Experiences (Newsletter)

New Partnership Initiative Moves Trail Management Forward

A recent memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Parks Canada and the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is focusing attention on cycling in our national parks. The agreement, which emphasizes trail management, will provide visitors with an array of educational, volunteer and stewardship opportunities.

Mark Schmidt, IMBA Canada director and a trail specialist with years of experience, says his organization is excited about this collaboration. "Both parties will be able to accomplish a lot more. Parks Canada has embraced the IMBA as a leading resource for trails, and we are delighted to share our knowledge."

Creating, enhancing and preserving trails for mountain bikers are key objectives for IMBA Canada, Schmidt adds. "We develop and manage multi-use trails that can be shared by hikers, bikers and horseback riders."

Parks Canada's overarching objective with the agreement is to increase its knowledge about how to build, manage and share trails in protected places so they can be enjoyed in ways that leave them unimpaired so that today's and tomorrow's generations can enjoy them also.

"Access to internationally recognized trail expertise will help Parks Canada offer amazing experiences in the incredible places we manage", says Ed Jager of Parks Canada's External Relations and Visitor Experience Directorate.

"Recreational trails are important assets and are a key part of the visitor experience"' he adds. "This summer we are holding workshops at a number of sites across the country. During the sessions, IMBA staff members pass on the latest trail management trends and methods to our trail crews, who actually put them into practice and build trails. It becomes clear very quickly that IMBA Canada has a great deal of knowledge and expertise."