Construction and repairs on a number of trails at Central Staging Area is underway.

• Beaver, Wapiti, and Round Up trails will be under repair and closed (sections from staging area to the first junctions) as a result
• temporary closures will be in place until further notice
• a designated space in the staging area itself is occupied by materials and equipment
• please respect the closure and stay off trails

Many trails are wet and have damage due to flooding. Some of these trails are not currently being maintained as access is highly limited. 

BLACKFOOT STAGING AREA is fully closed to all and any access.

Check trail report.

The following trails, or sections of trail are closed due to flooding, trail damage and beaver activity.  Some sections are impassable and bridges may be damaged or compromised. Please use alternate routes.

• Wapiti trail (from Blackfoot trail to Running Dog trail)
• Spring trail (from Faraway to Heron Hollow)
• Grouse trail
• Detour trail
• Don's Way trail 
• the northwest section of Blackfoot trail (JJ Trail) 
• Tie-In trail
• Spring

• A blue-green algae bloom has been permanently established in Islet Lake.  
• General precautions
• Avoid all contact with blue green algae blooms.  If contact occurs, wash with tap water ASAP.
• Do not swim or wade in any areas where blue-green algae is visable.  
• Do not allow your pets to swim or wade in these areas or to eat fish or fish trimmings from the lake.
• Consider limiting human consumption of fish from the lake.
• For detailed information, go to Alberta Health Services Blue Green Algae Health Advisories.  Please refer to the specific advisory for this lake.
• Blue-green algae bloom advisories are issued and rescinded by Alberta Health Services.  Typically, advisories are lifted in late autumn, when water temperatures are so cool that blue green algae growth is no longer supported. 

Lamont County has restricted traffic along the main access road - range road 195 - from HWY 16 south to Blackfoot Staging Area. County ban information can be found HERE.
The staging area will remain open for access and use but will be closed to heavy truck and trailer access.
• A 50% weight restriction has been placed on the road. This means smaller passenger vehicles are permitted, however heavy trucks & horse trailers are not permitted on RGE RD 195.
• The purpose of the restriction is to reduce further damage to the road
• The restriction will be in place until further notice - watch for county signage
• It is recommended that trails from Central or Waskehegan Staging Areas be used for equestrian recreation

Check trail conditions before heading out.

• All backcountry shelters are closed to the public. 
• These shelters are not cleaned or maintained by staff.  
• Please respect closures to ensure your safety and health and to reduce the spread of Covid-19

Recreational hunting season occurs between the beginning of September and end of December each year.  You must obtain a discharge permit in order to hunt within the park.

To obtain a hunting discharge permit, click HERE

To find out more about hunting in Alberta Parks and protected areas, click HERE