The Alberta government is planning to close 20 parks and remove 164 from the Alberta Parks system. A total of 175 parks will lose protection and Albertans could lose access. Read more about Defend Alberta Parks
Updated: September 21, 2020
The province is planning to close 20 parks sites and delist another 164 sites, although the timing is still uncertain. Internal government documents show there was no analysis of costs, public were excluded from consultation and land sales have been considered. Despite a government announcement of investments in Alberta parks infrastructure, the government indicated its intention to move forward with the previously-announced closures.
Calgary – CPAWS Northern and Southern Alberta Chapters are pleased to see the government’s investment in parks infrastructure. However, we are dismayed to hear the Minister continues to move forward with removing 175 parks from the Parks System. The Premier stated in the announcement that “Albertans are a stubborn bunch” and we agree. Albertans from across the province continue to ask for a commitment from this government that all of these parks will remain protected within the parks system. Read more about Government investment in Alberta Parks infrastructure is encouraging, but 175 parks still set to be removed
CPAWS Southern and Northern Alberta chapters are encouraged to see the government’s investment of $9.7-million in restoration projects to benefit habitat for Alberta’s threatened caribou and native trout. The focus on initiatives like restoring disturbances in caribou habitat, improving connectivity in fragmented southern landscapes, and restoring important native fish habitats are important and overdue steps towards species at risk recovery. These initiatives also benefit Albertans by providing important employment opportunities and contributing to our economic recovery. Read more about Alberta’s habitat restoration projects a step in the right direction, but need to consider larger conservation goals
EDMONTON, AB – Jasper National Park has announced one of the four caribou herds in the park, the Maligne caribou herd, is considered extirpated after several years of aerial surveys with no sightings. The official change in status comes from an update on Parks Canada’s webpage for Woodland Caribou in Jasper National Park. Read more about Extirpation of caribou herd in Jasper National Park should trigger urgent action for remaining herds
Updated: September 3, 2020
The Coalspur Vista mine is one of the largest thermal coal mines in Canada, and the proposed expansion could almost triple its capacity. Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson declined in December 2019 to order a federal impact assessment, but he reversed this decision on July 30 so the project will undergo a federal impact assessment. Coalspur Mines has launched a legal challenge to the Minister's decision.
From the CPAWS website:
Tell the federal government that you demand they invest in a Green Recovery. This includes new and better-managed protected areas on land and in the ocean, Indigenous protected areas and stewardship programs, and a shift towards natural infrastructure and nature-based climate solutions.
Take Action Read more about A better future for all is within reach – Canada needs a Green Recovery!
From the CPAWS Southern Alberta website:
On June 1st, a provincial Coal Policy that has been in place since 1976 was rescinded by the Government of Alberta. The cancellation of the policy removed land zoning that restricted open pit coal mining and coal exploration in some of Alberta’s most environmentally sensitive areas. Read more about Coal? Are you serious?
Are you a parent looking to continue environmental education at home? Or are you a student passionate about learning more about our planet earth? CPAWS-SAB wants to bring interactive learning into your homes!
As part of the Ultimate Summer Challenge being hosted by the Calgary Public Library, CPAWS-SAB will be putting on 6 virtual presentations for youth. These presentations will include visuals, activities, and discussions. See below for more details on each event. Read more about YYC Young Citizen Scientists: Urban Wildlife (Ages 12-16)
Are you a parent looking to continue environmental education at home? Or are you a student passionate about learning more about our planet earth? CPAWS-SAB wants to bring interactive learning into your homes!
As part of the Ultimate Summer Challenge being hosted by the Calgary Public Library, CPAWS-SAB will be putting on 6 virtual presentations for youth. These presentations will include visuals, activities, and discussions. See below for more details on each event. Read more about YYC Young Citizen Scientists: Birds (Ages 10-12)
