~~Saskatchewan Trails Association~~

Welcome to the Saskatchewan Trails Association Website

IN THE NEWS:

Be Heard: Join the National Dialogue on Trails!

The National Trails Roundtable is calling on all Canadians who use motorized and non-motorized recreational trails, or who develop, build, maintain, fund or advocate for trails in their provinces, territories, regions or communities, to give their input by responding to the National Trails Survey.

This Survey has been prepared by the National Trails Roundtable following a meeting of trail enthusiasts from all parts of Canada in November 2010.

The objectives of this Survey are to determine the most important challenges and priorities of Canadians who care about trails, to see where there is general agreement and to identify areas for potential collaboration.

More information on the National Trails Roundtable is included below, and to access the survey, click here.

Please have a copy of the National Trails Roundtable Summary Report on hand while completing the survey. The report can be accessed on the following websites:

This is an ideal way to send your message about trails to policy makers and managers who make key decisions about trails across Canada. Have your voice heard, complete the survey!

Background on National Trails Roundtable

In November 2010 trail leaders from across Canada participated in a two day National Trails Roundtable workshop in Banff Alberta. This workshop was attended by delegates from all provinces and territories, most of whom are volunteers and advocates for trails.

This Roundtable Conference was initiated and organized by TransCanada Trail and Parks Canada, both of which also provided funding for certain events during the conference. The objective of the conference was to determine if greater collaboration among trail groups at the national level would benefit trails. Participants in the workshop concluded that collaboration between stakeholder groups must become a high priority.

Over the two days, delegates developed their vision for trails throughout Canada and agreed on many shared values. These include safety, education, diversity, accessibility, cooperation, inclusiveness, volunteer and community involvement, health, and the environment.

The delegates agreed in principle collaboration between trail stakeholders, a higher profile for trails, increased funding and resources, respectful conduct on trails, a free flow of information and interaction are crucial to the benefit of trails.

The delegates identified ten areas with challenges: Government involvement, funding, fragmentation of the trails sector, user group conflict, land use, marketing, trail building and maintenance, education and engagement, risk management, and environmental stewardship.

The Roundtable has published a comprehensive Report with the results of the workshop. A working group has been formed to engage trail stakeholders and follow up on the issues identified during the workshop. A Summary Report has also been prepared and a Trail User Survey has been structured to solicit input from as many trail groups and users as possible across Canada.

The Roundtable Workshop ended on a high note with unanimous agreement on the need for more collaboration on virtually all issues concerning trails throughout Canada.

Global Snowmobile Sales on the Rise

The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has released information regarding global snowmobile sales trends. Across Europe, North America and Russia sales of new machines increased over the 2010-2011 season. The number of machines registered has also increased. ISMA has identified an increasing interest in snowmobiling among people aged 19 to 35, and an exceptionally cold and snowy winter as driving forces behind increased sales.

For more information, click here to view the ISMA media release.

A Truly Cross-Country Trail

On Apr. 9 at its 2011 annual general meeting, STA entered into an agreement with the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) to develop the portion of the trail that will span Saskatchewan. As a result of this agreement, signed by STA president Cathy Watts, and TCT president and CEO Deborah Apps, the STA is part of the Territorial and Provincial Advisory Council (TPAC). In February 2011 TCT and TPAC adopted the 2017 Connection Plan, which sets priorities and timelines for the development of the trail.

Completion of the trail is projected for 2017, the year that will mark 150 years since Canadian Confederation, and 25 years since the trail project was first debuted. The portion of the trail in Saskatchewan is underdeveloped compared to the rest of the country, and for this reason the agreement between STA and TCT comes not a moment too soon.

"There is a lot of work for us to do," said Watts. "It will be a challenge to get the trail done by 2017, but we're excited to get to work. The Trans Canada Trail is an exciting project and it will be an amazing resource once it is finished.

By entering into this agreement, STA has assumed responsibility to meet the 2017 deadline for the trail in Saskatchewan. STA will act as liaison to TCT, providing regular updates as to the trail's progress and any other relevant information. STA will work with TCT in fostering relations with the Government of Saskatchewan, aiming to secure an MOU with the Province regarding the trail. STA has also agreed to play an active role in building the trail by charting the trail's course, and identifying, organizing and assisting trail development groups. Marketing and publicizing the trail falls under the purview of the STA, which will work with TCT, the Government of Saskatchewan and other stakeholders to ensure the province's people are aware of the project.

TCT has agreed to provide funding to STA in exchange for the work on the trail to be done by STA.

"I'm very happy to be working with the Saskatchewan Trails Association," said TCT President and CEO Deborah Apps, "and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship."

A Web of Trails

With the Government of Saskatchewan on board, STA is launching into a new era of trail accessibility and internet capability.

The provincial government recently agreed to provide funding for the STA Trail Inventory Project, which is designed to connect individuals with trails in their area, and provide a foundation for future trail development.

STA will be gathering information on trails across Saskatchewan to complie into a database, which will appear on the STA website (www.sasktrails.ca) in a searchable format.

"A person in Nipawin, for example, will be able to search the database to see what trails are available in that area of the province," said STA administrator Pat Rediger, "and further to that they will be able to see which of those trails are appropriate for cycling, hiking, ATVing or whatever their interest may be."

By linking the database to the websites of strategic partners, such as Tourism Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan in motion, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and others, the database will advertise trails in the province. The database, however, is much more than a marketing tool.

By drawing together information on all of Saskatchewan's trails, the Trail Inventory Project will provide a province-wide snapshot of the state of trails. This snapshot will provide a base for the future development of trails. Gaps in the trail system, exceptionally maintained trails and particularly well-used trails will be identified. Trails will be funded on a rational basis, with a clear picture of where money will be most effectively spent. With the Trail Inventory Project, STA is making an effort to research the current trail situation, identify specific goals, and then make a concerted effort to attain those goals.

"The Trail Inventory Project marks a new era for trails in Saskatchewan," said STA president Cathy Watts. "Our province is full of wonderful trails and I'm thrilled we're taking this important step to tell people about them."