CPAWS is ’s voice for wilderness. For over 45 years, SOUTHERN CHAPTER we’ve played a lead role in creating over two-thirds of Canada’s protected areas.

Chapter Staff Chapter Board of Directors Editor and Design Anne-Marie Syslak, Executive Director Gord James (Chair) Doug Firby & Sarah Pasemko Sarah Elmeligi, Senior Conservation Mike Yuzwa (Treasurer) Planner Susan Eaton (Chair, Christmas Ad Design GREEN NOTES NEWSLETTER Winter | 2010 Sarah Pasemko, Communications & Conservation Committee) Megan Rio Outreach Coordinator David McIntyre Lindsay Allan, Project & Bookings Dave Sauchyn A special thanks to Doug Firby Coordinator Phil Nykyforuk for his keen editorial eye, time, Lynn Robb, Environmental Educator David Walker and support in developing this Alex Mowat, Lead Hiking Guide Carey Booth newsletter. Justin Howse, Hiking Guide Edita Sakarova, Bookkeeper

Chapter Staff OUR CONTACT: A Special Thank You to CPAWS Southern Alberta Joel Duncan! 425 – 78th Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2V 5K5 His photograph graced the Tel: (403) 232-6686 cover of our Summer Edition Fax: (403) 232-6988 2010 Green Notes Newsletter Email: [email protected] www.cpaws-southernalberta.org

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Green Notes is printed on paper that is FSC certified, guaranteeing that in the supply of fibre raw materials the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council are respected, and that the pulp the paper is made of consists of mixtures of fibres from certified forests, post-consumer recycling processes, and controlled sources.

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IN THIS Issue Leaving a wilderness legacy

(Photo: Michael Wieser)

• Supporting CPAWS SAB’s strong • Via ferrata: The changing face of national parks voice for parks and wilderness • CPAWS SAB plugs into the community • What our supporters are saying • Southern Alberta’s natural capital in a changing climate • Bill 29: A story of public outcry • Students learn about wilderness www.cpaws-southernalberta.org Executive Director’s message CPAWS plugs into the community 2 3

the conservation of Canada’s parks Dare to be Deep National and wilderness. The members of the By Sarah Pasemko, Oceans Tour Communications panel on the Ecological Integrity of “Our members drove a year of successes. We strive to increase & Outreach Canada’s National Parks were this year’s our capacity and ensure that we are responsive and engaged Coordinator recipients for their groundbreaking report in 2000 that led to world-leading with Albertans on issues affecting our wilderness. “ standards in the management of national parks. Over the past couple of months, the By Anne-Marie Syslak, CPAWS SAB chapter has been busy Before the gala, CPAWS hosted a free Executive Director engaging you, our local community afternoon seminar, entitled The Future members. Here is a sampling of some of Ecological Integrity in our Parks event fit perfectly within a year of local, national and of the things we’ve done: oliday Greetings! With the Christmas season around and Protected Areas. Members of the H international celebrations. Not only was this the 125th the corner, it is exciting to look back on a year full of Capture the Wild public, students, and environmental Anniversary of , but it was also the professionals discussed ecological conservation successes. These came as a result of our Photography Contest International Year of Biodiversity. integrity in our parks. increasing momentum and capacity to engage you – our community members – across southern Alberta. In 2011, we are poised to work diligently with the Get Engaged With Your Parks Government of Alberta on Bill 29, continue work on our The Dare to be Deep tour stopped by Engaging with Albertans and being at the table in grizzly bear and Castle campaigns, as well as provide Calgary on Oct. 28th to celebrate the CPAWS SAB and Communitea Café important park management and planning decisions continual input into the ongoing Land-use Framework recent designation of Canada’s first hosted an evening in Canmore on Nov. is an integral part of what we do at the Canadian Parks th planning process. We will also be hosting community National Marine Conservation Area 4 to launch our recent video, Parks and Wilderness Society Southern Alberta (CPAWS SAB) and Protected Areas: A Simple Solution events in Bragg Creek and Calgary around our recently Reserve, the mystical Gwaii Haanas chapter. National Park Reserve and Haida to our Complex Problems. This video released video, Parks and Protected Areas: A simple Heritage Site, located on the remote explores parks, climate change, and the solution to our complex problems. We continue to be a strong voice for wilderness Anne-Marie Syslak, Executive Director, presenting B.C. islands, known as Haida Gwaii. recovery of grizzly bears. conservation in our region. Thanks to your help, the the Grand Prize to Michael Wieser I would like to thank all of our members, partners, To discuss this video, Kevin Van Tighem iconic grizzly bear is now listed as a threatened species This historic event marks a new funders and supporters for their generous support, as This year, we restored the Capture (Superintendent, Banff Field Unit), Steve in Alberta. Our voice was also heard on concerns with era of conservation and protection we strive to increase our capacity and ensure that we the Wild Photography Contest with of wilderness environments - the Donelon (Regional Director Kananaskis Bill 29, the proposed Parks Act, and the government the theme of Celebrating Canadian are responsive and engaged with Albertans on issues protection of marine riches. Canada Country, Alberta Tourism, Parks and responded by suspending the bill until the ministry Parks. Photographers of all ages and Recreation), and Jim Pissot (Executive affecting our wilderness. There is a lot of work ahead expertise submitted images in five has the longest coastline of any nation could consult further with Albertans. Director, Wild Canada Alliance) acted as and your support will help ensure we achieve our goals different categories. Of the many fine in the world and there is a pressing panel members. More than 75 people to maintain and enhance the ecological integrity of our entries, these six winners were chosen: need to protect these spectacular Our Capture the Wild photography contest returned environments that contribute to a vast attended. parks and wilderness areas. this year, inspiring people to get out more often and • Overall Grand Prize: Michael Wieser – seascape and network in protected find those beautiful images first-hand. Our chapter Khutzeymateen Grizzly areas. Banff Mountain Film Festival We hope to see you outside and enjoying the exquisite had the honour of hosting CPAWS National’s J.B. Harkin • Banff 123: Adam Spragins – Morning beauty of Alberta’s dynamic landscapes in the New Year. Mists Conservation Dinner Gala and award presentation. This The Haida Dance group, Spirit of CPAWS SAB operated a booth at the • Wilderness Patterns: Kenn Leonhardt our Ancestors, awed the audience Banff Mountain Film Festival over – Glacial through their ceremonial dances and two days, chatting with community • Scenic Snapshots: Ian Cocks – Mystya storytelling performances. Canyon members and spreading our • Canadian Flora & Faun: Peter Mather conservation messages. – Pacific Loon Nesting J.B. Harkin Dinner Gala • People Connecting with Nature: Peter Bowers – Dumoine Morning CPAWS SAB hosted this We look forward to many year’s J.B. Harkin Dinner upcoming events within Thank you to everyone who submitted Gala, a CPAWS National 2011, and the opportunity photos to our contest, and a special event, which presents the thanks to The Camera Store for their prestigious J.B. Harkin to meet YOU in the support. Funds generated are used in Conservation Award our conservation efforts in southern community to keep our to individuals who Alberta. Winning photos can be found wilderness WILD! throughout this newsletter, including have demonstrated the grand prize winner on our cover. significant lifetime contributions to (Photo: Christopher, 2002) Christopher, (Photo: Join us for a wonderful evening!

A special event during the 125th birthday of Ban› , Canada’s ž rst national park. Honouring this year’s winners: Members of the Panel on Ecological Integrity of Canada’s National Parks Featuring: • Special presentation by renowned grizzly bear expert Dr. Stephen Herrero • Delicious dinner • Live music • Award winning photos and videos • Silent auction

Tickets and contact November 12, 2010

$70 per person Red & White Club $520 per table of eight McMahon Stadium, Calgary Charitable receipt of $35 per seat Dinner 7pm

www.cpaws.org And join us for a special seminar: 1-800-333-9453 The Future of Ecological Integrity In Our Limited Seating. Please reserve by October 15th to be entered Parks and Protected Areas in Early Bird prize draw. Faculty of Environmental Design (EVDS), University of Calgary 2:00 to 4:30 pm Free Admission By Shaun Fluker, Executive Director Bill 29: A story of public outcry to protect our parks 84 5 they can do where. Currently, there are reconnect with our natural world. ReviewingCanada’s National Park plans seven categories of provincial parks and 9 By Sarah Elmeligi, protected areas, based on internationally The topic was covered in several Senior accepted designations of protected newspaper articles and on TV news, national parks Conservation areas (as defined by the International but it was the public outcry that really Planner Union for Conservation of Nature). Bill 29 turned this around. Over the course protections proposed only two categories: Heritage of two weeks, thousands of Albertans Rangelands, which prioritize grazing, and other Canadians sent emails to the and Provincial Parks, which prioritize premier, called their MLAs, and wrote don’t stand up recreation. letters to the editor in their local papers. On Nov. 4th, the Alberta Government tabled Bill 29, a new Provincial Park Act, “Bill 29 was suspended On Nov. 24th, Environment Minister By Shaun Fluker, assistant Professor, in the legislature. because Albertans made Cindy Ady announced she was suspending Bill 29 until she could University of “This promise of legal Calgary, CPAWS SAB immediately started it clear that protecting further consult with Albertans. She said Faculty of Law strength has yet to working with several other wilderness areas and that Albertans had made it clear they environmental organizations in Alberta are passionate about their parks and materialize.” to oppose Bill 29 as a fundamentally guaranteeing that protection she wanted to listen more to what they flawed piece of legislation. Our in law is important.” wanted. concerns were: Since the 1960s, preservationists have Winner) 2010 Contest Mather, Peter (Photo: battled the parks-for-people movement, Through an aggressive media and public So, THANK YOU! Bill 29 was suspended tourism and public education – to be Decisions such as this tell us that the aiming instead to convince Parliament 1. Unlike the National Parks Act, Bill 29 awareness campaign, we worked hard because Albertans made it clear that considered in a parks decision. preservation of nature is not the first to affirm the preservation of nature as did not place ecological integrity as to share with Albertans what was at protecting wilderness areas and priority in the national parks, and the primary purpose of our national the main priority for Alberta’s parks stake. Our wilderness areas, wildland guaranteeing that protection in law is moreover that preservation is not even a parks. “Decisions such as this tell and protected areas. parks and ecological reserves have very important. presumption in parks decision-making. specific limitations regarding prohibited us that the preservation of The federal government responded in 2. By reducing the categories of activities in these areas of national Over the coming months, CPAWS SAB The legislative amendments in 2001 to 2001 with legislation that categorically nature is not the first priority protected areas from seven to two, environmental significance. Bill 29 was will be working to develop concrete make ecological integrity the priority mandates the maintenance or Bill 29 took certainty of protection set to remove all of these provisions from recommendations about what a new in the national parks, and have resulted in no substantive change restoration of ecological integrity for our most sensitive wilderness the law and move them into regulation. Provincial Parks Act should look like. moreover that preservation to how national parks are managed. as the first priority in national parks landscapes out of legislation and put But having certainty of protection is key A new bill will likely be tabled in the This tells us one of two things: 1) that decision-making by Parks Canada. is not even a presumption in it into regulation. to maintaining our clean water supply, spring legislature. So keep your ear to Parks Canada and the Court have simply Section 8 of the Canada National Parks capturing carbon and providing refuge the ground. We all have an opportunity parks decision-making.” failed to properly apply the law, or 2) Act promised stronger legal support for 3. Regulation was left up to ministerial for many species at risk. These areas also here to help shape the there is a limit to the ability of legislation preservationists in their opposition to discretion, which meant that a provide Albertans with true wilderness law, don’t The conflict between preservation and to change our behaviour where such development in Canada’s national parks. minister could change a park’s level of experiences, places miss it. the multi-purpose approach to change demands a challenge to an protection without public debate or a where we parks management was illustrated in entrenched view such as parks for Yet, this promise of legal strength has discussion in cabinet. can the dispute over an expansion to the people. not materialized. Parks decision-making Chateau Lake Louise in Banff National since 2001 has rarely implemented the The government said Bill 29 was set Park several years ago. Both Parks preservation norm called for by the up to simplify the parks system so that Canada and the Federal Court held the This article is taken from a longer version ecological integrity mandate in the Albertans understand what adverse ecological impact of increased Shaun Fluker recently published in the legislation. water diversion from Lake Louise was Windsor Review of Legal and Social not a determining factor, and that the Issues entitled “Ecological Integrity Both Parks Canada and the Federal expansion could go ahead because in Canada’s National Parks: The False Court of Canada view ecological such impacts would either be mitigated Promise of Law” (2010) 29 Windsor Rev. integrity as just one factor among or were outweighed by the economic Legal Soc. Issues 89. others – such as visitor experience, benefits to tourism in the park.

(Photo: Jan Komierowski) (Photo: Adam Spragins, 2010 Contest Winner) 2010 Contest Spragins, Adam (Photo: Supporting CPAWS Southern Alberta A strong voice for parks and wilderness 64 7 A critical piece to ensure that grizzly A4 record of excellence for parks and wilderness bears thrive into the future is the We provide strategic support to population numbers was the critical protection of their core habitat. An By the CPAWS Staff - A Collaboration smaller grassroots organizations component that achieved this interconnected network of large-scale and participate in collaborative designation. Hundreds of letters protected areas, set within a properly conservation working groups. Our were written by CPAWS members to managed working landscape is required role is to provide landscape scale, the minister of Sustainable Resource to prevent the unsustainably high science-based support and advice for Development. Your collective public the conservation and protection of voice influenced this process and mortality rates of grizzly bears. CPAWS Alberta’s protected areas and wildlands. helped convince the government to SAB looks to improve, maintain and Albertans expect that our voice is at the make this declaration. restore ecological integrity in southern table to address critical environmental Alberta for not only grizzly bears, but issues with multiple stakeholders. Providing educational opportunities also for biodiversity hotspots, such as to Albertans helped us communicate the Castle Wilderness area. Our successful conservation campaigns our grizzly bear messages deeper include: protecting the Whaleback, the into the community. Our Grizzly Protecting grizzly bear habitat also inclusion of Evan Thomas area in the Bears Forever education program benefits humans, as this protected provincial parks system, expanding teaches students about grizzly bear landscape helps to address global the Nahanni National Park to include biology, human impacts, staying safe warming and ensures a clean supply the entire watershed, and restricting in bear country, and the role they ski resort expansion in national parks. can play in grizzly bear recovery. This of air and water. Southern Alberta’s Our recent efforts were instrumental in year, we also provided a college level wild spaces are in need of our support

more than ever. Currently, 45 per cent Rochelle Coffey) Photo:

suspending the revised Alberta Parks course on biological conservation by ( Act - Bill 29, as well as the listing of partnering with St. Mary’s University of Albertans live in this region, and grizzly bears as a threatened species in College. This course provided a the growing population brings with it of Canada’s wilderness in the next decade. The quest to fulfill our vision continues, Alberta. hands-on experience for emerging development pressures and creates the Our programs, campaigns and community a quest empowered by the remarkable environmental professionals to learn potential for rural-residential conflicts. events have been successful because of partnership with you, our supporters. A success of grizzly about Alberta’s current conservation The southern region has the province’s the support we receive from you. The While your donations allowed us to proportions issues, including grizzly bear greatest limitations to water supply, and more secure funding we have, the greater engage in many conservation activities recovery. contains 80 per cent of the species at number of on-the-ground conservation this year, we are still underfunded in This year we celebrated another victory risk in Alberta. gains we can achieve, such as the the area of parks, policy and legislation. in conservation. On June 3rd, Albertans’ Throughout the year, CPAWS SAB is assurance that grizzly bears will continue to (Photo: Ian Cocks, 2010 Contest Winner) voices were heard by the Government also involved in numerous community “Our programs, campaigns exist on the Canadian landscape. Our Conservation Strategy (2010- of Alberta with the listing of grizzly and outreach events, such as the 2013) provides direction to meet our bear populations as threatened under ou and the organization you support Capture the Wild photography and community events goals and adaptively responds to the Y the Alberta Wildlife Act. Since 2002, Your donations keep our have something very important contest. This year, our overall grand CPAWS SAB worked collaboratively have been successful ever-changing environmental issues, in common. We cherish our parks, wilderness intact with a coalition of environmental prize winner captured a breathtaking economy, population, and legislation wilderness and similar natural areas. All because of the support we organizations to protect and hopefully image of a grizzly bear. These events in our province. Now is the time for of us want our wilderness to flourish The generosity of wilderness lovers is start on the road to recovery of this are essential to stimulate Albertans receive from you.” us to be active, strategic and vocal, with its full diversity of habitats and apparent through their giving. In 2010, iconic umbrella species. and Canadians to exchange ideas and as we aim to maintain our emerging species for future generations. The listing of grizzly bears required continue a community dialogue that funding for our program areas was as momentum after the economic By engaging you and over a thousand facilitates conservation action for our a concerted effort from CPAWS SAB, followed: We believe this can be achieved through downturn. of other Albertans, your concerned other environmental organizations, supporting the conservation campaigns wild. voice about diminishing grizzly bear and concerned citizens. CPAWS SAB 1. Education – 46% and education programs of CPAWS Your generous support will allow integrated the components of engaging 2. Stewardship & Land SAB. These initiatives help assure that us to expand our conservation Albertans, influencing government upcoming generations understand and Conservation – 46% projects, run our education programs, policy, encouraging the development of appreciate the natural heritage we hold 3. Parks – 4% collaborate with governments on protected areas, working collaboratively so dear. 4. Policy & Legislation – 4% park management, engage the with stakeholders, and providing communities of southern Alberta, and educational programs, in order to CPAWS is Canada’s pre-eminent, national continue to be a strong voice for our community-based voice for public become a strong voice for grizzly bears. wilderness. wilderness protection. Since 1963, we’ve These pieces drive all of our campaigns played a lead role in creating more and work in an interconnected way to Providing your support not only than two-thirds of Canada’s protected ensure that our critical conservation benefits the wild and Albertans, areas. Our Southern Alberta chapter is goals are achieved. consistently called upon to advise and but also provides ecological “goods consult with the federal and provincial and services” – such as clean air and Everyday, we work at making these governments on a range of issues, water – to an interconnected global goals become a reality, and with your including Alberta’s Land-use Framework. community. (Photo: Peter Dettling) Peter (Photo: help we’ll protect at least 50 per cent (Photo: D. Kesler) D. (Photo: Craig Churchill Our supporters help us leave a wilderness legacy Teacher, Rocky View School 9 8 Last school year, our Grade 8 students spent their year fundraising for their farewell in June. With the surplus of funds that were raised, the Grade 8s decided they wanted to give back Kevin Van Tighem to organizations that protect and care for our environment. Because Banded Peak school is surrounded by beautiful forests and plenty of wildlife, the students felt it was important to Banff Field Unit Superintendent - Parks Canada Agency support a great organization like CPAWS. Banded Peak School has been involved with CPAWS for the last three years, booking guided hikes at Yamnuska and the Grizzly Bears Forever program. arks exist to serve the needs of Canadians for core protected landscapes, nature- P These programs are an integral part of the learning that takes place inside and outside of our school. Taking care of our based experience, and active learning. CPAWS has for a long time provided a voice environment and protecting the wildlife around us is the responsibility of everyone of us. CPAWS has helped us to teach for those whose passion for wild places and nature leads them to care deeply about our students to be great stewards of the planet. It is because of our great relationship with CPAWS that our Grade 8 students the management of Canada’s national and provincial parks. Intelligent, principled and decided to donate funds to the organization, and also why our staff will continue to book their wonderful educational respectful advocacy helps ensure that the public has an effective voice in the programs. development and application of parks policies. Over the past decade Parks Canada has made incredible strides in protecting the ecological integrity of Banff National Park and restoring key wildlife corridors and habitat -- while at the same time renewing the quality of visitor experience and the richness of learning opportunities for Canadians and their international FortisAlberta visitors. Much of the credit for these successes goes back to the efforts of groups like CPAWS, who pushed for strong Photo: Karl Smith, CEO ecosystem science and effective policy responses through the late 1980s and the 1990s. Canada has become known as a world leader in protected areas’ management. In no small part, that is because its citizens have created and sustained public FortisAlberta has been a proud supporter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society interest organizations like CPAWS to advocate for and promote the responsible protection and enjoyment of its parks. in Southern Alberta for several years. We believe in supporting grassroot organizations in the communities we serve, to ensure our customers directly benefit from the funds we invest. CPAWS is a great fit for us because its educational programming focuses on raising Bart Robinson awareness on environmental issues. FortisAlberta owns and operates the power lines and Alberta Ecotrust poles that bring electricity into your homes, schools and businesses. We have a large rural footprint, and conversation is very important to us. That’s why we are happy to support CPAWS to bring these messages to our customers. Whether young or I became a proud supporter of CPAWS in the early 1970s, and have since had the privilege of old, everyone should learn about how they can help protect our environment. Keep up the great work CPAWS! volunteering alongside the staff and board of the Southern Alberta chapter on many projects that have helped protect and connect Alberta’s internationally-acclaimed wildlife and wildlands. Brad Clute Sustainability Coordinator, Mountain Equipment Co-op By virtue of its hard work over the decades, its well-considered strategies and its strong national presence, CPAWS has earned a public identity that carries a ton of weight. Government and industry track CPAWS’ I could go on for days listing the reasons why MEC supports CPAWS. We share common involvement in environmental issues; if CPAWS is involved, government and industry know they need to pay attention. values, we are both national organizations, and we both have proven tracks records - CPAWS in conservation and MEC in That’s not only being a thought leader, its being an action leader. sustainable business.

The organization deserves the support of all concerned, caring conservationists. More resources means more people are But really the reason is simple. In Canada, we are blessed with a natural environment so vast and diverse that it defines who involved, more programs are implemented, and more protection is provided for the things we value most. we are as a people. As Canadians, we benefit from and depend on the lungs of our boreal forest, the clean water in our lakes and rivers and the richness and beauty of our oceans, prairies, forests and mountains. However, Canadians often make the mistake of taking our natural environment for granted while assuming we have the right to clean water, clean air and a Gordon James pristine wilderness to enjoy, when in reality we don’t have the right to any of these things. What we have is an obligation: to Board Chair, CPAWS SAB chapter ourselves and to the rest of the world, to protect and preserve Canada’s natural environment. CPAWS is willing and capable to fulfill that obligation on our behalf, and the least we can do is help. My volunteer and financial support of CPAWS reflects a number of my beliefs. Suncor Energy The first is that students of today need to become our leaders of tomorrow. CPAWS’ education program plays an important role in that development by providing students with the awareness and At Suncor, we are proud to support the CPAWS Southern Alberta chapter and the work understanding of our natural environment. This classroom education, along with the hikes that are their staff and volunteers do to promote environmental education in our communities. available from CPAWS, help overcome the growing “nature deficit disorder” in our young people. By collaborating on programs like Water Rangers, CPAWS will empower young people to be strong ambassadors for one of In the end, I believe the programs CPAWS presents make for both happier and healthier people. I hope it will also help to our most precious global resources - water. close our nature deficit disorder, while at the same time creating the next generation of parks and wilderness advocates. Like CPAWS, we believe that through education we interact with our environment. In this part of the world, we are lucky As well, I feel strongly that the world we live in needs to have national and provincial parks and wilderness areas that are enough to have clean water for drinking, cooking, agriculture, personal hygiene, recreational activities, and for industrial protected and maintained for future generations. They contribute to our society by providing not just areas to recreate in, development. But being lucky does not afford us the right to take for granted the precious gift we’ve been given. but also as an important component of ensuring a healthy climate – clean air and water. I cannot imagine a future without the parks and wilderness areas we have - and that we need to maintain and restore. Water impacts every aspect of Suncor’s business and we are committed to using it wisely. We recycle, reuse and look for alternative water sources whenever possible. About 70 per cent of the water used in our mining operation is recycled and I cannot think of a better organization than the Southern Alberta chapter of CPAWS to address my areas of interest. My the ratio in our in-situ facilities is even higher at 90 per cent or more. But no one person, organization or company can tackle personal time and financial support are time and money well invested. water issues alone. We must work together to make a difference. By creating dynamic programs, like Water Rangers, CPAWS is teaching our youth how to make responsible decisions that contribute to environmental solutions and build a better future for generations to come.

(Photo: Oke, 2002) Alberta’s students are engaged with the wild 10 11 Via ferrata: The changing face of national parks

By Anne-Marie Syslak, Executive Director

and are slowly finding their way to Asia exist. Is via ferrata an authentic national ) In this age of advanced technology, and North America. park experience, instilling park values there is an increasing fear that people that uphold these Canadian treasures? (particularly youth) are connecting less The debate over via ferrata is more subtle To date, we have not seen any social with their natural environment, thus than one to 10 tonnes of equipment science justifying this activity as a way diminishing the interest in parks and and 1,000 holes being installed on the to connect people (particularly youth

protected areas. Photo: Rich Vigurs side of a mountain. Integration of via and new Canadians as targeted visitors ( ferrate in our Rocky Mountain Parks identified in the management plans) By Lynn Robb, Programs include in-class instruction, In October, Parks Canada approved is symptomatic of more fundamental to this unique area. CPAWS SAB is Environmental Education Coordinator hikes and teacher workshops for grades “The best part was the guidelines for new recreational issues regarding cumulative effects and concerned that activities like via ferrata 3-12, which focus on grizzly bear ecology camouflage game and activities including: mountain biking, the character of place. could change the perception of national Since 1997, CPAWS SAB has reached and conservation, endangered species, kite skiing, guided interpretive canopy parks and there is a risk that parks will learning about what approximately 75,000 students and water conservation and stewardship. By walks, zip lines, via ferrata and aerial Via ferrata increases access to alpine be seen as playgrounds with wilderness animals eat and how they teachers in Calgary and surrounding engaging elementary and secondary parks, community gardens, and hang- areas that now require climbing skills protection and values becoming areas with environmental education school students in rich science and live. The guide made it all gliding and paragliding. Although and mountain savvy. CPAWS SAB secondary to recreational opportunities programs that increase awareness of education experiences today, we interesting to listen to. I’d approved nationally, all activities are is concerned about the cumulative of the day. The new management Alberta’s conservation issues and engage are encouraging and mentoring the subject to individual park assessments effects on these areas over time. Ski plans need to better integrate social like to help the environment students in direct conservation action. environmental stewards of tomorrow. to determine whether the activity is areas provide key summer habitats and with biological sciences to implement keep clean and healthy.” appropriate or feasible. Given the breeding grounds for several species- management actions that address “The students really In the 2009 - 2010 school year, we – Arbour Lake Students emphasis on visitation and visitor at-risk, including grizzly bears. Parks connecting people with place in the 21st experience in the new Banff National enjoyed the story of the exceeded our target numbers: Canada needs to consider what the Century while minimizing impacts to The pace is continuing into the Park management plan, there is growing Great Bear… They also parks will look like throughout the life park ecosystems over time. beginning of the 2010-2011 school pressure from commercial operators to • 103 in-class education programs and span of the new management plan (15 loved the interactive year; just three months into a 10-month offer some of these alternative activities. 315 visits years), and the cumulative impacts of Via ferrata is, therefore, a proposed school year, we are halfway to reaching endangered animal stations • 87 guided hikes offered these activities over the long term. This activity that rouses far greater our program targets. This level of A local assessment was conducted in with all the CSI cards, clues • 4,520 students and their teachers will ensure that the maintenance and/or implications for our national parks on engagement with young Albertans will October to discuss the potential for via and biofacts, it made their reached enhancement of ecological health in the a local scale. Parks Canada faces many foster a bright future of environmental ferrata in Banff and Yoho National Parks. • 55 schools participated in Calgary and park remains the first priority. challenges in the future to create a stories come alive.” awareness and stewardship. surrounding areas Via ferrata, ”iron road” in Italian, is a route balance between protection and use - West Springs Teacher up a mountain equipped with fixed gear, The second difficult nuance is with within the context of a changing society such as cables or ladders, to facilitate a respect to character of place. Our and changing climate. CPAWS SAB climbing experience for a wide range national parks were established because will continue to be an active voice for A message from our Environmental Education Coordinator of abilities. Originating in Italy during they are majestic wilderness areas wilderness protection to ensure the the First World War, via ferrata provided deserving protection and recognition. prioritization of ecological integrity in This year’s education program is one of the most exciting to date. We’ve updated and soldiers with easy routes to cross the There are many ways to experience the management of our national parks breathed new life into our award-winning programs. With a fresh new look and feel, Alps. Today, these easy access climbing and connect with parks that currently here in Alberta. routes are prolific throughout Europe our programs are more engaging and interactive with new biofacts, videos and activities. We provide an environmental education experience that will excite your students about the environment, and help them gain an awareness and understanding of the value of parks and wilderness areas, their natural resources, and ecosystems services. We endeavour to give your students an experience to connect Lynn Robb them with nature and inspire environmental literacy.

To book an education program please call us at 232-6686 (ext 103), email us at [email protected], (Photo: Peter Bowers, 2010 Contest Winner ) or visit our website at www.cpaws-southernalberta.org

in a general degradation of species Southern Alberta’s natural capital in changing climate diversity in the short term. Changes in biodiversity will result from favourable 12 conditions for insect pests, weeds and other invasive species, and habitats Figure 1. that will be hospitable to disease- By Dave Sauchyn, Mean annual carrying vectors. Changes in terrestrial Board Member, ecosystems will be most visible in temperatures for CPAWS Southern mountain ecosystems, isolated forests Alberta Chapter Banff, Calgary (e.g. Cypress Hills) and the fringes of and Medicine Hat the foothills. There will also be smaller since 1895. amounts of surface water and a decline in water quality. The changing climate of southern Alberta creates vulnerabilities for local Forests will experience increased communities, agriculture, forestry, disturbance from insects and fire and tourism and recreation. supplies. If we are unable to meet increased crop and pasture productivity. more frequent and severe droughts, that demand, we face risks to human However, higher productivity ultimately particularly along the forest-grassland Southern Alberta’s natural resources health and well-being, the economy will be limited by available soil moisture. interface. In the longer term, productivity must and can be managed to prevent and aquatic ecosystems. In the past, and species composition will decline. Albertans have been able to manage Droughts will be more frequent, last more harm from further climate change, Climate change will affect productivity, Figure 2. Projected changes in temperature and precipitation for Alberta according to which affects the ecosystems, water their water resources while maintaining longer and be more severe. Sustained pests, weed encroachment and soil 32 global climate change experiments (source: Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium). resources and soil landscapes. Innovative a healthy aquatic environment because drought prevents the recovery of natural fertility, and the loss of biodiversity policy and management practices can there has been a relatively abundant, and social systems during intervening could be considerable. The changes are from 1961-1990 to 2040-2069. The HadCM3 B2 experiment forecasts take advantage of the resilience of clean supply to meet the needs of years with normal-to-above-average a six-per-cent increase in precipitation and a 2.5 ºC increase in temperature. These are communities and the economy. water supplies. Soils and ecosystems will native ecosystems and their capacity to The consequences of a shorter winter slightly less than median values for the 32 experiments. conserve the water and soil resources However, fluctuating water supplies in most likely be more vulnerable to erosion recent years underscore the need to and disturbance. Increasing climate that are a fundamental basis of Alberta’s The major advantage of a warmer shifts in climate variability, biodiversity, Such policies and programs include make some major adjustments in our variability will mean that precipitation economy. climate will be a longer warmer growing disturbance regimes and distribution of environmental farm plans, watershed approach to managing this renewable, events currently considered extreme season. A cold season has definite water resources and ecological services. basin councils, source water protection, could double in frequency by the end of The Changing Climate but finite, resource. advantages, however, in terms of Biodiversity and ecosystem services and principles of adaptive forest the 21st century. winter recreation, constraints on the also are important factors in tourism management and integrated water Southern Alberta is getting warmer. Recent trends and projections point to viability of various pests and diseases, activities related to parks, fishing, resource management. Alberta’s Water Major ecological changes are expected Temperature records for Alberta show lower summer stream flows, retreating and allowing for transportation over hunting, wildlife appreciation and for Life strategy and Land Use Planning an increase in the range of 1-2.5° C glaciers, and increasingly frequent soil lake ice and frozen ground. One of the enjoyment of nature. Water is central to Framework could enable significant between 1895 and 2005 (Figure 1). This and surface water deficits. One of the most important benefits is the storage most types of tourism. More rain and institutional and local adaptation to rate of warming exceeds the global most likely projections is that extra of water as ice and snow, the most less snow – or the uncertainty of its minimize the effects of climate change. average. Maximum warming in winter water will be available in winter and abundant, reliable and predictable availability – could cause considerable and spring is consistent with projections spring, and that summers generally will source of water supplies. There might be harm to the tourism and outdoor When faced with such uncertainty, the from global circulation models (GCMs). be drier as the result of earlier spring more snowfall in the short term, but as recreation sectors. most judicious response is to take actions A median scenario of Alberta’s future runoff. The longer and warmer summer the climate warms less snow will be left that decrease exposure to climate risks climate (derived from the UK model season will accelerate water loss by on the ground and winter precipitation The net impacts of climate change and increase the resilience of our economy HadCM3) includes temperature and evapotranspiration. The net result likely will begin to fall as rain. are not clear and institutions. Among those strategies, precipitation increases of about 2.5 will be slightly, to significantly less, there is very good case for the ones that degrees and six per cent for the period surface water and soil moisture, but Changes in natural capital tend to The effect of climate change depends maintain or restore biodiversity and the

2040-2069 (Figure 2). With the exception also greater variation from season to Winner) Contest Kenn Leonhardt, (Photo: have adverse consequences on the rate of climate change, our functions of native ecosystems. of a few scenarios for the near future, all season and year to year. Uncertain water capacity and willingness to adapt Ecological changes may include GCMs project climates are outside the supplies could force major innovations Our resource economies are sensitive to and the effectiveness of adaptation the introduction of unprecedented range of natural variability observed in in planning and managing how water is fluctuations in the quantity and quality strategies. Further Reading the 20th century. allocated, stored, used and distributed. ecosystems, such as shortgrass prairie, of natural capital. Alberta’s communities which exists only in the central and and economy are adapted to the climate Virtually all of the ecosystems and Sauchyn, David J., Diaz, Harry and southern Great Plains. As a result, some The impact on water: the most serious Water scarcity in some years could of the past 120 years. From this short water resources in southern Alberta Kulshrestha, Suren. 2010. The New Normal: native species will decline or disappear challenge ultimately limit economic growth perspective, climate and water seem are managed. Existing management The Prairie Provinces in a Changing entirely. Other species, both native and in southern Alberta. This scenario is consistent. Our resource management practices and public policies both Climate, CPRC Press, Regina. alien, will increase in numbers and/or It’s getting hard to meet the growing particularly worrisome for agriculture, practices and policies reflect our belief encourage and discourage appropriate geographic distribution. demand for high-quality water resources the sector that depends most directly that water supplies and ecological responses to climate change. Planned Dave Sauchyn is the Senior Research in southern Alberta. Climate change, on soil moisture and runoff. More heat services will remain relatively abundant. adaptation to climate change is a Scientist at the Prairie Adaptation Biological systems and habitat ranges population growth, droughts and (seen as growing degree days), higher component of adaptive resource Research Collaborative, University of cannot simply move to a new location, so agricultural and industrial development concentrations of carbon dioxide and That stationary environment is management and sustainable Regina. climate change can be expected to result are increasing demand on the water greater water use efficiency will favour disappearing as climate change causes economic development. CPAWS Northern Alberta chapter 14 15

Groups reach across east-side cattle country, from the communication to advocating for By Amber Nicol, Update on the Lower Athabasca to Montana’s Big political change. Their joint effort is Board Member, border to conserve Blackfoot River. Here, working forests called the Crown of the Continent CPAWS Northern Region planning process the Crown and family farms meet the last frontier, Conservation Initiative. Alberta chapter and there’s still enough elbow room for both cattle herds and elk herds. These The Crown of the Continent represents snowy peaks are the water tower to a magnificent opportunity to mitigate By Sarah Elmeligi, North America, setting the global gold the impacts of climate change, if we can Senior standard for clean water. protect the region now. Working at this Conservation In ensuing public consultations, significance of the Athabasca scale helps to put our local work, such CPAWS Northern Alberta is actively Planner CPAWS Northern Alberta called on the watershed and the effects of as the protected area campaign for the campaigning to see at least 50 percent government to: industry on local people and the “The Crown of the of the Lower Athabasca Region (LAR) Castle, into a much larger landscape environment. Continent represents a context. protected through the province’s • pause all new approvals, new leasing, regional plan for this area. This is new projects and expansions until a Visit www.cpawsnab.org to find out magnificent opportunity the minimum threshold required to By working across this international land use plan that meets aboriginal how you can take action to help CPAWS SAB has joined hands across the to mitigate the impacts border, we are contributing to the maintain ecological function within treaty obligations and environmental protect the vast wildness areas US border with a transboundary group of boreal forests according to research in of climate change.” protection of something much larger needs is adopted; found in the Lower Athabasca. organizations all committed to conserving than a corner of Southern Alberta. We conservation biology and landscape the Crown of the Continent. ecology. are contributing to the protection of • protect more than 50 per cent of the This compelling landscape has a way of life for thousands of people, region from industrial use; Sprawling across 73,000 square kilometres The LAR contains much of Alberta’s brought together many conservation our clean water supply, one of the and an international border, the Crown organizations working on a variety continent’s biodiversity hotspots, and a intact boreal forest. It is also home to • manage the mixed-use forest area of the Continent reaches from Montana’s the Athabasca River, considered one of issues ranging from private land living laboratory that will teach us how consistent with Forest Stewardship Flathead Lake to the Rocky Mountain conservation to protected area to adapt to the impending impacts of of the most diverse and productive Council certification; Front, from western timber towns to river valley systems in Canada’s boreal campaigns, from public climate change. forest. This region is under intense • establish science-based development pressure from the oil and thresholds on air gas industry and forestry operations. emission, water contaminants, and Jeff Gailus has been The province established a Regional water withdrawals and compared to Ed Advisory Committee for the LAR to link these with long- Abbey and his latest enhance the depth of local input and term monitoring provide advice in four specific areas: protocols developed by book, The Grizzly future resource development, land independent scientists Manifesto, has been conservation objectives, regional air and local communities; called a “must read” and water thresholds and human and development considerations. by author Sid Marty • cancel leases in conservation In August of this year, the committee areas and provide released a document entitled Advice to compensation. the Government of Alberta: Regarding a Vision for the Lower Athabasca Region. The provincial government is In its advice, the committee proposed expected to release its LAR plan in as much as 32 per cent of the area be the spring. In the meantime, CPAWS set aside for conservation (a target too Northern Alberta continues to work low because it falls short of the 50 per with aboriginal people in the planning cent required to maintain ecological area to raise awareness on the function).

(Photo: CPAWS Northern Alberta) (Photo: David Dodge, CPAWS) Dodge, David (Photo: