The beautiful recreation areas of the Kananaskis are a beloved destination for many outdoor enthusiasts. However, West Fraser Timber (formerly Spray Lakes Sawmills) 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.  

UPDATE APRIL 2024

The logging plan maps have now been released and the trails on the South side of West Bragg and East side of Moose Mountain are significantly affected.

The list of affected trails: West Bragg Side - Fullerton Loop, Sugar Daddy, Sugar Mama, Bobcat, Sugar Pony, Ranger Summit, "Slithering Owl's"  official replacement, as well as Snowy Owl, Boundary and Elbow Loop.  Moose Mountain - Pneuma, Sulphur Springs, 7-27, Race of Spades plus one new climb trail and one DH trail that are as yet unnamed or opened but are almost complete and have been on the plans and in development for 5 years.

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 West Fraser to reconsider their plans to harvest these areas.  They will be negatively affecting 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.

Please sign and share broadly, Do not "promote" it on this website. No monetary contribution is required for promotion.  Word of mouth is sufficient.

VISIT WWW.GROWKANANASKIS.COM for more information and instructions on further actions.