Wildlife Cameras

This year we received a grant from the MD of Bighorn to install three wildlife trail cameras in the Back 40, to help us learn more about the animals that live in and travel through our trail system. The first video footage is now available for viewing!

We were thrilled to see that the cameras captured some incredible footage, including a grizzly mother and three young cubs who passed through the trails on one night. You’ll also see elk (a real rarity on our trails), a fox, a coyote and white-tailed deer.

Check it out at https://youtu.be/U6xmsJGaGGo

It’s a good reminder that we share our trails with all kinds of wildlife. When hiking in the Back 40, please make sure you are following good bear (and other wildlife) awareness practices: carry bearspray, keep dogs on a leash, and travel in groups.

Here’s a little more information about the project:

  • Notices have been placed at trail entrances to inform trail users that wildlife cameras are in the area
  • Any video footage containing people will be deleted
  • We plan to share links to video compilations with residents at least two or three times a year

Trail Maintenance

If you come across a tree that has fallen across one of the trails in the Back 40, please let us know at gwta.ab.ca@gmail.com so that we can remove them in a timely manner.


Annual General Meeting

April 2027 – Date TBD

Memberships

Support your trails! Membership dues of $20 per calendar year per household (two voting members) can be paid anytime by sending an e-transfer to gwta.ab.ca@gmail.com. Please note that your membership dues must be paid in order to vote at the AGM.

  • September 26, 2026

Community Partnership

The Ghost Waiparous recreation lease area and trail system, known as the Back 40, is provided for the enjoyment of all, through a partnership between the Municipal District of Bighorn (Municipal District), the Summer Village of Waiparous (SVW) and the Ghost-Waiparous Trails Association (GWTA) under an agreement with the Government of Alberta, Environment and Parks. These facilities are maintained by community volunteers following the Back 40 Resource Management Plan.

Back 40 Trail Map

The GWTA has developed the following map of the Back 40 Trail Network. A printable version can be found HERE

LINKS
CONTACT

The GWTA can be contacted by email at gwta.ab.ca@gmail.com