The Margaret Lake trail system in the Waiparous Valley of the Ghost PLUZ is a popular trail for both 4x4 users, ATV's and dirt bikes. The trail itself has a variety of off-road obstacles that make it fun for users of all skill levels, and is one of the few trails that is usable year-round. Margaret Lake itself is a destination for day use, camping and anyone looking to enjoy a quiet day of fishing, hiking, kayaking etc. Traffic to the lake has significantly increased over the last number of years due to its proximity to Calgary. Unfortunately, this has also led to significant environmental damage to the area surrounding the lake.
Margaret Lake is home to a number of aquatic species, including native Westslope Cutthroat Trout, which is a threatened species in Alberta. Increased vehicle traffic has led to contaminated water draining into the lake. Garbage, food and human waste have become a danger to the wildlife and aquatic species. Last year due to low water levels, there were vehicle tracks all the way around the lake and donut rings visible in shallow water. They say that perception is everything. Unfortunately, it is perceived that many users do not care about the sustainability of the lake or its surroundings. This has led to the trail leading to the lake being at risk of getting shut down at marker 139. That is, unless something can be done about the problems.
Last summer T4T met with a number of stakeholders from CalgaryATV Rider Association (CARA), Ghost Watershed Alliance Society (GWAS) and Trout Unlimited alongside Alberta environment and parks. Together we have developed a multistage plan to keep the trail and access to the lake open for future generations. This starts by restricting motorized access down to the lake shore and rehabilitating the area around the lake. T4T understands that anytime restrictions are proposed, it can appear as if we are working against the wishes of the 4x4 community. Make no mistake that we are doing this to preserve access to the lake for future generations. Without something being done, we WILL lose access to this trail.
CARA and T4T are working on a joint multi-phase project out at Margaret Lake starting this fall. Our plan is to work with environmental groups to revitalize the lake and make it a destination for all trail users. Our ultimate vision would be to turn Margaret Lake into something like you might find at a BC recreation site. This will include designated camp sites that meet provincial and environmental regulations, including a pit style outhouse. At the lake, we plan to have a day use area for everyone to enjoy.
We recently received approval for our initial work plan, which is restricting motorized access to the shoreline so that our partner environmental groups can begin their work around the lake. This will include removing the trail down to the shore and putting up a fence at the parking area. A foot access only gate will be installed near the current entrance. You will still be able to walk down to the lake from the parking lot area, go fishing, and enjoy the mountain views.
It is our hope that by demonstrating to the province that we as a community are able to address their concerns, we can keep more trails open and start working on new 4x4 trails.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at INFO@TRAILS4TOMORROW.CA or check out our website WWW.TRAILS4TOMORROW.CA