ATVing, a sport that is enjoyed by many, has the potential to be hazardous to the environment unless the necessary precautions are taken by all. In the Crowsnest Pass on the Deadman’s Trail, a recreational bridge crossing over Allison Creek was destroyed some years ago and recreational users had been forced to drive across the creek bed ever since. This was negatively impacting trout spawning beds—but that shouldn’t be a concern anymore.
A combined effort
With volunteer work by members of the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad Association, a $7,500 grant from the Alberta Conservation Association and financial support from Devon Canada, a new engineered bridge over Allison Creek was completed this fall. The new bridge has enhanced accessibility to other quadding areas and benefited the environment. Debbie Reeves, the program manager for the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad, said the previous bridge had been destroyed for many years, and not having a bridge there was affecting the animals and water life and made it dangerous for people to cross at certain times of the year.
“There is a history to this project and there is always a reason that we choose the trails and the bridges that we do,” said Reeves. “The bridge itself was totally destroyed; it was an old wooden bridge that got washed out. So, for years people have had to ford the creek to quad in that area, which was the main impetus for getting the grant and putting that bridge in there—to get the users out of the water —that was our first initiative.”
Reeves said because of the heavy use of the recreational trails in the area, having a functional bridge was a necessity.
“That whole area through Allison Creek is heavily accessed by ATVs, hikers and equestrian traffic,” said Reeves. “Our goal was to replace the old washed-out wooden structure with a 50-foot engineered bridge to provide users with a creek crossing which would eliminate the need to ford the creek and negate the damage to the creek and watershed—that was our No. 1 reason. By putting the bridge in, we enhanced the accessibility for all users of the trail system along Allison Creek by providing a way to cross the creek.”
Have bridge, will travel
Reeves said that the recreational users of the trail systems around Allison Creek and beyond have been very supportive and proactive in reducing the environmental impact of recreational activities.
“The users out there are noticing that the bridge is in place and they are using it and commenting on it all the time,” said Reeves. “Our ATV traffic is very respectful of the bridging that is going in and they are very educated about it. A lot of them, when they are out riding, will call us and let us know about an area that needs improving or a bridge that has been damaged from spring washouts. They are very proactive and when they do see a bridge in place they are using it.”
Reeves is happy to see the new bridge getting a lot of use, but cautioned that it cannot be driven over by anything bigger than an ATV because of its width.
“The bridge is designed with the max 65-inch inside width,” said Reeves, “so that eliminates anything wider than an ATV. They are not designed for vehicle traffic.”
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