In an effort to manage an inventory of sustainable trails in our area, HMBA has outlined some key steps that are needed before new trails, or re-routes to existing trails, are built. There is also concern that, although more trails would be super cool to add to our existing trail systems, they do increase the amount of trails HMBA's volunteers have to maintain!!
If enthusiastic trail builders would like to build an authorized trail:
- The idea needs to be presented at an HMBA board meeting. Contact us at info@bikehinton.com to find out when the next meeting will occur. Trail suggestions/ideas are compared against the existing Trail Master Plan and approved by the HMBA Board.
- If accepted, HMBA will help the builders apply for a TFA (Temporary Field Authorization) with the Alberta Government on the condition that the builders agree to provide maintenance on the trail in the future.
- Any trail within the Town of Hinton town boundary also requires approval.
- For re-routes, previous areas have to be reclaimed, blocked off and returned to it's natural state.
- HMBA has various tools that can be loaned out to members for approved trail building initiatives.
These steps ensure that renegade building does not become a liability for HMBA and that the responsibility for maintenance does not fall back on HMBA to expend resources and energy on a potentially poorly built trail. We are aware that certain illegal trails have been grandfathered in the HMBA systems but moving forward, there is a process in place that will be followed. In extreme cases, renegade building may be reported to the ESRD and the Town of Hinton.
