The Friends of Kananaskis Country is thrilled to have been selected to receive a significant grant from Alberta Environment and Parks. The $100,000 grant to maintain and grow our organization, recognizes FKC’s 25-year partnership with AEP.
Since 1996, FKC staff, board and volunteers have devoted thousands of hours to the preservation and stewardship of this unique and storied landscape, and to enhancing Kananaskis Country’s amazing trail-based recreation opportunities to the benefit of both Albertans and millions of visitors. This support from the province is a tremendous gift to our organization as we look forward to the next 25 years, and beyond, of giving back to Kananaskis Country through our volunteer trail projects and educational initiatives to ensure that future generations can continue to experience what we enjoy today.
“As more Albertans and tourists seek outdoor recreation and nature-based opportunities, there is a need to maintain the aspects that make this region so attractive for recreationalists and tourists alike. The Friends of Kananaskis Country is excited and committed to enhance our programs that enable volunteers to help protect Kananaskis Country’s natural environment and maintain trail-based recreation,” says Co-Chair, Derek Ryder.
This support will help us advance the proposals we submitted to expand our Trail Care program and grow our work in the Public Land Use Zone. We look forward to sharing these new plans with our members and volunteers in the coming months.
Nancy Ouimet, Executive Director, says “We are always looking at ways to leverage our trail stewardship impact, enrich volunteer opportunities, and offer the best volunteer Trail Care program possible. This grant will allow us to build on our successes, and enable an organizational step change, for the greater benefit of Kananaskis trails and the user experience.”
The awarding of similar grants to other trail association reflects the province’s understanding of, and commitment to, supporting sustainable trail-based recreation in Alberta. We look forward to continuing to work and liaise with these organizations to our mutual benefit.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Government of Alberta for this tremendous support, and for recognizing our ongoing and long-term commitment towards Kananaskis Country.
