Opening of Reeve’s Ravine Trail and the Escarpment of Riding Mountain Area Strategy Open House

Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba, September 22, 2013 -- On behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Robert Sopuck, Member of Parliament for Dauphin–Swan River–Marquette, today celebrated the opening of the Reeve’s Ravine Trail, a new multi-use non-motorized recreation trail on the east side of Riding Mountain National Park.

“Trails inspire Canadians to get active, stay fit and see the wilderness,” said Mr. Sopuck. “This project is a fine example of community members, bike enthusiasts, First Nations and the Government of Canada working together to ensure visitors are provided with incredible opportunities to discover, experience, and learn about this beautiful escarpment area.”

Reeve’s Ravine, an 11.5-km loop trail that rises 165 meters (541 feet) from the trailhead to the summit, presents many dramatic views of the seemingly endless Manitoba lowlands spread out below. Designed with the help of the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) and the Manitoba Escarpment Trail Society, the trail aims to deliver quality recreational experiences and improve safety for both hikers and mountain bikers, while limiting environmental impacts.

Parks Canada also held an Escarpment of Riding Mountain Area Strategy public open house to raise awareness and celebrate the richness of the Escarpment area. Developed by Parks Canada, the Escarpment of Riding Mountain Advisory Board and community members, the goal of the Escarpment of Riding Mountain Area Strategy is to work with others to provide quality visitor experiences within and adjacent to Riding Mountain National Park, as reflected in projects like the Reeve’s Ravine Trail.

Recognizing the importance of tourism in Riding Mountain National Park and surrounding areas, the Government of Canada is working closely with partners, organizations and individuals to bring life to this region: to discover, experience and learn about the escarpment area in a manner that protects it for future generations. Parks Canada highly values the passion and interest that community members demonstrated as they shared their knowledge through workshops, open houses and an online survey.

“Parks Canada has a strong record of cooperating with partners and stakeholders,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “It is leading the way in our communities in Canada, and internationally, in providing opportunities for real and inspiring experiences.”

Parks Canada works to ensure Canada’s historic and natural heritage is protected and, through a network of 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites and four national marine conservation areas, invites Canadians and people around the world to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery at our treasured natural and historic places.

For more information, please visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca/riding.

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Information:
Rae Kingdon
Public Relations & Communications Officer
Riding Mountain National Park
Parks Canada
204-848-7248

Backgrounders associated with this News Release.

Escarpment of Riding Mountain Area Strategy
Reeve’s Ravine Trail in Riding Mountain National Park