Be sure to share this information with your family and friends - anyone who rides an OHV anywhere in the province of Alberta.
Government Releases
North Saskatchewan
Regional Advisory Council (RAC) Report
The North Saskatchewan Regional Advisory Council (RAC) was appointed to provide the Government of Alberta with advice for developing the North Saskatchewan Regional Plan. The report was submitted to the government on May 28, 2015 and released to the public on March 8, 2018.
Of particular interest and importance to the OHV user community are recommendations that will help ensure “The quality of life of residents is enhanced through increased opportunities for recreation, active living, and the preservation and promotion of the region’s unique cultural and natural heritage.” As stated inthe Recommendations Document from the North Saskatchewan Regional Advisory Council
Public Consultation Now Open: Complete the Survey
Albertans are invited to provide their input on the RAC recommendations to help government develop the regional plan. The online survey is open until May 4, 2018.
Questions requiring careful consideration
The survey is structured for comments only - no multiple choice, yes/no, or true/false questions. As such, it is important that you take the time to consider and explain your perspective when providing your comments.
The following survey questions are most relevant to OHV use and open camping:
Please provide your comments related to the RAC’s recommendations on proposed conservation areas.
As the Government of Alberta considers these recommendations, do you have any comments related to the proposed changes in outdoor recreation use?
As the Government of Alberta considers these recommendations, do you have any comments related to these recommendations around tourism development?
You may want to incorporate some of the feedback we have received from OHV users. They have told us that they:
want to ensure continued access and multi-use recreational opportunities in the areas included in the North Saskatchewan Regional Plan
support the AOHVA 4-Point Plan for environmentally Responsible OHV Use, a plan that is aligned with the RAC recommendations
support the efforts of AOHVA as the provincial stakeholder group for OHV users in Alberta
AOHVA supports key aspects of the RAC Report relevant to OHV use.
First and foremost, the RAC Report does NOT recommend reducing or eliminating OHV use on public land.
Additionally, it recognizes that there is a need to implement existing policies and regulations, something that can go a long way to reducing many of today's issues.
AOHVA agrees with a number of key recommendations made by the RAC
Increase engagement and participation with recreation and industry players and municipalities.
Delegate responsibility for recreation management to well-established and responsible user groups, such as recreational OHV clubs or associations to support planning of areas and monitoring of use, manage trails.
Designate trails for different sizes and types of off-highway vehicles; developing a regional trail system plan in collaboration and co-ordination with stakeholders.
Put a recreation management program in place that includes the three E’s: enforcement, education and engineering.
RAC Report aligns with the AOHVA 4-Point Plan for Environmentally Responsible OHV Use
AOHVA’s understanding of and appreciation for the over-arching outdoor experience OHV users and their families seek in combination with our expertise in developing, managing and maintaining shared trail networks have been developed through years of active stewardship in the region. AOHVA, as a strong partner with the provincial government and municipalities can deliver a much needed, viable solution – a solution that encapsulates many recommendations of the RAC.
AOHVA 4-Point Plan for Environmentally Responsible OHV Use
Our plan strikes a balance between environmental stewardship and sustainable recreation management, with a commitment to:
All backcountry users are invited to attend a town hall meeting in Rocky Mountain House.
Thursday, March 22
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Lou Soppit Community Centre
4733 54th Ave.
Rocky Mountain House, Alberta Canada + Google Map
Join us to learn about the latest developments and discuss both issues and solutions with regards to recreation in the Bighorn Backcountry. Find out what various user groups have to say and see what you can do to help preserve and protect your opportunity to enjoy our natural landscapes.
It was a packed house at the Dovercourt Town Hall meeting on February 7, 2018.
Watch the video here... Part one Part two
JOIN US in our efforts to raise awareness of important issues impacting OHV use on public lands.
