History being made in Alberta as for 14th day, picket-line & outfitting camp keep clear-cutting out of protected area

BEAVER MINES: A rotating picket-line maintained by outdoor enthusiasts and near-by residents, and an outfitting camp set up by a second generation outfitter are making history in Alberta as for the 14th day now, they continue to hold back Alberta's Sustainable Resource Development Department (SRD) and a sawmill located outside the region from starting clear-cuting in Castle Special Management Area; a popular protected area in southwest Alberta.  Determined by a government hearing panel in 1993 to be an integral part of the health of the international Crown of Read more »

Posted January 25, 2012 by AEN

Environment groups ask Federal Court to force minister’s hand on caribou protection

EDMONTON — Environment Minister Peter Kent’s failure to reconsider emergency protection for woodland caribou in northeastern Alberta has prompted environmental groups to ask for the Federal Court’s help.

Six months ago, the Court called Minister Kent’s decision not to recommend emergency protection for woodland caribou “out of the blue,” and ruled that it ignored scientific evidence and must be set aside. The Minister was instructed to reconsider the government’s position, but has yet to show any signs of activity on the file.

Ecojustice, on behalf of the Pembina Institute and Alberta Wilderness Association, has asked the Court to amend its ruling to include a deadline to force a response from the Minister. Read more »

Posted January 25, 2012 by AEN

Pembina reacts to Obama administration's denial of Keystone XL pipeline

EDMONTON — Ed Whittingham, executive director at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to the Obama administration’s denial of the application for the Keystone XL pipeline:

“In denying the Keystone XL project, President Obama has recognized the risks this project could pose to the health and safety of the American people and to the environment, and the need to adequately review those concerns. Due public process is critical to making an informed decision.

Read more »

Posted January 18, 2012 by AEN

Failure of government to listen results in residents out in force to protest logging

Beaver Mines:  Yesterday morning, more than thirty local residents braved the cold to tell the government that they oppose clear-cut log in the Castle Special Management Area west of Pincher Creek, Alberta. Read more »

Posted January 12, 2012 by AEN