Albertans face unacceptable risks from unfunded oil sands mine clean-up costs. Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) believes it is time for tar sands mine operators to pay full security for their clean-up obligations and remove this burden from the public. Read more about Public Risk For Oilsands Mines Clean-up Costs Must Be Removed
Alberta’s gravel mining policy significantly erodes environmental protection by allowing gravel mining to occur in the 1:100 year floodplain of rivers. Documents obtained by private citizens in a Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) request reveal that Alberta’s internal sand and gravel mining policy was developed and approved in 2011 in a secretive process that ignored expert scientific advice and excluded the public. Read more about Gravel Mining Puts Water at Risk
From the Land Stewardship Centre website:
WSG applications are NOW being accepted. Get your application form here >>
Read more about Watershed Stewardship GrantsNew for 2015
In addition to the regular WSG funding, for 2015, Land Stewardship Centre, in partnership with the Education and Outreach division of Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, is offering a new grant stream under the current Watershed Stewardship Grant (WSG) Program to fund wetland-specific projects in support of the Wetland Policy. Grants up to $10,000 will be issued in 2015 to eligible groups on a per-project basis. Get the wetland grant application form here >>
Erin Flanagan, Analyst at the Pembina Institute, made the following comments today in response to Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.’s (CNRL) application to resume steaming operations near areas experiencing on-going bitumen-emulsion releases:
Read more about Pembina reacts to CNRL’s application to resume oilsands operations while bitumen continues to leak near Cold Lake, Alberta>“CNRL should not be allowed to increase high pressure cyclic steam stimulation (HPCSS) in proximity to the areas impacted by blowouts in 2013 until the Alberta Energy Regulator investigation is complete, the results have been made public and interested parties have had an opportunity to comment on recommendations arising from the investigation. It is premature to debate additional production until this report is complete and has been subject to public review.
On September 10, Alberta Environment & Sustainable Resources Development released the new Alberta Wetland Policy.
The Alberta Wilderness Association's Carolyn Campbell deemed the policy "appalling news for Alberta's boreal forest": Read more about AEN Members react to Alberta's new wetland policy
The Nature Conservancy has a few exciting volunteer opportunities coming up and we want to get the word out!
Absinthe wormwood is an extremely aggressive invasive species in Canada and establishes in pastures and ranges which can have significant impacts on the quality of forage for wildlife. Join us for a day in the field as we work to remove absinthe wormwood from the Collins property- a 155 acre piece of land that is a key piece in NCC's growing network of protected wetlands in the area. Once we’ve tackled the wormwood, we’ll have the chance to explore and learn about the area with an interpretive nature walk. Read more about Volunteer Opportunity: An Absence of Absinthe
Wetlands are some of the most productive and important ecosystems in the world. Overall, they are very complex and require years of study to grasp the value and importance of the services they offer as well as their function.
With the increasing rates of industrial and residential development occurring adjacent to wetlands across the country, many people making decisions regarding the fate of these ecosystems do not have the time, or the resources to gain this level of knowledge. Read more about Alberta Wetlands: From Classification to Policy
As development continues to destroy wetlands crucial to Alberta’s water security and climate regulation, a new research paper by a University of Alberta ecologist, Dr. Lee Foote, concludes that the government should negotiate mineable oil sands development limits. The paper cites doubtful reclamation success for the extensive peat wetlands central to that landscape. The Alberta Wilderness Association and Water Matters call on Alberta’s political party leaders to commit to meaningful wetland conservation measures including protection of boreal wetlands. Read more about Slow Down Oil Sands to Save Wetlands, Scientist Says
