FORT MCMURRAY (660 NEWS) – A unique interpretive trail will soon be built in Fort McMurray.
Areas of the Birchwood trail system in Thickwood near Cornwall Drive will be turned into the ‘FireSmart Interpretive Trail’.
According to a press release from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, it will be a way for residents to connect with nature and will include play areas for kids.
Furthermore, it will provide valuable information on fire prevention.
There will be a large demonstration area and a home construction area to educate homeowners on FireSmart materials.
Trail users can also learn about Wood Buffalo’s ecology and how to protect the area from wildfires.
“Surrounded by the boreal forest, we must live with risk of wildfire in our region,” said Regional Emergency Services Fire Chief Jody Butz.
“By incorporating FireSmart practices we mitigate this threat. Through real world examples, this interpretative trail will show people how they can join that effort.”
Construction on the $1.2 million project will begin this month and is expected to be finished in October.
“The development is supported by a grant from the Canadian Red Cross and aligns with the RMWB Wildfire Mitigation Strategy,” reads the RMWB press release.
