Volunteers help clear wind-toppled trees on popular trails near Bragg Creek, Alta.

A windstorm that knocked down over 1,000 trees and scattered forest debris in a recreational area near Bragg Creek, Alta., has prompted volunteers to lend a hand in the cleanup.

The group, Bragg Creek Trails, teamed up with crews from Alberta Environment and Parks to clear the West Bragg Creek trail system this week.

And after a few days of using axes, saws and lots of elbow grease, they've made a lot of progress cutting up and removing the large trees.

Conrad Schiebel, president of Bragg Creek Trails, says some sections have already been completely cleared, including most ski trails.

"When we came out to the trails, we were just overwhelmed by the amount of damage that had occurred out here on the trail system. So we estimate, having done a reconnaissance, that there's probably in the neighbourhood of a thousand trees down across the trail network," he said.

He describes the scene as looking like a "bomb went off."

"We're seeing 100-year-old trees that have come down that we've very seldom seen before," he said.

"We've been working on getting those cleared with Environment and Parks staff as well, to help us out to start getting the trails cleared and safe again."

Damage to the area is still being assessed and it's unclear how long the cleanup will take, says Schiebel.

"We're trying to open just one trail up at a time."

Steven Burgoyne uses the trails a couple of times a month for cross-country skiing, among other activities. He says he appreciates the effort of those working hard to clean up and remove the fallen trees.

"What's been cleared looks like a lot of work," he said.

"These trails are invaluable … so I think it's important to maintain them, and I'm quite grateful for the volunteers who come out and do that job."

For those looking for updates on when they can start using certain trails, the group's website provides regular updates.

With files from Dave Gilson