with, ask questions, and learn new activities from! You can join them here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1830470487186331/

Outdoor Adventure Club (Sask)- Heading out on a day trip with room for a few extra friends? Itching to get out and do something, but need a few more people to make it happen? Have an activity/destination you always wanted to try out, but no idea where to start? Or just have a question to help you get out adventuring? This group is intended to meet new people with shared interests and build an experience-sharing community! Invite your friends! Find their Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/753504034766770/

 

Nature Saskatchewan- is a group all about, you guessed it, nature! From bird watching to trails, to tours and nature sanctuaries, Nature Saskatchewan has everything to keep you busy outside in nature! Nature Saskatchewan is a great group of individuals who love being outside and enjoying everything Saskatchewan and its wildlife have to offer. Nature Saskatchewan can be found on Facebook or their website at: https://naturesask.ca/

 

Boreal Outdoor Recreation Association (BORA) – promotes human-powered, outdoor adventure in and around La Ronge, Saskatchewan. The Boreal Outdoor Recreation Association is working to bring people together to hike/bike/snowshoe/trail run/ski/be outside, and to create and improve trails in the La Ronge area for these activities. Bora has a huge amazing community of people who simply love to hike, bike, snowshoes and more around the trails. Bora even holds a trail Tuesday where they invite the community together to share in their adventuring! You can find BORA on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/bora.laronge/

 

Meewasin- The Meewasin Valley Authority, Based out of Saskatoon, exists to ensure a healthy and vibrant river valley, with a balance between human use and conservation by providing leadership in the management of its resources; Promoting understanding, conservation and beneficial use of the Valley; and undertaking programs and projects in river valley development and conservation, for the benefit of present and future generations. Not only this but Meewasin has a fabulous community of trail users and also promotes various trail events and hikes!

 

Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club- If you are more into skiing than hiking and located around Saskatoon, the Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club is for you! The Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club is a community of enthusiastic, engaged and supportive people who are advocates for cross country skiing in Saskatoon. You can find them at: https://www.facebook.com/saskatoonnordicski/

 

Women’s 306 Outdoor Tribe- is a Facebook page dedicated to helping people connect in the great outdoors. With events like hiking, yoga and beach activities happening one or twice a month, the 306 Outdoor Tribe is a great way to dip your toes into the water and meet some phenomenal new friends! Find them here at: https://www.facebook.com/306OutdoorTribe/

 

The Lady Alliance Community- This is a place to communicate with other ladies within your community! Plan activities, car pool to The Lady Alliance events, join meet ups, ask travel advice, share personal adventures, and more! The Lady Alliance focuses on empowering women in the community while getting out into nature! Find their group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theladyalliance/?source_id=1794405767499745

 

SaskOutdoors- wants everyone to experience a deep connection with nature, play and learn outdoors, and discover how to live in harmony with their natural surroundings. Love the outdoors and want to meet a great community of people in Saskatchewan, join the group at: https://www.facebook.com/SaskOutdoorsSOEEA/

 

Women Who Explore Saskatchewan- has a goal to encourage women to believe in THEMSELVES and EACH OTHER, to bring like minded women together who love to explore and adventure, and to create a community of support and a place to share stories and experiences. Women Who Explore Saskatchewan is a Facebook page but there is also Women Who Explore Saskatoon, as well as Women Who Explore Northern Sask! Find out more at: https://www.facebook.com/womenwhoexplore/

 

AdventureHers- is an all-female, outdoor activity club based in Regina. It encourages women, of ALL ages and abilities, to participate in all outdoor and adventure activities. Some of its other outdoor adventure activities such as cross-country skiing, wilderness survival camps, snow shoeing, hiking or canoeing activities and out of province cycling destinations will be organized dependant on interest. So, if you have any adventures that you may want some company, let them know and they can try to gather some like minded individuals! Join their Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/64593015475/

 

Canoe and Kayak Saskatchewan– is the governing body for the sports of canoe/kayak racing in the disciplines of Sprint, Marathon and Whitewater as well as recreational padding including the Paddle Canada program. Canoe and Kayak Saskatchewan is a Facebook group with a friendly member base, tons of information, and everything you need to know about upcoming events! Find them on their website at http://canoekayaksask.ca/ or Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/CanoeKayakSaskatchewan/

 

Saskatchewan Cycling Association– is a volunteer non-profit association that promotes bicycling for sport, recreation, and transportation. Funded through Saskatchewan Lotteries, the SCA provides opportunities for individuals to experience all forms of cycling through its member clubs. The Saskatchewan Cycling Association has a great community to find others who love to cycle and stay up to date with cycling news in Saskatchewan. Like their page and find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/Saskatchewan-Cycling-Association-327882317318669/

 

Saskatchewan Horse Federation- Saskatchewan Horse Federation has both a Facebook page and a website dedicated to the amazing equestrian loving community. Dedicated horse loving members, tons of information, and all horse related events is a great reason to join this group and stay updated through their social media! Learn more at: https://saskhorse.ca/trail-information

 

Saskatchewan All Terrain Vehicle Association- The Saskatchewan All Terrain Vehicle Association’s (SATVA) primary mission is to promote safe and responsible use of the ATV’s in Sask. and to promote ATV trails. SATVA has both a public Facebook page to promote safety, and a private group to connect individuals who love ATV’s, talk about trails, share events, and discuss all things ATV’s! Find their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/saskatv/ or visit their website at http://www.satva.ca/

 

Off Road Syndicate- is a community of spirited individuals that crave the outdoors, horsepower, welding smoke, time spent in the shop, campfires, beer, and whiskey. Its website offers the gear you’ll want in the woods, and our events bring people together for good times. Our recipe is a mix of dirt, rock, engines, speed (or lack of), trail building, and the great outdoors. If this community sounds like fun to you, you can find them at: https://www.facebook.com/offroadsyndicate/

 

Jeep Saskatchewan- Jeep Saskatchewan is a fairly new but extremely quickly growing group of individuals who love their Jeeps, Love their community, love hosting amazing events but even more so, they love hitting the trails, pits, waters, and mud. With one of the friendliest and most helpful communities around, I had to add this community to the list for those trail enthusiasts who own a Jeep. Find them at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2364817920412817/!

 

Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association (SaskSnow) –is full of great people and great information. From trails to parts to events, you can find it all here on their website https://www.sasksnow.com/ or find them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/sask.snow/

 

FatLanders FatTire Brigade- FatLanders FatTire Brigade is a group dedicated to the riding of FatBikes in Saskatoon SK Canada. We are Saskatchewan’s first recognized FatBike specific cycling club and, at least that we know of, the only one in Canada. Come join us and discover the pure joy and pleasures of riding on snow and sand in and around Saskatoon. Join the group and learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/447916948562568/

 

We have tons of great communities throughout Saskatchewan to meet new people and share in you travels. Most if not all of these groups are run by passionate people who love the outdoors and support the creation and maintenance of Saskatchewan trails. By now you should have found at least one group you can relate to. This list of different communities should contain groups for every type of trail user. I am sure I have missed some great communities so feel free to email me at Parker.Piper@SaskTrails.com. Have a great summer and Trail On!

 

 

Survey Results & Outcomes

We recently distributed a survey to many members of the trail and hiking community. This survey was sent in order to receive information on how we can make trails a better and safer experiences for users and operators. We received considerable feedback on various issues and we will be reviewing the best approaches to deal with these issues. Thanks to all those who took the time to complete the “Trail User” or the “Trail Operator” Surveys. Some of the issues that were identified include:

 

Number of Trails in Saskatchewan

Issue: Many people indicated that Saskatchewan does not have an adequate number of trails. This could also be due to lack of knowledge of current trails. Walking and running are leading for use of trails but just barely, snowmobiling, ATVing, skiing, and cycling all follow very close behind.

Outcome: We would all love more trails in Saskatchewan. Unfortunately, it is a long and expensive process to build new trails and continue to maintain them. We are working on building new trails in the future, as well as reopening and maintaining current trails, but we also want to focus on educating the trail community on all of the currently operational trails. The survey showed mixed results to where new trails should be made, but there was a consensus that new trails and methods to find new trails should be made. We have been promoting the STA’s trail directory and other sources to find trails on social media as well as the blog and newsletter. One person suggested “The park could sponsor family biking days, where local bike shops take groups out for training rides.” This could work if more trail directors ran event days to spread awareness about trails like Meewasin does. Diversity in the trails is required, both longer day trails and short trails requested with varying difficulty.

 

Safety

Issue: For the most part, the majority of survey takers felt safe on the trails, the few whom didn’t suggesting culling wild hogs, more shelters in Prince Albert National Park, and drinking and driving checks for snowmobilers and ATVers.

Outcome: We will be looking into the possibilities of finding solutions for these problems as well as educating trail users on how to avoid these issues to begin with!

Signage

Issue: The general consensus on signage was that it is all right and is somewhat adequate. Many commented they would like more signage, maps, and signs to show Point of Interests (POIs) on their journey. Most people search for trails using internet and word of mouth with few using trail guides or apps. There should be more promotion of the STA’s trail directory and resources blog as people will find it easier to access the info they are looking for. The info people want to know about parks is their location, condition reports, maps, snow condition, and trail descriptions.

Outcome: We will continue to promote information like trail locations, reports, maps, and descriptions as well as working with trail operators and various trails to improve signage and make them aware of the issues in order to better solve these issues.

ATV Use

Issue: There seems to be disagreement between two groups of people in regard to ATV use. One side argues there are not enough ATV trails and information while others argue that ATVers wreck the trails, are dangerous and don’t respect the land. Drinking and riding laws and enforcement was also brought up multiple times.

Outcome: This is a difficult issue to address. Many people have suggested various plans or ideas to fix this problem. Currently, we are gathering more information and opinions in order to see all points of view and do what we can to address this particular issue.

 

Maintenance

Issue: Many trail users pointed out that there are trails that are not being maintained whether the damage be from ATVs, weather, litter, or just usage. The lack of maintenance makes these trails less enjoyable, more difficult to use, or completely unusable.

Outcome: Maintenance is a large job. Many trails rely on user groups and volunteers to clean up and assist in maintaining the trails. This is an issue that is directly linked to trail budgets and that we will be further looking into and discussing with trail operators to find a solution for.

 

Leave No Trace

One survey respondent recommended it would be nice to see Saskatchewan adopt the Leave No Trace principles on all their trails. www.leavenotrace.ca. This could potentially decrease some of the maintenance issues.

 

Outcome: We also want to learn more about any possible ways to improve the quality of Saskatchewan trails so we will be looking further into these possibilities.

Amenities

Issue: Lack of amenities was something that appeared a few times in the survey. Lack of washrooms and garbage cans often create unneeded waste being disposed of on the trails. This creates a larger need for trail maintenance which is already lacking. Amenities such as washrooms, garbage and shelters would alleviate some of the issues trail users are having and make it easier to hold various events.

Outcome: We will be reviewing these findings to determine the best steps to do what we can to address this issue. In the future we are looking at growing the amenities at various trails to help keep trails clean and promote events.

 

Operator Concerns

Issue: Trail operators have some concerns and issues including maintenance, budgeting, and consistent grants. We also heard about the difficulties being faced and potential fixes to some of the problems.

Outcome: We will be taking in this info for further evaluation and continuing discussion with trail operators on how we can find solutions to these issue and better work together with the community to improve the trails throughout Saskatchewan.

 

Conclusion

The one thing everybody seemed to agree on was that they enjoyed using trails and trails are a great activity for groups and families! We are working on taking all of the info we received from you and using it to identify the largest issues and the best plans of attack to combat these issues. Thanks to your help, we are hopefully going to be able to make the trails a greater experience for all users. We love to see trail users out on the trail enjoying their time in nature and soaking up everything trails have to offer. Keep it up and trail on!