Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society

2020 Environmental Gathering Idea Talk: Indigenous Protected & Conserved Areas

Dec 8 2020 - 10:00am to 11:30am

Canada is working to meet its commitment of 17% conserved areas by the end of 2020. New creative measures have been developed to help meet these goals. Join Kecia Kerr from CPAWS Northern Alberta and Matt Munson from the Dene Tha' First Nation as they share the relatively new concept of Indigenous Protected & Conserved Areas (IPCA) and what it takes to develop the first IPCA in Alberta. Read More

Climate Change & Alberta Conservation Areas

Nov 10 2020 - 10:30am to 11:30am

Climate Change is a problem that affects every person around the globe. One of the easiest most cost-effective strategies is to increase the quantity and quality of the conservation areas that protect critical lands and waters. We can do this right here in Canada. We already use and enjoy these areas for our recreation and relaxation, but they are also a critical component in dealing with climate change. Find out how you can help, join our Zoom conversation to find out more. Read More

Locals and Conservationists raise concerns ahead of Grassy Mountain hearing

Ranchlands, Alberta – On October 27th, the joint Federal-Provincial review hearing will commence for the Grassy Mountain Coal project. Several groups are concerned how the mine will impact the environment and way of life. Benga Mining Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Riversdale Resources Ltd., is proposing to construct and operate an open-pit metallurgical coal mine near the Crowsnest Pass, approximately seven kilometres north of the community of the town of Blairmore. Read More

Herd of caribou in Jasper National Park declared extirpated

A herd of caribou in Jasper National Park – the Maligne herd – is now considered locally extinct. Two other caribou herds in the region may be on the same path to extirpation because they don’t have enough breeding females to grow the herds.

AEN member groups are calling for immediate action to halt the decline of caribou populations in the remaining herds. Read More

Issue Brief: Closing and delisting 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.

Latest updates

Government investment in Alberta Parks infrastructure is encouraging, but 175 parks still set to be removed

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

Alberta’s habitat restoration projects a step in the right direction, but need to consider larger conservation goals

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

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