WHEREAS the Recreation Corridors Legislative Review Committee has released its report;AND WHEREAS a brief study of the report does not appear to have any positive outcome for rural landowners;AND WHEREAS the report repeatedly hints at a need for government (i.e. taxpayer) involvement;AND WHEREAS many references are made to public use in various means on the proposed trails, but no clearly defined system for control of off-trail disturbances or any enforcement is outlined;AND WHEREAS the report does not provide a clearly defined system for farmers and ranchers to have access across these trails if land is held on both sides of a corridor;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties urge the provincial government not to support the recreational corridor movement for rural trails without further consultation with affected landowners regarding the use, maintenance and potential nuisance of these trails.

This resolution originated from the Alberta Surface Rights Federation. Over time numerous concerns have been expressed regarding the nuisance and off-trail disturbances that users of a recreational corridor can create for owners of adjacent rural properties. Rural residents and jurisdictions have repeatedly expressed their concerns that those using the corridor may not respect the adjacent properties, fence lines, livestock, or the trail itself. The ongoing maintenance and supervision of the trails has not been adequately addressed. Also, local municipalities are not satisfied that the Legislative Review Committee has thoroughly reviewed pertinent issues such as liability and ultimate responsibility for the trail system.

The AAMDC has no resolutions currently in effect with respect to this issue.At the Fall 2001 Convention, delegates defeated resolution 21-01F, supporting the formation of municipal trail planning committees. The committees were proposed to include 2/3 membership of ratepayers from a municipality and directed by municipalities. The proposal further elaborated that the committees were to examine the needs or desires for public recreation trails in municipalities, the route, or routes, of potential public recreation trails and restrictions and conditions for potential public recreation trails.