Outdoor Recreation

Rescinding the Alberta Coal Policy opens headwaters in the eastern slopes of the Rockies to open-pit coal mining

Calgary – The Government of Alberta has rescinded A Coal Development Policy for Alberta (1976; the Coal Policy). CPAWS Southern Alberta is concerned about the impacts this will have on Alberta’s treasured mountains and foothills along the eastern slopes of the Rockies. “There are currently no other land use plans or policies that directly replace the environmental zoning and restrictions under the Coal Policy” says Katie Morrison, Conservation Director for CPAWS Southern Alberta. “This leaves sensitive headwaters regions and treasured landscapes that provide habitat for species like grizzly bear, elk, and threatened native trout, at risk to the disturbances that come with surface coal mining and increased exploration.”

Since 1976, the Coal Policy has provided important land use zoning frameworks which have informed management and development of coal mines along the eastern slopes region of Alberta.

The Coal Policy’s Land Classification System prevented coal development on Category 1 lands and restricted development to underground or in-situ mining under Category 2 lands along the eastern slopes. The Coal Policy Category 2 covers 1,458,000 ha of the headwaters areas that provide the majority of drinking water to downstream communities in Alberta and across the prairies. With the removal of the coal policy, open-pit coal mines will now be permitted on these sensitive lands. Read More

Alberta Coal Policy scrapped, making open-pit coal mining more accessible than ever along the eastern slopes of the Rockies

Alberta is cancelling a long-standing coal policy that provided broad protections within our mountain and foothill regions, making it easier to develop open-pit mines in more ecologically sensitive areas. 

Edmonton – On May 15, 2020 the Government of Alberta announced that they were rescinding  A Coal Development Policy for Alberta (Coal Policy) which has provided sweeping environmental protections for coal development since the 1970’s. This has raised concerns about how this will impact Alberta’s treasured mountains and foothills along the eastern slopes of the Rockies. Read More

Defend Alberta Parks - Virtual Town Hall

Apr 28 2020 - 7:00pm

From the Eventbrite page:

Join CPAWS Southern and Northern Alberta chapters to learn about how parks cuts are impacting Albertans.

As you may know, Alberta Parks announced the removal of 164 parks sites and the closure of 20 sites in early March. CPAWS Northern and Southern Alberta chapters have been pushing for this decision to be reversed, but protecting Alberta’s parks is not possible without you! Read More

Defend Alberta Parks - Virtual Town Hall

Apr 8 2020 - 7:00pm

From the Eventbrite page:

Join us to hear from Albertans affected by the closure of and cuts to Parks.

Join us via zoom to hear from Albertans affected by these cuts. We will be joined by representatives from the conservation, recreation and youth communities. Presentations will be followed with an opportunity to hear from you! How are the cuts to parks impacting you? Read More

Strong Majority of Albertans Oppose Government Changes to Parks

Edmonton – A new public opinion survey shows the vast majority of Albertans oppose the changes to Alberta parks announced with the 2020 provincial budget.

On March 2, 2020 Alberta Environment and Parks announced the full or partial closure of 20 parks and the removal of 164 parks from the Alberta Parks System resulting in the loss of 39 percent of Alberta’s parks and removal of the protections to conservation values and quality of recreation experience that are provided through a parks designation. Read More

CPAWS Statement on Alberta Parks Closures and Privatization

For over 50 years CPAWS Southern and Northern Alberta chapters have been collaborating with industry, government, Indigenous partners, communities, and like-minded organizations to protect our invaluable parks and wilderness areas and connect Albertans to nature through sustainable outdoor recreation. We are very concerned with the recent announcement from the Government of Alberta on a drastic change to our parks and recreation areas. Read More

Government Plans to Remove 164 Sites from Parks System

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Tolman Bridge Campground

Tolman Bridge Campground (pictured), one of the 20 sites that the Government is proposing to fully or partially close. Photo © Alberta Wilderness Association

The provincial government has announced a plan to remove 164 of 473 sites from the Alberta Parks system, including 19 Provincial Parks and Natural Areas, in addition to a full or partial closure of 20 sites. AWA has serious concern with the removal of sites from the parks system due to the important recreational and ecological values these areas provide; this decision will almost certainly mean their protected area status will be threatened. Read More

Albertans Ignored to Allow Motorized Recreation and Industry in Castle Parks

Calgary, AB – To appease a noisy minority, the Government of Alberta appears to be opening the door for motorized recreation and industry in the Castle Parks, despite the direction of public consultation on creation and management of the parks.

In 2017, the Castle Parks in southwestern Alberta were officially designated. Based on the longest and most extensive public consultation in Alberta Parks’ history, a management plan was developed that reflects the wishes and directions expressed by the people of Alberta. Read More

Lakeland Boreal Forest Weekend

Sep 21 2019 - 12:00am to Sep 22 2019 - 12:00am

The beautiful Lakeland region features a rich diversity of boreal mixedwood forests, lakes and wetlands, providing excellent habitat for many wildlife species. Join AWA for two day hikes over an autumn weekend and learn more about what makes the Lakeland wilderness an important and unique part of Alberta.

Cost: Free AWA Members / $25.00 Non-members

Register Read More

Locations

Lakeland Provincial Park , AB
Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park , AB

Birds, Rocks, Hills and Fields

Aug 24 2019 - 9:30am

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Frank Lake

Photo credit: R. Miyagawa

Join AWA on a driving tour as we meander our way through various locations that exhibit Alberta’s phenomenal wilderness and wildlife, the unique geology of the Porcupine Hills, and a site visit to an abandoned well under the responsibility of the Orphan Well Association. Come out for a great day of exploring, and learn more about your backyard!

Registration: $25

Registration cost for all events during the month of August will include a lifetime membership with AWA. Read More

Location

First Stop: Frank Lake , AB

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