The beautiful recreation areas of the Kananaskis are a beloved destination for many outdoor enthusiasts. However, Spray Lakes Sawmills (S.L.S.) has announced their intention to clearcut large areas that directly overlap some of the most popular trails. 

Though the sawmill has not yet released specific plans for their harvest,  rough plans have surfaced that indicate the East facing slope of the Moose Mountain Trail System, and the South facing slope of the West Bragg Creek Trail System are to be cleared.  This will mean the user experience on trails in those areas will change from forested to a clearcut.  

The list of potentially effected trails as we currently understand the plans: Snagmore, Sugar Daddy, Sugar Pony, Iron Springs, Elbow, Sugar Mama, Fullerton Loop, Bobcat, Tom Snow, Ridge Backs, Special K, Race of Spades, 7-27 and a few other trails that the trail societies have on their multi-year plans.

These trails have been created through several means; thousands of volunteer man hours, user group fundraising, government grants, and government built and maintained trails.  The usership has grown so large between hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners and equestrian users that the Alberta Government has had to significantly increase parking facilities in the immediate area over the past few years.

The area is considered a recreational oasis, conveniently located ~30 minutes from the edge of the City of Calgary.  There is no reason why this harvest should proceed when it will be so significantly impactful to its massive usership. Hundreds of people (thousands on weekends) access these areas daily for relaxation, fitness, social interaction and mental health.

Not only will the tree harvest negatively impact the natural beauty of these areas, the noise and disruption caused by logging trucks and machinery will detract from the peaceful atmosphere that draws so many people to Kananaskis.

We urge S.L.S. to reconsider their plans to harvest these areas.  They will be negatively effecting so many lives if they proceed.

We urge the Government of Alberta to intercede and stop this from happening. Although this area has been slated for harvest for many years, the way that the area has evolved as a recreational hot-spot must surely take precedence.

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