By Gary Pearson, Calgary Herald March 27, 2010
 
A s a new trail was unveiled in Fish Creek's west end Friday, officials warned that those who venture off the designated track will face stiff fines.

The single track officially opened on Woodpath Road S.W. at the mouth of the west end of Fish Creek. It is designed primarily for mountain bikers, winding 14 kilometres east from one side of the park to the other, ending just short of Macleod Trail.

Debbie Cole-Gauer, executive director of the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society said mountain bike riders, snowshoers, hikers and cross-country skiers will reap the benefits of the soft-surfaced track without degrading the park's ecosystem.

"For almost a decade, the west end of this park has been ravaged by offshore trail biking," said A Cole-Gauer. "More than 50 unauthorized trails have been closed," she said. Signs have been posted and five kiosks with maps have been placed along the trail for educational purposes.

The governments of Canada and Alberta invested $126,000 in the project and worked with the National Trails Coalition and the Friends of Fish Creek to bring the trail -- four years in the making -- to life.

Jim Stomp, district manager for Fish Creek, said off-track biking has been prohibited for two years and causes major damage to the park's ecosystem.

Wildlife is scared off, erosion occurs and vegetation is lost, he said.

He warned that officers will be on patrol and warning people to stay on the designated track through the summer but after that, users who veer off face a fine of $172.

About three million people use the park each year.

© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald

The Bow and the Elbow rivers are the source of drinking water for many Albertans, including Calgarians. Rainwater and snowmelt that enter Calgary"s stormater system carry sediment and debris from roofs, lawns, roadways, pavement and construction sites to our rivers. This affects the health of our streams, rivers and the land sourounding them. You are invited to a information session to learn about the project. Representatives from The City of Calgary and their consultants will be able to answer any questions. Brochure; Storm Water Fish Creek.pdf (985.24 kb)

Tuesday June 24, 2008, 5-8 PM, Peace lutheran Church, 14640-6th Street S.W.