I have been following the negative articles and letters to the editor in the Gazette regarding the River Lot 56 Natural Area and I would like to clarify some misconceptions held by many of the writers.
I have visited the area occasionally in the summer so I recently decided to spend an afternoon cross-country skiing there. I met several people on the trail who stopped to chat, including a young couple who were walking and pulling their infant on a sled. All were obviously enjoying the natural beauty that the area has to offer. Albertans are fortunate to have this small area set aside so they can enjoy what is left of a natural parkland habitat. They can thank a small group of dedicated volunteer stewards who were responsible for getting the area designated a natural area and who continue to work under the Parks Volunteer Stewardship Program maintaining and managing the site. However, the stewards are under no obligation to provide the public with manicured trails in a natural area. The public expect to use trails in natural areas for hiking and skiing in a natural state. River Lot 56 stewards have gone beyond expectations by having the trails mowed.
Unfortunately, there are a number of people who do not understand the difference between a natural area and a public playground. Natural areas, as defined on the provincial parks’ website, have been established to “preserve and protect sites of local significance and provide opportunities for low impact recreation and nature orientated activities.” Signs at River Lot 56 explain the significance of the natural area and point out significant flora and fauna that can be found along the trails. Other signs indicate that certain activities, such as bringing your pets, are not appropriate for a small natural area because of the negative impacts on vegetation, wildlife and the enjoyment and safety of other users.
There has recently been some misleading information printed in the Gazette from disgruntled and uninformed individuals who want wider trails for skate skiing. River Lot 56 is a provincially protected area, not a competitive ski facility. With all the development in the community and surrounding area, it becomes even more important to preserve this natural habitat. Let’s demonstrate to all Albertans the importance of protecting River Lot 56 and all provincial natural areas for today and future generations. The public is welcome to use River Lot 56 trails for cross-country skiing and from my recent experience they are doing just that!
So treasure your natural areas! Your children and grandchildren will thank you for it!
Alison Dinwoodie, Edmonton
