Points of Interest
Not all the training at the Hinton Training Centre takes place in the classroom. Just south of the main campus sits the Cache Percotte Forest, a 3,000 hectare tract of forest where a considerable amount of research and field training is conducted. With rustic log cabins, the Cache Percotte Forest is commonly utilized by a number of groups, including Alberta's Junior Forest Rangers, for outdoor orientation and retreat programs. For groups looking for a unique rustic retreat, or access to an ideal training ground for field operations, consider booking some time in the Cache Percotte Forest.
Rappel Tower
The rappel tower is an important training facility for fire management personnel. In order to access many wildfires, crews may be required to slide down ropes, or rappel, to ground positions near small wildfires to extinguish them. In order to train personnel how to do this, it is necessary to start from a fixed platform in a tower such as this. There are a number of platforms where new recruits and those who seek recertification can practice their rappelling skills.
Once an individual has mastered rappelling from a stable platform such as this tower, they can proceed to the same task from a hovering helicopter.
Structural firefighters, police constables and park wardens also train here since they may be required to rescue people. Knowing how to rappel can save lives!
Alberta Forest Service Museum
Stroll through time at the Alberta Forest Service Museum. This authentic lookout cabin displays tools of the trade used by the men and women who have worked in Alberta's forest industry. These artifacts represent over a century of progress and pride.
You will see just how impressive the work of Alberta's earliest rangers was, given their lack of modern transportation, tools and technology.
The museum presents various aspects of ranger life, including a small tool cache, authentic fireline tools, and the various telephone radio and maintenance equipment used over the years. |
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Interpretive Nature Trail
The forest trail traverses terrain typical of a lower foothills forest. You will discover some of the plants that comprise the forest and some of the birds and animals that inhabit the same.
You will also learn about some of the natural processes that are a part of the forest.
Lastly, you will see some examples of man's attempts to manage and utilize the forest.
This trail is 1.1 kilometre long and can be completed in approximately one half hour.
Enjoy your walk!