Trail Wardens
The Objective and Responsibility
The objective and responsibility of the RCATV Trail Warden Program is to train and support a team of volunteer Wardens who can act in the interest of follow riders, the RCATV, OFATV and the landowner. It is our goal to achieve a safe and effective means to warden our trails, consistently and respectfully. This program has been put in place to address trail and rider safety; to provide a positive presence on the trail; and to meet the requirements of our landowners which may include educating riders using designated RCATV or OFATV trails where a valid Trail Permit is required.
Role of the Trail Warden
The Trail Warden team consists of volunteers from amongst RCATV members. Warden candidates go through a formal selection process, abide by a Code of Conduct and Confidentiality Agreement, and are trained in partnership with law enforcement. The roles of the trail wardens include:
- provide positive presence on the trails
- welcome and engage with riders and non-motorized trail users
- educated riders about trail pass requirements on the trails
- enforce the Trespass to Property Act where required
- act as public relations officers and ambassadors
- Wardens are NOT police officers on the trail
Why do we do SAFETY stops
- Keep our riders safe
- Welcome, engage and educate riders
- Reduced risk of rider safety infractions with OPP
- Increases permit sales by creating relationships with riders
- Compliance with our landowners
- Reduces the risk of trail closures
- Addresses issues in high-visibility or problematic areas
Why do we do PERMIT stops
- Is run in conjunction with SAFETY stops where trail permits are part of the landowner Land Use Agreement or by-law
- Educate riders about permits and safety
- Enforces the permit requirement of the landowner
- Reduces the risk of trail closures due to trespassing
- Addresses issues in high-visibility or problematic areas
Benefits of becoming a warden
RCATV Wardens are a team within RCATV’s greater riding and volunteer community. Here are a few of the benefits to becoming a Warden:
- Free CASI / ROHVA Training
- Access to club-financed First Aid training
- Warden equipment kit
- Incentive / appreciation program for Wardens
- Become more knowledgeable about the legislation and safe rider requirements
- Meeting other riders from all over Ontario (this is often the number one benefit when we ask our Wardens why they volunteer)
- Become much more familiar with the trail systems
- Contribute to the community
For information on the RCATV Warden Program, becoming a Warden, or the role of the Wardens on the trails, please contact our Chief Trail Warden Brandon Burchat at chieftrailwarden@renfrewcountyatv.ca