Wetlands

Weakened policy risks destroying thousands of hectares of Alberta wetlands

Policy ignores input of advisory group and Albertans

CALGARY, AB - After years of delays, the Alberta government has dismissed the no-net-loss recommendation of its own advisory group and is proposing a complex wetland policy that risks the permanent loss of thousands of hectares of wetlands.

Alberta Environment Minister Rob Renner confirmed the shift today to a group of stakeholders in Calgary. Read More

The lowdown on Alberta's Wetlands Policy

Water Matters posts a quick look at and a fact sheet on the leaked Draft Wetlands Policy for Alberta.

Imagine wetlands as a savings account for Albertans that stores carbon and pays compound interest by storing, purifying, and filtering water. According to a leaked draft obtained by the Sierra Club, Albertans may lose the benefits of maintaining wetlands because under the Government of Alberta's draft wetlands policy, Albertans not industry would pay the cost of restoring wetlands.

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Wetlands Consensus Policy Gutted After Backroom Industry Pressure

EDMONTON - The Sierra Club Prairie has obtained a leaked copy of the most recent Alberta Wetlands Policy that shows the extent of industry influence over environmental decisions for the province. The confidential document reveals an undermining of the work of the Alberta Water council, a multi stakeholder group that has been developing the tenets of the wetlands policy. The policy, already a compromised position to get the buy-in of 25 multi-sectoral groups, was radically changed after backdoor industry pressure. Language changes in Read More

Albertans, not industry, will pay for lost wetlands — leaked policy document

CALGARY — A leaked draft wetlands policy appears to betray the finding of a consensus of stakeholders invited by Alberta Environment to develop wetlands policy recommendations. "This leaked document seems to reflect the views of a couple of hold outs in the AWC process instead of the broad consensus," says Joe Obad, Water Matters' Interim Executive Director, "It's hard to believe the government would dismiss the Alberta Water Council team that provided strong consensus recommendations for a robust wetlands policy, for a couple of players who were happy to undermine the Read More

The Water Log — New report: Increasing federal oversight of oil sands impacts to water

In this issue of the Water Log:

  1. New report from Water Matters: Increasing federal oversight of oil sands impacts to water
  2. A different perspective on proposals to expand Alberta’s water market
  3. Another delay for the Wetlands Policy
  4. Your time to make a difference: please comment on the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan

View this issue online at: http://www.water-matters.org/enews/archive/2009-12.html Read More

Oil Sands Industry Blocks New Wetland Protection Rules

For immediate release – September 16, 2008

Alberta Wilderness AssociationPembina InstituteSierra Club of Canada (Prairie Chapter)Southern Alberta Group for the Environment • South Peace Environment Association • Water Matters

A last-minute withdrawal by the oil sands industry from a negotiated agreement on wetlands has prompted calls from environmental groups that the Government of Alberta not give in to oil industry pressure, but rather deliver on overdue rules to protect and conserve wetlands across Alberta.

Two letters to the Alberta government, sent by the oil sands industry after they withdrew their approval for a broadly supported wetland policy, demonstrate the oil sands industry’s overt effort to pressure the Alberta government.

Alberta Wilderness Association, Pembina Institute, Sierra Club of Canada (Prairie Chapter), Southern Alberta Group for the Environment, South Peace Environment Association and Water Matters are calling on the Government of Alberta to proceed swiftly to implement a landmark wetland policy recommended today by the multi-stakeholder Alberta Water Council (AWC). Read More

Cross Conservation Education Program: Go With The Flow!

May 24 2008 - 8:00pm to 11:00pm

Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area

Water - our most precious resource! Join water molecules Walter and Wendy as they sing, dance and learn about the water cycle, wetlands, watershed, filtration, pollution and water treatment. This one hour indoor musical performed by Evergreen Theatre will be followed by an exciting outdoor pond study led by Area staff. Please arrive 15 minutes early - late entries will not be permitted. Read More

Marie Lake Decision Brings Hope for McClelland Lake Fen

Alberta Wilderness Association

Release Date: September 6, 2007

Premier Stelmach's decision to halt seismic testing on Marie Lake indicates a shift in government priorities that may bode well for other lakes and wetlands on the brink of destruction. One such area is the spectacular McClelland Lake Wetland Complex north of Fort McMurray. Read More

Branches and Banks 2007 Tree Plant and Watershed Awareness Festival

<div class="flexinode-body flexinode-1"><div class="flexinode-textarea-1"><div class="form-item"> <label>Description: </label> <p><strong>Branches and Banks Environmental Foundation</strong> • <a href="http://www.cochrane-environment.org/">Cochrane Environmental Action Committee</a></p><p>Branches and Banks is getting geared up for our 2007 tree plant and river/creek clean up again for this spring. We are changing things up a little bit this year with the organization of a whole day event – on June 2<sup>nd</sup> for Environment Week (Wetlands Awareness is the theme this year).</p> </div> </div></div>

Government Sacrifices Protected Grasslands to Coalbed Methane Without Public Consultation

Alberta Wilderness AssociationAlberta Native Plant Council

News Release: March 8, 2007

The Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) has given Pioneer Natural Resources approval to drill a coalbed methane well in one of Alberta's last remaining rough fescue grasslands and aspen parkland, the Rumsey Natural Area. Even though both are well-established stakeholders in Rumsey, neither Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) nor the Alberta Native Plant Council (ANPC) were contacted by government or the company. The groups are weighing what legal options they have to prevent the well from being drilled, including appealing the issuance of the well licence in the courts. Read More

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