From Greg Hartman, ACC Edmonton Environment and Access Coordinator
ACC Edmonton has joined the Alberta Hiking Association (AHA) as an organizational member alongside more than 20 other hiking and outdoor clubs. The AHA is the voice of hikers in the province and a strong advocate for access to trails and protection of surrounding landscapes. The AHA is a recognized stakeholder at meetings with tourism, industry, and government, and represents the interests of hikers as a member of the Alberta Trails Council.
AHA’s advocacy is important as development, and the increased intensity of outdoor recreation puts pressure on Alberta’s parks and public land. In particular, following the proclamation of the Alberta Trails Act (2022) which recognizes trails on crown land and designates motorised or non-motorized use, the AHA has been working with local groups to register hiking trails.
In addition to advocacy, the AHA organises trail maintenance initiatives, provides hiking information and hiking safety training, publishes a newsletter, and has an active Facebook Group that can be a great source of current information.
ACC Edmonton members may consider supporting the AHA by joining the organization ($10 annual membership renewed every April) and getting involved in their trail maintenance and trail registration activities. In particular, the AHA is currently looking for volunteers to provide trial conditions reporting in the David Thompson Corridor (see attached poster).
Links:
AHA website: https://abhiking.ca/
AHA Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/albertahiking/
