Wilderness & Parks

Alberta Wilderness Association • Alberta 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 about Government Sacrifices Protected Grasslands to Coalbed Methane Without Public Consultation

Alberta Wilderness Association

News Release: March 7, 2007

Encana failed to follow the rules of Canadian Forces Base Suffield for protection of wetlands while drilling, a coalition of environmental groups has learned. The company drilled a well in a known wetland near the federally protected Suffield National Wildlife Area, and refused to remove it until given an ultimatum by the Base. The groups are asking the federal government to prohibit all new industrial activities in the Suffield National Wildlife Area. Read more about Encana Ignores CFB Suffield Rules and Damages Sensitive Wetlands at Suffield

News Release: February 28, 2007

Internal government documents regarding energy company EnCana's activities inside Canadian Forces Base Suffield, including a federally protected National Wildlife Area (NWA), reveal a disturbing story of environmental degradation and non-compliance, says a coalition of environmental groups. The groups are asking the federal government to prohibit all new industrial activities in the Suffield NWA. Read more about Suffield Files Reveal Disturbing Story of Environmental Degradation, Non-Compliance by Energy Companies

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society — Edmonton Chapter

Tips and suggestions for having a green Christmas

Give nature a present too! The Christmas season is full of traditions and joy, unfortunately it can also be full of waste. Here are some simple ways to keep the traditions alive and extend the giving to the environment too.

• Carry cloth bags when shopping;
• Use reusable wrapping: Christmas theme tea towels, recycled paper, gift bags, and tin foil;
  
• Send e-cards rather than paper cards. If you do send paper cards make sure the paper is recyclable or use them in your crafts;
  
• Purchase LED lights for your Christmas tree and house;
• Do your Christmas baking all at the same time to reduce time spent heating the environment (this will save money too!);
• Make a charitable <../CPAWS-Donate.htm>donation in someone's name (It's not necessary to donate to CPAWS other organizations are good too!);
• Purchase a gift someone can use rather than store, like concert tickets;
• Carpool to Christmas parties and other functions;
• Decorate an outside tree... or your balcony with critter friendly decorations - bird seed ornaments.

Share your wishes for caribou with our new Minister for Sustainable Resource Development

This morning, our new premier announced his new cabinet ministers. Taking over the portfolio of Sustainable Resource Development is Ted Morton. Now is the time to write a letter expressing your wishes for better habitat protection for Alberta's woodland caribou. By writing a letter to the new Minister you let him know that caribou are important to Albertans', as such, the issue deserves his time and attention. Read more about Action Alert: Have a Green Christmas and write to Ted Morton