The governments of Alberta and Canada recently released a draft agreement on timelines and actions to develop woodland caribou recovery plans. Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) supports much of the agreement but remains very concerned that interim habitat protection is needed for Alberta and Canada to follow through.
From the Talk AEP website:
Alberta is working towards an agreement with Canada that will set out how the two governments will work to stabilize and recover woodland caribou populations in Alberta.
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.
EDMONTON – A Joint Review Panel recommends approval of Teck’s Frontier Oil Sands Mine project, despite acknowledgments of a long list of adverse environmental impacts, including high risks to wildlife that use the area
In the same month that the UN warns Canada of swift action required to stop the degradation of Wood Buffalo National Park, a massive 290 sq-km open-pit oil sands mine project has been recommended for approval, which would place it just 30-km south of the Park’s borders. The project would be the largest of its kind in Alberta. The provincial-federal Joint Review Panel found the project to be in the public’s interest, despite the findings that it,
[…] is likely to result in significant adverse environmental effects to wetlands, old-growth forests, wetland- and old-growth-reliant species at risk, the Ronald Lake bison herd, and biodiversity.” And “likely to result in significant adverse effects to the asserted rights, use of lands and resources, and culture of indigenous groups who use the project area. The proposed mitigation measures have not been proven to be effective or to fully mitigate project effects on the environment or on indigenous rights, use of lands and resources, and culture.”
Read the Alberta Wildereness Association's response to the federal government's call for input on their draft Recovery Strategy and Action Plan for the Alberta Populations of Westslope Cutthroat Trout:
From CPAWS Southern Alberta:
Westslope cutthroat trout are facing a crisis in Alberta, as populations are declining rapidly due to habitat degradation, over-harvesting and the introduction of non-native species. But you have a chance to ensure these beautiful native fish thrive, rather than decline further into extinction, by telling decision makers to implement a strong recovery plan for the threatened species.
On or before July 13, tell the government you care about native trout recovery by providing input on the draft federal Recovery Strategy and Action Plan for Alberta populations of Westslope Cutthroat Trout.
It's a fun-filled hootenaney with foot-stompin' music, cold ale, card games, bidding and mouth-watering food!
All proceeds help support wilderness and wildlife in Alberta.
Tickets: $50
Brooks Motorcycle Club and its Vice President have been fined a total of $70,000 under the Species at Risk Act and the Fisheries Act for organizing a motocross race that crossed through North and South Racehorse Creeks several times, seriously harming and causing the death of young bull trout and threatened westslope cutthroat trout. Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA) applauds the decision for defending Alberta’s imperiled native trout and upholding the intent of the Species at Risk Act, as well as recognizing the damage that motorized use can have on fish habitat.
Environment and Climate Change Canada is proposing amendments to the Migratory Birds Regulations. From the Regulatory Impact Statement:
